Osteochondrosis (OCD) in Horses
Osteochondrosis (osteochondrosis dissecans, also known as OCD) is a relatively common manifestation of a broader disease syndrome in horses, known as Developmental Orthopaedic Disease (DOD).
Based near Killarney, Co Kerry, my name is Joanne O’Shea. I am a passionate and caring, fully qualified and registered Advanced Equine Veterinary Nurse (AnScVN, PgCertAVN), Equine Physical Therapist, Equine Nutritional Advisor and Electrophysical Therapist.
I believe in a holistic approach to equine healthcare, that prioritises the well-being of horses. I combine manual therapy and osteopathic techniques, with electrophysical therapy and nutritional management, to support the physical and emotional wellbeing of horses at all stages of life, for clients nationwide.
For more information or to schedule an appointment, please explore my site, or contact me directly.
Your horse’s well-being is our priority! Let us give your horse a voice!
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My mission is to always advocate for the horse and to constantly strive to enhance the quality of life for horses and their owners, through a compassionate, evidence-based osteopathic approach.
I strongly believe in the interconnectedness of the whole horse, and that the body, the mind and the spirit are inherently linked, creating a delicate balance that must work harmoniously, in order to achieve true health and wellbeing. I believe that all these elements need to be fully nurtured and understood, for a horse to thrive with resilience and good health, which in turn leads to strongly bonded harmonious partnerships with their human companions.
I am hugely passionate about promoting the longevity of horses and I seek to empower horse owners with the most up to date knowledge and resources, while fostering a nurturing environment that promotes healing, comfort and overall health.
Where required, I will always challenge and discredit the numerous myths that exist within the horse industry and I will always encourage owners to ask themselves why, when things are not going right! Horses do speak to us in their own language, if only we are willing to listen! It is my mission to give your horse a voice!
Expert Care
I am extensively trained and experienced, with a well-rounded education and approach to equine health.
Compassionate Environment
I treat every horse as if they were my own, providing a calm, relaxing and supportive atmosphere.
Client Education
I believe informed horse owners make the best decisions for their horses, and I’m here to guide you.
Join me in my commitment to holistic equine healthcare. Together, we can ensure your horses lead happy, healthy lives.
I offer a range of evidence-based equine services designed to support your horse’s unique needs, including:
- Comprehensive evaluations to identify areas of discomfort or dysfunction
- A wide range of treatment modalities
- Tailored rehabilitation plans to aid recovery from injuries or surgeries.
- Wellness programmes, with preventative care strategies, to maintain optimal health and well-being.
The Role of the Equine Veterinary Nurse in General Anaesthesia
Equine general anaesthesia is more fraught with danger of mortality and serious morbidity, than GA in small animal species as well as in humans.
Beet Pulp for Horses
The by-product of the sugar beet industry, unmolassed beet pulp is a safe, palatable and a highly digestible feed for horses.
𝗘𝗹𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗿𝗼𝗽𝗵𝘆𝘀𝗶𝗰𝗮𝗹 𝗧𝗵𝗲𝗿𝗮𝗽𝗶𝗲𝘀 𝗮𝘁 𝗘𝗾𝘂𝗲𝘀𝘁𝗿𝗶𝗮𝗻 𝗖𝗼𝗺𝗽𝗲𝘁𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀 – 𝗔𝗿𝗲 𝗬𝗼𝘂 𝗔𝘄𝗮𝗿𝗲 𝗼𝗳 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗥𝘂𝗹𝗲𝘀?I've recently heard of cases where certain electrophysical therapies are reportedly being used at equestrian competitions, despite some of these modalities being prohibited or restricted for competitions run under FEI rules 🫣I believe there may be a lack of awareness surrounding the rules, not only among horse owners and riders but also among those providing the treatments 🤔So just to clarify, under the 2026 FEI Veterinary Regulations, supportive therapies are classified as permitted (non-restricted), restricted or prohibited as follows:🔴 **𝐏𝐑𝐎𝐇𝐈𝐁𝐈𝐓𝐄𝐃 𝐄𝐋𝐄𝐂𝐓𝐑𝐎𝐏𝐇𝐘𝐒𝐈𝐂𝐀𝐋 𝐓𝐇𝐄𝐑𝐀𝐏𝐈𝐄𝐒**𝐂𝐫𝐲𝐨𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐚𝐩𝐲Cryotherapy treatments are prohibited at FEI events and during the five days beforehand. This should not be confused with ordinary cooling or icing, which is permitted subject to temperature restrictions.