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10/03/2025
This is such a fabulous post to read ahead of Spring coat changes and the moulting season ahead ⬇️
The changing of a horse’s coat in spring (and autumn) can place additional demand on the emunctories, particularly the liver and kidneys. This is because shedding and coat renewal are metabolic processes that involve detoxification, cellular turnover, and increased circulation of waste products.
How Shedding Affects the Emunctories:
1. Liver:
The liver plays a key role in detoxification, breaking down old cells, processing hormones, and filtering out metabolic waste.
Spring coat change is often accompanied by an increase in energy metabolism and sometimes a shift in diet (e.g., from hay to fresh grass), which can further tax the liver.
Some horses may show signs of mild liver overload, such as itchy skin, dull coat, or sluggishness.
2. Kidneys:
The kidneys help remove toxins through urine, and during coat change, there may be an increased need for elimination of metabolic waste.
Ensuring proper hydration is key to supporting kidney function during this period.
3. Skin (as an Emunctory):
The skin itself is a major route of elimination, and as old hair is shed, the body may also release stored toxins.
Horses with a sluggish system might show skin issues like dandruff, itchiness, or even minor breakouts.
🌿How to Support the Horse’s Emunctories in Spring:
🔺Liver Support:
Herbs like milk thistle, dandelion root, and burdock can help the liver process waste efficiently.
Avoid overloading with rich feeds or unnecessary supplements that could burden liver function.
🔺Kidney Support:
Ensure plenty of clean water and encourage movement to stimulate circulation.
Nettle or cleavers can gently support kidney function.
🔺Skin & Coat Support:
Regular grooming aids circulation and lymphatic drainage.
Essential fatty acids (linseed, h**p) can promote healthy skin renewal.
Avoid excessive rugging, which may interfere with the body’s natural detoxification through sweating.
The liver and kidneys are not only essential for detoxification but also play a significant role in the horse’s overall mobility through viscerosomatic reflexes. When these organs become overburdened, they can create muscular tension, postural imbalances, and even restrictions in movement.
🐎Viscerosomatic Reflex & Its Impact on Mobility
Viscerosomatic reflexes occur when dysfunction in an internal organ (viscera) creates tension or discomfort in the musculoskeletal system. This happens because the autonomic nervous system and spinal cord share pathways between internal organs and certain muscle groups.
➡️Liver Dysfunction & Its Effects on Mobility
The liver is innervated by the phrenic nerve (C3-C5) and the vagus nerve, and its viscerosomatic reflex is often associated with right-sided stiffness due to its anatomical position. When the liver is struggling:
Horses may exhibit restricted movement in the right shoulder or difficulty bending to the right.
The thoracic sling muscles (pectorals, serratus ventralis) may tighten, affecting forelimb freedom.
There may be tension in the diaphragm, impacting overall posture and leading to compensatory patterns in the back and hindquarters.
Horses might develop a preference for resting one front leg over the other, indicating discomfort in weight distribution.
➡️Kidney Dysfunction & Its Effects on Mobility
The kidneys are located in the lumbar region (T12-L3) and are closely related to the psoas muscles, iliopsoas, and quadratus lumborum. If the kidneys are overloaded:
Horses may experience lower back stiffness or reluctance to engage the hindquarters.
There can be difficulty with collection, transitions, or lateral movements due to a lack of mobility in the lumbar region.
Some horses may develop girthiness or sensitivity around the flanks, as the fascia surrounding the kidneys connects to the diaphragm and thoracolumbar spine.
⚠️Signs Your Horse Might Benefit from Visceral Osteopathy in Spring
🐎Stiffness or discomfort in shoulder mobility (right side for liver, lumbar for kidneys)
🐎Unexplained girthiness or flank sensitivity
🐎Reluctance to engage the hindquarters or bend laterally
🐎Skin issues, itchiness, or a dull coat despite good nutrition
🐎Lethargy or behavioural changes, especially when shedding or transitioning to spring grass
By addressing these organ-related tensions, visceral osteopathy not only helps improve movement and posture but also supports overall health, comfort, and performance.
