From Surgery to Saddle: How Our Rehab Programs Ensure a Smooth Recovery
Eden Harkness & GPH Quintom - photo by Eric Lloyd Photography.
Recovering from surgery can be a delicate and challenging process for any horse. At Thrive Equine Physio, we understand that post-surgical rehabilitation requires a comprehensive and carefully managed approach to ensure your horse returns to full health and performance. By combining hands-on physiotherapy, tailored exercise programs, and optional water treadmill sessions, we help your horse heal effectively while reducing the risk of re-injury.
Here’s a step-by-step look at how our post-surgical rehab programs support a smooth and successful recovery.
Step 1: Initial Assessment and Goal Setting
Every rehab program begins with a thorough assessment by an equine physiotherapist. We work closely with your vet to understand the specifics of your horse’s surgery, including the extent of the injury or condition and the expected recovery timeline. From there, we establish clear goals for each phase of recovery—whether that’s regaining mobility, rebuilding strength, or preparing for a return to work.
Step 2: Controlled Movement and Early-Stage Recovery
In the early stages of post-surgical rehab, controlled movement is essential to promote healing while avoiding overloading the surgical site.
Hands-On Physiotherapy: Techniques such as soft tissue massage and passive range-of-motion exercises are used to improve circulation, reduce swelling, and maintain muscle tone.
Gentle Hand Walking: Gradually introducing light movement helps improve joint mobility and prevent stiffness.
Collaborative Care: We coordinate with your vet and farrier to monitor progress and ensure the recovery is progressing as planned.
Step 3: Progressive Strengthening and Mobility Work
As your horse moves further into recovery, the focus shifts to building strength and improving mobility.
Tailored Exercises: Using a combination of ground-based exercises and light pole work, we encourage controlled movement that targets specific muscle groups while avoiding strain.
Fitness Track and Hills: For horses at this stage, our specialised fitness track provides a safe environment to reintroduce strength training with low-impact challenges.
Optional Water Treadmill Sessions: If suitable, water treadmill work can be incorporated to strengthen muscles and improve joint range of motion without added stress on the surgical site.
Step 4: Rebuilding Confidence and Returning to Work
The final phase of rehab prepares your horse for a safe and confident return to saddle work.
Gait Analysis and Saddle Fit: Before returning to ridden work, we assess your horse’s gait and coordinate with your saddle fitter to ensure comfort and proper alignment.
Structured Under-Saddle Training: We recommend a gradual progression, starting with light flatwork and reintroducing more complex exercises as strength and mobility improve.
Ongoing Monitoring: Throughout this phase, we closely monitor your horse’s response to ensure they’re adapting well and staying on track for a full recovery.
Why Choose Our Post-Surgical Rehab Programs?
At Thrive Equine Physio, our rehab programs are tailored to each horse’s unique needs, ensuring a comprehensive recovery process that combines hands-on care, thoughtfully designed facilities, and expert oversight. With access to stables, yards, paddocks, a fitness track, and optional water treadmill sessions, we provide the tools and expertise needed to help your horse transition smoothly from surgery to saddle.
Ready to Support Your Horse’s Recovery Journey?
A successful recovery requires more than just time—it requires carefully designed rehab programs guided by experienced professionals. If your horse is recovering from surgery, let us help you create a comprehensive rehabilitation program tailored to their needs. Contact us today to discuss how we can support your horse’s journey back to health and performance.