Niki Compton - The Equine Biomechanics Coach

11/11/2021

❤💜

02/11/2021

Aren't we great at doing everything and all for our horses health..... and this is us 🙈🙊🤣
Seriously though..... looking after yourself helps your horse too. 💕🐴

02/11/2021

Our newest rehab. This gentleman of a Connemara has come to recover and strengthen from Laminitis. He's getting shod by our very own corrective farrier Robin Compton. Meanwhile walking in hand has started on various surfaces before long reining begins. He's such a dude 😍🤍

15/10/2021

Interesting reading. What do you use?? Will this article change your mind?? 🤔🐴💕

**CENTAUR BIOMECHANICS BLOG SERIES**

DO YOU NEED TO USE A HALF PAD IF YOUR SADDLE IS CORRECTLY FITTED…??

A half pad is a layer of material which is positioned usually, although not exclusively, between the saddle and numnah. It is often thought that; 1) if the saddle is correctly fitted, then riders should not need to use a half pad and 2) using a half pad beneath a “correctly fitted” saddle will alter the saddle fit and cause it to become narrow (similar to wearing a thick pair of socks then making your shoes tight). However, with the advent of new materials it is possible that a thin layer between the saddle and numnah may be of benefit to the horse. Previously, we have demonstrated in advanced dressage horses, that when trotting and cantering in a straight-line, over-ground, and when using a wool or closed cell foam half pad beneath the saddle; 1) did not increase saddle pressures or cause the saddle to become narrow and 2) in the caudal regions (T13-T18) there was a reduction in saddle pressures, both of which are maybe advantageous when considering back health and comfort (1).

It is important to note that not all half pads perform the same. Half pads come in different shapes, designs and materials. In the aforementioned study, the reduction in pressures were only found when using a wool or closed cell foam half pad. In contrast, when using a gel half pad, both peak and mean (kPa) pressures in the cranial region of the saddle were increased (1), similar findings were reported in horses trotting on a treadmill, in that study only reindeer fur reduced saddle pressures (2). There are various reasons why this might be, the design of the half pad is a contributing factor, both the wool and closed cell foam pads had a central spine, which meant that during locomotion the half pads remained in place whereas the gel half pad was just one unit which meant that during locomotion, the half pad displaced down which may have increased the pressures in that region. A second factor is the materials response to load, when the closed cell foam is loaded it deforms and reforms rapidly whereas when the gel half pad is loaded, it deforms and reforms at a much slower rate and can “bottom out”. Therefore, the half pad’s ability and rate of deformation and reformation are essential considerations especially if using a half pad to reduce/dampen forces.

Interestingly, the wool half pad performed well across all gaits however, it should be noted that a new wool half pad was used in the study. It is speculated that if we had used an aged wool half pad >6 months, where the fibres had lost their crimp (shock absorbing capabilities), then the wool half pads performance may have been compromised. If you are using a wool half pad, it is essential that it is maintained and regularly cleaned and replaced to ensure that it performs optimally when in use. In contrast, the closed cell foam half pads remain in form throughout, and does not deteriorate over time which may make them a more viable option.

From our study (1), it is interesting to note that the decrease in saddle pressures occurred in the caudal region of the saddle (T13-T18). Saddle pressures in this region are largely influenced by the propulsive forces generated by the hindlimbs, but also the rider. It seems that the dynamic forces created by the rider maybe dampened in some way when using a wool or closed cell foam half pad.

Although we present data here that using a wool or closed cell foam half pad beneath a correctly fitted saddle does not alter saddle fit or cause an increase in saddle pressures, and its use can help reduce pressures especially in the caudal region, it is ESSENTIAL that the use of a half pad is discussed with a qualified saddle fitter. In the current study, the saddles were not fitted to accommodate the increased thickness of the half pad, however due to saddle type, there was sufficient room in the gullet to accommodate the half pad. It is ESSENTIAL that the saddle design is to considered as this (narrow gullet / channel between the saddle panels) will of course have an effect as well as 1/2 pad design, otherwise despite the benefits being reported here, there could be a risk of increased pressures in the cranial region which from previous studies will have a significant effect on the locomotor apparatus of the horse.

In summary, using a thin layer beneath a correctly fitted saddle maybe advantageous in respect of back health and comfort. It is essential that riders consider the materials, design and shape of the half pad. It is also essential, that riders discuss any half pad options with a qualified saddle fitter.

