Horses did not evolve specifically to carry a rider on their backs and even more strain is placed upon their skeletal structure by modern competition.

In addition to the general symptoms already listed, horses may show the following signs when in need of treatment:

• Unlevelness, especially behind
• Uneven wear of shoes
• Sore or “cold” backs; uneven pressure from saddles, numnahs, etc
• Unexplained deterioration in usual performance
• Asymmetry, such as stiffness on one rein, or a disunited canter
• Unexplained resistances: such as napping, rearing, refusing, bucking etc
• Uneven muscle development or atrophy

Preventative treatment provides great benefits to horses. As natural athletes “fine tuning” helps them to perform at their optimum.

Massage and stretches help gain maximum performance by working to improve the flexibility of the horse.

Several treatments may be required and yearly or twice-yearly check-ups are advised to help achieve optimum performance and as a preventative measure.