Pre-Treatment Assessment

Welcome to our course on pre-treatment assessment of the horse, where you’ll gain the essential skills to accurately evaluate a horse’s physical condition through both dynamic and static assessment techniques. A thorough pre-treatment assessment is the foundation of effective equine therapy, helping to identify areas of tension, discomfort, or restriction and guiding a tailored approach to each horse’s unique needs. By learning how to conduct both static and dynamic assessments, you’ll be able to develop a well-informed treatment plan that addresses underlying issues and optimises each session’s effectiveness.

In this course, we’ll cover everything from the basics of observing conformation and posture to evaluating movement and gait. You’ll learn how to recognise subtle signs of discomfort, assess joint range of motion, and interpret behavioural cues during both standing (static) and moving (dynamic) evaluations. We’ll also discuss how to document findings effectively and use your assessments to guide treatment choices. This course is ideal for equine therapists, trainers, or anyone dedicated to enhancing equine care through informed assessment. Join us to deepen your understanding of pre-treatment evaluation and set the stage for successful, targeted therapies that support your horse’s health and performance.