Elite Equine Rehab - EER

21/11/2025

As there is now an EHV positive case in Colorado, we will be taking extra precautions to ensure the safety and wellbeing of all of the horses at our facilities. Upon arrival, every horse will have vaccines verified and temps taken before permitted access to treatment areas or stalls.
Additionally, we will no longer be accepting of any horse that has traveled within the NFR circuit within the last 21 days nor will we be accepting any horse that has been stabled with horses that have traveled within those same standards. Further bio-security to include surface disinfection of stalls, common areas, trailers, grooming tools and/or equipment etc will be in place.
Travel by staff to accepting facilities for treatment will adhere to the following protocols:
* Wearing a clean set of scrubs over a base layer of clothing at each facility.
* Wearing new pair disposable booties over footwear upon arrival onto premises
* Cleaning hands with antibacterial wipes/cleanser in between each horse
* Disinfecting equipment in between each horse

These added protocols may add a little more time in between each appointment, but we feel it is worth the added protection it will provide.
*Note: NO horse that exhibits nasal discharge, lethargy, has any degree of ataxia or is feveral to the touch will be treated as an already existing standard of protocol. We ask that owners be the best advocates in our equine community and report any/all abnormal or “off” behavior to your vet immediately.

Per the Colo Dept of Ag and the Equine Disease Communications Center, a horse in Larimer County has been confirmed as EHV-1 positive:

UPDATE 11/20: We have received a notification of a horse in Larimer County that has tested positive for EHV-1. The horse and the premises where it resides have been placed under quarantine to limint the spread of the virus.

Original Post: The Colorado State Veterinarian’s Office is actively monitoring a multi-state Equine Herpes Virus (EHV/EHM) outbreak linked to barrel racing and rodeo events in Texas and Oklahoma over the past several weeks.

Our office is working with the affected states and contacting Colorado exhibitors who may have attended events where they may have been exposed.
👉 IMMEDIATE ACTION REQUIRED 👈
If your horse traveled to TX, OK, or a potentially exposed event:
☎️ CALL OUR OFFICE AT 303-869-9130!
We will give you guidance on isolation and monitoring.
If your horse is showing ANY signs of EHV: 🩺contact your veterinarian immediately. They will work with our office on appropriate follow-up and testing.
🐎 Let's protect our herd! This is a critical reminder for everyone to:
📝 Report any suspicious sickness fast.
🛑 Use strong biosecurity (cleaning, separating, washing hands).
✅ Always ensure your horse has a veterinary inspection and health certificate BEFORE travel.

20/11/2025

What is Equine Herpesvirus (EHV)?

You've probably heard it called Rhinopneumonitis, a respiratory tract disease that results in "snotty noses," but EHV is more than that. Depending on the strain, this virus can also cause abortion in broodmares, and equine herpesvirus myeloencephalopathy (EHM) — the often-deadly neurologic form of the disease.

Because EHV is endemic in many equine populations, most mature horses have developed some immunity through repeated natural infection. However, they remain a source of infection for other susceptible horses, like weaned foals and yearlings, who usually display symptoms of the respiratory form of the disease in autumn and winter. Performance and show horses are also more vulnerable to the disease, as they commingle with unfamiliar equines in close quarters while under stress from travel and competition.

Proper biosecurity protocols can help reduce EHV outbreaks and other disease transmission. A variety of vaccines are also available for protection against both the respiratory and abortive form of the disease, but there is no equine licensed vaccine at this time that has a label claim for protection against the neurologic form (EHM).

Consult your primary equine veterinarian to learn more about this disease and work with them to determine the optimal vaccine protocol for your horses.

You can learn more about all three forms on the Equine Disease Communication Center's website here: https://equinediseasecc.org/infectious-diseases

18/11/2025

With the winter weather conditions and having to train inside, the inevitability of upper respiratory conditions is unavoidable. If you’re looking for a non-invasive holistic modality to aid in your horses’ performance and maintenance we’ve got you covered.
EER Halotherapy salt shed is now open!
Call to schedule your horse today!
(719) 428-0104

Winter is coming - A nightmare for respiratory conditions for our equine friends as they spend more time indoors!

