Observe Your Horse and Ask the Question, Why

The Soundness and Symmetry Conference was a huge success. Over the next few weeks, we’ll bring you several articles that will give you just a little insight into what the presentations covered. The line up of speakers was one of the best we’ve had, and they all gave us a lot to think about when it comes to caring, riding and training horses.

"The overall key message to me was the importance of taking time with your horse to really observe and think and ask the question, why?" says Gillian. "Why does a horse display certain behaviours and really have exceptional attention to detail."

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.

Accurate diagnosis relies on gathering a thorough history of the horse, careful observation of posture and symmetry, systematic palpation, assessment of passive and active range of motion, and evaluation in-hand. He stressed that asymmetry does not automatically indicate pathology and that imaging findings must always be interpreted alongside clinical signs.

Properly assessing a horse’s spine means using a clear, evidence-based approach that focuses on how the horse moves and behaves, rather than just looking for structural issues in isolation. Kevin then moved on to discuss the systemic palpation from head to tail to evaluate muscle tone, tissue texture, heat or swelling and pain response. Here, Kevin stressed that pain responses must be interpreted carefully. Reactivity doesn’t automatically mean disease, and lack of pain does not rule it out.

"Clinicians should look for patterns rather than single sore areas, balancing science, experience, and careful reasoning to decide when intervention is necessary and when it’s not."

Following on perfectly was Gillian Tabor who looked at Evidence-based Strategies for Musculoskeletal Assessment. She first highlighted the important role of the musculoskeletal therapist in supporting long-term soundness, performance, and welfare as part of a multidisciplinary team. She explained that many issues don’t always present as obvious lameness, but instead as subtle asymmetries or compensatory movement patterns and these early signs of dysfunction may be easily missed.

Asymmetry alone doesn’t mean dysfunction, and research shows that even sound, high performing horses show differences in muscle mass, joint function and limb-loading. The key is determining whether changes are functional adaptations or responses to pain or restriction.

It was from here, just as Kevin did in his presentation, Gillian emphasised the need for systematic, evidence-based assessment. Static postural assessment that provides insight into habitual loading patterns, while dynamic assessment reveals how these patterns express during movement. Gait asymmetries may reflect discomfort, neuromotor inefficiency, training influences, or environmental factors. Distinguishing between these requires a strong foundation in anatomy, physiology, and biomechanics.

Gillian also touched on the availability and use of technology such as AI-based gait analysis. These can be used to enhance assessment but with a word of caution that these tools are only as useful as our ability to apply them consistently and interpret their output critically. She also emphasises the importance of using repeatable and valid tests such as muscle tone, range of motion and spinal function. These can be recorded to track changes. The aim of this part of the assessment is to identify subtle asymmetries and compensatory patterns which may indicate dysfunction. The horse’s posture, movement and when assessed through passive and induced movement when standing reflects the underlying biomechanical function.

"I will assess a horse dynamically before carrying out the static phase as I know that once I get my hands on the horse it will affect movement."

Taking us up to the lunch break was Dr Sue Dyson who discussed: Determining Acceptable Unlevelness vs Unacceptable Lameness. In this thought-provoking presentation, Sue challenged the simplistic distinction between asymmetry and lameness, emphasising that measurable movement asymmetry does not automatically indicate pain and, crucially, that symmetry doesn’t guarantee soundness.

Defining lameness as pain-induced gait dysfunction, she highlighted how horses frequently mask discomfort through adaptive movement strategies such as shortened steps, reduced impulsion and restricted spinal motion, meaning problems may only become apparent under saddle or during specific movements. Central to the discussion was the Ridden Horse Pain Ethogram (RHPE), a 24-behaviour checklist developed to help identify musculoskeletal pain in ridden horses.

Sue stressed that behavioural changes often labelled as “naughty” or “resistant” are frequently pain-related communication. With evidence suggesting that over 50% of horses in full work show signs of lameness, she encouraged a whole-horse approach that considers behaviour, performance, rider influence, management and long-term welfare. It is crucial to recognise that horses are trying to communicate through their behaviour.

"Riders and trainers need to learn how to notice and understand these behavioural signs and to react accordingly."

Ultimately, “acceptable” unlevelness cannot be judged on symmetry alone — the key question is whether the horse is genuinely comfortable, working willingly and maintaining quality, sustainable movement.

Dr Lee Clark was first up after lunch. After a morning that focused on the horse, it was now time to turn the tables and look at the rider. His presentation looked at Rider Asymmetry. Is it the rider or the horse?

Riding horses requires the rider’s central nervous system to organise the systems of the body to work simultaneously to allow the rider to adapt to the motion of the horse.

For a rider to perform these tasks effectively and safely, the rider must be adequately equipped with sufficient strength, flexibility, and balance to ensure they have the ability to react instantly, maintain equilibrium and move in harmony with the horse.

There is limited evidence on the physiological and physical attributes required to be a ‘good’ horse rider.

The movements of the horse and rider are intrinsically linked, and the partnership should also include a high degree of synchrony. This dynamically linked interaction no doubt means that one will have a substantial influence on the other.

We all have some asymmetry - with 80 - 90% of humans being right-handed, this predisposes us to be stronger on the right. This is highly likely to transfer to daily tasks and when you're in the saddle. As riders, we should work on strengthening our weaker side until it feels symmetrical, then continue to work equally on both sides.

Studies show that rider asymmetry destabilises the thoracolumbar spine of the horse and alters loading of the limbs. This accumulates over time, so it's important to assess the reason for asymmetry and work to rectify it.

Lee also discussed asymmetries in horses, explaining that unbroken and young horses are more asymmetrical and simple things we need to remember when we're hacking out such as changing the diagonal regularly and not always cantering on the same lead.

The final presentation of day one was from Dr Chris Pearce who looked at the link between dentistry, lameness and symmetry. While studies show that head and neck position influence thoracolumbar motion and that temporomandibular joint (TMJ) inflammation can alter rein response and posture, Chris explained that there’s currently no strong evidence that routine dental imbalances or mild occlusal variations directly cause limb lameness or whole-body asymmetry.

Looking at studies, he discussed how experimental work inducing unilateral TMJ pain altered the horse's way of going but it didn't produce overt lameness. This reinforces the need for caution when making claims. Chris did highlight there is solid evidence that painful cheek-tooth disease is associated with behavioural changes and welfare compromise, even without obvious gait deficits.

The take-home message was clear: quality dental care is vital for welfare but claims that “one oral adjustment fixes the whole horse” is not currently supported by robust data. It forms part of the bigger picture that includes regular oral care and ruling out pain elsewhere in the body.

In our next conference 2026 article, we’ll bring you Gillian’s Q&As with event rider Ros Canter on how she trains and cares for her horses with Soundness and Symmetry in mind.