What services does Seven Hills Training offer?

Seven Hills Training is a dressage training and equine rehabilitation facility in Monroe, Washington, serving Snohomish County and Western Washington. We offer riding lessons, full and partial training programs, and biomechanics-informed rehabilitation focused on correct development, clear communication, and long-term soundness.

What horses are a good fit for equine rehabilitation at Seven Hills Training?

Our equine rehabilitation programs support horses returning to work after injury or extended time off, as well as horses needing support for body lameness (often referred to as rein lameness) or chronic tension. We focus on the critical transition between veterinary clearance and consistent, correct work, using in-hand and ridden rehabilitation when appropriate.

Do I need a veterinary referral for equine rehabilitation?

Horses entering rehabilitation must have an active relationship with a veterinarian and be cleared to return to work. A formal referral is not always required, but we value collaboration with your horse’s care team to support a coordinated return to work.

How long does horse training or rehabilitation usually take?

Training and rehabilitation timelines vary by horse. Duration depends on diagnosis, history, conditioning, and response to work. We prioritize steady, correct progress over fixed timelines to support long-term soundness.

Where is Seven Hills Training located?

Seven Hills Training is located in Monroe, Washington and serves clients throughout Snohomish County and the greater Western Washington region. MAP

Do horses receive full care during rehabilitation or training?

Yes. Horses enrolled in full or partial training and rehabilitation receive full-care board at Seven Hills Training during their stay.

Seven Hills

Kissing Spine Rehabilitation & Reconditioning

Frequently asked questions

General

Equine Rehabilitation

Veterinarians & Equine Professionals

Corrective movement development for overriding dorsal spinous processes (ORDSP)

A diagnosis of Kissing Spine (ORDSP) can be a turning point for many riders. Whether your horse has shown subtle performance issues, girthiness, or significant behavioral changes under saddle, the goal is the same: creating enough space between the spinous processes to allow for pain-free movement.

At Seven Hills Training in Monroe, WA, we specialize in the "post-clinical" phase of Kissing Spine recovery. Our work focuses on the biomechanical retraining necessary to help the horse lift the base of the spine, engage the core, and move with a functional, healthy topline

The transition from medical to movement

Kissing Spine management is a two-part process. While veterinarians provide the medical or surgical intervention, the horse must then be retrained to move in a new way. Without postural reconditioning, horses often remain stuck in the "braced" movement patterns they developed to avoid pain.

Our program requirements:

Medical clearance: We focus on horses that have been medically cleared by a veterinarian to return to work (groundwork or under-saddle).
Focus on reconditioning: We do not provide acute nursing care, wound management, or stall-rest for post-surgical patients. Our facility is designed for the active phase of postural development and ridden reconditioning.

Our methodology: building the "internal arch"

To successfully manage Kissing Spine, the horse must learn to stabilize its back from the bottom up. We utilize classical principles, biomechanics, and learning theory to achieve this.

Developing the thoracic sling: Using specific groundwork to strengthen the muscles that suspend the chest between the shoulders, allowing the back to lift naturally.
Multifidus & core strengthening: We use targeted "postural resets" to activate the deep stabilizing muscles of the spine, creating the strength needed to keep the spinous processes separated during movement.
Ridden reconditioning: Once the horse is stable on the ground, we transition to ridden work. We focus on a "long and low" frame that is active and engaged - not a forced shape - ensuring the horse can carry a rider without collapsing the back.

Radiograph showing overriding dorsal spinous processes (Kissing Spine) in horses for postural rehabilitation.

Who benefits from our Kissing Spine rehab program?

Our facility serves horses from across Snohomish County, Woodinville, and Western Washington requiring:

Reconditioning following ISLD surgery or ostectomy.
Postural retraining after medical management (mesotherapy, injections, or Shockwave).
Rehabilitation for "poor performance" behaviors or chronic cold-backed tendencies.

Note: All horses must be cleared for return to work to enter the program.

The facility: a purpose-built environment for recovery

Located on a private eight-acre facility in Monroe, WA, our center provides a quiet, professional atmosphere for horses to focus on their retraining.

Premium footing: Stability is critical for horses with ECVM or spinal issues. Our high-quality footing ensures every step is secure, providing the consistent surface necessary for safe, correct movement.
Full indoor dressage arena: Allows for structured, biomechanically focused training year-round, regardless of Pacific Northwest weather.
Dedicated rehabilitation barn & onsite access to the Kinetic Equine Soundness Center: Our co-location with Kinetic Equine Medicine provides immediate access to specialized veterinary handling and diagnostic areas, ensuring a seamless bridge between clinical care and physical reconditioning.

INQUIRE ABOUT KISSING SPINE REHABILITATION

Is your horse struggling with a cervical issue?

View our ECVM rehab page

Learn more:

Our rehabilitation program
Veterinary evaluation at Kinetic Equine Medicine
Read more about Biomechanics & Recovery on our blog
Questions? Read our FAQ or contact us