Animal-Balance

15/02/2025

Why should you learning the signs of pain in ridden horses?

This may seem an obvious question, I mean surely all horse lovers would want to know when their horse is in pain or discomfort... right?

Sadly that doesn't seem to be the case!!

The Ridden Horse Pain Ethogram has been established since 2018!! Coming up for a decade later and I doubt even 1 in 5 riders genuinely know how to spot pain signs in their own horse. :(

So why is this? Have people not heard of the research? It has been very well circulated in the equestrian press, there are courses available, a published book and there is even a film dedicated to promoting the ethogram!!

So my only conclusion can be that people can't understand the benefits, which means this must not be such an obvious question after all :( !!!

So let me enlighten you.

1. UNMANAGED PAIN IS A SIGNIFICANT WELFARE ISSUE!!
There's no kind way to say it, if your horse is in pain and you are failing to recognise it, your horse is suffering in silence!!

2. Riding a horse who is suffering from Unmanaged pain is not only CRUEL, it can lead to further injury as the horse attempts to compensate and avoid using the area of discomfort.

3. Learning to recognise the signs of pain will help highlight when there is a issue with saddle or bridle fit, or your horse needs a body work session. It can also be useful if you are looking to buy a horse, i.e. If you can spot the subtle signs of pain, you have a greater chance of avoiding a failed vetting.

4. Continually riding a horse with unmanaged pain will lead to a loss of performance and the development of behavioural issues... these may escalate over time to become dangerous and once established, can be difficult to resolve even after the pain is removed.

5. Early diagnosis usually means treatment can be less invasive and has a better prognosis for recovery. It also reduces the risk of secondary issues developing, saving you a LOT of money and heart ache!!

6. Failure to recognise signs of pain will directly impact on equestrian social license to opperate!!

WE CAN'T ARGUE THAT OUR SPORT IS ETHICAL, IF HORSES ARE BEING RIDDEN AND COMPETED WHILE SHOWING SCIENTIFICALLY EVIDENCED SIGNS OF PAIN!!

Hopefully you now want to educate yourself on the 24 Behaviours of the Ridden Horse ethogram!! For some quick guides check out my video reels on the subject and please check the comments below for links to some amazing resources.

14/02/2025

Evaluating the Ridden Horse - Seeing Beyond the Surface

As horse enthusiasts, it’s our responsibility to educate ourselves about what true harmony between horse and rider looks like.

Sadly, it’s easy to mistake a tense, stressed horse performing forced technical movements for one that is truly calm, relaxed, and moving correctly.

Recognizing this difference is critical—not just for the horse’s well-being but for the integrity of our sport and practices.

Forced head and neck positions, pulling on the horse’s face, or using gadgets to create a "false outline" may look polished to the untrained eye, but they mask significant physical and emotional harm.

Horses trained this way often display stiffness, discomfort, and tension that compromise their long-term health.

A horse’s outline—the way it carries itself—isn’t just about aesthetics. It’s a reflection of proper biomechanics: relaxation, balance, and engagement from back to front.

Our own International, passionate horse welfare advocate, author, trainer, Veterinarian and lecturer, Dr. Gerd Heuschmann, highlights the consequences of improper training methods in his works like Tug of War.

He explains how these techniques cause physical damage, leading to pain and behavioral issues.

True training emphasizes the horse’s natural biomechanics, fostering relaxation and correct muscle use.

For riders eager to deepen their understanding, our online courses and membership program promote valuable insights into ethical, evidence-based training methods.

Education is key to ensuring we aren’t unintentionally causing harm for the sake of appearance or competition.

By learning to recognize signs of stress, tension, and artificial postures, we can support our horses in reaching their full potential—calmly, correctly, and without force.

Let’s be the kind of riders who prioritize our horse’s welfare over ribbons or fleeting admiration. Together, we can inspire positive change in the equestrian world.

