Infinity Equine

04/11/2026

𝐖𝐡𝐞𝐧 𝐋𝐢𝐦𝐛 𝐏𝐚𝐭𝐡𝐨𝐥𝐨𝐠𝐲 𝐢𝐧 𝐇𝐨𝐫𝐬𝐞𝐬 𝐓𝐞𝐥𝐥𝐬 𝐚 𝐃𝐞𝐞𝐩𝐞𝐫 𝐒𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐲: 𝐀𝐧 𝐎𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐨𝐩𝐚𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐜 𝐏𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐩𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐯𝐞

In equine practice, limb pathology is often the most visible and immediate concern. Lameness, swelling, stiffness, or asymmetry in movement typically draws attention to the legs first. However, from the perspective of Equine European Visceral Osteopathy, these outward signs are rarely isolated events. Instead, they are frequently the result of either acute trauma or long-standing compensatory patterns within the body.

Understanding this distinction is essential for anyone seeking not only to treat symptoms, but to resolve the underlying cause.

𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐋𝐢𝐦𝐛 𝐚𝐬 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐅𝐢𝐧𝐚𝐥 𝐌𝐞𝐬𝐬𝐞𝐧𝐠𝐞𝐫
A horse’s limbs bear weight, absorb impact, and respond to subtle shifts in balance across the entire body. Because of this, they often become the “final messenger” of dysfunction rather than the original source.

When pathology appears in a limb… whether as tendon strain, joint inflammation and changes, arthritic changes, chronic lameness… it is important to ask:

Is this the result of a specific incident, or the manifestation of a deeper, long-standing imbalance?

𝐓𝐫𝐚𝐮𝐦𝐚: 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐎𝐛𝐯𝐢𝐨𝐮𝐬 𝐎𝐫𝐢𝐠𝐢𝐧
Acute trauma is the more straightforward explanation. A misstep, fall, overexertion, or external injury can directly damage structures within the limb. In these cases, the onset is typically sudden, and the cause can often be traced to a specific event.

Even so, European Osteopathy encourages a broader view. Why did the injury occur? Was the horse compensating already? Was coordination, proprioception, or balance compromised beforehand?

Trauma may be the trigger… but not always the full story.

𝐏𝐚𝐭𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐧𝐬: 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐇𝐢𝐝𝐝𝐞𝐧 𝐀𝐫𝐜𝐡𝐢𝐭𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐞 𝐨𝐟 𝐃𝐲𝐬𝐟𝐮𝐧𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧
More often than expected, limb pathology reflects patterns that have developed gradually over time. These patterns may originate far from the limb itself, involving restrictions within the viscera, fascia, axial skeleton or even cranial sacral.

For example:
• A restriction in the thoracic cavity may subtly alter weight distribution.
• Visceral tension affecting the digestive organs can influence posture and spinal mobility.
• Compensations in the pelvis or ribcage may shift loading patterns onto specific limbs.

Over weeks or months, these adaptations create uneven stress. Eventually, the limb tissues… tendons, ligaments, joints… reach a threshold and begin to fail.

In this context, the limb is not the problem. It is the structure that could no longer compensate.

𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐑𝐨𝐥𝐞 𝐨𝐟 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐕𝐢𝐬𝐜𝐞𝐫𝐚
European Visceral Osteopathy places particular emphasis on the relationship between internal organs and musculoskeletal function. The viscera are not passive; they are dynamically connected through fascial networks, neurological pathways, and mechanical relationships.

Restrictions in organ mobility or motility can:
• Alter the horse’s posture
• Influence breathing patterns
• Change spinal mechanics
• Create asymmetrical tension throughout the body

These changes often manifest distally… in the limbs… where mechanical stress accumulates.

𝐂𝐨𝐦𝐩𝐞𝐧𝐬𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐀𝐝𝐚𝐩𝐭𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧
Horses are masters of compensation. Their survival depends on their ability to continue moving efficiently despite discomfort or restriction. However, compensation is not resolution.

A horse may redistribute weight away from a restricted area, adjust stride length, or alter joint loading patterns. While this allows continued performance, it also creates new stresses elsewhere.
Over time, these compensatory strategies become ingrained patterns. Limb pathology is frequently the point at which the system can no longer sustain those adaptations.

