Equusential Therapies: Equine Massage, Saddle & Bit-Fitting

03/03/2025

Congratulations, Caecilia & Ringer 🧡 on the purchase of your Omeo Fender saddle by 🐎

Happy trails & training ahead in a comfy & secure saddle 🌟 🥳

🇦🇺

01/03/2025

This is a great topic to cover from NKC Equestrian Training very true for small business owners and especially in the equestrian industry! 🐎 🌟

28/02/2025

Wise words from Cumberland Equine Body Therapy and Services ❤️ 🐎

Take the time for healing

Healing or correction of anything takes time. Whether it is a cut, sprain, tear or bad posture. You won’t these things fix it in one go, nor will an issue that has existed for, or taken for several years to create - be corrected in a matter of days.

Too often, I think an improvement is mistaken for a full recovery, and too often the injury or problem is made worse by bringing the horse back into full work too soon.
If you will just give them a little extra time, they may not have to develop ways to compensate and therefore become more prone to further injury.

There are no shortcuts or workarounds, no magically speeding things up. It just takes the time it takes. Take is slower and really listen to your horse

As the saying goes "If you don't take time for your wellness, you will be forced to take time for your illness." It is true for wellness as it is for injury and recovery.

26/02/2025

Do you have concerns about how your saddle is fitting your horse? DM me the word "FIT" so we can discuss how a saddle-fitting assessment might de-mystify your potential fit issues and improve your horse's comfort and well-being. 🐴🥰

26/02/2025

New home syndrome for horses 🐎 🏡 original article & concept by Dr Shelley Appleton Calm Willing Confident Horses

Understanding Horse Relocation Stress When Buying or Leasing a Horse

Horses thrive on routine and familiarity, so moving to a new home—whether bought or leased—can be a significant adjustment for them. Everything they know changes overnight: new surroundings, new people, and new routines. This can leave them feeling unsettled, which often manifests in their behaviour. Understanding what’s happening during this transition helps to put their reactions into perspective and supports better management of their welfare.

Why Do Horses Struggle with Moving?

Equitation science provides insight into why relocation can be challenging for horses. Several key factors influence their response to a new home.

1. A Completely New Environment

Horses form strong associations with their surroundings and daily routines. When they move, everything familiar disappears, and they must adapt to an entirely different setting. A horse that was calm and responsive in its old home may seem anxious or reactive in a new one—not because they have changed, but because they are processing a world that suddenly feels unfamiliar (Appleton, 2023).

2. Heightened Alertness and Stress

Relocation can activate a horse’s natural survival instincts. Their fight-or-flight response is heightened as they assess their safety in an unknown environment. Research by Janczarek et al. (2013) indicates that changes in surroundings can significantly impact stress markers in horses, leading to increased sensitivity and anxious behaviours. Appleton (2023) also describes this as "New Home Syndrome," where heightened alertness is a natural reaction to unfamiliar settings. If your new horse seems different from when you first tried them, this heightened state of alertness is likely the cause.

3. A Different Sensory Experience

Horses perceive their surroundings in a highly detailed way. What might seem like a similar stable to us is an entirely different world to them—new smells, sounds, sights, and even the feel of the footing underfoot. According to the International Society for Equitation Science (ISES), environmental changes can affect a horse’s welfare, particularly in relation to sensory processing and their ability to feel safe in a new setting (ISES, n.d.). Appleton (2023) highlights that even subtle changes in sensory input can contribute to stress and anxiety in newly relocated horses.

4. Disrupted Routine and Learning Process

Horses rely on routine for a sense of security. When they are relocated, everything from feeding times to handling and riding changes. This disruption can make them seem uncooperative or confused when, in reality, they are just adjusting. Hall et al. (2016) examined how environmental changes impact stress responses in horses, emphasizing the importance of gradual acclimation to new routines and handlers. Appleton (2023) further explains that horses need time to form new associations with their environment and handlers, which is why patience and consistency are key during the transition period. If a horse also has a new rider, it needs time to adapt to different aids, rein contact, and handling cues, which can add to its stress.

The Takeaway

If your new or leased horse is behaving differently after a move, it’s not necessarily a sign of poor training or a problem with the horse—it’s a natural response to change. Recognising this can help foster patience and understanding, making it easier to support them as they settle into their new home and routine. Following evidence-based equitation science principles, including those outlined by Appleton (2023), can ensure a smoother transition, reducing stress for both the horse and its handler.

References:

Appleton, S. (2023). New Home Syndrome. Calm Willing Confident Horses.

Janczarek, I., Wilk, I., & Kędzierski, W. (2013). Stress Response of Three-year-old Horse Mares to Changes in Husbandry System During Initial Equestrian Training. Turkish Journal of Veterinary and Animal Sciences

Hall, C., Kay, R., & Yarnell, K. (2016). Assessing ridden horse behaviour: The Ridden Horse Pain Ethogram. Journal of Equine Veterinary Science.

International Society for Equitation Science (ISES). (n.d.). Equine learning and training principles. www.equitationscience.com.

25/02/2025

This is SUCH an important post from Amanda Wilson highlighting why we should always listen to what horses are trying to communicate with their behaviour.

I've been astounded by what was found in the dissection clinics I've attended with Sharon May-Davis .. horses are truly such amazing creatures ❤️ 🐎

25/02/2025

Maffra, Briag, Stratty I'm in your area next Tuesday 4th March. 2 spots available 1 & 2pm. PM to book! 🐎 🐴

21/02/2025

Very good little man at his first comp 🐎 🌟 go Patrick! Thanks Toongabbie Pony Club for a great day!

