Helen Thornton Equine Osteopathy & PEMF

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Helen Thornton Equine Osteopathy & PEMF

Helen Thornton:Forever a student of the horse.Eq Sports Therapist, Equine Manual Osteo. PEMF MSK Therapist horse, rider & pets. www.helenthornton.com
(1)

Thornton Equine Academy: Workshops/courses;horse owners & therapists. IAAT AHPR
Register @ https://helenthornton.com/contact

01/03/2026

𝗦𝗜 𝗝𝗼𝗶𝗻𝘁 𝗗𝘆𝘀𝗳𝘂𝗻𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 - 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗡𝗲𝘂𝗿𝗮𝗹 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝘀𝗲𝗾𝘂𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗲

In my last post we discussed mechanical restriction:

• Ilium inflare
• Ilium outflare
• Sacral axis alteration

𝘕𝘰𝘸 𝘸𝘦 𝘢𝘥𝘥𝘳𝘦𝘴𝘴 𝘸𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘥𝘰𝘦𝘴 𝘵𝘰 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘯𝘦𝘳𝘷𝘰𝘶𝘴 𝘴𝘺𝘴𝘵𝘦𝘮.

The sacrum sits between the two ilia, forming the central keystone of the pelvic ring. When the ilium rotates, the sacrum cannot remain neutral - it adapts within the joint interfaces and ligamentous sling.

𝗝𝘂𝘀𝘁 𝗹𝗶𝗸𝗲 𝗶𝗻 𝗵𝘂𝗺𝗮𝗻𝘀, 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗲𝗾𝘂𝗶𝗻𝗲 𝘀𝗮𝗰𝗿𝘂𝗺 𝘂𝗻𝗱𝗲𝗿𝗴𝗼𝗲𝘀 𝘀𝘂𝗯𝘁𝗹𝗲 "𝗻𝗼𝗱𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗴" 𝗺𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁𝘀:

𝘕𝘶𝘵𝘢𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯:
The base of the sacrum moves ventro-cranially (tips forward/down). This happens during the loading phase of the stride.

𝘊𝘰𝘶𝘯𝘵𝘦𝘳𝘯𝘶𝘵𝘢𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯:
The base moves dorso-caudally (tips back/up).

This represents one functional axis; multiple planes of sacral motion can be assessed clinically.

𝗦𝗜 𝗱𝘆𝘀𝗳𝘂𝗻𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗶𝘀 𝗻𝗼𝘁 𝗷𝘂𝘀𝘁 𝘀𝘁𝗿𝘂𝗰𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗮𝗹.
𝗜𝘁 𝗶𝘀 𝗻𝗲𝘂𝗿𝗼𝗹𝗼𝗴𝗶𝗰𝗮𝗹.

In an inflare–outflare torsional pattern, the ilium moves medially at the dorsal aspect and laterally at the ventral aspect.
Not dramatic displacement.
But enough to alter tension, proprioception, and neural signalling.

𝗪𝗵𝘆 𝗧𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝗠𝗮𝘁𝘁𝗲𝗿𝘀 𝗡𝗲𝘂𝗿𝗼𝗹𝗼𝗴𝗶𝗰𝗮𝗹𝗹𝘆:

The sacroiliac region is richly innervated.

𝘐𝘵 𝘤𝘰𝘯𝘵𝘢𝘪𝘯𝘴:

• Dorsal rami of sacral nerves
• Ventral rami contributing to the sacral plexus
• Mechanoreceptors within ligaments
• Nociceptors within joint capsule and fascia

𝙒𝙝𝙚𝙣 𝙢𝙚𝙘𝙝𝙖𝙣𝙞𝙘𝙨 𝙖𝙡𝙩𝙚𝙧, 𝙨𝙞𝙜𝙣𝙖𝙡𝙡𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙖𝙡𝙩𝙚𝙧𝙨.

1️⃣ 𝗟𝗶𝗴𝗮𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗼𝘂𝘀 𝗠𝗲𝗰𝗵𝗮𝗻𝗼𝗿𝗲𝗰𝗲𝗽𝘁𝗼𝗿𝘀 & 𝗔𝗳𝗳𝗲𝗿𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗦𝗶𝗴𝗻𝗮𝗹𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗴

The dorsal sacroiliac ligaments are dense with mechanoreceptors.

𝘞𝘩𝘦𝘯 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘵𝘶𝘣𝘦𝘳 𝘴𝘢𝘤𝘳𝘢𝘭𝘦 𝘮𝘰𝘷𝘦𝘴 𝘮𝘦𝘥𝘪𝘢𝘭𝘭𝘺:

• Ligaments tension asymmetrically
• Joint capsule compression changes
• Afferent input to the spinal cord becomes altered

This affects proprioception, the horse’s internal map of where its pelvis is in space.

The brain now receives distorted positional feedback.

𝗥𝗲𝘀𝘂𝗹𝘁? 𝗠𝗼𝘁𝗼𝗿 𝗼𝘂𝘁𝗽𝘂𝘁 𝗰𝗵𝗮𝗻𝗴𝗲𝘀.

Not because the horse is weak.
But because the nervous system is protecting.........

2️⃣ 𝗦𝗮𝗰𝗿𝗮𝗹 𝗙𝗼𝗿𝗮𝗺𝗶𝗻𝗮 & 𝗡𝗲𝗿𝘃𝗲 𝗥𝗼𝗼𝘁 𝗜𝗿𝗿𝗶𝘁𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻

Subtle restriction around S1–S2 does not require visible pathology.

Even mild mechanical narrowing or inflammatory change can:

• Increase nociceptive input
• Reduce motor efficiency
• Alter gluteal recruitment

Chronic low-grade irritation may lead to:

• Delayed firing of multifidi
• Gluteal inhibition
• Hamstring over-recruitment

The stabilisers go quiet.
The larger muscles brace.

3️⃣ 𝗩𝗮𝘀𝗰𝘂𝗹𝗮𝗿 & 𝗟𝗶𝗴𝗮𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗟𝗼𝗮𝗱 𝗦𝘁𝗮𝘁𝗲

The sacroiliac region is not only neural, it is vascular.

𝘛𝘩𝘦 𝘴𝘢𝘤𝘳𝘢𝘭 𝘧𝘰𝘳𝘢𝘮𝘪𝘯𝘢 𝘵𝘳𝘢𝘯𝘴𝘮𝘪𝘵:

• Nerve roots
• Segmental vessels
• Venous drainage

When ligament tension becomes asymmetrical, load is no longer evenly distributed.

One side may sit in chronic compression.
The other in persistent tension.

𝘛𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘮𝘢𝘺:

• Alter neural glide
• Influence local tissue perfusion
• Disturb mechanoreceptor signalling

Importantly, this does not require a visible tear.
Micro-strain and cumulative overload are enough to disturb stability.
The ligaments act as a stabilising sling between pelvis and spine.
If their tension balance is altered, force transfer efficiency reduces.

𝘖𝘷𝘦𝘳 𝘵𝘪𝘮𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘪𝘯𝘧𝘭𝘶𝘦𝘯𝘤𝘦𝘴:

• Gluteal recruitment
• Lumbar tone
• Hip joint loading
• Distal limb stress patterns

4️⃣ 𝗗𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗮𝗹 𝗟𝗼𝗮𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗴 & 𝗠𝘆𝗼𝗳𝗮𝘀𝗰𝗶𝗮𝗹 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝘁𝗶𝗻𝘂𝗶𝘁𝘆

We also cannot ignore the distal driver.
The superficial dorsal line, described by Elbrønd & Shultz (2015) >> begins in the hind hoof and continues up the limb, through the pelvis, along the spine and into the head.

Altered hind hoof balance (for example negative plantar angles) changes tension along this entire myofascial chain.

Research suggests that hind hoof imbalance may influence pathology not only within the limb, but into the pelvis, sacroiliac region and caudal thoracic spine, with potential neurological implications along the sciatic pathway.

𝗧𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝗿𝗲𝗶𝗻𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗰𝗲𝘀 𝗮𝗻 𝗶𝗺𝗽𝗼𝗿𝘁𝗮𝗻𝘁 𝗽𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗰𝗶𝗽𝗹𝗲:
𝗦𝗜 𝗱𝘆𝘀𝗳𝘂𝗻𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗶𝘀 𝗻𝗼𝘁 𝗮𝗹𝘄𝗮𝘆𝘀 𝗰𝗿𝗲𝗮𝘁𝗲𝗱 𝗹𝗼𝗰𝗮𝗹𝗹𝘆.

