Gabby Wilcox - Student Equine Podiatrist

22/04/2025

Turnout is one of the most polarizing topics in modern horse keeping. So, let’s skip the debate. We’ve gathered some results from veterinary science, peer-reviewed journals, and international welfare assessments. These are real numbers, from real studies, so you can make strategic decisions rooted in evidence, not tradition.

-A 25% reduction in soft tissue injuries was found in adult horses turned out for at least 12 hours daily, compared to those kept in stalls greater than 12 hours daily. (Reilly & Bryk-Lucy, 2021)

-Comparing turnout duration, a study found that horses with only 2 hours of turnout exhibited significantly higher energy levels, anxiety, and behaviors such as rearing, bucking, and fence running, whereas horses receiving over 12 hours of turnout were more likely to walk, graze, and remain calm. (Hockenhull & Creighton, 2010)

-Foals receiving inconsistent turnout (9 to 23 hours per day) had 4.6 times more musculoskeletal injuries than those with 24/7 access to turnout. Furthermore, for every extra acre of turnout, there was a 24% reduction in injury risk. (Brown-Douglas et al., 2022)

-A study on 2-year-old horses found that those kept in individual stalls required more time to get used to training activities and showed more unwanted behaviors, like resistance or agitation, than horses kept on pasture. The stalled horses needed an average of 26 minutes of training time, while the pastured horses needed only 19 minutes, to complete the same task. Additionally, the stalled horses were more likely to show unwanted behaviors during training (8 instances on average compared to just 2 for pastured horses). (Rivera et al., 2002)

-Stall-kept livestock experience a higher incidence of hoof-related issues, including uneven hoof growth and lameness, while those with access to turnout demonstrated healthier, more balanced hoof development. (Black, R.A. et al., 2017)

-A European welfare study using the AWIN protocol assessed 315 horses in group-housing turnout systems. Only 2.3% of these horses exhibited signs of lameness, compared to lameness rates as high as 33% in stalled horses across various studies. (AWIN Welfare Assessment, 2023)

-Within just one day of moving from group turnout to individual stalling, equine cortisol levels spike, and their white blood cell count shows significant changes, including a 25% increase in neutrophils (a type of white blood cell) and a decrease in infection-fighting cells like monocytes and T cells. Additionally, behaviors indicative of stress, such as oral manipulation, neighing, pawing, and apathy, became evident in most horses within a week. (Schmucker et al., 2022)

-Horses with regular turnout showed higher heart rate variability, indicating improved balance in their autonomic nervous system and greater stress resilience. (Rietmann et al., 2004)

-Welsh ponies who received daily pasture turnout in a herd exhibited fewer stress-related behaviors, were significantly calmer, less fearful, less reactive, more interactive with humans, and more adaptable in learning tasks compared to ponies housed in impoverished environments (stalls with limited turnout). Even three months after the study, ponies in the enriched group retained these positive behaviors and demonstrated higher curiosity and superior learning performance. (Lansade et al., 2014)

Can you find a single peer-reviewed study that shows horses kept stabled 24/7 are sounder, healthier, or happier than those with regular turnout? Even the most finely tuned, performance-focused horses are still horses. Just like any other, they require room to roam, stretch their legs, and engage in natural behaviors such as grazing and socializing.

It’s important to recognize that no horse truly dislikes turnout. If a horse resists going outside, it’s due to improper conditioning, previous negative experiences, or being overwhelmed by a sudden change in environment: what’s known as "flooding." Horses who’ve been confined for extended periods or who’ve never had proper exposure to outdoor spaces may react with anxiety or reluctance. These reactions stem from fear, not from an inherent dislike of turnout. With patience and gradual exposure, every horse can be reconditioned to embrace the outdoors. After all, instincts tell them to roam, graze, and move, it's in their nature.

Of course, there are times when limiting a horse's movement is necessary, such as during health issues or transportation. In these instances, it’s crucial to understand the physiological and psychological changes that occur so we can minimize stress and discomfort.

Turnout is a biological necessity. To support our horses’ overall health and well-being, we must prioritize their freedom to move. After all, a healthy, happy horse is one that has the opportunity to be just that: a horse.

12/04/2025

😬

05/04/2025

Normal lamellae are distinct structures, they look white (epidermal lamellae) and red ( dermal lamellae). They literally lock together and there are also strong fibres running from the inside of the capsule and attaching to the coffin bone.

Healthy lamellae are shown on the first photo.

The second photo, scrutinise it.
Write down all the differences you see. Then let’s go through them together and work out what is happening. They look similar but they are very much the opposite!

Just to help you - the laminar bond is pretty flexible and it accounts for quite a large % of energy dissipation at each foot fall.

