Integrative Equine Services
Integrative equine medicine combines conventional veterinary care with evidence-informed complementary therapies to support the whole horse—mind, body, and performance. Rather than focusing on a single symptom, this approach looks at how movement, musculoskeletal balance, pain management, and recovery all work together. By incorporating integrative therapies into a horse’s routine care, it’s possible to enhance comfort, promote efficient movement, support injury prevention, and optimize performance at every stage of training or life. These modalities can be used proactively as part of a wellness program or strategically alongside traditional treatments to help horses feel, move, and perform their best.
Acupuncture
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Dr. Busby has completed advanced training in veterinary acupuncture through Chi University, one of the most respected institutions in the world for integrative and Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine education. Chi University is internationally recognized for its rigorous, evidence-informed curriculum and for training veterinarians to the highest standards in acupuncture and integrative care. Through this program, Dr. Busby has received extensive hands-on and clinical training in both large and small animal acupuncture, allowing her to apply a broad, systems-based understanding of pain management, neurologic function, and musculoskeletal health. This comprehensive training supports thoughtful, individualized acupuncture treatments tailored specifically to the needs of the equine patient.
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Equine acupuncture is a therapeutic modality rooted in Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine that involves stimulating specific points on the body to influence nerve pathways, circulation, and the body’s natural healing responses. By encouraging balance within the musculoskeletal and nervous systems, acupuncture can help reduce pain, improve mobility, and support overall wellness. Treatments are tailored to each horse and may be used alone or alongside conventional veterinary care. Initial acupuncture sessions are longer and involve developing a treatment plan that fits your partners individual needs. Herbal medicine can be a powerful addition to acupuncture treatments and may be discussed at the time of the initial appointment.
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Acupuncture may be beneficial for horses with:
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Chronic or acute pain
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Lameness or gait asymmetries
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Muscle tension or soreness
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Performance limitations
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Stress, anxiety, or behavioral tension
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As part of a maintenance or wellness program
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Medical Manipulation (Chiropractic)
Dr. Busby has also completed advanced training in veterinary medical manipulation (chiropractic) for horses through Chi University, a globally respected leader in integrative veterinary education. This comprehensive program emphasizes a deep understanding of biomechanics, neurology, and functional movement, ensuring that manipulative techniques are applied safely, precisely, and appropriately within a veterinary framework. Chi University’s rigorous curriculum and hands-on instruction prepare veterinarians to address joint restrictions and movement dysfunction with a high level of skill and clinical judgment. Dr. Busby’s training supports thoughtful, horse-specific manipulation aimed at improving comfort, restoring mobility, and enhancing overall performance.
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Equine Medical Manipulation (commonly referred to as chiropractic) focuses on restoring normal motion to joints, particularly within the spine and pelvis. Restricted (misaligned) joints can interfere with nerve signaling and biomechanics, leading to compensatory movement, muscle tension, and reduced performance. Gentle, targeted adjustments help improve range of motion and allow the horse to move more freely and comfortably. Initial medical manipulation appointments have a longer evaluation phase followed by treatment and planning for future needs.
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Chiropractic care may be beneficial for horses with:
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Reduced flexibility or stiffness
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Performance plateaus or resistance under saddle
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Back, neck, or pelvic discomfort
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Uneven muscling or posture changes
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Gait irregularities not linked to acute injury
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Following falls, slips, or training changes
Rehabilitation
Dr. Busby is currently completing a Master’s degree in Integrative Veterinary Medicine through Chi University, with an anticipated completion date of late 2026. This advanced program provides in-depth education in rehabilitation-focused care, including injury recovery, performance optimization, and long-term musculoskeletal management. The curriculum emphasizes a thoughtful blend of conventional veterinary medicine with integrative therapies, allowing Dr. Busby to develop comprehensive, evidence-informed rehabilitation plans tailored to each horse. This ongoing education reflects her commitment to continual learning and to providing progressive, whole-horse care grounded in both science and practical application.
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Rehabilitation therapy is a structured, goal-oriented approach to helping horses recover from injury, surgery, or chronic musculoskeletal issues. Rehab programs are customized to each horse and may include controlled exercise, therapeutic modalities, and progressive strengthening to safely restore function while minimizing the risk of re-injury.