Which is why collaboration between farriers, veterinarians and practitioners is essential when managing postural and locomotor dysfunction.

𝘛𝘩𝘦 𝘙𝘦𝘴𝘶𝘭𝘵𝘪𝘯𝘨 “𝘗𝘳𝘰𝘵𝘦𝘤𝘵𝘪𝘷𝘦” 𝘉𝘦𝘩𝘢𝘷𝘪𝘰𝘶𝘳𝘴:

Because the brain prioritises protection over performance, movement patterns change.

Not dramatically.
But strategically.

𝗬𝗼𝘂 𝗺𝗮𝘆 𝘀𝗲𝗲:

• “Bunny hopping” in canter > reducing unilateral pelvic rotation that increases shear or tension
• Plaiting behind > narrowing the base of support to increase perceived stability
• Toe dragging > reduced hind limb lift due to altered gluteal recruitment and delayed motor firing
• Resistance to collection > rounding the back increases SI compression, so the horse braces instead
• Scooting sideways in transitions > avoiding the surge of force closure required

These are not random habits.
They are motor strategies.

The nervous system is choosing the movement pattern that feels safest under altered afferent input.

𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗢𝘄𝗻𝗲𝗿𝘀 𝗠𝗮𝘆 𝗦𝗲𝗲:

• Loss of engagement
• Crooked transitions
• One-sided difficulty in lateral work
• Reluctance in canter strike-off
• Disuniting behind
• Subtle gluteal atrophy
• “Hunter’s bump” appearance
• Tail slightly off midline
• Reduced impulsion

Often labelled behavioural.
Frequently neurological inhibition secondary to pelvic restriction.

Chronic pelvic torsion can also subtly alter acetabular loading and contribute to secondary hip compensation patterns often mistaken for primary hindlimb pathology.

𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗞𝗲𝘆 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝗰𝗲𝗽𝘁

Muscles do not switch off randomly.
The nervous system inhibits them when joint input feels unsafe.

If pelvic mechanics distort afferent signalling, motor output adapts.

You cannot strengthen your way out of neural inhibition without first restoring mobility.

Restore mobility.
Rebuild stability.
Increase capacity.

Over the past week I’ve shared a series exploring sacroiliac dysfunction/torsion and its neural consequences.

The response has been significant; thank you for the level of discussion.

Due to demand, I’ll be announcing a small-group, in-person CPD day next week, focused specifically on assessing this.

𝗜𝗳 𝘆𝗼𝘂’𝗱 𝗹𝗶𝗸𝗲 𝗽𝗿𝗶𝗼𝗿𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝗮𝗰𝗰𝗲𝘀𝘀 𝗯𝗲𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗲 𝗽𝘂𝗯𝗹𝗶𝗰 𝗿𝗲𝗹𝗲𝗮𝘀𝗲, 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝗰𝗮𝗻 𝗷𝗼𝗶𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗹𝗶𝘀𝘁 𝗵𝗲𝗿𝗲:
https://www.helenthornton.com/contact

Image; https://share.google/QmHbtoVpDhi67TAFi

27/02/2026

𝗦𝗮𝗰𝗿𝗼𝗶𝗹𝗶𝗮𝗰 𝗱𝘆𝘀𝗳𝘂𝗻𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗶𝘀 𝗻𝗼𝘁 𝗮 𝗯𝗼𝗻𝗲 𝗼𝘂𝘁 𝗼𝗳 𝗽𝗹𝗮𝗰𝗲. 𝗜𝘁 𝗶𝘀 𝗮 𝘁𝗼𝗿𝘀𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹 𝗹𝗼𝗮𝗱 𝗽𝗿𝗼𝗯𝗹𝗲𝗺 𝗮𝗳𝗳𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗶𝗿𝗲 𝗽𝗲𝗹𝘃𝗶𝗰 𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗴.

𝙐𝙣𝙙𝙚𝙧𝙨𝙩𝙖𝙣𝙙𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙋𝙚𝙡𝙫𝙞𝙘 𝙏𝙤𝙧𝙨𝙞𝙤𝙣: 𝙏𝙝𝙚 𝙄𝙣𝙛𝙡𝙖𝙧𝙚 / 𝙊𝙪𝙩𝙛𝙡𝙖𝙧𝙚 𝘿𝙮𝙣𝙖𝙢𝙞𝙘

When we assess pelvic dysfunction, we are not looking for “bones out of place.”

We are identifying a 3-dimensional torsional pattern that alters load transfer through the entire pelvic ring.

This diagram illustrates a common osteopathic presentation:

🔴 𝗗𝗼𝗿𝘀𝗮𝗹 𝗜𝗻𝗳𝗹𝗮𝗿𝗲

The tuber sacrale moves medially and slightly caudally.
This increases compression through the dorsal sacroiliac ligament and reduces the functional diameter of the dorsal pelvic outlet.
Perineal and pelvic floor tissues often become congested or reactive.

🔵 𝗩𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗿𝗮𝗹 𝗢𝘂𝘁𝗳𝗹𝗮𝗿𝗲

The tuber coxae moves ventrally and laterally.
This creates tensile stress through the abdominal wall, inguinal region, and sacrosciatic ligament.

𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗧𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝗔𝗰𝘁𝘂𝗮𝗹𝗹𝘆 𝗠𝗲𝗮𝗻𝘀
𝘐𝘵 𝘪𝘴 𝘳𝘢𝘳𝘦𝘭𝘺 𝘥𝘳𝘢𝘮𝘢𝘵𝘪𝘤 𝘥𝘪𝘴𝘱𝘭𝘢𝘤𝘦𝘮𝘦𝘯𝘵.

It is a subtle alteration in orientation and tension, just enough to:

• Create asymmetric loading in the sacroiliac ligaments
• Disrupt force transmission from hind limb to trunk
• Alter proprioceptive feedback from the pelvis
• Change neuromuscular timing

The horse does not lose strength first.

It loses clarity of position.

When the brain receives distorted mechanical input from the pelvis, it prioritises protection over performance.

Soft tissues then overwork to stabilise a torsioned frame.

𝙏𝙝𝙞𝙨 𝙞𝙨 𝙬𝙝𝙚𝙧𝙚 𝙘𝙝𝙧𝙤𝙣𝙞𝙘 𝙘𝙤𝙢𝙥𝙚𝙣𝙨𝙖𝙩𝙞𝙤𝙣 𝙗𝙚𝙜𝙞𝙣𝙨

🟣𝗜𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗡𝗲𝘅𝘁 𝗣𝗼𝘀𝘁

We will look at what this torsional pattern does to the neural structures of the sacroiliac region, also including the dorsal sacroiliac ligament, sacrosciatic ligament, and their influence on afferent signalling from the hind limb.

Because SI dysfunction is not just mechanical.

If you’re looking for visible displacement in the SI joint, you’re already too late.
The real issue begins with subtle torsion.

I’m considering running a CPD day on assessing pelvic torsion and sacral mechanics.

➡️➡️🔴 Comment 𝗖𝗣𝗗 if you’d like details.

st

22/02/2026

🐴𝗦𝗜 𝗝𝗼𝗶𝗻𝘁 𝗗𝘆𝘀𝗳𝘂𝗻𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗶𝗻 𝗛𝗼𝗿𝘀𝗲𝘀: 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗶𝘀𝘀𝘂𝗲 𝗮𝗹𝗺𝗼𝘀𝘁 𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗿𝘆 𝗼𝘄𝗻𝗲𝗿 𝗵𝗮𝘀 𝗵𝗲𝗮𝗿𝗱 𝗼𝗳… 𝗯𝘂𝘁 𝗳𝗲𝘄 𝘁𝗿𝘂𝗹𝘆 𝘂𝗻𝗱𝗲𝗿𝘀𝘁𝗮𝗻𝗱.

