Equine Chiropractic Treatment
&
Massage Therapy

​The McTimoney method was originally developed by John McTimoney for humans in the 1950s and was later adapted specifically for animals. Today, the MSc in Animal Manipulation (McTimoney) is the only validated postgraduate course of its level in Europe dedicated to animal chiropractic techniques. Graduates are trained to work to original McTimoney principles, within relevant legislation, and in collaboration with veterinary surgeons. Use of the term McTimoney in animal treatment does not imply that practitioners are human chiropractors, and members of the McTimoney Animal Association practise with animal welfare as the primary focus.

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Equine chiropractic focuses on the health and function of joints and muscles, particularly within the spine and pelvis, but also throughout the upper and lower limbs, to help achieve and maintain soundness and comfortable movement. During a horse’s ridden or competitive career, joints can develop a reduced range of motion. This restriction may lead to biomechanical dysfunction, affecting not only the joint itself but also neighbouring joints that are forced to compensate. Reduced joint movement can also alter feedback to the nervous system, which plays a key role in coordination and movement control. When a restricted or subluxated joint (a partial or incomplete loss of normal joint motion) is identified through observation and palpation, it may be addressed using a chiropractic adjustment. This involves a precise, high-velocity, low-amplitude movement applied in the joint’s natural plane of motion to restore normal mobility. Adjustments are typically well tolerated, not painful, and sedation is not usually required. Equine chiropractic can support horses at all levels by helping them move more freely and comfortably. Treatment frequency depends on the individual horse and workload, with performance horses often benefiting from more regular assessments, while leisure horses may only require treatment once or twice per year.
Benefits of Equine Chiropractic

• Improved Mobility and Flexibility

• One of the key benefits of equine chiropractic care is improved mobility and flexibility. Addressing restrictions and misalignments within the spine and joints can help restore normal range of motion, allowing the horse to move more freely and comfortably through its body.

• Enhanced Performance

• Even subtle improvements in joint function and spinal mobility can have a meaningful impact on performance. By supporting balanced movement patterns and efficient biomechanics, chiropractic care may help horses perform more consistently in both competition and everyday work.

• Pain Relief and Comfort

• Chiropractic adjustments aim to address the underlying causes of musculoskeletal discomfort, such as joint restriction or reduced spinal movement. By improving mobility and reducing mechanical stress, many horses experience improved comfort and ease of movement.

• Improved Nervous System Function

• The spine plays a vital role in protecting the nervous system, which controls movement, coordination, and many physiological processes. Optimising spinal and pelvic alignment may support normal nerve function, contributing to better overall function and wellbeing.

• Support for Healing and Rehabilitation

• By promoting normal movement, circulation, and tissue function, chiropractic care can be a valuable part of a broader rehabilitation programme. Horses recovering from injury or surgery may benefit from chiropractic support alongside veterinary care, physiotherapy, and controlled exercise.

 

Equine Massage

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Equine Massage was first developed in the early 1990s, and has been a developing field of equine therapy, used for both day-to-day riding horses, and for post-trauma rehabilitation. 

Using nothing but my hands to feel the muscle tension, this non-invasive yet very powerful massage therapy will be undertaken on your horse’s entire body from head to hoof, and will be customised to the needs of each individual animal, to provide them with an enjoyable and beneficial experience. 

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Whilst massage can be very beneficial for your horse, it is not a substitute for veterinary care, so where possible we will work closely with you, your vet, chiropractor, and farrier to optimise the welfare of your horse across each area of expertise. 

However, if your horse is displaying any of the following characteristics, there is a good chance they are trying to tell you they would benefit from massage therapy sooner rather than later! 

• –Bucking 

• –Refusing to pick up the correct rein 

• –Head tossing 

• –Difficulty with lateral movements 

• –Girthing problems / Cold Backed 

• –Attitude changes 

• –” Off” for no apparent reason  

All horses can benefit from Equine Massage therapy, from older horses that are no longer in work, to top performance horses at any level. 

Horses that go back into work, or start a new exercise/ training regime can develop sore muscles in just the same way a human who overdoes it at the gym will become sore! – so why not help them recover with a massage?  

 

Equine massage promotes relaxation, both physically and mentally and ….. 

• Increases flexibility, suppleness and a range of movement 

• Improves posture 

• Helps prevent injuries 

• Reduces muscular pain and tension 

• Improves joint mobility 

• Stimulates circulation and cellular activity, and increases lymph flow 

• Aids removal of metabolic waste products 

• Mobilises fascia and breaks down knots and adhesions 

• Uncovers areas of pain or soreness 

• Warms up muscles for performance pre-exercise 

• Aids recovery post exercise 

• Assists in preventing muscle atrophy during periods of restricted exercise  

 

There are several different methods used in a massage, which include: 

 

• Stroking: this is a light pressure application, used for soothing and relaxing. It’s light enough so as not to disturb the structures beneath the skin. This method should be employed at the beginning and end of the massage. 

• Effleurage: the most common massage application. Use the palm of one hand, or both hands, in a firm gliding action. The pressure can be light to deep to increase circulation and improve lymphatic drainage. 

• Petrissage: this is a deeper, classic massage technique, performed with the fingertips, thumbs, forearm or even knuckles. It increases circulation and assists in freeing fascia and breaking up adhesions. It can involve kneading, compressions, muscle squeezing, picking-up, wringing and skin rolling. 

• Tapotement: this consists of soft, rhythmical, bouncy blows with alternate hands, which stimulate nerves and muscle tissue. Cupping, pounding and hacking are all tapotement movements. 

• Friction: pressure used over a small area, usually using your finger, supported by another finger, to break up muscle knots (adhesions) and to mobilise scar tissue. 

• Vibration: a massage technique that helps to relax and soothe the body. This technique is used to reduce stress and tension, and improve circulation. It’s typically used at the end of a massage to help the body relax and recover. 

 

 

Sometimes, there are circumstances when you should NOT massage your horse. These are referred to as contraindications. 

 

These include the following: 

 

• Undiagnosed lameness 

• If your horse has a temperature 

• Any skin conditions (for example, ringworm or sunburn) 

• Unhealed scar tissue or wounds 

• Infectious diseases such as strangles or equine flu 

• Colic or tying up 

• Any area of acute trauma, swellings or heat (for example, acute hepatoma) 

• Areas where there are tumours or sarcoids (massage may spread them) 

• An exhausted or dehydrated horse or a horse in shock 

• Pregnancy 

 

After their session your horse will feel relaxed and move more freely – however the benefits of the treatment can be enhanced if you adopt some simple follow up actions after the session – so you will be shown a number of appropriate stretches and simple massage techniques which you will be encouraged to undertake with your horse between our visits.