If your horse feels stiff, sore, uneven, or just not quite themselves, acupuncture may be a gentle and effective way to support comfort, movement, and overall well-being.
At Epona Equine Veterinary Care, acupuncture is part of a whole-horse approach that looks beyond symptoms to understand how the entire body is functioning. When used alongside conventional veterinary medicine, spinal manipulation, laser therapy, dentistry, and soundness evaluations, acupuncture can play a powerful role in helping horses feel their best.
What Is Acupuncture for Horses?
Acupuncture is part of Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine (TCVM). It involves placing very small, sterile needles at specific points on the body to stimulate nerves, muscles, and connective tissue. These points influence circulation, pain pathways, inflammation, and the nervous system.
In practical terms, acupuncture helps the body:
- Reduce pain and muscle tension
- Improve circulation
- Support joint mobility
- Calm the nervous system
- Encourage natural healing responses
Many horses visibly relax during treatment, lowering their heads, yawning, or even dozing while needles are in place.
What Conditions Can Acupuncture Support?
Equine acupuncture is commonly used to help with:
- Back, neck, and muscle soreness
- Lameness and uneven movement
- Arthritis and joint discomfort
- Performance issues and stiffness
- Nerve-related concerns
- Chronic pain conditions
- Stress or anxiety
It is often most effective when combined with other therapies, creating a personalized care plan based on how your individual horse moves, works, and lives.
Dr. Gnadt’s Acupuncture Training and Certification
Victoria Gnadt completed her Mixed Animal Acupuncture training at Chi University in December 2020, where she learned the foundations of Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine, equine and canine acupuncture points, and how to incorporate Chinese herbal therapies into treatment plans.
While this initial coursework allows veterinarians to practice acupuncture, Dr. Gnadt chose to continue her education to deepen her skills and clinical outcomes. She completed an acupuncture externship in June 2021 with Karen Spracklen in South Solon, Ohio. During this externship, Dr. Gnadt refined her approach to point selection and needle placement, learning advanced techniques designed to improve treatment effectiveness for patients.
She also completed a formal case report demonstrating successful treatment using Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine. After meeting these additional requirements, Chi University granted Dr. Gnadt her certification in veterinary acupuncture in October 2021.
This advanced training allows her to thoughtfully integrate acupuncture into comprehensive veterinary care, always with your horse’s comfort, performance, and long-term soundness in mind.
Does Acupuncture Hurt?
Most horses tolerate acupuncture extremely well. The needles are very fine, and placement is typically painless or causes only mild, momentary sensation. Many horses become noticeably relaxed during sessions, and some show immediate improvement in mobility or comfort.
Treatment plans vary depending on the horse and condition being addressed. Some horses benefit from occasional maintenance sessions, while others may need a short series of treatments for specific issues.
A Whole-Horse Approach
At Epona Equine Veterinary Care, acupuncture is never used in isolation. Dr. Gnadt evaluates your horse’s movement, posture, muscle tone, dental balance, saddle fit, and overall soundness to create a complete picture.
By combining acupuncture with modern diagnostics and hands-on therapies, care becomes more precise, more effective, and more personalized.
If you think your horse could benefit from acupuncture, or if you have questions about how it fits into your horse’s care plan, Dr. Gnadt is happy to talk through options during your farm visit.
