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10.10.24 Behind the Scenes with Sue Palmer, The Horse Physio

By Sue Palmer on October 10, 2024

"Half of owners cannot identify equine lameness, research finds", was the headline in a Horse and Hound news article. I found the comments on the article on the Horse and Hound Facebook page particularly interesting. Given that the research findings specifically point out that a person's confidence in their ability to recognise lameness does not necessarily correlate with their actual ability to recognise lameness (at least in this study), it's fascinating how many people point out in their comments how confident they are.

Bridle fit and the potential influence on performance, by Dr Sue Dyson

By Sue Palmer on October 10, 2024

I believe that it is important to look holistically at a horse. If a horse is ‘fussy in the mouth’, creates increased rein tension on one rein of the bridle or ‘avoids’ a contact, has an unsteady head position or tilts the head it is important to be aware of all possible causes. These include the fit of the bridle, the bit and any influence of a martingale, oral lesions, sharp teeth edges, saddle fit and subclinical lameness. We also cannot forget the influence of the rider. Optimal comfort for the horse is likely to enhance performance.

Radio Humphrey the Horse, a poem by Pam Niell

By Sue Palmer on October 10, 2024

Sometimes, we all need a little light-heartedness in our lives, and where better to get that than this original poem by Pam Neill? Pam is a friend and colleague of 15 years or more - we find it best not to count the years, to be honest! This poem is about a cheeky grey pony we both knew, whose stable was near Pam's back door. I treated Humphrey every month and did my best to avoid his tendency for dramatics. I love it when I can treat a horse every month or every six weeks. That's the frequency I choose for treatment for myself when I can prioritise is, and I find it works well for the horses. My focus is on the prevention of problems, care of comfort, and promotion of performance. That's for me, and for the horses!

Behind the scenes with Sue Palmer, The Horse Physio, 3.10.24

By Sue Palmer on October 3, 2024

One client this week was referred to me for physiotherapy following surgery. The vets have specifically asked me to focus on the horse’s core strength. I took a video of the exercises for the owner, and I’m grateful she’s allowed me to share them with you in a 20-minute video. If you’d like some core strength and postural stability exercises for your horse, you’ll find some in my short e-book...

In hand core strength and postural stability exercises for your horse: Chapters 2-4

By Sue Palmer on October 3, 2024

A lot of core stability exercises are about moving the horse slightly off balance so that he needs to engage his muscles to maintain that balance. The tail pull works by using the tail as a lever to create the imbalance. As with the other exercises, it is subtle, using gentle pressure. There should be no discomfort involved, and you should find that your horse relaxes into the exercise after a minute or two. If he doesn't, perhaps this isn't the right exercise for him. A horse who is uptight will not be engaging his muscles effectively. He will be tensing those movement muscles getting ready to run, rather than using the stability muscles.

Behind the scenes with Sue Palmer, The Horse Physio: 19.9.24

By Sue Palmer on September 15, 2024

One of my favourite questions for my son is, 'Tell me three things about your day'. The things he shares can be good, bad, or indifferent, but one-word answers are not allowed. Sometimes, his answers lead to further discussion; other times, they don't. Always, though, the question opens up the opportunity for us to chat. Following in that pattern, today I'm sharing with you three things about my week. I share this with the hope of inspiring curiosity, compassion, connection and conversation.

Why I Became a Horse Physiotherapist

By Sue Palmer on September 12, 2024

If you're wondering whether being a horse physiotherapist is the job for you, perhaps contact some local practitioners and ask if you can shadow them for a few hours, or if you can take them out for a coffee and have a chat with them about their work. There are other options, including qualifying as a massage therapist, an osteopath, or a chiropractor. Personally, if you ask me about physiotherapy for horses, I will always recommend that you qualify as a human physiotherapist first, and then go on to do a course registered with ACPAT or RAMP to qualify you to treat animals.

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.

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