Frequently Asked Questions
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Horses Inside Out is a unique and informative organisation for all equestrians to learn more about how the horse functions through lectures, talks, webinars, courses, books, model specimens, online content and other educational materials. Our USP is the anatomically painted horse! By using a horse painted on the outside with one of the eleven anatomical systems, we can show information relating to anatomy, therapy or biomechanics in a fun, understandable way. The knowledge can be tailored to all levels from advanced students to first time horse owners.
How long it takes depends on the structures depicted. Gillian likes the painting process to be calm and relaxed for the horses. We always allow plenty of time so the horse can have breaks and walks in hand as necessary and they are painted in a warm, dry, comfortable place with access to hay and water throughout. For a live painted horse lecture demonstrations Gillian will paint both sides of 2 horses and with the help of at least 4 volunteers we allow 6 hours to paint both horses.
Gillian has now painted every anatomical system on horses as well as views from in front, behind and above. To see this work check out Horse Anatomy for Performance: https://www.horsesinsideout.com/product-page/horse-anatomy-for-performance
For the project Anatomy in Action, a beautiful book and in-depth biomechanical course in horse movement, Gillian painted the skeleton on horses from all different breeds and disciplines with the aim to capture, in high definition slow-motion, all the gaits and movements horses perform. Learn more about Anaotmy in Action here: www.horsesinsideout.com/aia
Non-toxic, hypoallergenic water-based paint is used so it is safe for the horses and washes off. If you are looking to paint your horse we recommend you use wet chalks, chalk paint or chalk pens.
Other favourite questions related to painting is:
Do you use a stencil? - No is the answer;
Who paints the horse? (Even the queen asked this question!) - Gillian does.
How? - It is really only possible by possessing a thorough understanding of what is happening under the skin and being able to accurately pinpoint the location of bony structures beneath.
Yes we currently have 2 gorgeous horses.
Toby is a 17.2hh 11yo ISH gelding allrounder who has evented up to 1* level. As well as being a star of Horses Inside Out and appearing in our online videos and on courses, Gillian and Toby regularly compete in dressage, showjumping and eventing and enjoy fun rides together.
Pumpernickel is an 7yo 12.2hh coloured cob and his main role is to take part on Horses Inside Out courses and be a good companion pony. He regularly does ground work exercises, lunging and long reining and is ridden occasionally to help keep him well exercised and healthy.
Learn more about our horses here: www.horsesinsideout.com/blog
Freddie was a wonderful horse and has been the face of Horses Inside Out since the very beginning. He had a wonderful character and loved playing to the audience. He has many fans all over the world, and features on the front of most of Gillian’s books and DVD’s. He is also the Horses Inside Out logo. Sadly he passed away in 2021 but he lives on in Gillian’s publications, many videos, photographs, prints and in her heart.
Read more about Freddie here: https://www.horsesinsideout.com/post/freddie-fox
There have been so many amazing moments with Horses Inside Out including:-
Winning the Knowledge West Enterprise Award in 2008,
Competing at advanced level eventing with Quake,
Presenting to the Queen at the Household Cavalry in London Barracks in 2017,
Being awarded the BHS Award of Merit in 2018 .
Featuring on Countryfile and various other BBC and ITV television programmes.
To learn more about Gillian click here https://www.horsesinsideout.com/about-gillian
Gillian certainly does. Every day if she can manage it! Her dad and partner Doug exercise the horses if she is away) In her 20s, Gillian evented up to advanced level but in more recent years, and as Horses Inside Out has grown, she now rides and trains for enjoyment. Gillian enjoys training, taking part in clinics, riding with friends and competing at low level dressage, showjumping and eventing. There is so much to learn and you never know it all. Gillian currently has 2 horses that she rides: Toby, a 17.2 gentle giant who loves dressage, show jumping and cross country, and Norman the youngster to bring on. You can read all about Gillian’s horses, family and other animals in her blogs: https://www.horsesinsideout.com/blog
We publish a weekly Horses Inside Out blog article every Monday! To receive notifications, to comment on blogs and articles and to follow your favourite blog categories, Become a Member of our Academy.
In the blog you will find a wealth of information about equine anatomy and biomechanics. The articles are full of exercises and top tips to help you improve your horse's musculoskeletal health, comfort and performance.There are also updates about Gillian and her horses, what they do, their lifestyle, how the horses are trained, as well as life at Wavendon Grange and its training facilities. You can read reports about Horses Inside Out activities and events.
