Join us for an unparalleled learning experience at our world-class Equine Dissection Course, led by renowned equine anatomy experts Gillian Higgins and Dr. Kirsty Lesniak. Whether you're a therapist, coach, dentist, saddler, or any other equestrian professional, this course offers an invaluable opportunity to deepen your understanding of equine anatomy and its direct application to function, health, performance, and welfare. With the option to attend all three days for a comprehensive whole horse dissection or book individual days to focus on specific areas of interest, you'll gain hands-on experience in a professional, clinical lab environment.
This is more than just a dissection—it's a rare and invaluable chance to explore the intricate details of the horse's body in a way that will enhance your practice and improve the care and performance of the horses you work with. Don't miss this unique opportunity to learn from the best in the field!
The Spine
Wednesday 15th April 2026
This workshop will focus on joint mechanics from the poll to the tail.
Gillian will lead a dissection looking at the spinal ligaments and musculature and their effect on movement, performance and posture.
Kirsty will lead a dissection focusing on the spinal cord and major nerves.
This is our most popular dissection day course and is of special interest to equine therapists, saddlers, coaches and riders.
Book early to avoid disappointment.
Head and Neck
Thursday 16th April 2026
Gillian will focus on how understanding the anatomy and biomechanics affects neck position and outline. She will also look at bridle design and fit, poll pressure, the tongue, the TMJ and the hyoid apparatus.
Kirsty will lead an examination of the larynx, pharynx and eyes and discuss common problems as well as discussion on the brain, looking at areas that affect behaviour patterns and stereotypic behaviours such as crib-biting and weaving.
This dissection will also explain responses to outside stimuli - of real interest to coaches, therapists and riders.
Entire Fore and Hindlimb Dissection
Friday 17th April 2026
Pelvis to Pedal and Withers to Pastern
In this dissection all the joints from the sacroiliac to the coffin joint and the shoulder to the distal phalangeal will be studied. Both Gillian and Kirsty will focus on the importance of the limbs in relation to posture, balance, soundness, symmetry, stability, movement and hoof balance.
Other areas covered, of interest to riders, coaches and therapists are:
The stay apparatus and reciprocal system
The suspensory and check ligaments
The biceps catapult
Sacroiliac joint ligaments
Patella ligaments
The thoracic sling
Timetable
08.30: Registration at Legends Bar
09.00: Dissection Briefing
09:30: Specimen Palpation and Familiarisation
10:00: Led Dissections and Practical Sessions
11:00: Break
11:30: Led Dissections and Practical Sessions
12.30: Lunch
13.30: Led Dissections and Practical Sessions
15.00: Break
15.30: Led Dissections and Practical Sessions
16.30: End of Dissection, Discussion
17.00: Close
Notes
Certificates of Participation suitable for CPD will be issued via email post dissection.
Disposable gloves, lab coats and safety equipment will be provided.
Tea and Coffee will be available throughout the day from the college canteen.
Lunch is available from the college or bring your own.
The dissection is held in the labs at Hartpury University. Joining instructions and directions will be sent on receipt of payment.
Dissection Leaders
GILLIAN HIGGINS
With a fascination for applied anatomy and biomechanics, Gillian takes every opportunity to further develop her skills and knowledge which she applies to riding, training and the management of horses.
Studying anatomy at dissections have played a huge role in her understanding and growth and she is now proud to run annual dissection workshops through the aptly named ‘Horses Inside Out’.
DR KIRSTY LESNIAK
Kirsty is a Senior Lecturer (Teaching & Research) within the Equine Science Department at Hartpury University.
Her main research interests relate to equine:-
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Anatomical symmetry and their link to performance, health and welfare,
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Conformation and the association to performance ability and injury prevalence.
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Health and geometry of hoof conformation in relation to the internal and external loading and the role in compensating for asymmetries
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Hoof management: shoeing, trimming, the use of studs in relation to hoof health, performance and biomechanics.