Equine Chiropractic Therapy

VSMT, known more commonly as “chiropractic,” is a therapy that involves using a targeted high velocity, low amplitude (HVLA) thrust to restore normal range of motion to a joint. When performed on the spinal column, the restoration of normal vertebral mobility can decrease spinal nerve irritation, reduce local muscle spasm and overall improve body comfort.

Our Approach

There are many people out there claiming to “adjust” horses for a low fee. Legally, the only people who can perform chiropractic adjustments on animals are veterinarians and human chiropractors. This is for one simple reason: adjustments performed incorrectly can be dangerous to your horse!

As a veterinarian, Dr. Waring-Scott is able to evaluate the horse as a whole, using her years of lameness and general medicine experience to give you information and guidance beyond a basic adjustment.

Frequently Asked Questions About Equine Chiropractic Therapy

Answered by Dr. Waring-Scott

Which horses can benefit from a chiropractic adjustment?
Every horse is a good candidate for a chiropractic adjustment, from the elite athletes competing at the highest level of competition to the geriatric horse giving walk-trot lessons. By riding horses we are asking them to use their body in a more complex way than nature intended, which can lead to compensatory soreness and reduced performance. By helping them maintain their natural range of motion, we ensure they remain happy and comfortable riding companions for as long as possible.

Will chiropractic work fix my lame horse?
This is a complex question as there are many different causes of lameness. As a veterinarian with a strong sports medicine background, I will be able to give an honest evaluation of your horses and what to expect from an adjustment. Chiropractic is not a simple “cure all” for lameness issues, but it can be an excellent therapy for asymmetrical movement due to body soreness and as an adjunct therapy for other treatment modalities.

Will my horse need to be sedated for a chiropractic adjustment?
No! The vast majority of horses can be fully adjusted without sedation. Even the most nervous horses can enjoy a session that is done with slow, calm introductions. In the rare case that your horse would be happier and and more comfortable with sedation, I will have the ability to administer a short acting and safe sedative.

Is chiropractic competition legal?
Yes! Chiropractic is a drug free, fully legal way to get your horse feeling more comfortable to perform his best before an event.

Can I ride before an adjustment?
Yes, riding before an adjustment is perfectly okay.

Do I need to take time off after an adjustment?
I recommend horses have the rest of the day off (pasture turnout is ideal). The next day they can have off or a light walking hack. Full work can resume 48 hours after the adjustment.