“Our goal is to restore comfort, movement, and confidence in every horse we treat.”
–Dr. Beth Byles
SERVICES
Body & Gait Analysis
Our body and gait analysis is a detailed evaluation of how your horse moves and uses its body at rest, in-hand, and under saddle when appropriate. We assess posture, symmetry, muscle development, limb placement, and compensatory patterns to identify the true source of pain or performance limits—especially when lameness is inconsistent or traditional exams are inconclusive. Findings guide an individualized plan for imaging, treatment, and rehabilitation.
SERVICES
Axial Skeleton Treatment Plans
We focus on pain and dysfunction originating in the neck, back, ribs, sacroiliac region, and pelvis—the core structures that drive movement, balance, and performance. After a thorough evaluation (and imaging when indicated), we build an individualized plan that may include targeted injections, ultrasound-guided therapies, rehabilitation exercises, and coordination with your trainer, bodyworker, and farrier. The goal is to address root causes, reduce compensation, and restore comfortable, correct movement for lasting soundness.
SERVICES
Comprehensive Rehabilitation
Recovery from body lameness takes time and consistency. Each horse receives a customized rehabilitation plan designed to restore healthy biomechanics and rebuild correct neuromuscular patterns. These programs support safe, progressive healing and help prevent re-injury. Successful outcomes depend on teamwork, patience, and giving the horse the time needed to recover fully.
SERVICES
Prehabilitation & Myofascial Release
This service combines proactive conditioning (“prehab”) with targeted myofascial release to address restrictions before they become injuries. We identify early asymmetries, stiffness, and compensation patterns, then use hands-on soft tissue techniques and a structured exercise plan to improve mobility, stability, and movement quality. Ideal for performance horses, horses returning to work, or those with recurring soreness, with the goal of keeping them comfortable, resilient, and progressing in training.
SERVICES
Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy
Extracorporeal shockwave therapy (ESWT) is a non-invasive treatment that uses focused acoustic waves to reduce pain and stimulate healing. ESWT promotes tissue regeneration, increases circulation, and improves the function of injured structures. It can be used alone or alongside other treatments to address conditions such as osteoarthritis, kissing spine, shoulder-girdle injuries, nuchal ligament damage, fascial tears, and chronic trigger points.
SERVICES
Follow-up Care
Ongoing evaluation is essential for lasting results. Most horses require follow-up appointments every 3–4 weeks to monitor progress and address new findings as the body heals. Because many horses arrive with long-standing body lameness, improvement takes time and consistent care. Owner commitment and patience are key to achieving full recovery and long-term soundness.
SERVICES
Rehabilitation Board & Care
In partnership with Seven Hills Training, we offer rehabilitation board and care at the Kinetic Equine Soundness Center in Monroe, WA. This program provides structured, medically guided rehabilitation for horses recovering from injury, pain, or performance decline. Each horse follows a consistent, progressive plan that integrates targeted veterinary care with individualized conditioning and frequent reassessment.
Because treatment and rehab are fully coordinated and closely monitored, horses often progress more efficiently and achieve more durable, lasting results. We provide clear milestones and updates, and coordinate with your trainer and farrier as needed.
ABOUT KINETIC EQUINE MEDICINE
Focused on the underlying causes of equine lameness
At Kinetic Equine Medicine, our team takes a collaborative, whole-horse approach to equine sports medicine. We look beyond symptoms to understand the biomechanical and functional factors behind pain and poor performance. Led by Dr. Beth Byles, our veterinarians work together and alongside other equine professionals to identify and treat the true source of lameness. This shared philosophy creates meaningful, lasting results for horses and their riders.
Founder & Lead Veterinarian
Beth Byles, DVM
Dr. Byles is a graduate of the University of Illinois College of Veterinary Medicine and completed an internship at the Mid-Atlantic Equine Medical Center. During her service as the Army veterinarian for the Caisson horses at Arlington National Cemetery, she developed a deep interest in body lameness and biomechanics. Based in Washington State, she leads KEM’s whole-horse approach to diagnosing and treating the underlying causes of lameness.
Consulting Veterinarian
Elizabeth Fish, CVA
A graduate of Cornell University, Dr. Fish completed an internship at Rhinebeck Equine before founding Shadowrock Equine. Certified in acupuncture and trained in chiropractic care and myofascial release, she integrates these modalities into comprehensive rehabilitation and performance programs. Dr. Fish consults with KEM on advanced cases and serves New York and Connecticut in the summer and Ocala and Wellington, Florida in the winter.
Consulting Veterinarian
Audrey DeClue, DVM
Dr. DeClue is internationally recognized for her pioneering work in body lameness and equine biomechanics. Her research and clinical experience have helped redefine how veterinarians approach equine soundness. As a consulting veterinarian to Kinetic Equine Medicine, she contributes her expertise in complex diagnostic cases and supports the practice’s mission to uncover and address the true sources of equine pain and dysfunction.
Director of Rehabilitation
Kyra Fraser
Kyra is a dressage trainer, rehabilitation specialist, and skilled veterinary assistant with over 15 years in the equine industry and 10 years in equine and small-animal practice. As KEM’s Director of Rehabilitation, she oversees the day-to-day care of every horse in recovery. Her approach—grounded in biomechanics, evidence-based training, and thoughtful in-hand and ridden work—complements our veterinary-directed care and helps accelerate each horse’s return to work.
