The Well Balanced Equine

05/21/2025

A few universal truths about horses that the industry should accept in the modern age of 2025.

1. Horses are foraging animals who have evolved to move near constantly looking for food. When they are confined excessively for extended periods of time, their welfare suffers. Excessive confinement is one of the primary factors behind the development of stress behaviors, like cribbing or weaving. It also dramatically increases the risk of colic.

Healthy horses should not be spending the vast majority of their time stuck in a stall, it negatively impacts both physical and mental health.

2. Horses are social herd dwelling animals and social content with other members of their species is crucial to their wellbeing. They are not animals meant to exist in isolation and when they are forced to, their welfare suffers.

When they are not given the opportunity to socialize, they can develop abnormal behaviors, such as aggression or fear towards other horses. But these are man-made issues that are fixed with adequate management and reconditioning.

They are not a personal preference, they are the result of human influence and deprivation of a core need.

3. The vast majority of the diet for a horse should be forage. Horses need to be munching on forage near constantly. When they are left for 4+ hours without access to food, their stomach starts to ulcerate.

It is also very stressful when they cannot engage in their natural drive to forage and results in the development of coping mechanisms like stereotypic behaviors.

Forage can be offered on a near constant basis, even with horses who are easy keepers if slow feed options are utilized. 

 All of these factors should be the bare minimum basics of taking on the care and ownership of a Horse.

All of these factors have extensive research behind them.

Ensuring that horses have access to these three necessities dramatically improves welfare.

It might be common for horses to be isolated and confined for much of their lives, but this does not make it healthy or normal for them as a species.

We need to de-normalize care practises that contribute to damaging the welfare of the horses that we love.

05/03/2025

Yep…

I've come to the conclusion that you never really know someone...until you see their horse get loose at a show.

It started with a sound, a metallic clink, a frantic scramble, a saddle pad catching the wind like a pirate flag.

Then came the cry.
From somewhere across the warm-up ring, in agonizing slow motion:
"WE HAVE A RUUUUUUUUUUUUNAWAAAAY!!"

Heads whipped around.
Parents clutched their children.
No one knows their true athletic potential until they hear the words, 'Hey... isn't that your horse?'
You can train for years, lift weights, run marathons... but nothing unlocks your final form like seeing your horse loose on the showgrounds.
A woman dropped her tall Caramel Macchiato with extra whip, and ran.

It was her horse.
Of course it was her horse.
The same horse who, just this morning, had refused to walk past a puddle.
Now galloping with the chaotic grace of a drunk pegasus.

And she, who normally needed three reminders to pick up the canter, became a heat-seeking missile with a lead rope.

Gone was the woman who once needed encouragement to "be a little quicker off the aids."

In her place:
Jason Bourne with breeches.
A suburban gazelle.
A tactical unit fueled solely by sheer, primal horror.

She hurdled hay bales and small children.
She slid under a sponsors banner like an action hero escaping an explosion.
She parkoured off a mounting block like she'd trained her whole life for this single, stupid moment.

The horse zigged. She zagged.
The crowd gasped.
Someone’s Great Aunt Cheryl fainted near the Porta-Potties.

And just when it seemed the gods of chaos would win,
she launched herself, full Superman form, grabbed the reins, skidded fifteen feet across the gravel, and stuck the landing like an Olympic gymnast with an unpaid vet bill.

Silence.
A single folding chair toppled in the breeze.
Then, scattered applause.

She stood up, hair full of footing, eyes wild, holding her horse like a Viking brandishing a captured enemy.

Some say she never even warmed up after that.
She just dusted herself off, tacked up, saluted the judge, and went straight down centerline, and pulled off the best test of her life.

All we know is you don’t choose to be a hero.
Sometimes, your horse chooses for you.

04/21/2025

Always worth repeating over and over...: stop riding babies!!!

04/10/2025

Interesting perspective

INAPPROPRIATE TOUCHING

I'm reading an amazing book called Amphibious Soul by Craig Foster, the Academy award winning documentary film maker of "My Octopus Teacher".

If you haven't read it, I highly recommend it, it is simply profound.

In the book he says "As a rule, I never touch an animal unless they touch me first".

In my work building relationship with horses, I do this too. Most times a horse will touch you with their nose/muzzle first, and matching that greeting (versus labelling the horse as a biter) is a game changer.

But there's a phenomenon I have noticed going on with people trying to build relationship with their horses that I have labelled "inappropriate touching", and it looks a bit like the photo below.

This picture was taken at a horse expo in Pennsylvania recently, where I worked with a demo horse who has a "biting issue". He would reaching out in a way that his owner was termed as nipping, whereas I interpreted as him saying hello, similar to reaching out to shake hands with someone.

When he reached out I would greet him with a flat hand that he is able to to nuzzle, lick or even scrape his teeth on. After doing this a while his snappy acting motions got less so, and he was no longer needing to say "hey, pay attention" , but was more "hey, how's it going". I was explaining to the audience that I was meeting him in the way that he was meeting me (with his muzzle) and that it's not an invitation to touch other parts (yet).

