FAQs
Questions, answered
If you can't find what you need here, get in touch — we're always happy to talk through whether chiropractic care suits your horse.
Appointments
What happens during an appointment?
We talk through your horse's history and your concerns, James observes your horse standing and moving, then carries out a hands-on chiropractic assessment and treatment where appropriate. You'll finish with aftercare notes. See Equine Chiropractic for the full walk-through.
How long does an appointment take?
Allow one hour per horse, for both initial and follow-up appointments. If you're booking several horses, they're seen one after another in the same visit.
Which days do you visit?
Appointments run on Fridays between 8am and 5pm, except public holidays. Online booking shows every Friday time that's still open. Online bookings close the day before; if you're hoping for a same-day visit, call James on 0411 961 325 to see if it's possible.
How should I prepare my horse?
Please have your horse caught, dry, clean and brushed, with a headcollar and lead. A flat, firm, safe area to walk and trot in hand is ideal, along with somewhere sheltered in poor weather. Please have a capable handler present. Avoid heavy work or a big feed just beforehand.
Booking & payment
Do you travel to my property?
Yes — Saddle Side is a mobile service visiting properties, stables and equestrian facilities across the greater Hunter Valley. Properties within about 1.5 hours' drive of Newcastle can book online straight away. If you're further out, send a request through the booking page and James will confirm before anything is booked.
Can multiple horses be booked together?
Yes, up to five horses online, and one booking can include both new horses (initial consultations) and returning horses (follow-ups). Each horse has its own hour. For more than five horses, send a Stable & Group Booking request and James will confirm it first.
How much does it cost?
An initial consultation is $150 per horse. A follow-up is $125 for one horse, or $100 per horse when you book two or more horses. To celebrate opening, every appointment booked by 31 December 2026 is $100 per horse. Prices are in AUD and include GST.
How do payments work?
You'll see the full price before you pay. A $50 deposit secures your booking, and the balance is paid on the day by cash or card. The deposit is taken through a secure, hosted checkout; Saddle Side never sees or stores your card details.
What is the cancellation policy?
You can cancel or reschedule free of charge up to 24 hours before your appointment using the link in your confirmation email. Changes within 24 hours forfeit the deposit. Full details are in our Booking & Cancellation Policy.
Care & your vet
When should I contact my veterinarian?
Always contact your vet first for sudden or severe lameness, heat or swelling, wounds, fever, colic signs, neurological signs, or anything that hasn't been examined. Chiropractic care is complementary to veterinary care and never a substitute for it. If James finds something that needs veterinary attention, he will recommend you see your vet before any treatment.
Do I need a referral from my vet?
No, you don't need a vet referral to book. You can add your vet's details when you book if you'd like. If James finds anything that needs veterinary attention, he'll recommend you see your vet before treatment.