Emma Barber Healing Hands Veterinary Physiotherapy

14/02/2025

I’ve encountered several horses that I would classify as having hypermobility. These horses display increased joint mobility, which is sometimes mistaken for being simply “super flexible” and often praised as a positive trait.

However, in my experience, these horses tend to lack joint stability, which can lead to injuries. This is particularly problematic for ridden horses, as they may also have instability in the postural muscles that are essential for supporting the rider.

Hypermobility in horses

Is it really a problem?!

Seeing many horses over the last 13 years in equine practice, the issue of hypermobility (especially in big young performance horses) IS a problem, if not managed!

Rushing these big moving (often hyper mobile) horses, is far too common. To get them through age classes or to climb them up through the levels because they are talented…. But this prevents the foundations being laid through those early years (the basics)… as their ‘ability’ and ‘flashy paces’ over ride the need to establish the basics

💛 Hypermobile horses often have areas of significant stiffness (this is what they rely on!)
💙They are often very weak through their stabilising muscles
💛 They need more stability than non hyper mobile horses
💙 They may need more recovery time after working very hard or travelling a long way
💛 Their work programme, should be heavily loaded onto static strength work and optimising their body balance
💙 Lower limb and other ailments can occur as a result of unmanaged hypermobility in horses
💛 Avoid stretches (carrot stretches) for these types of horses!

❣️Remember- horses are designed to carry on, not show weakness (so not eaten by lions) and often want to do what they are asked.
👀So, look out for small symptoms that your horse may be struggling, get a team of experts around you (even if your horse is not struggling)- so you can ensure you are doing everything possible to prevent issues occurring and your horse is as comfortable as possible!

13/02/2025

The owner of a horse who died as a result of injuries sustained during a dog attack while turned out in his field last year has called upon more equestrians to back the petition requesting the Dangerous Dogs Act is updated to specifically protect horses.

Katie Smart’s Appaloosa George was killed last June after fleeing a loose dog who was chasing him in his field and colliding with a fence, causing severe tendon damage.

“It [George’s death] was caused by the ignorance of a dog owner who didn’t see the need to keep their dog on a lead while camping near our stables,” said Katie.

After being charged by police, the dog owner issued an apology alongside settling the couple’s court claim for compensation.

“It’s a small piece of justice, but it may give other owners hope if they need to take action following dog attacks,” added Katie.

Read the full story via the link below:

https://www.yourhorse.co.uk/news/owner-of-horse-killed-after-dog-attack-in-its-field-backs-dangerous-dogs-petition/

08/02/2025

06/02/2025

One of the best ideas I’ve seen this week! Attaching scissors to a stretchy dog lead, no more lost scissors ✂️, brilliant!

05/02/2025

My little pony 💜🦄

02/02/2025

31/01/2025

Please sign

https://petition.parliament.uk/petitions/700623?fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAaZzaxSZVh4ssGYGn_dZxsAGmCB9a3-20NiKEIdXLebQNuLyTNKSiZrtpOg_aem_S6qYZcoeygVUEujwxX5npg

31/01/2025

Transitional vertebrae are fascinating not least because they look so alien. They're not as rarely seen though, as more and more people are examining the skeletons of horses. They're hybrids that appear where one group of vertebrae changes to another - so, cervical to thoracic, thoracic to lumbar, lumbar to sacral, and sacral to coccygeal. They show mixed features of each group.

Commonly, the last thoracic vertebra has a rib that is like a transverse process on one side, with no joint. Or, the first lumbar vertebra has an elongated rib-like transverse process. These are usually one side only, but some horses have bilateral versions - so, two affected ribs at T17/18, or two transverse processes at L1.

We often don't know they're there, but they can be the cause of mini-spinal train wrecks. They can lead to scoliosis, spinal arthritis, flexion and straightness problems, saddle fit issues, secondary lameness, hoof problems and soft tissue trauma. Look at the cross section of T18 in the image - see how asymmetric the vertebral body is?

Read more in my 2018 blog article on The Horse's Back: 'An Unwelcome Side Effect: Transitional Vertebrae in Horses' - > see biog for the link.

08/01/2025

An evening with a difference, a non horsey outing for a change!

Bringing out my budding artist 🧑‍🎨

04/01/2025

A big bonus of being a veterinary physiotherapist is the fact you don’t just have to use your equipment on the horses!

Today it was the Epiony heat pads time to shine, giving me a much needed warm up post swim 🏊🏼‍♀️, yes I did have a wet suit on, yes it was cold 🥶 , yes I must be a little bit bonkers 🤪 🤣

I can honestly say I’ve used every bit of equipment I own on myself, with the long wave ultrasound, H-wave and TENS machines being really useful for muscle soreness, pain land a lot more!

If you would like to know how some of this equipment can benefit your horses (sorry I’m not allowed to use them on clients 🤣), just get in touch for an appointment.

Use of electrotherapy equipment is included in the standard price of an assessment!

01/01/2025

The first day of the year may have been a bit of a washout to start, but it’s definitely finished on a brighter note!

4.30pm and still some light 🌅, brighter days are coming 💛🧡

31/12/2024

Wishing everyone a Happy New Year and an amazing 2025! 🥳

This year, instead of setting New Year’s resolutions, I’m focusing on New Year’s intentions.

Resolutions can feel limiting and often lead to disappointment if we don’t meet them, but intentions are much more adaptable. They allow us to adjust our plans as life unfolds, and we all know that horses can often complicate things when we have plans!

Whether you’re celebrating all night or getting an early night to be up with the horses in the morning, I wish you a wonderful New Year. I look forward to hearing and seeing many of you in 2025!

28/12/2024

This is a powerful video showing symptoms of ECVM (Equine Complex Vertebral Malformation) which is a congenital skeletal malformation that affects the cervical vertebrae and musculature at the base of a horse's neck creating a wide cariety of symptoms.

The research on this condition is still in its early days, and the condition is often not recognised by vets currently. The work of Dr. Sharon May-Davis has been vital in the discovery of this malformation, and she has found it present in many of the horses she has studied during dissection.

The take away message from this video is that if you feel there is something not right with your horse, and the professionals involved don’t seem to be listening, keep pushing for an answer. Be your horses advocate, as they don’t have a voice and can only tell us something is wrong by their actions.

Listen, don’t judge.

More info in the comments 👇🏼

This powerful video looks at the acute neurological signs associated with the lower cervical vertebrae that led to the very recent loss of a yearling. Link to Timber's Story is in the first comment. Brace yourself: this is a challenging and moving few minutes.

22/12/2024

There are moments when I’m out poo picking in sideways wind and rain, and I can’t help but wonder why I’m doing this!

But then I see my horses’ goofy faces, and I remember—it’s all for the love.

What else would I be doing with my time?

It’s not about the rosettes, the last ride, or how big the last fence was. It’s about the horses and spending time with them.

I wouldn’t have it any other way

21/12/2024

Happy Winter Solstice ❄️

Today is the shortest day of the year, which means gradually things are going to get lighter and brighter ☀️

20/12/2024

Wish in all my clients, friends and followers a very Happy Christmas 🎄

I look forward to seeing you all in the New Year!

14/12/2024

So cosy 🥰