The Benefits of Salt Therapy
Are the fantastic healing effects of dry salt therapy which include:
ANTIBACTERIAL
ANTI-INFLAMMATORY
ANTIFUNGAL

The Newmarket Equine Salt Therapy System is innovative in the field of equine therapy and is the only medically certified controlled device on the market.
Cleanses from the inside giving great results on the outside.
The dry salt we use also has the following properties and can assist with improving Respiratory, Sinus and Skin issues ;-

• Antibacterial
• Anti-inflammatory
• Mucolytic effects – loosens excessive mucus and speeds up mucocilliary transport
• Removes pathogen agents (airborne pollen)
• Reduce the need for antibiotics
• Easier breathing
• Improve lung function
• Clear mucus from the lungs
• Increase the resistance to respiratory tract disease
• Strengthen immune system
• Helps with skin issues (Ringworm) and skin allergies & conditions
• Overall well-being to the animal

In simple terms, when your animal receives dry salt therapy they inhale the dry salt enriched air deep into the lungs where the greatest healing can be achieved.
The inhaled dry salt loosens the mucus which begins to clear over a period of sessions (strictly maximum one session per day per horse) and any inflammation is reduced which makes more room in the airways for the animal to breathe and with the skin being the largest organ of elimination, it reduces inflammation on the skin and improves the circulation of the skin surface.
There are many beneficial reasons why salt therapy is good for your animal. The salt is 100% natural, medical grade, is drug free and holds amazing properties – it is anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial & anti-fungal.

How it works:
A brief outline on how the salt therapy works.�The system we have allows the microscopic particles of salt to be dispersed into the air, the tiny particles are inhaled into the airways & deep into the lungs aiding mucus release & reducing inflammation within the airways allowing these to widen allowing for easier breathing. This is especially beneficial for lower & upper respiratory problems including COPD/RAO and coughing which can be caused by allergies & infection. We have found that even with a ‘pick me up’ session, stamina and endurance are increased and performance much improved.
Also during therapy the particles of salt covers the skin, (your horse will be rug free during therapy) this being the largest organ of elimination, the skin naturally absorbs the salt enabling it to assist with alleviating skin issues such as sweet itch, ringworm, general allergies and because this reduces inflammation and reduces the aggravated areas where rubbing and itching has taken place hence your horse will feel less stressed, less moody and feel much calmer in himself & new hair regrowth will occur where rub marks have been.
During the salt therapy sessions you may see signs that the micro particles are reaching down into the airways by seeing discharge/drip from one or both nostrils, this may be green or yellowish, this could be infection and white discharge could be caused through allergies such as pollen/dust/hay/a multitude of things. A clear drip is healthy and this can be nice to see too. We have found that horses find salt therapy relaxing and they seem to look forward to their follow sessions (if required).

14/11/2025

***Fascinating Fascia***

If you know me, you know I LOVE the topic of fascia…. That white stuff that surrounds chicken and that we typically cut off when preparing. I find it to be one of the most intriguing systems in the body… And it just got even more enigmatic.

A new and formal classification of the fascial system is gaining recognition in equine anatomy.

Lets dive into an in-depth overview of the latest findings:

The New Classification of the Fascial System

The Fascia Research Society (FRS) and the Federative International Programme for Anatomical Terminology (FIPAT) have developed a modern, unified classification that surpasses the traditional “superficial vs. deep fascia” model.

The current definition views fascia as a comprehensive, three-dimensional connective tissue network throughout the body, categorized into four main types:

1. **Superficial Fascia**
- Located just beneath the skin
- Well-hydrated and rich in nerve endings
- Contains adipose tissue
- Plays a crucial role in sensory input, thermoregulation, gliding, and fluid dynamics

2. **Deep/Muscular Fascia**
- Dense connective tissue surrounding muscles, bones, tendons, and ligaments
- Comprises epimysium, perimysium, and endomysium
- Facilitates force transmission, including epimuscular force transmission
- Essential for proprioception and muscle coordination

3. **Visceral Fascia (Splanchnic Fascia)**
- Connective tissue that surrounds and supports organs
- Includes mesentery, pleura, pericardium, and mediastinum
- Important for organ mobility, stability, motility, and visceral-somatic pain patterns

4. **Neural Fascia (Meningeal Fascia)**
- Encloses and supports the nervous system
- Contains dura mater, epineurium, perineurium, and endoneurium
- Vital for neural gliding, tension regulation, and mechanosensory input

Whats the change?