Thanks for the photos 📸 ❤️

19/02/2025

Love this mare 😍 🐎 she is just a beautiful soul 🦄 can't wait to see how she flourishes at LV Stud 🌟💕

18/02/2025

🧬 EMS vs. PPID: What’s the Difference?
Two of the most common endocrine disorders in horses—Equine Metabolic Syndrome (EMS) and Pituitary Pars Intermedia Dysfunction (PPID)—are often confused. While they can both lead to laminitis, they have different causes, risk factors, and management strategies.

🔬 The Key Differences:
📌 EMS is a metabolic disorder, similar to Type 2 diabetes in humans. It typically affects younger to middle-aged horses and is linked to insulin resistance and obesity. Horses with EMS are often “easy keepers” with regional fat deposits and a high risk of grass-induced laminitis.

📌 PPID is a hormonal disorder caused by dysfunction in the pituitary gland. It primarily affects older horses (15+ years) and leads to muscle loss, a long curly coat (hirsutism), lethargy, and laminitis. PPID horses may also develop immune suppression and chronic infections.

💡 Why It Matters:

PPID horses need ACTH testing and may require pergolide medication.
EMS horses require diet and exercise management to control insulin resistance, and often benefit from medical management with medications like Ertugliflozin, particularly if they are actively laminitis.

If you’re unsure about your horse, bloodwork can confirm a diagnosis—and autumn is the best time for PPID testing! 📞 Contact Central Gippsland Equine Veterinary Services to book an assessment.

18/02/2025

17/02/2025

🔶 PPID Won’t Wait—Catch It Early, Manage It Right! 🔶

Did you know that PPID is actually caused by a non-cancerous brain tumour? That is why early detection is so vital!

As the days shorten and temperatures drop, autumn brings more than just a change in the seasons—it also presents the best window for testing for Pituitary Pars Intermedia Dysfunction (PPID) in horses also known as 'Cushings Disease'. But why? 🤔

✅ Autumn is the Gold Standard for Testing
PPID horses suffer from elevated ACTH (adrenocorticotropic hormone) levels. In March - May in Australia ACTH naturally rises in all horses. This seasonal increase means we can more reliably differentiate between normal horses and those with PPID, making it the most accurate time for testing.

⚠️ Signs Your Horse May Have PPID ⚠️
While PPID can occur in any horse, it's most common in aged horses (15+) and can manifest in various ways, including:
🟠 Delayed coat shedding or a long, curly coat (hirsutism)
🟠 Unexplained weight loss or muscle wastage (especially over the topline)
🟠 Fat deposits over the eyes or a pot-bellied appearance
🟠 Increased thirst & urination
🟠 Lethargy or poor performance
🟠 Recurrent laminitis—even without obvious metabolic risk factors!

💡 What You Can Do
📌 Blood Test in Autumn: If you're concerned about your horse, now is the ideal time to check ACTH levels.
📌 Monitor Subtle Changes: PPID doesn’t always present with obvious symptoms early on—catching it early can improve long-term management.
📌 Work with Your Vet: Management, diet, and medication (like pergolide) can help affected horses live happy, healthy lives.

PPID is not just an "old horse disease"—it’s progressive, but manageable with early detection. It also isn't just a 'pony disease'. While there is some breed predispositions, all horses can get PPID, and their risk increases significantly after 10 years old. If you're unsure about your horse, an autumn ACTH test could be the key to proactive care. 🍁🐴

📞 Need advice? Contact Central Gippsland Equine Veterinary Services to book a PPID assessment today!

16/02/2025

Love this from Late To Bloom Cowgirl 😍 🐎 it's so important to treat ponies like the athletes they are. I love massaging and tack-fitting ponies to make them more comfortable to do their job, they are so grateful and there's so many better designed options on the market than there used to be for pony tack ❤️

I was asked the other day why I would spend money on a kid’s pony having muscle work done.

Firstly, Hannah from Olympus Equine looks after all of my horses. She’s the person who deals with a million messages asking everything from soreness questions to rehab. Before we moved, we were lucky enough to have another Hannah HKL Equine & Canine Therapies look after us.

But back to the initial question. Saxon isn’t just a kids pony, he’s my kids’ pony and I need to trust him with his little passengers. He’s a part of my herd, so he gets treated like my soon to be out and about again competition horses. As a kids pony he has to deal with having imbalanced riders bouncing on his back. He’s my responsibility so I’m making sure that he lives his best life.

Muscle work isn’t just for high end performance horses, it’s a crucial part of making sure they are happy and able to do whatever task we have them for. From humble kids first pony to competition horses

16/02/2025

So proud of this little guy 🌟 🐎 first ridden comp 76% dressage, no rails and most importantly handled it all with a cool attitude 😎 💓⭐️ thank you to the Lambourn family for your sponsorship & Toongabbie Pony Club for a lovely day 🐎

Wow we have all been busy this weekend -Go Hinno

Yvette was out at Toongabbie PC CT day and come home with a bow with young Patrick pony, 1st in G6 today at his first comp 👏

16/02/2025

Congratulations Amanda Leyshan Viva Equestrian & Esme 🌟 🤩 ⭐️ we are so lucky in East Gippsland to have Amanda for coaching riders & helping us with horses 🐴 🐎