Equine Translation Team

12/09/2025

🐕🐕Scotland Moves Toward Banning Greyhound Racing🐕🐕

The Scottish government has endorsed a proposed ban on greyhound racing, supporting a member’s bill introduced by Scottish Green MSP Mark Ruskell. The bill has garnered cross-party backing, marking a significant shift from the government’s earlier stance, which leaned toward a licensing scheme with penalties for breaching animal welfare standards rather than an outright ban. In a letter to Ruskell, Agriculture Minister Jim Fairlie confirmed the government’s support for the bill’s general principles.

Ruskell welcomed the decision, stating, “I’m thrilled the government is behind my bill. This is a major step toward protecting greyhounds and ending this cruel, gambling-driven sport for good.” He highlighted similar moves in Wales, where the government plans to ban the sport by 2030, and in New Zealand, which is also taking steps to phase it out. “As a nation of dog lovers, Scotland must keep pace with these changes and deliver real protections,” Ruskell said.

Ruskell shared a personal connection, noting that his dog, Bert, is a former racing greyhound rescued at age two after suffering a poorly treated broken leg. “Now 13, Bert is a loving family member, but he never should have endured the trauma of racing,” Ruskell said. “My bill will ensure dogs like him are no longer harmed and discarded. Forcing dogs to race at 40mph around curved tracks is inherently unsafe, and I’m eager to collaborate with the government and MSPs to end it.”

The Unbound the Greyhound coalition, comprising nine animal welfare groups, praised the government’s support. Eve Massie Bishop of OneKind, speaking for the coalition, said, “A country that prides itself on animal welfare cannot justify an industry that has killed 3,957 dogs since 2017. This isn’t entertainment—it’s cruelty. Scots have made it clear: cruelty doesn’t define us.”

The Greyhound Board of Great Britain, which regulates licensed racing, argued that the bill is unnecessary, as no licensed greyhound racing currently occurs in Scotland. A spokesperson called the focus on a ban a “waste of parliamentary time” ahead of elections, given other pressing issues. Thornton Stadium in Kirkcaldy, Scotland’s only recent greyhound racing venue, has been closed since March.

According to the RSPCA, commercial greyhound racing persists in just nine countries, including the UK’s four nations.

25/08/2025

It should be illegal as it demonstrates the polar opposite of how a horse should look and move…
Big licks provide
No positive benefits to the poor horse…

DISGUSTING!

No other word for this. Someone tagged me in this post. Look at the terror on that poor horses face!

"It has been a week of great performances and showmanship and tonight will be the icing on the cake. It’s a dream to show on Saturday night."

​"As wonderful as each class is on Stake Night, the finale always has been and always will be the pinnacle of the industry, the World’s Grand Champion Five-Gaited showdown."

​"Which contender will wear the blanket of roses tonight? Be sure to stay up-to-date with all of the action at "www.saddlehorsereport.com" and look for the wrap up issue of Saddle Horse Report for the most extensive coverage of the World’s Championship Horse Show."

24/08/2025

trot made easy

20/08/2025

🚨 Safeguarding in Equestrian Sport 🚨

As a father of a daughter who grew up spending her free time at the yard, competing and enjoying everything horses bring to our lives, it’s frightening to realise how much has been hidden in plain sight. Abuse, coercive control, intimidation and threats have affected far too many in our industry, and for too long, many of us haven’t asked the questions we should.

That’s why I want to show my full support, alongside the Animalweb team, for the launch of EQUISS UK (Equestrian Industries Safeguarding & Standards UK), an initiative spearheaded by groups including Keysoe International

EQUISS UK will soon unveil its dedicated helpline, staffed by qualified professionals, to provide a safe space for anyone wishing to report incidents or share their story. Their board of trustees will include survivors, international athletes, and safeguarding and human rights experts, ensuring that real voices and real experiences are at the centre of this work.

We cannot sit back and do nothing. Safeguarding must become central to every equestrian business, yard, and centre. As an industry and as individuals, we all can and must do more.

👉 Check in with the Keysoe social pages to be updated about EQUISS UK.
👉 News story 🔗 https://askanimalweb.com/new-safeguarding-initiative-launched-equiss-uk-to-tackle-abuse-in-the-equestrian-industry/

David

17/08/2025

Something to think about?