This new classification emphasizes the idea of the “fascial continuum,” which suggests that:

Fascia is not merely a set of separate layers but a continuous organ system with specific regional adaptations.

This reclassification also supports the view of fascia as a communication organ, integrating:
- Mechanical sensing
- Proprioception
- Nociception
- Autonomic regulation
- Fluid dynamics
- Force transmission
- Inflammatory responses

Importance for Equine Science, Massage & Bodywork

For horses, this classification is particularly beneficial because:
- Visceral fascia clarifies referred pain patterns (such as movement changes due to ulcers).
- Deep fascia accounts for global force transmission and compensatory patterns.
- Neural fascia aids in understanding vagal tone, autonomic responses, and tension patterns.
- Superficial fascia is closely linked to sensation, bracing, coat changes, edema, and swelling.

This illustrates how equine movement, posture, and pain can indicate issues far from the visible source… Encouraging us to think outside the box, but inside the continuum. 🧠💡🐴

13/11/2025

“Stall rest” is no longer the grim “Dr’s orders” it once was. Now your horse can receive the proper rest and care with daily monitoring, hand walking and osteopathic treatment necessary to facilitate healing and get them back to optimum performance. Our therapists are highly educated and experienced equine professionals with over 65 years combined experience. We use the most non-invasive, holistic approach in our treatment protocols. Providing quality care at an affordable price.
Whether your horse requires post-surgical, post-injury, layup, is deserving of a “spa week” or you’d like to stay legged up throughout the winter,
Let us make your horses comeback bigger than its setback!

Our rehabilitation and fitness center can help your horse come back from an injury/surgery safely and in a controlled environment or just get in tip-top shape for the upcoming show season!!

Our facility has:

• EquiVibe
• EquiCore
• GameReady Cold Compression
• Centurion System PEMF
• Low Frequency Ultrasound
• Multi-Level LASER
• Thermal Imaging
• As well as a veterinary team on site for treatments such as Shockwave, E-Stim, and Kinesiology, supportive veterinary care, holistic treatments more!…
AND Equine Salt Shed with HaloTherapy NOW OPEN!!

Vet tech lives on-site.

Call 719-428-0104 for more info on how we can help!!

12/11/2025

🐎Hyaline Cartilage in Equine Joints and Spine🐎
- **Structure**: Hyaline cartilage is a smooth, translucent tissue that covers the ends of bones at joints and the surfaces of the vertebrae in the spine. It consists of a gel-like matrix rich in collagen and proteoglycans, which helps provide elasticity and resilience.
- **Function**:
- **In Joints**: It facilitates smooth movement between bones, absorbs shock during activities like jumping and running, and distributes loads across joints, reducing wear and tear.
- **In the Spine**: Hyaline cartilage is found in the intervertebral discs, providing cushioning between vertebrae and allowing for flexibility and movement of the spine.

Benefits of Equine Osteopathy and Functional Therapy
Equine osteopathy and various functional therapies can significantly enhance the health of hyaline cartilage in both joints and the spine. Here’s how:

**Improved Joint Functionality**:
- **Osteopathy**: Focuses on the body's structural integrity. Osteopaths assess and treat the musculoskeletal system, ensuring proper alignment and function of joints. This can help prevent abnormal wear on hyaline cartilage.
- **Functional Therapy**: Addresses movement patterns and muscle function, improving overall joint biomechanics, which can reduce stress on cartilage.

**Enhanced Circulation**:
- Both osteopathic techniques and other therapies (like massage) improve blood circulation to the cartilage and surrounding tissues, promoting nutrient delivery and waste removal essential for cartilage health.

**Pain Management**:
- Osteopathy can help alleviate pain caused by joint or spinal issues by addressing underlying musculoskeletal imbalances. Reduced pain often leads to increased mobility, which is beneficial for maintaining healthy cartilage.

**Injury Prevention**:
- Regular osteopathic treatments and functional therapy can identify and correct issues before they lead to injuries. This proactive approach helps protect hyaline cartilage from damage due to excessive stress or improper movement.

**Support for Rehabilitation**:
- For horses recovering from injuries, these therapies can facilitate healing by improving range of motion, reducing stiffness, and enhancing muscular support around affected joints and spinal areas.

