Micro Parrish Holistic And Deep Tissue Massage & Equine Sports Massage

18/06/2025

Please read!

Puncture wounds in the foot qualify as medical emergencies, due to the amount of vital structures just beneath the sole that can be physically damaged and/or contaminated with bacteria when they are penetrated by a sharp object.

If your horse steps on a nail or other sharp object and it remains embedded in the hoof, resist the temptation to pull the nail out and consult with your veterinarian first. Leaving the nail in place will allow the vet to take x-rays of the foot before removal, which helps to identify exactly what structures have been penetrated, and to plan the most appropriate strategy for dealing with the situation.

If your veterinarian advises, carefully remove the nail to prevent the horse from stepping on it and driving it deeper into the hoof cavity. As you remove it, be sure to mark the exact point and depth of entry with tape and/or a marker so the veterinarian can assess the extent of damage. Apply antiseptic to the wound, and wrap to prevent additional contamination while you wait for your appointment.

Penetrating hoof wounds can be extremely serious and shouldn’t be underestimated. The prognosis for successful recovery depends on quick action to identify the path of the nail, treatment of potential infection and mechanical damage to the foot, and proper aftercare. As always, consult your horse doctor for more information and advice!

14/06/2025

Well done Kay Willoughby with little “Fluffy” quite the mover 💖

12/05/2025

Just some food for thought 💭

Here we go again!

Eventing brings out all the ‘shark fin wither’ experts doesn’t it?

I’m pretty sure armchair riding doesn’t have a cross country phase or require any specific fittening program. I’m also pretty damn sure armchair riding doesn’t require training in any one of the 3 disciplines that these horses perform, often seemingly effortlessly, at the very pinnacle of equestrian sport.

I’m not saying equestrian sport doesn’t need ethical reform…it absolutely does…however the fitness, readiness and skill of these animals shouldn’t be what’s at question here.

Comparing Lordships Gruffalo with your 14h Welsh section C, who gets ridden 3 times a week, is like comparing Mo Farrah with your Uncle Stan.

Having retrained a lot of racehorses straight from training I have observed how they fill out quickly on a healthy dose of grass and easy living - does mean they are better muscled? Absolutely not….they have laid down fat but it’s more appealing to the eye to see a little more cover over the ribs and softer lines. Is that a bad thing? Of course not! But the only thing it is indicative of is a change in body fat %

You also can’t compare something with 80% blood that can gallop for 12 minutes at a speed averaging 570 m/pm…whilst jumping effing great big fences….with a dressage trained horse - the breeding and training ensures a different distribution of muscle fibres - it’s like comparing an endurance athlete with a weight lifter - they are both good at their respective roles but their physical form is totally different.

Of course there are some that could be better muscled, could be fitter etc but those don’t tend to make the leaderboard and yet the horses I see the majority of criticism about are the very ones outperforming the others….so who’s wrong? Maybe it’s time to retrain your eye and learn about the physical requirements of each discipline. I see plenty of overweight dressage horses…I see plenty of under muscled horses out hacking….the skinny fat bloke effect….i see plenty of animals completely underprepared for work they are doing…not at Badminton though.

It’s the expectation that also needs to change - expecting a 5* eventer to look like a small tour horse is unrealistic. That lovely rounded neck you strive to see….its a nuchal fatty crest of varying degrees….its fat! Stop confusing it with top line and equating it with a performance marker. Do I like a more rounded neck? Yes! I personally like my horses to have a bit more cover but…..I dont ask the same questions from my animals. Could they gallop for 12 minutes….no, they aren’t and don’t need to be fit enough and training them to be able to do that could be detrimental to the work I actually wish for them - but that’s another post entirely.

This is not a post about training, any particular riders, their decisions whilst competing etc etc - it’s just about the baseless assumptions that a lean competition horse has muscular atrophy over its entire body. Some might 🤷‍♀️ most don’t!

This is not a flex but I have a Masters degree (with distinction) in Equestrian performance, a post grad diploma in Equine therapy and an undergrad in Human and equine sport science, I am a qualified PT and gym instructor and qualified equestrian coach…..but you know what? You don’t actually need any of that to understand physical form and function…..you don’t need to be an expert in any field to know that you don’t compare a sprinter with a marathon runner.

