About Us
Finding Inspiration in Every Turn
Darrall Clifford – Founder and Leading Equine Educator
Darrall Clifford, the company's founder, is widely recognised as one of the leading educators in the equine industry, particularly in equine podiatry, orthopaedic balance, and biomechanical medicine. He holds a Certificate IV in Training and Assessment, demonstrating his formal expertise in delivering high-quality education and training. Darrall is the author of two influential books focusing on orthopaedic balance and biomechanical medicine in horses. His third book, which delves into biology-based farriery, is scheduled for release in early 2026. His practical experience aligns with Darrall’s passion for equine health, and, together with his wife, he brings a lifetime of hands-on knowledge across a wide range of riding disciplines. Their work addresses the complex challenges associated with high-level equine performance, with a particular focus on the macro pathology of the foot and the biomechanical effects observed in the upper body.
Dr Lena Clifford – CEO and Veterinary Specialist
The company’s CEO, Dr Lena Clifford, is a highly accomplished veterinarian who completed her training in Germany, where she also earned her PhD and Diploma in Equine Orthopaedic Balance (Dip EOB). Dr Clifford specialises in animal acupuncture, Chinese herbal medicine, and animal biomechanics. After moving to Australia, she joined her husband, Darrall, to offer her unique skills and complementary therapies to their clients’ dogs, horses, and other animals. Her extensive knowledge and deep understanding of the sciences make Dr Clifford an invaluable asset to the company. In addition to her veterinary qualifications, she is also a member of the International Veterinary Chiropractors Association (IVCA), reflecting her commitment to ongoing professional development and high standards of animal care.
Our Story
Biomechanical Medicine for Optimal Muscular Skeletal Alignment
About Us
Animal Biomechanical Solutions is dedicated to supporting veterinary clinics and treatments, with a particular focus on biomechanical medicine and the science of orthopaedic balance in equines. We emphasise the relationship between orthopaedic balance and upper-body musculoskeletal alignment. Our guiding principle is “Maintaining Health & Soundness”. The field of animal biomechanics, an evolving science, is now receiving international recognition as Animal Biomechanical Medicine (ABM).
Our Work
Each day, our team addresses orthopaedic balance and complex hoof problems. With the addition of Dr Lena Clifford, who completed her Doctorate Degree in Germany, our clinic has expanded its expertise in complementary therapies. Dr Clifford brings specialised skills in chiropractic care, acupuncture, and Chinese herbal remedies and offers these services to all animals in our care.
Orthopaedic Balance is defined as the proper transfer of weight and energy from the upper body, through bones, tendons, and ligaments, accumulating in each of the animal's hooves. Incorrect weight transfer can lead to changes in a horse's flight pattern and upper body muscles, which, over time, may manifest as hoof or upper body disorders and ultimately erode the horse’s performance and postural stance.
Basic Veterinary Chiropractic Course
Based in Australia, BackBone Academy Australia offers Australian and International veterinarians and chiropractic doctors the opportunity to participate in a basic animal chiropractic course. This course is held in Biarra, Queensland, at the home of Animal Biomechanical Solutions, near the scenic town of Esk in the Brisbane Valley. The course is certified by BackBone Academy Australia, hosted at Twin Peaks Farm, and recognised by the International Veterinary Chiropractic Association (IVCA), the American Veterinary Chiropractic Association (AVCA), and the College of Animal Chiropractors, Inc. (COAC).
We are proud to introduce practitioners accredited by BackBone Academy Australia at Twin Peaks Farm who are now qualified animal chiropractors. For animal owners seeking trusted, certified professionals, we maintain a Practitioners Register page listing practitioners who have completed these internationally recognised veterinary chiropractic courses. This register is regularly updated as new practitioners qualify.
The Study of Animal Biomechanics
Animal Biomechanical Medicine (ABM) is the integration of two scientific branches—Biomechanics and Medicine—which complement each other to address the animal’s whole body as a unique individual. Recognising these disciplines enables us to offer a diverse range of diagnoses and treatment techniques, providing prevention-based options beyond those available in conventional medicine.
The study of animal biomechanics is relatively recent, and far less research has been conducted on it than on human biomechanics. Connecting biomechanics to issues such as behaviour, pain, or performance is not straightforward and highlights the need for further research. Factors such as how an animal is balanced in motion complicate the understanding of the origins of these problems. Most issues begin and worsen during work, though analysis and intervention are often most effective when the animal is stationary. Careful observation of the animal’s body can offer clues to the source of pain or discomfort, which can transform a once quiet and contented animal into one that is sore and unhappy.
Qualified therapists in animal biomechanical medicine and orthopaedic balance are trained to interpret and analyse external pathological signs in an animal’s body. Historically, these problems were often undiagnosed or misdiagnosed, leaving animals in pain or discomfort.
There is always an underlying reason when an animal is in pain. If traditional animal healthcare has not resolved your animal’s pain or discomfort, consider a different approach. Our specialists are internationally recognised for their expertise in biomechanical relationships, achieving and maintaining orthopaedic balance in horses, and ensuring soundness in dogs and other animals.
Contact us to have our trained specialists analyse any underlying issues and develop a tailored recovery program to help your animal become a healthy, pain-free, and free-moving member of your family. Rediscover the gentle, contented animal you welcomed into your home.
Meet The Team
Mr. Wishey - Supervisor in Training
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