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.
𝗕𝗲𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘁𝗵𝗲 "𝗕𝗹𝗮𝗰𝗸 𝗦𝗵𝗲𝗲𝗽" 𝗰𝗮𝗻 𝗯𝗲 𝗮 𝗹𝗼𝗻𝗲𝗹𝘆 𝗼𝗹𝗲 𝗽𝗹𝗮𝗰𝗲, 𝘄𝗵𝗲𝗻 𝘆𝗼𝘂'𝗿𝗲 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗼𝗻𝗲 𝗰𝗮𝗹𝗹𝗲𝗱 𝗶𝗻 𝘁𝗼 𝗵𝗲𝗹𝗽!![]()
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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! 😔🫣![]()
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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! ![]()
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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! 🫣🧐👀![]()
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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! 🤷♀️😔![]()
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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.![]()
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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 😱![]()
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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'![]()
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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.![]()
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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.![]()
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The current thinking is that in many cases, wind-sucking develops secondary to factors such as:![]()
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□ Gastric irritation or ulceration![]()
□ High concentrate/high starch diets![]()
□ Restricted forage intake![]()
□ Stable confinement ![]()
□ Stress and frustration![]()
□ Altered digestive comfort![]()
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For 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.![]()
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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.![]()
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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.![]()
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In many cases, these horses benefit from a more holistic review of: ![]()
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• Feeding practices ![]()
• Forage availability ![]()
• Starch intake ![]()
• Turnout and social interaction ![]()
• Stress levels ![]()
• Gastric health ![]()
• Musculoskeletal comfort and pain![]()
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As 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.![]()
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𝐑𝐞𝐟𝐞𝐫𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐞𝐬 ![]()
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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/.![]()
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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.![]()
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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)![]()
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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.![]()
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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.![]()
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Possible signs associated with EGUS can include:![]()
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• 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 exercise![]()
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Some 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.![]()
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This is why it is so important not to jump straight to assuming “ulcers” without proper veterinary investigation.![]()
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Risk factors that can contribute to EGUS can include:![]()
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• 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/caregivers![]()
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The horse’s stomach was designed for near-constant forage intake. Modern management often challenges that system significantly.![]()
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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.
𝗜𝗳 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗺𝘂𝘀𝗰𝗹𝗲 𝗶𝘀𝗻’𝘁 𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗿𝗲, 𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗵𝗼𝗿𝘀𝗲 𝗰𝗮𝗻𝗻𝗼𝘁 𝗯𝗲 𝗮𝗻 𝗮𝘁𝗵𝗹𝗲𝘁𝗲. 𝗦𝗶𝗺𝗽𝗹𝗲 𝗮𝘀! 🤷♀️![]()
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Because the horse is a biotensegrity system, his structure is maintained by continuous soft tissue tension (muscle, tendons, ligaments & fascia), with bones acting as compression struts (Levin, 2002; Schleip et al., 2012). This means that the horse's muscle doesn’t just create movement, it creates and maintains the actual structure itself. So when the muscle isn’t there, the horse doesn’t just lose strength, he loses stability, ability to distribute load, force transfer and shock absorption. In other words, he loses the ability to function under athletic demand. So it's not that he will just be less developed and it's not that he will just need a bit of topline, or some manual therapy; he simply cannot perform as an athlete! ![]()
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When the system is underdeveloped, the body cannot organise itself effectively under load. The thoracic sling loses its ability to support the trunk, resulting in a dropped posture through the forehand. The back is no longer able to stabilise and transfer force efficiently, so instead of transmitting energy from the hindlimbs forward, that energy is dissipated through the system. The hindlimbs may still be able to generate force, but without a stable and co-ordinated system to receive and transfer it, that force is not used effectively. As a result, load becomes unevenly distributed, increasing stress on certain structures and leading to compensation. ![]()
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This is not simply a training issue, but a serious structural limitation, with a system that cannot organise or support itself under load … and if the system cannot do that, then it simply cannot perform. Not because it won’t, but because it physically can’t.![]()
