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Season’s Greetings

As we approach the festive season, I wanted to take a moment to connect with you. This week’s newsletter is a little shorter than usual, and to the point. First and foremost, I want to wish a very Happy Christmas to those who enjoy celebrating it. For those who find this time of year challenging, please know I am sending you love and hugs and thinking of you as you find your way through to the other side.

Personally, I cherish Christmas. It’s a time that nudges me to slow down, spend quality moments with my family, and reach out to friends, even if it’s just through sending a card. Whatever this season means to you, I hope you find moments of peace and joy.

Exciting Offers and Inspirations

If you’re looking for a horse-related gift—for yourself, a friend, or even your horse—don’t forget about my advent calendar, running daily on Facebook and YouTube. Each day features a unique code offering a 50% discount on my online course, Horse Massage for Horse Owners. It’s a wonderful opportunity to deepen your bond with your horse while learning valuable skills.

On a personal note, my latest source of inspiration is Richie Norton’s book, Anti-Time Management. I’ve enjoyed it so much that I’m now listening to it for the second time! Although I’ll be taking a break from treating horses for a couple of weeks over the holidays, the ideas sparked by this book have given me plenty of plans for the new year. Watch this space for some exciting new offerings!

Thoughts on Horse Welfare

Meanwhile, my recent Facebook post discussing the FEI’s noseband gauge has sparked thoughtful discussion and diverse opinions. I’m always grateful for respectful engagement and aim to keep my page a safe and judgment-free space for sharing and learning. Sadly, not everyone shares this ethos—a particularly unkind comment this week resulted in the user being blocked. My intention is never to censor but to maintain a space where everyone feels comfortable and valued.

In reflecting on the broader conversation about horse welfare, I’ve been reminded of the importance of evidence-based care. This week alone, I’ve encountered three instances of people attributing pain behaviours in horses solely to the rider or the bit in the horse’s mouth. While tack and rider influence are critical factors, it’s rarely that simple. In Harmonious Horsemanship, Dr Sue Dyson and I delve into the Ridden Horse Pain Ethogram and the multifaceted causes of pain behaviours. Tack, health issues, training practices—all must be considered holistically. Blaming the rider without thorough investigation often leads to prolonged suffering for the horse. Science robustly supports this approach, and I’m passionate about continuing to raise awareness.

Finally, I’d like to share a poignant moment from this week. A client of mine has decided to step away from dressage temporarily because she struggles to find an instructor who aligns with her values. She’s unwilling to use a whip to “fix” her supposedly lazy horse, and I deeply admire her integrity. Horses enrich our lives immeasurably, and we owe it to them to care for them with compassion and the best knowledge available. Just because a practice was once widely accepted doesn’t mean it’s the right path forward today. Together, we can advocate for change and continue evolving in how we nurture our horses.

Thank you for being part of this journey with me. Whether you’re celebrating this season or simply holding on until it passes, I’m sending you all my warmest wishes. May the holidays bring you moments of connection, hope, and happiness.

With love and gratitude, I wish you a Merry Christmas.

Sue Palmer MCSP, aka The Horse Physio, is an award-winning author, educator, and Chartered Physiotherapist. Sue specialises in understanding the links between equine pain and behaviour, focusing on prevention, partnership and performance. She promotes the kind and fair treatment of horses through empathetic education, and is registered with the RAMP, the ACPAT, the IHA, the CSP and the HCPC.

To arrange a phone call or online coaching session with Sue Palmer, The Horse Physio, click here.

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You can find The Horse Physio on the web, on Facebook, on Instagram, and on YouTube, book an online consultation, or take a look at Sue’s online courses.

Horse Health Check: The 10-Point Plan for Physical Wellness

Head to Hoof: An Introduction to Horse Massage

Horse Massage for Horse Owners

Stretching Your Horse: A Guide to Keeping Your Equine Friend Happy and Healthy

Kissing Spines In Horses: Preventive Measures and Long-Term Management Solutions

Harmonious Horsemanship, co-authored with Dr Sue Dyson

Understanding Horse Performance: Brain, Pain or Training?

Horse Massage for Horse Owners

Thank you for your interest in this post; I appreciate your time and am grateful you chose to spend it with me. If you found value in this article, please support me by liking, subscribing, following, and sharing it on your favourite social media platform, and turn on the relevant notifications for future content from The Horse Physio. Please also take a moment to subscribe to my newsletter. Your support means the world to me, and it helps me continue creating content that matters to you.