𝐂𝐥𝐚𝐬𝐬 𝐈𝐕 𝐋𝐚𝐬𝐞𝐫 𝐓𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐚𝐩𝐲Class IV therapeutic lasers are prohibited at FEI events, regardless of who is administering the treatment. Lower-class lasers (Class I–III) are permitted.𝐄𝐱𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐜𝐨𝐫𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐥 𝐒𝐡𝐨𝐜𝐤𝐰𝐚𝐯𝐞 𝐓𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐚𝐩𝐲 (𝐄𝐒𝐖𝐓)Prohibited at FEI events and during the five days preceding the event.𝐄𝐥𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐫𝐨𝐚𝐜𝐮𝐩𝐮𝐧𝐜𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐞Prohibited at FEI events, along with moxibustion.🟠 **𝐑𝐄𝐒𝐓𝐑𝐈𝐂𝐓𝐄𝐃 𝐓𝐇𝐄𝐑𝐀𝐏𝐈𝐄𝐒**These therapies are not completely banned, but their use is subject to specific FEI conditions.𝐓𝐄𝐍𝐒, 𝐍𝐌𝐄𝐒 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐈𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐟𝐞𝐫𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐢𝐚𝐥 𝐓𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐚𝐩𝐲Electrical stimulation treatments are restricted and may only be administered by appropriately authorised practitioners.𝐓𝐄𝐂𝐀𝐑 / 𝐑𝐚𝐝𝐢𝐨𝐟𝐫𝐞𝐪𝐮𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐲 / 𝐃𝐢𝐚𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐦𝐲These treatments use electromagnetic energy to produce therapeutic effects in tissues. They are restricted and may not be administered by just anyone at an FEI competition.𝐓𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐚𝐩𝐞𝐮𝐭𝐢𝐜 𝐔𝐥𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐬𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐝Restricted, with specific conditions governing who may administer it.𝐕𝐚𝐜𝐮𝐮𝐦 𝐓𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐚𝐩𝐲Also classified as restricted.𝐌𝐚𝐬𝐬𝐚𝐠𝐞 𝐆𝐮𝐧𝐬Focused portable massage devices are restricted, even though general massage equipment may be permitted.🟢 **𝐍𝐎𝐍-𝐑𝐄𝐒𝐓𝐑𝐈𝐂𝐓𝐄𝐃 𝐓𝐇𝐄𝐑𝐀𝐏𝐈𝐄𝐒**These include:• Low-frequency PEMF, provided the electromagnetic field is 𝗯𝗲𝗹𝗼𝘄 1,000 Gauss (0.1 Tesla).• Static magnetic rugs and boots.• Class I–III laser therapy.• LED and red-light therapy.• Microcurrent therapy.• Low-intensity pulsed ultrasound (LIPUS).• General massage equipment, cooling equipment and vibration plates.… But even non-restricted therapies remain subject to FEI conditions and official checks.𝐖𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐚𝐛𝐨𝐮𝐭 𝐒𝐉𝐈, 𝐃𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐬𝐚𝐠𝐞 𝐈𝐫𝐞𝐥𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐄𝐯𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐈𝐫𝐞𝐥𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐩𝐞𝐭𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬?Show Jumping Ireland (SJI), Dressage Ireland (DI) and Eventing Ireland (EI) are all affiliated with Horse Sport Ireland (HSI), Ireland's national governing body for equestrian sport.HSI's Equine Anti-Doping and Controlled Medication Rules specifically reference the FEI Veterinary Regulations. However, the application of individual FEI supportive-therapy restrictions at national affiliated competitions should be confirmed with the relevant governing body.Anyone providing electrophysical treatments at competitions must be aware of which regulations apply before administering these treatments.*** 🚨 ᴍᴀɴʏ ᴇʟᴇᴄᴛʀᴏᴘʜʏꜱɪᴄᴀʟ ᴛʜᴇʀᴀᴘɪᴇꜱ ᴄᴀɴ ʀᴇᴅᴜᴄᴇ ᴘᴀɪɴ ᴀɴᴅ ᴍᴀꜱᴋ ᴄʟɪɴɪᴄᴀʟ ꜱɪɢɴꜱ ᴏꜰ ᴀɴ ᴜɴᴅᴇʀʟʏɪɴɢ ɪɴᴊᴜʀʏ. ᴡʜɪʟᴇ ᴛʜɪꜱ ɪꜱ ᴇxᴛʀᴇᴍᴇʟʏ ʙᴇɴᴇꜰɪᴄɪᴀʟ ɪɴ ʀᴇʜᴀʙɪʟɪᴛᴀᴛɪᴏɴ, ᴛʜᴇɪʀ ɪɴᴀᴘᴘʀᴏᴘʀɪᴀᴛᴇ ᴜꜱᴇ ɪᴍᴍᴇᴅɪᴀᴛᴇʟʏ ʙᴇꜰᴏʀᴇ ᴏʀ ᴅᴜʀɪɴɢ ᴄᴏᴍᴘᴇᴛɪᴛɪᴏɴ ʀᴀɪꜱᴇꜱ ꜱᴇʀɪᴏᴜꜱ ᴡᴇʟꜰᴀʀᴇ ᴄᴏɴᴄᴇʀɴꜱ. ᴀʟʟᴏᴡɪɴɢ ᴀ ʜᴏʀꜱᴇ ᴛᴏ ᴄᴏᴍᴘᴇᴛᴇ ᴜɴᴅᴇʀ ᴛʜᴇꜱᴇ ᴄɪʀᴄᴜᴍꜱᴛᴀɴᴄᴇꜱ ᴄᴏᴜʟᴅ ᴀɢɢʀᴀᴠᴀᴛᴇ ᴀɴ ᴇxɪꜱᴛɪɴɢ ɪɴᴊᴜʀʏ, ᴘᴏᴛᴇɴᴛɪᴀʟʟʏ ʟᴇᴀᴅɪɴɢ ᴛᴏ ꜱᴇʀɪᴏᴜꜱ ᴏʀ ᴇᴠᴇɴ ɪɴ ᴄᴀꜱᴇꜱ ᴄᴀᴛᴀꜱᴛʀᴏᴘʜɪᴄ ɪɴᴊᴜʀʏ. ꜱᴏ ᴜʟᴛɪᴍᴀᴛᴇʟʏ, ᴛʜᴇꜱᴇ ʀᴇɢᴜʟᴀᴛɪᴏɴꜱ ᴀʀᴇ ᴛʜᴇʀᴇ ᴛᴏ ꜱᴀꜰᴇɢᴜᴀʀᴅ ᴛʜᴇ ᴡᴇʟꜰᴀʀᴇ ᴏꜰ ᴏᴜʀ ʜᴏʀꜱᴇꜱ 🚨 ***Just because these treatments are beneficial in a rehabilitation setting does not mean they are permitted or even safe to use at competitions ⚠️𝐑𝐞𝐟𝐞𝐫𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐞FEI Veterinary Regulations 2026, Chapter VI – Supportive Therapies, Articles 1062–1065. Available at: inside.fei.org/fei/regulations/veterinary
