TITLE: Optimizing Horse and Rider Biomechanical Interplay: A Systematic Physical Therapy Approach to Movement Analysis and Musculoskeletal Integrity
DATE/TIME:
- Wed. Oct. 28, 8:30am - 12:45pm OR
- Wed. Oct. 28, 2:00pm - 6:15pm
WORKSHOP RATING:
- Basic: PT
- Intermediate: DVM/VMD, Allied Professionals
MAX PARTICIPANTS: 15 spots AM and PM; 14 spots remaining AM
CONTACT HOURS: 4.0 RACE approval pending; 4.0 NYSED approval pending
DESCRIPTION:
The focus of this session is to engage the learner in hands-on experiences to assess and treat abnormal dynamic movement patterns in both equine and equestrian athletes from a Physical Therapist (PT) perspective. PT clinical reasoning process will be demonstrated by utilizing a variety of case-based scenarios and seeking audience input as part of collaborative engagement. Emphasis will be placed on how therapists address common biomechanical faults related to critical anatomic regions and their impact on function and performance in both horse and rider. Interventions to normalize human and horse movement patterns will include the use of manual therapy and therapeutic exercise to address impairments with joint range of motion, proprioception, balance, and functional strength. A pre and post assessment of treatment effectiveness will include therapist observation and slow-motion video analysis of horse and rider to determine performance outcomes. This session is appropriate for both physical therapists and veterinarians seeking to enhance knowledge related to the synchronous interplay between horse and rider.
Outline:
Introductions & Description of Lab Expectations
Importance of Horse and Rider Interplay
Physical Therapy Approach to Assessment & Treatment
- Human Factor
- Equine Factor
Live Horse/Rider Team (Sport Specific Patterns) – 60 min
Medical History of Horse/Rider Team
Standing Assessment of Horse/Rider Team
- Movement Observation
- Human – ROM, Gait
- Horse – Walk, Trot, Circles, Jumps, Other
- Slow-Motion Video – Team
Treatment Interventions of Team Members
Post Intervention Assessment- Observation, Video, Oral History
Wrap-Up with Q&A
Cancellation Policy and Refund Request
To request a refund, please complete and postmark this Workshop Cancellation Form by September 27, 2026. Refunds exclude a $25 processing fee.
Optimizing Horse and Rider Biomechanical Interplay
Emily Rose PT, DPT, CERP
Dr. Emily Rose PT, DPT, CERP holds a Doctorate in Physical Therapy from the University of Wisconsin - Madison and is a Certified Equine Rehabilitation Practitioner from the University of Tennessee - Knoxville. Emily owns Reaching Strides Equine Rehabilitation LLC which offers Physical Therapy services from rehabilitation to performance improvement for both horse and rider in Wisconsin and Florida. Emily also travels teaching workshops and clinics with a focus on preventative wellness and biomechanics for the sport horse and rider. She is an instructor for the University of Tennessee Equine Rehabilitation Certificate Program, recognized globally as the premier program in equine rehabilitation. Emily is an active rider and competes in Dressage earning her USDF Silver and Bronze Medal rider achievement awards. She and her husband own and operate Rose Horsemanship Center which is a full service training and rehabilitation facility.
Kirk Peck, PT, PhD, CSCS, CCRT, CERP
Dr. Peck received a BS degree in Exercise Science from Kansas State University, a Master of Science Degree in Physical Therapy from the University of Kansas Medical Center and PhD from the University of Nebraska, Lincoln. His clinical expertise involves treating sports and orthopedic related conditions in humans, horses, and dogs, in addition to providing physical therapy for the Native American population in an ambulatory clinic governed by the Ponca Tribe of Nebraska. Dr. Peck is past President (2013-19) of the Animal Physical Therapy Special Interest Group of the APTA Orthopedic Academy of Physical Therapy, and current SIG liaison to the World Physiotherapy Animal PT Network. He is a core instructor for a certification program in equine rehabilitation at the University of Tennessee, and instructor for Sierra Peaks Animal Rehabilitation, Denver, Colorado, focused on canine physical therapy. Dr. Peck serves on the Board of a non-profit organization, Ignite for Equine Athletes, spearheading several national and international presentations on horse and rider biomechanics. He also serves on the editorial board of an Elsevier publication entitled, “Journal of Equine Rehabilitation”. Dr. Peck is an Associate Professor in the Department of Physical Therapy at Creighton University, Omaha, NE, where he teaches in the realm of clinical exercise physiology, health & wellness, healthcare systems, and political advocacy for the profession of physical therapy. He is also the current Chair of the Licensure Board of Physical Therapy in Nebraska.
