A Practical Guide to Exercise Prescription in Equine Rehabilitation

Designed for equine practitioners, this book introduces the core principles of exercise prescription and clinical reasoning required to deliver effective, evidence-informed rehabilitation programs. Drawing on both human and equine research, it bridges the gap between theory and practice to support safe progression, optimal tissue adaptation, and improved performance outcomes.

The focus is on helping practitioners confidently design and progress rehabilitation programs that facilitate a return to pre-injury function-or enhance performance-through structured, goal-driven exercise prescription.

Across 126 pages, the book covers:

- Fundamental principles of rehabilitation and exercise prescription

- The stages of equine rehabilitation

- Pain, mobility and flexibility, strength, power, endurance, and interval training

- The Goldilocks Principle: finding the optimal exercise dose

- Setting meaningful and measurable SMART goals

- Selecting and applying outcome measures

- A critical review of current research on equine rehabilitation tools and practices

- Step-by-step guidance on designing effective rehabilitation programs

Three detailed case studies illustrate real-world clinical reasoning, including program design, goal setting, and outcome measurement. Case examples address:

- Acute tendon injury

- Kissing spines

- Thoracic asymmetry and postural dysfunction

An extensive reference list supports further learning and evidence-based practice, making this book a practical resource for equine physiotherapists, veterinarians, and rehabilitation professionals seeking to strengthen their clinical decision-making and exercise prescription skills.