𝗟𝗮𝗺𝗲𝗻𝗲𝘀𝘀 𝗱𝗼𝗲𝘀𝗻’𝘁 𝗮𝗹𝘄𝗮𝘆𝘀 𝗹𝗼𝗼𝗸 𝟯-𝗹𝗲𝗴𝗴𝗲𝗱!! 🙈I have just watched a sales advert for a horse, which prompted me to write this post! 🥴The horse is essentially being advertised as a very quiet, very slow-going type, who is happiest taking life at a very leisurely pace. Having watched the sales video though, I see something very different! 😬😵💫To my trained eye, the horse appears lame on multiple limbs. His movement is short, restricted and laboured. He looks extremely tense through the body and despite being asked to do very little work in the video, he is noticeably huffing and puffing.Then underneath the ad, all the comments are positive 🫣“He’s fabulous.”“Beautiful horse.”“How much?”“What a lovely boy.”And, being truthful, I find it quite astonishing! 😳🫣 … But then again, maybe I shouldn’t! 😔Research suggests that more than 47% of sport horses in normal work may be lame, with that lameness going unrecognised by their owners or trainers.When you consider that, then maybe a comment section full of people admiring a horse whose movement, to my eye, is very clearly abnormal, shouldn’t be surprising at all! 🤷♀️I also think that it raises a much bigger welfare issue. … How many horses are being described as lazy, slow, reluctant, lacking impulsion, or on the opposite end of things ~ difficult, cold-backed, or “that’s just how he moves”, when what we are actually looking at is musculoskeletal discomfort? 🙈😔Lameness recognition is not just about being able to pick out the lame leg. Sometimes the first, and most important skill, is recognising that the horse in front of you is not moving comfortably, or in any way normally at all!And it struck me just how common it is that significant gait abnormalities are being missed when a horse isn't obviously hopping lame on one leg! 😢I don't personally believe there is such a thing as a lazy horse. There is likely to be good reason a horse like this is reluctant to go forward. That reason may not always be pain, but surely our first response should be to ask "why", rather than to simply conclude that the horse is lazy.Pain, weakness, fatigue, poor balance, lack of fitness, fear, confusion, poor saddle and tack fit and learned behaviour can all look like a reluctance to go forward.And, sometimes what gets described as a lovely, quiet “plod” may actually be a horse that finds movement very physically difficult.Before we label the horse, we need to question such behaviour. Lameness does not always present as a dramatic head nod, or a horse barely able to weight-bear. When more than one limb is involved, particularly with bilateral or multilimb problems, the picture can be much less obvious. Instead of seeing one clearly lame leg, you might see a horse that is generally short-striding, stiff, guarded, reluctant to go forward or simply moving as though everything is really hard work! … And because there isn't one leg screaming “THIS ONE”, the movement is inclined to be interpreted as the horse being lazy, quiet, a plod, slow or just “that type”.That is why I think we need to stop judging soundness by asking "which leg is lame?” The important question is "does this horse move like a comfortable horse?” In the horse I watched today, my answer would unfortunately be a big fat NO! 😢Obviously, nobody can diagnose the cause of lameness from a sales video. A proper veterinary examination would be required for that. But we absolutely can recognise abnormal movement, tension, restricted gait and signs that warrant further investigation.Maybe it's time that basic lameness and pain recognition should be a compulsory part of learning to care for horses.… Always ask yourself WHY!! ❤️🐎❤️
𝗖𝗼𝘂𝗹𝗱 𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗿𝘄𝗼𝗿𝗸𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗮 𝘄𝗲𝗮𝗸, 𝘂𝗻𝗱𝗲𝗿𝗺𝘂𝘀𝗰𝗹𝗲𝗱, 𝘂𝗻𝗱𝗲𝗿𝗻𝗼𝘂𝗿𝗶𝘀𝗵𝗲𝗱 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗻𝗴𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗿 𝗰𝗼𝗻𝘁𝗿𝗶𝗯𝘂𝘁𝗲 𝘁𝗼 𝗸𝗶𝘀𝘀𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘀𝗽𝗶𝗻𝗲?Kissing spine is a complex, multifactorial condition that is still poorly understood and there is rarely one single factor responsible for its development or its clinical expression.Kissing spine, also known as overriding or impinging dorsal spinous processes (ORDSP/IDSP), occurs when the spaces between the dorsal spinous processes (the bony projections extending upwards from the