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    Dr. Tim Houlton

    Certified Animal Chiropractor

    Dr. Tim Houlton graduated from the Canadian Memorial Chiropractic College in 1987. For many years he apprenticed with a well known equine chiropractor; the late Dr. Tom Offen. In 2007 Tim completed his post graduate certification in Animal Chiropractic from The Healing Oasis Wellness Centre of Canada.

    Subluxation: Chiropractic exam and treatment focuses on variations from normal movement of spinal vertebrae and other joints in the body. As with humans, in animals when a particular vertebra will not move in its normal range, this is termed a “subluxation”. The subluxation affects the way spinal nerves and blood vessels carry information regarding balance, sensation and organ function in and out of the spinal cord. When the mechanics of the spine or other joints in the body are not functioning properly, the system is operating with faulty information and can predispose to injury.

    Molly Houlton

    Certified Equine Massage Therapist

    Equine Massage is the combination of techniques used to promote blood flow, release muscle tension, remove lactic acid build up while eliminating other metabolic waste from the body. Massage not only helps relieve tension physically but mentally and emotionally in horses. Just like us, horses tend to hold their stress in their body, and need help relieving it. That’s where massage comes in! Listen, Learn, and Serve. This is Molly’s motto when it comes to working with horses. She believe’s in taking an approach to work WITH the horses instead of ON them. Every case is different, every horse is different, and they each have something different to teach us. Molly is here to advocate for your horse and their needs.

    Causes of Subluxation/Joint Dysfunction:

    1. Trauma: slips, falls, mis-steps
    2. Conformation: creates a tendency to subluxation i.e. short back
    3. Confinement: prolonged confinement in a stall
    4. Performance: stresses due to i.e. jumping
    5. Poor Saddle Fit
    6. Improper Use of Tack: i.e. heavy use of one rein
    7. Age: accumulation of small injuries causing compensation/altered joint mechanics
    8. Hoof Care: neglect, too long or aggressive trimming can create problems in the feet/legs/pelvis and spine
    9. Teeth: neglect and/or improper dental care can create altered jaw, neck, spine and body mechanics

    Dr. Houlton’s animal practice focuses on horses and dogs, but has a mixed practice – cows, cats, guinea pigs, chinchillas, anything with a spine!!

    Indications for Chiropractic Care (as listed in Current Veterinary Therapy in Equine Medicine N.E. Robinson, 2003. Pg. 568)

    Pain, stiffness, abnormal gait and posture are the most common symptoms. Chiropractic adjustment restores normal mechanics/neurological balance. The following are further indications for assistance with chiropractic care:

    • Poor Performance
    • Back and wither pain 
    • reduced neck or back flexibility
    • inability to raise or lower head and neck
    • local or generalised muscle spasm
    • vague lameness 
    • uneven or asymmetric gait 
    • recent changes in spine conformation
    • discomfort with saddle placement 
    • resentment at tightening of girth 
    • stiff and slow when warming up 
    • bucking and pinning ears when previously well mannered 
    • lameness only when ridden 
    • difficulty with lead or gait transition
    • refusal to jump when previously no problem 
    • resistance to collection
    • no power in rear end 
    • difficulty turning in one direction
    • consistent stumbling or dragging of one toe 
    • uneven muscle mass 
    • uneven pelvic bone 
    • unwilling to stand square on all 4 legs 
    • difficulty standing for farrier 
    • holding tail to one side 
    • resentment while being groomed 
    • behavioural changes