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Research into fascial and musculoskeletal systems supports this, showing that the body functions as an integrated tension network, not as isolated parts (Schleip et al., 2012; Elbrønd, 2015).![]()
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A horse is not born an athlete, it becomes one through appropriate, repeated biological stimulus. The same also applies to human athletes. No one is born with the strength, co-ordination and load tolerance required for performance; these are developed over time through progressive training, adequate nutrition and adequate recovery. Horses should be treated no differently. The musculoskeletal system is biologically active and adapts to the demands placed upon it. Muscle, tendon, ligaments, fascia and bone all require appropriate, repeated loading, in order to develop the strength, co-ordination and resilience necessary for performance. Without this normal stimulus, the system remains underdeveloped and unable to support athletic function.![]()
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Although manual therapy can improve comfort and movement quality, it does not build the tissue required for performance. There is absolutely no shortcut around this. Tissue capable of performance can only be developed through progressive loading, appropriate nutrition and time for adaptation.”![]()
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While much of the foundational work on biotensegrity and fascial networks originates from human research, these principles also apply directly to the horse and are increasingly reflected in equine-specific models of locomotion (Elbrønd, 2015).![]()
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𝗥𝗲𝗳𝗲𝗿𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗲𝘀![]()
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Elbrønd, V.S. and Schultz, R.M. (2015) Myofascia – the unexplored tissue: Myofascial kinetic lines in horses, a model for describing locomotion using comparative dissection studies derived from human lines. Medical Research Archives, 3. ![]()
Available at: esmed.org/MRA/mra/article/view/125.![]()
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Levin, S.M. (2002) The tensegrity-truss as a model for spine mechanics: Biotensegrity. Journal of Mechanics in Medicine and Biology. Available at: www.worldscientific.com/doi/10.1142/S0219519402000472.![]()
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Schleip, R., Findley, T.W., Chaitow, L. and Huijing, P.A.J.B.M. (eds.) (2012) Fascia: The Tensional Network of the Human Body. Edinburgh: Elsevier. Available at: www.elsevier.com/books/fascia/schleip/9780702071836.
I love this post and it really hits home! 🤯🥵🤦♀️ … I think a lot of us who work in this industry feel the same … once you’re well trained in gait analysis, movement, compensation and pain ~ you can’t just unsee things when it suits you! 🫣👀🕵♀️🔎![]()
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Being educated in horse's movement patterns can have it's advantages and disadvantages and sometimes ignorance is bliss, meaning no disrespect to anybody.![]()
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As children, we chose ponies with our hearts on our sleeves! 😍🐎 No vettings, no x-rays, no questions … and somehow they gave us some of the best years we ever had! 🐎💗 But looking back now, with educated eyes, how many of those horses were actually lame, uncomfortable, or compensating?![]()
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Because the reality is (and this is not just my opinion, this is based on vast scientific research) a significant proportion of horses in training are not truly sound. Some studies suggest close to 50% (Dyson & Pollard, 2020), others have shown up to 70% of horses assumed to be sound, actually have measurable lameness (Dyson & Pollard, 2020) and most of it goes unrecognised.![]()
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This is definitely not to say that these horses cannot be made comfortable, or cannot work, as many indeed can.![]()
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So now the challenge isn’t just about finding a nice horse, but it’s about finding one that functions well enough to stay sound. It’s definitely not about perfection (because that doesn’t exist unless you're after a unicorn! 🦄), It's about understanding any dysfunction you are seeing, what is driving it and whether it’s something you can realistically manage, or improve long-term.![]()
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… It makes things much more difficult … because when you know… you unfortunately cannot un-know!! 🫣🤦♀️🙈🙃![]()
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References ![]()
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Dyson, S. & Pollard, D. (2020) Application of a Ridden Horse Pain Ethogram and Its Relationship with Gait in a Convenience Sample of 60 Riding Horses. Animals, 10(6), 1044. Available at: pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7341225/![]()
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Dyson, S. & Pollard, D. (2020) Application of a Ridden Horse Pain Ethogram and Its Relationship with Gait in a Convenience Sample of 60 Riding Horses (PDF version). Available at: www.24horsebehaviors.org/s/Dyson-Pollard-RHpE-60-horses-Animals-10-01044-v2.pdf.🤡🤡 The process of buying a horse is no April Fools….but it’s a fool’s game!!!![]()
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I miss the days as a child, a much simpler time. I tried 2 ponies, I picked which one of the two I prefered, Dad would do the deal, no vetting, no xray, no scans, no flexion tests. They were the best ponies I ever had!!!! In hindsight, they were lame or a bit ‘off’ for the majority of their life, but I was a child, a carefree and nobody knew any better!! Oh to be ignorant!! ✨✨✨![]()
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Now, I see too much, I know too much, once I see, I can’t unsee it 🙈 ![]()
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God give me strength!!!!!!