vertebrae) become abnormally narrowed. In some horses, adjacent processes can come into contact or can overlap, potentially resulting in bony changes, inflammation and pain. However, radiographic evidence of kissing spine does not always mean that a horse is experiencing clinical back pain.A young horse needs adequate nutrition, progressive conditioning and sufficient muscular development to support and stabilise the spine. The abdominals, multifidus and other epaxial muscles all contribute to dynamic stability of the thoracolumbar region.A weak, poorly conditioned youngster is more likely to fatigue and struggle to maintain appropriate posture under load. If that horse is repeatedly worked beyond its level of strength and conditioning, especially under saddle, it may spend more time travelling with the thoracolumbar spine in extension, a position that reduces the space between the dorsal spinous processes.Add to this inadequate nutrition and poor topline development during a period of growth and you have a horse being asked to tolerate repetitive mechanical loading without the muscular development and conditioning we would ideally want to support that workload.Kissing spine is, as I said, multifactorial and radiographic changes can also be found in horses without clinical back pain, interestingly. Conformation, breed, genetics, saddle fit, rider influence, training, concurrent lameness and many other factors can be involved.Understanding the different factors that can influence spinal health is vital during a horse's growth and development, when the musculoskeletal system is still maturing.Young horses need time to grow, adequate nutrition to develop and progressive conditioning to build the muscular strength that's needed to support a healthy, functional back as they mature. Their backs are no exception to the demands of growth and development.𝐑𝐞𝐟𝐞𝐫𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐞𝐬Pilati, N., Pressanto, M.C., Palumbo Piccionello, A., De Angelis Corvi, F. and Beccati, F. (2025) ‘Impinging and overriding spinous processes in horses: A narrative review’, Animals, 15(18), 2679. Available at: doi.org/10.3390/ani15182679Sinding, M.F. and Berg, L.C. (2010) ‘Distances between thoracic spinous processes in Warmblood foals: A radiographic study’, Equine Veterinary Journal, 42(6), pp. 500–503. Available at: doi.org/10.1111/j.2042-3306.2010.00113.xO’Sullivan, S., McGowan, C.M., Junnila, J. and Hyytiäinen, H.K. (2022) ‘The effect of manually facilitated flexion of the thoracic spine on the interspinous space among horses with impinging dorsal spinous processes of the thoracic vertebrae’, The Veterinary Journal, 289, 105909. Available at: doi.org/10.1016/j.tvjl.2022.105909Patterson Rosa, L. et al. (2022) ‘Genomic loci associated with performance limiting equine overriding spinous processes (kissing spines)’, Research in Veterinary Science, 150, pp. 65–71. Available at: doi.org/10.1016/j.rvsc.2022.06.015
𝗪𝗵𝘆 𝗰𝗵𝗮𝗳𝗳 𝗵𝗮𝘀 𝗮 𝘃𝗮𝗹𝘂𝗮𝗯𝗹𝗲 𝗽𝗹𝗮𝗰𝗲 𝗶𝗻 𝗮 𝗵𝗼𝗿𝘀𝗲'𝘀 𝗱𝗶𝗲𝘁I recently came across a social media post suggesting that chaff has no place in a horse's bucket feed. As an equine nutritional consultant and veterinary nurse, I disagree and the current scientific evidence doesn't support such a blanket statement either.The foundation of good equine nutrition is simple – feed a forage-based diet that is high in fibre, low in sugar and low in starch.So the question is …If fibre is exactly what we should be feeding horses, why then would it suddenly become a bad thing just because some of it is placed in a bucket?Good-quality chaff is chopped forage. Whether it's grass, alfalfa or straw, it is still a source of fibre. It doesn't stop being forage because it's shorter in length.When used appropriately, chaff can increase the fibre content of a bucket feed, encourage horses to chew for longer, slow down greedy eaters and increase saliva production. That extra saliva helps to buffer stomach acid and supports normal digestive function.Alfalfa deserves a special mention, as it naturally contains higher levels of calcium and protein than many other forages and research has shown it can help buffer stomach acid, making it a useful dietary component for many horses prone to equine squamous gastric ulcers.Another benefit is that fibre can provide an alternative source of energy to cereal starch. Rather