Movement & suppleness
- Stiffness after rest or training
- Difficulty bending to one side
- Asymmetry or a changed gait
- Reduced use of the back or hindquarters
- Difficulty stretching the neck or collecting
- Reduced suppleness and balance
Equine osteopathy
Freer movement starts with seeing the whole picture.
A manual approach supporting mobility, connection and comfort — for leisure horses and sport horses alike.
What is equine osteopathy?
The body works as one connected system.
An osteopathic assessment looks beyond the place where a problem becomes visible. Astrid considers the musculoskeletal, visceral and craniosacral systems and how they influence one another.
Using targeted manual techniques, she aims to reduce functional movement restrictions and patterns of tension. The goal is to support natural mobility and recovery capacity so that the horse can move more efficiently, evenly and comfortably.
“A retired horse quietly grazing in a field and a top sport horse training every day are equally important to Astrid.”
When may an assessment be helpful?
Changes in movement, performance or behaviour.
Under saddle
- Less impulsion or willingness to move forward
- Difficulty with contact
- Resistance to hand or leg aids
- Difficulty with transitions or lateral work
- A changed jumping pattern
- Unexplained loss of performance
Behaviour
- Sudden irritability
- Bucking or rearing under saddle
- Girthiness or resisting saddling
- Resistance to grooming or touch
- Reduced willingness or energy
- Noticeably demonstrates different behaviour
Workload & recovery
- After a fall, slip or misstep
- After intensive training or a competition season
- When returning after time off
- As support after an injury
- Preventive monitoring of a sport horse
- When examinations reveal no clear cause
The treatment
From conversation to practical advice.
History
We discuss age, training, living conditions, medical history and the changes you have noticed.
Observation
Astrid observes the horse standing and moving, assessing posture, symmetry, musculature and movement quality.
Manual assessment & treatment
Palpation and mobility tests map restrictions. Treatment is adapted to the horse’s responses.
Reassessment & advice
The horse is reassessed and, where appropriate, you receive advice on rest, training, recovery or collaboration with other professionals.
Treatment in practice
Observe, feel and adapt.
Practical information
Preparing for the appointment.
- Duration
- A treatment takes approximately one hour.
- Preparation
- Please ensure a clean, dry coat and preferably unworked muscles.
- After treatment
- You receive an explanation of the findings and advice on workload, recovery and possible exercises.
- Follow-up
- One treatment may be sufficient for a minor issue. More serious restrictions may require a short course.
- Fee
- €90 per osteopathic treatment, excluding any travel costs.
Travel is free within 25 km of Stekene. Beyond that, €0.50 per kilometre is charged. When several animals are seen at the same location, the travel fee is charged only once.
Personal guidance
Has your horse changed in movement, posture or behaviour?
Tell Astrid what you have noticed. Together you can decide whether an osteopathic assessment is appropriate.