Helen Jacks-Hewett - McTimoney Animal Chiropractor

07/01/2025

Alternative work vehicle required today ❄️

Providing animal chiropractic services across Mendip in all weathers! ❄️🌨️❄️🌧️❄️

05/01/2025

Whilst we are well aware horses are masters at hiding pain it is still very uncomfortable when provided with such horrendous evidence. This mare was labelled as ‘cranky’ because it is easier for humans to put a label on something they perceive to be bad behaviour rather than an expression of pain. This has to stop!

30/12/2024

Do owners have as much, if not more, influence on posture than farriers and physios?

Posture is influenced by what domestication creates, a lack of movement, confinement, diet and then what humans do with the horse. Essentially creating a situation of horses constantly living in their sympathetic nervous state!

Let’s start with diet.

Gellman and Shoemaker extensively discuss dentition, the TMJ joint, and the upper cervical area. These are huge proprioception input areas that are affected by domestication and influence the horse’s posture.

Domestication disrupts the horse’s natural relationship with food, significantly impacting dental health and compromising the integrity of the stomatognathic system. This issue is often further exacerbated by human intervention.

🔗 https://equineeducationhub.thinkific.com/courses/Dentalandperform

Riding:

Seneque et al. (2018) found that inappropriate riding techniques can lead to spinal stiffness and abnormal postures, as the back muscles have constant opposition to the actions of the rider’s hands and legs. Similarly, Alvarez et al. (2008) noted that an elevated head and neck position during riding causes thoracic extension, lumbar flexion, and a reduced sagittal range of motion.

This leads us to the French studies by Feureix et al. and Lesimple et al., which examined the neck and head carriage angles associated with various domestic situations. Higher head carriage and a flatter neck, often linked to confinement and riding, were associated with back problems, ultimately resulting in abnormal compensatory postures.

After riding, we often stable horses, where they are subjected to constant postural modifications. Research has shown these influences can have a more significant impact on posture than aging itself.

These factors contribute to a life of heightened stress, leaving horses stuck in a sympathetic posture. The posture becomes both emotional and physical/structural.

Elbrond and Shultz’s dissections highlight viscerosomatic connections, revealing how deeply internal issues, driven by diet and stress, can influence a horse’s posture.

All these things have been discussed in our webinars…

🔗The farrier and physio team https://equineeducationhub.thinkific.com/courses/team-approach-to-posture

🔗The implications of domestication.. https://equineeducationhub.thinkific.com/courses/domestication-posture

🔗Applied neurology and the effects of the viscerosomatic-somatic system… https://equineeducationhub.thinkific.com/courses/Applied-neurology-viscerosomatic-posture

🔗And a whole series on the studies of the horse natural state and how we can apply it to the domestic setting… https://equineeducationhub.thinkific.com/bundles/how-can-the-equine-industry-maintain-its-social-licence-to-operate

I’m not suggesting we should ban horse ownership unless they can live more natural lives.

However, we do need to educate ourselves on the unintended consequences of keeping horses and work together to mitigate them. This goes beyond farriers and physios managing the ongoing effects of domestication—it also requires owners to create species-appropriate management practices wherever possible.

Join us for an upcoming webinar (Jan 7th), where we’ll explore and discuss how to address these challenges through integrative hoof and body care.

📝Sign up here and grab your spot!

https://equineeducationhub.thinkific.com/courses/future-podiatry-farriery-neuromuscular-health

21/12/2024

Wishing all my lovely clients a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year! 🎄❤️ 🎄❤️ 🎄❤️

That’s me finished until Monday 6th January, thank you so much for your custom over the last year. I’m very much looking forward to seeing you and all your wonderful animals in 2025 🐴 🐕 🐈 💕

18/12/2024

𝗪𝗘𝗟𝗙𝗔𝗥𝗘 𝗪𝗘𝗗𝗡𝗘𝗦𝗗𝗔𝗬: 𝗨𝗻𝗱𝗲𝗿𝘀𝘁𝗮𝗻𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗥𝗲𝗶𝗻 𝗧𝗲𝗻𝘀𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗛𝗼𝗿𝘀𝗲 𝗕𝗲𝗵𝗮𝘃𝗶𝗼𝘂𝗿