With flexibility comes stretch. Laminae can stretch and stretch far too much for too long.
This is typical in diet/insulin related laminitis.

Stretching still causes problems jn the foot. It’s the precursor to ripping so the termed stretched white line is inportant to understand. It’s one of the things we can see in the living horse.

Blood flecks in the white line are other warning signs.

Tomorrow I’ll go through the similarities and differences in these 2 photos and help you understand.

Folks, I understand that many of you are pretty well qualified to understand my posts but the folk I’m wanting to help are those new on their hoofcare journey. So let’s help them with their learning.

And also help me!

Let’s learn together.

In this case I am focussed on newish onset, diet related insulin related laminitis.

Not concussion, not supporting limb, not chronic.

Id be very grateful if you would consider sharing my post thank you. We need horse owners to be educated on laminitis

Thanks my sponsors that are listed in the comments. The slice was taken like a stack of pennies.

28/03/2025

Laminitis Season is Here – Don’t Fall for These Myths!

With spring grass in full swing, the risk of laminitis is at its peak. But many common myths can stop owners from acting quickly – and when it comes to laminitis, early intervention is everything!

Myths That Could Put Your Horse at Risk

❌ “My horse isn’t overweight, so they’re not at risk.”

✅ Laminitis isn’t just about weight! Horses with Equine Metabolic Syndrome (EMS) or PPID (Cushing’s) can develop laminitis even if they’re lean.

❌ “It’s only caused by too much grass.”

✅ While lush grass is a major trigger, other causes include stress, hormonal imbalances, hard ground (‘road founder’), and even certain medications.

❌ “If they’re not rocking back, it’s not laminitis.”

✅ Severe cases show the ‘classic’ rocked-back stance, but many horses only display mild stiffness, weight-shifting, or increased digital pulses in the early stages.

❌ “Shoeing or trimming can fix it.”

✅ Good hoof care is vital, but laminitis is a systemic issue. Managing diet, exercise, and underlying health conditions is just as important as hoof support.

❌ “It will go away on its own if I rest them.”

✅ Laminitis is an emergency! Delaying treatment can lead to permanent damage or euthanasia. Always call your vet at the first sign of trouble.

❌ “Laminitis is just bad luck – my horse won’t get it.”

✅ Some horses are genetically predisposed, particularly native breeds, cobs, and ponies. If your horse is at risk, proactive management is essential.

Early Signs to Watch For

🔹 Shortened or ‘pottery’ strides
🔹 Shifting weight between hooves
🔹 Increased digital pulses
🔹 Heat in the hooves
🔹 Reluctance to move or awkward turning

✅ Prevention Tips

✔️ Restrict grass intake – consider track systems, muzzles, or strip grazing
✔️ Avoid sudden dietary changes
✔️ Keep up with regular hoof care and farriery/trimming
✔️ Monitor weight and body condition carefully
✔️ Exercise where appropriate to help regulate insulin levels

If in doubt, act fast! Prevention is always better than cure, and early intervention could save your horse’s life. Stay vigilant this season!

28/03/2025

We should be able to leave the working day behind once we’re done but sometimes things do just slip under the energy barrier

I went to see a horse and owner I haven’t met before with a view to fitting some Scoot Boots today

Now the foot in the photo isn’t the horse and nor is it’s frog as compromised however, it does illustrate the point, imagine that slit you can see present In between the bulbs being at least twice as deep, with a decayed smell and slimy secretion coming from it and that’s about right for the horse I met today

Needless to say the boot fitting didn’t go ahead, as the centre stem at the rear of the boot would have been in direct contact with the infected area

But what REALLY! Grates with me is that despite the owner’s concerns, the problem was dismissed by the farrier responsible for the hoofcare

If you have a deep and smelly central sulcus (middle of the frog) if your lucky, it’s still a stage away from disabling your horse and for goodness sake take action to rectify the problem

In no way was the owner to blame, they rightly raised a concern with a professional and were assured, nothing to worry about 🙈

22/03/2025

Not all hoof problems are obvious — especially during the early stages of dietary-related hoof sensitivity. As spring grass starts to grow, even small increases in sugar intake can affect the hooves, but the signs aren't always what owners expect.

Some of the earliest indicators of hoof discomfort are changes in the way a horse moves.

You might notice your horse:
• Taking shorter strides or seeming less forward than usual
• Hesitating to walk over hard or stony ground
• Choosing softer surfaces to walk on, like grass instead of tracks
• Placing their toes down first rather than landing heel-first
• Shifting weight frequently when standing, especially on harder surfaces
• Being more reluctant to lift their feet for picking out or trimming

If you suspect that your horse may be struggling, please contact your veterinary professional and work collaboratively with your hoof care provider.

