The therapy world—whether human or equine—is saturated with "methods." There’s always someone touting a revolutionary technique, a groundbreaking protocol, or a cutting-edge approach that promises to fix everything from chronic pain to behavioral issues. These methods often come with hefty price tags and persuasive marketing, designed to lure in practitioners and clients alike with the hope of quick, easy solutions.
Before diving deeper, it’s important to highlight a key distinction: The scientific method is the backbone of regulated therapies in Canada.
In order to meet regulatory standards, assessment and treatment techniques must undergo rigorous scrutiny and demonstrate strong evidence backing. This is why obtaining a license to practice in human therapy fields requires formal education, standardized examinations, and adherence to evidence-based practices. These regulatory standards ensure that practitioners are held accountable to the highest levels of care and professionalism.
And here’s the kicker: it’s totally FREE. How funny is that? The oldest, most time-tested method in the book is actually free. No secret fees, no hidden costs—just a structured, repeatable process to uncover the truth.
The cost lies in the education that trains practitioners to understand and apply the scientific method. This is why I strongly advocate for therapists to complete formal education before working with horses.
In contrast, the equine bodywork and therapy field lacks this level of regulation in Canada. Anyone can call themselves a "therapist" without meeting standardized educational or evidence-based requirements. This lack of oversight makes it even more critical for equine practitioners to ground their work in the scientific method, ensuring that their techniques are not only effective but also ethically sound.
When I was in human therapy school, one of my instructors offered a piece of advice that has stayed with me throughout my career: Run away whenever someone presents you with their “method” or tries to get you to sign up for some new, cutting-edge way to treat X, Y, or Z. At the time, it seemed a bit cynical. But the longer I’ve worked in this field—both with humans and horses—the more I’ve come to realize the wisdom in that statement.
The truth is simple: there is no method besides the scientific method.
The Problem with “Methods”
Every time a new “method” emerges, it usually follows a predictable pattern. A charismatic individual claims to have discovered something revolutionary—a secret no one else knows—and they build an entire brand around it. They create certifications, write books, and develop exclusive training programs. But when you strip away the marketing and the jargon, what are you left with? Often, it’s a rebranding of existing knowledge, cherry-picked evidence, or, worse, anecdotal results with no scientific backing.
This isn’t to say that innovation is bad—far from it. Science thrives on new ideas and discoveries. But true advancements in therapy don’t come from someone’s “method”; they come from rigorous research, peer-reviewed studies, and repeatable results. If a technique works, it’s because it has been tested, analyzed, and proven—not because it’s wrapped in flashy branding.
The Scientific Method: The Only Reliable Framework
So, what makes the scientific method different? Unlike proprietary techniques, the scientific method is a free structured, repeatable process designed to eliminate bias and uncover the truth. It’s the gold standard in all fields of science, including therapy and medicine.
In my practice, I treat every session like a mini-research study, applying the scientific method to ensure that my work is effective and evidence-based.
Here’s how it works:
Assessment (Observation/Testing): Every session begins with a thorough assessment. I observe the horse’s posture, movement patterns, tissue quality, and overall biomechanics. This is where I gather the data—the raw information needed to identify potential issues.
Hypothesis Formation: Based on my assessment, I form a hypothesis. What are the primary dysfunctions contributing to the horse’s problem? Which areas are compensating, and which are truly at the root of the issue?
Intervention (Experimentation): With a clear hypothesis in mind, I treat what I believe to be primary. I only address 1-2 variables at a time. This allows me to isolate the effects of each intervention, ensuring that any changes I observe are a direct result of the treatment.
Reassessment (Data Analysis): After treatment, I reassess the horse, comparing the post-treatment findings to the initial assessment. This is the “discussion” section of the research process—where I analyze the data to determine if my hypothesis was correct and if the treatment was effective.
Conclusion & Future Planning: Based on the reassessment, I draw conclusions about the efficacy of the treatment. This informs my approach for the next session, creating a continuous feedback loop that refines and improves the treatment plan over time.
Scaling the Scientific Method: Quarterly Re-Evaluations
Beyond individual sessions, I apply this method on a larger scale through quarterly full re-evaluations. Every three months, I compare the initial assessment with the current state of the horse, tracking progress over time. This allows me to evaluate the long-term efficacy of the treatment plan, adjust goals as needed, and ensure that the interventions are genuinely benefiting the horse.
If the data shows that progress has plateaued or regressed, it’s a signal to pivot—to reassess the hypothesis, consider new variables, or even refer out to another professional if necessary. This is the essence of evidence-based practice: following the data, not personal biases or preconceived notions.
Science Evolves, and So Must We
While the scientific method provides a reliable framework, it’s important to recognize that science itself is not static. New research, better tools, and deeper understanding continually refine our knowledge. This means that as therapists, we must strike a balance between adhering to evidence-based practices and remaining open to new discoveries that challenge existing paradigms.
It’s a fine line to walk. Clinging too tightly to established methods can lead to stagnation, while blindly chasing every new trend can result in inconsistent, ineffective care. The key is to stay grounded in science while remaining adaptable to its evolution.
Why This Matters
At the end of the day, our goal as therapists—whether we work with humans or horses—is to provide the best possible care. This means setting aside personal biases, ignoring flashy marketing, and focusing on what the evidence shows. It means treating each session like a research study, using the scientific method as our guide.
Because when we rely on anything else—when we subscribe to proprietary methods or anecdotal techniques—we risk failing the very beings we aim to help. And for me, that’s not an option.
So yes, the only method I subscribe to is the scientific method. It’s the only one that truly works.
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