Performance and Movement Conditions We Treat
Evaluating the sources of pain and dysfunction
At Kinetic Equine Medicine, we focus on the complex performance and movement disorders that often go undiagnosed or unresponsive to traditional limb-based treatments. Our goal is to identify and resolve the biomechanical dysfunctions that create pain, limit performance, and lead to secondary lameness.
If your horse struggles with performance issues that haven’t resolved through conventional treatment, we can help.
Back pain and kissing spine are among the most common—and most misunderstood—causes of poor performance. Rather than focusing solely on the site of pain, Kinetic Equine Medicine addresses the whole-horse pattern of dysfunction that leads to it. By identifying the root cause of mechanical stress, we create sustainable improvement rather than temporary relief.
Neck pain in horses often presents first as performance problems—rein lameness, difficulty bending, or lead change resistance—rather than obvious lameness. Structural variants such as Equine Complex Vertebral Malformation (ECVM) can compress nerve roots and restrict movement. Through comprehensive evaluation and bodywork, we address both the pain and its underlying causes to restore range of motion and comfort.
Once thought to have no clear cause, Dorsal Scapular Movement Disorder (Idiopathic Hopping) is now linked to restriction of the scapula and associated musculature. With targeted medical and manual therapies, many horses show marked improvement in movement, stability, and comfort.
Headshaking syndrome is a condition where a horse repeatedly tosses or jerks its head, snorts, or rubs its face—often worse during exercise, wind, bright light, or certain seasons. In many cases it’s linked to trigeminal nerve hypersensitivity, meaning normal stimuli can feel painful or “electric,” like nerve pain. Because similar signs can come from other problems (teeth, sinuses, eyes/ears, tack), a thorough exam is important.
These complex movement disorders have long been associated with neurological or genetic origins. Through the pioneering work of Dr. Audrey DeClue, and under her mentorship, Dr. Beth Byles applies proven medical and biomechanical techniques that can significantly improve quality of life for affected horses. While treatment requires time and commitment, it offers real potential for lasting improvement.
The forelimbs are attached to the horse’s body entirely through muscle and fascia, making the shoulder-girdle region both intricate and vulnerable. Injuries here often go unnoticed but can result in dangerous movement patterns, tripping, or loss of coordination. Early diagnosis and targeted rehabilitation are key to restoring balance, comfort, and rider safety.
When diagnostic nerve blocks fail to isolate the source of pain, the problem often originates higher in the body. In these unblockable limb lameness cases, Kinetic Equine Medicine focuses on the axial skeleton—the spine, pelvis, and connecting structures—to identify the true source of the problem and restore proper movement from the top down.
Research & insights
Discover how science improves the way we care for horses
We’re dedicated to bridging research and real-world practice. Here you’ll find trusted studies and expert perspectives that help owners, riders, and veterinarians better understand the root causes of discomfort and performance issues.
The Science of Soundness
Bridging science, movement, and horsemanship
The Science of Soundness explores how biomechanics, training, and clinical care intersect to support the horse’s comfort, performance, and longevity. Each article translates research and real-world experience into practical knowledge horse owners, trainers, and veterinarians can use to recognize issues early and promote healthier movement.
Results & Outcomes
What clients have to say about KEM
"Dr. Byles is a true treasure in the Pacific Northwest. Not your ordinary vet—she’s highly educated, experienced, and exceptional at identifying pain and body lameness. She pinpoints problems and helps horses heal and return to alignment.
Jamie L.
Tacoma, WA
“We’re so grateful for the team at KEM. They took time to understand our mare, explain every step, and support her recovery. Seeing her move freely and relax again has given us real peace of mind.”
Max J.
Redmond, WA
"After months of unanswered questions, Dr. Beth Byles diagnosed our horse’s ECVM. For the first time, we had real answers and a path forward. The improvement in his comfort, movement, and attitude has been remarkable."
Kyra F.
Monroe, WA
“From the moment we contacted KEM, we felt supported. Their careful evaluation and honest guidance helped our horse progress steadily and we trust them with his ongoing care.”
Drew C.
Sacramento, CA
CONTACT US
Start a consultation
As a referral-based practice, our consultation process begins with a review of your horse’s history and current concerns. This allows us to determine whether our services are the right fit and to recommend the most appropriate next steps for evaluation and care.
Complete our consultation request form to get started. We look forward to supporting you and your horse.
Request Consult
Submit the consultation request form so our team can review your horse’s history and current concerns.
Complete Intake
If your case is a good fit, you’ll receive access to our full intake packet with treatment details, pricing, and next steps.
Confirmation
After reviewing your intake, we'll contact you to schedule your appointment. Please indicate if your case is urgent so we can prioritize your appointment.
Contact
Serving:
Western Washington
Northwest Oregon
New York
Connecticut
Ocala & Wellington, Florida
Pennsylvania
Virginia
Locations
Business Office
Tacoma, WA 98444
Kinetic Equine Medicine Soundness Center
Monroe, WA 98272
RECOGNIZING PAIN BEYOND LAMENESS
Many “training issues” actually stem from discomfort or pain
Often horses labeled as “lazy,” “cold-backed,” or “difficult” are actually showing signs of pain or body lameness. Subtle changes in movement, attitude, or behavior — tripping, girthiness, uneven contact, reluctance to go forward — often indicate discomfort in the back, pelvis, or neck rather than training or temperament issues. At Kinetic Equine Medicine, we help identify and treat these underlying causes through thorough evaluation and evidence-based sports medicine.