Author Archives: Ailsa

Reciprocal / Reflex Inhibition. This is a frequent treatment used on the Equine patient. This technique is used for restoration of normal muscle tone. Muscle spasm identified during palpation can be effectively reduced by applying this technique. It works by stimulation of the golgi tendon organ of the agonist muscle via a specific movement performedContinue reading “Reciprocal / Reflex Inhibition”

As horse owners, we aim to provide the best welfare for our horses, but, what is good horse welfare? And, how can you determine or measure if a domestic horse has good or bad welfare?  These and many other questions have kept animal welfare scientists busy for many decades. Since the 1990s, science has greatlyContinue reading “Five domains or freedoms for horses and why you should care!”

As weather changes and environmental concerns become a common discussion and area of concern for us all, what is happening to hay and food for our horses and how will winter fodder storage develop in the future? Haylage and grass hay are popular forage options for horses and ponies, but differences between the two productsContinue reading “Hay there – let’s talk hay, haylage, silage and fodder!”

“Snälla lyssna på mig. Jag vet att du älskar mig och vill det bästa för mig. Jag vet inte hur jag ska säga att jag har ont.” Jag planterar mina fötter, jag snurrar runt, jag skrämmer. Jag försöker säga att jag inte vill lämna gården. Jag är öm och jag vill inte gå ut påContinue reading “Lyssna”

While forelimb lamenesses are fairly common, hind-limb issues can be less obvious and even underdiagnosed. Learn about the common causes of lameness in the back legs and hind quarters. One of the signs of any lameness or discomfort in the movement of a horse is a seemingly unlevel movement- the nod of a head orContinue reading “Hind end lameness”

Spring ridden training of your horse Mar 28 2023 I am a huge advocate for in hand training work but today I am specifically looking at ridden work… Ride in straight lines!  I know, as riders, we are often obsessed with circles! Circles are great; correct bend is good! But until you can establish goodContinue reading

Spring ridden training of your horse Mar 28 2023 I am a huge advocate for in hand training work but today I am specifically looking at ridden work… Ride in straight lines!  I know, as riders, we are often obsessed with circles! Circles are great; correct bend is good! But until you can establish goodContinue reading “Ride in straight lines now the spring loves to summer!”