Sue's Snippets of Science 2026

Part 2 of the kissing spine on-demand webinar with Gillian Higgins. Focussing on exercises for prevention and rehabilitation

There are many horse back problems including kissing spines, whether you have a horse with this condition or not, learning as much about it is a good thing to do. With the help of Gillian’s anatomically painted horses, anatomical bones and real horse bones, discover what kissing spines are, what they actually look like, where and why they happen. Gillian demonstrates a comprehesive set of exercises and tips to both prevent them happening and to aid the rehabilitation of horses with Kissing Spines

Did you know that your horse doesn’t have a collarbone? With no direct bony connection (collar bone) the thoracic sling muscles in the horse need to be strong to support the forehand up between the front legs. Weak thoracic sling muscles influence the horse’s posture, movement and performance of the ridden horse. Closely linked to the thoracic sling muscles is the cervicothoracic junction - the part of the spine, at the base of the neck, where the neck vertebrae change into thoracic vertebrae. There is a lot of movement in this area and it is subject to many demands due to its anatomy and function. Posture and movement of the cervicothoracic junction and thoracic sling muscles are intrinsically linked so it is impossible to talk about one without affecting the other. This on-demand webinar looks, in detail at the anatomy of these muscles and how to assess their strength. and suggest appropriate exercises to stretch and strengthen them. This webinar is for you, if you wish to improve your horse’s posture and way of going or if your horse goes: • On the forehand • Pulls himself along rather than pushing from behind • Runs or is strong • Prefers a hollow outline or goes with a high head and neck position • Falls out through the shoulder • Struggles to maintain good balance

As a forward and asymmetrical gait canter is effective at mobilising the back and warming up your horse. This on-demand webinar looks at the biomechanics of this pace and the differences between collected to extended canter. We also focus on variations and problems within canter including gait irregularities, asymmetries, diagonal dissociation, bucking, four-time canter and the lateral canter. This subject is illustrated using high-definition slow motion videos of Gillian’s signature anatomically painted horses. Gillian studies this pace in detail with views from above as well as from in front and behind to truly analyse the gait and movement through the horse’s whole body. Gillian suggests techniques and exercises to improve the quality of the canter, and top tips for upping your scores in the dressage arena. This webinar is perfect for anyone wishing to improve their horse’s canter.

Trot is a symmetrical gait, which makes it great for assessing soundness. This webinar looks in detail at the biomechanics of trot and study the difference between different types of trot from collected to extended. We also look at variations and problems within the gait including lameness, diagonal dissociation, asymmetry, and straightness issues. ​ Illustrated using high-definition slow motion videos and Gillian’s signature anatomically painted horses we look at the horse from above on a treadmill, as well as from in front and behind, and the traditional side view to truly analyse the gait and movement through the whole body. ​ Gillian shares techniques and exercises to improve the expression and cadence of the trot – plus, Gillian gives her top tips for riding the trot in harmony and how to up your scores in the dressage arena. After watching this webinar you’ll have the tools to accurately assess and improve your horse’s trot. ​ Whether you’re a rider, coach, therapist or saddlery professional this on-demand webinar is for you.

As well as truly understanding what straightness is, learn to recognise signs of asymmetry and core weakness which can challenge your horse’s musculoskeletal health as well as his performance. Gillian suggests different exercises you can do with your horse as well as massage and mobilisation techniques that will all help improve your horse’s straightness. Whether you’re a trainer, rider or therapist once you have a clearer understanding of the biomechanics of straightness and know what techniques to use to assess and improve it, you’ll be able to improve the horse’s training and way of going.

www.horsesinsideout.com/webinar-lateral Leg-yield, shoulder-in, travers - all exercises that you use each time you school your horse. When ridden correctly these lateral movements can be powerful suppling exercises for the back, pelvis, thorax, neck and body.   Lateral movements require the horse to move sideways and forwards, whilst maintaining lateral flexion through the neck and body towards or away from the direction of travel. To perform them well requires balance, rhythm, impulsion, strength and suppleness. They are also dependent on the degree and control of elongation of the myofascial chains.   Whether you’re riding these movements to improve your horse’s way of going or because they are required in competition having a thorough understanding of exactly how your horse creates sideways movement will help you ride them more effectively. It’s also important to learn the biomechanical variations of different lateral movements such as leg-yield v’s half-pass, shoulder-in v’s renvers and travers – as well as recognising factors that challenge lateral movement   In this webinar Gillian explains the biomechanics of lateral work, bringing it to life with her signature anatomical painted horses and slow-motion videos. This is a unique opportunity to study this subject in great detail.   Gillian will suggests mobilising, strengthening and stretching exercises to improve your horse’s lateral work.   A must watch for all riders, coaches and therapists. At the end of this webinar not only will you have a better understanding of the biomechanics of lateral movements but also techniques for assessing and improving them.

This recorded webinar lecture makes full use of anatomically painted horses and slow motion videos, is packed with information, tips and exercises related to the anatomy, biomechanics, structure and function of the horse’s back. With good back posture being key to a good performance as well as a happy healthy horse, the content is designed to help the rider, trainer and therapist keep the horse's back healthy, strong and mobile.

This recorded webinar lecture makes full use of anatomically painted horses and slow motion videos, is packed with information, tips and exercises related to the anatomy, biomechanics, structure and function of the horse’s back. With good back posture being key to a good performance as well as a happy healthy horse, the content is designed to help the rider, trainer and therapist keep the horse's back healthy, strong and mobile.

Gillian demonstrates a variety of different exercises, pole configurations and explain how pole work can develop balance, flexibility, coordination, lateral flexion, strength and control and focusses on the biomechanical advantages of pole work exercises.

