Equine Chiropractic at Thrive Family Chiropractic
For Dr. Brittney Keller, chiropractic and horses are two passions that have always been close to her heart.
As both a chiropractor and a barrel racer, Dr. Brittney understands firsthand the physical demands placed on a horse—and the rider asking that horse to perform. Equine chiropractic gives her the opportunity to bring those two worlds together, using her chiropractic training and love of horses to support better movement, function, and performance.
And because the horse and rider don’t move independently of one another, Dr. Brittney has a unique ability to care for both sides of the partnership.
Horse + Rider Adjustments
Move in Harmony.
What is Equine Chiropractic?
Just like us, horses experience physical stress from everyday life. Training, competition, repetitive movement, trailering, falls, changes in terrain, and carrying a rider can all affect how comfortably and efficiently a horse moves.
Equine chiropractic involves assessing the horse’s movement and joints and using specific, hands-on adjustments to address areas of restricted joint motion. The goal is to support healthy mobility and function so your horse can move and perform as freely as possible.
Equine chiropractic isn’t just for performance horses, either. From barrel and rope horses to jumpers, trail horses, and beloved pasture companions, chiropractic can be one piece of supporting your horse’s overall health and movement throughout their life.
Could Your Horse Benefit From Being Checked?
Sometimes the first sign that something isn’t moving well isn’t obvious pain. You may notice subtle changes in behavior, movement, or performance.
Around the barn
- Sensitive or evasive when grooming the back
- Pinning ears, biting, or stepping away during saddling
- Difficult or uncomfortable when mounting
- Becoming unusually difficult to catch
- Changes in rolling or lying down
- Frequently shifting position or seeming unable to get comfortable
- Increased tension, fidgeting, or difficulty concentrating
Under saddle
- Tail swishing or wringing
- Resistance to backing
- Difficulty bending or performing lateral work, particularly to one side
- Stiffness through the hindquarters
- Difficulty engaging, collecting, or moving evenly
- Changes in responsiveness or willingness
- Bucking, rearing, or other new resistance under saddle
Performance changes
- Barrel horses: going into or coming off a barrel wide, running past the barrel, difficulty bending, or changes in the usual turn
- Rope horses: changes in the timing or quality of the stop
- Reining horses: difficulty sitting down into the stop or slide
- Jumpers: decreased thrust, hollowing through the back, rushing fences, or new difficulty with combinations
- Trail horses: rushing hills, traveling sideways downhill, or other changes in movement over terrain
These signs don’t automatically mean your horse needs an adjustment. Sudden or significant changes should be appropriately evaluated to rule out injury, illness, tack or saddle-fit issues, dental concerns, hoof problems, and other causes.
Ready to Have Your Horse Checked?
Whether you’ve noticed a change in your horse’s movement or performance, you’re looking for additional support for your equine athlete, or you simply want to be proactive about their mobility, we’d love to help you determine the appropriate next step.
Equine appointments with Dr. Brittney Keller are available on location or at Wildflower Haven Ranch.
Veterinary referral required.
Contact our office for details or email info@thrivelincoln.com
