Performance Animal Physiotherapy

07/04/2025

Multiple studies have shown that increased flexion of the neck during riding or lunging can have many negative effects on the horse’s body and is a welfare issue. Please read this comprehensive article: https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-024-72766-5

Image:
Riding behind the vertical or lunging while restricted with side or draw reins can also damage the nuchal ligament. The nuchal ligament is the main ligament of the neck, running from the occipital bone to the thoracic spine with attachments to the cervical vertebrae. It plays a crucial role in supporting the neck during locomotion and allowing for energy-efficient movement.

During hyperflexed head and neck positions, there is increased tension on the cord portion of the nuchal ligament and its attachment to the occipital bone. In horses ridden behind the vertical, the nuchal ligament does not function as a unit, with both parts – the cord and lamina- complementing each other. The cord is under increased tension, which over time can lead to degenerative changes in the ligament and bone changes at its attachment site, resulting in new bone formation – exostoses.
Between the first cervical vertebrae and the nuchal ligament are often developed nuchal bursae, cranial that is above the atlas, and caudal nuchal bursa between the cord and axis. When the nuchal ligament is under extensive tension, that can also initiate inflammation of those thin-walled structures. Cranial and caudal nuchal bursitis can be confirmed by ultrasound.

https://vetmed.agriculturejournals.cz/pdfs/vet/2020/08/01.pdfhttps://avmajournals.avma.org/view/journals/javma/237/7/javma.237.7.823.xml

Links to my work:
Patreon page that supports my work
https://www.patreon.com/equineanatomyinlayers

Whole Horse Dissection online (12 months access)
https://ivanaruddock.podia.com/the-equine-anatomy-in-layers

Atlas of the Equine Musculoskeletal system
https://ivanaruddock-lange.com/equine-atlas/

04/04/2025

Exciting developments for horse welfare in racing! 🐎

In the lead-up to the Grand National at Aintree, the British Horseracing Authority is trialling Sleip’s gait analysis software to enhance pre-race examinations.
“Sleip has the potential to allow us to keep a digital record and objective assessment of the horse’s movement which complements the vet’s opinion. The app records high-quality videos and provides us with a slow-motion view of the horse’s gait. Crucially, it also allows vets, trainers and their teams to compare a horse’s movements over time, and from race to race – monitoring any changes that might have occurred.” – Sally Taylor, BHA

Hit the link to read more in the Racing Post!
https://www.racingpost.com/news/opinion/comment/how-british-racing-is-leaving-no-stone-unturned-in-ensuring-the-welfare-of-the-horses-av6kR2v4gmOF/

02/03/2025

Is your horse physically ready for their first event?

With the British Eventing Official competition season kicking off yesterday for lots of riders at Poplar Park Horse Trials now is the time to ensure your horse is feeling their best.

Regular physio can help improve flexibility, prevent injuries, and optimise performance so they can perform at their peak from day one.

✅ Pre-season assessments
✅ Baseline digital gait analysis with Sleip
✅ Injury prevention & recovery
✅ Mobility & muscle support
✅ Post-event care for quicker recovery

Book a session now and give your horse the best start to the season.
https://www.performance-animal-physiotherapy.co.uk/book

🐴 INDIBA practitioner, FEI permitted, over 7 years qualified equine physio specialising in competition horses
📍Oxon, Glos, Wilts

📸 From the archives of my wonderful mare Hattie

26/02/2025

FAQ - Can I have treatment at competitions?

Yes absolutely - I regularly attend both national and international events across the country and abroad. Physiotherapy and INDIBA can be utilised at one day and stay away shows immediately before, during and after events as there is no withdrawal period.

I am a registered FEI Permitted Equine Therapist (PET) meaning I have been referred by an FEI vet and passed an exam allowing me to attend and treat horses at FEI international events.

❓Did you know….

I have groomed for and treated horses at Badminton Horse Trials, European Championships, World Equestrian Games and Olympic Games.