**Holistic Approach**:
- Equine osteopathy emphasizes the interconnection between different body systems. Addressing the entire musculoskeletal system can lead to improved balance and stability, reducing the risk of joint and spinal problems.

Hyaline cartilage is crucial for the function of equine joints and the spine, providing smooth movement and shock absorption. Equine osteopathy and functional therapies can offer significant benefits by improving joint health, enhancing performance, and supporting overall well-being. 🐎✨

05/11/2025

🐴 **Understanding Fasciculations in Horses & the Benefits of Osteopathy** 🌟

As passionate horse owners, we want our equine companions to thrive in both health and performance. One condition that can affect our horses is **fasciculation**—a state where specific muscles become overly activated or tight resulting in these voluntary, rapid, and spontaneous muscle twitches or "flickering" under the skin, often caused by the contraction of small groups of muscle fibers.. This often leads to discomfort, reduced performance, and behavioral changes.

What Causes Fasciculations in Horses?
- **Stress & Anxiety:** Horses can experience emotional stress from various factors like changes in environment or routine, leading to muscle tension.
- **Injuries:** Past injuries can create compensatory movement patterns, causing certain muscle groups to overwork and become tight.
- **Poor Posture or Movement Patterns:** Incorrect riding techniques or imbalances can result in chronic tension in specific muscle groups.

Signs of Muscle Fasciculation:
- Stiffness or reluctance to move
- Difficulty with certain movements or exercises
- Changes in behavior, such as increased irritability or resistance
- Muscular asymmetry or tightness noticeable during grooming or handling

How Can Equine Osteopathy Help?
**Osteopathy** is a holistic approach to animal healthcare that focuses on the musculoskeletal system and its relationship to all other system La within the body necessary for overall health. Here’s how osteopathy can relieve muscle facilitation in horses:

**Restores Balance:** Osteopaths assess the horse's entire body to identify areas of tension and imbalance. By addressing these issues, they help restore proper function and alignment.

**Improves Mobility:** Through gentle manipulation and stretching techniques, osteopathy helps release tight muscles and fascia, improving flexibility and range of motion.

**Enhances Circulation:** Osteopathic techniques promote blood flow to the affected areas, aiding in the delivery of nutrients and oxygen while helping to eliminate toxins.

**Alleviates Pain:** By addressing the root causes of muscle tension, osteopathy can help reduce pain and discomfort, leading to a happier and more willing horse.

**Supports Overall Well-Being:** Osteopathy not only focuses on physical health but also considers the horse’s emotional and psychological state, promoting a holistic approach to wellness.

If you notice signs of muscle fasciculation in your horse, consider seeking the expertise of a qualified osteopath. This holistic treatment can make a significant difference in your horse's comfort and performance. 🐎💖

Let’s make your horses comeback bigger than their setback.

04/11/2025

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31/10/2025

⏱️Slow down⏱️

🕰️Take your time with your horse’s rehabilitation.*🕰️ Slow and steady wins this race…Avoid pushing them too hard after a break, especially when coming back from an injury and if they’re not yet fit for the work you have in mind. Again, I use the crockpot mentality. This is a slow process… Not a fast-food drive thru.

I've seen many owners rush their horses back into action after an injury or diagnosis. Some even boast about taking their horse straight from three months of rest to a competition or fun ride. Would you attempt a marathon without training? It’s not just about the race; there’s travel and preparation involved too.

Often, people follow a brief rehab plan but, once they get the vet’s green light, they dive back into full work—even if their horse isn't physically ready. Many skip proper prehab and true rehabilitation, settling for light rides without addressing the specific areas that need attention. Without building strong foundations, it’s unrealistic to expect long-term soundness for your horse. Conditioning is crucial for lasting performance and health.

I understand the temptation—after weeks or months of rehab, everyone wants to enjoy their horse again. I’ve been there, watching others head off to shows and or going on trail riding adventures while I stayed behind. But patience is key. If your horse isn't strong and conditioned, they won't be ready for the demands you’re placing on them. Take the time to prehab… properly conditioning them for the task you have in mind. Building the proper muscling needed for the job and the stamina to maintain when performing the task at hand.

Even when your horse feels fantastic and seems to be back to their old self, don’t skip the prehab! 💪🏼🐎