Do Horses Typically Tolerate Acupuncture?
The short answer is yes—most horses tolerate acupuncture very well!
Building a relationship based on trust is essential to maximizing the benefits of each treatment. Whether a horse is needle-shy, anxious, or completely relaxed, my primary goal is to establish trust to deliver the most effective and stress-free care possible. Minimizing stress ensures safety and enhances the overall health benefits of the treatment.
Every horse is unique, so I tailor each session to meet the physical, mental, and emotional needs of the patient. My process is slow and gentle:
1. Care Team Consultation: I speak with the horse's caregiver(s)(owner, trainer, general practice vet, and barn staff) as appropriate/relevant to review the horse's medical history, performance background, general care and personality traits.
2. Comprehensive Exam: I perform both a standard physical exam and a Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine (TCVM) exam.
3. Treatment: For the initial session, I typically use dry needles only. The number and placement of needles are determined by the exam results and the horse's response.
Factors such as environment, individual temperament, herd/social dynamics etc. all play a role in how a horse is feeling and in that way how a session goes. I remain attentive to whether a horse's reaction stems from fear, discomfort, testing boundaries, or other factors. In cases where a horse is particularly anxious, light sedation may be used to ensure a calm, positive experience.
Most horses become visibly relaxed by their second or third session, showing signs such as licking, chewing, and a soft facial expression. Once trust is established, I may introduce different modalities, such as electroacupuncture, if beneficial for the horse's condition.
Please feel free to reach out if you have any questions or would like to schedule a consultation.
Mik Chari DVM, CVA
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