If you think differently to me - that’s fine and I will respect your opinion. Please also respect mine - if you disagree can you also share a dissection image of a horse’s neck that’s been stripped of skin and subcutaneous fat and show me ‘top line’ then great I’m all ears….but you won’t, because when dissected they all look like alpacas

Edit: No ‘Uncle Stans’ were harmed during the writing of this post and any similarities to actual Uncle Stans is mearly implied 🤣

09/05/2025

I’m on holiday 👙 🏊 🌞 🌊 from 19th May for a week so if anyone wants to get booked in, to avoid disappointment please let me know because I’m getting booked up! 💆🏻‍♀️

08/05/2025

Well done sophie_byfordd winning the 1.3m showjumping today. Ian is a relatively new horse for me to treat, it’s been about 9 months and I’m delighted to help a very thorough team!

05/05/2025

🥇 Jess Gundry and retrained racehorse Apple 🍏 winning their section in the Cotswold Cup. 🏆
Well done 👏 he will have his post event massage tomorrow ❤️

01/05/2025

True!

A lifted horse's back behind the saddle is crucial for several reasons, primarily related to the horse's ability to carry weight, engage their muscles, and move effectively and functionally. When the back is lifted, it allows the horse to more efficiently use its hind legs, which are responsible for propelling the horse forward and supporting the rider's weight. This engagement of the hindquarters also helps to improve balance, coordination, and overall athletic performance.

Here's a more detailed explanation:

Efficient Weight Bearing:
A lifted back enables the horse to distribute the weight of the rider more evenly across its musculature, reducing strain on the spine and other sensitive areas.

Hindleg Engagement:
Lifting the back allows the horse to engage its abdominal muscles and back muscles, which are crucial for proper hindleg propulsion. This, in turn, helps the horse to carry its weight and move effectively.

Balance and Coordination:
A lifted back facilitates better balance and coordination, allowing the horse to move more smoothly and efficiently.

Improved Performance:
When the back is lifted and the horse is working through its core, its overall performance improves in terms of speed, agility, and power.

Reduced Risk of Injury:
By engaging the core and supporting the back, horses are less likely to develop back problems or other musculoskeletal issues.

Saddle Fit:
A horse's back shape changes when it is working, and a saddle that fits well when the horse is standing may not fit as well when it is moving and engaging its muscles.

In essence, a lifted back behind the saddle is a sign of a horse that is working correctly, engaging its muscles, and carrying its weight effectively. It's a key element of good horse training and riding, as it promotes better health, performance, and overall well-being for the horse.

11/04/2025

Interesting as we’re going into warmer months

𝐒𝐚𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐝𝐚𝐲 𝐄𝐯𝐞𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐂𝐥𝐮𝐛: 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐖𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐖𝐨𝐞𝐬 , 𝐖𝐡𝐲 𝐘𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐇𝐨𝐫𝐬𝐞 𝐂𝐚𝐧’𝐭 𝐉𝐮𝐬𝐭 𝐃𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐤 𝐋𝐢𝐤𝐞 𝐚 𝐍𝐨𝐫𝐦𝐚𝐥 𝐀𝐧𝐢𝐦𝐚𝐥

We bit late posting this, life got in the way 😩

Let’s talk about water. Simple, right? Not when you own horses. From the gelding who refuses to drink unless the bucket is sparkling, to the mare who acts personally offended if her water isn’t just the right temperature, keeping horses hydrated is surprisingly dramatic.

So, instead of endlessly scrubbing buckets and begging your horse to drink, why not make water more appealing on their terms?

𝗪𝗵𝘆 𝗜𝘀 𝗪𝗮𝘁𝗲𝗿 𝗦𝘂𝗰𝗵 𝗮 𝗕𝗶𝗴 𝗗𝗲𝗮𝗹?

