Question 1

Do I need a veterinary referral to work with Kinetic Equine Medicine (KEM)?

Accepted Answer

No referral is needed to be seen at KEM. We do require that every horse has an active Veterinary-Client-Patient Relationship (VCPR) with a primary care veterinarian who provides routine care and emergency coverage. A valid VCPR simply means your horse has been examined by their primary veterinarian within the last 12 months.

Question 2

Can I keep my current veterinarian?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely. KEM does not provide preventive care or emergency services, so we ask that all patients continue with their primary care veterinarian. If you’d like, we’re happy to coordinate closely with your vet so everyone is on the same page.

Question 3

What is the intake process?

Accepted Answer

You’ll start by submitting a consultation request along with your horse’s medical history, veterinary records, and any relevant imaging. We review every case to make sure KEM is the right fit for you and your horse. If it is, we’ll send you an intake packet to complete, and once that’s returned, we’ll schedule your evaluation.

Question 4

What conditions does KEM typically treat?

Accepted Answer

KEM focuses on the neck, back, pelvis, and overall “core” of the horse (the axial skeleton). We often see horses who don’t look dramatically lame in one limb but clearly aren’t comfortable or performing like themselves. Common concerns include:
 • “Body lameness” or complex lameness (difficulty holding leads, sudden refusals, inconsistent contact, toe dragging, etc.)
 • Performance decline or subtle movement changes
 • Neck and back pain, kissing spine, pelvic or sacroiliac discomfort
 • ECVM (Equine Complex Vertebral Malformation) concerns
 • Headshaking syndrome
 • Neuropathic or chronic pain patterns (including sciatica-like presentations)
 • Neuromuscular conditions such as shivers, stringhalt, or idiopathic hopping
 • Sleep deprivation/collapsing presentations
 • Behavioral changes when pain is suspected
 • Long-standing or unresolved musculoskeletal/neuromuscular issues

Question 5

Do you offer equine rehabilitation?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We offer vet-directed, individualized rehabilitation at the Kinetic Equine Medicine Soundness Center in Monroe, WA. Our approach supports the physical, mental, and emotional aspects of recovery using evidence-based therapies and equipment. We specialize in the bridge between being cleared from stall rest and returning to consistent work under saddle. We partner with Seven Hills Training (https://sevenhillstraining.com)for rehabilitation.

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Question 6

How long does equine rehabilitation take?

Accepted Answer

Rehabilitation is a process, and timelines vary from horse to horse. It depends on the diagnosis, how long the issue has been present, current conditioning, and how the horse responds to treatment. As your horse improves, other contributing issues may become more noticeable—this is common in complex cases, and we address those step-by-step to support lasting soundness.

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Question 7

Will I receive updates on my horse’s progress?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We provide regular updates throughout evaluation, treatment, and rehabilitation. We can tailor the frequency and format of updates based on your preferences and your horse’s case.

Question 8

Can owners be involved in the process?

Accepted Answer

Yes—and we encourage it. Owner education and involvement are a big part of long-term success. We want you to feel confident in your horse’s plan, progress, and return to work, and to understand what supports ongoing soundness and injury prevention.