ROB'S VETERINARY

Equine Musculoskeletal Medicine

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Dr Rob Willis works with horses across a wide range of disciplines including dressage, show-jumping, eventing, pleasure riding and thoroughbred racing.

Consultations focus on chronic pain management, movement dysfunction, mobility limitations and performance-related musculoskeletal issues in both athletic and ageing horses.

Many horses present with subtle changes under saddle that may not always be associated with a clear, measurable lameness but are nevertheless affecting comfort, movement quality and performance.

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These may include:

> resistance under saddle

> one sidedness

> difficulty with canter transitions

> reduced willingness to move forward

> changes in posture or movement symmetry

> behavioural changes associated with discomfort

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Rob's approach combines veterinary medicine, acupuncture, movement assessment and neuromuscular techniques to help improve comfort, functional movement and overall performance.

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Where appropriate, Rob works collaboratively alongside primary care veterinarian, trainers, farriers and allied equine professionals to support long-term management and outcomes.

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Conditions commonly assessed include:

 

• ​Chronic Pain and Degenerative Conditions

  • ​osteoarthritis

  • chronic joint disease

  • age-related mobility decline

  • compensatory musculoskeletal discomfort

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• Neck, Back & Pelvic Dysfunction

  • thoracolumbar discomfort

  • reduced spinal mobility

  • lower back, sacroiliac and pelvic region pain

  • postural and movement asymmetry

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• Performance & Functional Movement Issues

  • unexplained decline in performance

  • resistance under saddle

  • canter transition difficulties

  • one sidedness

  • reduced impulsion or engagement

  • subtle movement abnormalities

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• Behavioural Changes Associated With Pain

  • girth sensitivity

  • bucking

  • reluctance to work

  • behavioural resistance linked to musculoskeletal discomfort

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• Geriatric & Quality of Life Care

  • chronic stiffness

  • comfort management

  • mobility support

  • quality of life maintenance in older horses

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