A study by Marie Eisersiö et al. (2022), titled 𝘎𝘢𝘱𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘳𝘦𝘭𝘪𝘦𝘧? 𝘙𝘦𝘪𝘯 𝘵𝘦𝘯𝘴𝘪𝘰𝘯 𝘢𝘵 𝘰𝘯𝘴𝘦𝘵 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘦𝘯𝘥 𝘰𝘧 𝘰𝘳𝘢𝘭 𝘣𝘦𝘩𝘢𝘷𝘪𝘰𝘶𝘳𝘴 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘩𝘦𝘢𝘥 𝘮𝘰𝘷𝘦𝘮𝘦𝘯𝘵𝘴 𝘪𝘯 𝘶𝘯𝘳𝘪𝘥𝘥𝘦𝘯 𝘩𝘰𝘳𝘴𝘦𝘴, explored how horses’ oral behaviours and head movements relate to rein tension (the pressure from the bit on the horse's mouth). The researchers hypothesised that these behaviours serve to avoid or escape the pressure of rein tension. The study aimed to understand how these behaviours affect rein tension and to measure the changes in rein tension at the start and end of these behaviours.

𝗦𝘁𝘂𝗱𝘆 𝗢𝘃𝗲𝗿𝘃𝗶𝗲𝘄

▪️ Participants: The study involved 20 Warmblood horses fitted with bitted bridles.

▪️ Procedure: Horses were subjected to 8 trials of backing up in response to a rein tension signal. Rein tension was gradually increased and immediately released when the horse stepped back. A rein tension meter and video recordings were used to collect data.

▪️ Analysis: Researchers measured the changes in rein tension during specific horse behaviours to understand their effects.

𝗞𝗲𝘆 𝗙𝗶𝗻𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗴𝘀

1. Behaviours Associated with Decreased Rein Tension:

▪️ Opening the mouth: Mean rein tension decreased significantly from 19 Newtons (N) to 11 N.

▪️ Biting on the bit: Rein tension decreased from 11 N to 5 N.

▪️ Raising the head upward: Rein tension decreased from 16 N to 12 N.

2. Behaviours Associated with Increased Rein Tension:

▪️ Moving the head forward: Rein tension increased from 27 N to 37 N.

▪️ Lowering the head downward: Rein tension increased from 17 N to 46 N.

𝗖𝗼𝗻𝗰𝗹𝘂𝘀𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀

Oral behaviours such as opening the mouth or biting the bit were associated with decreased rein tension, suggesting that these actions may help alleviate pressure on the oral tissues.

Raising the head upward was also linked to a reduction in rein tension, indicating an effort to avoid escalating tension.

Conversely, moving the head forward or downward resulted in increased rein tension, which may reflect an attempt to push against the bit pressure to escape.

The study highlights how horses’ oral behaviours and head movements during training or handling provide insight into their perception of rein tension. These behaviours can indicate the magnitude of rein tension the horse is experiencing and may reflect the levels they are comfortable with.

The findings suggest that monitoring these behaviours during training can help improve understanding of the horse’s experience and ensure better welfare practices.

16/12/2024

Anyone who is interested in equine welfare and the future of equestrianism needs to listen to this incredibly thought provoking podcast series with Dr Andrew McLean.

"The Other End of the Reins" podcast, featuring Dr. Andrew McLean and Lisa Ashton, has wrapped up its first season with six thought-provoking episodes.

Here's a quick rundown of the season:

Episode 1: Dr. McLean shares his journey into equitation science and how knowledge is shaping equestrianism's future.

Episode 2: Explores the history of domesticated horses and our evolving relationship with them.

Episode 3: Examines behaviourism, ethology, and the impact of modern training practices on horses.

Episode 4: Discusses how equitation science can be used to tackle equestrian challenges today.

