Blog – The Horse Physio – Sue Palmer

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Bluey’s Story – One Horse’s Journey from Struggle to Strength

By Sue Palmer on December 5, 2024

On a Sunday evening, Bluey lay in his stable, trembling and exhausted, leaving everyone unsure of his recovery. Yet, thanks to the dedication of his carer Dawn and her support team, this beloved cob has made an incredible comeback. From bolshy beginnings to battling an unknown condition causing distressing tremors, Bluey’s resilience shone through. With consistent care, physio treatments, and a tailored recovery plan, he’s now thriving. Dawn’s unwavering devotion has helped him gallop joyfully once more. Bluey’s story reminds us of the power of persistence and teamwork in overcoming even the most daunting challenges.

28.11.2024 Behind the Scenes with Sue Palmer, The Horse Physio

By Sue Palmer on November 28, 2024

Essential Tools, Expert Guidance, and a Horse’s Journey Two Things I Couldn’t Live Without Alright, “couldn’t live without” might be an exaggeration, but there are two items I rely on heavily, especially during the colder months. First is my Ororo heated gilet, a lifesaver when I’m working outdoors. I wear it under my layers, and it keeps me warm all day long. I even bought a second battery because I use it on the hottest setting! Second is my massage gun, which I’ve had for years. It’s my go-to for relieving tight muscles, whether it’s my neck, shoulders, or legs. It’s been a huge help with everything from yoga strains to heel pain. As a physio, I researched thoroughly to find the best one—and it’s worth every penny. If you’re curious, I’ve shared affiliate links to these items. They don’t cost you extra, but they help me continue recommending tools I believe in. Curious about recognising pain in horses or bit fitting? I also touch on those topics and share how the Ridden Horse Pain Ethogram helped me assess an 18-year-old mare recently. She’s on a tailored program now, focused on gentle hacking and strengthening exercises to address subtle signs of discomfort. These tools and techniques make my work more rewarding—and if you’d like to learn more about assessing your own horse’s comfort, check out my book, Harmonious Horsemanship, co-authored with Dr. Sue Dyson. Happy horsing! 🐴

21.11.2024 Behind the scenes with Sue Palmer, The Horse Physio

By Sue Palmer on November 21, 2024

Expanding the reach of equestrian science and Harmonious Horsemanship... A free webinar and a free conference… Put your headphones on while you’re out walking the dog, or curl up on the sofa with a blanket, and enjoy!

Understanding the Ridden Horse Pain Ethogram and the Journey Behind Harmonious Horsemanship

By Sue Palmer on November 21, 2024

Dr Sue Dyson’s Ridden Horse Pain Ethogram identifies 24 behavioural markers that can indicate discomfort. Our book, Harmonious Horsemanship, makes this science accessible, helping riders recognise pain and improve horse welfare. We’re committed to sharing this knowledge through education and welcome collaboration to make a difference for horses everywhere.

14.11.24 Behind the Scenes with Sue Palmer The Horse Physio

By Sue Palmer on November 14, 2024

This week, I had the pleasure of hosting an ACPAT Veterinary Physiotherapy student from Hartpury University. As a qualified Chartered Physiotherapist transitioning into animal therapy, she brought great energy and thoughtful questions to our sessions. Inspired by her curiosity, I’m sharing some insights from our discussions. We explored how often horses should receive physio, emphasizing the need for individualized treatment plans based on their work level and physical needs. We also discussed the importance of encouraging relaxation during treatments, as a calm state promotes healing. Finally, I explained why I now focus solely on physiotherapy rather than coaching, highlighting the power of teamwork in equine care.

What are your values?

By Sue Palmer on November 14, 2024

Several years ago, I was asked to imagine my ideal life 20 years into the future. I couldn’t do it—perhaps I’m too much of a realist! That challenge, however, led me down a path of exploring self-development and discovering what truly matters to me. One day, everything clicked: my core values are connection, curiosity, and commitment. Understanding this has helped me appreciate why certain people are so special to me and has guided my interactions, like asking for honest feedback and valuing the effort given. Recognizing these values has enriched my life, and I hope they’ll guide my future decisions. What do you value most?

7.11.24 Behind the Scenes with Sue Palmer, The Horse Physio

By Sue Palmer on November 7, 2024

As a Chartered Physiotherapist, I’ve spent years focusing on equine care, but now I'm turning some of that dedication back to treating people in my Stafford-based clinic. I’m deeply passionate about understanding how sleep, nutrition, exercise, and stress management impact our bodies' incredible ability to heal. My goal is not just to live well but to thrive for the long haul—hopefully until 107, as I jokingly tell my son—without being a burden on loved ones. Along this journey, I continue to learn and adapt, seeking insights from inspiring podcasts like Feel Better, Live More. If you have your own health wisdom to share, I’d love to hear from you. Together, we can keep growing toward healthier, more vibrant lives!

Clinical Reasoning in Equine Rehabilitation: A Report on Dr Gillian Tabor’s Presentation at the 2022 IAVRPT Symposium

By Sue Palmer on November 7, 2024

Rehabilitation is a delicate balance between evidence-based medicine, clinical expertise, and patient needs. Therapists and horse owners often face hurdles like time, finances, and environment, making pragmatism essential. A structured, adaptable rehab plan is crucial. Clear communication ensures owners understand and can contribute to the process, moving from stable-based to in-hand and ridden exercises. Progression may be based on timescales or milestones, with each approach offering different advantages. Early rehab should address pain management, mobility, core stability, and sensory input like massage. Safety is always a priority, and recognizing when to advance requires monitoring movement quality and behavior. Building a robust, adaptable system prepares the horse for varied demands.

24.10.24 Behind the Scenes with Sue Palmer The Horse Physio: Life, Learning and Love

By Sue Palmer on October 24, 2024

Sometimes, as horse owners, we feel overwhelmed by the amount of information out there, especially when it comes to recognising pain in our horses. One message I received recently really hit home: "Sometimes, as an amateur, I find the information on recognising pain in horses intimidating and worrying. I feel like I'm not good enough." I understand this feeling all too well. It's easy to feel overwhelmed, and I experience it myself daily—learning something new every day that makes me wish I’d known it sooner. But that’s part of the journey. We do our best with the knowledge we have at any given moment. My hope is that the information I share, whether through my books, blogs, or videos, helps you feel empowered rather than discouraged. We’re all learning together, and none of us has all the answers. My goal is to help, and I’m always open to learning from others, too. So, if you ever feel unsure or want to share your thoughts, please reach out. Together, we can continue making the world a better place for horses by recognising and addressing their needs—one step, and one lesson, at a time.

The Art and Science of Harmonious Horsemanship

By Sue Palmer on October 18, 2024

You know that feeling when you watch something that conjures up emotions so powerful you will remember it for the rest of your life? The film "Horses and the Science of Harmony" is one of those... This full-length feature film examines the nature of harmony between horse and rider through the eyes of 3-day event rider Bubby Upton through the lens of cutting-edge science. Horses and the Science of Harmony tells the emotional story of Bubby Upton, a rising star in British 3-day eventing, who suffered a catastrophic spinal injury yet bravely fought to get back to doing what she loves… riding.

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