than cereal based diets, nutritionists prefer to obtain as much energy as possible from digestible fibre where appropriate, keeping the overall diet more in line with the way horses have evolved to eat.What about choke?Choke is sometimes mentioned whenever chopped fibre is discussed, but the evidence doesn't suggest that good quality chaff is, by itself, a common cause of choke. Choke is usually multifactorial, with factors such as poor dentition, bolting feed, inadequate chewing, dehydration and previous episodes of choke all increasing the risk. Good feed management is key. Personally, I always prefer to dampen bucket feed with water, particularly for older horses, greedy eaters and those with compromised dentition, in order to encourage slower eating and to produce a softer feed.Of course, not every chaff is the same. Grass chaff, alfalfa chaff and straw chaff all have different nutritional properties. Some products are molassed, while others are not. Choosing the right one for the individual horse is important. Likewise, not every horse has the same nutritional requirements. A veteran with poor teeth, a performance horse, an overweight native pony and a horse with PPID or Equine Metabolic Syndrome should not all be fed the same feed.Good-quality chaff has a valuable place in many horses' diets. The key, as with any feed, is in choosing the right product for the right horse. That's what evidence-based equine nutrition is all about ❤️🐎❤️𝐑𝐞𝐟𝐞𝐫𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐞𝐬Committee on Nutrient Requirements of Horses (2007) Nutrient Requirements of Horses. 6th edn. Washington, DC: National Academies Press. Available at: www.nationalacademies.org/publications/11653Ellis, A.D., Longland, A.C., Coenen, M. and Miraglia, N. (2005) 'The effect of forage source and feed structure on chewing behaviour and digesta passage in horses', Pferdeheilkunde, 21(5), pp. 423–428. Available at: pferdeheilkunde.de/files/20050712.pdfErmers, J.B. et al. (2023) 'Fibre requirements and fibre sources in equine nutrition', Animals, 13. Available at: pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10135103/Liburt, N.R. (2026) Nutritional Requirements of Horses and Other Equids. Merck Veterinary Manual. Available at: www.merckvetmanual.com/management-and-nutrition/nutrition-horses/nutritional-requirements-of-hors…Liburt, N.R. (2026) Feeding Practices in Horses and Other Equids. Merck Veterinary Manual. Available at: www.merckvetmanual.com/management-and-nutrition/nutrition-horses/feeding-practices-in-horses-and-…Andrews, F.M. (2024) Gastric Ulcers in Horses. Merck Veterinary Manual. Available at: www.merckvetmanual.com/digestive-system/gastrointestinal-ulcers-in-large-animals/gastric-ulcers-i…Nadeau, J.A., Andrews, F.M., Mathew, A.G. et al. (2000) 'Evaluation of diet as a cause of gastric ulcers in horses', American Journal of Veterinary Research, 61(7), pp. 784–790. Available at: pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/10895901/
𝗪𝗵𝘆 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗹𝗶𝗺𝗯 𝘁𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗹𝗼𝗼𝗸𝘀 𝗹𝗮𝗺𝗲 𝗺𝗮𝘆 𝗻𝗼𝘁 𝗯𝗲 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗽𝗿𝗶𝗺𝗮𝗿𝘆 𝗶𝘀𝘀𝘂𝗲The limb that looks lame isn't always where the problem began. Horses are very good at compensating. When one limb becomes painful, the horse instinctively redistributes its weight and alters the way it moves in order to protect that area. Initially, this might simply change the horse's gait. However, if the primary problem persists, the extra load placed on other limbs and tissues can eventually lead to true compensatory pain and lameness elsewhere.This means that a horse can present with a genuine forelimb lameness, while the primary issue actually originates in a hindlimb, or vice versa, for example. As equine therapists, this shows how important clinical reasoning is. Rather than asking, "Which limb is lame?", we must also ask "Is this the primary problem, or is it a compensation?"The equine body functions as an interconnected system. Pain in one region can influence posture, muscle function, proprioception, movement patterns and load distribution throughout the body. Muscles, fascia and joints do not work in isolation, they all work together.This is why a thorough assessment should always consider the whole horse, not just the area that