Episode 5: Examines factors influencing horses' mental wellbeing in sports and how to enhance their quality of life.

Episode 6: The season finale explores how education and regulation can secure a positive future for equestrianism.

Each episode offers valuable insights. Make sure you don't miss this enlightening series : https://esi-education.com/podcast/

13/12/2024

“To improve horses' quality of life, it's crucial to fulfill their basic needs and ensure that interactions with humans are predominantly pleasurable.“

"The recognition of behavioural signs of pain in horses remains one of the most important areas of research in terms of improving their quality of life. However, distinguishing between behaviour indicative of pain and that associated with confounding factors including fear and anxiety, isolation, anticipation of pain and other treatment-related stressors, can be complicated by individual variation."

A systematic review by Hall and Kay (2024) analysed 109 articles on horse-human interactions and their impact on equine welfare.

Key areas examined included pain recognition, emotional reactivity, handling procedures, ridden behaviour, non-procedural interactions, transportation, and non-ridden training.

Major findings include:

* Most horse-human interactions involve human control, potentially masking signs of the horse's experiences.

* In free-movement situations, positive experiences led to approach behaviour, while negative ones caused avoidance.

* Training can influence both approach and avoidance behaviours.

* Individual differences and fear can complicate behavioural interpretations.

Key conclusions from the review point to the need for changes in how humans interact with horses.

To improve horses' quality of life, it's crucial to fulfill their basic needs and ensure that interactions with humans are predominantly pleasurable.

The review also underscores the importance of recognising pain in horses, considering their cumulative life experiences, and adapting handling and training methods to enhance equine welfare.

These insights can provide valuable guidance for improving horse-human interactions and promoting better quality of life for horses across various contexts.

Read the full analysis here:

https://www.cambridge.org/core/journals/animal-welfare/article/living-the-good-life-a-systematic-review-of-behavioural-signs-of-affective-state-in-the-domestic-horse-equus-caballus-and-factors-relating-to-quality-of-life-part-2-horsehuman-interactions/0B20228016DE886D3F99587EC3ECEB97 #

07/12/2024

Great overview of what we know about ECVM (Equine Complex Vertebral Malformation) so far.

There has been so much going on around the topic of ECVM, this congenital malformation is one we are diagnosing, managing and studying at Denali Equine in partnership with Rexos Inc, under the guidance of the legendary Dr. Sharon May-Davis. We wanted to give you the top ten points on ECVM facts. (Sorry this is long- Well worth the full read!)

1. ECVM is a congenital condition, meaning they are born with it. We suspect it is a recessive genetic disorder because two unaffected adults can produce offspring with it. There are several groups racing to find the genetics behind this condition. More information on the horizon.

2. ECVM is not a fatal diagnosis. However, it can be. It depends on the severity of the malformation and how well the horse can functionally compensate.

3. Radiographs of the lower neck are necessary to diagnose the condition. These radiographs must be clear lateral and obliques of C6, C7 and ideally T1. These can be done in the field for most horses. However larger generators do get better images.

4. Variability: Horses can be either a bilateral or unilateral malformation of C6, which in 52% of C6 cases can transpose either bilaterally or unilaterally. To C7; T1 and the first ribs are variably affected.

5. Studies show horses with transposition of the ventral lamina to C7 are more likely to suffer from clinical neck pain than horses with normal anatomy. In our experience horses with rib malformations have more severe clinical signs than those with normal ribs (no clear studies yet).

6. The bones absolutely do not tell the whole story. However, bones do not lie. They often indicate the level of soft tissue malformations present. The more severe the boney changes- the more severe the soft tissue is altered around them.

7. Clinical picture: all horses are not lame, but they do all have subtle clinical signs. Most often the clinical signs are not limb related lameness (but can be). These horses can show signs of the pain ethogram, rearing, sporadic behavior, abnormal front limb flight patterns (especially with equipment), girthiness, resistance to go forward, doesn’t like physical touch (brushing, blanketing ex). The signs are so variable for every horse!