22/03/2025

This is a sobering read. Group turnout every day with forage is ESSENTIAL for horses. If your yard can’t provide this, is this the right yard for your horse?

Lack of turnout – and owners without basic knowledge – mean ‘most horses’ in England and Wales are not getting what they need. Read more via link below

04/02/2025

The white line- spoiler alert 🚨
It’s not actually white! It’s a gold coloured line inside the white inner wall where the sole and wall join.

Did you know? The white line of the hoof acts as a junction between the hoof wall and sole, providing both flexibility and strength. It’s also a barrier to bacteria and fungi, playing a vital role in protecting the hoof from infections like white line disease.

The white line is actually the inner layer of the hoof wall that binds the outer keratin layer to the sensitive laminae inside the hoof. This structure is crucial for the hoof’s integrity, as it allows the horse to bear weight and move with flexibility. Damage or stretching of the white line can compromise its barrier function, allowing pathogens to invade and cause infections such as white line disease or abscesses. Proper hoof hygiene and a balanced diet rich in balanced nutrients are key to maintaining a healthy, resilient white line.

08/01/2025

So pleased I decided to train and become a student member of the EPA. They are a regulatory body for members and ensure the highest standards of hoof care.

The Equine Podiatry Association was launched in 2006. It became a self regulating body for Equine Podiatrists in the UK.

You can find out more by visiting:
www.epauk.org

19/11/2024

This is still often misunderstood. Laminitis just means “inflammation of the laminae” which can be caused by so many different things.

So often laminitis is referred to as a disease, and treated like it’s a disease. However, it’s actually a symptom. Laminitis means inflammation of the laminae. Generally you’ll find the term laminitis applied to any inflammation in the hoof capsule. (not least of all because it’s hard to decipher between inflammation of the individual corium, but it’s also unlikely that you get inflammation in one corium alone)

While there are things you can do to manage inflammation, and make a horse with inflamed feet more comfortable, none of those things are actually ‘treating’ the laminitis. You can’t treat laminitis. You can, and indeed should, treat the cause of the laminitis.

That means you need to identify the cause. Of course, you want to manage the symptoms and make your horse more comfortable I’m not saying don’t do that!

Think of it this way. Managing the symptoms of laminitis is like bailing out the water in a boat. Treating the cause is plugging the hole that’s letting in water. Bail out all you like, but if you don’t fix the hole, that water is going to keep coming, and the hole is only going to get bigger!

For a sneak peek into the Laminitis Warning Signs course and to learn the 10 most common (and frequently missed or misunderstood) signs, check out this free video series https://hoofgeek.com/lgl/

19/11/2024

The navicular bone in all its glory.

Inside the navicular bone
When we talk about navicular syndrome it’s not always as clear cut as the deep digital flexor tendon getting damaged where it glides over the navicular bone. It’s not the navicular bones flexor surface getting damaged - the face that provides a slippery gliding surface for the deep digital tendon to move across.

These 2 things are only part of the syndrome and they may or may not occur!

Inside the navicular bone itself is a network of “struts” of bone, like scaffolding. It’s not irregular either. It’s perfectly placed for the flow of the forces when the foot hits the ground in simple terms.

The struts line up with the lines of force, can you see it?

They are aligned parallel with the lines of major compressive or tensile force. They provide a complex series of cross-braced interior struts inside the navicular bone.

This internal part can also change in navicular syndrome. It can be seen in radiograph (X-ray). In severe cases it looks like it’s turned to solid bone. It’s called sclerosis.

This is a beautiful photo ©️ Lindsey Field that demonstrates perfectly the struts - more properly called trabeculae. If you would like a copy of my photo it is available for a donation to my research. Please don’t steal it 🙏.

This is something I discussed many times in my navicular class last week.

I have just edited the recording of the class and if you would like to purchase a copy please send me an email

[email protected]

There should be a layer of compact bone in this sample, at the ends by the deep digital flexor tendon, but it’s not super clear however I think this bone is from a youngster, from memory.

My showcase of my hoof and whole horse dissections:
http://www.patreon.com/hoofstudies

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11/11/2024

31/10/2024

01/10/2024

Wow 😮

29/09/2024

Friday focus….my obligatory post that I share every year about over rugging now the temperatures are starting to drop!

Obesity is a huge welfare issue here in the U.K. and there are many contributing factors. Over feeding, lack of exercise and over rugging are considered to be the main causes. If you have a good doing or native type, then please, before you reach for your rugs, think whether they need them or not!

