Equine Release

22/10/2025

Grief

The pain we feel when we encounter loss can be unbearable. It’s heartbreaking, and it can deeply affect our physical and mental health.

I’ve been struggling since losing my little Ernie. But life goes on, and staying stuck in the grief does become toxic. We’re all different in how we deal with loss.

I did wallow but then for me to heal I had to feel the emotion fully and then I reminded myself to let it gently wash through my body. Acknowledge it. Accept it. Let it go.
It hasn’t completely gone it’s still a work in progress. I’ve been doing EFT and breathwork on myself, and those have helped me. It doesn’t mean I’m not still grieving of course I am. He was my companion for 15 years. My heart is still hurting.

We humans have strategies for how to carry and process grief.

But what about our horses?

How do they deal with loss?
Do they feel grief too?

I believe they do.

When horses lose a close companion by moving yards, death in the herd, or losing their owner it can deeply affect them. They may be seen fence walking, there appetite may drop, they may stand quietly with a dull, lost expression, or call out and search for the missing individual.

I’ve witnessed this first hand. I made sure one of the horses on the yard was allowed to be with the deceased companion so he could accept what had happened. And I let my little Ernie be with his mum when she was passing, so he could also accept that process.

Grief is a natural process for humans and for horses.

Recognising that is the first step to offering them the care, patience, and support they may need.

Just know that horses/pets also experience grief/ loss the same as we do 🙏

18/10/2025

My Little Ernie 💔

They say it’s best for them to go on a good day

Today was that day 🌈

My little Ernie has gone to be with his mum, he was wrapped in his blanket in my arms when he fell asleep for the last time 💔

He is no longer struggling.

Thank you to each & every one of you that always welcomed him onto your yard & even into your stable while I was treating your horse.

He came everywhere with me.
Came on hacks, came to the yard, slept in my bed, he even came into shops with me, visited clients … literally glued to me every day 💔

16/10/2025

Structurally Sound

I think Iv written about this a few years ago but this new client has prompted me to try & bring awareness again.

Before little Ernie ( my dog) became poorly I went to see a new horse.

This client has kindly agreed for me to write this post to create awareness especially for the first time horse buyers. This lady is a first time horse buyer.

A horse can still work for you and school ok yet still be structurally unsound.
These horses compensate through tension, altered posture, and protective movement patterns.

Now we know not every horse is perfect but if we can start to notice the subtle changes before they get to the stage that’s in the picture, hopefully the horse world will change.

Soundness isn’t just about watching the legs move & the usual head bob it’s about how the entire framework supports that movement, weight bearing, and balance. When that framework is compromised the whole system compensates. If the structural integrity isn’t recognized something will eventually breakdown leading over time to ligament & tendon issues, secondary pain, muscle asymmetry, and performance/behavior issues.

In the picture you can clearly see this mare has pretty severe thoracic sling weakness & should not be ridden. Despite being sold as being ridden away. This mare was described as being competition fit!

The very prominent sharks fin wither is not normal neither despite it being common especially on thoroughbreds it’s often accompanied by a struggle to gain weight aswell. And despite pumping the food in they don’t gain. They can’t. This is a gut dysfunction which is usually accompanied by bodies like this. The feet reflect it too. They’re all part of the same system as one cannot function optimally if another is compromised. Hence why Tb’s are labelled for having ‘typical ‘ Tb feet. But that’s for another post.

You will often see shim pads, or anything that artificially “fills in” the hollows to make the saddle fit, yet the horse will still be structurally unsound. This mare came with pads to go under the saddle . A saddle that doesn’t fit!

In this instance padding only disguises the issue it doesn’t correct it and often makes it worse by the muscles losing stimulus that are responsible for lifting the ribcage and supporting the rider’s weight.

So rather than asking “Is my horse lame?” & only looking for the classic head bob ask:

Is my horse structurally capable, balanced, and comfortable enough to have a saddle correctly fitted & carry a rider?

In this case
This little mare is not structurally sound & in my personal opinion should not be ridden.

Healing her gut, for me, would be the first step

It’s always a whole horse approach & we should never isolate an issue because a symptom is simply the body’s way of showing where the imbalance has surfaced

15/10/2025

🛑 Important Update 🛑

All appointments are currently on hold as my little Ernie is very poorly. Right now he needs my full attention.

I have also messaged everyone .

