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ABnR Course Series

Applied Biomechanics & Rehabilitation Course Series

This course series focusses on functional biomechanics and rehabilitation presented in theoretical lectures and intensive hands on practical sessions in small groups.
It consists of four equine modules and provides thorough insight into modern rehabilitation science and techniques as well as state of the art tools and techniques to use in your daily practice! To give you the best possible learning experience we invite experts from all over the world to teach along with us.

All modules are self-contained and can be booked individually.
However taking all modules enables you to qualify as ‚ABnR certified Rehabilitation Practitioner‘!

The modules & courses are repeated every two years – you can start with any module at any time.

Show Course Series Content Module Booking

ABnR Course Series Content

Post-graduade insight into modern rehabilitation science & techniques

Module I: Applied Biomechanics

A thorough understanding of a patients biomechanics is essential for correct treatment decisions. Functional asymmetry versus lameness – where do we draw the line? We will introduce technical devices we can utilize for an objective evaluation and discuss common compensatory patterns and their influence on the musculoskeletal system.

  • equine biomechanics, clinical implications and case reports
  • subjective and objective gait analysis in theory and practice
  • functional lameness examination and interconnection between school medicine and integrative therapy
  • common orthopedic diseases connected to functional disorders in equine athletes
  • a close look on horses feet and shoeing from a biomechanics standpoint

Speaker: Prof. Dr. Hilary Clayton, Dr. Jenny Hagen, Dr. Russell MacKechnie-Guire, Dr. Nadine Blum, Dr. Julia Rohrbach 

Next course date: 15. – 17. November 2024

Booking - Equine Module I

Module II: Physiology & Training

To provide optimal care for our patients a ‘big picture‘ holistic approach is required. Not only trainings physiology and routines need to be understood, but follow up training, specific nutrition as well as training equipment to enable core strengthening andproprioceptive improvement for our four- and two-legged athletes!

  • the physiology of training: training with stimuli, interval training, rest periods
  • muscle physiology, development and performance
  • riding is the most common training method for horses: how can we optimize?
  • what do we have to consider? Biomechanics, self-carriage, engagement and proprioception, muscle health and strength and functional stabilization in our patients
  • lunging can support other forms of rehabilitation and training: what are the pros and cons of specific lunging programs such as Equikinetic® or Schiefentherapie® ?
  • pole work, lunging equipment, side reins, therabands, stabilization trainers, proprioceptive mats, vibration therapy
  • general equipment evaluation in theory and practice: focussing on key points of a well fitting saddle and bridle respectively collar and harness
  • horse-rider interaction – objective and subjective evaluation

Speakers: Dr. Anna Ehrle, Dr. Emmanuelle van Erck, Dr. Russell MacKechnie-Guire, Dr. Carolien Munsters, Dr. Nadine Blum, Dr. Julia Rohrbach

Next course date: 25. – 27. April 2025

Booking - Equine Module II

Module III: Electro & Physical Therapy

Physical and electro therapy in animals is a huge and rapidly growing sector and it can be difficult to decide which treatment is the best for the individual patient or which device to chose for your practice. This module provides a thorough overview of available tools and options as well as a comparison of pros and cons:

  • Transcutaneous/Percutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS/PENS),
    Neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES), Functional electrical stimulation (FES), Microcurrent electrical nerve stimulation (MENS), Pulsed electromagnetic field (PEMF), Electromagnetic field therapy (EMF), Molecular biophysical stimulation (MBST), Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS), FasciaRelease (Neurostim® , Extrazell® , RollArt® , Rapid Release® and others)
  • Laser, Therapeutic Ultrasound, Shockwave, Percussion and Vibration therapy
  • use various systems on appropriate tissues and learn how to optimally include them in your every day work in practical sessions
  • learn about the neurological basics of physical therapy and implications on motion pattern and motoric learning

Speakers: Dr. Nadine Blum, Dr. Christine Fuchs, Dr. Jenny Hagen, Dr. Joao Paulo Marques, Dr. Julia Rohrbach

Next course date: 21. – 23. November 2025

Booking - Equine Module III

Module IV: Integrative Rehabilitation

Various factors play a role for the health and wellbeing of animals and should not be overseen in rehabilitation concepts! In this module we will add some important aspects and bring them together with the knowledge and skills we learned in the previous modules:

  • equine nutrition: ration calculation, supplements and adaptations for specific conditions
  • sleep deprivation in horses – a still underrated factor contributing to many diseases
  • orthobiologics – how do they work and how can we integrate them into our treatment protocols?
  • fascia: Myofascial Pain Syndrome, diagnostics and treatment options
  • poor performance from an internal and orthopedics point of view

Speaker: Dr. Nadine Blum, Dr. Christine Fuchs, Dr. Ute Pansegrau, Dr. Julia Rohrbach, Dr. Solange Mikail, Prof. Dr. Ingrid Vervuert

Course date Equine: 26. – 28. April 2024
Course date Equine: 24. – 26. April 2026


Booking - Equine Module IV - 2024 Booking - Equine Module IV - 2026

Module Booking – Equine

Modules of ABnR Equine Course Series are self-contained & can be booked individually

Module Booking – Equine

Modules of ABnR Course Series are self-contained & can be booked individually

Module Booking – Canine

Modules of ABnR Course Series are self-contained & can be booked individually