𝙏𝙝𝙚 𝙨𝙖𝙘𝙧𝙤𝙞𝙡𝙞𝙖𝙘 𝙟𝙤𝙞𝙣𝙩 (𝙎𝙄𝙅) 𝙞𝙨 𝙣𝙤𝙩 𝙟𝙪𝙨𝙩 “𝙖𝙣𝙤𝙩𝙝𝙚𝙧 𝙟𝙤𝙞𝙣𝙩.”
𝙄𝙩 𝙞𝙨 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙡𝙤𝙖𝙙-𝙩𝙧𝙖𝙣𝙨𝙛𝙚𝙧 𝙝𝙪𝙗 𝙗𝙚𝙩𝙬𝙚𝙚𝙣 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙝𝙞𝙣𝙙𝙡𝙞𝙢𝙗𝙨 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙨𝙥𝙞𝙣𝙚.

When it is functioning well, the horse feels:

✔ Even
✔ Powerful
✔ Willing
✔ Straight

When it is not coping, the whole “engine room” looks weaker, crooked, or inconsistent.

𝘈𝘯𝘥 𝘩𝘦𝘳𝘦’𝘴 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘬𝘦𝘺:

𝙎𝙄 𝙙𝙮𝙨𝙛𝙪𝙣𝙘𝙩𝙞𝙤𝙣 𝙞𝙨 𝙧𝙖𝙧𝙚𝙡𝙮 𝙟𝙪𝙨𝙩 𝙖𝙗𝙤𝙪𝙩 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙟𝙤𝙞𝙣𝙩 𝙞𝙩𝙨𝙚𝙡𝙛.

🔎 𝗪𝗵𝘆 𝗦𝗜 𝗣𝗿𝗼𝗯𝗹𝗲𝗺𝘀 𝗔𝗿𝗲 𝗦𝗼 𝗖𝗼𝗺𝗺𝗼𝗻:

The SI joint has a unique job: It must transfer massive propulsion forces from the hindlimbs into the spine while barely moving.
Read that one again 😳

𝘐𝘵 𝘳𝘦𝘭𝘪𝘦𝘴 𝘰𝘯 𝘵𝘸𝘰 𝘭𝘢𝘺𝘦𝘳𝘴 𝘰𝘧 𝘴𝘵𝘢𝘣𝘪𝘭𝘪𝘵𝘺

1️⃣ 𝗙𝗼𝗿𝗺 𝗖𝗹𝗼𝘀𝘂𝗿𝗲
The anatomical shape and wedge-like congruency of the joint surfaces create inherent stability.

2️⃣ 𝗙𝗼𝗿𝗰𝗲 𝗖𝗹𝗼𝘀𝘂𝗿𝗲
Dynamic muscular and fascial support adds compression and control:

● Gluteals
● Hamstrings
● Multifidi
●Thoracolumbar fascia
● Pelvic floor

𝗟𝗼𝗻𝗴𝗶𝘀𝘀𝗶𝗺𝘂𝘀 𝗱𝗼𝗿𝘀𝗶 also plays a role in force closure, though it often becomes "𝘵𝘪𝘨𝘩𝘵" (hypertonic) to compensate when the deeper Multifidi (the stabilizers) are weak. This is why a horse with SI pain often has a very hard, "𝘣𝘰𝘢𝘳𝘥-𝘭𝘪𝘬𝘦" back.

A horse can have perfectly normal “𝘧𝘰𝘳𝘮 𝘤𝘭𝘰𝘴𝘶𝘳𝘦”
…but if 𝘧𝘰𝘳𝘤𝘦 𝘤𝘭𝘰𝘴𝘶𝘳𝘦 drops (fatigue, poor conditioning, pain, compensation, saddle issues, overload), the SI region becomes the weak link.

The engine room loses power and therefore transmitting forces!

Cue...Suspensory inflammation, strain to hocks, foot balance issues, loading issues and propulsion issues.

This is why so many horses present with SI patterns without having obvious trauma. For me it's great to get these areas comfortable and compensations dealt with, before things like suspensory inflammation begin.

⚖️ 𝗦𝗺𝗮𝗹𝗹 𝗣𝗲𝗹𝘃𝗶𝗰 𝗦𝗵𝗶𝗳𝘁𝘀 > 𝗕𝗶𝗴 𝗣𝗲𝗿𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗲 𝗖𝗵𝗮𝗻𝗴𝗲𝘀

𝘍𝘳𝘰𝘮 𝘢𝘯 𝘰𝘴𝘵𝘦𝘰𝘱𝘢𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘤 𝘱𝘦𝘳𝘴𝘱𝘦𝘤𝘵𝘪𝘷𝘦, 𝘐 𝘢𝘴𝘴𝘦𝘴𝘴:

● Ilium ventral or dorsal rotation
● IIlium inflare / outflare
● Upslides from trauma (𝘳𝘦𝘧𝘦𝘳𝘴 𝘵𝘰 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘦𝘯𝘵𝘪𝘳𝘦 𝘪𝘭𝘪𝘶𝘮 𝘣𝘦𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘴𝘩𝘶𝘯𝘵𝘦𝘥 𝘥𝘰𝘳𝘴𝘢𝘭𝘭𝘺 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘰𝘧𝘵𝘦𝘯 𝘤𝘢𝘶𝘥𝘢𝘭𝘭𝘺 - 𝘶𝘱 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘣𝘢𝘤𝘬)
● Sacral motion around multiple axes

𝘛𝘩𝘦𝘴𝘦 𝘴𝘶𝘣𝘵𝘭𝘦 𝘱𝘦𝘭𝘷𝘪𝘤 𝘢𝘥𝘢𝘱𝘵𝘢𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯𝘴 𝘤𝘢𝘯 𝘤𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘵𝘦:

● Apparent “functional leg-length difference”
● Uneven tuber sacrale height
● Uneven tuber coxaes
● Altered hoof landing
● One-sided difficulty in canter

𝘛𝘩𝘦𝘺 𝘢𝘳𝘦 𝘧𝘶𝘯𝘤𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯𝘢𝘭 𝘮𝘰𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯 𝘳𝘦𝘴𝘵𝘳𝘪𝘤𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯𝘴 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘢𝘥𝘢𝘱𝘵𝘢𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯𝘴.

And because the SI joint is deep and cannot be properly X-rayed, these motion patterns cannot be seen on imaging.

They must be palpated and assessed via Direct Motion Testing.

𝗧𝗵𝗲 "𝗡𝗲𝘂𝗿𝗮𝗹" 𝗙𝗮𝗰𝘁𝗼𝗿:

Force closure requires the nervous system to fire those muscles just before the hoof hits the ground. If a horse is in pain elsewhere (like the hocks or feet), the brain often delays this firing, meaning the force closure fails even if the muscles look "big."

𝗖𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗶𝗰𝗮𝗹 𝗜𝗺𝗽𝗹𝗶𝗰𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻: 𝗧𝗵𝗲 "𝗩𝗶𝗰𝗶𝗼𝘂𝘀 𝗖𝘆𝗰𝗹𝗲"

𝘊𝘰𝘯𝘥𝘪𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘪𝘴 𝘤𝘳𝘶𝘤𝘪𝘢𝘭. 𝘞𝘩𝘦𝘯 𝘢 𝘩𝘰𝘳𝘴𝘦 𝘩𝘢𝘴 "𝘱𝘰𝘰𝘳 𝘤𝘰𝘯𝘥𝘪𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯𝘪𝘯𝘨," 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘺 𝘭𝘰𝘴𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘮𝘶𝘴𝘤𝘶𝘭𝘢𝘳 "𝘩𝘶𝘨" 𝘢𝘳𝘰𝘶𝘯𝘥 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘫𝘰𝘪𝘯𝘵.

This leads to:
▪︎ Micro-instability in the joint.
▪︎ Inflammation of the ventral sacroiliac ligaments.
▪︎ Spasms in the longissimus dorsi (back muscles) as they try to compensate for the pelvic instability.

The SI joint is not a high-motion joint such as the fetlock, but rather a stress-transfer mechanism.

The SIJ relies on "active" stability from the surrounding soft tissue.

If the muscles and fascia aren't providing that necessary compression, the horse will subconsciously develop compensatory movement patterns to avoid the discomfort of a "shearing" sensation in the pelvis.