A stronger or different mechanical bit will never solve your ‘problems’. It will only disguise them by inflicting more pain and pressure onto your horse.
In addition to the alternative suggestions in the article, you could consider your horse’s management (friends, forage, freedom), groundwork, in hand training and education in body language to assist you in monitoring your horse's feedback and communications in an attempt to understand the true issues with your horse?
I know that it won’t be a popular notion but you could also try improving your own riding with a correct position and synchronisation which sadly isn’t a common sight in the horse industry.
This will minimise the standard labelling of horses like bad, lazy, stubborn, crazy, stupid and mareish. They are just trying to convey their pain, confusion or stress when they present with ‘problems’…
And we aren’t listening or seeing or believing…

Facebook is filled with posts asking for advice on which bit will solve a problem the rider is experiencing with their horse.  Now, I am the first to ask for advice when I am faced with a problem outside of my experience or expertise.  But I notice that many of these posts either are looking

13/08/2025

Hot horses?

There’s an ongoing debate raging as to whether we should scrape after hosing or not.
For me a really simple analogy would be this:

When you come out of the shower wet, the longer you take to dry yourself, the colder you get. But when you dry your body you start to feel warmer?
So if you don’t believe the science which has proven this, Dr David Marlin then maybe consider why you cool yourself down in the pool or sea in hot weather?
And that’s just when you’ve been on a lounger.
Not carrying someone around on your back?

12/08/2025

Right rein problem with a right rein solution

11/08/2025

I don’t really need to add a comment to this.
It speaks for itself…

08/08/2025

Speaking up for horses?

When you tell yourself and others and even your horse that you both had so much fun today?
Might you consider your horse’s true thoughts and feelings by watching and listening to their equine body language??
Horses don’t lie.
They don’t even know what a lie is.
Unlike humans.
And this horse is defeated…

06/08/2025

Whilst this result is welcomed, there are many more ‘elite’ competitors who engage in similar abuse which is either excused, covered up or ignored.
If the FEI and other regulatory agencies implemented a consistent approach across the board, then competitors would maybe feel more pressure to stop their deliberate abuse and concentrate their focus on improving their riding and understanding of equine ethology in the round.

🗞️LATEST NEWS 🗞️

Lets hope this serves as a warning to anyone who has a "win at all costs" attitude and no respect for horses!

CESAR PARRA SUSPENDED FOR 15 YEARS FOR HORSE ABUSE

In an outcome marking one of the most significant sanctions issued by the FEI Tribunal, a 15-year suspension has today been imposed against Dressage athlete Cesar Parra (USA) (FEI ID: 10000031), for actions violating the principles of horse welfare. Parra has also been fined CHF 15,000 and ordered to pay CHF 10,000 in legal costs.

A prominent figure in international equestrian sport, Parra has competed at the top level since 1998. He represented his native Colombia at the Pan American Games in 1999, the Olympic Games in Athens 2004, the FEI World Equestrian Games™ in 2002 and 2006, and the FEI World Cup™ Final in 2005. After switching nationalities in 2008, Parra went on to compete for the United States at the Pan American Games in 2011 and the FEI World Cup™ Final in 2014.

Parra has been provisionally suspended since 2 February 2024, when he was notified that he was under FEI investigation following reports of horse abuse submitted to US Equestrian.

US Equestrian had received multiple allegations along with numerous videos and photographs showing Parra engaging in abusive behaviour and training methods involving several horses.

The FEI, in coordination with US Equestrian, launched an immediate investigation into the allegations that Parra had repeatedly and deliberately subjected the majority, if not all, of the horses he owned and trained to recurring and serious abuse over a number of years.

The investigation involved a thorough review of extensive video and photographic material, as well as multiple witness statements.

On 22 May 2024, the FEI initiated formal disciplinary proceedings against Parra, bringing forward three charges: i) abuse of horse; ii) conduct that brings the FEI and/or equestrian sport and the FEI into disrepute; iii) breach of the FEI Code of Conduct on the Welfare of the Horse.

“This case is deeply unsettling, not only because of the recurring nature of the abuse, but also because of the number of horses affected,” FEI Legal Director Mikael Rentsch said.

“That such behaviour came from a top-level athlete makes it all the more troubling. Our athletes are expected to represent and uphold the highest standards of horsemanship. Horse welfare is the foundation, not an add-on, of equestrian sport.

“The investigation demanded significant time and resources due to the volume and complexity of the evidence, which had to be meticulously verified. The 15-year suspension sends a clear message that regardless of profile or position, those who violate the principles of horse welfare will face serious consequences.”

Parra is banned from taking part in any competition or event, or in any related activity under the jurisdiction of the FEI or any National Federation. He is also prohibited from training any FEI registered Athletes and/or FEI registered Horses. The provisional suspension already served will count towards the 15-year sanction, which will end on 1 February 2039.