8. The common things heard from owners/trainers:
* The horse was always bad from the start (this is concerning for the more severe cases)
* The horse was fine until it wasn’t. We find this is from something changed in the program. i.e., was imported, switched barns, changed jobs.
* They don’t understand why the horse is failing quicker than usual as it gets older. As the horse ages the clinical signs become more apparent. The body can only manage for so long. Think of it this way- the foundation was built wrong from the beginning. Therefore, it takes time for the cracks in your walls or floors to show, it then takes those cracks a while before they become a structural problem in your house.
* A minor incident happened and now they’re not ok. Suspect an injury can cause the horse to spiral out of stabilization or have the ability to compensate. An example could be getting cast or trailering event then the horse was never the same. Example, you do not know your house wasn’t built well until the storm blows it over.

9. These horses have significant soft tissue pathology on necropsies. Therefore, no matter what the data is showing us: If the horse has ECVM, is clinical, and other differentials have been ruled out these horses are clinically affected by the ECVM.

10. On necropsies we have found:
* Missing, malformed and fractured ribs
* Abnormal nerve patterns, these nerves can be totally entrapped and compressed by abnormal muscle patterns. The dorsal scalene can trap the large nerves of the brachial plexus within its abnormal paths. The phrenic nerve can get pulled inappropriately and leave impressions within the ventral scalene.
* Abnormal muscles: dorsal scalene, ventral scalene, iliocostalis, longus coli, re**us abdominal, intercostal muscles, serratus ventails cervicis. All these muscles have critical roles in stability, proprioception, and biomechanics.
* Abnormal vascular patterns
* Trachea abnormalities
* Fascial changes

ECVM is currently a controversial and sensitive topic so we thought we would share a few known quick facts to help you understand this issue better. Please go to our website (www.DenaliEquine.com) to find more information and links to the current studies on this disease. We are researching and studying these horses! We are working on several angles of research right now throughout Non-Profit Rexos Inc. If you would like more information on how you can help, please reach out!

DeClue Equine saddlefitting.us

05/12/2024

This is a huge step forwards in our understanding of Equine Grass Sickness, something that has eluded researchers for over 100 years!

The probable cause of grass sickness has been identified, in a major step in fighting this devastating disease

Read more via link below

04/12/2024

𝗪𝗘𝗟𝗙𝗔𝗥𝗘 𝗪𝗘𝗗𝗡𝗘𝗦𝗗𝗔𝗬: 𝗦𝘁𝘂𝗱𝘆 𝗛𝗶𝗴𝗵𝗹𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁𝘀 𝗥𝗲𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀𝗵𝗶𝗽 𝗕𝗲𝘁𝘄𝗲𝗲𝗻 𝗛𝗲𝗮𝗱-𝗡𝗲𝗰𝗸 𝗣𝗼𝘀𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝗳𝗹𝗶𝗰𝘁 𝗕𝗲𝗵𝗮𝘃𝗶𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗶𝗻 𝗘𝗹𝗶𝘁𝗲 𝗗𝗿𝗲𝘀𝘀𝗮𝗴𝗲 𝗛𝗼𝗿𝘀𝗲𝘀

A recent study by K. Kienapfel et all (2024) investigated the relationship between head-neck positions (HNPs), conflict behaviour (CB), and judging scores in elite dressage horses. The study examined how these factors align with the animal welfare principles and competition rules established by the International Equestrian Federation (FEI).

𝗞𝗲𝘆 𝗙𝗶𝗻𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗴𝘀:
• Conflict behaviour increases with lower nasal plane angles in elite dressage horses.
• Relationship found between head-neck positions and conflict behaviour.
• Surprising rule contradiction: tests with small poll angles received high scores.
• Urgent need to address animal welfare and enhance solutions in dressage sport.

