A Practical Guide to Exercise Prescription in Equine Rehabilitation

Designed for equine practitioners, this book introduces the core principles of exercise prescription and clinical reasoning required to deliver effective, evidence-informed rehabilitation programs. Drawing on both human and equine research, it bridges the gap between theory and practice to support safe progression, optimal tissue adaptation, and improved performance outcomes.

The focus is on helping practitioners confidently design and progress rehabilitation programs that facilitate a return to pre-injury function-or enhance performance-through structured, goal-driven exercise prescription.

Across 126 pages, the book covers:

- Fundamental principles of rehabilitation and exercise prescription

- The stages of equine rehabilitation

- Pain, mobility and flexibility, strength, power, endurance, and interval training

- The Goldilocks Principle: finding the optimal exercise dose

- Setting meaningful and measurable SMART goals

- Selecting and applying outcome measures

- A critical review of current research on equine rehabilitation tools and practices

- Step-by-step guidance on designing effective rehabilitation programs

Three detailed case studies illustrate real-world clinical reasoning, including program design, goal setting, and outcome measurement. Case examples address:

- Acute tendon injury

- Kissing spines

- Thoracic asymmetry and postural dysfunction

An extensive reference list supports further learning and evidence-based practice, making this book a practical resource for equine physiotherapists, veterinarians, and rehabilitation professionals seeking to strengthen their clinical decision-making and exercise prescription skills.

Kristin is an equine and human physiotherapist. After many years of working in musculoskeletal and sports physiotherapy, she undertook further training in equine physiotherapy, working closely with leading veterinarians and physiotherapists in the field of equine rehabilitation. Her clinical work is grounded in biomechanical analysis and exercise prescription, and she is passionate about providing practical, evidence-based solutions to help both horse and rider reach their full performance potential.Along with her business partner, Emma Mathlin, Kristin has worked with associations including Equestrian NSW, the National High Performance Squads, Dressage NSW Young Riders, and has consulted for equestrian associations and thoroughbred racing / breeding. She has presented for groups such as the Australian Physiotherapy Association, International Association of Veterinary Rehabilitation and Physical Therapy, Swiss Federation of Animal Physiotherapy, The Association of Chartered Physiotherapists in Animal Therapy, Onlinepethealth and Dr David Marlin.

An experienced human and animal physiotherapist, Emma works with horses and riders of all levels and disciplines. In addition to master's level animal physiotherapy qualifications, she has also completed a post graduate master's in sports science. As part of this study she conducted research into the effect of rider experience on the horse kinematics of show jumping. At an elite level, Emma has worked with the Australian equestrian team, attending both the World Equestrian Games in 2014 and the Rio 2016 Olympics. She is interested in all areas of equestrian performance, including fitness and posture training for riders and biomechanical analysis and movement training for horse and rider. She loves to assist the horse and rider partnership to improve their performance. Along with her business partner, Kristin Dean, Emma has worked with associations including Equestrian NSW, the National High Performance Squads, Dressage NSW Young Riders, and has consulted for equestrian associations and thoroughbred racing / breeding. She has presented for groups such as the Australian Physiotherapy Association, International Association of Veterinary Rehabilitation and Physical Therapy, Swiss Federation of Animal Physiotherapy, The Association of Chartered Physiotherapists in Animal Therapy, Onlinepethealth and Dr David Marlin.