𝐀 𝐖𝐡𝐨𝐥𝐞 𝐀𝐩𝐩𝐫𝐨𝐚𝐜𝐡 𝐭𝐨 𝐑𝐞𝐬𝐨𝐥𝐮𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧
From Equine European Visceral Effective long-term outcomes require looking beyond the site of symptom. While local care of the limb is essential, the whole horse should be taken into consideration.

By understanding the whole body in a compensatory and decompensatory perspective, we not only work to relieve symptoms but restore adaptability and homeostasis within the whole body.

Limb pathology in horses is rarely an isolated issue. Whether arising from acute trauma or long-standing internal patterns, it reflects the complex interplay of structure, function, and adaptation within the body.

Equine European Visceral Osteopathy invites us to see these signs differently… not as problems confined to the legs, but as messages from a system that has been compensating for some time.

𝐓𝐨 𝐭𝐫𝐮𝐥𝐲 𝐬𝐮𝐩𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐡𝐨𝐫𝐬𝐞, 𝐰𝐞 𝐦𝐮𝐬𝐭 𝐥𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐧 𝐭𝐨 𝐭𝐡𝐨𝐬𝐞 𝐦𝐞𝐬𝐬𝐚𝐠𝐞𝐬 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐥𝐨𝐨𝐤 𝐝𝐞𝐞𝐩𝐞𝐫.

*images from Google Images*

04/10/2026

Early mornings and open roads to Jersey never disappoint. The views hit different when you leave before the world wakes up. Spent the day with great horses and even better people—doesn’t get much better than that.

04/08/2026

𝘿𝙤 𝙮𝙤𝙪 𝙝𝙖𝙫𝙚 𝙖 𝙢𝙖𝙧𝙚 𝙩𝙝𝙖𝙩 𝙞𝙨 𝙡𝙖𝙘𝙩𝙖𝙩𝙞𝙣𝙜 & 𝙥𝙧𝙤𝙙𝙪𝙘𝙚𝙨 𝙢𝙞𝙡𝙠/ 𝙩𝙝𝙖𝙩 𝙨𝙝𝙤𝙪𝙡𝙙 𝙣𝙤𝙩?

Often, we come across imbalances in the endocrine/hormone system.

Understanding anatomy, physiology, and mobility of all structures in the body leads us to be able to regulate these imbalances and find a healthy baseline/ homeostasis.

Generally, the allopathic remedy is to prescribe medication for cushings or hormone issues. While these may subside the symptoms, the cause lurks in the background.

04/03/2026

04/01/2026

𝐖𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐖𝐞 𝐂𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐨𝐧𝐥𝐲 𝐒𝐞𝐞 𝐢𝐧 𝐄𝐪𝐮𝐢𝐧𝐞 𝐃𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐲

While we provide routine, preventative care, we are most often called for intricate and challenging cases. We love solving a good mystery—especially when it leads to genuine relief and long-term wellness for the horse.

Most owners are taught that every 6–12 months (and sometimes as often as every 3 months) they should call a “dentist” (often a dental technician or veterinarian) to float their horse’s teeth. Floating has become so normalized as part of “good ownership” that when it isn’t done, many owners feel guilty.

At Infinity Equine, we have spent years studying anatomy and physiology down to the cellular level. That depth of education has given us a very different perspective—one we feel compelled to share so we can help as many horses as possible.

Here is a fundamental truth that is often overlooked:

Horses have a limited supply of teeth for their lifetime. Once a tooth is floated away, it is gone forever.

Because of this, we approach dentistry with great care. Any time a tool is taken to a tooth, it must be in the horse’s best long-term interest, not simply to make things “look even” in the moment.

What We Find in Over 90% of Horses We See

•Mandible (jaw) misalignment
This is intricately related to the cranium, neck, and entire body. Often, the primary cause is trauma or the cause does not originate in the head. Even “adjusting” the mandible will not resolve the issue if the restriction exists elsewhere in the body.