𝙃𝙚𝙧𝙚 𝙖𝙧𝙚 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙨𝙥𝙚𝙘𝙞𝙛𝙞𝙘 𝙨𝙞𝙜𝙣𝙨 𝙩𝙝𝙖𝙩 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙚𝙣𝙜𝙞𝙣𝙚 𝙧𝙤𝙤𝙢 𝙞𝙨 𝙛𝙖𝙞𝙡𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙙𝙪𝙚 𝙩𝙤 𝙥𝙤𝙤𝙧 𝙛𝙤𝙧𝙘𝙚 𝙘𝙡𝙤𝙨𝙪𝙧𝙚:

1️⃣ 𝗧𝗵𝗲 "𝗕𝘂𝗻𝗻𝘆 𝗛𝗼𝗽" (𝗖𝗮𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗿 𝗗𝘆𝘀𝗳𝘂𝗻𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻)

This is the most classic sign of SI instability.

𝘛𝘩𝘦 𝘴𝘪𝘨𝘯: Both hind limbs move more simultaneously in canter.

𝘞𝘩𝘺?
Unilateral pelvic stability is insufficient, so the horse reduces shear by moving both legs together.

2️⃣ "𝗗𝗶𝘀𝘂𝗻𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴" 𝗼𝗿 𝗖𝗿𝗼𝘀𝘀-𝗖𝗮𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗴

The horse may start on the correct lead but "swap" behind after a few strides, especially in corners.

𝘛𝘩𝘦 𝘚𝘪𝘨𝘯: Leading with the left leg in front but the right leg behind.

𝘞𝘩𝘺?
As the horse turns, the torque on the pelvis increases. If the fascial slings (like the thoracolumbar fascia) aren't tensioning correctly, the horse cannot maintain the diagonal coordination and swaps to a "stiffer" gait to find stability.

3️⃣ 𝗗𝘂𝗰𝗸𝗶𝗻𝗴" 𝗢𝘂𝘁 𝗼𝗳 𝗧𝗿𝗮𝗻𝘀𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀

Transitions (walk-to-canter or trot-to-halt) require a massive "surge" of force closure to stabilize the pelvis as the centre of gravity shifts.

𝘛𝘩𝘦 𝘚𝘪𝘨𝘯: The horse may toss its head, hollow its back, or "scoot" sideways during a transition.

Why?:
The horse is bracing against the anticipated "jolt" in the SIJ because the stabilizing muscles (multifidi and gluteals) aren't firing fast enough to protect the joint.

4️⃣ 𝗔𝘀𝘆𝗺𝗺𝗲𝘁𝗿𝗶𝗰𝗮𝗹 𝗠𝘂𝘀𝗰𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗴 (“𝗦𝘂𝗻𝗸𝗲𝗻 𝗦𝗜”)
Visible atrophy around the croup.

𝘞𝘩𝘺?
When force closure is chronically absent, the "software" (the nerves) stops telling the "hardware" (the muscles) to work.
🟰Chronic inhibition of multifidi and deep stabilisers.
Superficial muscles compensate and fatigue.

🧠 𝗦𝗜 𝗜𝘀 𝗥𝗮𝗿𝗲𝗹𝘆 “𝗝𝘂𝘀𝘁 𝗦𝗜”

One of the most important principles;
The pelvis and lumbar spine behave as a functional unit.

𝘏𝘪𝘯𝘥𝘭𝘪𝘮𝘣 𝘧𝘰𝘳𝘤𝘦 𝘵𝘳𝘢𝘯𝘴𝘮𝘪𝘵𝘴:
Hip ➡️ SI ➡️ Lumbar spine

Distal overload (hoof imbalance, hock strain, stifle compensation)
often drives pelvic adaptation.

𝗦𝗼, 𝗶𝗳 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝗼𝗻𝗹𝘆 𝘁𝗿𝗲𝗮𝘁 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗦𝗜 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵𝗼𝘂𝘁 𝗮𝘀𝘀𝗲𝘀𝘀𝗶𝗻𝗴:

● Lumbar mechanics
● Diaphragm tension
● Thoracolumbar fascia
● Visceral influences
● Hoof Mechanics

𝘠𝘰𝘶 𝘮𝘪𝘴𝘴 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘥𝘳𝘪𝘷𝘦𝘳.

𝗦𝘂𝗺𝗺𝗮𝗿𝘆
👀 What Owners Often Notice First:

𝘚𝘐 𝘵𝘦𝘳𝘳𝘢𝘪𝘯 𝘰𝘧𝘵𝘦𝘯 𝘴𝘩𝘰𝘸𝘴 𝘶𝘱 𝘢𝘴:

● Disunited or difficult canter
● One-sided strike-off problems
● “Bunny hopping” behind
● Difficulty sitting or collecting
● Crooked lateral work
● Reduced impulsion
● Bucking on transition
● Reluctance to jump
● Hind limb that feels “short”

Owners usually know something feels off.
They just can’t explain it.

𝗦𝗼, 𝗶𝗳 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝗵𝗮𝘃𝗲 𝘀𝘂𝘀𝗽𝗲𝗻𝘀𝗼𝗿𝘆 𝗶𝗻𝗳𝗹𝗮𝗺𝗺𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻, 𝗦𝗜𝗝 𝗱𝘆𝘀𝗳𝘂𝗻𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻, 𝗮𝗺𝗼𝗻𝗴𝘀𝘁 𝘀𝗼𝗺𝗲 𝗼𝗳 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗮𝗯𝗼𝘃𝗲 𝘁𝗿𝗮𝗶𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗶𝘀𝘀𝘂𝗲𝘀 𝗶𝘁𝘀 𝗽𝗮𝗿𝗮𝗺𝗼𝘂𝗻𝘁 𝘁𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗵𝗼𝗿𝘀𝗲 𝗶𝘀 𝗮𝘀𝘀𝗲𝘀𝘀𝗲𝗱 > 𝗧𝗛𝗘 𝗪𝗛𝗢𝗟𝗘 𝗛𝗢𝗥𝗦𝗘.

Because The Pelvis Doesn’t Just “Go Out”

Small pelvic adaptations can create major loading asymmetries.
And because the SI is deep and heavily muscled, it cannot be properly assessed on standard radiographs.

You cannot X-ray movement quality.
You have to palpate it.

𝗛𝗲𝗿𝗲’𝘀 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗣𝗮𝗿𝘁 𝗣𝗲𝗼𝗽𝗹𝗲 𝗠𝗶𝘀𝘀

SI dysfunction is rarely isolated.
As I said, the pelvis and lumbar spine function as a unit.
The diaphragm also influences sacral loading via the thoracolumbar fascia.

𝙄𝙣 𝙨𝙝𝙤𝙧𝙩 ↪️ 𝙏𝙝𝙞𝙨 𝙞𝙨 𝙤𝙛𝙩𝙚𝙣 𝙖 𝙨𝙮𝙨𝙩𝙚𝙢𝙨 𝙞𝙨𝙨𝙪𝙚.
𝙉𝙤𝙩 𝙖 𝙨𝙞𝙣𝙜𝙡𝙚 𝙟𝙤𝙞𝙣𝙩 𝙥𝙧𝙤𝙗𝙡𝙚𝙢.

𝘚𝘵𝘦𝘳𝘰𝘪𝘥 𝘐𝘯𝘫𝘦𝘤𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯𝘴 𝘙𝘦𝘥𝘶𝘤𝘦 𝘐𝘯𝘧𝘭𝘢𝘮𝘮𝘢𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯.
𝘛𝘩𝘦𝘺 𝘥𝘰 𝘯𝘰𝘵 𝘳𝘦𝘴𝘵𝘰𝘳𝘦:
● Pelvic mechanics
● Force transfer
● Muscular coordination
● Fascial tension balance

Sometimes they are appropriate. But if you don’t address the pattern,the horse often circles back to the same problem.

𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗔𝗰𝘁𝘂𝗮𝗹𝗹𝘆 𝗖𝗵𝗮𝗻𝗴𝗲𝘀 𝗢𝘂𝘁𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗲𝘀
● Build strength progressively
● Straight lines before tight circles
● Gentle hills
● Raised poles
● Balanced transitions
● Restore lumbar & diaphragmatic mobility

𝙏𝙝𝙚 𝙎𝙄 𝙟𝙤𝙞𝙣𝙩 𝙞𝙨 𝙣𝙤𝙩 𝙬𝙚𝙖𝙠. 𝙄𝙩 𝙞𝙨 𝙪𝙨𝙪𝙖𝙡𝙡𝙮 𝙤𝙫𝙚𝙧𝙡𝙤𝙖𝙙𝙚𝙙, 𝙪𝙣𝙙𝙚𝙧-𝙨𝙪𝙥𝙥𝙤𝙧𝙩𝙚𝙙, 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙤𝙛𝙩𝙚𝙣 𝙘𝙤𝙢𝙥𝙚𝙣𝙨𝙖𝙩𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙛𝙤𝙧 𝙨𝙤𝙢𝙚𝙩𝙝𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙚𝙡𝙨𝙚, 𝙟𝙪𝙨𝙩 𝙡𝙞𝙠𝙚 𝙩𝙝𝙤𝙨𝙚 𝙞𝙣𝙛𝙡𝙖𝙢𝙚𝙙 𝙨𝙪𝙨𝙥𝙚𝙣𝙨𝙤𝙧𝙞𝙚𝙨.

