Equine Rehabilitation & Return to Work

Returning a horse to work following injury, surgery or an extended period of rest requires patience, consistency and a carefully managed approach.

Brookby Heights provides individual rehabilitation and return-to-work programmes for Thoroughbreds and sport horses, working closely with owners, trainers, veterinarians and other equine professionals involved in the horse’s care.

With limited horses accepted at any one time, we can give each horse the individual attention needed to progress calmly and appropriately through each stage of its return to work.

DISCUSS YOUR HORSE’S REHABILITATION

A CONSIDERED APPROACH

A Carefully Managed Return to Work

Every horse’s rehabilitation journey is different.

The reason for time away from work, the horse’s age, condition, temperament, veterinary recommendations and previous workload all influence how its return should be managed.

At Brookby Heights, we do not apply a standard rehabilitation programme to every horse.

Instead, we begin by understanding where the horse is now, what professional advice has been provided and what needs to be achieved before it returns to its owner or trainer.

Progress is gradual and considered, with the programme adjusted according to how the individual horse responds.

Our role is to provide consistent day-to-day management and appropriate exercise while working within the agreed rehabilitation or return-to-work plan.

horse beginning a carefully managed return to work programme

Individual Support Through Every Stage

A successful return to work relies on the right programme, consistent management and clear communication between everyone involved in the horse’s care.

horse following an individual rehabilitation programme at brookby heights

Following the Agreed Rehabilitation Plan

Where a veterinarian or other equine professional has provided a rehabilitation plan, Brookby Heights can help carry out the day-to-day exercise and management required.

The programme may change as the horse progresses, with any significant decisions relating to treatment or veterinary care referred back to the appropriate professional and discussed with the owner or trainer.

The aim is consistency — ensuring the horse receives the appropriate work, handling and routine throughout each stage.

horse gradually returning to ridden exercise after time away

Gradual Return to Exercise

Returning to work is a progression rather than a single step.

Depending on the horse and the recommendations provided, work may develop gradually from controlled walking and groundwork through to appropriate ridden exercise as the horse becomes ready.

The emphasis is on allowing strength, fitness and confidence to develop progressively rather than asking too much too soon.

individual monitoring during equine rehabilitation at brookby heights

Individual Observation

Limited numbers allow us to closely observe each horse throughout its stay.

Changes in movement, behaviour, comfort, willingness and general condition can all provide useful information about how a horse is responding to increased activity.

Regular observation helps ensure the programme remains appropriate and allows concerns to be communicated promptly to the owner, trainer or relevant equine professional.

equine physiotherapy support for horses at brookby heights

COLLABORATIVE CARE

Working Alongside Your Vet & Equine Professionals

Successful rehabilitation often involves a team.

Brookby Heights is happy to work closely with the veterinarian, physiotherapist and other equine professionals involved in your horse’s care.

We have established relationships with veterinary clinics throughout Auckland and Waikato and can work within an agreed rehabilitation programme provided for the horse.

Equine physiotherapist Clare McGowan visits Brookby Heights every second Tuesday, providing convenient access to physiotherapy support where required and agreed with the horse’s owner or trainer.

Keeping everyone informed helps ensure the people involved in the horse’s care are working towards the same outcome.

Any veterinary, physiotherapy or other professional treatment remains subject to the advice and approval of the appropriate professional and the horse’s owner or trainer.

Rebuilding Strength, Fitness & Confidence

Physical recovery is only one part of successfully returning a horse to work.

After an extended period away, horses may also need time to rebuild general fitness, strength, balance and confidence in their normal routine.

As the horse becomes ready for increased activity, its programme can be developed progressively to support the next stage of its recovery.

Depending on the individual horse and professional recommendations, the focus may include:

Gradually increasing appropriate exercise
Rebuilding general strength and condition
Re-establishing a consistent working routine
Developing balance and suppleness
Helping the horse regain confidence under saddle
Preparing for the transition back to its owner or trainer
The goal is not simply to make the horse fit as quickly as possible.

It is to help the horse return to work in a considered way, with the physical and mental foundations needed to continue progressing.

Boutique Care Throughout Recovery

Rehabilitation requires consistency and attention to detail. Our limited numbers allow each horse to receive individual care throughout its stay.

Individual Programmes

Each horse’s routine is based on its individual circumstances, professional recommendations and stage of recovery.

Consistent Management

A consistent daily routine helps ensure exercise and management remain aligned with the agreed plan.

Professional Collaboration

We are happy to work alongside veterinarians, physiotherapists, owners, trainers and other professionals involved in the horse’s care.

Regular Communication

Owners and trainers can receive regular video updates and remain involved as their horse progresses.

Stay Informed Throughout Your Horse’s Progress

We understand how important it is to know how your horse is progressing during rehabilitation.

Karen provides regular video updates through Messenger or WhatsApp, giving owners and trainers the opportunity to follow changes in the horse’s work and condition throughout its stay.

Owners and trainers are also welcome to arrange visits to see their horse and discuss its progress.

Where other equine professionals are involved, clear communication helps ensure any changes or concerns can be addressed with the appropriate person.

Our aim is for everyone involved to have a clear understanding of how the horse is progressing and what the next stage involves.

individual thoroughbred fitness programme at brookby heights

Working Within Professional Advice

Brookby Heights provides day-to-day care, exercise and return-to-work support but does not replace veterinary diagnosis or treatment.

Where a horse is recovering from injury, surgery or a medical condition, rehabilitation is undertaken in consultation with the horse’s owner or trainer and, where appropriate, their veterinarian or other treating professional.

Let’s Plan the Right Return for Your Horse

Whether your horse is recovering from injury, surgery, an extended period of rest or simply requires a carefully managed return to work, we’d be happy to discuss its individual needs.

Contact Karen to talk through your horse’s current situation, any professional recommendations already in place and how Brookby Heights may be able to support the next stage of its recovery.

DISCUSS YOUR HORSE WITH KAREN