From the science of laterality to rehabilitation, nutrition, and welfare, day 2 of the 2026 Conference highlighted just how complex the subject of soundness and symmetry really is. While symmetry is often viewed as the ideal, the speakers over the whole weekend made it clear that the reality is far more layered. Just like humans, horses are naturally asymmetrical and understanding the difference between normal variation and when it is more serious is essential for anyone wor

During the 2026 conference we were lucky enough to welcome Ros Canter to the stage for a relaxed chat and Q&As with Gillian Higgins. In this article, Allison Lowther brings you the highlights which includes assessing asymmetry and how it may impact performance. As well as training young horses with longevity in mind and more. Assessing Horses and Managing Movement Q: How do you go about assessing your own horses and the management side of assessing movement? Ros says: When it

The conference kicked off with Dr Kevin Haussler who discussed Spinal Evaluation Techniques in Horses. He stressed a clear and structured approach is needed, emphasising that assessment must go beyond simply identifying sore areas. He explained that the spine plays a central role in posture, locomotion, performance, and neurologic function, meaning dysfunction can present as poor performance, behavioural resistance, vague lameness, or subtle neurologic deficits.

In the quest of better movement, improved performance and long-term soundness, we often look closely at the horse. We analyse conformation, training methods, saddle fit and management in minute detail. But what if one of the most influential factors is sitting right on top of the horse?

Nicola Wilson talks about her passion for coaching, resilience and the lessons life has taught her along the way.

Soundness and symmetry in the equine hoof are influenced by a whole host of factors — quite possibly enough to fill an entire book. With that in mind, in this article, Mark Johnson focuses on some of the most common elements he comes across in his daily work as a hoof-care provider.

Ros Canter outlines some of the principles that underpin her training system and the importance of soundness and symmetry in her horses.

Correct saddle fit is fundamental to equine comfort, performance and, above all, welfare. Yet one of the most common, and most misunderstood issues affecting ridden horses is saddle slip.

What is Equine Welfare? In addressing whether there is a conflict between providing good welfare and optimising performance, Roly suggests that the starting point must be clarity around definitions. “We need to consider what we mean by ‘welfare’, and what we mean by ‘performance’,” he explains.

Kirsty’s research focuses on structural asymmetry, the subtle, often invisible differences between the left and right sides of a horse’s body.

Strangles is caused by the bacteria Streptococcus equi, - infecting the horse’s upper respiratory tract. It’s highly infectious and can be transmitted through direct contact between horses or indirectly on equipment, surfaces, hands, clothes and in water.

With so many professionals offering equine dental services across the UK, it can be difficult to know who is best qualified and what level of care your horse truly needs. One of the most common and most important questions horse owners ask is: “Who should I trust to look after my horse’s teeth?”

For any animal, or human to perform to their full potential, they must be pain-free. In the horse world we readily accept that back pain or lameness affects a horse’s performance, but dental pain is often overlooked and is something that can have a profound impact, even if it’s less obvious.

Have you ever considered the benefits of an equine water treadmill for your horse? Once reserved for elite racehorses and for rehabilitation, water treadmills are now becoming an increasingly popular tool for horse owners looking to improve equine health and performance. Combining the resistance of water with the support of buoyancy, these treadmills offer a low impact yet highly effective workout that can aid in injury recovery, build strength, and enhance cardiovascular fit

Practitioners often talk about compensations and compensation patterns. However, they often offer very different definitions or explanations based on their individual perspectives and modes of assessment. In this article Kevin Haussler, DVM, DC, PhD aims to add some clarity and delves into the different ways the body reacts to injury or disease, whether those responses are good or bad, and what we can do to help manage them.

As owners, riders, trainers and therapists we are all striving to ensure our horses are symmetrical and sound. But what does that really mean? Soundness and symmetry in the horse refers to the balance and harmony of the musculoskeletal system and its impact on how the horse moves.   While we understand that both symmetry and soundness are essential for the optimal health, welfare and performance of horses, how do we achieve it – is it just a case of correct training, manageme

When we think about the horses we ride, train or care for, soundness and symmetry often go hand in hand and they are something many of us, quite understandably, take for granted.

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I couldn’t believe it when the weekend of the 2024 Horses Inside Out conference arrived in February. Where has the last year gone? I had...

This year as part of the Horses Inside Out conference at Loughborough University in February, there was the opportunity to visit Gillian...