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.

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Is Your Horse Strong Enough?

How can we tell if a horse is strong, or strong enough for the job we ask them to do? This seemingly simple question is one that can lead to myths and misconceptions. In this article, Gillian Higgins looks at some of the myths surrounding muscle strength, gives an overview of basic muscle anatomy and biomechanics and offers practical ways you can assess muscular strength in your own horse.

Training & Management

Horses Inside Out

Sep 27 min read

Why Understanding Equine Anatomy Matters

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.

Training & Management

Horses Inside Out

Jun 44 min read

Riding a Good Cooldown & Why it's Important for Your Horse

In this article, let’s look at what happens at the end of your training – the cooldown. A proper cooldown helps your horse recover and is important for the health of the musculoskeletal system and is just as important as your warm-up.

Training & Management

Horses Inside Out

May 143 min read

Why a Good Warm-Up is Essential for Your Horse

One of the most important parts of setting up for a successful training session is the warm-up phase. Sometimes, the importance of this phase can be overlooked or rushed.

Training & Management

Horses Inside Out

May 14 min read

Attaining a Comfortable & Healthy Musculoskeletal System for Your Horse

Pilates-style exercises for your horse can help him to feel good both physiologically and in turn psychologically. Using these exercise are

Training & Management

Horses Inside Out

Nov 4, 20245 min read

Taking the Mystery out of Equine Anatomy – Part 6: Hollows Near the Withers

The last of our series of articles debunking common anatomical misconceptions looks at the trapezius muscle and the posture in the area just behind the scapula. It’s common to see horses with hollows at the back of the shoulder blade, and you’ll often hear people say that it’s caused by atrophy of the trapezius muscle because of poor saddle fit. This is, in some part a correct assumption, but the bit that's not quite correct is the mention of atrophy of the trapezius muscle.

Horses Inside Out

Aug 23, 20245 min read

Taking the Mystery out of Equine Anatomy – Part 5: Which Muscles of the Horse Carry the Rider?

Taking the Mystery out of Equine Anatomy – Which Muscles of the Horse Carry the Rider?

Training & Management

Horses Inside Out

Aug 19, 20248 min read

Why a Strong Thoracic Sling is Important for Your Horse

A strong thoracic sling will improve your horse's performance, health, and well-being as well as enhancing his agility, power and lightness of the forehand. It can also reduce the risk of injury and lameness. A strong thoracic sling will reduce the stress on the back and spine making him better able to cope with the weight of the rider. Essentially, a strong thoracic sling means a happier, healthier horse. What is the Thoracic Sling? The horse has no collarbone and the thorac

Training & Management