Please like / follow our page for more blogs and please share to raise awareness 😃 http://www.centaurbiomechanics.co.uk/blog/

Dr. Russell MacKechnie-Guire
Centaur Biomechanics
www.centaurbiomechanics.co.uk



1. MacKechnie-Guire R, Fisher M, Pfau T. Effect of a Half Pad on Pressure Distribution in Sitting Trot and Canter Beneath a Saddle Fitted to Industry Guidelines. Journal of Equine Veterinary Science. 2020.
2. Kotschwar AB, Baltacis A, Peham C. The effects of different saddle pads on forces and pressure distribution beneath a fitting saddle. Equine Vet J. 2010;42(2):114-8.

13/10/2021

After posting to gauge interest, and there seems a lot, I'm going to run a couple of clinics on the following dates.
Sat 16th Oct 1pm - 6pm
Weds 20th Oct 11am - 5pm

Alternatively, if you have 3 or more at your yard I can come to yours. Just DM with details.

On this groundwork / lunging clinic you will bring your pony or horse to be assessed in the best methods for his or her biomechanics. He/she will be statically and dynamically assessed. Then a programme given on what equipment to use, how to use it and when.

With winter around the corner and darker nights approaching, it's the perfect time to get shorter, specific, strengthening and conditioning training into your horse. 🐴💪🏻💕

No equipment needed for the day apart from bridle and boots for your horse. For yourself hat and gloves.

Email or DM to book with your email, contact number, preferred time. Though this is a first come first serve basis so can't be guaranteed.
£45 per session.

🌍 Based in Minety, SN16 9QP
📲07967130634.
💻 [email protected]

12/10/2021

After a static and dynamic assessment of this horse with a chat on history too, we managed to get a great programme together for horse and owner. The benefits of this particular set up is two fold; firstly it keeps the owner in her box 📦 😉 no wandering, and secondly it's great for strengthening and releasing incorrect muscle firing patterns which can cause tension in certain areas. Looking forward to seeing their progress. 💪🏻🐴💕

10/10/2021

05/10/2021

Had a great time working with this stunning Appaloosa yesterday. A very talented and sharp youngster who prefers the faster pace in life. Who uses her neck to act as a telescope to make sure she spots every conceivable "threat". Clearly it's not in her biomechanic interest to work like this during groundwork. The session involved a static and dynamic assessment with a discussion on her likes and dislikes. It was clear she needed a focus that didn't take her confidence away but enough for her to pay attention. So out came the "V" poles and lunging aid. This set up encourages the horse to reach out and down by only discouraging the upward neck position. The poles allowed her body to work correctly without over-facing. The pictures show the owner happily achieving her goal. Good rhythm allowing swinging back and the beginnings of stretching and engaging. She's going to be one to watch. 👀💗

04/10/2021

😍 Free stretchy lunge in between torrential rain! Love watching how they move freely sometimes and noting how they stretch, where they stretch. Here he is really stretching along the topline, especially the base and top of neck.

💪🏻Get in touch for a biomechanics assessment of your horse and ways to strengthen and supple them through groundwork. Increases performance and prevents injury.

📲 [email protected]

01/10/2021

Cute Friday post.... who said reincarnation isn't a thing.... this pup was clearly a dressage horse in previous life.... he even lunges in passage 🤪🐴🐶😂😂

31/08/2021

19/08/2021

In light of the recent article in the Horse & Hound magazine, I thought a lunging clinic would be a way to educate and help those unsure of what and how to use various pieces of equipment. With so many "gadgets" out there I've narrowed down what I use to 3 things. Depending on what an individual horse needs depends on which equipment I use.
Like, comment, pm if you're interested in bringing your pony or horse to be assessed in the best methods for his or her biomechanics.

🌍 Based in Minety.
📲07967130634.
💻 [email protected]

A study has aimed to investigate the knowledge of horse riders when using training aids such as side reins and drawn reins

18/08/2021

When horses develop strength and confidence through specific ground training and riding exercises, it always follows through to all their work. It's just incredible to see this guy enjoying his jumping more and giving such joy to owners and riders.

And of course Dunnit 🐴💕

18/08/2021

This little pocket rocket has oodles of potential.... and his own strong mind. His owner is on a journey with us and he's turning into an absolute star giving her so much enjoyment. With correct training, strengthening and confidence building their partnership is developing well. Thrilled to be helping and nurturing them by educating them together.
🐴💕
[email protected]

12/08/2021

As an ex racehorse turned eventer, working on his biomechanics has been a great opportunity for him to develop some topline and begin to understand the concept of working over his back and engaging the hind leg. Don't under-estimate how long this can take! There's major and minor muscles that need completely retrained and strengthened for this. Including some that need to lose tone!