My regular clients who have been with me from day one I may still be able to come to you, as I know you will hold him while I do your horse.
Message me to discuss.

Please bear with me during this difficult time I’ll be in touch to reschedule as soon as I’m able.

Thank you all for your understanding and patience 🙏

09/10/2025

🎄 Christmas Availability 🎄

I know, I know 🫣 it feels to early to mention Christmas! 🤦🏻‍♀️

But I’m already booked up until the end of November (I always keep a couple of days free for emergencies).

This year will be the first time I’m not working over Christmas.

No Christmas Day or Boxing Day appointments! I’ll be spending it with my family 🎅✨

So, availability in December is limited to the first two weeks only.

My diary will close on the 14th of December.

If you’d like your horse booked in before Christmas, please message me 🙏

08/10/2025

It’s inflammation season!

Although any season can trigger a flipping inflammatory response 🤦🏻‍♀️

But Autumn is here & as the weather changes, so do grass sugars, daylight hours, and hormone levels, all of which can challenge the horses system and tip those already prone to inflammation into discomfort.

Honestly it’s like a constant battle to keep our horses sound & healthy 🤦🏻‍♀️

Iv seen two horses this week ( with vet approval) my role was to support & not correct anything.
And to focus only on comfort and systemic regulation, No force, no pressure just facilitating the body to self regulate.

Noticing the first signs of change in your horses body, behaviour, or temperament can make a huge difference. Early awareness means you can step in quickly with the right support before things escalate.

Your vet is always the first port of call.

While prevention is always better than cure, life sometimes gets in the way and before you know it, your horse is showing signs of sore & inflamed feet/body.

Inflammation can creep in so subtly that it starts to look normal for your horse. One minute your enjoying a hack not noticing the stopping & you put it down to napping. Your horse becomes tired quickly but you put it down to them just being lazy.

Here are some of the early clues to watch for:

Rancid smell & sloppy consistency of droppings
Sweating without exertion
Stiffness or reluctance to move.
Strong or bounding pulses
Raised temperature
Puffiness around the eyes
Dullness in the eyes ( no sparkle)
Weepy eyes
Uneven fat lumps
Lack of interest
Lethargy / low mood
Fatigue after light work
Respiratory issues.
Aggression ( mostly toward other horses)
Exercise intolerance
Planting there feet on a hack
Sore, tight muscles

These are all signs of a horse carrying a high level of systemic inflammation.

Can we please go back to the 80’s when it all seemed so simple keeping horses !

03/10/2025

Saddle Pads

Just a FYI post ☺️

When you untack, always take a moment to check your horses back. Even small rubs or indentations can tell you a lot especially if your horse is acting out of character.

A mark like this one may seem minor, but it can create friction, leading to irritation, discomfort, or even pain. In this horses case, that single rub mark was the root of ongoing behaviour issues under saddle. It was creating friction & causing the horse to rush forward with the occasional buck.

It’s not always a body issue

Sometimes we do have to look beyond the body.

Sometimes it can be an environmental issue, diet related, tack, rider or handler issue etc

30/09/2025

Such an honour to be part of the Stewarding Team.

Supporting horses & owners at horse shows 🙌

PRESS RELEASE

The Welfare Stewarding Group (WSG), led by founder Amanda Stoddart-West, is proud to announce that internationally respected equine scientist Dr David Marlin has accepted the role of President.

Founded three years ago, the WSG has rapidly grown in profile and demand in response to the increasing emphasis on Social Licence to Operate (SLO) within the equestrian world. The group provides independent, supportive welfare stewarding at equestrian shows and events across the UK.

The WSG was born out of a presentation by Amanda Stoddart-West at an Association of Show and Agricultural Organisations meeting, which led to a request from Betsy Branyan, Equine Secretary of the Royal Three Counties Show and the Equifest event, to support welfare stewarding at their events. The group’s first official presence was at the Three Counties Show in June 2023. Since then, demand has soared, with four events attended in 2023, eleven in 2024, and an estimated fifteen throughout 2025.

Now comprising over 50 trained stewards, the group ensures that each steward completes a formal training programme, developed with support from The British Horse Society (BHS). Cathy Hyde, BHS Welfare Officer, an active member of the WSG, and has been instrumental in delivering the initial training.
Dr Tamzin Furtado has also helped shape the group and has presented webinars alongside Amanda Stoddart-West.
Ongoing training includes topics such as motivational interviewing, which is essential for having respectful and constructive conversations with riders, owners, and handlers.

