Sue Dyson - The Horse Physio - Sue Palmer

Tag: Sue Dyson

Understanding the Ridden Horse Pain Ethogram and the Journey Behind Harmonious Horsemanship

By Sue Palmer on November 21, 2024

Dr Sue Dyson’s Ridden Horse Pain Ethogram identifies 24 behavioural markers that can indicate discomfort. Our book, Harmonious Horsemanship, makes this science accessible, helping riders recognise pain and improve horse welfare. We’re committed to sharing this knowledge through education and welcome collaboration to make a difference for horses everywhere.

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.

The rider size debate and the welfare of ridden horses

By Sue Palmer on February 16, 2023

All riders must take ownership of their responsibilities for their horse’s welfare. None of us wants to do a horse harm, but through lack of awareness, we sometimes do so. Food for thought.

The Importance of Good Saddle Fit, by Dr Sue Dyson

By Sue Palmer on March 26, 2021

A study of 63 horses, in normal work and presumed by their owners to be working comfortably, was performed and we showed that the average changes in back dimensions were greater in horses working correctly compared with those not working correctly. The changes were also influenced by rider skill. Rider ability was categorised as: good - the rider was consistently in rhythm and balance, was sympathetic and showed correct use of the aids; moderate – the rider had knowledge of the basic principles of riding ‘on the bit’, but lacked core strength and stability, or did not consistently apply the aids correctly; and poor – the rider had poor knowledge or ability to ride a horse ‘on the bit’ and / or was very unbalanced. The changes in back dimensions were greatest for the good riders and smallest for the poorly skilled riders.