Because horses are basically walking water balloons. Their digestive systems, muscles, and temperature regulation rely on hydration. When they’re not drinking enough, things can go south fast:

• 𝐂𝐨𝐥𝐢𝐜 (𝐡𝐞𝐥𝐥𝐨, 𝐯𝐞𝐭 𝐛𝐢𝐥𝐥)
• 𝐊𝐢𝐝𝐧𝐞𝐲 𝐢𝐬𝐬𝐮𝐞𝐬
• 𝐋𝐚𝐜𝐤 𝐨𝐟 𝐞𝐧𝐞𝐫𝐠𝐲 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐩𝐨𝐨𝐫 𝐩𝐞𝐫𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐦𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞

And yet, they’ll act like you’re the unreasonable one for offering slightly tepid water with a speck of hay in it.

𝐖𝐡𝐲 𝐘𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐇𝐨𝐫𝐬𝐞 𝐌𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭 𝐒𝐚𝐲 “𝐍𝐨 𝐓𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐤𝐬” 𝐭𝐨 𝐃𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐤𝐢𝐧𝐠

1.Temperature Tantrums
Too hot? Too cold? Too lukewarm? Apparently, your horse is now a sommelier.

2.Bucket Snobbery
Some hate blue buckets. Some hate black. Some just hate anything that isn’t a natural spring flowing down a mountain.

3.Cold Weather = No Thirst
Even though they’re working and sweating, many horses drink less in cool weather. Because logic.

4.Dirty Water = Immediate Boycott
Even if you just cleaned it this morning. If there’s a leaf in it? Cancelled.

5.Something Changed and Now I Hate Everything
New field, new bucket, new stablemate? Your horse might suddenly act like water is poison.

𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗔𝗿𝗲 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗦𝗶𝗴𝗻𝘀 𝗼𝗳 𝗗𝗲𝗵𝘆𝗱𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻?

It’s easy to assume a horse that’s not guzzling water will be fine “until later,” but dehydration can creep up faster than you think and the effects can be serious.

Lethargy
If your usually alert and responsive horse suddenly seems sleepy, slow to move, or generally “not quite right,” dehydration could be the culprit.

Gums
Healthy gums should be soft, moist, and a nice pale pink. Press your thumb gently to the gum if the colour doesn’t bounce back within 2 seconds, it’s a red flag. Deep red or sticky gums = time to act fast.

Eyes
Dull, sunken, or dry-looking eyes are another common sign. A well-hydrated horse’s eyes should be bright and clear.

Skin Pinch Test (Tent Test)
Pinch a bit of skin on the shoulder or neck and let go. It should snap back instantly. If it takes more than 2 seconds, your horse may be mildly dehydrated. 4 seconds or more? That’s a serious issue.

Urine Check
Look at both colour and quantity. Healthy urine should be pale yellow. Dark, thick, or very smelly urine or worse, not much at all are strong signs that hydration needs to be addressed.

Sweating (or not sweating)
Horses need to sweat to regulate their temperature. If your horse isn’t sweating during exertion or in heat, especially if they used to, they might be suffering from anhidrosis, a condition where horses lose the ability to sweat. It can be caused or worsened by chronic dehydration and is often very difficult to manage.

Elevated Heart Rate
A resting heart rate that seems higher than usual could indicate dehydration or even heat stress. Anything consistently above 40-44 bpm at rest is worth monitoring.

Fever
Dehydration can lead to fever, and while a fever doesn’t always mean a horse is dehydrated, it’s a common pairing when things start to go wrong.

𝐖𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐭𝐨 𝐃𝐨 𝐢𝐟 𝐘𝐨𝐮 𝐒𝐮𝐬𝐩𝐞𝐜𝐭 𝐃𝐞𝐡𝐲𝐝𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧

If you spot one or more of these signs:
Offer Water Immediately
Cool but not cold water is best. You can also offer flavored or supplemented water (like the options in a water buffet) to encourage drinking.

Electrolytes Can Help
Whether in feed, water, or paste form, electrolytes can help restore the balance of fluids and salts.

Call Your Vet
If the symptoms are severe or not improving after fluid intake don’t wait. Dehydration can turn serious fast, especially in performance horses, foals, or older horses.

Monitor Urine, Heart Rate, and Gums
These can give you a good indicator of whether things are improving.

