All of us, horses or human, are built asymmetrically. As such, we are prone to subluxations as a result of trying to compensate for these asymmetries. Furthermore, trauma, changes in environment, transportation, age, and performance level can all lead to an increased need for chiropractic care. While each horse is different, there are some symptoms that are often noticed when VSCs are present. These can also often be correlated with the type of job the horse is being asked to perform.

• Dressage horses with VSCs in the lumbar spine often have difficulty with correct bending and lateral movements, and issues with the sacroiliac area will often result in a decreased ability to engage the hind end. Subluxations in the cervical spine and poll will often result in tension and tipping of the head instead of correct lateral bending.
• Jumpers with VSCs in the lower thoracic and lumber spine can result in a difficulty rounding their backs and cross-cantering/tension upon landing. Sacroiliac subluxations will contribute to difficulty in engaging the hind end at takeoff and a flatter jump.
• Roping horses with VSCs in their lower cervical and upper thoracic spine often will avoid taking up slack in the rope. VSCs in the lower lumbar and SI region will often result in pitching their weight forward in a stop and avoiding coming to a quick halt.

Horses of any discipline that have some of the same physical requirement as the ones listed above can often show some of the same symptoms. Some general issues that may also be noted, include: muscle atrophy, inability to build musculature, asymmetrical tail carriage, favoring one lead or direction, change in attitude/behavior, and abnormal posture. The key to obtaining optimal performance through the use of chiropractic care relies on initiating and maintaining regular adjustments prior to observing some of the more severe symptoms mentioned above.