𝗠𝗲𝘁𝗵𝗼𝗱𝗼𝗹𝗼𝗴𝘆:
The study observed 49 horses participating in the Grand Prix Special (CDIO5*) at CHIO Aachen in 2018 and 2019. Researchers analysed video footage of warm-up and competition phases, measuring HNPs (angle at the vertical, poll angle, and shoulder angle) and recording instances of conflict behaviour. These were evaluated against judges' scores.

The results showed that:

▪️ The nasal plane was behind the vertical more frequently during warm-up than in competition (-11° vs. -5°).
▪️ Poll angles were larger in competition (28°) than in warm-up (24°).
▪️ No significant differences were found in shoulder angles between warm-up and competition phases.

Conflict behaviours, including unusual oral movements, occurred more often during warm-up than in competition. Tail swishing was not affected by the nasal plane’s angle.

𝗔𝘂𝘁𝗵𝗼𝗿𝘀' 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝗰𝗹𝘂𝘀𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀
The study authors concluded that the findings raise concerns about the welfare of elite dressage horses and the application of FEI rules. According to the authors, horses showing restrictive HNPs—such as nasal planes behind the vertical—exhibited more conflict behaviours, yet these positions were not penalised during scoring and, in some cases, correlated with higher scores.

The authors emphasised the importance of addressing these discrepancies to ensure that dressage practices align more closely with established rules and prioritise horse welfare.

02/12/2024

This is a really interesting bit of research that may suggest we need to rethink how horses and ponies used for equine facilitated learning are touched.

https://thehorse.com/1132629/equine-assisted-intervention-horses-show-increased-sensitivity-to-touch/?lid=qfqpub2toe8p&fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAR3fDCUxaPrKkS-RDg6oa_OkNroLEg_Cz8jcPb3oCbHpl0lUAzMewg6EwkI_aem_hI82F-S3MwB2P_fqGZ3QPg

Researchers found equine-assisted intervention horses more touch-sensitive than riding school horses, suggesting the need to revise handling techniques.

02/12/2024

Really useful girth info here!

**𝟱-𝗠𝗶𝗻𝘂𝘁𝗲𝘀 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝗖𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗮𝘂𝗿 𝗕𝗶𝗼𝗺𝗲𝗰𝗵𝗮𝗻𝗶𝗰𝘀**

𝗚𝗶𝗿𝘁𝗵𝘀

The girth plays a vital role as part of the equipment used when riding, so when we are considering saddle fit, we need to consider girth fit too.

“Riders spend a reasonable amount of money on a saddle and then don’t always consider the girth shape or design,” says Russell MacKechnie-Guire. “You can reduce the performance of the saddle and the horse by having a poorly-designed girth, so the fit and suitability should be considered similar to the saddle and the bridle.”

𝗚𝗶𝗿𝘁𝗵 𝗽𝗿𝗲𝘀𝘀𝘂𝗿𝗲𝘀

When we think about where the girth pressures are, previously, we believed it was mostly in the sternum region, but in a study in 2013, it showed that the areas of repeatable high pressure are in the region behind the elbows and not on the sternum.

“We used an electronic pressure map placed underneath the girth, robustly measuring the pressure of the girth during locomotion,” says Russell. “The other intriguing thing is that these pressures are related to the movement and timing of the limb, so every time the hoof is loaded, we get pressure behind the elbow which we found in all gaits; walk, trot, canter and gallop, and when jumping. This means that pressure is repeatable every stride. So, if a girth doesn’t fit, or is a poor design in relation to the horse’s conformation, the horse is subject to those areas of high pressure every stride. We found that this can influence joint range of motion, and create asymmetry in the horse and what we know from other research is that horses will develop strategies to alleviate any discomfort caused.”

There are various designs of girth on the market which means horse owners have plenty of options.

“However, what we must be mindful of is designs that claim to alleviate force or pressure on the sternum when they haven’t looked elsewhere on the girth, for example behind the elbows,” says Russell. “If we cut away something, the force has to go somewhere else – you can’t get rid of the forces. That’s something horse owners should consider when interpreting such claims – specifically the social media “literature”, not the scientific literature - because there are a few companies that have cut away parts of the girth which at first glance appears to have “removed” any pressure, which is great, but you still have the total force that has to be distributed somewhere. By removing parts, you are in effect distributing the same “total force” over a smaller area.”

