Blog – The Horse Physio – Sue Palmer

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14.11.24 Behind the Scenes with Sue Palmer The Horse Physio

By Sue Palmer on November 14, 2024

This week, I had the pleasure of hosting an ACPAT Veterinary Physiotherapy student from Hartpury University. As a qualified Chartered Physiotherapist transitioning into animal therapy, she brought great energy and thoughtful questions to our sessions. Inspired by her curiosity, I’m sharing some insights from our discussions. We explored how often horses should receive physio, emphasizing the need for individualized treatment plans based on their work level and physical needs. We also discussed the importance of encouraging relaxation during treatments, as a calm state promotes healing. Finally, I explained why I now focus solely on physiotherapy rather than coaching, highlighting the power of teamwork in equine care.

What are your values?

By Sue Palmer on November 14, 2024

Several years ago, I was asked to imagine my ideal life 20 years into the future. I couldn’t do it—perhaps I’m too much of a realist! That challenge, however, led me down a path of exploring self-development and discovering what truly matters to me. One day, everything clicked: my core values are connection, curiosity, and commitment. Understanding this has helped me appreciate why certain people are so special to me and has guided my interactions, like asking for honest feedback and valuing the effort given. Recognizing these values has enriched my life, and I hope they’ll guide my future decisions. What do you value most?

7.11.24 Behind the Scenes with Sue Palmer, The Horse Physio

By Sue Palmer on November 7, 2024

As a Chartered Physiotherapist, I’ve spent years focusing on equine care, but now I'm turning some of that dedication back to treating people in my Stafford-based clinic. I’m deeply passionate about understanding how sleep, nutrition, exercise, and stress management impact our bodies' incredible ability to heal. My goal is not just to live well but to thrive for the long haul—hopefully until 107, as I jokingly tell my son—without being a burden on loved ones. Along this journey, I continue to learn and adapt, seeking insights from inspiring podcasts like Feel Better, Live More. If you have your own health wisdom to share, I’d love to hear from you. Together, we can keep growing toward healthier, more vibrant lives!

Clinical Reasoning in Equine Rehabilitation: A Report on Dr Gillian Tabor’s Presentation at the 2022 IAVRPT Symposium

By Sue Palmer on November 7, 2024

Rehabilitation is a delicate balance between evidence-based medicine, clinical expertise, and patient needs. Therapists and horse owners often face hurdles like time, finances, and environment, making pragmatism essential. A structured, adaptable rehab plan is crucial. Clear communication ensures owners understand and can contribute to the process, moving from stable-based to in-hand and ridden exercises. Progression may be based on timescales or milestones, with each approach offering different advantages. Early rehab should address pain management, mobility, core stability, and sensory input like massage. Safety is always a priority, and recognizing when to advance requires monitoring movement quality and behavior. Building a robust, adaptable system prepares the horse for varied demands.

24.10.24 Behind the Scenes with Sue Palmer The Horse Physio: Life, Learning and Love

By Sue Palmer on October 24, 2024

Sometimes, as horse owners, we feel overwhelmed by the amount of information out there, especially when it comes to recognising pain in our horses. One message I received recently really hit home: "Sometimes, as an amateur, I find the information on recognising pain in horses intimidating and worrying. I feel like I'm not good enough." I understand this feeling all too well. It's easy to feel overwhelmed, and I experience it myself daily—learning something new every day that makes me wish I’d known it sooner. But that’s part of the journey. We do our best with the knowledge we have at any given moment. My hope is that the information I share, whether through my books, blogs, or videos, helps you feel empowered rather than discouraged. We’re all learning together, and none of us has all the answers. My goal is to help, and I’m always open to learning from others, too. So, if you ever feel unsure or want to share your thoughts, please reach out. Together, we can continue making the world a better place for horses by recognising and addressing their needs—one step, and one lesson, at a time.

The Art and Science of Harmonious Horsemanship

By Sue Palmer on October 18, 2024

You know that feeling when you watch something that conjures up emotions so powerful you will remember it for the rest of your life? The film "Horses and the Science of Harmony" is one of those... This full-length feature film examines the nature of harmony between horse and rider through the eyes of 3-day event rider Bubby Upton through the lens of cutting-edge science. Horses and the Science of Harmony tells the emotional story of Bubby Upton, a rising star in British 3-day eventing, who suffered a catastrophic spinal injury yet bravely fought to get back to doing what she loves… riding.

17.10.24 Behind the Scenes with Sue Palmer, The Horse Physio

By Sue Palmer on October 17, 2024

Continuing the running theme, I was hugely excited to come across Helen Hall's online course, Troubleshooting Checklist for Walkers and Runners. I've listened to each of the three episodes of the Feel Better, Live More podcast, in which Helen chatted with Dr Rangan Chatterjee. This course was mentioned in the latest of these episodes. Oh my gosh, I'm so excited to include the exercises from this course in my daily routine! As a physio, my work encourages and allows the body's innate ability to self-heal.

Jan and Rebel (Rule 42)

By Sue Palmer on October 10, 2024

A Guest Blog by Jan Daley We’re now in August 2023. It has been a dreadful year. 6 weeks of decently warm dry sunny weather in April/May since Oct last year. It’s a nightmare. I’ve even had to rug Rebel until he’s dried off, as the cold wind blowing off the lough has him shaking […]

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.

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