Equine physiotherapy is a scientific, evidence based approach to assess, treat and rehabilitate injuries - just like a human physio. Alongside injury rehabilitation, physios also specialize in athlete management, ensuring muscle soreness or niggly injuries don’t limit athlete performance.

After an injury, physiotherapy will optimize recovery so you can get back to doing what you love sooner. Tailored rehabilitation programs ensure your horse has a complete recovery, rather than hoping your horse will get better with long periods of paddock rest (hint - it rarely does).

For performance horses, improving mobility, reducing pain, and preventing injuries ensures your horse feels their best so they can perform at their best. A pain-free horse is a happier, more willing partner—whether you're competing or enjoying a leisurely ride.

Give your horse the best chance at a full recovery with structured, hands-on support in a calm and professional environment. This option is ideal for horses needing extra care following injury, surgery, or illness—especially when regular treatment at home isn’t practical. With expert guidance, consistent physiotherapy, and close monitoring, you can feel confident your horse is in safe hands and progressing every step of the way. It’s a great way to take the pressure off while giving your horse everything they need to come back stronger.

• All physiotherapy treatments as needed, including daily laser therapy for post-surgical and wound-healing cases

• Individually designed and delivered rehabilitation exercise programs by a qualified equine physiotherapist

• Choice of stabling, outdoor yards, or paddock agistment to suit your horse’s needs

• Full feeding, including ad-lib access to oaten or meadow hay, lucerne hay, and daily hard feed tailored to your horse’s requirements

• Optional transport to a water treadmill facility with a physiotherapist-written rehab program (sessions purchased separately by the owner)

• Confidence that your horse is supported every step of the way

• Faster, more consistent recovery with regular physiotherapy

• Reduced risk of setbacks or complications during healing

• Daily monitoring to track progress and adjust treatment as needed

• Less stress for you—feeding, treatment, and exercise all taken care of

• A calm, professional environment tailored to rehabilitation

In-house rehab provides the structure and support your horse needs to heal well. It’s ideal when home care isn’t practical or you want peace of mind knowing your horse is in expert hands.

Ideal for horses recovering from:

• Surgery or post-operative care

• Tendon and ligament injuries

• Wounds needing regular treatment

• Acute soft tissue injuries

• Long periods of rest or restricted movement

• Complex lameness requiring close supervision

Rider Physiotherapy bridges the gap between rider and horse — we assess how your body moves in the saddle (on-horse assessment) and out of it (posture, strength, mobility). We aim to uncover compensations, imbalances or discomfort that may affect both your ride and your horse’s performance.

Each session starts with a movement and posture assessment, followed by hands-on treatment to address pain or restriction. We then build an exercise plan to help you ride with more strength and symmetry including both on and off-horse exercises.

Held onsite at the Thrive Equine Clinic at Strathalbyn, ridden sessions include both an on-horse and off-horse component. We start by observing your position, balance and movement in the saddle to see how your body influences your horse. The off-horse section focuses on identifying and treating any strength, mobility or control issues that may be contributing to those patterns. You’ll finish the session with practical exercises and strategies to apply in your next ride.

Initial Consult: $180 (60 minutes)

Subsequent Consult: $130 (40 minutes)

*Claimable via private health insurance with code 500 & 505

Clinic sessions are held at The Pilates Depot in Mt Barker and focus on off-horse assessment, treatment and exercise. They’re similar to a regular physio appointment, using hands-on techniques, mobility work and targeted exercises to help you move and ride better. You can also book for general aches, pains or injuries, and sessions may include reformer Pilates to build strength, balance and body awareness.

Initial consult: $130 (40 minutes)

Subsequent consult: $100 (30 minutes)

*Claimable through private health using code 500 & 505

Rider Physiotherapy can make a real difference to how you feel and perform in the saddle. You’ll notice better balance, posture and control, with less pain or stiffness holding you back. As your strength and mobility improve, riding becomes easier and more enjoyable, helping you move in sync with your horse and get the most out of every ride.