Horses

Because horses are asked to ride, jump, exercise, work, compete, stand in the stall for long periods of time, etc., their body is put under tremendous stress. This stress can lead to a condition referred to as «vertebral subluxation complex» (VCS).

When vertebrae become immovable through trauma, injury or degenerative wear and tear, the joints between them become jammed, often affecting the nerves that are in these congested areas. Because the nerves are the communication links from these joints to the brain and spinal cord, messages to the rest of the body become interrupted, leading to pain and loss of function

​Signs that a horse has a VCS:

• Pain and stiffness when moving or being touched

• Reduced performance

• Negative changes in behavior or attitude

• Abnormal gait, shortened stride or lameness

• Inability or difficulty in taking a lead

• Bucking

• Difficulty or inability to collect

• Pinning ears or snapping when being cinched

• Difficulty flexing at poll

• Changes in posture

• Resistance to being ridden