𝐏𝐫𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐈𝐬 𝐀𝐥𝐰𝐚𝐲𝐬 𝐁𝐞𝐭𝐭𝐞𝐫

The best way to deal with dehydration? Avoid it in the first place:

Provide constant access to clean, fresh water

Offer salt or electrolyte supplements, especially in warmer months or when working

Make use of a water buffet to keep things interesting and allow self-selection

Monitor water intake daily, especially during weather changes, travel, or stressful events

𝗘𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗿: 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗪𝗮𝘁𝗲𝗿 𝗕𝘂𝗳𝗳𝗲𝘁

So what’s the solution? Turn their water station into a buffet. A few buckets, a few extras, and your horse gets to choose what they need. It’s not just enrichment it’s hydration with benefits.

Here’s what’s on the menu to try:

1. 🌟 Turmeric
The golden all-rounder. Anti-inflammatory, joint support, liver love, and gut goodness. Your horse’s daily dose of “I got this.”

2. 🌿 Mint
Fresh or dried, it helps digestion, soothes the mouth, and makes water taste like horsey mojitos. Great for travel too!

3. 🌹 Rosehip Powder
Packed with natural vitamin C & E, antioxidants, and joint support. Tasty and brilliant for skin & immune health.

4. 🥄 Fenugreek
Smells like pancakes (no joke). Great for digestion and blood sugar balance. Most horses love the flavor.

5. 🧘‍♀️ Ashwagandha
The zen herb. Balances cortisol and chills out the anxious, overthinker types (you know the one).

6. 🌼 Chamomile & Cornflowers
The sleepy-time blend. Soothing, calming, and gentle on the tummy. Great for nervous horses or after busy days.

7. 🌱 Nettle
For muscle & lymph support, circulation, and general vitality. Use dried or wilt fresh nettles for a mineral-rich boost.

8. 🌺 Hibiscus
Beautiful AND beneficial supports liver function, immunity, and adds a punchy pink colour to the bucket!

9. 🍬 Liquorice
Aids gut health and supports liver function. Sweet and tasty, but use in moderation especially for metabolic horses.

10. 🌿 Rosemary & Basil
Your horse’s Mediterranean moment. Antioxidant power, hindgut support, and they smell amazing.

11. 🌻 Marigold (Calendula)
So good for digestion, immune system, and lymphatic flow. Plus floaty yellow petals = spa vibes.

12. 🌾 Cleavers
The detox queen. Helps support lymphatic drainage and circulation. Super palatable and horses love it!

13. 🍎 Apple Cider Vinegar
Gut-friendly, immune-supporting, and helps keep flies away. Also gives that tangy “zing” some horses go mad for.

14. 🧖‍♀️ Green Clay
For internal detox, gut health, and trace minerals. Offer for 2–3 weeks max and always provide a fresh water alternative!

15. ☕ Herbal Tea Blends
Make a strong horse-safe brew (like chamomile or raspberry leaf), cool it down, dilute, and serve. Bonus: smells amazing!

𝐖𝐡𝐲 𝐈𝐭 𝐖𝐨𝐫𝐤𝐬

More Drinking: More options = more interest

Self-Selection: Horses often know what they need

Health Support: Each option supports something different

Mental Enrichment: Especially important for track-living horses or stabled horses

Adjust weekly or seasonally based on their vibe and health needs.

Of course, fresh, plain water is always available too. That’s non-negotiable.

𝐁𝐮𝐜𝐤𝐞𝐭 𝐓𝐢𝐩𝐬 & 𝐓𝐫𝐢𝐜𝐤𝐬:

Top up morning and night
Use small amounts, just a small scoop or two per bucket
Herbs are soaked overnight and diluted in the morning
Watch which buckets they drain first, they’ll show you what they need

𝐇2𝐎 𝐢𝐬 𝐜𝐨𝐨𝐥

Water might seem like a no-brainer, but with horses, it’s anything but. Offering a water buffet takes the drama out of hydration and gives your horse more control over what they’re taking in.

You don’t have to offer everything at once (unless you want a horsey hydration tasting flight), but putting out two or three options alongside clean, fresh water gives them choice, enrichment, and the ability to self-select what their bodies need.