This is what I discussed yesterday! 🐎
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𝗢𝗻𝗲 𝗵𝗮𝗿𝗱 𝘁𝗿𝘂𝘁𝗵 𝗮𝗯𝗼𝘂𝘁 𝗽𝗲𝗿𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗲 𝗵𝗼𝗿𝘀𝗲𝘀 𝘁𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗶𝘀 𝗯𝗮𝗰𝗸𝗲𝗱 𝗯𝘆 𝘀𝗰𝗶𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗲![]()
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Multiple peer-reviewed studies over the last decade or so, have shown us something many people find difficult to accept ~ that is that around 𝟒𝟓–𝟓𝟎% 𝐨𝐟 𝐡𝐨𝐫𝐬𝐞𝐬 𝐢𝐧 𝐫𝐞𝐠𝐮𝐥𝐚𝐫 𝐩𝐞𝐫𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐦𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞 𝐰𝐨𝐫𝐤 𝐬𝐡𝐨𝐰 𝐥𝐚𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐞𝐬𝐬 𝐨𝐫 𝐩𝐚𝐢𝐧-𝐫𝐞𝐥𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐝 𝐠𝐚𝐢𝐭 𝐚𝐛𝐧𝐨𝐫𝐦𝐚𝐥𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐞𝐬, despite being considered to be sound by their owners and trainers. These horses are not all obviously lame ~ many show low-grade, or ridden-only abnormalities, that can be easily missed in day-to-day training.![]()
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This figure comes from large-scale research studies on performance horses, including the work of Dr Sue Dyson and colleagues, where horses were assessed thoroughly (including on circles and under saddle), rather than only in straight lines.![]()
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Then, even more concerning is a well-designed study from Sweden, where riding instructors and trainers were given structured, online training and feedback to improve their ability to recognise hindlimb lameness. Results showed that it did not significantly improve their accuracy, particularly for subtle or low-grade lameness.![]()
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This study, was led by researchers including Elin Hernlund, who is also one of the developers of Sleip, the objective lameness technology, demonstrates the fact that experience and good intentions alone are not enough to reliably detect pain-related gait abnormalities.![]()
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This is not a criticism of owners or trainers, but it does reflect the fact that there are limits to human visual perception and the very complex way that horses compensate for discomfort.![]()
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Many performance horses do continue working with undetected pain and subtle lameness is genuinely difficult to see. Education does help awareness, but it does not replace structured assessment, clinical expertise, or objective evaluation.![]()
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This is not to say that these horses cannot have a job. Indeed many may be made serviceably sound and are able to work comfortably with appropriate limits.![]()
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For improved performance, longevity and welfare, we need to move beyond assuming that “looks sound” means “is sound” to the untrained eye and be willing to seek experienced clinical assessment when concerns arise.![]()
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𝙍𝙚𝙛𝙚𝙧𝙚𝙣𝙘𝙚𝙨![]()
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Dyson, S., Berger, J., Ellis, A.D. and Mullard, J. (2018) ‘Development of an ethogram for a pain-free ridden horse and its application to determine the presence of musculoskeletal pain’, Journal of Veterinary Behavior, 23, pp. 47–57. doi.org/10.1016/j.jveb.2017.10.008![]()
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Greve, L. and Dyson, S. (2014) ‘The interrelationship of lameness, saddle slip and back shape in the general sports horse population’, Equine Veterinary Journal, 46(6), pp. 687–694. doi.org/10.1111/evj.12222![]()
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Dyson, S. and Greve, L. (2016) ‘Subjective gait assessment of 57 sports horses in normal work: A comparison of the response to flexion tests, movement in hand, on the lunge, and ridden’, Journal of Equine Veterinary Science, 38, pp. 1–7. doi.org/10.1016/j.jevs.2015.12.012![]()
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Leclercq, A., Byström, A., Söderlind, M., Persson, E., Rhodin, M., Engell, M.T. and Hernlund, E. (2022) ‘Evaluation of feedback methods for improved detection of hindlimb lameness in horses among riding instructors and trainers’, Frontiers in Veterinary Science, 9, 992954. doi.org/10.3389/fvets.2022.992954![]()
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Zetterberg, E., Persson-Sjodin, E., Lundblad, J., Hernlund, E. and Rhodin, M. (2024) ‘Prevalence of movement asymmetries in high-performing riding horses perceived as free from lameness’, PLOS ONE, 19(7), e0308061. doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0308061
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"𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗽𝗲𝗹𝘃𝗶𝘀 𝗶𝘀 𝗼𝘂𝘁" 𝗼𝗿 "𝗖𝟮–𝗖𝟯 𝗶𝘀 𝗼𝘂𝘁"! 🫣 𝗟𝗲𝘁’𝘀 𝗰𝗹𝗲𝗮𝗿 𝘀𝗼𝗺𝗲𝘁𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘂𝗽! 🙈![]()