21/02/2026

🐴💨 𝗗𝗶𝗮𝗽𝗵𝗿𝗮𝗴𝗺 𝗣𝗮𝗿𝘁 𝟮: 𝗣𝗿𝗲𝘀𝘀𝘂𝗿𝗲, 𝗣𝗼𝘀𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗲 & 𝗦𝗽𝗶𝗻𝗲 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝗻𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀💨

𝙊𝙣𝙚 𝙤𝙛 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙢𝙤𝙨𝙩 𝙞𝙢𝙥𝙤𝙧𝙩𝙖𝙣𝙩 𝙩𝙧𝙚𝙖𝙩𝙢𝙚𝙣𝙩 𝙖𝙧𝙚𝙖𝙨 𝙛𝙤𝙧 𝙬𝙝𝙤𝙡𝙚 𝙝𝙤𝙧𝙨𝙚 𝙢𝙤𝙫𝙚𝙢𝙚𝙣𝙩❗️

In Part 1, we explored the diaphragm as more than a breathing muscle; a pressure regulator, pump, and connector between structure, organs, and nervous system.

Now we dive deeper into how diaphragm motion links to posture, spine mechanics, and the hindlimbs, and why a “barrel-shaped” horse is often about pressure, not fat.

𝗔𝗻𝗮𝘁𝗼𝗺𝗶𝗰𝗮𝗹 𝗔𝘁𝘁𝗮𝗰𝗵𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁𝘀:

The diaphragm isn’t floating in isolation. Key attachments include:

▶️ 𝗦𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗻𝘂𝗺: ventral anchor, supports cranial thorax
▶️ 𝗥𝗶𝗯𝘀: caudal ribs (8–18) form the broad costal attachment
▶️ 𝗟𝘂𝗺𝗯𝗮𝗿 𝘃𝗲𝗿𝘁𝗲𝗯𝗿𝗮𝗲: crura attach asymmetrically

𝘙𝘪𝘨𝘩𝘵 𝘤𝘳𝘶𝘹: 𝘴𝘵𝘳𝘰𝘯𝘨𝘦𝘳, 𝘓5–𝘓6, blends with ventral longitudinal ligament

𝘓𝘦𝘧𝘵 𝘤𝘳𝘶𝘹: 𝘸𝘦𝘢𝘬𝘦𝘳, 𝘓2–𝘓3, slightly shorter.

The crura (muscular legs) are asymmetrical to accommodate organs and vessels, with the right side being typically longer and stronger.

The diaphragm has a tendinous centre, connecting these domes and crura, integrating rib, lumbar, and visceral mechanics. These asymmetries can influence how the horse moves, breathes, and distributes pressure.

🐎𝗠𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗔𝘀𝘆𝗺𝗺𝗲𝘁𝗿𝗶𝗲𝘀:

Because the diaphragm shares attachment sites with the psoas muscle at the lumbar spine, tension or structural asymmetry in the diaphragm can lead to tightness in the psoas, affecting hindlimb protraction, pelvic mobility, and the horse's ability to bend or move straight.

(𝘔𝘰𝘳𝘦 𝘰𝘯 𝘤𝘭𝘪𝘯𝘪𝘤𝘢𝘭 𝘪𝘮𝘱𝘭𝘪𝘤𝘢𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯𝘴 𝘪𝘯 𝘴𝘶𝘣𝘴𝘤𝘳𝘪𝘣𝘦𝘳-𝘰𝘯𝘭𝘺 𝘤𝘰𝘯𝘵𝘦𝘯𝘵)

🔁 𝗗𝗶𝗮𝗽𝗵𝗿𝗮𝗴𝗺 & 𝗦𝗽𝗶𝗻𝗮𝗹 𝗠𝗲𝗰𝗵𝗮𝗻𝗶𝗰𝘀:

Think of the spine as a bridge, suspended between tension-based systems providing support, stability, and controlled movement.

When these systems are out of balance (poor posture, bracing, or pain), compensations occur:
Inspiration restriction is most common, producing lordosis of the lumbar spine, sacral nutation, and high withers.
The caudal ribs may stick out (pear-shaped barrel), often misunderstood as a fat horse.

Lumbar and thoracolumbar musculature works harder to stabilise, often visible as epaxial tension.

🛜 𝗣𝗿𝗲𝘀𝘀𝘂𝗿𝗲 𝗗𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗿𝗶𝗯𝘂𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻:

The diaphragm modulates intracavity pressures between the thorax and abdomen. Asymmetries here can cause uneven rib cage expansion, which may result in saddle slip or uneven weight distribution for the rider.

𝗞𝗲𝘆 𝗼𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗼𝗽𝗮𝘁𝗵𝗶𝗰 𝗶𝗻𝘀𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁:

The diaphragm, via its lumbar crura and central tendon, influences the (abdominals/psoas) and thoracolumbar mechanics. Restriction here can create a hollowed or braced back, hyperlordosis, and altered hindlimb engagement.

𝗕𝗮𝗰𝗸 𝗽𝗮𝗶𝗻, 𝗟𝗶𝗴𝗮𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝘀𝗶𝗱𝗲𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀:

Even if X-rays show no “kissing spine,” back pain may be present. Ligamentous micro-tears can be linked to diaphragmatic tension patterns:

Supraspinous ligament (top cable) can be chronically strained or slack due to diaphragm restriction, even without bone contact (ks).

Interspinous ligaments may be pinched during hollowed postures, particularly with restricted diaphragm motion.

𝗖𝗼𝗺𝗽𝗲𝗻𝘀𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗠𝗲𝗰𝗵𝗮𝗻𝗶𝗰𝘀:

A tight, high-tension diaphragm disrupts the normal recruitment of the abdominal muscles (re**us abdominis, transversus abdominis), causing the horse to compensate by overworking their back muscles (longissimus dorsi) and adopting a "hollow" posture.

When a horse has a restricted diaphragm and cannot lift its back, the dorsal spinous processes can come too close together, leading to inflammation of the interspinous ligaments (ligamentous desmopathy), even before radiographic changes (kissing spines) are present.

𝗧𝗮𝗸𝗲𝗮𝘄𝗮𝘆:

Diaphragm restriction can predispose to ligament damage, altered spinal mechanics, and compensatory bracing, highlighting why treatment often combines thoracic inlet, rib, and diaphragmatic work.

💱𝗣𝗿𝗲𝘀𝘀𝘂𝗿𝗲 & 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗕𝗮𝗿𝗿𝗲𝗹 𝗦𝗵𝗮𝗽𝗲:

During normal inspiration the diaphragm moves caudal + ventral, increasing vertical thoracic dimension
Ribs widen (transverse plane)
Sternum elevates (sagittal plane)
Central tendon descends, pushing abdominal contents gently (horizontal plane)

The spine follows passively via costovertebral joints to maintain vertebral canal integrity.
When motion is restricted, abdominal pressure can rise, the horse braces through the back, and the ribs flare, producing the familiar “barrelled” appearance.

𝗧𝗿𝗲𝗮𝘁𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗽𝗿𝗼𝗺𝗼𝘁𝗲𝘀 & 𝗿𝗲𝘀𝘁𝗼𝗿𝗲𝘀:

🐎Rib mobility
🐎Spinal alignment
🐎Diaphragm excursion
🐎Pressure gradients
…and immediately horses can look 50kg lighter and move more freely.

𝗪𝗵𝘆 𝗜𝘁 𝗠𝗮𝘁𝘁𝗲𝗿𝘀 𝗖𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗶𝗰𝗮𝗹𝗹𝘆......

