Equine back pain is a common yet complex clinical problem with significant impact on performance, welfare, and management of sport and leisure horses. Recent research has advanced our understanding of the multifactorial nature of back pain, highlighting the roles of biomechanics, conformation, rider interaction, saddle fit, and training practices. Advances in diagnostic imaging, objective movement analysis, and clinical assessment tools have improved our ability to detect and characterize back dysfunction. Emerging therapeutic strategies, from rehabilitation protocols to novel medical and interventional approaches, show promise in enhancing treatment outcomes. This talk will provide an overview of the latest research developments, identify key challenges in diagnosis and management, and outline future directions for evidence-based strategies to optimize equine back health.
For all attendees, CPD certificates are available, as well as a “view only” recording of the session with a 12-month access pass. There will also be a Q&A session, with ample opportunity to post questions via our interactive Q&A panel.
Anna Ehrle DVM, MSc (VPS), CertAVP (ESO, ESST, VDI, CP), DipECVS, DipECVSMR, MRCVS
European Specialist in Equine Surgery
Following graduation in 2010 Anna completed a clinical internship at the equine hospital, Freie Universität Berlin before she moved to North Devon, UK to work in mixed and equine practice. After she finished her residency in equine surgery at Leahurst equine hospital, University of Liverpool in 2017, she moved back to Berlin to take a position as an equine surgeon with a keen interest in equine orthopaedics and sports medicine. Anna became a Diplomate of the European College of Veterinary Surgeon in 2018 and a Diplomate of the European College of Sports Medicine and Rehabilitation in 2021. Her current research is mainly focussed on disorders of the equine thoracolumbar spine, as well as structure and innervation of equine tendons and ligaments.