I then said that it's many people's default to reach up and rub a horse between the eyes, whether that's what they are offering or not, and that if you do, it's inappropriate touching and it gets in the way of connection. It doesn't meet their needs, and is all about yours.

With the horse in the picture, he'd been engaging me with his muzzle, and I said to the audience "watch what happens when I try to rub him between the eyes". As you can see in the photo, he has raised his head up and is clearly indicating "No, not there, on my muzzle".

We had a Connection And Attunement retreat here at the Journey On Ranch a week ago, and I used my wife Robyn to illustrate this point to the participants. I said "imagine I'm at a gathering and meeting Robyn for the first time". We walked up to each other in that way people do when they see someone new and they can tell an introduction is shaping up, Robyn reached out with her hand to say hello and instead of me reaching out to shake her hand, I gently reached up and lightly brushed a wisp of hair from her cheekbone and tucked it behind her ear.

The participants all gasped and the ick factor was high.

Even though it was caring, and gentle, it was inappropriate at that moment.

Now Im not saying you can't rub your horse on the forehead. I'm saying if your horse has a disregulated nervous system around humans because they don't feel seen (and safe), try to meet their needs first, before trying get get yours met.

I recently saw an instagram post from a University in the UK, and the professor was explaining that they were doing studies on horses to determine levels of stress. In the background a horse was standing with his head out over a Dutch door. While he was explaining their investigations on stress, a female student (or maybe another professor, I don't know which) walked up to the horse. The horse reached out with his muzzle to greet her.

She ignored this and reached up to rub the horse between the eyes.

He turned his head 90 degrees to the left to communicate that wasn't what he was offering.

Her hand followed him and kept rubbing.

he then turned his head 180 degrees to the right, saying "No, not like that".

Smiled, gave him another pet between the eyes, and walked of camera.

While the professor was saying that they are doing experiments determining the amounts of stress horses are under, someone in the background was actually creating stress, without either of them even knowing it.

Once you understand how sentient horses are, and how subtle their communication, you can't unsee it.

04/09/2025

Multiple studies have shown that increased flexion of the neck during riding or lunging can have many negative effects on the horse’s body and is a welfare issue. Please read this comprehensive article: https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-024-72766-5

Image:
Riding behind the vertical or lunging while restricted with side or draw reins can also damage the nuchal ligament. The nuchal ligament is the main ligament of the neck, running from the occipital bone to the thoracic spine with attachments to the cervical vertebrae. It plays a crucial role in supporting the neck during locomotion and allowing for energy-efficient movement.

During hyperflexed head and neck positions, there is increased tension on the cord portion of the nuchal ligament and its attachment to the occipital bone. In horses ridden behind the vertical, the nuchal ligament does not function as a unit, with both parts – the cord and lamina- complementing each other. The cord is under increased tension, which over time can lead to degenerative changes in the ligament and bone changes at its attachment site, resulting in new bone formation – exostoses.
Between the first cervical vertebrae and the nuchal ligament are often developed nuchal bursae, cranial that is above the atlas, and caudal nuchal bursa between the cord and axis. When the nuchal ligament is under extensive tension, that can also initiate inflammation of those thin-walled structures. Cranial and caudal nuchal bursitis can be confirmed by ultrasound.

https://vetmed.agriculturejournals.cz/pdfs/vet/2020/08/01.pdfhttps://avmajournals.avma.org/view/journals/javma/237/7/javma.237.7.823.xml

Links to my work:
Patreon page that supports my work
https://www.patreon.com/equineanatomyinlayers

Whole Horse Dissection online (12 months access)
https://ivanaruddock.podia.com/the-equine-anatomy-in-layers

Atlas of the Equine Musculoskeletal system
https://ivanaruddock-lange.com/equine-atlas/

02/17/2025

🚀 Promising Breakthrough in Fascia Research! 🧬✨

A research team in Virginia, USA has developed a revolutionary microscopic imaging technique that unveils the stunning architecture of the extracellular matrix of fascia like never before! 🔬👀

I can’t help but think that legendary matrix pioneers Alfred Pischinger and Hartmut Heine would have been just as thrilled as I am! 🤩 Can’t wait to see what groundbreaking insights this cutting-edge tool will reveal in the coming years—how the ECM adapts to mechanical forces, biochemical shifts, and other biological influences.

Stay tuned! 🔍🔗 More here: Nature Article

02/13/2025

Published 13/02/2025: New Study Explores Alternative Measurement Methods for Noseband Tightness Animalweb is proud to announce its involvement in a newly published scientific paper, “Measuring Noseband Tightness on the Lateral Aspect of the Horse’s Face,” which marks a significant advancement ...