Operating under the mantra “Educate, Not Dictate,” the WSG’s mission is to support all stakeholders at events, from organisers to competitors, promoting good horsemanship and upholding high equine welfare standards.

Amanda Stoddart-West said:
“David has played a pivotal role over the past 18 months in helping us develop, standardise, and evaluate our welfare stewarding approach. His input has been invaluable in shaping our training materials and establishing fair, objective assessment protocols.”

Dr David Marlin commented:
“I am honoured to support the Welfare Stewarding Group as President. Education is at the heart of improving equine welfare, and I’m committed to helping riders and handlers through support and guidance, and when necessary, firm but fair action. I am also grateful to be working alongside my long-time collaborators, Lorna Cameron and Professor Jane Williams from Hartpury University.”

The Welfare Stewarding Group operates as The Equine Welfare Stewarding Alliance Ltd, a not-for-profit organisation. Directors include Amanda Stoddart-West and Sarah Williamson.
For more information about the Welfare Stewarding Group (WSG), please contact: welfarestewardingteam@gmail.com

For media enquiries, images, logos, etc, please contact:
Helen Stock @ Fox Red Media on helen@foxredmedia.co.uk

Photo L-R: Amanda Stoddart-West, Dr David Marlin & Sarah Williamson.

30/09/2025

When the owner thinks I’m

Gently decompressing the atlanto occipital and upper cervical joints, reducing muscular tension in the poll, suboccipital region, and upper neck.
To encourage freer neural and muscular function

Stimulating the vagus nerve from their poll/jaw which can improve gut motility and systemic relaxation. Because head lowering is also associated with calming the horse.

Releasing the hyoid apparatus which is anchored by muscles to the tongue, poll, and sternum which also has fascial links all the way to the forelimbs which helps the horse feel more balanced, move more freely through the shoulders, and relax through the jaw and neck.

Creating a bond & trust so the next time I go & give a treatment they will be more receptive to any suggestions I may ask of them.

In reality I’m just taking the opportunity to have a hug 😉

( I am actually doing all of the above, I’m joking when I say I’m just giving a hug ☺️ )

29/09/2025

New horse & buying a new saddle

I thought I’d make an awareness post for new horse owners after a recent event.

Something that’s often overlooked when buying a saddle for a recently purchased horse and something I believe saddle fitters should be highlighting when the appointment is made, is that the horses body is still in a state of change.

A new horse will be settling into a new routine and environment

Adjusting to different feed, hay, grass, and water

Meeting new horses & people and a change in how they are being handled.

They will be carrying tension from the stress of moving.

All of this affects muscle tone & posture. Which means the horse that’s being fitted with a new saddle today may not be the same horse in a few weeks time.

It would be good if the fitter explains that horses need time to settle before making such a big investment.

Let your horse adjust first. Instead of rushing to ride, use the downtime to build a connection and help support the transition into their new home.

Then, once your horse has had chance to settle, you can confidently make the investment in a new saddle with a responsible saddle fitter.

28/09/2025

Another wonderful therapist 🙌
Who holds really informative workshops.

This time it’s all about acupressure.

Sue is a very knowledgeable practitioner.

It’s going to be another successful workshop 🙌

Postcode to venue is L35 6NW

❄️ WINTER WORKSHOPS ❄️
LEARN NEW SKILLS TO HELP YOUR HORSE!

Why not make the most of the winter months by learning a new skill that you can use to help your own horse stay happy and healthy!
EQUINE ACUPRESSURE is basically acupuncture without the needles. As a practitioner I have had good success with all sorts of equine problems from sweet itch to head shaking and behavioural issues such as anxiety and aggression. I have used my skills to help my own horse through laminitis.
BUT you don't need to be a practitioner to be able to help your horse and even if you only attend the first workshop it will give you the confidence to try Acupressure on your own horse.
It goes without saying that Acupressure does not replace veterinary care but is complementary support and importantly gives you something to do whilst waiting for the vet to arrive in that emergency situation!

Attendance of the first session is essential as will cover the "how to" perform acupressure and contraindications etc. This will be 2 hours. Other sessions will likely be around an hour with time for questions or help with specific issues not necessarily covered in the workshops.

Places are limited so please DM to book

26/09/2025

To everybody working within the equestrian Industry 😂

Your doing a great job 😂🙌