Horse Talk about Physio & Rehabilition with Janice Little

19/11/2025

🐴HOW OFTEN IS THE POLL THE HIGHEST POINT OF THE NECK IN MODERN DRESSAGE COMPETITION?🐴

The 2025 FEI Dressage Judging Manual states (page 3, point 5) that...

"The head should remain in a steady position, as a rule with the nose line slightly in front of the vertical, with a supple poll as the highest point of the neck, and no resistance should be offered to the Athlete."

There are 11 further references that the poll should be the highest point.

🐴IS ANYONE ACTUALLY CONFUSED ABOUT WHERE THE POLL IS ON THE HORSE?🐴

The 26th edition (2025) of the FEI Dressage Rules (page 47, 2.1.2) states....

"The crownpiece of the bridle must lie immediately behind the poll and may extend forward onto the poll but must not be fitted to lie behind the skull."

Debbie Symes (Sports Science Graduate, Dressage Coach and Advanced Dressage Rider) and myself have written an article on this exploring this issue in greater detail which is OPEN ACCESS - https://askanimalweb.com/the-poll-or-not/

09/11/2025

Thanking Mielie FM in Bloemfontein for the support, Legacy Equestrian for their hospitality. We going to miss you guys and your beautiful horses.

09/11/2025

12/10/2025

12/08/2025

Just because someone says they're qualified, doesn't mean they are.

Recently, a friend told me their new therapist claimed their horse had a dislocated joint—and then told her that she will “reduce it.”

Let’s pause right there.

⚠️ That’s not possible.

If a horse had a true dislocation, it would be a medical emergency. The horse would be non-weight bearing, in visible distress, and require immediate veterinary intervention. Not massage. Not bodywork. Not “reductions.”

In this case? I had photos and videos of the horse just days before this supposed “dislocation” and “reduction.” She was moving normally. Now, nearly two weeks post-treatment, she’s lame, in pain, and exhibiting new-onset neurological symptoms.

This is not post-treatment soreness.

This is an injury.

And here’s what horse owners need to understand:

➡️ Terminology matters

Words like “dislocation” and “reduction” are not casual terms. They are medical terms, protected by law, and limited to use by those with specific medical licenses—like doctors or veterinarians. When a practitioner uses them inaccurately, it’s a red flag that they may not understand scope of practice or physiological contraindications.

This isn't just semantics—it's about safety.

Many owners don’t realize that manual therapy is a regulated profession in human healthcare. For example, in BC, Registered Massage Therapy became regulated in 1995. Before that, it was a basic spa course (~800-1000 hours). Today’s programs are approximately 2200-3000 hours, with extensive clinical training. The difference in education is massive—and it shows.

So here’s what to look out for:

🚩 A therapist tells you your horse’s joint is dislocated and they can fix it
🚩 They say it’s “normal” for your horse to be neurologic or lame for more than 48 hours after a session
🚩 They dismiss your concern or tell you to “trust the process” even when your horse is clearly worse

If any of this sounds familiar, walk away.

No treatment should ever cause injury. And if it does—even inadvertently—it is the practitioner’s responsibility to refer to the vet immediately, adjust their approach from that moment onwards, reassess frequently, and ensure the horse is not in pain.

As therapists, we are here to support the body—not damage it.

Please choose your practitioners carefully. Ask about their training. Ask about their scope. And if the language they use sounds like something out of a medical textbook—they better have the credentials to match.