top of page
Welcome to our blog, where we share professional insights, practical knowledge, and educational resources on animal chiropractic care, biomechanics, rehabilitation, and overall animal well-being.
Our articles are designed to support veterinarians, animal chiropractic practitioners, students, and animal owners by providing clear, evidence-informed information on topics that help improve understanding, clinical practice, and the health and performance of animals.
Through a combination of clinical insight, academic discussion, case-based learning, and evidence-informed perspectives, our articles aim to deepen understanding of the biomechanical principles that influence animal performance, comfort, recovery, and long-term musculoskeletal health.
What I Base My Techniques on.
I am committed to keep researching and learning with an open mind to achieve better ways to improve the health of the equine. The equine we see today is a lot different from where it started its evolution 60 million years ago (Eohippus – the Dawn Horse). It has had to develop and condition itself while the body adapts to changing conditions. Then, some 6,000 years ago, humans began domesticating the equine, and it had to adapt to further changes and stress. So, you can see
darrallclifford
Aug 13 min read
Why Do Research?
In my last post I discussed The Importance of Conducting Research. So let us look at the history of research in the equine industry and where it could be used in the care of our horses. The equine we see today is a lot different from where it started its evolution 60 million years ago (Eohippus – the Dawn Horse). It has had to develop and condition itself while the body adapts to changing conditions. Then, some 6000 years ago, humans began domesticating the equine, and the
darrallclifford
Jul 13 min read
The Importance of Conducting Research for Personal and Professional Growth
Research is often seen as a task reserved for academics or scientists, but its value extends far beyond those fields. Whether you want to improve your skills, make informed decisions, or solve problems effectively, conducting research plays a crucial role. This post explores why research matters for both personal and professional growth and how it can open doors to new opportunities and deeper understanding. Person engaged in research with books and laptop Understanding What
darrallclifford
Jun 13 min read
Collaboration Between Equine Vaterinaries, Chiropractors and Farriers: Part 2
Enhancing Equine Health and Performance Working together, these equine professionals can develop a holistic approach to equine care. For...
darrallclifford
May 14 min read
Collaboration Between Equine Veterinarians, Chiropractors and Farriers: Part 1
Enhancing Equine Health and Performance The well-being and performance of horses rely heavily on the collaborative efforts of various...
darrallclifford
Apr 13 min read
The Impact of Farriering on Osteoarthritis in Equines
Understanding the Relationship Between Hoof Care and Bone Health Farriering, the practice of shoeing horses and caring for their hooves,...
darrallclifford
Mar 14 min read
The Internal Workings and Orthopaedic Balance of the Distal Interphalangeal Joint in Equines
Understanding Structure, Function, and Clinical Significance The distal interphalangeal joint (DIPJ), commonly known as the coffin joint, is a crucial structure in the equine limb. Its proper function and balance are essential for soundness, athletic performance, and the overall health of the horse's foot, upper body and nervous system. This document provides an in-depth explanation of the internal workings and orthopaedic balance of the equine DIPJ, integrating anatomical, b
darrallclifford
Feb 14 min read
Equine Biomechanical Balance
The Harmony of Movement and Structure The concept of equine biomechanical balance is fundamental to the health, performance, and overall...
darrallclifford
Jan 1, 20265 min read
Understanding Why Farriers Emulate Wild Horses Hoof Trims
Farriers often turn to the wild horse trim as a benchmark because it reflects how nature maintains hoof integrity without human...
darrallclifford
Dec 1, 20255 min read
Different Opinions in the Farriering Industry: Trimming vs. Shoeing the Horse's Foot
Exploring the debate on hoof care The farriering industry is rich in tradition, expertise, and varied practices. Among farriers, one hotly debated topic is the choice between trimming and shoeing a horse's foot. This debate stems from several factors, including differing philosophies on hoof care, the horse's specific needs, the client's preferences, and varying perspectives on long-term health and performance. To understand the current debate, it's essential to delve into th
darrallclifford
Nov 1, 20254 min read
The Importance of Controlling Hoof Care in Horses for Their Health and Performance
Horses are not just beautiful animals; they are also athletes that require dedicated care to thrive. Among the many aspects of equine care, hoof care stands out as one of the most crucial. Think of a horse's hooves as the foundation of a house: if the base is compromised, everything built on top is affected. Neglecting hoof care can lead to severe health problems that significantly impact a horse’s well-being and performance. This article dives into why controlling who trims
darrallclifford
Oct 24, 20254 min read
Hoof Angles of a Horse's Feet
The Importance and Maintenance of Proper Hoof Angles Introduction The hoof angle of a horse is a critical aspect of equine health and...
darrallclifford
Oct 1, 20257 min read
Part 6 of Equine Foot Balance
Now that we know that the pedal bone and the navicular bone are engineered to carry the weight of the equine to the ground under their...
darrallclifford
Sep 1, 20253 min read
Part 5 of Equine Foot Balance
When comparing the bioengineering of the pedial bone, we must consider two factors. These two forces are the loading on the dome-shaped...
darrallclifford
Aug 1, 20253 min read
Part 4 of Equine Foot Balance
In our last talk, we discussed how the dysfunctional loading of the upper body will affect the limb's loading and distal joints and that...
darrallclifford
Jul 1, 20253 min read
Part 3 of Equine Balance
In my last blog, I asked you to consider the relationship balance between the middle and distal phalanx and its consequences for the...
darrallclifford
Jun 1, 20253 min read
Part 2 of Equine Balance
In our daily routine of working with horses and especially trimming or shoeing their feet, we have to understand if we make changes to...
darrallclifford
May 1, 20253 min read
Can Foot Balance Affect Equine Balance
Now that we have spoken about the compromised internal structures of the hoof capsule in my last group of blogs, how do we help the...
darrallclifford
Apr 1, 20253 min read
The compromised internal structures and their inappropriate relationship with the hoof capsule.
Let’s look at the compromised internal structures and the inappropriate relationship between the hoof capsule and distal interphalangeal...
darrallclifford
Mar 1, 20252 min read
Follow the dysfunctional process
As we follow the dysfunctional process, the bars of the equine foot will reduce in height as their distal palmar section builds up more...
darrallclifford
Feb 1, 20252 min read
bottom of page