The Horse Physio

16/11/2025

🎗️ Changes in Ridden Behaviour
It’s tempting to think of ridden resistance as a training problem. A horse who refuses a transition, rushes into fences, or spooks more than usual can easily be labelled “difficult.” But very often, these behaviours are the horse’s way of communicating discomfort.
When I assess a horse, I pay attention to both behaviour and feel. My hands may find areas of tightness or tenderness that align with what the rider has described in the saddle. The horse often “joins the dots” too — a swish of the tail when I touch a certain area, or softening when pressure is released.
These changes in behaviour aren’t defiance, they’re communication. By listening without judgement, we can uncover the true cause and support our horses in finding comfort. Physiotherapy plays a role here, helping ease tension, restore mobility, and prevent issues escalating. But the real key is partnership — recognising that our horses rarely say “no” without a reason.
When we respond with kindness, they repay us with trust.
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16/11/2025

15/11/2025

The Ridden Horse Performance Checklist
2: Eyelids closed or half closed for two to five seconds; repeated

Research shows that if 8 or more of this list of 24 ridden behaviours are shown, it’s highly likely that the horse is in musculoskeletal pain.
Find out more on the Harmonious Horsemanship website.
The Ridden Horse Performance Checklist is adapted from:
Dyson, Sue & Berger, Jeannine & Ellis, Andrea & Mullard, Jessica. (2017). Development of an ethogram for a pain scoring system in ridden horses and its application to determine the presence of musculoskeletal pain. Journal of Veterinary Behavior, 23. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jveb.2017.10.008

Soft eyes, or something more?
While this might look like relaxation at first glance, research has shown that repeated eyelid closure during ridden work can be an indicator of musculoskeletal discomfort.
This is one of the 24 behaviours included in the Ridden Horse Pain Ethogram (RHpE)—a valuable tool for spotting pain that might otherwise go unnoticed.
In Harmonious Horsemanship, the book I co-wrote with Dr Sue Dyson, we guide you through recognising and interpreting these signs so you can act early, act kindly, and make informed choices for your horse’s welfare.

🌿 Receive exclusive insights and 20% off the book when you sign up to my newsletter:
👉 www.thehorsephysio.co.uk/newsletter



Image shared with thanks to Train with Trust
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https://trainwithtrust.com

15/11/2025

Improve your partnership, unlock your horse’s potential.
Recognising and addressing pain leads to a happier, more willing horse. Learn how in Harmonious Horsemanship—the essential guide for every rider. 🐎💡
📖 Order now! Sign up for The Horse Physio newsletter for the link and a 20% discount - link in bio!

15/11/2025

Today I’m grateful for variability in the weather, central heating, and heated seats in my car.

Would are you grateful for today?

14/11/2025

The Ridden Horse Performance Checklist
1: The ears rotated back behind vertical or flat (both or one only) for five or more seconds, or repeatedly laying the ears flat

Research shows that if 8 or more of this list of 24 ridden behaviours are shown, it’s highly likely that the horse is in musculoskeletal pain.
Find out more on the Harmonious Horsemanship website.
The Ridden Horse Performance Checklist is adapted from:
Dyson, Sue & Berger, Jeannine & Ellis, Andrea & Mullard, Jessica. (2017). Development of an ethogram for a pain scoring system in ridden horses and its application to determine the presence of musculoskeletal pain. Journal of Veterinary Behavior, 23. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jveb.2017.10.008

Grumpy? Or uncomfortable?
We’ve all seen it—ears that go back and stay back. It’s often written off as attitude. But persistent ear positioning like this, especially during ridden work, may be a sign of discomfort, not disobedience.
This is one of the 24 signs in the Ridden Horse Pain Ethogram (RHpE), developed through peer-reviewed research to help identify musculoskeletal pain in horses under saddle.
I co-authored Harmonious Horsemanship with Dr Sue Dyson to help compassionate owners like you recognise these early signs—and respond in ways that support the horse’s well-being.

🌿 Sign up to my newsletter for kind, science-based guidance and receive a 20% discount on the book.
👉 www.thehorsephysio.co.uk/newsletter



Image shared with thanks to Train with Trust
https://www.facebook.com/trainwithtrust
https://trainwithtrust.com

14/11/2025

🎥 A Moment That Took My Breath Away 🎥

This is a horse I’ve known and worked with for many years. He’s always been sensitive to palpation behind his ears and around his poll—an area that holds so much tension for so many horses.

Usually, I can ease this reactivity through gentle, hands-on treatment over the course of a session. But this time was different.

In this short video, you’ll see a clear “before and after.” Before applying kinesiology tape, there’s the familiar flinch, the guarded response to even the lightest touch. After? A relaxed posture… eyes softening and closing… no reaction at all.

I’ve never seen a change in him happen so quickly.

It’s not easy to apply tape in this area—especially on a horse who’s already sensitive there—but the results speak for themselves. I’m still learning, still experimenting, and still being humbled by what’s possible when we listen to our horses and let them guide us. Many thanks to Denise Cheese at Equine K Taping UK for sharing her knowledge and experience to support me.

This isn’t a magic fix. It’s an adjunct—an addition to a thoughtful, holistic approach that considers the whole horse. But in this moment, it felt like magic.

🌿 If you’re curious about how these small changes can make a big difference—for your horse and for yourself—you’re warmly invited to join me in the Healthy Humans, Happy Horses learning hub. Exclusive expert-led insights, courses, and support, available only from The Horse Physio.

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14/11/2025

Riding should never be a battle.
If your horse resists, rushes, or seems ‘grumpy’ under saddle, they might be trying to tell you something. Harmonious Horsemanship helps you decode their behaviour. 📖🐎
🔗 Buy now! Sign up for The Horse Physio newsletter for the link and a 20% discount - link in bio!

14/11/2025

Today I am grateful for medicine, flowers, and charities.

What are you grateful for today?