Head Anatomy related to health, performance, bridle fit and design Correct bridle fit is just as important at saddle fit and can have a huge influence on your horse’s comfort and way of going. This webinar will help to boost your knowledge on this subject by looking in detail at the internal and external structures of the head. To give you a clear understanding of what lies under your horse’s skin and to help you see your horse from a new perspective, Gillian will (as usual) use her signature paintings on horses, drawings, intricate anatomy models and dissection photographs and videos to illustrate the points. Covering the hyoid apparatus, temporomandibular joint and tongue as well as bones, nerves, muscles and teeth, this in-depth webinar, perfect for riders, coaches, horse owners and bridle fitters, demonstrates how understanding more about the anatomy of the head enables us to fit a bridle and handle the head more sensitively with the comfort and performance of the horse in mind.

The Biomechanics of Transitions: Exercises to improve strength and harmony. A webinar with Gillian Higgins, recorded on Wednesday 2nd November 2022. Put simply, transition means change. Whether upward, downward, direct, progressive, between or within the pace riding correct transitions are far from easy – yet they are something we’re all encouraged to do more of because they are so beneficial. When transitions are performed well with the position of the withers in relation to the croup remaining constant, they’re a good strengthening exercise, particularly for the carrying, controlling and ‘sitting’ ability of the hindlimb. They are also easy to do badly. Transitions are something that riders and trainers are constantly striving to improve, and they form an integral part of all horses training whatever their age and level of education. Having the ability to ride correct transitions is a key skill for improving the horse's balance, suppleness, obedience to the aids, and ultimately collection. Understanding how the horse makes transitions from a biomechanical point of view is crucial. In this webinar Gillian explains and illustrates, with her signature anatomically painted horses in high-definition slow-motion video, the biomechanics of the limb sequence and balance transfer that are both key to achieving a quality transition. She also address causes of problems within transitions and how to solve them. Gillian gives you the knowledge and skills you need to ride effortless harmonious transitions that will improve engagement, strength, balance, body control and posture. You’ll also learn in-hand and ridden exercises, and mobilisation techniques as well as Pilates exercises, that will all help you improve transitions whether you’re a trainer, rider or therapist.

The journey to collection begins as soon as we start to handle a horse. However, true collection takes years to achieve and requires energy, impulsion, correct posture, skeletal and well-conditioned muscles. Developing collection is progressive relative to age, stage, level of training and musculoskeletal strength.   Collection and engagement are not just for dressage horses. Strong hindlimbs with a good action is something all riders should strive for with their horses whatever your chosen discipline - good engagement and collection behind helps:- Support good back posture especially whilst carrying a rider Develop balance and surefootedness Reduce the risk of injury Improve the power and strength necessary for other activities such as jumping and polework   In this presentation, Gillian focusses on the anatomy and biomechanics of the hindquarters and back that every rider and coach wishing to improve collection needs to understand.   We look at the biomechanical connections that explain how moving one part of the horse’s body can affect the rest when it comes to engagement and collection and also consider how and why poor collection can potentially increase the risk of injury.   Learn how to Assess collection and engagement Consider strength vs weakness Recognise good and poor posture and how to improve it   This recorded webinar is a must for anyone wishing to improve the strength, action and posture of the hindquarters. It will be full of ridden and in-hand exercises as well as Pilates style techniques that you can do with your horse to improve his collection and engagement.

In this comprehensive webinar Gillian takes an in-depth look at the biomechanics of exactly how the horse creates lateral flexion. We study the anatomical range of lateral flexion movement available in each joint through the spine and in other relevant parts of the body. Only once we understand the anatomical normal, is it possible to assess the limitations. Gillian also looks at factors which cause a horse to struggle with lateral flexion and bend and how this can affect posture, symmetry, balance, and correct way of going. As well as stiffness, we also consider lateral weaknesses, muscular imbalances and how these factors affect straightness. Ridden and in-hand exercises are demonstrated as well as massage and mobilisation techniques that you can do with your horse to improve and maintain lateral flexion and suppleness within the neck, back, ribcage and tail. Riding a well-trained, laterally supple and laterally stable horse is a pleasure. This recorded webinar is a must watch for all riders and coaches and will give you the knowledge and tools to achieve this with your horse.

In this comprehensive webinar, using signature Horses Inside Out paintings and photographs from dissections, we will delve deep into exactly which muscles lie in the area underneath the saddle and girth area. Gillian sorts the facts from the fiction, examines their importance to riding, posture, training, health, comfort and tack fit and dispel some myths about their anatomy and function.   Muscles covered include: The large gymnastic muscles - longissimus and latissimus dorsi The superficial muscles - cutaneous trunci The deep vertebral muscles – multifidus The breathing muscles The muscles connecting the shoulder blade to the back.   Having a thorough understanding of the structures which lie underneath the saddle and girth area will enable us to:- ​ Improve sympathetic and intuitive riding and training. Apply aids in tune with the horse’s movement and muscle contraction Select the most appropriate training exercises for improving horses with muscle atrophy Improve ability to select and fit appropriate saddles and girths for individual horses.   This is a must see for all riders, saddlery professionals and anyone wishing to understand more about the muscular anatomy underneath the saddle.   After this webinar you will look at a horse’s back from a whole new perspective.

This recorded webinar on skeletal maturity looks at how youngsters, regardless of conformation or type, develop both muscularly and skeletally. It compares skeletons with open and closed growth plates and looks at different activities and exercises to help prepare young horses for future ridden work. Understanding skeletal maturity is key to developing a happy, healthy, posturally strong horse. The exercises demonstrated are useful for horses of all ages and particularly for those coming back into work after injury.