The full reasoned decision will be published here in due course. Parties can appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) within 21 days of receipt of the full decision.

According to the FEI General Regulations (Article 164.6) during the period of a Suspension the Person, Horse and/or body suspended may take no part in any Competition or Event and/or in any activities related to any Competition or Event, as an Athlete, Support Personnel, Horse and/or Official or in the organisation of, any Competition or Event under the jurisdiction of the FEI or any Competition or Event under the jurisdiction of an NF in accordance with the Statutes or in any FEI and/or NF related activity (e.g. FEI courses, meetings, General Assembly etc.). For the avoidance of any doubt, training FEI Athletes and/or FEI Horses (whether at FEI Events or anywhere else) is to be considered as an FEI related activity. Persons are entitled to train their own Horses at their own facilities or at private facilities (i.e. not linked to any FEI or national Events/trainings’ facilities).

04/08/2025

Something to think about…

Sensitive Sole Dysregulation Disorder (SSDD):
Why Your Horse Isn’t a Jerk—He Just Has Sore Feet 🐴🔥

⚠️ This is long. Possibly the most important thing you’ll read this year about your “frustrating” horse. So dig deep and let me transplant some good ideas into your head....

People come to me for all sorts of reasons.
Some are curious about my nerdy, no-nonsense take on horse training.

Some want help building a better relationship with their horse.
And some arrive clinging to the last threads of hope, unsure whether their horse is traumatised, dangerous… or they are just not good enough to own a horse 😔.

Most of the time, the horse is just confused.
Once we clear up the misunderstanding, lay out a process, and build some real skills, the change is phenomenal.
✅ Communication improves.
✅ Confidence blooms.
✅ Partnerships are born.

It’s effective.
It’s beautiful.
It works—until it doesn’t.

Because there’s a subset of horses—genuinely lovely horses, with well-meaning, capable humans—who still struggle.
Not from lack of effort.
Not from uselessness.
Not because the horse is a waste of time.

It’s because the horse isn’t physically in a state to learn.
And the top culprit?

Sore. Bloody. Feet. 🦶💥

Which is why I’m proud (and mildly exasperated) to introduce a term that I believe deserves a permanent spot in the equine lexicon aka lingo:

Sensitive Sole Dysregulation Disorder (SSDD)

A multifactorial, stress-induced hoof spiral that masquerades as a behavioural problem—but is actually your horse’s way of saying, “Human, I cannot cope. And what you're asking me to do is bloody uncomfortable and I feel threatened.”

Why We Need a Term Like SSDD

If you’ve read my blog on New Home Syndrome, you’ll know how powerful naming things can be.

That post gave thousands of horse owners a lightbulb moment:
💡 “Ah—it’s not that my new horse was drugged and sold by an unscrupulous lying horse seller. He’s just completely unravelling from the stress of relocation.”

Naming gives us a grip on the slippery stuff.
It stops us chasing trauma narratives, mystical contracts, and fantasy horsemanship rabbit holes wasting our time, money, and enjoyment of horses.
It invites clarity.
It invites action.

So let’s do it again.
Because SSDD is real.
It’s widespread.
And it’s quietly ruining training, relationships, and confidence—for both horse and human.

The Official Definition (Because I’m Nerdy Like That 😎)

Sensitive Sole Dysregulation Disorder (SSDD):

A stress-induced, multifactorial syndrome in horses, characterised by systemic dysregulation and poor hoof integrity. It results in chronic sensitivity from inflammation, poor structural balance. It causes altered posture and movement, and unpredictable or defensive behaviour—especially when the horse is asked to move, load, or engage physically.
Commonly misdiagnosed as poor training, bad temperament, or “being crazy, dangerous, or… a bit of a dick.”

How It Starts
(And Why It’s So Sneaky 🕵️‍♀️)

Stress—whether from relocation, dietary change, social disruption, intense work, poor training, or all of the above and more—disrupts the gut.

We talk about ulcers and hindgut issues, but gut disruption reaches much further. It impacts:

- Nervous system regulation
- Nutrient absorption
- Muscle and fascia development
- Sensory processing
- Postural support
- Biomechanics
➡️And yes… hoof quality

Systemic inflammation gets triggered, and it ripples to the hooves.
Thin soles.
Inflamed hoof structures.
Suddenly, every step hurts.