𝗔𝘀𝘀𝗲𝘀𝘀𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗰𝗼𝗻𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻

Every horse has a different conformation when it comes to the girth area, and assessing it isn’t always easy.

Russell suggests: “Stand in front of the horse if safe to do so, with the horse standing square, and look at how the legs come out of the chest. Look at the distance between the two forelimbs, and if at the top it looks narrow (like a “V”) this would indicate that the base of support is narrow, in which case the horse may need a girth that is of an appropriate design to suit that conformation.

“You then need to stand on the side of the horse (standing square) and visualise the girth groove. Influenced by anatomy (sternum length), some horses have a forward girth groove which creates quite an angle for the girth to be positioned, and some horses can have a rear girth groove.”

In these cases, girth fit and design in important, but it is essential that riders speak with their saddle fitter, as a girth alone is unlikely to prevent the saddle from travelling forwards or backwards.

Always have that discussion with your horse’s saddle fitter to see what is most appropriate for that horse.

𝗘𝗹𝗮𝘀𝘁𝗶𝗰𝗮𝘁𝗲𝗱 𝗼𝗿 𝗻𝗼𝗻-𝗲𝗹𝗮𝘀𝘁𝗶𝗰𝗮𝘁𝗲𝗱

“We found no biomechanical differences when using elasticated girths, and found, in some situations, some riders could over-tighten the girth because of the quality of the elastic, so our general comment is that, if you don’t need elastic, don’t use it,” explains Russell. “However, there are a group of horses that do appear to prefer (defined as go better by their owners) in a girth that has short (1/2 – 2cm) strips of elastic on each side. We don’t know the reason for that – work is on-going – but if you need/prefer elastic, have short elastic of good quality strength.”

If you have a saddle that slips to one side, you could try a non-elasticated girth to see if that adds stability, or if you have a girth with elastic on one side and the girth allows, change the side that the elastic is on, and see if the saddle still slips. In the majority of cases, saddle slip is induced by the horse, but a girth that has an elastic component may contribute, but it is unlikely to be the cause.

𝗚𝗶𝗿𝘁𝗵 𝗰𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗿𝘀

If using girth covers, Russell suggests using those made from natural fibres/materials where possible.

“What we have to remember with a girth sleeve, is that, while they can add an element of comfort (or satisfy the rider’s fashion), they can also add a lot of extra bulk, so as the limb is coming backwards, you need to check that you aren’t creating pressure due to the increased bulk of the girth cover,” says Russell.

𝗦𝗶𝗴𝗻𝘀 𝗼𝗳 𝗮 𝗽𝗼𝗼𝗿𝗹𝘆 𝗳𝗶𝘁𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗴𝗶𝗿𝘁𝗵

A poorly-fitted or inappropriate girth can cause sores, discomfort, reduce the horse’s performance, and compromise welfare.

“Observe the horse’s behaviour when tacking up, look for reactivity when girthing up such as nipping, ears back, tail swishing and pawing, and any sensitivity after exercise as well as sweat patches under the girth,” Russell advises. “This behaviour is likely indicative of clinical issues that need to be investigated – these subtle indicators when girthing up could be an early indicator that needs looking into, and must not be over looked as “normal.”


𝗚𝗿𝗼𝘂𝗻𝗱 𝗿𝘂𝗹𝗲𝘀 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗯𝘂𝘆𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗮 𝗴𝗶𝗿𝘁𝗵

𝗔𝗻𝗮𝘁𝗼𝗺𝗶𝗰𝗮𝗹𝗹𝘆 𝘀𝗵𝗮𝗽𝗲𝗱

The girth shape and design need to be appropriate for the horse, particularly cut away behind the elbows to allow freedom of movement. We also need to consider the conformation of the horse. Some horses are quite narrow in front and we have to be careful of the degree of the anatomical shaping of the girth that it doesn’t actually cause pressure on the pectoral muscles. That is why it’s important to have a girth fit discussion with your saddle fitter.