22/02/2025

💥 PREVENTION IS BETTER THAN CURE! 💥

Keep your horse in peak condition by joining one of our subscription plans.

Your horse’s performance, recovery, and overall health rely on commitment and consistency.

Waiting until there’s a problem? Big mistake. 🛑

Our Equine Physio & Indiba Subscription Plans give your horse the regular care they deserve at the best value.

More consistency = better results, fewer injuries and optimal performance.

✨ Choose your plan:

🐎 GOLD – £60/month (Monthly sessions)
🐎 SILVER – £43/month (Sessions every 6 weeks)
🐎 BRONZE – £35/month (Sessions every 8 weeks)

ALL PLANS INCLUDE:

✔️ Priority Booking
✔️ Up to 4 FREE Sleip Gait Analysis Reports
✔️ Discounted hire of therapeutic equipment - Laser, PEMF/massage rug, Equine Training Bands & more

🔹 Add Unlimited Sleip Gait Analysis Uploads from just £8/month

To sign up, follow the link below or drop us a message

https://performance-animal-physiotherapy.co.uk/prices

🌐 www.performance-animal-physiotherapy.co.uk
📧 [email protected]
📞 07850 929275
📍 Oxon, Glos, Wilts

🐴 Performance Animal Physiotherapy – Keeping Equine Athletes in Motion 🐴

02/02/2025

Mini Horslyx is the perfect choice for horse owners who want to reward, distract or bribe their horse or pony.

But we all know how sticky they can be - so why not combine it with the Lyx Loop.

These handles allow you to comfortably hold a mini Horslyx helping prevent mess and sore hands.

The loop and lyx provide the perfect combination for performing baited stretches or for distraction during treatment or shoeing.

Mini Horslyx is available in Original, Mint, Garlic, Respiratory, Mobility and Pro Digest formulations and comes in 650g hand-held tubs.

The loops are available in a range of colours.

To shop our range available, please take a look at our website or tap the photo to see the products.

https://www.performance-animal-physiotherapy.co.uk/category/horslyx-handle

🌐 www.performance-animal-physiotherapy.co.uk
📧 [email protected]
📞 07850 929275

31/01/2025

✨A FULL ASSESSMENT but with optional extras✨

The ESSENTIAL session from PAP is the same gold standard of equine physiotherapy assessment and treatment but with the flexibility of service ‘add-ons’.

What’s Included in the ESSENTIAL:

✨ A detailed evaluation of your horse’s history, strengths, weaknesses, and current aims and expectations

✨ A basic gait analysis of your horse

✨ A thorough hands-on palpation and assessment of muscles and joints

✨ Appropriate manual mobilisation and soft tissue treatments will be performed based on findings

✨ Utilisation of other electrotherapies and modalities when required including Laser, NMES, taping and fascial tools

✨ An exercise or rehabilitation plan created through Equicantis with specific instructions and videos of how to perform

✨ A session and gait analysis report will be sent via email and shared with vets and other interested parties.

✨ Sleip gait analysis, INDIBA treatments and bespoke long-term exercise plans are subject to additional charges.

📆 To book, follow the link below:

https://www.performance-animal-physiotherapy.co.uk/book

A £20 deposit is required for all new clients to secure your booking.

Mileage over 15 miles from SN7 will be charged at 50p a mile.

🌐 www.performance-animal-physiotherapy.co.uk
📧 [email protected]
📞 07850 929275

28/01/2025

✨The FULL WORKS for your horse from PAP✨

The ULTIMATE session is the gold standard of equine physiotherapy assessment and treatment enhanced with INDIBA radiofrequency therapy.