Because let’s face it, your horse is basically a nutritionist with hooves when given options.

Let’s keep those water buckets full, and our horses drinking happy. Share your secret recipes, we won’t tell the ponies.

Here is a water buffer kit to get you started with instructions.

https://finerforage.co.uk/products/water-buffet-kit

Photo credit: TikTok:carliecares

02/04/2025

ignore these points.. we all need to educate ourselves more and more and listen to what our horses are telling us….

𝐈𝐭’𝐬 𝐀𝐥𝐥 𝐢𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐇𝐨𝐫𝐬𝐞’𝐬 𝐇𝐞𝐚𝐝

For too long, we’ve told ourselves that certain horses are just “difficult.” That some are lazy. That others are hot, quirky, or stubborn. That when they pin their ears, swish their tails, or refuse a jump, they’re being naughty.

But what if we’ve been wrong?

What if every pinned ear, every tail swish, every moment of resistance wasn’t defiance, but pain?

Dr. Sue Dyson has spent her life proving exactly that. And her findings are shaking the horse world to its core.

𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐓𝐫𝐮𝐭𝐡 𝐖𝐞’𝐯𝐞 𝐁𝐞𝐞𝐧 𝐈𝐠𝐧𝐨𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐠

Dyson is no ordinary ex-vet. She is a globally recognized authority in equine orthopedics, specializing in lameness and performance issues in sport horses. Her extensive career encompasses clinical practice, research, and education, significantly advancing the understanding and management of equine lameness. She didn’t just observe horses, she listened to them. And what she discovered was heartbreaking: countless horses, across disciplines, were suffering in silence.

They weren’t refusing to move because they were lazy. They weren’t resisting the bit because they were stubborn. They weren’t stopping at jumps because they were disobedient.

They were hurting.

And no one was listening.

So, Dyson set out to change everything.

𝐓𝐡𝐞 24 𝐒𝐢𝐠𝐧𝐬 𝐨𝐟 𝐏𝐚𝐢𝐧: 𝐀 𝐇𝐨𝐫𝐬𝐞’𝐬 𝐒𝐢𝐥𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐂𝐫𝐲 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐇𝐞𝐥𝐩

Her breakthrough came in the form of the Ridden Horse Pain Ethogram (RHpE), a revolutionary tool that identifies 24 behaviors scientifically linked to musculoskeletal pain. Through years of research, she proved that horses exhibiting multiple of these behaviors were overwhelmingly more likely to have underlying pain issues. Behaviors we once dismissed, like an open mouth while being ridden, ears pinned back for extended periods, tail swishing in transitions, became undeniable red flags.

The implications of Dyson’s work are massive. If widely adopted, her research could transform equestrian sports, improving welfare standards across disciplines. It challenges trainers to rethink traditional methods, urging them to recognize pain before resorting to harsher equipment or stricter training regimens. It empowers riders to listen truly listen to their horses, to recognize when something is wrong before it escalates to a full-blown lameness diagnosis.

But Dyson’s research proved one undeniable fact: horses showing eight or more of these signs were almost always in pain.

𝐓𝐡𝐞 24 𝐁𝐞𝐡𝐚𝐯𝐢𝐨𝐫𝐬 𝐓𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐌𝐞𝐚𝐧 𝐘𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐇𝐨𝐫𝐬𝐞 𝐌𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭 𝐁𝐞 𝐢𝐧 𝐏𝐚𝐢𝐧

1. Ears pinned back for much of the ride

2. Regularly opening the mouth (with or without contact)


3. Holding the bit tightly or grinding teeth

4. Head tossing

5. Unsteady head carriage (constantly moving up/down or side to side)

6. Reluctance to move forward

7. Hurrying forward in an anxious way

8. Sudden stopping (without rider cue)

9. Reluctance or difficulty in transitions (walk to trot, trot to canter, etc.)


10. Rearing (lifting front legs off the ground)

11. Buckling at the knees or stumbling

12. Repeated changes in canter lead (unasked for)

13. Cantering with an irregular rhythm

14. Disuniting in canter (hind legs on a different lead than front legs)

15. Short, stilted steps instead of fluid movement

16. Hind legs not stepping fully underneath the body

17. Dragging toes or uneven steps behind

18. Difficulty turning smoothly

19. Excessive tail swishing (especially in transitions or changes of pace)

20. One hind limb more active than the other (one pushes, the other drags)

21. Rigid or hollow through the back

22. Gait looks mechanical, robotic, or stiff

23. Sudden kicking out (without clear reason)

24. Reluctance to jump, or jumping awkwardly

If a horse shows eight or more of these signs, it’s not bad behavior. It’s pain.

