03/10/2025
Horses (and humans) in chronic pain or stress will likely have elevated cortisol levels
Chronic high cortisol levels are a cause of systemic inflammation. Being in persistent tension, pain and flight mode is enough to cause big issues. And you might not even know it's happening. Your horse could have come to you in pain, and never looked any different to you. That's just 'how they are'
This can present as skin, gut, hoof, muscle and joint issues and systemic issues. Separately or all at once
Check your horse's expression for subtle signs of pain. Are they snarky, jumpy or sensitive?
High cortisol is associated with EMS. Why so many fat horses these days?? Is it simply an over feeding issue or are some horses constantly stressed or in pain to the point their systems are screaming out?
It is well-known that horses are experts at masking pain and discomfort. Their ability to compensate for that pain is also extremely good...for a time
This is why training, gut, environment, tack fit, feed, water source, health checks, teeth, feet, herd dynamics, teeth (yes, mentioned twice! Please get them seen to at least once a year!) matter so very much
Possible undiagnosed viral or bacterial infections should also be included on your checklist if the puzzle isn't coming together
It explains why a horse will have lots of separate symptoms that never fully resolve
Concentrating on one symptom will not fix the horse as a whole, if the symptom is not treated as part of the cause. Things will improve for a bit and then something will tip the scales and you're back to scratching your head for an answer
Looking at the symptoms as being part of the same issue can be a game changer for your horse
Keep notes of the issues. Dates, and as much info as you can. Even the weather! Become a detective. Talk with your horse professional. This may be your hoof care provider, vet, body worker. Their observations will be key
The more symptoms that crossover, the more you can work out the cause
Think 'inside' the horse, not just what you see on the outside
Geldings, stallions and mares may have issues with their sexual organs
Gelding scars and reproductive organ issues can lead to issues presenting in the hind end. Horses unable to use their hindend properly, back issues, hoof angles, pelvis angle and, if it's gone on for long enough, the front end starts struggling enough that it can no longer be ignored
There are professional(s) that specialise in working internally with your horse to help resolve or improve issues with or near their reproductive organs. Google gelding scar and o***y manipulation. There's help at hand 👍🏻
Stand back and look at the bigger picture
Your horse is giving you all the clues. When you find the cause and the penny (or most likely the $$$$) drops, the symptoms lessen or disappear, it's a very good feeling indeed
A Bowen session helps pinpoint areas of concern, reduces pain, increases comfort and with nearly 2 decades of providing holistic hoof care, Bare Bowen Equine Services is able to put even more of that puzzle together for a positive outcome