12/08/2021

Do you struggle to work your horse from the ground in an effective way that truly benefits them?

Are you confident with it but would like more specific, tailored ways and a programme to move your horses on?

Is your horse stiff one way? Difficult one way? Lazy? Sharp? Unbalanced....

Is your horses back tight? Neck unsupple? Not engaging the hind legs?

The answer to helping with those questions and many more you may have is right here ⬇️

Have your horse/s assessed in it's conformation, muscle tone, static and dynamic biomechanics and a strategic, tailored programme built and delivered in 4 sessions.

Develop and learn how to work your horses effectively and correctly from the ground, over poles, and lunging. Building confidence and communication for and between you and your horse.

Condition and strengthen your horse ready for competing, in between competitions, from injury or to prevent injury.

Offer: £160 for 4 sessions. (Travel may be applied depending on your location and how many horses)

Venue : Minety, Wiltshire
Or at your own yard.

💻 [email protected]

📲 07967130634

Check the before ↙️ and after ↘️ to see just what this work does for the horse 🐴💕

09/08/2021

Great fun at the weekend competing my two MKM boys and brought home two firsts. Couldn't be happier with my younger one who took to his first competition ever and at medium level. He behaved like a pro and we finished the test smiling. 🐴💕🥰

27/06/2021

Now that's a grid 🤣

26/06/2021

Moon Theories. ((The side effects of egg bar shoes)
“Truth is what stands the test of experience.” (Albert Einstein)
In 1984, Bẻbѐ Blond successfully competed at the Kentucky Rolex three-day event. It was the last leg of the Olympic selection trial. I retired as a rider from the three-day event after this competition. Bẻbѐ Blond was in excellent physical shape. I did not retire him; I retired myself. I had competed at the top International level for many years, and I felt that it was time for me to teach and coach younger riders.
Bẻbѐ Blond went for a second career in dressage where he reached FEI level. He was indeed an extraordinary horse. Between his two careers, I planned a one-year period where I could decompress him from his International three days event career, and prepare him for his Dressage career.
During this decompression period, the farrier, who was familiar with high-level competition jumper horses, advised egg bar shoes. It was not corrective of anything, but simply a way to give him support and comfort during this period of easy work. I was not impressed by the theory, but I respected the farrier’s knowledge and experience. We agree that he would remove the shoes if I felt anything wrong.
On the fourth day, I felt a vibration in the right knee. It was barely perceptible, but I know Bẻbѐ Blond very well, and this vibration was new. I called the farrier, and he could come and change the shoes in four days. Meanwhile, I reduced the work to just walking. Two days later, Bẻbѐ Blond was lame and diagnosed with a tearing the deep digital flexor check ligament. The farrier was puzzled. He did not play the usual guilt game. He knew the horse, he knew what I was doing, he just said that he never encountered a problem like that and that fast.
I told him that I would try to understand why the shoeing caused the problem and I will discuss with him if I could find the reason. I did. Here is what happened.....

26/04/2021

Absolutely thrilled for an outstanding result for clients Lissa and Sunny. Great future awaits 🎊🎉🐎💖

16/04/2021

With tailored pole work and lunging you can see the improvement in this young event horse's carriage and throughness. After releasing her middle section she's able to connect the back to front easier. 🐴💖💕

16/04/2021

The lovely gentle giant Wiz at Ivy Lodge Farm Equine Rehab . This horse is a joy to work and so willing to please.
These video clips show a progression in a session which is helping his proprioception, posture, and correct balance. Initially I encourage turn on the forehand into shoulder fore which activates the alignment of muscles I want woken up to then move onto the pole work.
As an incredible jumper he now has to think about the smaller steps which need quick foot work and self carriage. 🐴💖💕

13/04/2021

Loving the great commentary from the lovely Lissa Green Eventing 👌🏻😀

12/04/2021

A lovely young Andalusian horse beginning to find his rhythm and balance.
With horses that have a fairly unknown start to their career I go back to basics. He is learning how to hold his posture and begin using the correct muscles. He's now on a 4 days per week work programme. Ground work with some pole work to help him get the confidence mentally and physically. This also provides the confidence and reassurance to the owner that she's doing the right things and on the right path.
Win all round 💖💕🦄
EquiAmi