•Sensitivity at the poll
This is directly related to nerve innervation being compromised due to restrictions within the cranial and cervical structures.

•Rounded teeth
Horses are meant to have a natural cutting edge. This develops through proper chewing mechanics that align with normal anatomy and physiology. Compromised horses often chew inefficiently and spit out forage.

•Bit seats
Over-removal of the first premolars creates significant imbalance within the mouth. These teeth are often the first a horse loses due to excessive floating.

•Neglect of the incisors
True occlusal balance must include the incisors. When incisors are left long, it creates immense pressure, leads to "arthritis" of those teeth and prone to infection and pain.

•Over-floating of the incisors
This creates dysfunctions that affect not only the mouth, but the entire body.

•Excessive removal of premolars and molars, sometimes to the point of exposing the pulp chamber
This is extremely detrimental, exposes nerves, and is profoundly painful. Often the tooth becomes non-vital, cavities develop, and secondary issues such as sinus infections follow.

•Flattening of the teeth
Horse teeth are not meant to be flat. Natural ridging is essential for proper chewing and digestion.

•Over-corrections
These frequently lead to further discomfort, decompensatory patterns, and pain elsewhere in the body.

•Treating the teeth without understanding why the pathology exists
When the cause is not addressed, the pathology simply returns or the changes create additional decompensatory patterns.

Our Perspective
We believe a horse’s anatomy, physiology, and mobility must be respected. To truly support healthy occlusion, the entire horse must be understood—not just the teeth.

Our clients consistently observe that when the cause restrictions are addressed and the horse becomes more adaptable from the inside out, the need for frequent dentistry changes. Horses begin to manage themselves more as nature intended.

Our Recommendation
We recommend regular assessments—at minimum once per year, and preferably every six months. This allows us to identify concerns early, support true prevention, and intervene only when it is genuinely necessary.

*Often we are limited in the degree we can help a horse due to the amount of teeth already filed away*

More understanding = better outcomes for the horse.

03/29/2026

𝐖𝐞’𝐥𝐥 𝐛𝐞 𝐢𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐦𝐛𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐛𝐮𝐫𝐠 & 𝐆𝐞𝐭𝐭𝐲𝐬𝐛𝐮𝐫𝐠, 𝐏𝐀 𝐚𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐬 𝐨𝐧 𝐀𝐩𝐫𝐢𝐥 𝟏𝟒𝐭𝐡 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐡𝐚𝐯𝐞 𝐚𝐧 𝐨𝐩𝐞𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐚𝐯𝐚𝐢𝐥𝐚𝐛𝐥𝐞. 𝐈𝐟 𝐲𝐨𝐮’𝐫𝐞 𝐢𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐝, 𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐜𝐡 𝐨𝐮𝐭 𝐚𝐬 𝐬𝐨𝐨𝐧 𝐚𝐬 𝐩𝐨𝐬𝐬𝐢𝐛𝐥𝐞!

𝐍𝐨𝐰 𝐒𝐜𝐡𝐞𝐝𝐮𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐠:
• Equine Osteopathy
• Osteopathic Dentistry
• Osteopathic Podiatry
• Osteopathic Training

If your horse is showing signs of:
✔️ Resistance under saddle
✔️ Difficulty bending or picking up leads
✔️ TMJ tension, head tossing, or bit issues
✔️ Chronic lameness or recurring hoof imbalance
✔️ Performance plateaus
✔️ Behavior changes you can’t quite explain

…it may be time for a full-body osteopathic assessment.

But this isn’t just about fixing problems.

We also specialize in proactive maintenance—helping prevent small restrictions from becoming major concerns.

🔹 Equine Osteopathy — Restore balance, mobility & overall system function
🔹 Osteopathic Dentistry — Support TMJ, cranial motion & whole-body performance
🔹 Osteopathic Podiatry — Functional hoof balance that supports the entire body
🔹 Osteopathic Training — Biomechanically correct development for long-term soundness

Our approach is comprehensive, hands-on, and performance-focused—designed to create measurable change while protecting your horse’s long-term health.

Spots fill quickly, and appointments are grouped by area.

