Horse And Rider Physio-Sophie Hargreaves

Horse And Rider Physio-Sophie Hargreaves Qualified physio for horses and people (ACC registered for people) and advanced Equipilates and biom

Sophie completed her physiotherapy in Otago in 1990 and trained for horse physiotheray in UK in 1991 with multiple continuing education courses since then. Sophie has a background in horses both competitive and racing
Most people recognise when their horses are sore. The following need to be considered
feet/shoeing
teeth
saddle fit
nutrition
musculoskeletal
rider symmetry and balance
Often your vet needs to assess your horse musculoskeletaly especially for lameness. Sophie is available to treat your horse with soft tissue/bodywork and assess rider posture, mobility and stability in relation to riding
Both you and your horse can be assessed and treated at your place or for rider assessment you can be seen in Avonhead, Christchurch or at other clinics happening around canterbury. Rider treatment includes a combination of soft tissue release and a home programme of pilates type exercise (including breathing awareness), swiss ball and stretches as well as assessment on a saddle stand with your own saddle
(ACC registered if you have or need an ACC claim)
Also available to treat any soft tissue injuries. Be treated by a physiotherapist who understands the demands of riding to rehabilitate you back to your sport quickly with rider specific exercises

EQUIFEST Equifest Come and have a massage on the Mobiliser, try the TeleRein , Equicube, Alignmed posture bra, Bump Cap,...
16/10/2025

EQUIFEST Equifest
Come and have a massage on the Mobiliser, try the TeleRein , Equicube, Alignmed posture bra, Bump Cap, Long Bands, Visualise, Equicore jackets plus more

13/10/2025

I will have these bands plus the gloves and jackets at Equifest. Plus lots of other goodies. Come and try them on the saddle stand with sensors with the Telerein and see if you notice an improvement https://www.facebook.com/share/v/1FgUJnP76r/

This also applies to horseshttps://www.facebook.com/share/19ajMmgPTV/
07/10/2025

This also applies to horses
https://www.facebook.com/share/19ajMmgPTV/

Imaging (such as scans and X-rays) shows your current anatomy, not your pain.⁣
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A lot of people with back pain are keen to get an x-ray or MRI scan as they feel this will show them what the problem is.⁣
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But there is a large and growing body of research which shows that not only do the results of scans correlate poorly with symptoms in people with back pain, but also that people without any back pain have changes on scans and x-rays. It has been shown that using scans can cause false alarms, and make people fearful of moving. This fear of movement can actually make the symptoms worse.⁣
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A large scale study in 2015 looked at the results of scans in over 3000 asymptomatic people (people with no back pain). They showed that the prevalence of disc degeneration increased from 37% of 20 year olds up to 96% of 80 year olds. The prevalence of disc bulges increased from 30% of 20 year olds up to 84% of 80 year olds. And the prevalence of disc protrusions increased from 29% of 20 year olds up to 43% of 80 year olds.⁣
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Their conclusions were that many imaging findings are likely to be a normal part of the aging process. Think of it like wrinkles on the inside.⁣
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➡️ This is not to say that MRI scans or x-rays should not be used for back pain. In the presence of serious or sinister signs and symptoms, MRI and other investigative radiology are essential to make a quick and accurate diagnosis and fast intervention.⁣
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➡️ Scans are there to exclude the worst of the worst pathologies, but when it comes to everything else they cannot, and do not, tell us where the pain is coming from.⁣
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➡️ If you have severe, unremitting back pain with referred symptoms then it is definitely good to see your GP or a Chartered Physiotherapist for an assessment.⁣
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➡️ If you have had a scan and are worried about the findings, remember that people with no pain also have disc bulges, wear and tear, disc degeneration, etc on scans and that these findings might not necessarily correlate with your pain.⁣
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Don’t fear the language and don’t fear movement - movement is your friend 🤸‍♀️⁣
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💙 Breathe better, move better, ride better⁣
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Maeve⁣
⁣
⁣

I have these bands in stockhttps://www.facebook.com/share/p/1Ga5C2Ujs9/
25/09/2025

I have these bands in stock

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1Ga5C2Ujs9/

Can resistance bands be useful in equine rehab?

Research by Ellis et al. (2023) and Zarski et al. (2024) found the use of resistance bands improves spinal stability and stride symmetry in horses.

When used correctly and at the right time, under the guidance of a professional, resistance bands can help to activate postural and core muscles.

Consider incorporating resistance bands into your equine rehab practice as a means to improve dynamic stability and gait symmetry 👌

ON HORSE SESSION AVAILABILITY SEPTEMBER Hopfully everyone is feeling more inspired to ride with the better weather and l...
09/09/2025

ON HORSE SESSION AVAILABILITY SEPTEMBER

Hopfully everyone is feeling more inspired to ride with the better weather and longer days

I have on horse session Availability

1. Sunday 14th September at the indoor arena at RDA
2. Sunday 21st at Mcleans Island ( in conjunction with Sarah at VDS Equestrian Poles Plus Social Club ( you dont have to be part of the poles day but it is a fabulous combo)
3. A variety of days and times at my property on grass in Yaldhurst
4. Hopfully an Ashburton Clinic happening soon

WHAT HAPPENS AT AN ON HORSE SESSION?
It is a combo of on horse and off horse. I see you on horse for a short time, you then tie your horse up and I assess you off horse and either do releases or exercises etc, you then ride for approximately 30 mins with a focus on YOU and your position

Please pm me for information or to book
I can still see you off horse at yaldhurst a variety of other days

Address

Christchurch
7676

Telephone

+64211437632

Website

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Sophie completed her physiotherapy in Otago in 1990 and trained for horse physiotherapy in UK in 1991 with multiple continuing education courses since then. She is also an Advanced Equipilates biomechanics trainer Sophie has a background in horses both competitive and racing Most people recognise when their horses are sore. The following need to be considered feet/shoeing teeth saddle fit nutrition musculoskeletal rider symmetry and balance Often your vet needs to assess your horse musculoskeletaly especially for lameness. Sophie is available to treat your horse with soft tissue/bodywork and assess rider posture, mobility and stability in relation to riding

Both you and your horse can be assessed and treated at your place or for rider assessment you can be seen in Avonhead, Christchurch or at other clinics happening around canterbury. Rider treatment includes a combination of soft tissue release and a home programme of pilates type exercise (including breathing awareness), swiss ball and stretches as well as assessment on a saddle stand with your own saddle

On horse rider physio is also available. This looks at your straightness and symmetry on the the horse and assesses your biomechanics. Aids such as the visualise jackets, Franklin Balls and the Equicube may be used

(ACC registered if you have or need an ACC claim) Also available to treat any soft tissue injuries. Be treated by a physiotherapist who understands the demands of riding to rehabilitate you back to your sport quickly with rider specific exercises