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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.

The Equicore Interview: Part 1 – An Introduction To The Concept Of The Equiband System

By Sue Palmer on April 14, 2024

In May 2018, Sue Palmer and Nicole Rombach got together to talk about Equicore Concepts, and the Equiband system. Sue asked questions put forward by horse owners, physiotherapists, and veterinarians. I hope this article helps you learn how to help your horse as much as Sue felt it helped her! Below is the (lightly edited) transcript of Part One.

Do you have a support team you trust for your horse?

By Sue Palmer on March 6, 2022

In the best cases, professionals work together to ensure the horse is happy and healthy. Communication between trainer, vet, physio, and farrier is essential to identify a common goal and solve problems in unison. You can change professionals if you don’t feel like they are working together as a team. While professionals today generally encourage and support each other, there are still some out there who feel the need to write off the advice of others. It is up to you to put together the best team to help your horse. Don’t feel pressured by a yard to use their choices, if you have good existing relationships, you need to choose the best team for you and your horse.

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.