𝘿𝙞𝙖𝙥𝙝𝙧𝙖𝙜𝙢𝙖𝙩𝙞𝙘 𝙧𝙚𝙨𝙩𝙧𝙞𝙘𝙩𝙞𝙤𝙣 𝙞𝙨𝙣’𝙩 𝙟𝙪𝙨𝙩 𝙖𝙗𝙤𝙪𝙩 𝙗𝙧𝙚𝙖𝙩𝙝𝙞𝙣𝙜:

🟢Alters rib and thoracolumbar motion
🟢Promotes ligament strain and epaxial overwork
🟢Disrupts venous and lymphatic return
🟢Creates compensatory posture and gait
Restriction of the diaphragm ➡️ compensatory lumbar lordosis, sacral nutation, caudal rib flare, and back bracing ➡️ altered spinal mechanics and potential ligament strain.

𝗜𝗻 𝘀𝘂𝗺𝗺𝗮𝗿𝘆, the diaphragm serves as a "hidden" stabiliser; if it is not working correctly, it causes a cascading effect of bracing and pain along the entire thoracolumbar spine.

Restoring diaphragmatic mobility supports posture, rib function, pressure management, and overall spinal health.

Whole horse, whole approach, whole horse anatomy connections.

19/02/2026

𝗝𝗮𝘄 𝘁𝗼 𝗣𝗲𝗹𝘃𝗶𝘀 > 𝗪𝗵𝘆 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗧𝗠𝗝 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗜𝗹𝗶𝘂𝗺 𝗠𝗮𝘁𝘁𝗲𝗿 𝗠𝗼𝗿𝗲 𝗧𝗵𝗮𝗻 𝗬𝗼𝘂 𝗧𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗸.

One of the most consistent compensatory patterns I assess in horses is the same-side relationship between the TMJ (temporomandibular joint) and the ilium.

𝗪𝗵𝗲𝗻 𝗿𝗲𝘀𝘁𝗿𝗶𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗶𝘀 𝗽𝗿𝗲𝘀𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗶𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗷𝗮𝘄, 𝗶𝘁 𝗶𝘀 𝘃𝗲𝗿𝘆 𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗺𝗼𝗻 𝘁𝗼 𝗳𝗶𝗻𝗱 𝗮𝗹𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗲𝗱 𝗺𝗲𝗰𝗵𝗮𝗻𝗶𝗰𝘀 𝘁𝗵𝗿𝗼𝘂𝗴𝗵 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗶𝗹𝗶𝘂𝗺 𝗼𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝘀𝗮𝗺𝗲 𝘀𝗶𝗱𝗲.

𝘛𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘪𝘴𝘯’𝘵 𝘤𝘰𝘪𝘯𝘤𝘪𝘥𝘦𝘯𝘤𝘦.

The 𝗶𝗹𝗶𝘂𝗺 forms part of the pelvic component of the 𝘀𝗮𝗰𝗿𝗼𝗶𝗹𝗶𝗮𝗰 𝗷𝗼𝗶𝗻𝘁 (𝗦𝗜𝗝) > a structure that plays a critical role in force transfer from the hindlimbs through the lumbar spine and into the trunk.

If SI mobility is compromised, the relative motion of the hind legs, pelvis and lumbar region changes. Power, straightness and loading patterns all adapt.
𝘕𝘰𝘸 𝘤𝘰𝘯𝘴𝘪𝘥𝘦𝘳 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘰𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘳 𝘦𝘯𝘥 𝘰𝘧 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘤𝘩𝘢𝘪𝘯

The 𝗧𝗠𝗝 sits at the top of a fascial and neurological system that influences the poll, cervical spine and thoracolumbar junction. Restrictions here alter tension patterns throughout the axial skeleton. Those patterns do not stop at the withers, they continue caudally into the pelvis.

So:

• Jaw restriction can contribute to pelvic dysfunction
• Iliac/SI restriction can reinforce jaw asymmetry
• 𝗧𝗿𝗲𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗼𝗻𝗲 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵𝗼𝘂𝘁 𝗮𝘀𝘀𝗲𝘀𝘀𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗼𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗿 𝗼𝗳𝘁𝗲𝗻 𝗹𝗲𝗮𝘃𝗲𝘀 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗽𝗮𝘁𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗻 𝘂𝗻𝗿𝗲𝘀𝗼𝗹𝘃𝗲𝗱 ‼️

𝘛𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘪𝘴 𝘸𝘩𝘺 𝘮𝘰𝘣𝘪𝘭𝘪𝘵𝘺 𝘰𝘧 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘫𝘢𝘸 𝘪𝘴 𝘫𝘶𝘴𝘵 𝘢𝘴 𝘤𝘭𝘪𝘯𝘪𝘤𝘢𝘭𝘭𝘺 𝘴𝘪𝘨𝘯𝘪𝘧𝘪𝘤𝘢𝘯𝘵 𝘢𝘴 𝘮𝘰𝘣𝘪𝘭𝘪𝘵𝘺 𝘰𝘧 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘭𝘶𝘮𝘣𝘰𝘴𝘢𝘤𝘳𝘢𝘭 𝘳𝘦𝘨𝘪𝘰𝘯.

It is also why a true 𝘄𝗵𝗼𝗹𝗲-𝗵𝗼𝗿𝘀𝗲 evaluation matters. If we focus only on the site of obvious pain or performance loss, we miss the driver behind it.

In practice, this is why I collaborate closely with farriers, dental professionals and veterinary colleagues.

𝘔𝘦𝘤𝘩𝘢𝘯𝘪𝘤𝘢𝘭, 𝘥𝘦𝘯𝘵𝘢𝘭 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘯𝘦𝘶𝘳𝘰𝘭𝘰𝘨𝘪𝘤𝘢𝘭 𝘪𝘯𝘱𝘶𝘵𝘴 𝘢𝘭𝘭 𝘪𝘯𝘧𝘭𝘶𝘦𝘯𝘤𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘴𝘦 𝘱𝘢𝘵𝘵𝘦𝘳𝘯𝘴.

If your horse is showing performance changes, hind-end weakness, asymmetry, resistance in the contact, or recurring SI concerns, it may be time to look beyond the obvious area.

𝗦𝗼𝗺𝗲𝘁𝗶𝗺𝗲𝘀 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝘀𝘁𝗼𝗿𝘆 𝘀𝘁𝗮𝗿𝘁𝘀 𝗮𝘁 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗷𝗮𝘄.

𝘈𝘯𝘥 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘯𝘢𝘵𝘶𝘳𝘢𝘭𝘭𝘺 𝘭𝘦𝘢𝘥𝘴 𝘵𝘰 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘯𝘦𝘹𝘵 𝘲𝘶𝘦𝘴𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯…

If the 𝗶𝗹𝗶𝘂𝗺 is so influential > and if its relationship with the 𝗧𝗠𝗝 is this significant, how thoroughly are we really assessing the 𝘀𝗮𝗰𝗿𝗼𝗶𝗹𝗶𝗮𝗰 𝗿𝗲𝗴𝗶𝗼𝗻?

Because the SI joint is not just “the SI.”

● It is the articulation between sacrum and ilium.

● It is a load-transfer junction.

● It is a motion-dependent structure.

In the next post, I’ll break down why properly assessing the sacrum and ilium, rather than simply labelling “𝗦𝗜 𝗷𝗼𝗶𝗻𝘁 𝗽𝗮𝗶𝗻” > can completely change outcomes.

𝙒𝙚𝙚𝙠𝙚𝙣𝙙 > 𝙢𝙤𝙧𝙚 𝙙𝙞𝙖𝙥𝙝𝙧𝙖𝙜𝙢

14/02/2026

🚫 𝗦𝘁𝗼𝗽 𝗣𝘂𝗹𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗧𝗼𝗻𝗴𝘂𝗲 𝘁𝗼 “𝗙𝗶𝘅” 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗛𝘆𝗼𝗶𝗱.

𝘛𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘯𝘦𝘦𝘥𝘴 𝘴𝘢𝘺𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘤𝘭𝘦𝘢𝘳𝘭𝘺.

I thought this had been debunked and settled already, but after seeing it again doing the rounds on YouTube here we are.....

