05/07/2026
Rehab is never a straight line.
There are good days, frustrating days, little setbacks, and moments that make you question whether you’re making any progress at all. But every small step still counts.
This is my own little mare, who we’re slowly rehabilitating after a DDFT tear last year.
She’s survived the box rest (although she’d tell you it was the worst experience of her life!) and made her opinions very clear every single day. We’re now working through a gradual in-hand walking programme.
But rehab is never just about the injury.
As an older mare with a few other conditions to consider, you have to look at the whole horse. She’s living out 24/7, we’re carefully increasing the size of her pen alongside her walking programme, and trying to keep that waistline under control too. Every decision is a balancing act.
I wanted to share this because, even as a veterinary physiotherapist, I’m not immune to the worries, second-guessing, or the unexpected bumps in the road. I celebrate the tiny wins, I adjust the plan when life throws us a curveball, and I remind myself that progress isn’t measured by how quickly we get there.
Whether you’re rehabbing an injury, managing a long-term condition, or simply trying to keep an older horse comfortable, remember that you’re not alone. We all face the same challenges, and every horse’s journey is unique.
Looking after horses is never easy. It takes patience, consistency, a willingness to adapt… and sometimes, it really does take a village. ❤️
