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Physical Therapy for Horse and Rider & R+ Training

Physical Therapy

for Horse & Rider

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About Me:

Born and raised in Chapel Hill, North Carolina, I moved to Nashville, Tennessee in 2015 to attend the physical therapy program at Belmont University. I received my Doctorate in Physical Therapy in 2018 and soon after completed the Certified Equine Rehabilitation Practitioner program at UT Knoxville. I am also an NBCAAM certified Equine Massage Therapist and a PATH Intl. Certified Therapeutic Riding Instructor.

I have a passion for positive reinforcement training and using clicker training in rehabilitative exercise and have pursued continuing education in equine bodywork including Masterson Method, barefoot hoof care and composite shoeing including apprenticeship weekends through PHCP, equine nutrition, and equine behavior and learning theory in order to provide a whole-horse approach to my rehab and injury prevention programs.

I offer in-person services locally and have virtual options and online courses for those further away. For a full list of services - click here.

I currently live outside of Nashville with my husband and our 5 horses, 4 cats, and 3 dogs.

 
 
 
 

Why Physical Therapy ?

Physical therapy is the standard of care following injury, surgery, and neurological disease in human medicine. I believe the same should be true for horses!

Physical therapy combines manual therapy (bodywork), modalities, and targeted exercises to reduce pain and restore function to get you back to doing the things you love!

In addition to facilitating recovery from injuries, physical therapy can prevent future injuries, decrease pain without the need for medications or injections, and remove the need for costly and invasive surgical procedures. I will work with you and your veterinarian to develop a plan tailored to your goals and your horse’s specific needs.

Physical therapy can also help solve many common equine behavioral problems. Issues spanning from biting to bucking are often rooted in pain and physical dysfunction. With a thorough assessment, we can find and target the root of the problem.

Because I was trained in human medicine first, I am uniquely qualified to assess and treat equestrians, too! I understand the unique fitness needs of equestrians and the intricacies of the interactions between horse and rider. I can help you improve your seat and the clarity of your aids, or get you back in the saddle after an injury. I apply my tools as a therapist to help you improve your riding technique and identify ways in which you might be blocking your horse from his full potential. Unfortunately, we are often the underlying cause of our horses’ asymmetries, and vice-versa!

If physical therapy sounds like the right choice for you and your horse, please contact me today!