first catches our attention. Static assessment, dynamic assessment, movement quality and the horse's overall posture all provide us with valuable pieces of the puzzle.There are recognised compensation patterns, often referred to clinically as 'the law of sides', which can help explain how pain in one limb influences movement elsewhere. These patterns are valuable clinical guides, but they are definitely not absolute. Every horse compensates differently depending on the nature of the injury, its duration, the horse's conformation and many other factors.When we focus only on the obvious lameness, we risk treating the consequence rather than recognising the primary source of dysfunction.Our role is not to jump to conclusions, but to think critically, assess systematically and appreciate that the horse's body is a connected, adaptable system.Sometimes, the answer isn't in the limb that looks lame but in understanding why that limb has become lame in the first place ❤️🐎❤️𝐑𝐞𝐟𝐞𝐫𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐞𝐬Persson-Sjodin, E., Hernlund, E., Pfau, T., Andersen, P.H., Forsström, K.H., Byström, A., Serra Bragança, F.M., Hardeman, A., Greve, L., Egenvall, A. and Rhodin, M. (2024) Withers vertical movement symmetry is useful for locating the primary lame limb in naturally occurring lameness. Equine Veterinary Journal, 56(1), pp. 76–88. Available at: doi.org/10.1111/evj.13947Kelmer, G., Keegan, K.G., Kramer, J., Wilson, D.A., Pai, F.P. and Singh, P. (2005) Computer-assisted kinematic evaluation of induced compensatory movements resembling lameness in horses trotting on a treadmill. American Journal of Veterinary Research, 66(4), pp. 646–655. Available at: doi.org/10.2460/ajvr.2005.66.646Maliye, S., Voute, L.C. and Marshall, J.F. (2015) Naturally-occurring forelimb lameness in the horse results in significant compensatory load redistribution during trotting. The Veterinary Journal, 204(2), pp. 208–213. Available at: doi.org/10.1016/j.tvjl.2015.03.005Buchner, H.H.F., Savelberg, H.H.C.M., Schamhardt, H.C. and Barneveld, A. (1996) Head and trunk movement adaptations in horses with experimentally induced fore- or hindlimb lameness. Equine Veterinary Journal, 28(1), pp. 71–76. Available at: doi.org/10.1111/j.2042-3306.1996.tb01592.x
"𝗜𝘁'𝘀 𝗼𝗻𝗹𝘆 𝗯𝗿𝗶𝗱𝗹𝗲 𝗹𝗮𝗺𝗲𝗻𝗲𝘀𝘀" … 𝗥𝗲𝗮𝗹𝗹𝘆?!This is a phrase that is unfortunately still heard in the equestrian world, but it's also one that can be misleading. It refers to the belief that some horses are not truly lame but that the rider, the bridle, or the tack somehow creates the appearance or illusion of lameness. In other words, if the horse only looks lame under saddle, it isn't considered a "real" lameness 🫣Well current evidence suggests otherwise. When a horse is ridden, its posture, balance and movement change. The additional weight of the rider, together with the demands of working in a contact, bending, collecting and engaging the hindquarters, places different loads on the musculoskeletal system. If there is an underlying orthopaedic problem, these changes can simply make it more apparent.The bridle or the rider does not create the lameness. Instead, ridden exercise can reveal an underlying problem that isn't as obvious when the horse is loose, on the lunge, or moving without the weight of a rider.This is why it is important that horses that are "only lame when ridden" deserve careful veterinary investigation rather than having their signs dismissed. These cases are more common than many people realise.Research by Dr Sue Dyson and colleagues has transformed our understanding of the ridden horse. Many behaviours once labelled as naughtiness, resistance, or poor training are now recognised as potential indicators of musculoskeletal pain. A thorough assessment should consider the horse, the tack, the rider, and the way they interact, but the possibility of genuine pain should never be overlooked.Our horses communicate through the way they move. Sometimes they whisper before they shout. The question is… are we listening? 🤔
