How Horses Helped me Became an Equestrian Physiotherapist
- bdiamondphysio
- 6 days ago
- 3 min read
People often ask me how I became an equestrian physiotherapist — and the truth is, this path wasn’t accidental. It was shaped by horses, movement, curiosity and a deep desire to help riders truly understand their bodies in the saddle.
I didn’t just study physiotherapy and then decide to add horses later. Horses have always been part of the story.
It Started With Horses
I grew up in a small town and got my first horse at 13. Like many riders, horses quickly became more than a hobby — they became part of who I was. I rode, competed, trained, and lived the ups and downs that come with being an equestrian.
I also played a lot of sports growing up, which gave me an early appreciation for how the body moves, compensates, and adapts under physical demand.
Even back then, I noticed something interesting:
Some riders always struggled with the same issues — no matter the horse.
Some horses felt “off” with certain riders, but not others.
I didn’t have the language for it yet — but the pattern was there.
From Psychology, to Education, to Physiotherapy
After completing a degree in psychology, I spent time traveling and learning more about myself and what truly mattered to me. I then completed a Bachelors in Education. But what kept pulling me back was movement, performance, and helping people feel better in their bodies.
That led me to pursue my Master’s of Science in Physical Therapy.
As I trained as a physiotherapist, something became very clear:
Riders are athletes — but they aren’t treated like ones.
Traditional physio often looks at people in isolation. Riding doesn’t work that way.
Discovering the Missing Link: The Horse and Rider as One System
I went on to earn a Diploma in Equine Rehabilitation - Equine Physio and spent years working hands-on with both horses and riders. I also ran Equus Physio for seven years in Cochrane, Alberta, gaining invaluable experience in the equestrian industry.
What I saw over and over again was this:
Riders would treat their horses repeatedly for the same issues — while their own movement patterns were never addressed.
Crookedness.
Asymmetry.
Pain.
Compensation.
The horse was doing the best they could under a rider who didn’t even realize their body was part of the problem.
That realization changed everything.
Why B Diamond Physio Exists
B Diamond Physio was created to bridge the gap between human physiotherapy and equine movement.
This isn’t just about treating pain. It's about understanding biomechanics, balance, symmetry, strength, and mobility — in and out of the saddle.
It’s about recognizing that:
The rider’s body directly influences the horse
Small imbalances create big consequences
True improvement comes from addressing the root cause
That’s why my work focuses on:
Rider physiotherapy with an equestrian lens
In-saddle assessment and correction
Ride Right Clinics
Equine Physio as part of the whole system
Why This Matters for You
If you’re a rider who:
Feels crooked or stiff in the saddle
Struggles with recurring pain
Notices the same issues across different horses
Wants to ride better, longer, and pain-free
You deserve care from someone who understands both sides of the partnership.
This is more than physio. It's a system built around horses, riders, and the connection between them.
Follow the Journey
This blog is the first in a monthly series where I’ll be sharing:
Real rider patterns I see every day
How your body affects your horse
Practical tools you can use immediately
The philosophy behind Balanced Riders. Balanced Horses.
👉 Follow @bdiamondphysio on Instagram and Facebook to continue the conversation and stay connected throughout the 2026 season.
✨ Balanced Riders. Balanced Horses.
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