Horses and the Science of Harmony

Recent high-profile events have pointed to concerns regarding the wellbeing of horses in human care. The conversations that follow often bring about polarization and conflict rather than fruitful discussion toward the safeguarding of equine welfare, which is undoubtedly a shared value among stakeholders. 

With the intention of facilitating greater cooperation and consensus, Dr. Sue Dyson and the Train with Trust Project bring an evidence-based lens to help clarify some of the difficult sticking points within a number of “hot topics” in the equine world.

Purchasing a performance horse can be fraught with challenges and conflicts. Fortunately, the 24 Behaviors Checklist is an objective assessment tool anyone can use to take some of the mystery out of evaluating a horse’s orthopedic health at the very outset of the process.

Dr. Sue Dyson discusses the role of the checklist, and many other insightful recommendations that will empower you to make pre-purchase exams as effective, efficient and accurate as possible.

With her unique perspective as a high-level competitive rider and equine orthopedic veterinary expert, Dr. Sue Dyson has particular insights as to how you can find a vet who will be a good fit for you and your horse, as well as recommendations for how you can be a valuable member within a team approach to their care.

Does your horse fuss and fidget in the cross-ties, or maybe show resistance at the mounting block? It could be that your horse is trying to tell you something. Dr. Sue Dyson has studied the behavior of horses during tacking and mounting and her findings will probably surprise you.

Have you ever noticed yourself having joint or back pain related to riding one specific horse? Have you noticed your horse’s canter becoming “bumpy” or “jarring”? Ever have difficulty keeping the saddle from slipping to one side? Did you know that your sense of your horse’s rideability may contain valuable insight into their health and soundness?

In this Q&A conversation world renowned equine veterinarian and orthopedics expert, Dr. Sue Dyson details how “rideability”, “rider feel” and your horse’s health are connected.

In this insightful discussion with Dr. Sue Dyson about the equine sacroiliac (SI) joint, you will learn how this critical part of a horse’s hind end functions, what kinds of issues cause pain in and around the joint, and how to spot signs of trouble. We will also cover available options for medical treatment and rehab, and how to prevent your horse from developing S/I problems in the future.

These guidelines are intended to help inform this decision-making process when choosing how best to accomplish injury rehabilitation with your horse/

Gain a better understanding of ligament damage in horses, and learn more about preventing and rehabbing to maximize potential for a full recovery.

Dr. Dyson uses before and after video clips to explain important distinguishing details of head tossing behavior and head shaking in horses.

While it may be overlooked or attributed to training issues, insects or other causes, "Head tossing" behavior is often an indication of underlying musculoskeletal pain. Head tossing may also be confused with head shaking, which has an altogether different cause and must be managed differently.

Here we look at these behaviors in more detail, and Dr. Dyson discusses what can be done to address them.

In order to spot a horse with pain or subtle lameness, it is critical to really know what a normal, happy and healthy horse looks and feels like under saddle.

Dr. Dyson shines a light on many common behaviors that often indicate discomfort, and will leave you with a whole new perspective on your horse's health and behavior.

Dr. Sue Dyson sheds light on this important health issue and helps to sort facts from myths and misconceptions. She discusses what we know, what we don’t know, and how orthopedic pain and ulcers are related.

“Girthy” behavior may have many causes. Learn more about this important behavioral indicator from great resources such as World Horse Welfare , Equus Magazine, and previous TWTP Q&A recordings.

‘Harmonious horsemanship: Use of the Ridden Horse Ethogram to Optimise Potential, Partnership and Performance’, by Sue Dyson and Sue Palmer, is full of practical tools backed by solid science.

It will teach you how to use RHpE Checklist to recognise subtle signs of pain and is suitable for anyone who cares about horses, whether you are an interested amateur or an experienced professional.

Two of the 24 Behaviors stand out due to the safety threat they pose. Dr. Sue Dyson clarifies various common causes of bucking and rearing, as well as more subtle aspects of unwillingness. She discusses the best ways to respond to these often dangerous behaviors, and answers audience questions about them.

This common saying expresses the fact that the health of a horse’s hooves are inseparable from their overall wellbeing.

In a live conversation with Dr. Sue Dyson, we will discuss topics ranging from the relative advantages and disadvantages of shod vs. “barefoot” hooves, to the crucial role of communication between vets, farriers and owners.

We’re celebrating the one year anniversary of the 24 Behaviors film!

The Train with Trust Project host an update from Lauren & Galina.

Film maker Kathryn Lauritzen and Dr. Sue Dyson will give a behind the scenes look at the many challenges faced in creating the film that is shifting the paradigm of how we see lameness, as well as horse-human relationships.

Advances in veterinary medicine and imaging technology have led to an increase in diagnoses of “kissing spines” in horses with back pain and performance issues, but there is some debate over how significant these findings are.

What is this condition? How common is it? What causes it? And what are the best diagnostic and treatment options?

Dr. Dyson discusses the latest research and answer audence questions.

How do people outside the horse world feel about what we do, and why does it matter?

“Social license” refers to an unwritten agreement between the public and those who ride horses, that what we do is okay.

In order for riding to be socially acceptable, the majority of people need to agree that we make right and ethical decisions for horses. Maintaining this trust is important to the future of horse riding in its many forms.

We can find common ground by looking at what the evidence tells us are the best practices to ensure the wellbeing of our equine partners.

Join our Live Q&A with Dr. Sue Dyson as she weighs in about the role of science and research in the on-going social license conversation.

Does your horse frequently pick up the wrong lead, swap leads, cross-canter or otherwise struggle to maintain a balanced, 3-beat gait? Canter dysfunction is one of the most common signs of pain in the ridden horse.

Dr. Dyson will discuss the various ways the canter can be affected by musculoskeletal pain, and what signs to look for.

Dr. Sue Dyson answers questions and discusses many elements of saddle fit, for both horse and rider that are often underestimated in their affects on soundness as well as performance.

Watch recorded Q&A discussions and read Dr Dyson’s answers to audience questions in our ongoing conversation about the well-being of ridden horses.

Topics include:

Bits Vs Bitless - What Does the Evidence Say?

The Moody Mare - Is There Any Truth to the Stereotype?