𝗕𝗲𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘁𝗵𝗲 "𝗕𝗹𝗮𝗰𝗸 𝗦𝗵𝗲𝗲𝗽" 𝗰𝗮𝗻 𝗯𝗲 𝗮 𝗹𝗼𝗻𝗲𝗹𝘆 𝗼𝗹𝗲 𝗽𝗹𝗮𝗰𝗲, 𝘄𝗵𝗲𝗻 𝘆𝗼𝘂'𝗿𝗲 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗼𝗻𝗲 𝗰𝗮𝗹𝗹𝗲𝗱 𝗶𝗻 𝘁𝗼 𝗵𝗲𝗹𝗽!When I'm called to a yard as an equine therapist, it is very often because something is not working. Often I can see lameness, biomechanical compensation, suboptimal management, or the nutritional gaps, for example, that have been dismissed as "normal". … but sometimes, the moment I suggest that a "naughty" horse could actually be in pain, or that the current management could possibly be fueling the very problem they want me to "fix," the mood can shift 😔 It can be an awkward, isolating spot to be in! 😔🫣However, I'm not there to be liked; I am there to advocate for the horse, no matter how exhausting it can be when the people who hired me for my professional input suddenly don't want to hear it, because it challenges the very way they’ve always done things! It can be very frustrating to watch people reach for a band-aid ~ a stronger bit, a pair of draw reins, punishing behavioural reactions instead of considering physical or emotional stress, a quick-fix, when I know there’s a root cause beneath the surface that needs to be addressed … but the thing is ~ I simply cannot un-see it! 🫣🧐👀Once you look at the scientific evidence, at the actual biology and physiology of the horse, you can’t just ignore the obvious. I know without a doubt that if we don't address the root cause, nothing actually changes for that horse, except maybe temporarily. And if I don’t speak up, then who will? The horse certainly can't! 🤷♀️😔It can be a lonely path being the one who refuses to play along with "tradition" when it is in fact, failing the animal 😔 Science allows us to move beyond assumption, habit and anecdotal evidence, and instead lets us to make decisions based on what is objectively shown to improve the horse’s quality of life. Following the evidence base does not mean abandoning experience; it means combining experience with critical thinking, curiosity and a willingness to evolve when new information emerges. I fully intend to keep educating myself and to keep following the scientific evidence, because that is the only way we can truly progress.I know that change can be hard and it can be uncomfortable. Nobody likes it and almost everyone tries to avoid it, often clinging to the old status-quo because it definitely feels safer and dare I say easier! Sometimes, we cling to these 'old ways' because they were taught to us by our mentors who we deeply respected and challenging them can feel like a personal attack on our history, or our teachers. But time and time again, I see that the changes we fear are the very ones that lead us to a better, healthier life for the horse. It isn't easy to challenge how things are done, but growth is rarely comfortable 😱I believe that the equine industry will only move forward when we stop being afraid of making people uncomfortable. When we start thinking deeper and stay open-minded. When we question ourselves and always ask ourselves "why"! … Because for our beloved horses, it’s the only way forward!! ❤️🐎❤️
𝗪𝗶𝗻𝗱-𝗦𝘂𝗰𝗸𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗶𝗻 𝗛𝗼𝗿𝘀𝗲𝘀: 𝗠𝗼𝗿𝗲 𝗧𝗵𝗮𝗻 𝗝𝘂𝘀𝘁 𝗮 '𝗕𝗮𝗱 𝗛𝗮𝗯𝗶𝘁'Behaviours such as wind-sucking and crib-biting are often dismissed as simply a “bad habit” or boredom behaviour in horses. However, the scientific evidence suggests the picture is far more complex than that. These behaviours are classified as stereotypic behaviours. That is repetitive behaviours that are thought to develop in response to factors such as stress, management, feeding practices, or a reduced ability to perform natural behaviours.Research has shown a significant association between wind-sucking/crib-biting and gastric disease, particularly Equine Gastric Ulcer Syndrome (EGUS). While not every horse that windsucks will necessarily have ulcers and not every horse with ulcers will windsuck, the relationship between gastric health and stereotypic behaviour is considered very important.The current thinking is that in many cases, wind-sucking develops secondary to factors such as:□ Gastric irritation or ulceration□ High concentrate/high starch diets□ Restricted forage intake□ Stable confinement □ Stress and frustration□ Altered digestive comfortFor years, it was often believed that wind-sucking itself caused ulcers. However, modern evidence supports the opposite direction more strongly, that is that gastrointestinal discomfort and management factors may contribute to the development of the behaviour in the first place.Interestingly, wind-sucking can also have a self-soothing effect for the horse. Studies