Learn more about our top rated courses, currently on sale, here:

https://equitopiacoursesonsale.com/

10/02/2025

Without looking them up, how many of the 24 behaviours from the Ridden Horse Pain Ethogram can you name?
Are you finding my little videos helpful, or am I teaching you how to suck eggs?

09/02/2025

Hi everyone! 🌟 You can support me by sending Stars – to keep making content that you love.

Whenever you see the Stars icon, you can send me Stars.

05/02/2025

I know a lot of my feed is dominated by horse posts, and I think that's probably why many of you are unaware that I also treat dogs.

This ticktock video from Howl School for Dogs is a great example of why many pet dogs can benefit from regular body work.

Dogs can have limited self preservation when they are playing and having a good time, the adrenalin kicks in and they often push their bodies to the limits, especially when we are encouraging them by playing fetch or other exciting games.

When the adrenalin wears off the dog will feel the full effect of their exuberance, but they don't make the association between the earlier play time and the later discomfort.
In addition dogs are notorious for hiding discomfort, they may show subtle signs of stiffness or reluctance to jump on and off furniture, but many will do their best to carry on as normal, compensating by changing the way they move to avoid the discomfort. These compensations can increase their risk of further injury and discomfort.

So for active dogs, it is really beneficial to have regular body work sessions to ensure areas of tension or musculoskeletal discomfort are released, before they cause a more long term issue.

143 likes, 21 comments. “Lovely dog, no hate or anything here for this dog's humans . Love the harness, love the non-slip flooring. Looks like a super happy dog when she’s running around. This was just too good an education opportunity to miss. Many dogs in pain run around. Th...

01/02/2025

No matter how much we love our horses, we can still hurt them.

No matter how well intentioned, we can still make mistakes.

Love and good intentions are not enough.

There also needs to be self reflection, personal growth and constant seeking of knowledge.

There needs to be a desire to reflect inward with a critical eye and a willingness to be wrong.

There needs to be an understanding that even your idols and teachers can be incorrect.

That people you love and trust can accidentally or intentionally give you misinformation.

Recognizing this inherent imperfection in humans will set you free.

It’s okay to be wrong — but what do you do once you’re exposed to the possibility you’ve made a mistake?

Do you deny it or do you grow from it?

The biggest limiting factor in becoming a better horse person is often our own ego.

29/01/2025

I have struggled to find time for editing this month, hopefully I will get back into my routine in February. But for now, enjoy episode 13 by searching Change of Tack in your podcast platform of choice.

Episode 13 is finally here, and I am so excited to showcase Jenni Nellist and the amazing work she does to help horses and their owners throughout South Wales.

Jenni is a Certificated Clinical Animal Behaviourist with 20 years experience. She offers consultations in handling issues, loading and travelling problems, aggressive behaviour, stress related behaviour, veterinary care, ridden problems and advise on weaning and socialisation.

I addition Jenni offers general training and coaching and has an online course focused on reducing stress for horses during veterinary treatment.

For more details on the amazing work she does, search Change of Tack on your favourite podcast provider. Or you can follow the link in the comments.

Massive thank you to all who listen and share the podcast, I hope you enjoy the episode.

26/01/2025

I'm sick and tired of seeing animal abuse referred to as 'an error of judgement'.

To Knowingly cause physical harm, pain or distress to an animal is NOT AN ERROR OF JUDGEMENT!!

And for the governing bodies to be so complicit that they think a 6 or 12month ban is enough to deter the abuse happening again is ridiculous!!

Isn't it time to stop making excuses and hold our industry and ourselves accountable!!?

We need to take a stand.
It is not acceptable to use excessive punishment or abusive force to achieve our goals, or to take your frustration out on the animal when things don't go to plan.

Find a better way to be with animals, or get out of the industry altogether.

CONVICTED | farrier Paul King, 54, from Betchworth near Dorking, Surrey – struck a young gelding on the head with a hammer.