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Rehabilitation may be beneficial for horses:​
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Recovering from tendon, ligament, or joint injuries
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Post-surgery or post-lameness treatment
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Returning to work after extended rest
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Managing chronic or recurring musculoskeletal conditions
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Needing a safe, guided return-to-performance plan
Massage Therapy
Dr. Busby incorporates massage therapy into her integrative care approach using a combination of techniques like Tui Na, a Traditional Chinese Medicine–based manual therapy, and principles from several other massage techniques which emphasizes gentle, interactive bodywork guided by the horse’s responses. By blending structured therapeutic techniques with a horse-centered, feedback-driven approach, Dr. Busby is able to address muscle tension, soft tissue restrictions, and compensatory patterns while promoting relaxation and nervous system balance. This integrative style of massage supports comfort, mobility, and recovery, and is often used alongside other rehabilitation and performance-focused therapies to enhance overall outcomes
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Equine massage therapy involves hands-on manipulation of soft tissues to relieve muscle tension, improve circulation, and support relaxation. Massage can help identify areas of soreness or restriction and plays an important role in both performance maintenance and injury prevention.
Massage therapy may be beneficial for horses with:
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Muscle tightness or asymmetry
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Post-exercise soreness
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Stress or nervous tension
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Reduced flexibility or range of motion
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Compensation patterns from hoof or limb issues
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As part of routine performance maintenance
Ask about the "Integrative Trio" Service
The Integrative Trio brings together massage, chiropractic, and acupuncture in one powerful session tailored to your horse’s individual needs. This whole-horse approach supports relaxation, mobility, and recovery while maximizing the benefits of each modality.
Herbal Medicine
Herbal medicine is an integrative therapy that uses carefully selected plant-based formulas to support the body’s natural healing processes. When used under veterinary guidance, herbal therapies can complement conventional treatments by supporting organ function, reducing inflammation, improving circulation, and promoting balance within multiple body systems. Herbal medicine is individualized to each horse, taking into account their health status, workload, and overall care plan, and is often used as part of a broader integrative or rehabilitation program.
Herbal medicine may be beneficial for horses with:
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Chronic or low-grade inflammation
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Metabolic or endocrine concerns
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Digestive or gastrointestinal support needs
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Muscle soreness or stiffness
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Stress, anxiety, or nervous system imbalance
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Immune support or seasonal challenges
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As part of long-term wellness or maintenance care
Laser Therapy (Coming Soon)
Laser therapy uses specific wavelengths of light to penetrate tissues and stimulate cellular activity. This process helps increase circulation, reduce inflammation, and support tissue repair at the cellular level. Laser therapy is non-invasive, painless, and often well tolerated by horses.
Laser therapy may be beneficial for horses with:
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Soft tissue injuries (tendons, ligaments, muscles)
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Joint inflammation or arthritis
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Wounds or delayed healing
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Back or neck pain
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Acute or chronic inflammation
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Post-exercise soreness
Shock Wave Therapy (Call for available weeks)
Shock wave therapy delivers high-energy sound waves into targeted tissues to stimulate healing and reduce pain. It is commonly used for chronic injuries by encouraging increased blood flow and promoting tissue regeneration. Treatments are localized and typically used as part of a comprehensive treatment plan.
Shock wave therapy may be beneficial for horses with:
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Chronic tendon or ligament injuries
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Navicular-related pain
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Proximal suspensory desmitis
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Back or sacroiliac discomfort
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Long-standing soft tissue pain
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Injuries slow to respond to other therapies
PEMF (Pulsed Electromagnetic Field) Therapy (Coming Soon)
PEMF therapy uses electromagnetic pulses to influence cellular function and improve circulation at a deep tissue level. By supporting cellular energy production and reducing inflammation, PEMF can enhance recovery and promote relaxation. Sessions are non-invasive and can be used for both rehabilitation and maintenance.
PEMF therapy may be beneficial for horses with:
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Muscle soreness or stiffness
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Joint pain or arthritis
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Slow recovery after exercise or competition
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Chronic inflammation
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Stress or tension
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As part of a regular wellness routine