Individualized support for the complete horse-and-rider picture
Sometimes education and tracking are enough. Sometimes you need an experienced professional to assess the individual horse, rider, and training situation.
Shelley provides in-person horse-and-rider services at Khaleesi Acres in Eagle, Idaho, with virtual assessments, consultations, and Ride Well education available online.
Hi, I’m Shelley
I help horses and riders move, feel, and perform better by looking beyond a single symptom or training problem. I consider the whole picture—including posture, movement, strength, behavior, rider influence, workload, recovery, and the demands of the horse’s job.
II have worked as a physical therapist for more than 25 years and have specialized in equine physiotherapy and horse-and-rider performance for nearly a decade. I am also a lifelong rider, competitor, trainer, and barn manager. That combination allows me to bring clinical movement analysis into the real world of riding, training, rehabilitation, and day-to-day horse management.
My approach is practical, collaborative, and always centered on the horse. When movement, behavior, or performance changes, I do not immediately assume the horse needs more training or correction. I help you look more closely, understand what may be contributing, and create a thoughtful plan forward.
Horse and rider are one system
Performance is rarely influenced by one body part or one exercise alone. The horse, rider, tack, feet, workload, recovery, management, environment, and training plan all interact.
My role is to help you understand those connections, identify the priorities that matter most, and decide what to address next.
In Person at Khaleesi Acres
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Equine Performance Assessment and Physiotherapy
For horses experiencing changes in movement, comfort, strength, function, behavior, or performance.
Sessions may include:
Posture and movement assessment
Hands-on evaluation
Strength and coordination review
Consideration of tack, feet, workload, and recovery
Treatment when appropriate
Therapeutic exercise and training recommendations
Guidance about referral or next steps
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Rider Biomechanics and Physical Therapy
For riders wanting better alignment, stronger movement, clearer communication, or support returning after injury.
Sessions may address:
Pain or physical restriction
Rider asymmetry
Balance and coordination
Position and use of aids
Strength and endurance
Return to riding
How the rider influences the horse
Sessions may be mounted, off-horse, or a combination.
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Combined Horse-and-Rider Assessment
For partnerships where the concern may involve the horse, the rider, or the interaction between them.
This whole-picture assessment considers:
Horse movement and performance
Rider alignment and coordination
Tack and training demands
Communication between horse and rider
Current concerns and goals
Priorities for the next phase of training
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In-Barn Rehabilitation
For horses requiring closely managed rehabilitation, therapeutic exercise, progressive loading, and structured return to work.
In-barn rehabilitation at Khaleesi Acres may include:
Review of veterinary recommendations
Initial functional assessment
Controlled exercise
Therapeutic exercise
Regular reassessment
Progress documentation
Coordination with veterinarians and farriers
Return-to-training planning
Available Virtually
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A virtual assessment may include:
Review of submitted videos and history
Movement and posture observations
Discussion of current concerns
Review of workload and recovery
Identification of priorities
Practical recommendations and next steps
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For riders who want feedback on alignment, movement, symmetry, mobility, and their influence on the horse.
A virtual rider assessment may include:
Review of riding and off-horse videos
Movement and position analysis
Discussion of pain or physical limitations
Individualized exercise recommendations
Suggestions for improving coordination and clarity
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For equestrians who want help looking at the complete training picture.
This consultation can consider:
The horse’s movement and behavior
Rider biomechanics
Training patterns
Workload and recovery
Current goals
Professional support already in place
Priorities and next steps
Virtual assessments provide education, movement review, and planning support. They do not replace hands-on examination, veterinary diagnosis, or emergency care.
The technical details. Experience you can trust.
Physical therapist with more than 25 years of experience
Master’s degree in Physical Therapy from Mayo Clinic
Certified Equine Rehabilitation Practitioner from University of Tennessee
FEI Permitted Equine Therapist
Rider, competitor, trainer, and equestrian performance professional
