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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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How Your Horse's Muscles Really Work Together
Once you have an understanding of how your horse's muscles work, you'll start reading their movement completely differently, whether you're in the saddle, working from the ground, or watching him move round during turnout.

Gillian Higgins
7 days ago8 min read


Understanding the Muscles of Your Horse's Back
When we look at a horse's back, it's tempting to think of it simply as the place where the saddle sits. However, underneath that saddle lies a fascinating, complex system of muscles that work together to allow movement, support posture, and help carry the rider.

Gillian Higgins
Jun 227 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


7 Steps to Becoming a More Harmonious Rider
Gillian's tips and advice for riding in harmony with your horse. True harmony isn’t about holding the horse together or making things happen. It’s about understanding how the horse’s body works and learning how to work with it, not against it.

Gillian Higgins
Apr 275 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


20 Years of Horses Inside Out in Pictures
2026 marks 20 years of making the invisible visible. From one painted horse in a livery yard to a globally respected education platform, the journey has transformed how people understand, care for, and train horses.

Horses Inside Out
Apr 65 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


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


Practical Tips for Coping with a Fresh or Spooky Horse
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.

Gillian Higgins
Feb 97 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


Nicola Wilson on Coaching Foundations, Resilience and Partnership
Nicola Wilson talks about her passion for coaching, resilience and the lessons life has taught her along the way.

Ally Lowther
Jan 254 min read


Time for a Fresh Start - A reset for me and my horses
Gillian Higgins shares her thoughts and plans with her horses for the year ahead

Gillian Higgins
Jan 125 min read


Creating Sound, Symmetrical Equine Athletes with Ros Canter
Ros Canter outlines some of the principles that underpin her training system and the importance of soundness and symmetry in her horses.

Ally Lowther
Jan 74 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


Are Acoustic Ear Covers for Horses Effective?
Dr Sue Dyson, Independent Consultant takes a look recent research into how effective acoustic ear covers for horses really are.

Sue Dyson
Dec 23, 20257 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


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


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.

Horses Inside Out
Sep 2, 20257 min read


Holistic Training – A Kinder, Smarter Way to Work with Your Horse
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.

Horses Inside Out
Aug 4, 20255 min read


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 23, 20258 min read
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