Physical Therapy for Horseback Riders

Why would physical therapy benefit an equestrian?

It is common to associate physical therapy with something that comes with recovering from a major injury or accident, and not something most horseback riders consider using as a beneficial tool in their riding. While physical therapy can help you with pain (and let's face it, as equestrians we all have some sort of pain we deal with on a daily basis), it can also help you with your riding and performance.

Sitting crooked, being stronger or more balanced on one side or going one direction can all be indicators that you may benefit from physical therapy. By improving your ability as a rider, it can reflect on your horse and enhance both of your performance. On the other hand, if you have been suffering with pain for years and ignoring it as we always put our horses first, there can be help for you too! As an equestrian myself, I can use my training as a Physical Therapist and knowledge as a rider to help you feel and ride better!

Physical therapy can be a useful tool with or without current pain, limitations or past injuries. Physical therapy can be used for performance excellence and enhancement in your athletic goals, fitness, and sports/recreation such as riding horses.

Common problems or signs that Physical Therapy can benefit you as a rider:

• Past falls or injuries, especially the ones that "never healed right"
• Those aches and pains "you've always had/just deal with"
• Hip, knee, ankle, and shoulder pain; common with riders
• One side is weaker than the other when you ride
• You have been told you sit crooked or shift your weight more to one side
• Your stirrups tend to be set on different holes
  

Schedule an Appointment

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AM PUTS THE "AM" IN AMAZING!!! I had four surgeries on my right leg, I came to her for my PT due to her experience in horse back riding. Having a PT know what my body needed to do to get back to riding was important. She listened to my goals, and made it clear what we needed to do to hit them. Kindest person I know, always made sure I was comfortable, and not in pain. I graduated PT 4 weeks early thanks to all her help!!

Jennifer E.

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My shoulder was an old injury from about 5 years ago from falling from my horse. Like a typical horse person I waited until the pain was too much and my range of motion severely decreased and was having trouble sleeping because the pain would wake me up. After working with Amethyst I have almost complete range of motion and can play softball, volleyball and pull back my compound bow without the pain. Thank you!

Danielle S.

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I have been an equestrian for many years and as I got older I was seen regularly by my chiropractor. Even with chiropractic care I was not able to fully live a pain free life. I constantly had to figure out how to work around my limitations. My chiropractor was incredibly skilled and did amazing work - the adjustments just did not last very long for me. I realized I needed to deal with all of the connective structures to truly address my pain. I decided physical therapy was probably what I needed. Shortly thereafter, I met Amethyst Barto -through a mutual equestrian friend. When I found out she was a physical therapist I started to pick her brain. We talked about what PT was, about investing in myself and that I needed to complete a course of treatment to find the best results. Amethyst was straight forward, confident in her abilities and knowledge, and invited me to come try PT with her. Once we got started I quickly realized PT was exactly what I needed. The treatments were very simple, done regularly and really helped me to feel better. Over time we worked together to address all of my physical issues. Not only is Amethyst an incredibly likeable person, she is also a gifted physical therapist. She listens to what you are feeling and works with you to find what you are comfortable with doing to gain wellness. I would encourage anyone who may be thinking about PT to reach out to her and talk about what she can do for you. You will be glad you did!

Tracey F.

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I can’t recommend Amethyst enough! Or the the type of therapy she offers that is sooo hard to find. I have many old injuries from horse accidents and never letting anything properly heal along with just basically constantly doing more than my body can handle. In just even one session we were able to address some things that until they were pointed out I never truly realized exactly what was going on. She helps you be aware of what your body is or isn’t doing and address it from there. I’ve done countless different kinds of therapies like sports medicine, chiropractic, PEMF and even other “MyoFascial” therapists. Some have helped, some just hurt and made me hurt worse. Nothing actually addressed the root of the problems. She is undoing years of abuse to my body and I’m getting more even, and loosening muscles that have been locked up giving me range of motion I haven’t had and less pain. Sometimes a session might not seem like much but I promise you it IS and it IS doing something!

Jaimie C.

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Amethyst has been a long time friend and fellow equestrian for 15 plus years. When it came time to select a PT after my hip replacement surgery she was the only one I would consider! She is a dedicated, skilled, knowledgeable professional. Her passion for her profession is unparalleled! Thanks for getting me back in the saddle so quickly!!

Deb B.

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