03/28/2026

𝐇𝐨𝐨𝐟 𝐬𝐨𝐫𝐞𝐧𝐞𝐬𝐬, 𝐢𝐧𝐟𝐥𝐚𝐦𝐦𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐧𝐮𝐭𝐫𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧.

Super hot topic generally misunderstood with many assumptions. Often the education is limited to only one aspect, system, or portion of the body.

We have the privilege of looking at more than just hoof care. This brings a whole new perspective, which ties the entire bodies anatomy and physiology to the hooves.

𝐇𝐨𝐨𝐟 𝐁𝐚𝐥𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞
Bringing balance to all the hoof structures is a process in itself. Depending on the current balance of the hoof, changes may or may not bring what we call "soreness" or "discomfort.""

The reason for that is each structure inside the hoof "has a job." If the appropriate job for that structure has not been fulfilled, asking it to "do its job" may bring a new sensation to the hoof. We usually compare this to playing a guitar or piano. At first, your fingers become sore until the tissue and structures involved become "strong enough" to ensure what you're doing.

𝐄𝐧𝐭𝐢𝐫𝐞 𝐁𝐨𝐝𝐲
On the other hand, we have many structures that are connected to the hooves and affected by them as well. In order to be successful, it is important to understand the bodies entire mobility (inside and out). By changing the hoof function, it is important to understand the mobility of the entire body!

For example, their is a fascial connection from the hoof to the temporal bone in the skull. This balance affects each other. If the teeth do not compliment the hoof balance and vice versa, imbalances up to behavior issues can and will exist.

𝐍𝐮𝐭𝐫𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧
Lastly, the fun part. Nutrition.
It is simple, either the body can efficiently use what is being fed or not. Items like molasses, corn, soy, etc. all have their consequences in the body. Horses are simply not made to ingest these items.

On the other hand, macro and micro nutrients that are synthetic (not nature created) also have their own repercussions, and the internal body and physiological processes are hindered. Outwardly, these consequences are a bit harder to see as the internal body struggles first.

Ionized nutrition and supplements are MADE for the body to metabolize, and the anatomy and physiology of the body are most happy. The organs' function and physiological processes in the body thrive.

It takes time to remove all the synthetics, heavy metals, and waste and is not an overnight fix. Waste, heavy metals, toxins, and ingredients that horses simply are not made to ingest cause INFLAMMATION! These horses WILL be sore with changes to their hooves!

Too many factors exist in balancing hooves. This is the main reason we take the entire body and function into consideration.

Pictures by C V Horst Plastination

03/25/2026

𝐍𝐨𝐭 𝐀𝐥𝐥 𝐎𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐨𝐩𝐚𝐭𝐡𝐲 𝐈𝐬 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐒𝐚𝐦𝐞
𝑼𝒏𝒅𝒆𝒓𝒔𝒕𝒂𝒏𝒅𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝑫𝒊𝒗𝒊𝒅𝒆 𝑩𝒆𝒕𝒘𝒆𝒆𝒏 𝑼.𝑺. 𝑷𝒓𝒐𝒈𝒓𝒂𝒎𝒔 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝑬𝒖𝒓𝒐𝒑𝒆𝒂𝒏 𝑶𝒔𝒕𝒆𝒐𝒑𝒂𝒕𝒉𝒊𝒄 𝑻𝒓𝒂𝒊𝒏𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒊𝒏 𝑬𝒒𝒖𝒊𝒏𝒆 𝑷𝒓𝒂𝒄𝒕𝒊𝒄𝒆

For horse owners and professionals, understanding this distinction is essential. When it comes to equine osteopathy, not all practitioners are trained equally. That difference can directly impact outcomes.

The word osteopathy is widely used across both human and equine professions --- but it is far from universally defined, and it is certainly not universally taught. Behind this shared terminology lies a profound difference in education, philosophy, and clinical depth.

True osteopathy is far more than a collection of techniques. It demands an in-depth understanding of anatomy and physiology, and of the intricate relationships between all systems of the body --- even down to the cellular level.

𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐒𝐡𝐢𝐟𝐭 𝐢𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐔𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐞𝐝 𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐬 𝐎𝐯𝐞𝐫 𝐓𝐢𝐦𝐞
Osteopathy in the United States evolved alongside conventional medicine. As it integrated into the modern healthcare system, much of its original depth, intent and distinctiveness was reduced..

In the equine field, U.S.-based programs adopted a therapy-based model. These programs often focus on:
• Learning specific hands-on techniques
• Addressing areas of tension or restriction
• Improving movement and comfort in localized regions

While valuable, this type of training is shorter in duration and narrower in scope. The emphasis is often on what to treat, rather than fully understanding why the dysfunction exists.

𝐄𝐮𝐫𝐨𝐩𝐞𝐚𝐧 𝐎𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐨𝐩𝐚𝐭𝐡𝐲: 𝐌𝐚𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐖𝐡𝐨𝐥𝐞-𝐁𝐨𝐝𝐲 𝐀𝐩𝐩𝐫𝐨𝐚𝐜𝐡
A European-trained osteopath completes a minimum of 4.5 to 5 years of education.

This training includes but not limited to:
• Comprehensive anatomy and of all body systems
• Advanced physiology and biomechanics
• Neurology and fluid dynamics
• Embryology and tissue development
• Highly refined palpation skills
• Full body assessment determining compensatory and decompensatory patterns across all body systems

Rather than focusing on isolated issues, understanding the body as a dynamic, interconnected system --- and to identify the primary cause of dysfunction. The question we ask is: 𝑾𝒉𝒚 𝒊𝒔 𝒕𝒉𝒊𝒔 𝒓𝒆𝒔𝒕𝒓𝒊𝒄𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏 𝒑𝒓𝒆𝒔𝒆𝒏𝒕 𝒊𝒏 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒇𝒊𝒓𝒔𝒕 𝒑𝒍𝒂𝒄𝒆? This question changes everything. Because the site of pain or stiffness is often not the origin of the problem. A restriction in the back, for example, may be the result of:
• Visceral tension
• Neurological imbalance
• Compensation from a distant structural issue
• Long-standing adaptive patterns within the body

Without identifying and addressing the cause, treatment remains incomplete.

Put simply:
• Therapy treats the effect/ symptom
• Osteopathy seeks and treats the cause

At Infinity Equine, we practice European Equine Visceral Osteopathy --- an incredibly comprehensive approach to understanding the horse as a whole. We carry that perspective beyond the body into dentistry, podiatry, and even how we ride and train, so everything works together in support of the horse.

03/23/2026

𝐄𝐎𝐓𝐑𝐇 𝐓𝐡𝐫𝐨𝐮𝐠𝐡 𝐚𝐧 𝐎𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐨𝐩𝐚𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐜 𝐋𝐞𝐧𝐬: 𝐖𝐡𝐞𝐧 𝐒𝐭𝐫𝐮𝐜𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐞 𝐃𝐢𝐜𝐭𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐬 𝐎𝐮𝐭𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐞

Equine Odontoclastic Tooth Resorption and Hypercementosis (EOTRH) is often approached as a localized, idiopathic dental disease. Yet, when viewed through the osteopathic principles of Andrew Taylor Still, a far more cohesive—and predictable—pattern emerges.

At the heart of this perspective is the principle that structure dictates function. When structure is altered, function must adapt—and over time, these adaptations lead to breakdown.
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𝑺𝒕𝒓𝒖𝒄𝒕𝒖𝒓𝒆 𝑮𝒐𝒗𝒆𝒓𝒏𝒔 𝑭𝒖𝒏𝒄𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏: 𝑩𝒆𝒚𝒐𝒏𝒅 𝑱𝒖𝒔𝒕 𝑻𝒆𝒆𝒕𝒉 𝑰𝒏 𝒉𝒐𝒓𝒔𝒆𝒔 𝒘𝒊𝒕𝒉 𝑬𝑶𝑻𝑹𝑯, 𝒂 𝒄𝒐𝒏𝒔𝒊𝒔𝒕𝒆𝒏𝒕 𝒑𝒂𝒕𝒕𝒆𝒓𝒏 𝒆𝒎𝒆𝒓𝒈𝒆𝒔:
• Malocclusion
• Disproportion between incisors and molars (often long incisors, over-floated molars)
• TMJ compression and disc dysfunction
• Flattened Angle of Wilson
• Loss of healthy ridging & cutting edge
• Upper cervical restriction
• Cranial bone imbalance