Following a hearing on 15 January 2025, the Farriers Registration Council (FRC) found King guilty of serious misconduct and suspended him from shoeing for six months. The suspension came after King, who provides farrier services across Kent and Surrey, was caught on CCTV striking a horse called DJ with a hammer.

DJ’s owner told the publication Horse & Hound that King had shod the horse three or four times before the incident, which took place on 1 April 2024.

“I was there initially and he was fine and very well behaved, so Paul said I didn’t need to be there,” she said. “I always asked him after shoeing how they’d been and he said fine, really good.

“That day, he messaged to say I needed to come up as DJ had been playing up; when I got there, Paul said he’d been rearing and striking out and he couldn’t get the shoes on. I thought that was odd as he’s a laid-back Irish Draught but he said as soon as he walked towards DJ, he reared. He said his behaviour had been escalating, and I said ‘Why didn’t you tell me?’ I’d have done some groundwork with him if I’d known.”

The owner decided to view CCTV footage of the private yard to better understand what had happened. This showed DJ moving away more than once, as King was trying to shoe a hind foot. King is then captured walking to the anima’s head and hitting him with the hammer.

“It was the way he walked to his box, walked back, held his head still and then hit him,” she said. “He was just shuffling, like baby horses do. And then he lied to me about his behaviour.”

The following day, a groom noticed that DJ was behaving unusually. When she checked him, she found a swelling on his head about 10cm in diameter.

The owner messaged King and told him his services were no longer required. They spoke on 5 April when King apologised and said he had reacted in the heat of the moment. He also agreed to cover DJ’s vet fees.

The FRC’s report includes King’s initial comments in relation to the incident. He stated: “…I am ashamed to say that I did hit DJ with my hammer, it was a spur of the moment out-of-character error of judgement”.

The committee suspended King for six months, during which time, under the Farriers Registration Act, he may not perform “any work in connection with the preparation or treatment of the foot of a horse for the immediate reception of a shoe thereon, the fitting by nailing or otherwise of a shoe to the foot or the finishing off of such work to the foot”.

The suspension doesn't apply to trimming hooves.

https://ukanimalcrueltyfiles.org/betchworth-surrey-paul-king/

https://www.horseandhound.co.uk/news/suspension-farrier-paul-king-hit-horse-head-with-hammer-882897

25/01/2025

I just wanted to share the link to Horse Haven - Holistic Livery & Ethical Training .

Facebook algorithms are hiding their posts and I'm sure you'll all agree, this yard does amazing work!

So give her posts a like! Drop a comment!! Click 'Follow' And show FACEBOOK that businesses shouldn't have to pay for adverts to get listed on our feeds!!

https://www.facebook.com/share/18WhkrctEN/

Offering barefoot herd living on a Track livery yard for all equines, with ethical training available

15/01/2025

100% this. It is so important we ensure our horse's mental, emotional, physical and biological needs are met. A postage stamp, square paddock with no other horses and nothing to do, does not meet the 5 domains of horse welfare.

11/01/2025

10/01/2025

Love this riding centre so much, to find out more listen to episode 3 of the Change of Tack podcast.

WHAT WE OFFER

We've decided to compile a full list of activities and prices to make it easier to find the activities that would suit you or your child.

Please note:
Almost all our activities are available to clients with disabilities, confidence issues, ALN, mental illness, we are experienced working with many different people and everyone is welcome.

So here it is!

🐎🏇🏼 £45 Ridden Sessions
*Half groundwork/getting to know your horse and half ridden

🐎🍏 £40 Non-ridden sessions
*Therapeutic horsemanship
*Liberty lessons
*Clicker training sessions
*Theory
*AQA Qualification lessons

🐎🏞️Hacks
£45 lesson hack -30min prep 30min ride
£65 1hr hack -30min prep 1hr ride
£85 2hr hack -30min prep 2hr ride

🐎🚜Horse/Farm Experience :
2hr individual - £90
2hr 2 children - £120
2hr 3 children - £150
3hr individual - £130
3hr 2 children - £160
3hr 3 children - £200

