Join one of the world’s leading experts in equine performance and lameness for an exclusive, small-group, hands-on course designed to transform the way you assess horses.
There are many opportunities to learn from Dr Sue Dyson through online learning but this is something special.
This two-day practical course offers a rare chance to work closely with Sue in person, developing the essential skills needed to assess horses with accuracy, confidence, and insight.
With a maximum of just 20 participants, this course provides an intimate and highly interactive learning environment. You won’t just watch you’ll actively assess, discuss, question, and refine your observational skills under Sue’s expert guidance.
Across the two days, you will explore:
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Static conformation assessment - moving beyond outdated terminology to understand what truly matters
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Dynamic movement analysis - learning how to identify asymmetries, compensations, and early warning signs
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Subtle lameness detection - developing the ability to recognise what many miss
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Ridden performance assessment - applying a structured, evidence-based approach using the Ridden Horse Performance Checklist
This course is designed to give you practical, applicable skills that will immediately enhance your ability to support horse health, comfort, and longevity.
Course Structure
Day 1 – Seeing the Horse Clearly
Focus: Conformation and dynamic assessment
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Live demonstration of static conformation assessment
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Small group practical sessions assessing multiple horses
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Group presentations with expert feedback from Sue
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In-hand and lunge assessments of multiple horses
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Developing observation skills to identify:
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Discomfort
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Asymmetry
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Compensation patterns
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Understanding how early indicators relate to future soundness and longevity
Day 2 – From Observation to Performance
Focus: Lameness recognition and ridden assessment
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Classroom session on identifying forelimb vs hindlimb lameness (with video analysis)
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Guided discussions to refine diagnostic thinking
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Practical ridden performance assessments
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Introduction and application of the Ridden Horse Performance Checklist
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Integration of all skills learned across the course
Who is this Course For?
This course is open to all, but is particularly suited to:
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Equine professionals
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Coaches and trainers
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Equine therapists (physios, bodyworkers, etc.)
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Veterinary professionals and students
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Experienced horse owners and riders wanting to deepen their understanding
If you want to improve your ability to assess horses objectively and make better-informed decisions, this course is for you.
Course Timetable
Day 1 – Wednesday 23rd September
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08:30 – Welcome
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09:00 – Conformation assessment demonstration
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09:30 – Practical conformation assessment (small groups)
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10:30 – Break
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11:15 – Group presentations & feedback
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12:15 – Q&A
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12:30 – Lunch
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13:30 – Dynamic assessment (horses 1–4)
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14:50 – Q&A
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15:00 – Break
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15:30 – Dynamic assessment (horses 5–6)
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16:10 – Q&A & discussion
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16:30 – Close
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Day 2 – Thursday 24th September
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09:00 – Recognising forelimb vs hindlimb lameness (classroom & video analysis)
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10:00 – Questions & discussion
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10:30 – Break
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11:00 – Ridden performance assessment (horses 1–2)
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12:30 – Lunch
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13:30 – Ridden performance assessment (horses 3–4)
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15:00 – Break
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15:30 – Ridden performance assessment (horse 5)
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16:15 – Questions & discussion
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17:00 – Close
Key Benefits
Key Benefits
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Learn directly from one of the most respected equine clinicians in the world
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Develop practical, real-world assessment skills
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Improve your ability to detect subtle issues early
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Gain confidence in discussing and evaluating horse performance
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Small group size for maximum interaction and learning
Location and Details
Maximum 20 participants
Sue Dyson graduated from the University of Cambridge in 1980. After an internship at the University of Pennsylvania and a year in private equine practice in Pennsylvania. Sue returned to Great Britain to the Animal Health Trust, Newmarket. Sue ran a clinical referral service for lameness and poor performance, attracting clients from all over the United Kingdom, Ireland and continental Europe for 37 years.
Sue’s passion was the investigation of lameness and poor performance, improving approaches to diagnosis and management. She had been involved not only in providing clinical services, but also clinically relevant research and education, drawing also on her experiences as a rider.
Dr Sue Dyson
Sue is a former President of the British Equine Veterinary Association and is currently scientific advisor to the Saddle Research Trust and Moorcroft Rehabilitation Centre.
Sue is also a rider, and has produced horses to top national level in both eventing and show jumping.
Sue holds the Stage 5 Coach and Stage 5 Stable Managers Certificates of the British Horse Society.
Sue currently works as an independent consultant advising on non-veterinary aspects of equestrianism, drawing on her observations of many years as a hands-on horse person.