A thorough chiropractic examination will identify sites of spinal dysfunction and pain as well as musculoskeletal problems in the appendages. It is the aim of chiropractic not only to find and treat these problems but to identify a primary or underlying dysfunction. This is called the primary cause. Areas of secondary dysfunction arise due to compensation.

Compensation refers to the horse loading other parts of its body to favour the areas which are sore and causing pain during normal locomotion. Compensation is a characteristic of quadruped biomechanics. All types of lameness will result in a degree of compensation. More recently it has been highlighted that hoof imbalances will cause compensation [Ridgway K, G.M., Low Heel / High Heel Syndrome Unrecognized Problems. 2002.].

The use of chiropractic in the equine is an effective tool for managing these problems. If the primary cause is hoof imbalance then chiropractic will only manage the condition until the hoof imbalance is corrected. When trimming is carried out to resolve degenerative and pathological conditions of the hoof, in many instances, a return to health, function and performance is aided by the use of chiropractic.

Chiropractic has been found to be effective in relieving musculoskeletal pain between trims. Each time the hoof shape is altered the horse goes through a phase of altering its body position to accommodated the forces through its upper limbs and its trunk.