Connecting Horse and Rider
At Align Equine Chiropractic, we believe that when a horse and rider move together in balance, incredible things happen. Whether you’re chasing blue ribbons at Tryon International Equestrian Center, exploring trails at FENCE (Foothills Equestrian Nature Center), or simply building a better bond with your horse at home, our chiropractic care helps you reach your full potential.
We specialize in gentle, precise adjustments that:
- Relieve pain and stiffness
- Restore natural movement and alignment
- Enhance timing, balance and feel
- Support nervous system regulation
- Boost athletic performance
- Foster emotional well-being and connection
We proudly serve Polk, Cleveland, and Rutherford Counties in North Carolina and Landrum, South Carolina. Wherever you and your horse call home, we’re here to help you move and feel your best.
Better movement=better performance.
Services
Chiropractic Care for Horses
- Enhance performance and support longevity
- Help prevent and recover from lameness
- Rehabilitate after trauma, injury, or surgery
- Address behavioral changes linked to pain or neurological issues
- Support overall wellness for horses at any life stage
Our equine chiropractic sessions focus on restoring freedom of movement, balance, and nervous system health. We work with horses from all disciplines and levels, from dressage to reigning, and elite competitors to trail riding companions and pasture pets.
Chiropractic Care for Riders
- Improve posture and balance in the saddle
- Relieve pain, tension, and stiffness
- Support recovery from falls, injuries, or repetitive strain
- Promote confidence, focus, and ease through nervous system regulation
- Provide wellness care for riders of all levels
When riders feel balanced and strong, their connection with their horse deepens. Our chiropractic care is tailored to support the unique demands riders place on their bodies.
Locations We Serve
- Polk County, NC (Tryon, Columbus, Mills Spring, Saluda, Green Creek)
- Cleveland County, NC (Shelby, Boiling Springs, Lattimore, Polkville, Belwood)
- Rutherford County, NC (Forest City, Rutherfordton, Lake Lure, Bostic, Ellenboro)
- Spartanburg County, SC (Landrum, Campobello, Chesnee)
About
Meet Your Chiropractors
Dr. Patrick McMahon, D.C., C.A.C. earned his Doctor of Chiropractic degree from Parker College of Chiropractic and completed his Certified Animal Chiropractor (CAC) training through Options For Animals in Wellsville, Kansas. He is the co-founder of Syntropy Chiropractic Training, the largest post graduate training program in the chiropractic profession. Originally from WNC, He also lived in Spain for 20 years and taught neurology at the Barcelona College of Chiropractic before returning home to North Carolina
Dr. Richelle Gardner, D.C., C.A.C. graduated from the Barcelona College of Chiropractic and also completed her Certified Animal Chiropractor (CAC) certification at Options For Animals. She also teaches technique through Syntropy Chiropractic Training, and is the first graduate of the BCC licensed in the United States. Originally from Lincoln, Nebraska, after 20 years abroad, she loves calling North Carolina home.
Both Dr. McMahon and Dr. Gardner met in Barcelona, Spain where they lived for 20 years. They are fluent in Spanish and share a passion for caring for both people and animals. They bring a deep respect for the individual needs of each horse and rider, focusing on restoring balance, function, and vitality through expert chiropractic care. They are certified by the International Veterinary Chiropractic Association (IVCA) www.ivca.de. They also received many, many hours of additional training from Dr. Jay Komarek, star of the movie “Life, Adjusted”. The documentary tells the beautiful story of a deeply traumatized horse, Dizzy, that gets her life back through the power of chiropractic. You can watch it here below:
Align Equine Chiropractic proudly serves the horse and rider communities of Polk, Cleveland, and Rutherford Counties in North Carolina, as well as Landrum, South Carolina. You’ll often find us working on-site at Tryon International Equestrian Center and FENCE, helping horses and riders perform at their best.
Disclaimer: Chiropractic care is not intended as an alternative to or substitute for veterinary medical care. We work closely with veterinarians to provide the best comprehensive care for the animals we serve.
Our Philosophy:
- Gentle, respectful care
- Finding and addressing the root causes of imbalance
- Supporting the nervous system for lasting results
- Promoting long-term performance, partnership, and wellness
Frequently Asked Questions
What is animal chiropractic care?
Animal chiropractic focuses on the alignment and mobility of the spine and joints to support the nervous system, enhance movement, relieve discomfort, and improve overall well-being. It’s a gentle, hands-on approach designed to help animals move and feel their best.
Is chiropractic a replacement for veterinary care?
No. Chiropractic care is not a substitute for veterinary care. We work closely with veterinarians to ensure that each horse receives the best, most complete care possible.
How do I know if my horse might benefit from chiropractic care?
Common signs include stiffness, uneven gait, reluctance to be saddled or bridled, behavioral changes, decreased performance, or sensitivity to touch. If you notice anything unusual, chiropractic care may help address underlying issues.
How often will my horse need an adjustment?
It depends on the horse’s condition, workload, and goals. Some horses benefit from occasional wellness check-ins, while others in active training or recovery may need more frequent visits. We’ll create a plan tailored to your horse’s needs.
Can you adjust both my horse and me during the same visit?
Yes! We love taking care of both horse and rider. Addressing both sides of the partnership often leads to better results, improved balance, and greater harmony together.
What areas do you serve?
We are a mobile office who proudly serves Polk County (Tryon, Columbus, Mills Spring, Saluda, Green Creek), Cleveland County (Shelby, Boiling Springs, Lattimore, Polkville, Belwood), and Rutherford County (Forest City, Rutherfordton, Lake Lure, Bostic, Ellenboro) in North Carolina, as well as Spartanburg County (Landrum, Campobello, Chesnee), South Carolina.