Dr. Tember McNeill - Boston Mountains Peak Performance Chiropractic

07/25/2026

In Memory of Spirit.

Her lessons and legacy will extend past the life she lived here with us on Earth.

Please be respectful of the owner and the mare. I will not tolerate any negative comments or remarks of any sort. The purpose of this discussion is solely intended to extend education based on this particular case, and the mare’s findings after her passing.

Earlier this week, I was given the great honor to lead the solo dissection of a great herd matriarch.

Her owner entrusted me to be taught by Spirit through dissection. She has also graciously given permission to publicly share my findings in the hopes in may help another equine owner.

Brief history: Her owner purchased Spirit approximately 18 years ago. At that time she knew she had suffered a knee injury as a working ranch horse. As the mare came to her new and final home, she was never ridden. Spirit owned her position as a respected broodmare, with a gentle yet powerful presence. She raised many foals over the years, and until recently, began to show the product of time with her previous known ailment. Up until this past week she was seemingly well enough, until she began to show more hesitation at feeding time, and new signs of decline.

The mare was under current veterinary care up until her last breath.

Due to the nature of the environment, as Tuesday this past week was the hottest day of the year, a focal dissection was immediately performed on the distal front extremities (lower front legs), following the peaceful euthanasia directed by Dr. Paul Turchi.

I will begin to post my more specific findings with media at a later time.

Presently, I am still reflecting on my findings and the time I spent knelt with Spirit during dissection. I would like to extend my heartfelt sympathy and deepest gratitude to the owner of Spirit: for her gift of knowledge and trusting me in the process of the outdoor classroom with her beloved matriarch. She was very brave and shared space next to Spirit and I while I worked, to learn first hand. These opportunities are rare, and although the heat only allowed for a brief learning experience, I will never forget this red dun beauty.

07/18/2026

Bovine Chiropractic Care
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Scroll for the visual changes of this calf’s head tilt. He had a superior atlas (first cervical vertebrae) misalignment on the left side. Other regions of the spine were also adjusted, including restricted ribs.

Photo 1: My POV of the patient during examination & treatment.
Photo 2: Day prior to treatment.
Photo 3: Day following treatment.
Photo 4: 2 days following treatment.

His head tilt is improving as the soft tissue tone changes with the restored biomechanics of the musculoskeletal system, as well as the improved communication in the nervous and circulatory systems. The calf will be examined and adjusted again in a few weeks to monitor progression.

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07/13/2026

Dissection has taught me so much more, in human, equine, canine and feline - it more than application to literature. It’s infinitely valuable to observe and touch, apply to what is read in text.

07/10/2026

Results like these speak for themselves.

Friesians, among other breeds, have the ability to work under saddle with their head and neck carried neutral. They can lift and engage their thoracic sling, and push from behind without using training aids that cause false carriage.

Very specific soft tissue and nerve release methods are performed on this horse along side chiropractic care during his appointments. His owner follows my prescribed exercises and postural techniques to aid her horse in development and becoming stronger.

This horse is very sensitive. His objective postural changes with subsequent parasympathetic nervous system shifts are both a privilege and joy to witness.

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07/07/2026

If you feel hot, your horse feels even hotter.

Horses have a much harder time processing heat and humidity than humans. And among horses, foals usually cannot handle as much heat as adult horses. A mare may be fine, but her foal may be getting sick from being out on a hot day.

Horses with heavy muscling or excess fat or in poor condition will also be more susceptible to heat exhaustion. Keep in mind that exercise is a major source of body heat and strenuous work on a hot, humid day can lead to problems in a short period of time for even the best-conditioned horse.

Does this mean you should not ride on a hot and humid day? Not necessarily. It just means you should take precautions and use common sense. And remember: don't push it! If your horse looks tired, it’s time for a drink, a cold bath, and a break in the shade.

06/15/2026

06/11/2026

This is a wonderful demonstration of the lumbosacral junction by my friend Ciara, owner of Sozo Equine.

06/03/2026

Out of office -

I am currently riding across Wales, and will remain clinically unavailable until after June 9th.

I appreciate your patience & continued support!

See you soon…
✨🖤✨

05/22/2026

05/21/2026

12 Interesting Things About Thoracolumbar Fascia

1. Thoracolumbar fascia connects directly with no fewer than 7 myofascial lines and coordinates directly with at least two more. More on these coming soon.

2. It consists of multiple layers of fibrous fascia that vary in thickness and density.

3. The thoracolumbar fascia inserts into the sacrum at the base of the spine and the iliac crest of the pelvis, and it merges with 12 different muscles on each side of the spine.

4. It originates from the nuchal ligament and has additional attachments to the spinous processes of the thoracic and lumbar vertebrae.

5. It acts as a central structure that distributes mechanical forces, supporting the integrity of the back.

6. Muscles that attach to and are embedded within the thoracolumbar fascia can increase its tension.

7. Tension within the fascia can be increased by several involuntary factors, such as the contraction of myofibroblasts in response to mechanical stress or during the healing process. Increased viscosity of the interstitial fluid, adhesions, and tissue thickening can also contribute to heightened fascial tension.

8. The thoracolumbar fascia works with the lateral and ventral abdominal muscles, as well as other structures within the thorax, to create a corset-like effect that enhances intra-abdominal pressure. This coordination helps stabilize the thorax and reduce the load on the vertebrae.

9. The equine thoracolumbar fascia is richly innervated with sensory receptors that respond to mechanical pressure or distortion. These receptors contribute to the horse’s ability to sense and coordinate body movement, posture, and balance.

10. The thoracolumbar fascia distributes mechanical stress across the thoracolumbar spine and pelvis, minimizing localized stress and reducing the risk of injury.

11. The weight of the rider, combined with the fit and placement of the saddle, directly interacts with the thoracolumbar fascia.

12. The thoracolumbar fascia and its integrated muscles can only perform their functions correctly if the fascia surrounding them is mobile enough to allow full sensory input, coordination, and function.

https://koperequine.com/thoracolumbar-fascia-in-horses-function-and-importance/