The colder autumn and winter months are fantastic for helping weight loss if you allow your horse or pony to use some of their energy to keep warm! I am not saying never use a rug and I am not saying that they should shiver their weight off either; that would be a welfare issue and that is definitely something I would never advocate.

I am however, saying that we generally over rug; we rug according to how cold we feel, not how they feel, and that a huge amount of our horses and ponies do not need the weight of rugs we put on them. I often see native types with 300g-400g rugs on and this is definitely not a needed for an animal that is very well equipped to deal with the worst of the U.K. weather!

Horses are really good at keeping warm, if they have plenty of forage to eat, they have shelter and can escape the elements, they can regulate their body temperatures very well on their own. There are some exceptions to this and some do feel the cold and I am not for one minute saying rugs should never be used, but I am saying many do not need the weights of rugs we put on them. Many do perfectly well with just a rain sheet or lighter weight rug on. There are however many that do need to be kept warmer; finer skinned, the young, the elderly, those underweight, ill equines, those with muscular issues etc. so they should be kept warm!

As part of weight loss programmes, I often recommend keeping rugs as light as possible over the cooler months and the response this gets from some on the yards is astounding! Not rugging or lightly rugging an overweight, good doing or native type horse or pony is not cruel in any way shape or form! What is cruel is letting them stay overweight as this significantly compromises their overall health and well-being.

So if you have a native or good doing type that has come out of the summer carrying some extra weight, you will make life much easier for you and your horse if you let them gradually lose this over the winter months. They will not lose weight if they are over rugged. Even reducing the weight of the rug you use will help make a difference over the course of the winter.

I choose not to rug my own horses as they can come and go to and from a bedded shelter as they please. There is enough forage for them to eat in their shelter and they have restricted grass to eat too. This works very well for them and they both regulate their temperatures well enough on their own. However, if I kept them in a typical yard situation, they would be rugged as needed and they will be rugged if either of them struggle to regulate their temperature in their current environment. So, all I am saying here is that be led by your horse and their environment and do not be pressured into rugging if you don’t need to.

27/09/2024

In an era of growing awareness of horse welfare, dressage has been under the microscope. Case in point: in Danish TV2’s 2023 “Operation X” broadcast “Secrets of the Horse Billionaire,” an undercover journalist, working as a groom for Helgstrand Dressage, uncovered significant ill-treatment of horses. The exposé resulted in Olympic medallist Andreas Helgstrand being banned from riding on the Danish national dressage team until at least 2025 — after the Paris Olympics.

More recently, American grand prix rider Cesar Parra was provisionally suspended by the Fédération Équestre Internationale (FEI) after videos emerged of him “training” horses in ways described by the FEI as “disturbing and abhorrent.” But the issue isn’t just about individual bad actors. It’s about the beliefs humans hold when it comes to the needs and rights of horses.

Enter Karen Rohlf. Her approach, dubbed “Dressage Naturally,” prioritizes a horse’s happiness over performance and competition. It focusses on making learning dressage enjoyable for both rider and horse and emphasizes healthy biomechanics. Rohlf, a former dressage competitor at the grand prix level, reminds us that dressage is meant to be for the horse, improving balance and freedom of movement as the horse learns to carry a rider with ease, a goal that doesn’t always equate to the highest scores come show day.✅ Read the full article here: https://www.horsejournals.com/riding-training/english/dressage/karen-rohlfs-dressage-naturally

27/09/2024

*** STEP AWAY FROM THE EQUEST (at this time of year) ***

A repeat post, but people STILL don’t understand!

Just a little reminder that you should absolutely NOT be using Equest or Equest Pramox during the Spring, Summer and early Autumn months. It should be reserved for the main purpose of Moxidectin; targeting the ENCYSTED stages of Redworm. Redworm encyst into the gut wall when it is COLD.

The emergence of these encysted redworm as the temperatures warm up in March/April, can result in fatal cyathostominosis. We only have TWO drugs that can treat encysted redworm, and there is already widespread resistance to one of them (Fenbendazole), and rapidly developing resistance to the second one - MOXIDECTIN. It’s imperative that you DO NOT USE EQUEST or EQUEST PRAMOX during the warm months, unless specifically directed to do so by your vet.

Lots of people correctly use worm egg counts during the spring and summer months, but some are then very dangerously worming with Equest if they have high egg counts. This is both a waste of Moxidectin, and a danger, due to helping increase the resistance to this drug.

DO NOT WASTE MOXIDECTIN WHEN IT’S WARM! The whole point of the drug is that it treats ENCYSTED redworm. The redworm burrow into the gut wall to keep warm; it’s as simple as that to understand! They need eradicating AFTER they have burrowed, so AFTER it gets cold, and BEFORE it warms up in the Spring!