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

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

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.

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.

when you can’t ride or turnout, there's still so much you can do. It may be tricky to find the motivation but this is the perfect time to focus on strengthening your partnership, improving your horse’s comfort and posture, and building solid foundations that will help your training and performance in the future.

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.

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?

Nicola Wilson talks about her passion for coaching, resilience and the lessons life has taught her along the way.

Gillian Higgins shares her thoughts and plans with her horses for the year ahead

Ros Canter outlines some of the principles that underpin her training system and the importance of soundness and symmetry in her horses.

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.

Dr Sue Dyson, Independent Consultant takes a look recent research into how effective acoustic ear covers for horses really are.

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.

Gillian introduces her new horse, George, and shares what she has learnt about him so far, along with her plans for the journey ahead.

Ex-racehorses are incredible athletes — powerful, brave, and full of heart. But when it comes to retraining them for a new career, their early education means they often need help developing balance, coordination, and suppleness in ways that weren’t required on the racetrack.

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.

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.

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.

Premiering this September, The Bare Bones of the Matter is an exciting new online docuseries. Now, this isn’t just another educational...

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.