Equipoise Equestrian

18/07/2025

09/07/2025

Leave those whiskers to do their job! We wouldn't cut off a cat's whiskers - or a dog's - because they are really important for their perception of their world.

Welfare Wednesday: Why You Mustn’t Trim Your Horse’s Sensory Hairs

The horse’s senses have evolved over millions of years to give them the best chance of surviving in the wild. As part of this adaptation, horses developed coarse, sensory hairs (vibrissae)—mainly around their muzzle and eyes—to help them interpret their environment and stay safe.

These hairs are not decorative. They help horses:

▪️ Detect objects, surfaces, and even vibrations

▪️ Judge distance and navigate their surroundings

▪️ Test electric fences before touching them

▪️ Gather information while grazing or rubbing their heads

From birth, foals use them to find their mother’s teat. Removing them can result in confusion, stress, and a higher risk of injury, especially during transport or in unfamiliar environments.
(Source: McGreevy, Equine Behaviour, 2012)

That’s why trimming a horse’s sensory hairs around the mouth, nose and eyes is a breach of the Pony Club Australia Horse Welfare Policy.

Similarly, removing hair from inside the ears is not permitted, as it plays an important protective role. You may tidy longer hairs that extend beyond the ear’s edge, but the internal ear hair must be left intact.

Policy breaches can result in immediate action, including:

▪️ Elimination from competition

▪️ Withdrawal from Pony Club activities

▪️ Referral under the PCA Conduct and Disciplinary Policy

Let’s respect what evolution has provided. Sensory hairs belong—for awareness, safety, and welfare.

Read the full Horse Welfare Policy at https://bit.ly/456Xf8r

14/06/2025

https://equusmagazine.com/horse-care/equine-oral-care

Well worth considering. Talk to your equine dental vet if your horse requires this treatment.

Click to read on equusmagazine.com

06/06/2025

Talking about anyone's weight is fraught with danger - body shaming is hurtful and potentially harmful. However, it's the horse's welfare that ultimately matters, so it's a subject that has to be addressed.
We used to believe that 20 per cent of the horse's weight was OK - and that was healthy weight, not an obese horse. The calculation has to include helmet, boots, saddle, pads, bridle as well as the rider's weight.
It has become clear, though, that this calculation, which came from the old cavalry manuals, was made at a time when winning a battle was more important that horse welfare. (Obviously!)
So how do we do this? With great difficulty! If we see a horse or pony carrying what appears to be excessive weight, how do we go about trying to make things better for that horse - and that rider?

I'm open to suggestions!

𝗟𝗲𝘁'𝘀 𝘁𝗮𝗹𝗸 𝗮𝗯𝗼𝘂𝘁 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗿𝗶𝗱𝗲𝗿 𝘁𝗼 𝗵𝗼𝗿𝘀𝗲 𝘄𝗲𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁 𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼.

Now we know this is not always a comfortable topic to discuss, but it is an important one for animal welfare.

The old rule of thumb is that a rider can weigh a maximum of 20% of a horse's body weight.

However, a 2019 study found riders exceeding 15% of the horse's body weight (17% if including tack weight) caused the horses to become temporarily lame and/or have significant behavioural signs of musculoskeletal pain, when ridden for 30 minutes of walk, trot and canter work.

Therefore, it is reasonable to suggest that 15% should be the maximum rider weight limit, especially if asking for a significant amount of trot and canter work. It is also important to remember that this must be calculated from a horse's ideal weight. An overweight horse cannot carry any more weight than it would if it were a healthy condition. For example, for a 500kg horse with a healthy body condition score, the maximum rider weight would be 75kg (85kg including tack). It is worth noting that a heavier saddle will reduce the rider weight that a horse can take.

It is also important to consider the size of horse required to match the saddle size required by the rider. A saddle's length should never extend past the horse's last thoracic vertebra (last rib), and it is not acceptable to compromise on this to allow for the rider. Therefore, we must ensure to ride an appropriate size horse to allow a correct saddle seat size for our shape, weight and height.

Note - the above study acknowledges that the results are not necessarily applicable to walk only exercise (e.g. walking hacks), as significant concerns were only seen at trot and canter.

𝗦𝗼, 𝗹𝗲𝘁'𝘀 𝗻𝗼𝘁 𝗮𝘃𝗼𝗶𝗱 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗰𝗼𝗻𝘃𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻. 𝗟𝗲𝘁'𝘀 𝗱𝗼 𝗿𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁 𝗯𝘆 𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗵𝗼𝗿𝘀𝗲𝘀 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗺𝗮𝗸𝗲 𝘀𝘂𝗿𝗲 𝘄𝗲 𝗮𝗿𝗲 𝗿𝗶𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗮𝗻 𝗮𝗽𝗽𝗿𝗼𝗽𝗿𝗶𝗮𝘁𝗲𝗹𝘆 𝘀𝗶𝘇𝗲𝗱 𝗵𝗼𝗿𝘀𝗲 𝘁𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗶𝘀 𝗮𝗯𝗹𝗲 𝘁𝗼 𝗰𝗮𝗿𝗿𝘆 𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝘄𝗲𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁, 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝗮 𝘄𝗲𝗹𝗹 𝗳𝗶𝘁𝘁𝗲𝗱 𝘀𝗮𝗱𝗱𝗹𝗲.

