Uncategorized 6 - The Horse Physio - Sue Palmer

Category: Uncategorized

Have you decided your future?

By Sue Palmer on January 29, 2024

“People do not decide their futures, they decide their habits and their habits decide their futures.” —F. M. Alexander” This quote really hit home for me. I’ve never got on well with long-term planning. Sorry - I can hear some of my clients laughing there because I plan ahead more than most, with next year’s diary organised in November for the following January to December. What I mean is, I’ve never managed, for example, to work out where I want to be in 5 years or what income I’m going to achieve, the kind of thing the ‘planning’ books tell you to do.

Was it a regret or a lesson?

By Sue Palmer on January 29, 2024

You know that really embarrassing thing you did a few years ago? The one that still makes you cringe every time you think about it? Do you regret doing it, or could you reframe it more positively as a lesson you’ve learned from?

How to rest and recharge

By Sue Palmer on January 28, 2024

I had an epiphany. Time out is essential! Sitting still is not one of my strong points. I’m usually busy with a horse or with a child. If I am sitting still, it will usually be at my desk, writing, studying, or working on my computer. For years, friends and family have advised me to slow down, take a breather, make some time for myself, and have a rest, or I’ll burn out. Honestly, I do listen, and I do try!

Would your horse choose to be with you?

By Sue Palmer on January 25, 2024

The lady in the stable opposite did nothing but moan. “I’ve been up half the night. No one told me the taps at the yard were frozen. I’ve got far too much to do; I don’t need this.”

Are you in a hurry?

By Sue Palmer on January 23, 2024

It’s an age-old debate. The vast majority of younger horses are backed (‘broken in’) at three or four years old. At this age, the growth plates have not fused, and many horses are unable to function optimally into their teens, potentially through damage that occurred in relation to starting ridden work too early. The usual comment (in the circles that I move in) is that we start our horses too young, and we should give them more time to grow before we ask them to accept the weight of a rider and the pressures that we put upon them as a ridden horse. I want to suggest an alternative viewpoint. We know that the body grows in response to the stresses placed upon it. Bones, muscles, tendons and ligaments develop in response to the stresses placed upon them. If we want health, longevity, and soundness in our horses, then I believe that we should be introducing their bodies to milder versions of these stresses early on. Certainly as early as two years old, and perhaps even as a yearling.

How do you keep warm with horses?

By Sue Palmer on January 18, 2024

How do you keep warm? Do you know what a 'piece of string day' is?

The role of stretching

By Sue Palmer on December 2, 2023

In conclusion, stretching is a valuable practice for both humans and horses. Incorporating regular stretches into your equine's routine can promote flexibility, prevent injuries, and enhance overall performance. Whether you choose static, dynamic, or a combination of both, doing stretches with your horse will not only benefit their physical well-being but also deepen your bond and partnership with them. So, let's embrace the power of stretching and unlock the full potential of our equine companions.

Observations during showjumping warm-up

By Sue Palmer on March 12, 2023

Alternatively, I could say that I was promoting the concept that comfortable horses are ‘happy’ athletes and providing evidence that they are likely to perform better than horses experiencing discomfort. I also had the opportunity to spend several hours watching the warm-up arena for the showjumping competitions and was struck by a number of observations, some of which I will discuss.

Why does my horse need physio?

By Sue Palmer on January 6, 2023

Why does my horse need physio? Back pain? Bad behaviour? ACPAT and RAMP registered equine Physiotherapist Sue Palmer shares a testimonial from a client, spelling PHYSIOTHERAPIST.

100 Handy Hints on Horsemanship: One

By Sue Palmer on December 30, 2022

Never be afraid to ask questions of the people you’ve chosen to work with you and your horse. There is no such thing as a stupid question,

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