Acupuncture for Racehorses


For which condition is acupuncture indicated?

Acupuncture is commonly used for:

  • Neurological Disorders: Traumatic Nerve Injury
  • Musculoskeletal Disorders: Arthritis, Spondylosis  
  • Respiratory Disorders: Asthma, Bronchitis

Numerous other conditions have responded to acupuncture as well. Acupuncture can help to shorten rehabilitation after orthopaedic operations.

Acupuncture for Racehorses

Specific conditions to treat in horses are

  • Gastritis
  • Colitis
  • Long Term Injuries

Then there are all the problems related to horses competing or being ridden

  • Back Problems
  • Lameness
  • Tying Up
  • Head Shy
  • Kissing Spine

In addition in racehorses:

  • Acupuncture can speed up the recovery after a hard race
  • Acupuncture a few days before a race could enhance the performance
  • Problems during training will be less severe using acupuncture
  • Rehabilitation after injuries and operations will be shorter
  • Horses that have been off the track for a long time, even a couple of years, can race again after acupuncture


How often are acupuncture treatments given?

For racehorses an acupuncture treatment will be done and repeated after two and then after four weeks. A positive response is usually seen after the first treatment. The acupuncture can be tapered off to whatever is necessary to maintain the animal’s improvement. Acupuncture can also be adjusted to the schedule of races in performing an acupuncture shortly before a race or after a hard race.