With over 115 blog articles already published, you can search topic areas by using key words to find a read relevant to your interest or study.
Read all about it here: https://www.horsesinsideout.com/blog
The purpose of Horses Inside Out is to show horse owners, riders, students, therapists, saddlers and anyone who would like to know more about the horse how understanding anatomy and biomechanics improves performance and reduces the risk of injury.
It is all about improving the welfare and comfort of our horses. If you have ever been to one of Gillian’s courses or demonstrations, you can see the love and kindness she has for all her equine friends. \
Learn more about what we do: https://www.horsesinsideout.com/our-events
Horses Inside Out was established in 2006 by Gillian Higgins. At the time, working as a coach and equine massage therapist Gillian realised that many of her clients would benefit from a better understanding of how their horses work.
If riders and horse owners understood more about the anatomy and biomechanics of their horses, they could train more effectively, better assess movement, form realistic goals, reduce the risk of injury and improve equine welfare, comfort and performance. Learn more about Gillian here: www.horsesinsideout.com/about-gillian
Horses Inside Out started out with small workshops but with every course and lecture demonstration Gillian performed, it led to another. Horses Inside Out grew into an international educational organisation.
Learn more about Horses Inside Out here: https://www.horsesinsideout.com/about-us
A wealth of information can be found online in the form of blogs and articles, the free tutorial video channel, live and recorded webinars, online video lectures and courses, as well as hands-on practical courses and live demonstrations. You can also buy any of Gillian’s books and educational resources from the online shop. Take time to peruse our website and decide what is of interest to you.
The best way to hear about everything we do is to become a Horses Inside Out Academy member. It’s free to join: www.horsesinsideout.com/welcome
Sign up to our mailing list to get notifications about future events and courses: https://www.horsesinsideout.com/signup
Yes we are very active on social media. We regularly post videos, top tips and facts.
Become a member of our facebook group: Gillian Higgins and Horses Inside Out Community Forum
Follow our facebook page: Horses Inside Out
Follow us on instagram: HorsesInsideOut_
Subscribe to our youtube channel: HorsesInsideOut
The whole of our website is peppered with incredible images but to see or gallery simply click here: https://www.horsesinsideout.com/gallery-photos
Horses Inside Out is based at Wavendon Grange
in the heart of Leicestershire’s beautiful countryside. Take a look at the gallery.
At Wavendon Grange, there is a beautiful, well equipped classroom full of anatomical specimens, bones, skeletons and interactive teaching models as well as audio visual equipment. The classroom has a safe non-slip floor allowing the horses to be brought inside to help with presentations.
The yard houses four spacious stables and overlooks the attractive duck pond. There is also a large arena surfaced with sand and fibre, a smaller turn out arena, 2 small paddocks and two large turn out fields complete with a small selection of cross country jumps. Follow this link to find out more about the Horses Inside Out headquarters: https://www.horsesinsideout.com/wavendon-grange
Yes we do. Gillian is so passionate about her subject it is inspiring and we pride ourselves in attention to detail and professionalism and as a result have such lovely, positive feedback from our clients and attendees. You can read them here: https://www.horsesinsideout.com/testimonials
YOUR HORSE MAGAZINE
The anatomy lesson that will change the way you ride!
KARINA HAWKSFIELD, VETERINARY PHYSIOTHERAPY
Thanks to Gillian Higgins, Horses Inside Out and Hartpury College for another professionally lead and informative dissection workshop. We had great specimens and a fabulous time exploring the wonders of the musculature and skeleton of the head and neck including a guided tour of the brain. I believe these days are a must for all therapists, it is so important to get up close and personal to the structures we are working with. Text books are good but don’t give a true impression of the ‘interconnectedness’ of everything!
DR WILFRIED BECHTOLSHEIMER
Finally, a book (Horse Anatomy for Performance) where you can learn how your horse ticks -inside out- and it is easy to understand and fun to read. A must for every serious equestrian.
Gillian is a BHS Senior Coach, has a First Class Honours Degree from the Royal Agricultural University, Diplomas in Sports and Remedial Massage and Manipulation, Equine Sports Massage, McTimoney-Corley Manipulation, Myofascial Release Techniques as well as various other qualifications.
Learn more about Gillian here: www.horsesinsideout.com/about-gillian