About Me
KIM PARKER
My Story
I was born and raised on a wildlife and cattle farm in the Southern Drakensberg. Animals, especially horses, were a constant presence even before I opened my eyes to the bright sunshine. Growing up on the farm, I spent my days running barefoot and riding bareback, often without a bridle, though I now understand it wasn’t the healthiest option for the horse. My wild ways eventually led me to compete in showjumping, eventing, and dressage.
Over the years, many horses came into our lives, each presenting physical, behavioural, and health challenges that left me wondering. Despite our best efforts with the knowledge and resources available at the time, some questions remained unanswered. Although we did the best with what we knew and what we had available at the time, there were things we could have done differently for the betterment of us all.
Moving forward, I aim to share and disseminate this knowledge, equipping horse owners with the best tools to enhance their partnership with their horse, whether it’s an athlete or a companion.
My life has become a pursuit of knowledge, delving into the mysteries of the body and its secrets as it strives to conserve itself. I believe there is always more to learn and share, underscoring the importance of teamwork as a vital component of success.
Happy horses, happy humans, happy partnerships.
-Kim Parker
MY MISSION
My mission is to enhance the well-being of horses, promoting both physical and mental comfort. By fostering a healthier and happier equine companion, not only do their tasks become more manageable, but the entire owner-horse relationship is enriched. Ultimately, fostering joy in horses leads to content owners and a positive impact on the well-being of all involved
My Niche
EQUINE THERAPY | OSTEOPATHY
Insights from Equine Health Care
My extensive involvement in equine health care’s medical/surgical aspects has exposed me to extreme scenarios and their consequences, prompting a re-evaluation of conventional practices and a quest for innovative approaches. With a focus on young horses and their transition to ridden life, I recognize the critical importance of early intervention in promoting optimal physical development. From addressing foals’ feet to pre-backing strengthening exercises, I advocate for proactive measures to support the horse’s musculoskeletal health and prevent future issues. By prioritizing core strength and spinal health, I not only enhance performance but also mitigate the risk of injuries, offering our equine partners a competitive advantage and ensuring their longevity in athletic pursuits. While not all anatomical deviations can be reversed, I believe in addressing the root causes and guiding the body toward more efficient functioning through osteopathic principles and techniques.
Integrity, and professionalism.
Respect of patients and owners in their individual journeys
Uncompromising principles
The best experience is
Always learning new patterns in the body, according to the individual, and observing the ‘unraveling’ of restrictions, drives me to discover more and gives me a good reason to plough forward on this path. Not only have I been fortunate to witness positive changes in the balance of hooves post-treatment, but also in the respiratory and cardiac recovery of highly athletic horses
Kim started working with Chuck and I at the end of 2023. Chuck is a big, weak warmblood and even after years of correct ridden work he battles to build muscle and strength. Not to mention the trauma to his body over the years. Kim took everything back to basics, starting with small exercises in the stable, working up to ground work and eventually ridden work. The changes in this horse have been incredible! He has always looked like the front end and back end belong to different horses. For the first time since I have had him he looks like a muscled, put together horse and feels amazing.
Kim treats the root cause of the problem and gives a far more in depth program than your standard physio. It has been a pleasure working with Kim and I look forward to our journey together.
• Anonymous
Prepare to have your eyes opened to the natural physique of your horse, in all its balance and lack of symmetry in various parts. Do not expect your horse to magically become symmetrical after a life of compensation and imbalance. Do expect small changes correctly made to gradually become bigger changes throughout the body