top of page
Articles
Here you will find a wealth of information about equine anatomy and biomechanics. We regularly publish articles full of exercises and top tips to help you improve your horse's musculoskeletal health, comfort and performance. Authors include Gillian Higgins, the Horses Inside Out team and a host of other equestrian specialists all world leaders in their field.
To receive notifications, to comment on articles and follow your favourite article categories
Become a Member of our Academy
blog


Why Joint Mobilisations Belong in Every Horse's Care Routine
Joint mobilisations are quiet, unhurried movements, but don't let that fool you. The effects they create throughout the body are anything but small and something that should be part of all horse's care routine.

Gillian Higgins
3 days ago5 min read


The Hidden Anatomy Behind Bridle Fit for Your Horse
To truly understand the anatomy behind bridle fit, we need to go much deeper into what's beneath the skin. In this article, Gillian Higgins explains that the head of the horse is not simply a place to attach pieces of tack. It's a sophisticated, interconnected system of bones, muscles, nerves, and fascial chains whose health directly influences how well your horse can move, breathe, swallow, and perform.

Gillian Higgins
Jun 18 min read


Step Inside the Horse Like Never Before
Understand your horse and gain a insight into how they move and function when you visit the Inside the Horse Anatomy Exhibition this August.

Horses Inside Out
May 254 min read


Is Your Mare Really "Moody"? What the Science Actually Says
Dr Sue Dyson looks at recent research that suggests that the idea of moody mares is far more myth than reality

Sue Dyson
May 184 min read


Understanding Your Horse’s Posture and Why It Matters
Gillian Higgins explains what good posture is and shares her four-point practical guide to assessing your horse's posture

Gillian Higgins
May 116 min read


Supporting Locomotion, Mobility and Flexibility in Veteran Horses
Gillian Higgins shares her advice and tips on supporting locomotion, mobility and flexibility in veteran horses

Gillian Higgins
Apr 135 min read


How Massage and Stretching Benefit Your Horse
Horses are incredible athletes, capable of remarkable feats of strength and agility. However, their demanding work schedules can lead to muscle tension, stiffness, and pain. This is where equine massage and stretching come in, offering a natural, science-backed approach to improving your horse's well-being.

Jay Mackay
Mar 304 min read


Gillian Higgins in Conversation with Ros Canter
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

Ally Lowther
Mar 169 min read


Observe Your Horse and Ask the Question, Why
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.

Ally Lowther
Mar 95 min read


Can Coaches Reliably Detect Hindlimb Lameness in Horses?
Dr Sue Dyson looks at recent research on whether coaches are able to detect hindlimb lameness in horses and why this is an important skill to have to ensure the welfare of the horse.

Sue Dyson
Feb 233 min read


The Importance of Rider Symmetry
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?

Horses Inside Out
Feb 24 min read


Lateral Saddle Slip and Your Horse’s Soundness
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.

Ally Lowther
Jan 25 min read


Building a Bond and Understanding the Needs of a New Horse
Gillian introduces her new horse, George, and shares what she has learnt about him so far, along with her plans for the journey ahead.

Gillian Higgins
Dec 8, 20255 min read


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

Horses Inside Out
Nov 24, 20254 min read


Understanding the Link Between Equine Gastric Ulcer Syndrome and Clinical Signs
Equine gastric ulcers are one of the most frequently discussed health issues in horses. Owners and riders often link ulcers to a range of performance and behaviour problems — from irritability and girthiness to weight loss and poor coat condition.

Sue Dyson
Nov 11, 20254 min read


How Do I Know My Horse’s Teeth Are Being Properly Cared For?
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?”

Dr Chris Pearce
Nov 3, 20254 min read


Can Dental Pain Affect My Horse’s Performance?
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.

Dr Chris Pearce
Oct 28, 20253 min read


Why Correct Saddle Fit Matters for Both Horse & Rider
As soon as we sit on the horse's back we compromise his posture and ability to move, affect his balance and increase the strain on his joints, tendons and ligaments. Recognising this and how it happens is important before we can study how the horse supports his posture and musculoskeletal system. From there we can look at ways to strengthen his body in preparation for a rider and performance, whatever the discipline.

Horses Inside Out
Sep 29, 20255 min read


Why Your Horse’s Teeth Matter
Equine dentistry has evolved dramatically in recent years. Once considered a routine rasp to smooth sharp edges, modern dentistry now plays a vital role in supporting welfare, comfort, and performance. Today, we understand far more about how the mouth connects with the rest of the body – and why dental pain should never be overlooked.

Horses Inside Out
Sep 24, 20254 min read


The Lameness Debate in Horses - Subjective Judgement vs Objective Measurement
Science has the power to transform the way we care for, ride and manage our horses, but let’s be honest, research papers can often feel like a foreign language and if you've ever tried to read one and ended up more confused than when you started - you’re not alone! The world of equine research is full of fascinating discoveries, but it’s not always easy to work out what they actually mean for you and your horse. That’s why we’re thrilled to announce a brand-new series of onli

Sue Dyson
Sep 15, 20254 min read
bottom of page