To read the study, please go to: https://beva.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/eve.13085 #:~:text=The%20conclusions%20and%20clinical%20relevance,bodyweight%20and%2For%20weight%20distribution.

18/05/2025

It's so important for a young horse's future that her/his first experiences under saddle are pain free and non- damaging. And yet...
When most youngsters are sent away to a breaker, they wear the breaker's gear, which is the saddle that the breaker finds most comfortable and secure. It may fit the young horse, but there's a fair chance that it absolutely does not!

CENTAUR BIOMECHANICS - BLOGS

**DOES SADDLE FIT MATTER FOR YOUNG HORSES?**



Generally, when starting the horse’s education (backing) there is little regard for the fit of the saddle. In most cases (not all), a saddle which appears to “reasonably” fit the young horses back is used – these saddles tend to be well used, and when not required, are placed at the back of the tack room, out of sight. It is important to appreciate that the unbacked horses back and soft tissues have never been exposed to the weight and dynamic forces created by the rider (and saddle). Therefore, if a saddle, which does not fit or distribute forces appropriately is used, the experience that the horse gets when first ridden, will vary considerably to the experience a horse has when ridden in a saddle which is fitted.

Although this may seem overzealous, we must not underestimate the compensatory strategies horses take. We and others have demonstrated the effect that incorrect saddle fit/design can have on saddle pressure distribution, back function, and locomotion. In the case of the young horse, who has not been exposed to the dynamic forces of the rider/saddle and the vertical load applied to its back, when ridden for the first time in a saddle which doesn’t fit, will create high pressures/restrict locomotion. It seems logical to expect, that the horse will develop a locomotor strategy to compensate to alleviate any discomfort caused.

In the case of the young horse, this strategy will be learnt immediately. It remains to be seen how this manifests itself over time. Our understanding on the effect that incorrect saddle fit has increased exponentially, therefore, applying the same principles, the young horse will develop a locomotor strategy (caused here by incorrect saddle fit), which may have been able to be prevented had a correctly fitted saddle been fitted.


Often people say, “I will invest in a saddle once the horse has fully matured”. The financial implications of buying a saddle for a young horse are fully appreciated, especially when horses mature and alter their body shape. Generally it is not viable to have a “made to measure” saddle for a young horse and then replace it as the horse matures and alters body shape.

With the advances of saddle design and technology, there are multiple options for horse owners for example, interchangeable gullet systems. Although the saddle must be professionally fitted, this type of system means that saddles can be fitted to young horses and then altered throughout the horse’s career.

Back related conditions in the horse are increasing which lead to a loss of athletic performance, injury, and lameness etc. Research is underway looking at saddle fitting in relation to young horses however, the question which remains to be answered (which will be in time to come), is does the locomotor compensatory strategy that the horse adopts at the beginning of its riding career cause locomotor asymmetries which can then lead to back / gait related conditions?

In summary – correct saddle fit for young horses is equally as important as correct saddle fit for the mature horse.

Please like / follow our page for more blogs and please share to raise awareness 😃

Dr. Russell MacKechnie-Guire
Centaur Biomechanics
www.centaurbiomechanics.co.uk

23/04/2025

Excellent video of what really is involved with thorough dental checks for our horses - sedation, light, and in this case a camera.

If your dental checker doesn't use sedation or light inside the mouth, how on earth are they able to do the full job?

Horses , as a prey species, have evolved over millions of years, to be able to hide pain very well ! Especially in the mouth! They are so determined to keep ...

20/04/2025

Self carriage - how often do we see it in dressage and show horses? Not that often, unfortunately. It's the goal (or should be) in all our training.

"Applying tests of self-carriage more thoroughly in dressage tests and all other riding tests has the potential to save horse sports. Riders should be required to demonstrate self-carriage in all gaits and movements.

This would ‘prove’ to judges that horses are actually trained rather than held. If a horse is held in a certain movement, it means he is not trained to maintain it.

As a minimum standard, any so-called ethical training method should demonstrate the maintenance of desired behaviours (self-carriage) without relying on physical force."

Andrew McLean

17/03/2025

Unlike humans, horses don’t have collarbones. Their shoulders are held to the rest of their skeleton via a sling of muscles and ligaments instead, often referred to as the “thoracic sling.”

Why is this important? We often ask our equine athletes to perform complex movements that require tremendous strength and coordination, and horses carry the majority of their weight in their front end. Therefore, it is imperative that the bulk of the muscles that support the front end are kept healthy and conditioned, and the horse is trained to use their “motor” — that is, engaging the large hind end muscles as much as possible to avoid excessive weight bearing on the front end.

If the front end of the horse is consistently overweighted or not at an appropriate level of fitness, repetitive biomechanical stresses get transferred down the leg to the smaller ligaments and tendons that were not designed to bear this weight, which can then lead to injury.

Brought to you by the AAEP Horse Owner Education Committee.

