Blog – The Horse Physio – Sue Palmer

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A Science-Backed Step Forward in My Health Journey: My Experience at SportsTest

By Sue Palmer on March 28, 2025

Yesterday I visited SportsTest for what I thought would be a simple VO₂ max test—and came away with life-changing insights. Dr Garry Palmer’s science-backed assessments revealed that I actually need to move more slowly and eat more, especially protein. For the first time, I feel like I have personalised, meaningful data to support my health and well-being goals. It’s as though a weight has been lifted—not physically (yet!), but mentally. I finally have a clear, realistic plan that makes sense for me. I can’t recommend SportsTest highly enough if you're ready to understand your body better.

You Never Had Control. All You Had Was Anxiety.

By Sue Palmer on March 16, 2025

"You never had control. All you had was anxiety." This quote from Elizabeth Gilbert rings true for so many of us. As equestrians, we plan meticulously—our horse’s care, training, and even our own lives—seeking security. But true certainty is an illusion. Instead, what if we embraced curiosity? What if we let go of perfection and simply gave things a go? In this blog, I explore the balance between planning and surrender, and how embracing uncertainty can lead to growth, freedom, and a deeper connection with ourselves and our horses.

Listen to the Whispers: What Equestrians Can Learn from Paula Radcliffe’s Physio

By Sue Palmer on March 14, 2025

Listening to Paula Radcliffe’s physiotherapist, Gerard Hartmann, was a breath of fresh air. His approach blends knowledge, experience, and empathy—principles that apply just as much to equestrians as to elite athletes. One key takeaway? Listen to the whispers. Catch small issues before they become big problems, whether through mindful movement, stretching, or regular assessment. From the benefits of barefoot movement to the importance of variety in exercise, Hartmann’s insights remind us that prioritising our own well-being makes us better partners for our horses. Want to learn more? Join our Healthy Humans, Happy Horses community today!

The Stress of Stress Incontinence – And What You Can Do About It

By Sue Palmer on March 9, 2025

Many women believe stress incontinence is just something they have to live with—but that’s not true. With the right approach, you can improve your symptoms and regain confidence. Helen Hall’s course is a game-changer in pelvic health. Ready to take control? ➡️ Sign up today! #PelvicHealth

The Silent Lessons of Sunrise: How Nature Connects and Inspires Us

By Sue Palmer on March 9, 2025

The sunrise is a daily miracle, a quiet moment of connection and renewal. As light pushes back the darkness, we are reminded that we, like trees in a vast forest, stand tall not alone, but through unseen roots of connection. In awe, we find presence, wonder, and the strength to begin again.

The Mind-Body Connection: How Mental and Physical Health Are Linked

By Sue Palmer on February 14, 2025

The mind and body are deeply interconnected—what we think and feel influences our physical health, and how our bodies respond impacts our emotions. By developing self-awareness and understanding this connection, we can take charge of our well-being. Techniques such as relaxation exercises, heart rate variability biofeedback, and physical movement can help us manage stress, reduce anxiety, and enhance our emotional and physical health. When we nurture both mind and body with compassion and intention, we create a more balanced, joyful, and fulfilling life. This powerful connection is key to living a harmonious life for both ourselves and our horses.

Strength in Stability: Navigating Change with Confidence

By Sue Palmer on February 6, 2025

The key to handling change with less stress lies in having a strong foundation. Just as core strength supports physical flexibility, emotional stability allows us to navigate life’s uncertainties with confidence. By building inner resilience, we create a safe, secure base from which we can grow, adapt, and thrive.

Fasting and Blood Pressure: My Personal Journey with Lifestyle Management

By Sue Palmer on February 2, 2025

I’m working to manage my high blood pressure through lifestyle changes, and a recent Feel Better, Live More podcast with Dr Pradip Jamnadas inspired me to explore fasting more deeply. I already follow time-restricted eating, but I’m now trying 36-hour fasts, three times a week, to see if it helps. I find fasting energising, though I know it’s not for everyone. My goal is to bring my blood pressure into the normal range by Easter—if not, I’ll take the medication. Have you struggled with high blood pressure? What lifestyle changes have worked for you? Let’s support each other!

Whispers of the Ancient Woodland

By Sue Palmer on February 1, 2025

The ancient woodland hums with life as the early morning light filters through the trees. A chorus of birdsong fills the crisp air—the fluting notes of a blackbird, the gentle trill of a robin, a symphony woven through the branches. I pause beside a fallen tree, placing my hand on its rough bark. In that moment, I feel its wisdom, as though the earth itself whispers, “My work is done. I have nurtured, protected, and given space for the young ones to grow.” The woodland is alive with stories—echoes of the past, whispers of the present, and promises of what’s to come.

Why Recognising Pain in Our Horses is Essential

By Sue Palmer on January 19, 2025

As horse guardians, we are entrusted with our horses' well-being. Yet, because horses naturally hide signs of pain, discomfort often goes unnoticed until it becomes severe. Pain affects their movement, behaviour, and overall quality of life, which is why early recognition is vital. In Harmonious Horsemanship, co-authored with Dr. Sue Dyson, we introduce the Ridden Horse Pain Ethogram (RHpE)—a powerful, evidence-based tool to help identify pain-related behaviours. Let’s create a more harmonious, pain-free life for our horses. 🌿

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