Goldney EquinePhysio

19/03/2026

Good news… I’ve officially been given the all clear after my accident to slowly return to work 💙

I’m really looking forward to getting back out and seeing all of your horses again, and helping them move comfortably and confidently into the new season.

I will have limited availability from the start of April to fit in existing clients, and I’m now taking on new clients for the end of April and into May.

As we head into spring, it’s the perfect time to:
✔ Address any stiffness from winter
✔ Support horses coming back into work
✔ Improve comfort and performance
✔ Keep on top of maintenance before the season gets busy

📍 Covering Worcestershire & surrounding areas

📩 Message to book or to discuss availability

— Goldney EquinePhysio

13/03/2026

We hear it often- “they’ll grow out of it”

For my own horse, intervention was key as he started to struggle in his transitions and bends. For him, a work up, simple surgery and LOTS of physio rehab and water treadmilling was the key 💪🏼

PART 1: Upward Fixation of the Patella : “They’ll Grow Out of It”… Will They?

I remember the first time I watched a young horse “lock” behind.

The limb was stuck in extension, toe dragging slightly as he tried to step forward. A sudden jerky release. A click. And then walking as if nothing had happened.

The owner shrugged.
“He’s always done that. They say he’ll grow out of it.”

And maybe he will. But what if he doesn't?

Upward fixation of the patella isn’t just a quirky mechanical glitch. It’s a very specific failure of the patella to disengage from the medial ridge of the femur - a structure that is meant to lock as part of the stay apparatus. That locking mechanism is brilliant design. It allows horses to stand for hours with minimal muscular effort.

But brilliance in one context can become dysfunction in another.

When the patella fails to release appropriately, we’re not just looking at a momentary “stick.” We’re seeing altered biomechanics, disrupted flexion, changes in muscle recruitment, and potentially altered loading patterns through the entire body.

And this is where it becomes uncomfortable.

Because we’re often told - by tradition, by anecdote, by well-meaning advice - to wait.

“They’ll strengthen.”
“They’ll mature.”
“Just give it time.”

Sometimes that’s appropriate. But sometimes what looks mild is quietly shaping compensation patterns that become much harder to unwind later.

The question isn’t simply "Does this horse lock?"
It’s "What is this doing to the rest of the system?"

I’d love to hear - when you see a young horse with intermittent fixation, what makes you decide to monitor versus actively intervene?

If you want to learn more about Patella Luxation in Equines, we have a great blog on the subject here: https://onlinepethealth.com/upward-fixation-of-the-patella-do-i-leave-it-or-treat-it/

02/12/2025

📣 Now Taking On New Equine Physiotherapy Clients

I currently have availability for new horses in the area!
Whether your horse is in rehab, needing regular maintenance, or just not feeling quite right, physiotherapy can help reduce tension, improve performance and support long-term soundness.

🩺 What I offer:
• Full assessment & treatment
• Soft tissue techniques
• Mobilisations & stretches
• Tailored exercise & rehab plans
• Follow-up report + vet communication

📍 Covering: Worcestershire and surrounding areas
📆 Flexible weekday appointments

📩 Message to book or ask any questions!
Your horse’s comfort and performance are my priority

03/04/2024

The grass has been growing and we are on high alert for cases of laminitis!

To help you recognise the signs and to know your horses risk level we’ll be sharing some facts about laminitis over the next few weeks!
This great infographic is fromWorld Horse Welfare who have loads of good information on laminitis.

❓True or False? Laminitis is an emergency.❓

✅True! Laminitis is considered a medical emergency!🚨
Laminitis has been recorded as being responsible for around 15% of equine deaths in the UK. Studies suggest that as many as 50% of laminitic episodes do not see a vet but prompt treatment can reduce the severity of an episode of laminitis and make your horse or pony feel much more comfortable whilst they are unwell.
📞If you have noticed symptoms of laminitis in your horse or pony please give us a call for advice!

19/02/2024

25/12/2023

Merry Christmas from me and Beau to all of my lovely clients 🎄

31/08/2023

Managing Equine Arthritis- what you need to know

Firstly, it is important to note that horses can develop arthritic changes at any age, but it is a condition that we associate with our more senior horses

Arthritis is usually diagnosed by your vet by assessing their gait on hard and soft ground and with flexion tests

Horses with arthritis require a little extra care and attention, especially coming into the winter months as they usually struggle more in colder weather and are better when turned out 24/4 in the warmer months

Weight and exercise management plays a vital role in controlling joint stiffness. The picture below shows Erin at the young age of 21 doing what she loves best. To achieve this, we very carefully manage her exercise with regular physiotherapy sessions, especially during the winter months

Warming up and cooling down before and after exercise is in my opinion often overlooked. Erin requires a decent warm-up before any hard exercise or jumping, especially in the winter to prevent arthritic flare-ups.

If you have any further questions such as:
🐴 Joint supplements
🐴 Do's and don't
🐴 Additional therapy e.g. magnetic boots, infrared
🐴 Or anything else!

Comment below or drop me a message and I will be more than happy to help

To book a physiotherapy assessment: call or text 07494505191

21/08/2023

Calling all thoroughbred owners! 🐴

Have you filled in the first ever TB census aimed at improving traceability of TB’s once they retire from racing

Do you own a Thoroughbred? Have you taken the Thoroughbred Census 2023? ✅📊📈

Britain's first ever census of TBs is underway and the hope is to improve the traceability of horses when they retire from racing. 🏇

Fill in your census via the link and help ensure all horses are properly identified and traceable throughout their lives ➡️ https://bit.ly/3JMaf81 The census closes at the end of the year.

💚 Retraining of Racehorses

17/08/2023

Think twice before pulling out any foreign objects from your horses feet, take a look at the post below to find out why

‼️ When dealing with penetrating injuries to the foot it's VERY important to contact your vet BEFORE you remove the object.

👀 Digital radiographs performed in the field allows us to see the exactly what structures might be affected.

🚫Removing the nail BEFORE x-rays makes it very difficult to determine where the object has penetrated.

📞 When in doubt, contact your vet who will be able to advise you what to do whilst waiting for their arrival.

For more information, contact us on 0427 072 095.

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12/07/2023

Which girth does my horse need??
Something we get asked a lot…. have four shaped girths. Here’s why….