30 An investigation into the relationship between rider pelvic asymmetry and equine pelvic asymmetry in relation to the use of physical therapy
Authors: K. Holmes, E. Punt, S. Charlton, A. Hunnisett
Journal: Journal of Equine Veterinary Science
Summary
# Editorial Summary Holmes and colleagues addressed a significant gap in equine research by investigating whether regular physical therapy improves pelvic symmetry in both horses and riders within established partnerships, recognising that pelvic asymmetry can compromise performance and that many practitioners treat horses and riders independently without evidence linking their postural relationships. Their prospective study compared 25 horse–rider combinations receiving regular physical therapy (four or more sessions annually) with 25untreated control pairs, using objective measurements of tuber coxae heights in standing horses and anterior superior iliac spine positioning in riders to calculate symmetry indices. Treatment pairs demonstrated significantly improved pelvic symmetry compared to controls, suggesting that consistent physical therapy interventions—whether chiropractic, osteopathic, physiotherapy or sports massage—can favourably influence postural balance in both animal and human partners. These findings have important implications for practice: they provide preliminary evidence that integrated treatment approaches may be more effective than addressing horse or rider in isolation, and they support the case for recommending regular preventative therapy rather than intervention only during performance problems. Further research using larger cohorts and multimodal imaging would strengthen these observations, but this work offers a timely foundation for evidence-based recommendations around treatment frequency and the biomechanical interdependence of the ridden horse system.
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Practical Takeaways
- •Regular physical therapy (chiropractic, osteopathy, physiotherapy, or sports massage) for both horse and rider may improve pelvic symmetry and musculoskeletal balance
- •Pelvic symmetry assessment in both horse and rider can serve as an objective marker of musculoskeletal health and performance readiness
- •Consider treating horse/rider as a combined unit rather than independently, as asymmetry in one may affect the other
Key Findings
- •Study compared pelvic symmetry in 25 horse/rider pairs receiving regular physical therapy (4+ times/year) versus 25 control pairs receiving no therapy
- •Measurements included horse tuber coxae heights and rider anterior superior iliac spine position using plumb line methodology
- •Symmetry indices were calculated and analyzed using Mann Whitney and regression analysis tests