𝗟𝗲𝗻𝗴𝘁𝗵 𝗼𝗳 𝗴𝗶𝗿𝘁𝗵

The position of the buckles and length of girth is another consideration – have the buckles up as high as possible. The buckles should be up as high as possible to remove them away from the high-pressure area behind the elbows.

𝗠𝗮𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗶𝗮𝗹𝘀

Girths that have a pressure-reducing/distributing material lining are more advantageous than a girth that doesn’t because that can help distribute and dampen some of the forces. We can’t remove the force but we can distribute it more evenly across the girth and reducing the high areas of pressure.

𝗔𝘁𝘁𝗮𝗰𝗵𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁𝘀

Also be mindful that training aids or martingale straps wrapped around the girth will add pressure to the sternum area of the girth, so it’s always better to attach them to a ring on the outside of the girth.

𝗚𝗶𝗿𝘁𝗵 𝗵𝗲𝗮𝗹𝘁𝗵

Check the condition of your girth. It’s not acceptable to be riding horses in a girth that has girth cracks on the inside – that is going to cause discomfort.

Have thoughts, questions or comments, share them in the comments and they will be discussed in next weeks 𝟱-𝗠𝗜𝗡𝗨𝗧𝗘𝗦 𝗪𝗜𝗧𝗛 𝗖𝗘𝗡𝗧𝗔𝗨𝗥 𝗕𝗜𝗢𝗠𝗘𝗖𝗛𝗔𝗡𝗜𝗖𝗦 - 𝗩𝗟𝗢𝗚

🔭🔭𝗘𝘅𝗽𝗹𝗼𝗿𝗲 𝗖𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗮𝘂𝗿🔭🔭

𝗖𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗮𝘂𝗿 𝗕𝗶𝗼𝗺𝗲𝗰𝗵𝗮𝗻𝗶𝗰𝘀: https://www.centaurbiomechanics.co.uk

𝗖𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗮𝘂𝗿 𝗕𝗶𝗼𝗺𝗲𝗰𝗵𝗮𝗻𝗶𝗰𝘀 𝗩𝗶𝗿𝘁𝘂𝗮𝗹 𝗭𝗼𝗻𝗲: https://www.centaurbiomechanics.co.uk/centaur-online/

𝗖𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗮𝘂𝗿 𝗕𝗶𝗼𝗺𝗲𝗰𝗵𝗮𝗻𝗶𝗰𝘀 𝗛𝗶𝗴𝗵 𝗤𝘂𝗮𝗹𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝗢𝗻𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗲 𝗘𝗱𝘂𝗰𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗖𝗣𝗗: https://www.centaurbiomechanics.co.uk/webinars-online-cpd-and-education-/

𝗖𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗮𝘂𝗿 𝗕𝗶𝗼𝗺𝗲𝗰𝗵𝗮𝗻𝗶𝗰𝘀 𝗥𝗲𝘀𝗲𝗮𝗿𝗰𝗵: https://www.centaurbiomechanics.co.uk/scientific-research-publications/

02/12/2024

Shocking when you see all the statistics put together in one place…

02/12/2024

Please listen to what your horse is trying to tell you you…

29/11/2024

New research suggests flatter saddles could improve welfare in ridden horses:

Reports from the world of equine science

29/11/2024

Desensitisation techniques will not work if the basic reason for the horse's neophobia or other behaviour issue is to do with deficits in basic needs.

While many behaviour problems can be alleviated by desensitising the horse to the stimulus he finds offensive , it is very important to recognise that in many cases, horses express fearful behaviours to certain stimuli as symptoms of deeper problems in their mental security.

It is important to consider that a predisposition for fearful behaviour can be innate or it may be acquired through past fearful experiences of escape and avoidance learning.

The biggest considerations for the horse's mental security undoubtedly lies in satisfying their fundamental needs for socialisation, movement, agency and foraging, as well avoiding the potential for pain or confusion that can arise from the delivery of the cues and aids by the rider.