⛔️ 𝙏𝙝𝙚 𝙝𝙮𝙤𝙞𝙙 𝙞𝙨 𝙣𝙤𝙩 𝙖 𝙨𝙩𝙧𝙪𝙘𝙩𝙪𝙧𝙚 𝙮𝙤𝙪 𝙧𝙚𝙨𝙚𝙩 𝙗𝙮 𝙥𝙪𝙡𝙡𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙤𝙣 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙩𝙤𝙣𝙜𝙪𝙚.

Stop Pulling on the Tongue.
And Start Assessing the Whole Horse.

There is a growing trend of using tongue manipulation as a way to “treat” hyoid pain.
Even when it’s presented as gentle.
Even when it’s framed as advanced.

Let’s step back.

Because this is bigger than the tongue.
And even “gentle” tongue manipulation is not neutral.

𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗛𝘆𝗼𝗶𝗱 𝗜𝘀 𝗮 𝗥𝗲𝗴𝘂𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗼𝗿 - 𝗡𝗼𝘁 𝗮 𝗟𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗿
In osteopathic understanding, the hyoid apparatus is:
• A representation of visceral tone
• A regulator of autonomic balance
• A governor of the Temporal bone
• A junction between airway, jaw, neck and thoracic inlet

It reflects global patterns.

It does not behave like a joint you reposition distally.

𝗜𝗳 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗵𝘆𝗼𝗶𝗱 𝗶𝘀 𝗵𝗼𝗹𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘁𝗲𝗻𝘀𝗶𝗼𝗻, 𝗮𝘀𝗸 𝘄𝗵𝘆, 𝗻𝗼𝘁..........
“How do I move it?”
The question is
“What is driving it?”

𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗙𝗶𝗿𝘀𝘁 𝗥𝗶𝗯 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝗻𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗠𝗮𝘁𝘁𝗲𝗿𝘀
There are legitimate discussions around the relationship between the hyoid and the thoracic inlet.

𝘛𝘩𝘳𝘰𝘶𝘨𝘩 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘴𝘵𝘦𝘳𝘯𝘰𝘩𝘺𝘰𝘪𝘥 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘰𝘮𝘰𝘩𝘺𝘰𝘪𝘥 𝘮𝘶𝘴𝘤𝘶𝘭𝘢𝘵𝘶𝘳𝘦, 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘩𝘺𝘰𝘪𝘥 𝘭𝘪𝘯𝘬𝘴 𝘪𝘯𝘵𝘰:

• The sternum
• The shoulder/Thoracic sling
• The first rib
• The upper thorax

𝗥𝗲𝘀𝘁𝗿𝗶𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗮𝘁 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗳𝗶𝗿𝘀𝘁 𝗿𝗶𝗯 𝗰𝗮𝗻 𝗮𝗯𝘀𝗼𝗹𝘂𝘁𝗲𝗹𝘆 𝗶𝗻𝗳𝗹𝘂𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗲 𝗳𝗮𝘀𝗰𝗶𝗮𝗹 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝘁𝗲𝗻𝘀𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗽𝗮𝘁𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗻𝘀 𝘁𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗿𝗲𝗮𝗰𝗵 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗵𝘆𝗼𝗶𝗱.

𝘉𝘶𝘵 𝘩𝘦𝘳𝘦’𝘴 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘬𝘦𝘺::
If first rib mechanics are contributing to hyoid tension, 𝘄𝗵𝘆 𝗮𝗿𝗲 𝘄𝗲 𝘁𝗿𝗲𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝘁𝗼𝗻𝗴𝘂𝗲?

The driver is caudal.

The tongue is not the primary interface.

The Tongue Is a Cranial Nerve Interface
The tongue is densely innervated by:
• The Hypoglossal nerve
• The Glossopharyngeal nerve
• The Lingual nerve

Tractioning it stimulates cranial nerve pathways.

𝘛𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘤𝘢𝘯 𝘤𝘢𝘶𝘴𝘦:
• Head lowering
• Chewing
• Parasympathetic shifts
• Apparent “release”

But neurological stimulation is not structural correction.

A response is not integration.

Even Without Aggressive Pulling - It’s Not Benign
This is the part people avoid discussing.

𝘌𝘷𝘦𝘯 𝘴𝘶𝘴𝘵𝘢𝘪𝘯𝘦𝘥, 𝘯𝘰𝘯-𝘧𝘰𝘳𝘤𝘦𝘧𝘶𝘭 𝘵𝘰𝘯𝘨𝘶𝘦 𝘮𝘢𝘯𝘪𝘱𝘶𝘭𝘢𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯 𝘤𝘢𝘯:
• Disrupt swallow mechanics
• Trigger airway guarding
• Irritate cranial nerve pathways
• Alter vagal tone abruptly
• Create defensive suprahyoid bracing

𝘐𝘯 𝘢 𝘥𝘺𝘴𝘳𝘦𝘨𝘶𝘭𝘢𝘵𝘦𝘥 𝘩𝘰𝘳𝘴𝘦, 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘤𝘢𝘯 𝘱𝘳𝘰𝘷𝘰𝘬𝘦:
• Sudden reactivity
• Panic
• Shutdown responses
• Increased compensatory tension elsewhere

Stillness is not proof of safety.

Chewing is not proof of correction.

𝗜𝗳 𝗬𝗼𝘂 𝗨𝗻𝗱𝗲𝗿𝘀𝘁𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗛𝘆𝗼𝗶𝗱 𝗣𝗿𝗼𝗽𝗲𝗿𝗹𝘆…

𝘠𝘰𝘶 𝘢𝘴𝘴𝘦𝘴𝘴:
✔ Cranial base mechanics
✔ Temporal balance
✔ TMJ function
✔ Cervical integration
✔ Thoracic inlet and first rib mobility
✔ Autonomic tone
✔️ Cranial sutures

𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝘄𝗵𝗼𝗹𝗲 𝗖𝗿𝗮𝗻𝗶𝗮𝗹-𝘀𝗮𝗰𝗿𝗮𝗹 𝘀𝘆𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗺!!
You do not grab the most neurologically sensitive structure in the head and call it treatment.

𝗔𝗻𝗱 𝗛𝗲𝗿𝗲’𝘀 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗕𝗶𝗴𝗴𝗲𝗿 𝗜𝘀𝘀𝘂𝗲:
If your horse’s regular physical sessions do not include cranial-sacral assessment, then the hyoid will continue to reflect unresolved patterns.

Because the cranial base and sacrum function as a regulatory unit. Ignoring one affects the other.

𝘐𝘯𝘥𝘪𝘤𝘢𝘵𝘰𝘳𝘴 𝘠𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘏𝘰𝘳𝘴𝘦 𝘔𝘢𝘺 𝘉𝘦𝘯𝘦𝘧𝘪𝘵 𝘧𝘳𝘰𝘮........

𝗪𝗵𝗼𝗹𝗲-𝗛𝗼𝗿𝘀𝗲 𝗔𝘀𝘀𝗲𝘀𝘀𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁 ‼️

✔ Recurrent poll or TMJ tension
✔ One-sided rein resistance
✔ Tongue behaviours or bit evasion
✔ Shoulder/neck restriction that keeps returning
✔ Persistent first rib tightness
✔ Bodywork that doesn’t “hold”
✔ Behavioural reactivity without obvious cause
✔ Autonomic stress patterns
✔ Recurrent asymmetry that swaps sides

If sessions focus only on spinal alignment and large muscle groups, you may improve movement temporarily - but you are not integrating the system.

𝗪𝗵𝗼𝗹𝗲 𝗛𝗼𝗿𝘀𝗲 𝗠𝗲𝗮𝗻𝘀 𝗪𝗵𝗼𝗹𝗲 𝗦𝘆𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗺

𝘛𝘩𝘦 𝘤𝘳𝘢𝘯𝘪𝘢𝘭–𝘴𝘢𝘤𝘳𝘢𝘭 𝘴𝘺𝘴𝘵𝘦𝘮 𝘭𝘪𝘯𝘬𝘴:
• Cranial base
• Hyoid apparatus
• Cervical spine
• Thoracic inlet
• Sacrum> SI joints

𝗪𝗵𝗲𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝘀𝘆𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗺 𝗶𝘀 𝗮𝘀𝘀𝗲𝘀𝘀𝗲𝗱 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝘁𝗿𝗲𝗮𝘁𝗲𝗱 𝗮𝗽𝗽𝗿𝗼𝗽𝗿𝗶𝗮𝘁𝗲𝗹𝘆:
• Changes stabilise.
• Compensations reduce.
• Behaviour and performance align.
• Because you are regulating - not forcing.

