equine welfare - The Horse Physio - Sue Palmer

Tag: equine welfare

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!

“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.

Horses In Pain: The Link With Behaviour

By Sue Palmer on May 9, 2024

What got you interested in the links between pain and behaviour in horses? Perhaps there is a particular horse that has come into your life, or a past situation that you would like to understand better? Maybe you wish that you'd known then what you know now, so that you could do things differently? Here, in an extract from the preface, I explain how and why I came to write Harmonious Horsemanship with Dr Sue Dyson. In this informative book, we explain how the Ridden Horse Pain Ethogram is essential in recognising pain in ridden horses.

Ease your horse’s neck stiffness with this gentle fascial stretch!

By Sue Palmer on May 1, 2024

If your horse is stiff through his neck, you can help to improve the movement with regular stretches. This fascial stretch of the equine neck and shoulder girdle muscles is taken from the online course, “Stretching Your Horse: A Guide to Keeping Your Equine Friend Happy and Healthy”, with me, Sue Palmer, The Horse Physio. I’m on a mission to help those who can't get the horse physio assessment and treatment they would like to offer their horse, and I’ve carefully and lovingly created this course with that aim in mind.

The Ridden Horse Pain Ethogram: A Tool for Equine Wellness and Performance

By Sue Palmer on April 14, 2024

Join me on a journey as we delve into the significance of 'Harmonious Horsemanship' and the transformative Ridden Horse Pain Ethogram! Let’s uncover insights shared during a recent webinar I presented with Dr. Sue Dyson hosted by Gillian Higgins of Horses Inside Out.

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.

Brain, Pain or Training?’ Practical Exercises: Introduction

By Sue Palmer on May 11, 2023

This may be the most important chapter of this book.Here you’ll find a set of ten practical exercises that you can do with your horse to help assess whether he could be suffering some discomfort that might affect his behaviour or performance. The aim of these exercises is to assess balance, comfort, ease and freedom of movement, muscle tone, reaction to touch, soundness, symmetry of the musculoskeletal system, and symmetry of movement. Unexpected responses could flag up weakness, discomfort, stiffness, restriction in range of movement, muscle spasm, unsoundness, and asymmetry in either the horse’s musculoskeletal system or his movement.

23.12.2022 The Iconic Sound of the Whip???

By Sue Palmer on December 23, 2022

At my son’s school Christmas concert, the older kids in the orchestra were playing ‘Sleigh Ride’ by Leroy Anderson. I have to say, they played beautifully! At the start, the conductor announced the piece, adding “Listen out for the iconic sound of the whip.”...

‘Horse Massage For Horse Owners’ – Compression

By Sue Palmer on January 7, 2022

You can buy ‘Horse Massage for Horse Owners’ on Amazon (affiliate link), or from The Horse Physio. Join my mailing list today for FREE bonus content at www.thehorsephysio.co.uk. Compression Practising on yourself Rest your hand lightly on your forearm, just above your wrist, and slowly slide it towards your elbow. As you reach the end […]