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In horses without traumatic injury, or pathological structural failure, bones do not simply move “out of alignment”. When we describe bones or the spine as being “out of alignment”, we are implying that they are no longer in their normal anatomical relationship.![]()
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In a living, weight-bearing horse without traumatic injury, this is not an accurate description of what is happening. What we are observing instead are functional movement preferences and asymmetrical loading patterns that are related to how forces are being transmitted through the soft tissue system, rather than structural displacement of bones. When therapists talk about rotation, side-bending, or asymmetry, this is what they mean, not bones being out of place.![]()
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If a pelvis or cervical vertebra were genuinely displaced, we’d be dealing with a horse in very severe pain, neurological signs and a veterinary emergency 🙈 Not something that can be resolved with manual therapy 🫣 If bones truly were “out of alignment”, no manual therapist could safely or legitimately deal with this. It would mean, for example, fracture, dislocation, subluxation, ligamentous rupture, or joint instability and it would be as a result of traumatic injury, or pathological structural failure. Manual therapy would be contraindicated if bones were genuinely out of alignment and no therapist should be touching them.![]()
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Muscles, tendons, ligaments and fascia all influence how joints move and load. They can create the appearance of asymmetry and restriction, but the underlying issue relates to altered force transmission and load distribution, rather than bones having moved out of place.![]()
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Peer-reviewed research in equine biomechanics and musculoskeletal therapy describes spinal motion restriction and asymmetrical loading patterns, but does not support the idea that bones ‘move out of place’ in the absence of traumatic injury or structural failure.![]()
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As therapists, the language we use matters. Accurate explanations will help owners understand their horses better and reflect the complexity of the system that we’re working with.![]()
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#EquineBiomechanics![]()
#EquineRehab![]()
#EvidenceBasedPractice![]()
#HorseWelfare![]()
#ProfessionalPractice![]()
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𝐑𝐞𝐟𝐞𝐫𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐞𝐬![]()
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Stubbs, N.C., Hodges, P.W., Jeffcott, L.B., Cowin, G., Hodgson, D.R. and McGowan, C.M. (2006) Functional anatomy of the caudal thoracolumbar and lumbosacral spine in the horse. Equine Veterinary Journal Supplement. Available at: pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17402454/![]()
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Haussler, K.K. (2009) Review of manual therapy techniques in equine practice. Journal of Equine Veterinary Science. Available at: www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0737080609006753![]()
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Harrison, L.M., Sole-Guitart, A., Ahern, B. and Goff, L. (2025) Functional anatomy of the equine thoracolumbar spine related to equine back rehabilitation. Journal of Equine Rehabilitation. Available at: www.researchgate.net/publication/391042652_Functional_anatomy_of_the_equine_thoracolumbar_spine_r…![]()
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Haussler, K.K., et al. (2021) A systematic review of musculoskeletal mobilization and manipulation in horses. Available at: pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8532674/
Functional anatomy of the caudal thoracolumbar and lumbosacral spine in the horse – PubMed
pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
Equine multifidus anatomy and function are comparable to that of man. The high prevalence of anatomical variations in the LS spine may affect maximal dorsoventral motion, the stability of the LS joint…
𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗲𝗾𝘂𝗶𝗽𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝘀𝗵𝗼𝘂𝗹𝗱 𝗳𝗶𝘁 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗵𝗼𝗿𝘀𝗲, 𝗻𝗼𝘁 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗵𝗼𝗿𝘀𝗲 𝗯𝗲𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗺𝗮𝗱𝗲 𝘁𝗼 𝗳𝗶𝘁 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗲𝗾𝘂𝗶𝗽𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁 🫣![]()
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Let's talk about saddle pads and more particularly about riser/corrective pads. Lately, I’m seeing an increasing amount of riser pads and additional padding being used under saddles, often as a routine solution, rather than a short-term measure.![]()
