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

Freshness and spookiness can be a real challenge during the winter months. Shorter days, reduced turnout, colder temperatures, clipped coats and more time spent in the stable can all have a significant impact on a horse’s behaviour.

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.

Every horse owner treasures the bond they share with their horse. From the excitement of bringing on a young horse and what the future may hold to the twilight years of quiet companionship, these animals give us their trust and loyalty, but as our horses age, their needs change and with that come some of the most important and, at times, most difficult decisions we will ever make as owners.

When we think about training horses, the first things that often come to mind are riding on the flat, groundwork, lunging and jumping. While these are all important parts of developing a horse, there's a growing movement toward a more holistic approach to training and working with horses that sees them as whole beings, not just athletes or tools for riding.

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

For many, the word "anatomy" conjures images of thick textbooks filled with phrases and words that are complicated to understand let alone pronounce. At Horses Inside Out, equine anatomy is anything but dry.

Horsemanship - a term that encompasses the skills, knowledge, and understanding needed to form a harmonious relationship with a horse. It involves treating the horse with respect and working with its natural instincts and behaviour to create a positive and safe riding experience. Horsemanship is the foundation of all riding disciplines and is essential for both horse and rider. Creating a partnership with the horse is key Ultimately, horsemanship is about creating a partnersh