Poor socialisation in horses can lead to several behavioural problems that affect both their welfare and handling safety. When horses lack adequate social experiences, particularly during their developmental years, they often develop maladaptive behaviors.

Adapted from Modern Horse Training Volume 2 by Andrew N McLean
This exciting new publication is now available for purchase at our webshop - www.esi-education.com

22/11/2024

Welfare implications of restrictive nosebands - it’s great to see Pony Club Australia are taking the issue seriously and educating the next generation of young riders. Shame we don’t do the same here!

𝗪𝗲𝗹𝗳𝗮𝗿𝗲 𝗪𝗲𝗱𝗻𝗲𝘀𝗱𝗮𝘆: 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗘𝗳𝗳𝗲𝗰𝘁 𝗼𝗳 𝗥𝗲𝘀𝘁𝗿𝗶𝗰𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗲 𝗡𝗼𝘀𝗲𝗯𝗮𝗻𝗱𝘀 𝗼𝗻 𝗛𝗼𝗿𝘀𝗲𝘀

Have you ever wondered how gear like nosebands impacts your horse’s comfort? A recent study* reveals some important facts about the effects of very tight nosebands on horses. The findings show that nosebands tightened to the extreme can cause stress and stop horses from showing natural behaviours. Here’s what the study discovered and why it matters.

𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗪𝗮𝘀 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗦𝘁𝘂𝗱𝘆 𝗔𝗯𝗼𝘂𝘁?

Twelve horses wearing double bridles and crank nosebands were part of the study. Researchers tested four levels of tightness:

1. Unfastened (UN): The noseband was loose.
2. Two-Finger Space (CAUN): Room for two fingers under the noseband.
3. One-Finger Space (HCAUN): Room for just one finger.
4. No Space (NAUN): Noseband tightened all the way, with no room underneath.

During each treatment, they measured heart rate, heart rate variability (HRV), eye temperature, and how often horses licked, chewed, or yawned.

𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗗𝗶𝗱 𝗧𝗵𝗲𝘆 𝗙𝗶𝗻𝗱?

Stress Levels Went Up
- Heart Rate: Increased significantly when the noseband was tightest.
- HRV: Decreased, showing the horses were under stress.
- Eye Temperature: Got hotter, a common sign of stress in horses.

Natural Behaviours Disappeared
- Licking and Chewing: These behaviours stopped completely when the noseband was tightest.
- Swallowing: Horses swallowed half as often with the tightest noseband.
- Yawning: Rare during all treatments but increased after the nosebands were removed.

𝗥𝗲𝗯𝗼𝘂𝗻𝗱 𝗘𝗳𝗳𝗲𝗰𝘁𝘀
When the nosebands were taken off, the horses made up for lost behaviours. They yawned, licked, and chewed more than they did before the nosebands were put on. This rebound suggests the tight nosebands left them feeling deprived.

𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗗𝗼𝗲𝘀 𝗧𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝗠𝗲𝗮𝗻?
The study shows that very tight nosebands cause stress and stop horses from acting naturally. Researchers recommend:

- Keeping It Comfortable: Ensure at least two fingers of space under the noseband.
- Checking Tightness at Competitions: Gear stewards should enforce rules against overly tight nosebands.
- More Research: Experts need to explore how nosebands combined with rein tension and a rider affect horses.

𝗪𝗵𝘆 𝗜𝘁 𝗠𝗮𝘁𝘁𝗲𝗿𝘀
Your horse’s well-being is key to a good partnership. This research reminds us that gear like nosebands should always prioritise their comfort and health.

📸 Pic: An example of an infrared image of the eye region. The cross indicates the position of the maximum temperature within the area of the eye used for analysis.

* "The Effect of Noseband Tightening on Horses’ Behaviour, Eye Temperature, and Cardiac Responses," by Kate Fenner, Samuel Yoon, Peter White, Melissa Starling & Paul McGreevy (2016)