10/04/2021

https://www.instagram.com/tv/CNfS52YDeRI/?igshid=1dfqsx2fjqgee

04/04/2021

The fan 💃🏼
This is one of the most versatile and simple of pole setups. It allows variance in paces and tempo. E.g the trot can be collected and bouncey at the narrow end ensuring optimum joint flexing. Then for a more medium trot with more push and stretch use the far end.
The greatest thing about it is when you vary which end you use you really test and improve proprioception. 💯
Add in the cheap and cheerful cavelleti substitutes aka potties.... then you have a more advanced setup to really get those legs picking up and engagement of the core. 👍🏻
EquiAmi
😁

27/03/2021

So exciting it's all back on again. 🤩 Can't wait to watch.
So proud of keeping this superstars' feet in it's best dancing shoes.

25/03/2021

❓To stretch or not to stretch❓
I'm often asked this question. The short answer is yes. The longer answer is when.
I personally don't think this stretch is important or capable of most horses in the beginning of the session. Especially less established or younger horses. In the beginning of the session I suggest this type of horse is ridden more towards a "competition" frame. Then once he feels capable and it's safer allow him to stretch. This could be in the middle or end of the session. As long as it happens at some point.
A more established horse may want to stretch in the walk then more up in the trot and canter with lateral work. Again, as long as the stretch happens when the muscles are warmed up and more full of blood.
Listen to your horse. They will tell you when they want to stretch. 🐴💖

23/03/2021

Top Tip Tuesday.
Why is it important to walk you horse before riding or any exercise?
When you horse has been fairly immobile for example in a stable, he needs the thickened synovial fluid to fill and cushion the joint capsule again. Quiet, slow movement allows this to happen.
Important because it reduces the chances of injury and Osteoarthritis through cushioning the hard boney end of the joint rather than almost bone on bone straight into work. After all, the joints job is to allow the skeleton to move and articulate limbs and various parts of the body.
Minimum 10 mins walk, preferably 15 mins. Your horse and your bank account will thank you for it 🤩

19/03/2021

Friday Facts 😉

A 6yr old NH racehorse had 9 interspinous gaps widened after kissing spine diagnosis. He was able to return to his career and be successful after a careful team approach in rehabilitating him.

After the initial walking phase during which he had H Wave sessions with a physio to stimulate the muscle tissue fibres, he was long reined.
This is important so you can control but still start to incorporate gentle bends.

Once he was able to trot comfortably both ways he was lunged using the EquiAmi. A particularly good tool to use as it allows the correct back muscles to begin their new patterns of firing. The horse is able to put their frame in a comfortable but correct frame to encourage strengthening.

This horse finished my programme ready to start training. 👌🏻🐎

18/03/2021

16/03/2021

After over 30 years of working with horses from all backgrounds and levels, I've found that the horse has taught me the most.
As an academic educated in the physiology and anatomy, but the dynamic movement and psychology has been found through time and experience as a horse person.

I've successfully rehabilitated horses from various surgical procedures and lameness through vet and farrier referral. I've conditioned and strengthened horses to perform better and prevent injury.
All horses can benefit from ground work, poles, cavaletti, lunging, long reining.

I believe every horse has it's unique movement pattern, optimal rhythm, proprioception, biomechanics. All of which can be improved and enhanced.

Through assessment and observation the horse communicates their needs.

16/03/2021

Have your horse assessed in it's biomechanics and a strategic, tailored programme built and delivered in 4 sessions.

Develop and learn how to work your horses effectively and correctly from the ground, over poles, and lunging. Building confidence and communication for and between you and your horse.

Condition and strengthen your horse ready for competing, from injury or to prevent injury.

💐Spring Offer of £160 for 4 sessions. (Offer expires 31st March)

Venue : Minety, Wiltshire
Or at your own yard.

💻 [email protected]

📲 07967130634

11/03/2021

Equine biomechanics is a hugely important part of your horse training. It is used just as much in the sports horse as it is in rehabilitation. It can improve recovery, performance, avoid injury and change behaviour.

Dedicated to all the wonderful horses I work with to strengthen and condition, improve proprioception and rehabilitate. From leisure horses to top performance horses in all disciplines. Post surgery horses e.g kissing spine.They all benefit hugely from biomechanics work.

Horses can come to my facilities in the Cotswolds or I can come to yours. I offer many flexible options depending on what your horse needs.

I work with vets, physios, chiropractors, trainers, riders to make sure your horses are getting the precise work they need. Whether it's from improving performance to get your international stardom, or rehabilitation from lameness.

Get in touch to discuss further or book.

[email protected]

📲 07967130634