What’s included in the ULTIMATE:

✨ A detailed evaluation of your horse’s history, strengths, weaknesses, and current aims and expectations

✨ Advanced digital AI gait analysis with Sleip measuring your horses asymmetries in trot on a straight line and on a circle (lunge or ridden). Each limb is measured for push off and impact asymmetries and graded from very mild to severe. Full report given with ultra-slow-motion videos and graphs as well as showing trends over time

✨ A thorough hands-on palpation and assessment of muscles and joints

✨ Appropriate manual mobilisation and soft tissue treatments will be performed based on findings

✨ INDIBA radio-frequency therapy of one large area or two small areas included at a reduced price – additional areas at a small extra cost

✨ Utilisation of other electrotherapies and modalities when required including Laser, NMES, taping and fascial tools

✨ A bespoke exercise or rehabilitation plan created through Equicantis with specific instructions and videos of how to perform

✨ A session and gait analysis report will be sent via email and shared with vets and other interested parties.

📆 To book, follow this link:

https://www.performance-animal-physiotherapy.co.uk/book

A £20 deposit is required for all new clients to secure your booking.

Mileage over 15 miles from SN7 will be charged at 50p a mile.

🌐 www.performance-animal-physiotherapy.co.uk
📧 [email protected]
📞 07850 929275

21/01/2025

⭐️Scholarship position available⭐️

This is a live in position with shared accommodation and meals provided🤩

BHS Training & Private Training provided with my self and other senior coaches weekly

Interviews will taking place over the next few weeks, a 3 day trial will be required

6 month commitment minimum

Must have previous experience with stallions and young horses

Must be able to lunge

Must be a confident rider

There will be an opportunity for the right person to be able to compete some very nice dressage horses ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Ideally someone who has their stage 2 or equivalent and who wants help training up the ladder with their BHS exams and who wants to get out competing

For more details please don’t hesitate to contact me

Send your CV to [email protected]
Please feel free to call me on 07789071142
Please share far and wide !
‼️

21/01/2025

Sleip Gait Analysis

Sleip is a piece of software designed to monitor the performance and welfare of horses. It uses motion analysis technology to assess the gait of horses, aiding therapists and veterinarians to identify asymmetrical movement patterns.

✨ Highlights subtle asymmetries that can be missed by the naked eye, providing detailed reports and insights.
✨ Data can be shared amongst your professional team and will assist in making informed decisions about training, conditioning exercises, rehabilitation progress, and overall management
✨ Monitoring tool to know what's normal for your horse and detect changes early
​
​It’s easy to get data by just videoing your horse trot up in a straight line and on a circle whilst lunging. You can record at any time using your own iPhone through the app and receive a full gait analysis report back.

A monthly subscription is available with unlimited uploads for one or multiple horses starting from £15/month.

⏩️ HOWEVER ⏪️

Gait Analysis through Sleip is currently FREE with every Equine Physio appointment booked throughout the rest of January and taken before 31st March.

From February this will be a chargeable extra, unless subscribed to a Gold, Silver or Bronze Treatment package, or a monthly Sleip unlimited upload subscription.

https://www.performance-animal-physiotherapy.co.uk/sleip-subscriptions

20/01/2025

Regular gait monitoring is key for early detection of subtle changes. Now with new ‘Trends’ feature this is even easier!

Gait Analysis through Sleip is currently FREE with every Equine Physio appointment booked throughout the rest of January (for appointment anytime within next 2 months). From February this will be a chargeable extra unless subscribed to a Gold, Silver or Bronze Treatment package or a monthly Sleip unlimited upload subscription.

More details of our subscription packages here:

https://www.performance-animal-physiotherapy.co.uk/prices

We’re excited to launch the Trends feature, making it easier to track a horse’s movement health over time. By visualising historical gait data, this tool provides insights for managing performance, well-being, and long-term health 🐴

Monitoring over time allows us to establish each horse’s unique “motion fingerprint” and detect even subtle shifts in symmetry. This helps catch issues early. Regular monitoring is also useful in following up on rehabilitation progress 👇
https://sleip.co/trends-feature

20/01/2025

11/01/2025

In case you hadn’t noticed, it is cold, very cold. 🥶

Please use some common sense in extreme weather.

Yes, horses need routine, but the weather can mean you need to make changes to help prevent injury or illness. A few days of different management isn’t drastically going to affect their fitness program or training, but an injury could set you back months.

