Signs of PAIN to watch for in your horses

Have you ever wondered whether your horse needs an adjustment? If he's in pain? If he's holding tension or stress? Whether his attitude is caused by behavioral or physical disfunction?

Let me give you some clues to keep an eye out for that are pretty good indications something is going on.

• Increased shifting of weight from side to side or front to back

• Excessive kicking and/or stomping at stomach or out behind

• "Pointing" a front foot while standing or grazing (especially if it's always the same side)

• Tension in the face and eyes - stress causes an indentation a few inches above the nostril

• Pinned ears or biting while being groomed or saddled (cinchy horses)

• Unnatural angle of the head or tail when moving out, in the pasture or under saddle

• Dragging hooves

• Unwillingness to pick up a lead or go into the lope at all

• Bucking

• New grouchy behaviors that aren't normal for your horse

• Tripping, or stumbling often

• Unwillingness to "collect" under saddle

• Excessive rolling

• Being difficult to trim or shoe

• Pacing, not wanting to stand still

• Flinching when touched

• Backing up crooked, won't stay straight

• Stiff in the circle on one or both sides

• Resistance to flex either way or back at all

• Limping

• Head shaking while under saddle, or hollowing out in the back

All of these things are signs you need to start searching for the source of your horse's pain and treat it. If there are severe signs indicating a possible broken bone, soft tissue injury or illness, it's best to get cleared by the vet first, and then go to alternative therapies such as chiropractic, massage, magnawave, etc. If the signs are relatively mild but definitely indicating stress or pain it's fine to use chiropractic as your first go-to. Since our horse's can't let us know when they having trouble it's our job to stay informed, stay observant, and keep them as happy, healthy, and comfortable as possible. Using pain killers on a regular basis should be an absolute last resort, as we need to do our best to solve the problem not just treat the symptoms.

As always,

if you have questions, comments, or would like to set up an appointment you can call or text me at 307-630-4559!