A mechanical imbalance between incisors and molars is not isolated. It cascades along a broader compensatory chain:

𝙸𝚗𝚌𝚒𝚜𝚘𝚛𝚜 → 𝙼𝚘𝚕𝚊𝚛𝚜 → 𝚃𝙼𝙹 → 𝙲𝚛𝚊𝚗𝚒𝚊𝚕 𝙱𝚘𝚗𝚎𝚜 → 𝚄𝚙𝚙𝚎𝚛 𝙲𝚎𝚛𝚟𝚒𝚌𝚊𝚕 𝚂𝚙𝚒𝚗𝚎 → 𝚆𝚑𝚘𝚕𝚎 𝙱𝚘𝚍𝚢

This is not coincidence—it is a predictable biomechanical cascade.
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𝑻𝑴𝑱 𝑪𝒐𝒎𝒑𝒓𝒆𝒔𝒔𝒊𝒐𝒏 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝑫𝒊𝒔𝒄 𝑫𝒚𝒔𝒇𝒖𝒏𝒄𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏: A Central Mechanism
The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) distributes forces during chewing. When occlusion is imbalanced:
• The TMJ is compressed
• The articular disc may be displaced or restricted
• Normal joint motion is altered

This leads to:
• Uneven cranial loading
• Compensatory strain patterns in cranial bones
• Altered neurological input via the trigeminal nerve
• Disturbed blood and fluid flow
• Change to tissue tension, tone and atrophy

Dysfunction extends into the upper cervical spine, reinforcing the cycle of imbalance.
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𝑻𝒆𝒆𝒕𝒉 𝒂𝒔 𝑱𝒐𝒊𝒏𝒕𝒔: A Critical Shift in Perspective
Each tooth within its socket functions like a joint, requiring:
• Balanced forces
• Proper alignment
• Healthy vascular and neurological support

When incisors are too long or molars over-floated:
• Grinding mechanics are compromised
• Abnormal forces concentrate in specific areas
• The “tooth joint” becomes disordered, akin to malalignment and arthritic change
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𝑨𝒅𝒂𝒑𝒕𝒂𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏 𝑩𝒆𝒄𝒐𝒎𝒆𝒔 𝑷𝒂𝒕𝒉𝒐𝒍𝒐𝒈𝒚
Chronic instability and abnormal loading trigger protective responses:
• Excess cementum deposition (hypercementosis)
• Local inflammation
• Altered vascular flow
• Modified neurological signaling

Initially protective, these adaptations eventually:
• Increase pressure within periodontal structures
• Heighten susceptibility to resorption
• Elevate infection risk

EOTRH thus represents the end-stage expression of long-term compensation.
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𝑨 𝑷𝒓𝒆𝒅𝒊𝒄𝒕𝒂𝒃𝒍𝒆, 𝑺𝒚𝒔𝒕𝒆𝒎𝒊𝒄 𝑷𝒂𝒕𝒕𝒆𝒓𝒏
Viewed osteopathically, EOTRH follows a repeatable progression:
1. Mechanical imbalance between incisors and molars
2. TMJ compression and disc dysfunction
3. Cranial bone strain patterns
4. Upper cervical restriction
5. Altered neurological and vascular dynamics
6. Local dental adaptation (hypercementosis, resorption)

This is not random. It is the body responding, step by step, to unresolved dysfunction.
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𝑨𝒏 𝑶𝒔𝒕𝒆𝒐𝒑𝒂𝒕𝒉𝒊𝒄 𝑨𝒑𝒑𝒓𝒐𝒂𝒄𝒉
Every horse exhibits unique disorders so work must be tailored through careful, individualized assessment.

