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From Poll to Tail: Understanding Spinal Flow in the Equine Athlete

By Sue Palmer on December 4, 2025

A new study has confirmed something many of us feel through our hands every day: every horse carries some spinal restriction. In this article, Sue Palmer, The Horse Physio, explains why spinal flow—from poll to tail—is essential to your horse’s comfort, movement, and performance, and how restoring it can transform the whole body.

Horse and Hound Highlights the Power of the Ridden Horse Pain Ethogram

By Sue Palmer on November 30, 2025

The Ridden Horse Pain Ethogram (RHpE) is one of the most significant scientific advances in equine welfare, recognising 24 subtle behaviours linked to discomfort. Trusted by vets and equine professionals, the RHpE enables earlier recognition of pain — often before lameness is visible — giving owners a clearer, kinder way to understand their horses.

Physiotherapy, Partnership, and Prevention: Why This Work Matters

By Sue Palmer on November 28, 2025

I recently received recognition in the SME Business Elite Awards, which offered a moment to reflect on why physiotherapy matters so deeply for both horses and humans. For me, this work has always been about comfort, harmony, prevention, and partnership. In this article, I share why I’m so passionate about supporting both sides of the horse–human relationship.

Harmonious Horsemanship Wins a Winnie Award at the Equus Film & Arts Festival 2025

By Sue Palmer on November 25, 2025

Harmonious Horsemanship, the book I co-authored with Dr Sue Dyson, has been named a Winnie Winner at the Equus Film and Arts Festival 2025. This award recognises our shared mission to help riders understand the subtle signs of pain and build a more compassionate, harmonious partnership with their horses.

Early Detection of Osteoarthritis: Are We Measuring What Matters?

By Sue Palmer on October 8, 2025

Scientific advances now allow osteoarthritis in horses to be detected at a molecular level — but what does that really mean for comfort and performance? Sue Palmer, The Horse Physio, reflects on whether early detection through proteomics is enough, or whether true insight lies in recognising the subtle signs of pain through behaviour, touch, and connection.

The Power of Language – Why Words Matter in Life and with Horses

By Sue Palmer on August 16, 2025

Words are powerful. They don’t just communicate—they shape how we feel, heal, and connect. Research from Carnegie Mellon University shows that naming emotions activates the brain’s regulation centres, improving mental health and resilience. The same is true in our relationships with horses: every flick of an ear or swish of a tail is a form of language, telling us something vital. When we learn to listen—whether to ourselves, our children, or our horses—we create harmony, connection, and the possibility of healing.

The ABC of Horse Massage: Introducing “Horse Massage for Horse Owners”

By Sue Palmer on December 11, 2024

Think of this course as a recipe—a carefully crafted guide to help you understand and perform horse massage confidently. "Horse Massage for Horse Owners" is designed to make massage approachable, effective, and enjoyable for you and your horse. Written as an “ABC,” it starts with the essential ingredients—anatomy and technique—then blends them together into a structured routine that’s simple to follow.

Bridle fit and the potential influence on performance, by Dr Sue Dyson

By Sue Palmer on October 10, 2024

I believe that it is important to look holistically at a horse. If a horse is ‘fussy in the mouth’, creates increased rein tension on one rein of the bridle or ‘avoids’ a contact, has an unsteady head position or tilts the head it is important to be aware of all possible causes. These include the fit of the bridle, the bit and any influence of a martingale, oral lesions, sharp teeth edges, saddle fit and subclinical lameness. We also cannot forget the influence of the rider. Optimal comfort for the horse is likely to enhance performance.

The Equicore Interview: Part 1 – An Introduction To The Concept Of The Equiband System

By Sue Palmer on April 14, 2024

In May 2018, Sue Palmer and Nicole Rombach got together to talk about Equicore Concepts, and the Equiband system. Sue asked questions put forward by horse owners, physiotherapists, and veterinarians. I hope this article helps you learn how to help your horse as much as Sue felt it helped her! Below is the (lightly edited) transcript of Part One.

Do you have a support team you trust for your horse?

By Sue Palmer on March 6, 2022

In the best cases, professionals work together to ensure the horse is happy and healthy. Communication between trainer, vet, physio, and farrier is essential to identify a common goal and solve problems in unison. You can change professionals if you don’t feel like they are working together as a team. While professionals today generally encourage and support each other, there are still some out there who feel the need to write off the advice of others. It is up to you to put together the best team to help your horse. Don’t feel pressured by a yard to use their choices, if you have good existing relationships, you need to choose the best team for you and your horse.

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