suggest it can increase saliva production, potentially helping to buffer stomach acid, while also influencing stress and reward pathways within the brain. This could help explain why some horses continue to perform the behaviour even after ulcers or management issues are addressed.This is one reason why simply preventing the behaviour mechanically (for example with anti-cribbing collars) without considering the horse’s overall management, diet, forage intake, stress levels and gastric health may fail to address the underlying issue.In many cases, these horses benefit from a more holistic review of: • Feeding practices • Forage availability • Starch intake • Turnout and social interaction • Stress levels • Gastric health • Musculoskeletal comfort and painAs always, every horse is an individual and wind-sucking is more likely to be multifactorial rather than having one single cause. Still, it is important that we move away from the outdated idea that these horses are simply performing a meaningless "bad habit." The behaviour itself may not be the problem, but rather a clue to something deeper.𝐑𝐞𝐟𝐞𝐫𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐞𝐬 Nicol, C.J., Davidson, H.P.B., Harris, P.A., Waters, A.J. and Wilson, A.D. (2002) ‘Study of crib-biting and gastric inflammation and ulceration in young horses’, Veterinary Record, 151(22), pp. 658–662. Available at: pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12498408/.Wickens, C.L. and Heleski, C.R. (2010) ‘Crib-biting behavior in horses: A review’, Applied Animal Behaviour Science, 128(1–4), pp. 1–9. Available at: www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0168159110002029.Kentucky Equine Research (n.d.) Stereotypies in horses: Feeding management among likely causes. Available at: ker.com/equinews/stereotypies-in-horses-feeding-management-among-likely-causes/.
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𝗘𝗾𝘂𝗶𝗻𝗲 𝗚𝗮𝘀𝘁𝗿𝗶𝗰 𝗨𝗹𝗰𝗲𝗿 𝗦𝘆𝗻𝗱𝗿𝗼𝗺𝗲 (𝗘𝗚𝗨𝗦)Equine Gastric Ulcer Syndrome (EGUS) is something most horse owners have heard about but recognising the signs can be challenging, as they can be vague and non-specific.The only way to definitively diagnose gastric ulcers is through veterinary gastroscopy (scoping). However, horses will often give us good clues that something may not be quite right. The more signs present together, the more suspicion it can raise that ulcers may be at play.Possible signs associated with EGUS can include:• Poor performance• Reluctance to go forward• Behavioural changes or becoming “grumpy”• Girthiness• Sensitivity around the abdomen• Resistance during ridden work• Tail swishing, ear pinning• Tension• Difficulty maintaining condition or weight loss• Dull coat• Reduced appetite or picky eating• Leaving hard feed unfinished• Eating hay but avoiding concentrates• Mild recurrent colic• Teeth grinding• Excessive salivation• Changes in temperament• Poor topline development• Intermittent loose droppings• Stressy or anxious behaviour• Reduced willingness to work• Spooking or overreactivity• Lying down more often than normal• Poor recovery from exerciseSome horses with ulcers show very obvious signs, while others can appear almost completely normal. Equally, many of the signs listed above can also occur with several other conditions including orthopaedic pain, dental disease, poor saddle fit, inappropriate management, stress, or other medical conditions.This is why it is so important not to jump straight to assuming “ulcers” without proper veterinary investigation.Risk factors that can contribute to EGUS can include:• High starch diets• Long periods without forage• Lack of turnout• Stress• Changes in environment/routine, or major life changes e.g. changing homes• Stereotypical behaviours e.g. windsucking • Intensive training• Frequent travel• Heavy competition schedules• Chronic pain or discomfort elsewhere in the body• Illness• NSAID (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug) use• Multiple handlers/caregiversThe horse’s stomach was designed for near-constant forage intake. Modern management often challenges that system significantly.If you suspect ulcers, speak with your vet. Gastroscopy remains the gold standard for diagnosis and allows for appropriate medical treatment, as well as management changes that should be put in place.
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