USET case studies

USET · Put your knowledge to work in context.

Equine Therapy Certification Examination (USET) is a knowledge assessment for practitioners who apply manual, physical, and adjunctive therapy techniques to horses - typically equine massage therapists, bodyworkers, rehabilitation assistants, and veterinary technicians extending their skill set. It tests whether you understand the horse beneath your hands: anatomy and kinesiology, gait and biomechanics, behavior and welfare, nutrition and conditioning, common lameness and rehabilitation concepts, the modalities themselves, assessment and documentation, handling safety, and professional ethics with veterinary collaboration. The USET case studies are 5 cases and about 5,711 words.

The Night-Before-Show Request on an Undiagnosed Hindlimb Lameness

Your first appointment with a new client is a 16-year-old warmblood gelding competing at Third Level dressage. The owner reports that for the past 10 days the horse has felt "uneven behind" and has been dragging the right hind toe, most noticeable on the right circle and in the right-lead canter.

1,027 words, about 5 min 2

Girth Aversion, Cold-Back, and a Trainer Who Wants It Worked Through

A five-year-old Irish Sport Horse mare is referred to you for "cold-back and girth issues" by her trainer. The owner reports that the mare pins her ears and swishes her tail when the girth is tightened, has sunk and humped when mounted since being started 14 months ago, and has begun head-tossing in trot during the last month.

1,188 words, about 6 min 3

The Off-Track Thoroughbred Ten Weeks From a Horse Trial

A four-year-old Thoroughbred gelding came off the track eight weeks ago after 14 starts. He is in light work: 20 minutes of walk and trot, five days a week, mostly in the arena.

1,160 words, about 6 min 4

Five Days After a Hock Injection: Deep Work Requested

A 12-year-old show jumper had a corticosteroid injection into the right tarsometatarsal (distal hock) joint five days ago, with a single hyaluronic acid injection at the same time. The veterinarian prescribed three days of stall rest with hand-walking, then a gradual return to walking under tack, with a recheck in 14 days.

1,108 words, about 6 min 5

"Just Tell Me If He's OK to Go" - The Trainer, the Owner, and the Hind End

You are working as a therapist at a recognized three-day event. A trainer you have worked with for years asks you to "take a quick look" at a horse that has just finished the dressage phase and is entered on cross-country tomorrow.

1,228 words, about 6 min