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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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Understanding Compensation Patterns in Horses and What to Do About Them
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.
Horses Inside Out
Jul 238 min read
The Power of Polework and Why Getting Your Distances Right Matters
Polework is an incredibly effective and accessible training tool for horses of all ages, disciplines, and abilities, but only when it’s done correctly. One of the most common questions we receive at Horses Inside Out is: “What’s the correct distance for poles?” It's a good question and one that is important to understand not just for ease and performance, but also for the horse’s musculoskeletal health, posture, and confidence.
Horses Inside Out
Jun 239 min read
Improving Horse Welfare Through Physiotherapy
As owners, riders, trainers and therapists we are all striving to ensure our horses are symmetrical and sound. But what does that really...
Horses Inside Out
Jun 185 min read
Why Fast Work is Beneficial for all Horses
Fast work plays a critical role in a horse's physical development and overall well-being. In this article, we’ll explore the biomechanics of gallop, why incorporating fast work is essential for your horse’s health and how fitness helps promote all-round well-being in all horses.
Horses Inside Out
Jun 125 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.
Horses Inside Out
Jun 44 min read
Giving Young Horses the Best Start in Life
When it comes to training young horses, the work you do before they’re ever ridden is just as important, if not more so, than what comes later. Early education lays the foundation for a confident, well-adjusted horse who’s ready to cope with their ridden career.
Gillian Higgins
May 205 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.
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.
Horses Inside Out
May 14 min read
Bringing Your Horse Back into Work
Bringing a horse back into work after a period of time off can be a challenging and daunting prospect. Inevitably, the path to full fitness can be a winding one, and horses wouldn't be horses if they didn't give us a few bumps in the road on the way.
Gillian Higgins
Apr 256 min read
Recognising Lameness in Horses
Lameness in horses is a common yet complex issue that can significantly impact a horse’s performance and overall well-being. Early detection and appropriate management are crucial to ensure long-term soundness. Understanding how to recognise lameness and take appropriate action are essential skills to have.
Horses Inside Out
Apr 175 min read
Training Young Horses for Long-Term Soundness
Starting a young horse's training is an exciting and rewarding journey, but it also comes with huge responsibility. The choices made in the early years will directly impact the horse’s future soundness, performance, and overall well-being.
Horses Inside Out
Apr 115 min read
Remembering Caroline Moore: A Mentor, Coach, and Friend
Caroline was not just a mentor and an inspiration; she was a true friend who played an instrumental role in shaping my equestrian journey
Horses Inside Out
Mar 145 min read
Understanding Asymmetry in Your Horse
Having the skills to recognise and address asymmetry is fundamental for owners, riders and trainers
Horses Inside Out
Feb 234 min read
The Importance of Good Core Stability in Your Horse
The core muscles of the horse play a vital role in a horse's balance and posture.
Horses Inside Out
Feb 185 min read
Keep a Journal and See Your Horse’s Training & Performance Progress in 2025
Journaling is more than just writing down your thoughts—it’s a habit that can improve mental clarity, emotional health, and even...
Horses Inside Out
Jan 15 min read
"Not Quite Right" Improving Poor Performance with Dr Sue Dyson
Have you ever had that feeling that even though your horse does not look obviously lame, there is something you are seeing or feeling when y
Jessica Limpkin
Oct 29, 20244 min read
The Key to Improve Your Horse's Posture, Movement, Comfort & Performance
There is no better way to visualise and understand how the horse’s anatomy is affected by the rider and doing different movements than to...
Horses Inside Out
Oct 3, 20244 min read
Mastering the Suppling Exercise, Leg-Yield
There are many benefits of incorporating leg-yield into your training regime. It promotes suppleness, develops straightness and balance.
Horses Inside Out
Aug 28, 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...
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?
Horses Inside Out
Aug 19, 20248 min read
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