12/18/2024

12/07/2024

There has been so much going on around the topic of ECVM, this congenital malformation is one we are diagnosing, managing and studying at Denali Equine in partnership with Rexos Inc, under the guidance of the legendary Dr. Sharon May-Davis. We wanted to give you the top ten points on ECVM facts. (Sorry this is long- Well worth the full read!)

1. ECVM is a congenital condition, meaning they are born with it. We suspect it is a recessive genetic disorder because two unaffected adults can produce offspring with it. There are several groups racing to find the genetics behind this condition. More information on the horizon.

2. ECVM is not a fatal diagnosis. However, it can be. It depends on the severity of the malformation and how well the horse can functionally compensate.

3. Radiographs of the lower neck are necessary to diagnose the condition. These radiographs must be clear lateral and obliques of C6, C7 and ideally T1. These can be done in the field for most horses. However larger generators do get better images.

4. Variability: Horses can be either a bilateral or unilateral malformation of C6, which in 52% of C6 cases can transpose either bilaterally or unilaterally. To C7; T1 and the first ribs are variably affected.

5. Studies show horses with transposition of the ventral lamina to C7 are more likely to suffer from clinical neck pain than horses with normal anatomy. In our experience horses with rib malformations have more severe clinical signs than those with normal ribs (no clear studies yet).

6. The bones absolutely do not tell the whole story. However, bones do not lie. They often indicate the level of soft tissue malformations present. The more severe the boney changes- the more severe the soft tissue is altered around them.

7. Clinical picture: all horses are not lame, but they do all have subtle clinical signs. Most often the clinical signs are not limb related lameness (but can be). These horses can show signs of the pain ethogram, rearing, sporadic behavior, abnormal front limb flight patterns (especially with equipment), girthiness, resistance to go forward, doesn’t like physical touch (brushing, blanketing ex). The signs are so variable for every horse!

8. The common things heard from owners/trainers:
* The horse was always bad from the start (this is concerning for the more severe cases)
* The horse was fine until it wasn’t. We find this is from something changed in the program. i.e., was imported, switched barns, changed jobs.
* They don’t understand why the horse is failing quicker than usual as it gets older. As the horse ages the clinical signs become more apparent. The body can only manage for so long. Think of it this way- the foundation was built wrong from the beginning. Therefore, it takes time for the cracks in your walls or floors to show, it then takes those cracks a while before they become a structural problem in your house.
* A minor incident happened and now they’re not ok. Suspect an injury can cause the horse to spiral out of stabilization or have the ability to compensate. An example could be getting cast or trailering event then the horse was never the same. Example, you do not know your house wasn’t built well until the storm blows it over.

9. These horses have significant soft tissue pathology on necropsies. Therefore, no matter what the data is showing us: If the horse has ECVM, is clinical, and other differentials have been ruled out these horses are clinically affected by the ECVM.

10. On necropsies we have found:
* Missing, malformed and fractured ribs
* Abnormal nerve patterns, these nerves can be totally entrapped and compressed by abnormal muscle patterns. The dorsal scalene can trap the large nerves of the brachial plexus within its abnormal paths. The phrenic nerve can get pulled inappropriately and leave impressions within the ventral scalene.
* Abnormal muscles: dorsal scalene, ventral scalene, iliocostalis, longus coli, re**us abdominal, intercostal muscles, serratus ventails cervicis. All these muscles have critical roles in stability, proprioception, and biomechanics.
* Abnormal vascular patterns
* Trachea abnormalities
* Fascial changes

ECVM is currently a controversial and sensitive topic so we thought we would share a few known quick facts to help you understand this issue better. Please go to our website (www.DenaliEquine.com) to find more information and links to the current studies on this disease. We are researching and studying these horses! We are working on several angles of research right now throughout Non-Profit Rexos Inc. If you would like more information on how you can help, please reach out!

DeClue Equine saddlefitting.us

11/21/2024

“As the horse coordinates his limbs to abduct and straddle the pole, he releases tension from his bottom muscle chain. He also activates the deep hip stabilizing muscles, which play a cybernetic role communicating to the brain about a limb’s position and tonicity.

1. Place a single pole on flat ground. Ideally, the pole should be 10 to 12 feet in length.
2. Lead your horse to approach the pole straight from one end.
3. Pause briefly for a second or two to ensure your horse is listening well and not rushing.
4. Now very gently, one tiny step at a time, lead him forward with the pole under his midline.
5. Stop when he is fully straddling the pole and give him a pause to settle in that position.
6. Now ask him to take one step backwards, continuing to straddle the pole. Then bring him one step forward again.
7. Continue this motion of stepping him backwards and forwards while straddling the pole.”

By Jec Aristotle Ballou from her article “Building Stronger Horses: Stability Before Strength” www.horsejournals.com/riding-training/english/dressage/building-stronger-horses

This exercise is much more challenging than it looks and sounds, so I will often just start with the front legs only and have the horse stand relaxed with no back and forward walking when introducing this exercise for the first few times.

JAG Khasanova “Khody” practicing the straddle the pole exercise. 💪 Photo by Jessica Ann Designs