𝐀 𝐖𝐚𝐤𝐞-𝐔𝐩 𝐂𝐚𝐥𝐥 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐇𝐨𝐫𝐬𝐞 𝐖𝐨𝐫𝐥𝐝

Dyson’s findings force us to face a painful truth: we’ve been ignoring our horses.

We’ve blamed them instead of listening. We’ve used bigger bits instead of softer hands. We’ve demanded more when what they really needed was help.

Think about it, when a horse refuses a jump, do we immediately check for back pain? Or do we change the bit and push them harder?

When a horse swishes its tail in the canter, do we check for lameness? Or do we tighten the noseband and insist they “behave”?

For too long, we’ve asked, “How do I make my horse comply?” instead of “Why is my horse resisting?”

Dyson is challenging us to ask the right questions.

𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐒𝐜𝐢𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐞 𝐓𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐠𝐞𝐬 𝐄𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐲𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐠

This isn’t guesswork. Dyson’s research proves that these behaviors are 10 times more likely to appear in lame horses. She’s tested, analyzed, and documented case after case, showing how subtle pain signs lead to serious issues if left untreated.

She’s given us the knowledge. Now, it’s up to us to use it.

𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐅𝐮𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐞 𝐨𝐟 𝐇𝐨𝐫𝐬𝐞𝐦𝐚𝐧𝐬𝐡𝐢𝐩: 𝐋𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠, 𝐍𝐨𝐭 𝐅𝐨𝐫𝐜𝐢𝐧𝐠

Dyson’s work isn’t just about diagnosing pain. It’s about changing an entire mindset.

It’s about rejecting the outdated belief that horses must be made to perform. Instead, it’s about creating a world where performance comes from comfort, trust, and understanding.

It means:
✔️ Checking for physical pain before blaming behavior
✔️ Getting thorough veterinary evaluations
✔️ Ensuring proper saddle fit and rider balance
✔️ Prioritizing physiotherapy, bodywork, and hoof care
✔️ Allowing rest and recovery, instead of forcing through pain

Because the best riders aren’t the ones who dominate. They’re the ones who listen.

𝐈𝐭’𝐬 𝐍𝐨𝐭 𝐢𝐧 𝐓𝐡𝐞𝐢𝐫 𝐇𝐞𝐚𝐝, 𝐈𝐭’𝐬 𝐢𝐧 𝐓𝐡𝐞𝐢𝐫 𝐁𝐨𝐝𝐲

For years, people said these behaviors were just attitude. They said it was all in the horse’s head.

But Dyson has proven the truth. It’s not in their head,it’s in their body.

And now that we know?

We have a choice.

We can keep ignoring the signs, keep blaming the horse, keep tightening the tack, keep looking the other way.

Or we can finally listen.

For every horse that has ever suffered in silence, the question is no longer: Why won’t my horse do what I ask?

It’s this:

𝐖𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐢𝐬 𝐦𝐲 𝐡𝐨𝐫𝐬𝐞 𝐭𝐫𝐲𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐭𝐨 𝐭𝐞𝐥𝐥 𝐦𝐞?

Just bought this for a good read.

Also makes me question some of these TikTok influencers what their horses are trying to tell them, hmmm🤔👀

https://www.harmonioushorsemanship.co.uk

21/03/2025

Worth a read with this spring grass 💥 🚀 🤣

15/03/2025

Interesting details about bits

06/03/2025

Interesting article….

