PHOTO GALLERY: Equine veterinarian treats horses with acupuncture, chiropractic adjustments

October 28, 2012 | 5:28 p.m. CDT

Randy Huenefeld says chiropractic treatment can give horses a greater range of motion and comfort and improve their mood.

Randy Huenefeld, an equine veterinarian and chiropractor, examines Cocoa, a 23-year-old foundation quarter horse on Oct. 12 at Pine Dell Farm in Pleasant Hill. Huenefeld checks each horse for tender areas that need to be adjusted or stimulated with acupuncture needles. | Sarah Bricker

Randy Huenefeld pinches and examines Chai Tea's joints at Pine Dell Farm in Pleasant Hill. The joints are examined for potential acupuncture points, signs of soreness and possible lameness. | Sarah Bricker

Randy Huenefeld adjusts a region of the thoracolumbar muscle in Chai Tea's back at Pine Dell Farm. Chai Tea, a 13-year-old registered paint with a buckskin base, had stiffness across the lumbar region of his back. | Sarah Bricker

Randy Huenefeld finds a tender spot while pushing near Mr. T's shoulder at Pine Dell Farm. "When I find a spot where there's a problem or there's no movement, the horse lets me know," Huenefeld said when Mr. T moved away from the pressure of his hand. | Sarah Bricker

Cocoa stands relaxed with acupuncture needles recently placed by Randy Huenefeld at Pine Dell Farm. The acupuncture needles help stimulate areas where blood isn't moving properly. Cocoa also underwent laser therapy acupuncture for a knee problem in which multiple problem spots were stimulated with a red heat laser. | Sarah Bricker