14/03/2025

Clipping off a horse's whiskers seriously compromises their welfare - these are feelers, sense organs. We wouldn't do it to a cat "to make it look better", would we?

Do you clip your horse's whiskers? This may change your mind.

13/03/2025

When a horse's stomach is empty of food, the constantly-present acid can splash around on the stomach walls which is painful and can start the ulceration process. A small feed of lucerne hay BEFORE you ride can make all the difference.

Remember when your parents used to tell you to wait 30 minutes after eating before going for a swim? Unlike us, horses can actually benefit from eating forage before they exercise, as it may help reduce the risk of gastric ulcers.

While a variety of things can contribute to the development of stomach ulcers (medications, diet, stress, etc.), one train of thought is that these areas of irritation result as a consequence of the acid of the stomach splashing against unprotected parts of the stomach lining. When a horse eats forage, the hay can help absorb some of that acid and thus reduce the risk of ulcer formation.

It is important to note that a forage meal (one comprised of long stem hay) provides the most benefit, while eating large volumes of concentrate feeds (such as oats, corn, or other cereal grains) can actually increase the amount of acid within the stomach.
As always, please be sure to consult with your vet regarding further diagnostics and treatments if you have concerns that your horse may have gastric ulcers.

Brought to you by the AAEP Horse Owner Education Committee.

26/02/2025

How often do we hear people say "I think my horse might have been drugged when I bought him - he behaves nothing like that now he's home here with me"?

There are good reasons why a horse will behave differently when he changes environments. Depending on the horse's innate temperament, his new environment and handling, and his level of training, it can take quite a bit of time and understanding for him to start feeling normal again.
https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=1054152166742222&set=a.562015285955915

Understanding Horse Relocation Stress When Buying or Leasing a Horse

Horses thrive on routine and familiarity, so moving to a new home—whether bought or leased—can be a significant adjustment for them. Everything they know changes overnight: new surroundings, new people, and new routines. This can leave them feeling unsettled, which often manifests in their behaviour. Understanding what’s happening during this transition helps to put their reactions into perspective and supports better management of their welfare.

Why Do Horses Struggle with Moving?

Equitation science provides insight into why relocation can be challenging for horses. Several key factors influence their response to a new home.

1. A Completely New Environment

Horses form strong associations with their surroundings and daily routines. When they move, everything familiar disappears, and they must adapt to an entirely different setting. A horse that was calm and responsive in its old home may seem anxious or reactive in a new one—not because they have changed, but because they are processing a world that suddenly feels unfamiliar (Appleton, 2023).

2. Heightened Alertness and Stress

Relocation can activate a horse’s natural survival instincts. Their fight-or-flight response is heightened as they assess their safety in an unknown environment. Research by Janczarek et al. (2013) indicates that changes in surroundings can significantly impact stress markers in horses, leading to increased sensitivity and anxious behaviours. Appleton (2023) also describes this as "New Home Syndrome," where heightened alertness is a natural reaction to unfamiliar settings. If your new horse seems different from when you first tried them, this heightened state of alertness is likely the cause.

3. A Different Sensory Experience

Horses perceive their surroundings in a highly detailed way. What might seem like a similar stable to us is an entirely different world to them—new smells, sounds, sights, and even the feel of the footing underfoot. According to the International Society for Equitation Science (ISES), environmental changes can affect a horse’s welfare, particularly in relation to sensory processing and their ability to feel safe in a new setting (ISES, n.d.). Appleton (2023) highlights that even subtle changes in sensory input can contribute to stress and anxiety in newly relocated horses.

4. Disrupted Routine and Learning Process

Horses rely on routine for a sense of security. When they are relocated, everything from feeding times to handling and riding changes. This disruption can make them seem uncooperative or confused when, in reality, they are just adjusting. Hall et al. (2016) examined how environmental changes impact stress responses in horses, emphasizing the importance of gradual acclimation to new routines and handlers. Appleton (2023) further explains that horses need time to form new associations with their environment and handlers, which is why patience and consistency are key during the transition period. If a horse also has a new rider, it needs time to adapt to different aids, rein contact, and handling cues, which can add to its stress.

The Takeaway

If your new or leased horse is behaving differently after a move, it’s not necessarily a sign of poor training or a problem with the horse—it’s a natural response to change. Recognising this can help foster patience and understanding, making it easier to support them as they settle into their new home and routine. Following evidence-based equitation science principles, including those outlined by Appleton (2023), can ensure a smoother transition, reducing stress for both the horse and its handler.

References:

Appleton, S. (2023). New Home Syndrome. Calm Willing Confident Horses.

Janczarek, I., Wilk, I., & Kędzierski, W. (2013). Stress Response of Three-year-old Horse Mares to Changes in Husbandry System During Initial Equestrian Training. Turkish Journal of Veterinary and Animal Sciences

Hall, C., Kay, R., & Yarnell, K. (2016). Assessing ridden horse behaviour: The Ridden Horse Pain Ethogram. Journal of Equine Veterinary Science.

International Society for Equitation Science (ISES). (n.d.). Equine learning and training principles. www.equitationscience.com.

24/01/2025

Do you want to learn how to ride, or how to compete?