Here’s a few tips from a Vet Physio to help:
1️⃣ Risk of injury
2️⃣ Feed and hydration
3️⃣ Colic
4️⃣ What else can I do?
5️⃣Other forms of exercise

Please share if you found this info useful and don't forget to add your own tips in the comments!

Any questions, we’re here to help.

📞 07850929275
📧 [email protected]
🌐 www.performance-animal-physiotherapy.co.uk
📍Oxon, Wilts, Glos

04/01/2025

📣 PAP and our services

“Physical therapy, known as Physiotherapy, provided by trained therapists promote, maintain or restore health through physical examination, intervention, rehabilitation, education, prevention and health promotion.”

💡 PAP offers a unique combination of services and is the only physio in the area to provide:

💥 Sleip gait analysis: cutting-edge technology to detect subtle asymmetries, monitor trends & effects of treatment, transforming rehab and training plans.
➡️🤳You can also record any horse, any where through the app on your phone

💥 INDIBA Radiofrequency therapy: As one of the first equine physios to utilise INDIBA in practice since 2020, Kim has expert knowledge in its application.
➡️ Combined with advanced Physiotherapy techniques, PAP can treat and manage musculoskeletal dysfunction from the root cause.

💡Physiotherapy isn’t about ‘fixing’ a horse in one session; healing and change takes time. As well as the obvious benefit in early detection of minor issues before they become major.

🗓️ PAP offers great value subscriptions to help spread the cost and ensure regular sessions throughout the year for optimal maintenance and performance.

➡️🥇Monthly🥈6 weekly🥉8 weekly sessions
➡️ INDIBA packages for injury & performance
➡️ Sleip gait analysis packages; single & multihorse unlimited uploads

💡Equipment for hire: available for clients to ensure optimal results between visits.

🔸 FMBs Activo Med PEMF Combi rug
🔹 LASER class 3b
🔸 NMES - Muscle stimulation device
🔹 Equine Training Bands system

Lots more info about our services on our website or get in touch to arrange an appointment ⬇️

📞 07850 929275
📧 [email protected]
🌐 www.performance-animal-physiotherapy.co.uk
📍Oxon, Wilts, Glos

03/01/2025

✨Why choose Kimberley?

Hello, I’m Kimberley and PAP is my dream job! My love for animals started at a very young age having grown up on a farm and had horses all my life. I have always been competitive and worked my way up through Pony Club to BE junior squad teams competing and producing horses for fun up to BE intermediate.

During and after school, I worked for multiple yards in varying disciplines, competition centres and 5* eventers up to head girl and competition groom roles. This gave me a wealth of experience and knowledge in the complete care of a range of horses. I then went to study Animal Science BSc at the University of Nottingham whilst eventing my horse of a life time Stan, and continued as a Freelance Groom with right up to 5* and Championship level.

At this point I then decided that pursuing a career in Veterinary Physiotherapy was the perfect combination of science and hands-on work within the industry. I qualified after completing the Level 7 Advanced Certificate degree with the Canine and Equine Physiotherapy Training (CEPT) at the University of Nottingham. This route enabled me to register with The Institute of Registered Veterinary & Animal Physiotherapists (IRVAP) and Performance Animal Science was set up in 2017.

✨Fully qualified and insured Veterinary Physiotherapist
✨INDIBA Certified Practitioner providing radiofrequency therapy treatments
✨Member of the Institute of Registered Veterinary and Animal Physiotherapists IRVAP(VP)
✨FEI Permitted Equine Therapist - accredited to treat at international events worldwide
✨Supports clients from happy hackers and grassroots through to 5* and Championship level including World Equestrian and Olympic Games.
✨Creator & distributor of resistance band system

I am now joined by Maddy MacIntosh, a newly qualified Vet Physio from Writtle University. She brings many years of equine experience and has completed her INDIBA training so will be an integral part of the team. Having her on the PAP team means we can continue to assess and treat more horses as well as offer more emergency appointments when needed.