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Not all saddle pads are problematic. Thin cloth pads, wool or sheepskin pads can definitely have a role as an interface under a correctly fitting saddle. However, riser and corrective pads are a different category entirely and this is where the concern lies.![]()
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Pressure-mapping research consistently shows that adding pads under a saddle changes pressure distribution on the horse’s back. These changes depend on: ![]()
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• pad material![]()
• pad thickness![]()
• pad design![]()
• how the pad compresses and moves during ridden work![]()
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Studies have also shown that some commonly used “corrective” or half pads, particularly those made from high-density foams or gel, can increase focal pressure, especially at the front (cranial/wither) region, even when the saddle itself meets fitting guidelines.![]()
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There is currently no strong scientific evidence that riser pads reliably improve saddle fit or reduce pressure long-term, when the saddle itself does not fit. Their widespread use is largely based on tradition, visual appearance and convenience i.e. the idea that “lifting” or “levelling” a saddle must be beneficial. While this may look reassuring to the eye, or may feel better to the rider, this concept is not supported by objective biomechanical or pressure-mapping research. This isn’t surprising, because a pad cannot change:![]()
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• saddle tree width or angle![]()
• saddle geometry![]()
• panel shape![]()
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Many riser pads are made from stiff, shape-holding materials e.g. high-density EVA foams. These materials act more like a spacer or wedge than a cushion, deliberately altering saddle balance, rather than adapting to the horse’s back. In doing so, they can simply shift load elsewhere, rather than resolve the underlying problem.![]()
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Riser pads are most often used to compensate for: ![]()
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• a saddle that is too narrow or too wide![]()
• poor balance![]()
• muscle loss or asymmetry![]()
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Riser pads are sometimes described as a “short-term fix”, but even short-term use immediately alters saddle balance and pressure distribution and can mask the need for proper saddle adjustment. When used as a long-term solution, they can mask saddle fit problems, delay appropriate intervention and contribute to compensatory movement patterns over time.![]()
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*** We do not recommend riser or corrective pads as a solution for poor saddle fit ***![]()
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• Saddle fit should be checked by a qualified professional at least every 6 months and sooner if the horse is known to be changing shape (rehab, training, weight or workload changes)![]()
• Pads, where used, should be thin, purposeful, time-limited and regularly reviewed![]()
• If a saddle requires a riser pad to be rideable, it is usually the wrong saddle for that horse at that time.![]()
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Your horse’s back is dynamic ~ saddle fit should be dynamic too and not propped up with wedges or padding. ![]()
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* 𝔽𝕚𝕥 𝕥𝕙𝕖 𝕖𝕢𝕦𝕚𝕡𝕞𝕖𝕟𝕥 𝕥𝕠 𝕥𝕙𝕖 𝕙𝕠𝕣𝕤𝕖. 𝔸𝕝𝕨𝕒𝕪𝕤 *![]()
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𝐑𝐞𝐟𝐞𝐫𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐞𝐬![]()
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MacKechnie-Guire, R., Fisher, M. & Pfau, T. (2021) Effect of a Half Pad on Pressure Distribution in Sitting Trot and Canter Beneath a Saddle Fitted to Industry Guidelines, Journal of Equine Veterinary Science, 96. Available at: www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0737080620303981?via%3Dihub![]()
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Dittmann, M.T., Hess, N., Arpagaus, S., Müller-Quirin, J., Weishaupt, M.A. & Latif, S.N. (2022) The effects of different saddle pads on the pressure exerted on the equine back by correctly fitting dressage saddles, Pferdeheilkunde, 38(2), pp.100–108. Available at: orgprints.org/id/eprint/44611/1/dittmann-etal-2022-Pferdeheilkunde-Vol38-Issue2-p100-108.pdf![]()
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Kotschwar, A.B., Baltacis, A. & Peham, C. (2010) The influence of different saddle pads on force and pressure changes beneath saddles with excessively wide trees, Veterinary Journal. Available at: pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/20156245/
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