Happy Horse Nutrition9 Sep 2025

17. Back Health: Keeping Your Horse Pain-Free with Dr. Nicolle Wiechula

Is your horse experiencing back pain? In this eye-opening episode, equine sports medicine specialist Dr. Nicolle Wiechula and your host Dr Nerida McGilchrist dive deep into everything you need to know about horse back health.

Dr. Nicolle, a registered specialist in equine sports medicine and rehabilitation and official FEI veterinarian, breaks down the "triad" of back health: proper exercise, pain management, and nutrition. You'll discover simple exercises like carrot stretches and trot poles that can transform your horse's muscle support, plus why the source of protein in your horse's diet makes all the difference.

In this episode, you'll learn:

The difference between primary and secondary back pain (and why it matters)
How to properly assess if your horse has back pain
Specific exercises to build topline and core strength
Why saddle fit checks are more crucial than you think
The nutrition secrets that actually build muscle

Most importantly, find out why Dr. Wiechula hasn't recommended kissing spine surgery in seven years and how consistent, well-planned exercise programs can often resolve serious back issues without invasive procedures.

Whether you're dealing with back pain right now or want to prevent problems before they start, this episode gives you veterinarian-approved strategies to keep your horse comfortable and strong.

About Dr. Nicolle: BSc DVM MVCS MVS Dipl ACVSMR, registered specialist in equine sports medicine and rehabilitation, FEI veterinarian, and host of the Ultimate Equine Podcast.

Links & Resources:

🎧 Dr. Nicolle's Podcast: Ultimate Equine Podcast

🎥 Dr. Nicolle's Webinar: Strengthening the Back and Hind End – https://www.facebook.com/watch/?mibextid=wwXIfr&v=706522957795092&rdid=WKfkW9xxm2OuOdA5

🐴 Check Your Horse's Nutrition: https://www.myhappy.horse – Analyse your horse’s diet to support their back health and muscle development

📧 Connect with Dr. Nicolle: https://www.camdenequinecentre.com/team_list/dr-nicolle-symond/

⭐ Love this episode? Please rate and review to help other horse owners discover these insights!

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