🐎📸 Photo Shoot with the horses
£30 During lesson
£40 1hr shoot
2 high quality photos
5 social media quality photos
Additional high quality photos £7 each
Additional social media photos £4 each

🐎🌾Tuesday Club - ride every time
£45 per session
Approx £135 per term
5-6.45 every other Tuesday

🐎🐴Thursday club -ride at least once per term
5.45-6.45 every other Thursday
£60-80 per term
£20 per session

🐎🍎Breakfast Club -includes a little ride
9-10.30 selected Sundays
£28 per session

🐎🗓️School Holiday Activities
£60 Pony Day 10-3
£45 Horse Activity Session 2.5hrs
£28 Mini Pony Pamper 1.5hrs
£50 1hr Group Hack £1.5hrs (prep+ride)

🐎🎂 Birthday Parties

2-2.5hrs
£30 per child
Min 4 children
Max 12 children

🐎✨Lesson/session with your horse at Maggie's Voice
£40

🐎🚘 Session with your horse at your yard
£45+fuel

🐎📸 Photo shoot with your own horse
Starts at £40+fuel

🐎🏡Visits with ponies-
Contact us for a quote

🐎⭐Block booking discounts
10 sessions for the price of 9
6 sessions for the price of 5.5

Please feel free to message us for more information or with any questions ❤️

05/01/2025

By and large, I prefer not to shout about what I do here at Tilefield Equestrian and rarely share client reviews or testimonials. However, a client I worked with yesterday summed up so beautifully what I’m striving to achieve with the “Tallulah” simulator that I felt compelled to share this:

“When I rode my horse after the session on the simulator, my saddle stayed much more central in the left canter than it has been, and in the gym, not once did my left hip tire on the weight machines. I feel today was more effective than physio! I had absolutely no knee pain last night – first time in over six months!”

I know many people see the simulator as a bit of fun and as a tool to highlight crookedness in the saddle, but it’s doing so much more than that.

With my training as a riding coach, specialist knowledge of human biomechanics, and experience in bodywork – particularly fascia work – these sessions are essentially bodywork in motion. The rhythmical motion of the simulator helps to release tension and address patterns in the body that may be causing asymmetry or even pain.

This work doesn’t just benefit your time in the saddle; it has a profound impact on how your body feels and moves in everyday life. Because there is a huge cross over between the way we ride and the way we walk, these changes translate directly into improved balance, comfort across the board as well as your position in the saddle.

I have been thinking for a long time that the simulator could also help non-riders with pain for the same reason.

If you’re curious, I encourage you to give it a go! You can check availability for simulator sessions via this link: https://tilefieldequestrian.com/riding-simulator/

04/01/2025

Learning to recognise stress signs in our animals can be a bitter pill to swallow.
There are so many things I wish I had known when I was younger, but learning them now at least enables me to do better.
It is easy to beat ourselves up for the people we used to be, but we should be praising ourselves for becoming the people we always intended to be!

03/01/2025

Bodywork restores the horse to factory settings;

But that in isolation doesn't stick.

You can bodywork your horse over and over and over again, but unless the stimulus changes, their posture will revert.

Because muscles adapt to stimulus, irrespective of whether that stimulus is appropriate or not.

And that means that we can use the tensional patterns detected with bodywork to help us to work out whether our training has been doing what we intended it to do.

Sometimes this that highlights that, though we might be aiming for a specific training goal, maybe we are missing the mark.

Which in turn helps us to navigate our own training biases.

So for me, understanding posture opens up the possibilities;

For the horse who "has always been like that" to become the horse who could look a little more "like this".

And whilst I know that posture isn't everything - it's just a handful of flowers in the bouquet - I also believe that if people paid more attention to it, they'd see little arrows to point them in the direction of making better choices for their horse.

-

Interested in learning more?

The Fundamentals of Horse Posture is the course for you - available now - details below ❤️✨️

03/01/2025