A whole-system osteopathic approach is not limited to, but may include:
• Ceasing dental practices that create imbalance
• Enhancing fluid flow throughout the body
• Supporting parietal, visceral, and craniosacral mobility
• Improving TMJ mobility and reducing compression

Each intervention is guided by the horse’s individual anatomy and physiology, addressing the interconnected relationships between structure and function to restore overall balance and adaptability.
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Through the lens of Osteopathy, EOTRH is not simply a disease of the teeth. It is the predictable outcome of unresolved imbalance propagating through an interconnected system.

The teeth reflect the problem—when structure is lost, function adapts.

When adaptation is exceeded, pathology becomes inevitable.

About the Author
Christina Hall E.O.
Equine Osteopath, Equine Osteopathic Dentist & Podiatrist
Facebook: Christina Hall

Photo credit: The Horse & Midwest D.S.

03/22/2026

Important information about calcium!

𝐓𝐨𝐨 𝐌𝐮𝐜𝐡 𝐂𝐚𝐥𝐜𝐢𝐮𝐦? 𝐖𝐡𝐲 𝐈𝐭 𝐌𝐚𝐭𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐬 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐘𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐇𝐨𝐫𝐬𝐞

Calcium is vital for bones, muscle function, and overall health—but too much can do more harm than good. Unlike humans, horses don’t excrete calcium efficiently through urine. Instead, their kidneys take on the excess load, which can create long-term health risks if levels run too high (Meyer & Coenen, Equine Nutrition, 2014).

Why Excess Calcium is a Problem:

Kidney Stress: Extra calcium can lead to mineral deposits and kidney stones. In humans, high calcium intake is directly linked to kidney stone formation (NIH, 2020; Curhan et al., New England Journal of Medicine, 1997). Horses show similar risks when fed prolonged excess calcium, as the kidneys become overloaded (Geor et al., Equine Applied and Clinical Nutrition, 2013).

Nutrient Imbalance: Oversupplementation blocks absorption of other key minerals such as magnesium, zinc, and phosphorus, creating deficiencies even when those nutrients are present (NRC, Nutrient Requirements of Horses, 2007).

Growth Issues: Young horses are especially vulnerable—imbalanced calcium-to-phosphorus ratios can interfere with proper skeletal development and lead to developmental orthopedic disease (Savage et al., Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association, 1993).

Metabolic Burden: More is not better. Excess calcium forces the body to work harder to restore balance, draining energy from other systems (Meyer & Coenen, 2014).

Caution with Synthetics
Many commercial feeds and supplements rely on synthetic calcium sources that are harder for the body to utilize efficiently. These can linger in the system, increasing the risk of overload (Coenen, Equine Nutrition and Feeding, 2008).

Why Natural, Bioavailable Sources Matter
Supplements made with high-quality, natural ingredients provide calcium in a form the body can actually use. When nutrients are delivered in a bioavailable way, they help maintain balance rather than disrupt it (NRC, 2007).

Takeaway
Your horse needs calcium—but in the right amount, and from the right source. Grasses typically provide healthier calcium levels than legumes (Duren, Kentucky Equine Research, 2016). When supplementation is necessary, natural, bioavailable forms are the safest choice.

Balance over excess. Quality over synthetics. That’s the key to long-term equine health.

That’s why in our formulas, we only use natural, bioavailable mineral sources—with careful attention to avoiding oversupplementation.

References:

National Research Council (NRC). Nutrient Requirements of Horses. 6th Revised Edition. 2007.

Meyer H., Coenen M. Equine Nutrition: Nutrition and Feeding of Horses and Ponies. 2014.

Geor R.J., Harris P.A., Coenen M. Equine Applied and Clinical Nutrition. Elsevier, 2013.

Curhan G.C. et al. "Beverage use and risk for kidney stones in women." New England Journal of Medicine. 1997.

Savage C.J. et al. "Effects of calcium and phosphorus supplementation on bone development in young horses." JAVMA. 1993.

Duren, S. “Calcium and Phosphorus Requirements in Horses.” Kentucky Equine Research, 2016.

Coenen M. Equine Nutrition and Feeding. 2008.

National Institutes of Health (NIH). "Calcium and Vitamin D: Important at Every Age." 2020.

**image taken from google images**