Veterinary Care
Equine Services
Acupuncture
Smoother strides. Softer backs. Happier horses.
Veterinary acupuncture is a safe, evidence-based therapy used to improve comfort, performance, and recovery in horses. Performed by Dr. Caitlin Eaton, EBVA Eq., this integrative treatment supports musculoskeletal health, neurologic balance, and overall well-being.
Acupuncture can be used as a standalone therapy or as part of a comprehensive treatment plan alongside sports medicine, rehabilitation, conditioning programs, and farrier care. Acupuncture can also benefit specific medical conditions and overall comfort in aging horses.
How Acupuncture Works
Fine, sterile needles are placed at specific acupoints to stimulate neuromodulatory pathways within the body.
This stimulation helps:
- Reduce muscle tension and spasm
- Improve local blood flow and circulation
- Modulate chronic pain pathways
- Support the body’s natural healing response
Many horses visibly relax during treatment, often yawning, licking, or chewing as tension releases.
Conditions Commonly Supported
Acupuncture may be beneficial for horses experiencing:
- Back and neck soreness
- Sacroiliac (SI) discomfort
- Stiffness or reduced range of motion
- Osteoarthritis aches
- Chronic musculoskeletal pain
- Performance-related tension
- Recovery from injury or rehabilitation programs
- Other medical conditions including ocular conditions, edema, chronic lymphangitis, and more.
It is especially valuable for horses needing non-pharmaceutical pain relief or adjunctive support during conditioning and performance training.
What to Expect
Each appointment begins with a thorough evaluation including medical history, physical exam findings, and discussion of your goals for your horse.
Treatment includes:
- Targeted acupoint selection specific to your horse’s needs
- A calm, approximately 20-minute needle session
- Development of a treatment plan with reassessment over time
Frequency of treatment varies depending on the condition being addressed. Treatment sessions are initially more frequent and decrease as improvement occurs.
Multi-horse barn visits are welcome, and group scheduling options may be available.
Schedule an Appointment
To learn whether acupuncture may benefit your horse, contact EquidDoc Veterinary Services.
