Chiropractic effects on stride parameters and heart rate during exercise in sport horses

Background Equine veterinarians performing chiropractic treatments are frequently asked to evaluate and treat sound horses to improve their performance and address pain associated with the axial skeleton. Studies describing the effects and mechanisms of chiropractic treatments in horses without overt lameness are scarce. Objectives This study aimed to evaluate the effect of chiropractic treatments on stride rate, length, symmetry, heart rate and rider‐perceived quality of the ridden work in sport horses. Study design A blind randomised controlled trial with crossover design. Methods Thirty‐eight horses ridden in the hunter–jumper discipline were enrolled. Exercise tests were recorded before and after chiropractic or sham treatment while horses were wearing a fitness tracker. Stride length, rate and symmetry, heart rate and the perceived quality of the ridden work were compared. Results There was a difference in the qualitative assessment of the ridden work by riders between treatments (odds ratio 33.8, 95% CI [4.68, 458.71], p