The Equine Pulse
Brian S. Burks DVM
Diplomate, ABVP
Board-Certified Equine Specialist

Horse owners should know how to evaluate the basic health parameters of their animals, including temperature, pulse (heart rate), and respiration, better known by the acronym TPR. They also should know how to evaluate capillary refill time to judge the horse’s circulatory health. Checking your horse’s heart rate is an important skill that is often done with a stethoscope. Sometimes a stethoscope may not be readily available when needing to check the pulse rate, or there may be another reason for wanting to check your horse’s pulse. When checking the TPR and pulses, the horse should be at rest and relaxed.

If you have a stethoscope, place it just above the elbow and push under the triceps muscle. One heart-beat has two parts “lub-dub”- so do not double count.

The normal resting heart rate for an adult horse is 28 to 44 beats per minute (bpm). Neonatal foals will be 80-120 bpm. To calculate find the pulse or heartbeat and count for 15 seconds, then multiply by four to get the number of heartbeats each minute. Listening for at least one minute helps determine if the heart rhythm is regular or irregular, or if a murmur is present.

Heart rate and pulse are generally the same (there are a couple of exceptions) so either can be used. The facial artery can be palpated under the jaw, just on the inside of the bone. Either right or left may be used. A rope-like rubbery structure is the facial artery and the pulse can be felt with a light touch. Use your fingers, not your thumb, so that you do not measure your own pulse by mistake.

A pulse is the rhythmic expansion of an artery that can be felt with the fingertips during physical examination. A horse’s pulse can be felt or seen in several places: the facial artery, the radial artery on the inside of the carpus, the jugular pulse, and the digital pulse.

A jugular pulse in the lower neck can be noted in healthy animals, but excessive pulsing or distension of the jugular vein can be seen in horses with heart failure. A pulse may be absent, increased (strong), or decreased (weak)—each of which may indicate a specific type of heart disease or defect.

All horses have a digital pulse, though some people cannot feel it in some horses when it is cold or the horse is relaxed. A “bounding” digital pulse is a sign of increased blood flow to the foot, indicating pain or inflammation in the foot. Generally, an increased pulse in one hoof can indicate a localized problem, like an abscess or a bruise in response to an injury. It may accompany lameness or tenderness. The horse may stand with little weight on the affected limb. The hoof wall may feel warm.

If you find stronger or bounding pulses in two or four hooves, laminitis is a possibility. In fact, bounding digital pulses and hoof pain are often the first signs of laminitis. The horse may shift his weight from foot to foot, or lie down more than normal.

If you are familiar with the feel of the pulse in a normal horse, then you will recognize a bounding pulse–you will feel the blood pump harder and firmer against your thumb and fingers.

Digital pulses can be felt on the lower leg of your horse in the fetlock and pastern area. The pulse comes from the blood flowing through the artery to the hoof. The artery will pulse with each beat of your horse’s heart.
The vein, artery and nerve (VAN) run together in the space between the suspensory ligament and the flexor tendons above the fetlock. The VAN continue distally over the back of the fetlock and into the pastern. As the digital artery crosses over the back and towards the side of the fetlock, you may also be able to feel the pulse at the bulge of the fetlock joint. At this point, the branches of the digital artery are close to the surface and may be easy to feel.

Over the pastern, the extensor branches of the suspensory ligament reach from either side the fetlock down towards the front of the hoof, on a diagonal; they can be seen and felt. The vein, artery and nerve travel in the groove behind these firm ligament structures.

Practice feeling your horse’s pulses when he is happy and healthy, rather than waiting until he is sick. You will be more familiar with what is normal and more easily detect the pulses when it counts. When feeling for the pulse, try different pressures. If you press too lightly you may not be able to detect a pulse. With too much pressure, you may restrict the blood flow and therefore the pulse.

It is important to consider digital pulses in context of the whole horse. A complete physical examination that includes TPR, signs of injury, illness, lameness, or distress.

Check the digital pulse on each leg. This will allow you to notice any differences between limbs, which could indicate a potential issue. This is why it is important to check your horse’s digital pulses when he is well, so you will know what the normal pulse in your horse feels like. Keep in mind that some variation is normal. If your horse exhibits lameness, call your equine veterinarian.

www.foxrunequine.com

(724) 727-3481