Horse welfare - The Horse Physio - Sue Palmer

Tag: Horse welfare

Wishing You a Warm and Joyful Christmas Season

By Sue Palmer on December 19, 2024

This blog shares warm Christmas wishes from Sue Palmer, The Horse Physio, highlights a 50% discount on the Horse Massage for Horse Owners course, and reflects on evidence-based horse care. From seasonal inspirations to advocating for compassionate equestrian practices, it's a reminder to cherish both our horses and ourselves this holiday season.

Teamwork, Welfare, and Lessons for Equestrians: Insights from Horse Care to Greyhound Racing

By Sue Palmer on December 12, 2024

This week we explore the importance of teamwork in equine care, advancements in competition welfare with the FEI noseband device, and lessons for equestrians from New Zealand’s greyhound racing ban.

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.

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.

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.

“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.

Three things that might make your horse…

By Sue Palmer on May 30, 2024

Three things that might make your horse... buck, spook, trip, grumpy to tack up, strong in the hand, unsettled in the contact, lazy, struggle to engage from behind, or refuse a fence...

Don’t wait until your horse is in pain to check their comfort levels!

By Sue Palmer on April 28, 2024

I’m frustrated at horses being labelled as naughty when they’re actually lame or in pain. How else is a horse supposed to tell you that he’s hurting other than through his behaviour? Since you’re reading this, I know you share my frustration. We know that just about everyone loves their horse and wants the best for him. You’d be devastated if he was in pain and you didn’t know about it. So, to help owners and riders be more confident that their horse is comfortable, I’ve put together this short video and blog, which I’d appreciate it if you would share widely on your favourite social media channel. Here are three simple exercises you can do on a daily basis to check that your horse is comfortable.

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.

How Pain Affects Your Horse

By Sue Palmer on April 7, 2024

In any subject, there are key areas to consider. In this lesson, ‘How Pain Affects Your Horse’, I’ll discuss the ‘5W’s’ of pain, the what, why, when, where, and who. I’ll also include the ‘H’ of ‘how’. What is ‘pain’? The International Association for the Study of Pain (ISAP) defines pain as "An unpleasant sensory and emotional experience associated with, or resembling that associated with, actual or potential tissue damage.” Short-term pain is called ‘acute pain’, and long-term pain is called ‘persistent’ or ‘chronic’ pain. Pain that comes and goes is called ‘recurrent’ or ‘intermittent’. Pain is a complex phenomenon involving our whole body, and the experience of pain can change from one day to the next.

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