Blog – The Horse Physio – Sue Palmer

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Bravery in British Horse Riders

By Sue Palmer on August 29, 2024

Have you felt judged for your desire to investigate the physical reasons for your horse's behaviour or performance? Have you felt ridiculed, as though you aren't brave enough to ride your horse through it? Have you been told to 'just kick on', or that you 'just need to be tougher'? Here are some wise words from Dr Rosie Jones-McVey, taken from her contribution to the book 'Harmonious Horsemanship', which I co-authored with Dr Sue Dyson.

“It’s a new day; it’s a new plan”

By Sue Palmer on August 15, 2024

So how is this a ‘new plan’? Haven’t I always shared my learning through my books, online courses, blogs, and social media? Well, yes, I have! This is different because, for now, at least, I will focus more fully on this aspect of my world - my own learning. Perhaps it won’t look any different to you from the outside, or maybe it will. But I feel different inside. I feel I’ve given myself permission to dive deep into the world of learning yet again. It’s as though a weight has been lifted off my shoulders. I’ve taken the self-imposed pressure off, and I’m allowing myself to have fun.

An Apology To My Horse

By Sue Palmer on July 23, 2024

Dear P, I'm sorry. I regret ... I now understand that you were in pain and doing your best. I apologise. I have been around horses for nearly 50 years, and I could go on and on with my apologies. I have made many mistakes, often due to ignorance. I am sending this sincere apology into the universe, hoping it reaches those who need to hear it from me. From now on, I am putting my energy and focus into making amends where possible. I am committed to learning how to recognise pain in horses, both ridden and non-ridden, and sharing this learning with those who are interested.

“Please listen to me”

By Sue Palmer on July 18, 2024

I don’t want to buck you off. There’s a sharp pain every time I go into canter when you’re riding me, and I can’t help but react to it. I don’t understand it, it doesn’t happen if I canter in the field. Please listen to me. I know you love me and want the best for me. I don’t know how else to tell you I’m hurting.

Do you need a Qualified Saddler, or a Qualified Saddle Fitter, for your horse? By Laura Nickel, Amayzing Saddlery Ltd

By Sue Palmer on July 14, 2024

Laura Nickel of Amayzing Saddlery Ltd, Qualified Saddler and Qualified Saddle Fitter of the Society of Master Saddlers in the UK, has been in the saddlery industry for almost 20 years. Laura has won several awards, including Saddle Fitter of the Year 2021 at the Equestrian Business Awards. In this guest blog for Sue Palmer The Horse Physio, Laura discusses the roles of Qualified Saddler and Qualified Saddle Fitter.

A Promise To Your Horse

By Sue Palmer on July 11, 2024

Dear friend, I promise to do my best to put you first and to understand your needs, wants, and desires. I realise you are wise in so many ways, and I am ignorant. I am in awe of your energy, peace, acceptance, beauty, and grace. I am grateful that you agree to spend time with me, and I promise not to ask of you that which you do not wish to give.

When was the last time someone bought you flowers?

By Sue Palmer on June 27, 2024

When was the last time someone bought you flowers? When was the last time you bought flowers for a friend? I got some flowers from someone who cares about keeping in touch. They care about talking and listening, working together and trading skills, and sharing time, knowledge, and experience. I feel privileged to share my life with close friends and distant acquaintances, with those I’ve known for years and with those I’ve only ever had a brief interaction with, even those whom I've never met in person.

Kissing spine in horses

By Sue Palmer on June 13, 2024

Suspicion of or diagnosis of kissing spine in horses is a source of fear and misery for horse owners. In this article, I share some basic information on kissing spine and what you can do for your horse.

What do you love about your horse, and what are your biggest challenges?

By Sue Palmer on June 6, 2024

What do you love about your horse? In a recent survey I sent readers of my free newsletter, 'Horses: Health and Happiness', I asked them what they most loved about their horse. Here are some of their answers: Our connection How much they teach us His gentleness The companionship they bring The empathy I can feel with them The way she makes me reflect on myself. The connection and challenge of it all.

Can your horse tell you where it hurts?

By Sue Palmer on June 4, 2024

I had a self-care day with an online Somatics session from Nicki Marshall, The Somatics Coach, and an online consultation with Mehmet Gem, The Hip Physio. As you probably know, I believe in regular physiotherapy for maintenance and prevention. Given the physical job I have and the importance of staying sound, I have physio approximately every six weeks with Dave Paling at the Snazell Pain Relief Clinic, and massage, reflexology, or whichever of her therapies takes my fancy, every six weeks or so from Jenny Charlton at Holistic Horizons. The body fascinates me, and I love learning about health. In all these sessions, the practitioner relies on feedback from me, the patient. I’m acutely aware of how much feedback we miss from our horses since they can’t communicate verbally.

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