Dynamic evaluation includes in-hand gait assessment on hard and soft surfaces, as well as lungeing and/or riding. Evaluations may be filmed with a high-speed camera for later play-back in slow-motion for refined gait assessment.

Asymmetry of muscle development and/or gait is noted, as these observations form a key part of the actual sports therapy session and follow-up exercise programme design. Through NKT (NeuroKinetic Therapy) testing, specific muscle (dys)function is identified, which is addressed in the sports therapy session.

Static and dynamic evaluations are followed by the actual  sports therapy session, which addresses areas of restricted motion (muscular and articular). Different soft-tissue and joint mobilization techniques are used to release musculoskeletal restrictions. Where appropriate, pulsed laser therapy (MR4ActiVet) is included in the session, for promotion of healing or pain inhibition.

The session is completed with the design of an individualised programme of specific ground-based exercises with the aim of re-training activation of muscles or muscle groups, and to promote normalisation of  joint function/range of motion. Muscle or joint function can be affected by primary musculoskeletal, neurological or other clinical conditions, or as a normal result of general neuromuscular adaptation to increased athletic exertion.

Clinical veterinary diagnosis/veterinary approval, and owner/rider/trainer input are essential components of the whole-horse assessment and sports therapy session.

Core muscles mobilize and stabilize the horse’s back. Core strength helps to prevent the development of back pain and injuries. Specific muscle groups involved in core strength activation are deep neck, deep back, abdominal and sublumbar muscles. These muscles raise and round the back and engage the hindquarters. Optimal function of this core musculature is essential for the horse to work in a round outline and to reduce the risk of pain and injury due to hollowing or instability of the joints in the neck and the back.

Degenerative joint disease processes such as osteoarthritis also affect normal function of the stabilizing musculature that surround affected joints. Muscle atrophy and altered neuromuscular functioning of this stabilizing musculature results in ‘dynamic instability’ of arthritic joints. This can be a very focal process, but as muscular (or myofascial) chains are interconnected throughout the body, the effect of a focal clinical issue is often reflected as a global pattern of adapted movement or ‘functional dynamic instability’. This is a normal response of the body to pain and inflammation. Dynamic instability is coupled with loss of ‘motor control’, or normal muscular function under central nervous system (brain) control.

The key aim of the sports therapy sessions is to identify asymmetrical muscle development/muscle function, adapted movement patterns, evidence of dynamic instability and inefficient motor control. Specific exercises are incorporated into the horse’s conditioning programme to re-activate specific muscles or muscle groups to prevent further degeneration (in arthritic conditions) and/or to retrain normal muscle function (in neurological or other clinical conditions). Symmetrical muscle activation and strengthening is essential to promote normal movement.