Miriam Sykes Veterinary Physiotherapy & McTimoney Animal Chiropractic

30/06/2025

At what age should I start having bodywork done with my young horse? A question I get asked fairly regularly so thought I'd add some thoughts.

Last week I treated this lovely lad that turned 3 earlier this year. Hes been worked on the long lines and his owner had no concerns but wanted a check over for him. I had a few misalignments to correct and used some soft tissue techniques to help free up his his body, improve his alignment and we had a nice session getting him used to having this type of work done and he accepted everything really well. He is now going to have more time this summer and over the winter to grow and mature before his real work begins. I feel there were several benefits of this to him physically and mentally.

🐎 young horses are going through a lot of change in their bodies - musculoskeletally and with balance and coordination. Physiotherapy and chiropractic works to address any imbalances early on to promote symmetry and correct development
🐎 As well as realigning the body any areas of weakness can be found and exercises given to strengthen before they become an issue
🐎 Good experiences lead to confidence in new situations
🐎 Allows your bodyworker get to know your horse and monitor for any change
🐎 Horses do silly things in the field - especially youngsters! They are also affected by the changes in slippy/hard ground so injuries do occur

You don't have to wait until you're having problems with your ridden horse to have bodywork, they can be treated prior to breaking in. Correct development leads to career longevity and improved performance.

I also have to say thank you to this boys owner as she had really put the work in with him on the ground, and it made my job with him easy 😀

29/06/2025

Another reason to always monitor changes in your horses behaviour. I often talk about how pain is subjective and we cannot ask our animals how much pain they're in. We can assess them and have diagnostics done but we can't assume each similar case will respond in the same way and sadly we can't always rule out pain. Always stop and listen to what they are trying to tell you

17/06/2025

A fab day today treating horses in the sunshine. I love this photo that one of my clients caught of this lovely boy keeping an eye on me whilst taking my notes (just moments after he was trying to lick my face like a giant dog 😅)

Sometimes I forgot how lucky I am to be around these wonderful animals day in day out. Thank you all so much for keeping me busy doing what I love

05/06/2025

Remaining appointment availability for June

Pop me a message if you'd like to book in 📱 07875642898 🐎

04/06/2025

Vital to know the initial signs of laminitis. The weather has made such a turnaround in the last week or two be sure to monitor for changes and act quickly if you have any concerns

🌱 With grass growing rapidly, now’s the time to be extra vigilant for signs of laminitis.

Laminitis is a serious, painful condition that can strike at any time of year — but spring and summer can be particularly risky.

🔍 Keep an eye out for early warning signs and act fast. When it comes to laminitis, prevention is always better than cure — so if you suspect your horse has it, don’t wait: call your vet immediately.

📚 Need help spotting the signs or managing your horse's risk? We’ve got expert advice on prevention and treatment right here 👉 https://bit.ly/3ZFaedO

22/05/2025

Last minute cancellations 🚫

Hello 👋

Due to a high rate of last-minute cancellations over the last month, I will now be putting in charges for cancellations within 48 hours of appointments. This is not something I have wanted to do, and I understand that things can happen, but I can't maintain the loss of earnings if this continues.

As of monday, cancellations will now be charged at 50% within 48 hours of the appointment and full price within 24 hours. This fee will have to be paid prior to the booking of future appointments. This information has been updated in my booking emails so that everyone will receive the same information.

Emails with dates and times are sent out on booking, and reminders are also sent out prior to appointments. I have updated this for reminders to be sent out 3 days prior to the appointment to give more time if circumstances have changed.

I'm sorry to have to do this, but this seems to be the standard for small businesses and I cannot continue to carry on as I have been. This is not a post aimed at anyone or to complain just to let people know how I will be continuing moving forwards. I sometimes have people waiting for appointments but if these are cancelled the same day its too short notice to try and fill the slot and if I have multiple cancellations in a week (as i have been getting) it really starts to add up and I have bills to pay myself.

Thank you for your understanding and to everyone for your continued support to my business. I hope everyone enjoys the bank holiday! Shame about the rain for us but the fields certainly need it!

Hope to see you all soon x

22/04/2025

So proud of sponsored rider Esther Mills at the PetPlan Dressage Finals last week at Addington. We had a fab trip out, Esther rode a lovely test and Micky was a superstar as always

I love these photos courtesy of ❤️ thank you!

Days like these make all the hard work worth it!

18/04/2025

Just arrived for Esther and Mickys PetPlan Finals 😁

Esther Mills 🍀

13/04/2025

It's been a great few weeks for the team!

Harriet Lawton got her RI ticket with her veteran horse Bill last weekend 😍 he's just looking fantastic at 20 years young and she received fantastic feedback on how well he's was moving and how free he was in his body.

Esther Mills also received her wildcard from the PetPlan Finals back in February and is now prepping for the championships at Addington this coming Friday, less than a year post-baby 💪 absolute superwoman!

I'm so proud of the commitment from both of them and I'm sure everyone will join me in wishing them both the best of luck 🍀 What a fantastic start to the season.

I'm also receiving lots of photos and videos of my lovely clients and their horses out at camps, clinics and competitions already, and I love it. Keep them coming!

Thank you everyone for your continued support, here's to a good year 🎊

01/04/2025

Hello 👋

I arrived home late last night from a fab little trip away in Budapest. Il be replying to my messages today, but I have a few to get through so please bear with me.

Hope you've all had a lovely weekend

Miriam x

21/03/2025

I hope everyone's had a great week and been enjoying some of the warmer weather we've been having 😎

Just a note to say that I will be away for a little break the last weekend in March and I will not be responding to enquiries from the 27th until the morning of the 1st April so if anyone needs anything please message me beforehand.

Also, just to say that my diary has been booking up fast and April is nearly full, so if you are wanting to book in do let me know 📲

Happy weekend!

27/02/2025

🐴 Appointment Availabilty For March 🐴

I have limited appointments available in March around the following areas:

Tuesday 11th - Mottram/Hyde/Ashton
Thursday 13th - Marple/Poynton/Bramhall
Friday 14th - Mottram/Hyde/Glossop
Weds 19th - Ashton/Oldham
Tues 25th - full day

Message me for more info, times, or to book in 📲 07875642898