And when all four feet hurt at once?
There’s no limp.
No giveaway unless you know what to look for.
Just a horse who suddenly doesn’t want to:

🚫 Go forward
🚫 Bend
🚫 Load
🚫 Be caught
🚫 Be mounted
🚫 Leave its friends
🚫 “Trust you”
🚫 “Connect”

From the outside, it looks like resistance and unpredictability.
But inside?
It’s one long, silent “Ouch.”

And just because they run, buck and gallop in the paddock does not mean it isn’t festering away.

Case Study: The Off-The-Track Time Bomb 🧨
Meet the OTTB.
He’s fresh off the track with the emotional resilience of a sleep-deprived uni student living off Red Bull and vending machine snacks.
His microbiome is wrecked.
His feet are full of nail holes.
His hooves are thin and genetically fragile.

Hoof balance and form has been considered for the next race—not the next 20 years.
And someone’s just pulled his shoes in the name of “letting down naturally.” 🙃

Cue: SSDD.

Now he’s bolting, spinning, rearing, planting, or shutting down.
The forums recommend groundwork, magnesium, a different noseband, an animal communicator, or an MRI for a brain tumour.
The horsemanship world says “move his feet.”
The trauma-informed crowd say “get his consent.”
Kevin at the feed store says “get his respect.”

But nothing changes.
Because it’s not a behaviour issue.
It’s a hoof–gut–nervous system–biomechanical spiral.
And until you break the cycle, no amount of connection, compassion, or carrot sticks will touch it.

What SSDD Looks Like:
🔹 Short, choppy strides
🔹 Hesitation on gravel
🔹 Tension through the back and neck
🔹 Braced posture, dropped belly, collapsed topline
🔹 Popping hamstrings
🔹 Loss of bend, swing, or rhythm
🔹 Explosions without warning
🔹 Refusal to leave the paddock
🔹 Sudden regression in training
🔹 Being labelled a “dick,” “bitch,” “jerk,” or “nutcase”
Imagine removing your shoes.
Now walk barefoot over gravel, or Lego hidden in shag-pile carpet 🧱
Add a backpack.
Now have someone control where you have to move and how fast.
Now smile, be polite, and do what you’re told.

Sound like trust and connection to you?

That’s SSDD.

Let’s Be Clear 💡
This isn’t an anti-barefoot rant.
And it’s not a pro-shoes crusade.
It’s about recognising that stress undermines hoof quality…
And compromised hooves undermine everything else.

Hoof pain is a master dysregulator.
It breaks posture.
Fractures movement.
Feeds stress.
Causes breakdown.
Blocks learning.
And it’s hard to see—especially when you think your horse is acting like an idiot.

What To Do (Especially for OTTBs, STBs, and New Arrivals)
✅ Be strategic.
✅ Be clinical.
✅ Be kind.
- Replace shoes or hoof protection, don’t rip off shoes on Day One.
- Support the gut from the start.
- Prioritise routine, rest, and recovery.
- Make sure they’re sleeping—properly.
- Work with a hoof care pro who understands stress transitions.
- Wait before reassessing shoeing choices.
- Stop mistaking pain for personality.
- Choose insight over ideology.
- Choose systems thinking over magic silver bullets.

Why It Matters

When we name SSDD, we stop blaming horses for not coping.
We stop shaming owners.

We stop spiralling into horsemanship cults where stillness is the only sign of success.

We start looking at the actual horse.
In the actual body.
With actual problems.

Because sometimes, it’s not temperament.
It’s not training.
It’s just a hoof—
Tender, tired, inflamed—
Whispering softly:
“I can’t cope.”
A hoof that needs support and protection.

📸 IMAGE TO BURN INTO YOUR MEMORY BANKS
Study it.
See the posture searching for comfort?
The tension lines?
The zoned out face that says “pain”?
The weird stance?
That’s SSDD at a standstill.
Even if you can’t see it yet—please consider it.
I might’ve made up the name…
But the thing itself is very, very real.

Just like New Home Syndrome, SSDD deserves its own hashtag.
Okay fine— is a bit long.
Let’s go with:

If This Blog Made You Think—Please Share It 🙏
But please don’t copy and paste chunks and pretend you wrote them.
There’s a share button. Use it.
Be cool. Give credit. Spread the word.
Because if this made you stop and wonder whether your horse isn’t being difficult—but is actually sore, stressed, and stuck in a spiral—
That moment of reflection could be the turning point that changes everything.

We’ve just released our Racehorse to Riding Horse – Off the Track Reboot course, plus other clear, practical resources to help you understand OTTBs & OTTSTBs and support these incredible horses, as they are more prone to this than most.

Because with the right information, what feels impossible…
Can become totally achievable. 🐎✨

I’ll pop some references in the comments.