𝙏𝙝𝙚 𝙝𝙮𝙤𝙞𝙙 𝙞𝙨 𝙖 𝙫𝙞𝙨𝙘𝙚𝙧𝙖𝙡 𝙗𝙖𝙧𝙤𝙢𝙚𝙩𝙚𝙧.

A cranial governor.

A systemic reflector.

The tongue is not a handle.

If we respect the anatomy, we work with precision - not performance.

Never hold or pull on your horses tongue!

🐎 𝗦𝘂𝗺𝗺𝗮𝗿𝘆:
The hyoid sits at a nexus of several key fascial and muscular continuities that link the head, neck, thorax, forelimbs and even hindlimbs.

Hyoid fascia integrates with pharyngeal, laryngeal, and thyroid fascial layers.
Links cranial base mechanics to upper airway, swallowing, and autonomic regulation.

🧩 𝗪𝗵𝘆 𝗧𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝗠𝗮𝘁𝘁𝗲𝗿𝘀
𝙏𝙝𝙚 𝙝𝙮𝙤𝙞𝙙 𝙞𝙨𝙣’𝙩 𝙞𝙨𝙤𝙡𝙖𝙩𝙚𝙙.
Its fascial connections transmit tension from cranial base 》neck 》 thoracic inlet 》 first rib/forelimb.

Restriction anywhere along these fascial chains can influence hyoid tension, cranial nerve function, and even airway mechanics.

One more thing > a lot of saliva whilst riding is not "a super soft in the mouth" horse. More on that another time!

10/02/2026

𝗛𝗲𝗮𝗱 𝗦𝗵𝗮𝗸𝗶𝗻𝗴 >>𝘄𝗵𝗲𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗵𝗲𝗮𝗱 𝗶𝘀 𝗻𝗼𝘁 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗽𝗿𝗼𝗯𝗹𝗲𝗺......

Olive is a grey mare with a long history of head shaking.

She has been thoroughly investigated by her veterinary team, including advanced imaging. A CT scan revealed no structural pathology that could explain her symptoms. Electroacupuncture had also been trialled, without meaningful improvement.

The owner described a clear seasonal pattern: Olive is significantly worse in winter, particularly with wind and rain. There was also an important historical detail – when Olive was first backed, she would retract her tongue so far back that she appeared close to choking, and a tongue tie was introduced to manage this behaviour.

So for me often the question is not “what is wrong with her head?”
It was “what is her head responding to?”

🐎 𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗜 𝗳𝗼𝘂𝗻𝗱

Assessment revealed restriction at the cervico-occipital (CO) junction, held in extension with a slight sidebending pattern to the left. This transitional region between skull and spine has a strong influence on neurological tone and is highly sensitive to strain.

The left ear was notably reactive to touch including specific sutures. The distribution of sensitivity corresponded with recognised sensory territories of cranial nerves VII (facial), IX (glossopharyngeal) and X (vagus), alongside contribution from the CO/C1 spinal nerves. This immediately suggested a cranial nerve involvement rather than a localised ear issue.

The jaw and cranial base provided further clarity.
The left mandible was held in an ascending pattern, with cramping through the left masseter. The hyoid apparatus was drawn forward and left. The temporalis bones were asymmetrical, with the left held in endorotation and the right in exorotation.
Within our osteopathic training, this is clinically significant: endorotation of the temporal bone is associated with vascular compromise, while exorotation is associated with neural tension or potential neural entrapment.

In Olive’s case, the left temporal endorotation may subtly influence venous and arterial flow in the cranial base, particularly the internal jugular vein and internal carotid artery, contributing to local congestion. Here we can also start to consider CN V11, & CN V111, as possibly involved.
The right temporal exorotation reflects compensatory neural strain (more on this and froamen lacerum further down). This pattern is further influenced by environmental factors like wind, rain, and cold, which can accentuate vascular and neural tension.

These cranial base patterns link directly to hyoid, jaw, and tongue mechanics, influencing head carriage, swallowing, and airway dynamics.

𝗢𝗔𝗔 (𝗢𝗰𝗰𝗶𝗽𝘂𝘁-𝗔𝘁𝗹𝗮𝘀-𝗔𝘅𝗶𝘀) 𝗖𝗼𝗺𝗽𝗹𝗲𝘅:
The trigeminal nerve’s sensory nucleus extends into the dorsal horn of the upper cervical spinal cord (C1–C3). Dysfunction or "blockages" at the OAA can create abnormal sensory "noise" or tension that the brain interprets as facial pain.

𝗠𝘂𝘀𝗰𝘂𝗹𝗮𝗿 & 𝗙𝗮𝘀𝗰𝗶𝗮𝗹 𝗧𝗲𝗻𝘀𝗶𝗼𝗻:
The muscles of mastication (masseter, temporalis, pterygoids) are directly innervated by the mandibular branch (V3) of the trigeminal nerve. Chronic jaw tension or TMJ dysfunction can cause these muscles to shorten/contract, potentially tugging on the facial fascia and putting pressure on the nerve as it exits various skull openings.

𝗘𝘅𝗼>𝗘𝗻𝗱𝗼 𝗼𝗳 𝗧𝗲𝗺𝗽𝗼𝗿𝗮𝗹𝗲 𝗕𝗼𝗻𝗲𝘀:

The foramen lacerum region, functionally, involves CN IX (glossopharyngeal), X (vagus), XI (accessory), and V3 (mandibular branch of trigeminal), affecting sensory, motor, and autonomic functions to the head and hyoid/tongue complex.

The tongue was not incidental
The historical tongue retraction suddenly became anatomically coherent.

The tongue is a highly organised muscular structure with a strong central core, intimately linked to the hyoid apparatus, mandible, soft palate, and upper airway. Its coordination depends on balanced input from cranial nerves IX (glossopharyngeal), X (vagus), and XII (hypoglossal).

When tone within this system is disrupted, (TMJS, OAA complex, sphenoid, SSB, Temporales)......the tongue may draw caudally and dorsally as a protective response, narrowing the airway and interfering with normal swallowing–breathing coordination.

In Olive’s case, the tongue behaviour appears not as a training issue, but as a compensatory pattern within a strained cranial–Tmj-hyoid–neurological system.

The palatine bones, forming part of the roof of the mouth and boundary of the nasopharynx, are also relevant in such presentations. Restriction here can further affect tongue position and airway comfort. Any internal assessment or treatment of this area would appropriately require veterinary or dental involvement, with a gag in place.

𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗯𝗼𝗱𝘆 𝘄𝗮𝘀 𝗶𝗻𝘃𝗼𝗹𝘃𝗲𝗱 𝘁𝗼𝗼......𝗪𝗛𝗢𝗟𝗘 🐎
𝘛𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘸𝘢𝘴 𝘯𝘰𝘵 𝘢 𝘩𝘦𝘢𝘥-𝘰𝘯𝘭𝘺 𝘱𝘢𝘵𝘵𝘦𝘳𝘯.
The diaphragm was restricted in an inspiratory state. The mid-thoracic spine showed right sidebending, and the pelvis demonstrated asymmetry, with the right ilium held in dorsal inflare and the sacrum organised around an oblique axis pattern.

The lumbar spine showed mixed compensations rather than a clean biomechanical response, indicating reduced adaptability within the system.

From an osteopathic standpoint, this matters deeply. In many of my posts I talk about how the dura mater forms a continuous tension system from the sacrum to the occiput. Pelvic and sacral strain does not remain local>> it is transmitted cranially, influencing the cranial base and the neurological structures housed there.

In this context, Olive’s head was not misbehaving.
It was responding intelligently to the demands placed upon it by the rest of her body.

𝗪𝗵𝘆 𝘁𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝗺𝗮𝘁𝘁𝗲𝗿𝘀:

These cases highlight how functional restriction, particularly involving the diaphragm, pelvis, and cranial base, can produce significant neurological and sensory symptoms without leaving a structural footprint on imaging.

𝗘𝗾𝘂𝗶𝗻𝗲 𝗼𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗼𝗽𝗮𝘁𝗵𝘆 𝗶𝘀 𝗻𝗼𝘁 𝗮𝗯𝗼𝘂𝘁 𝗰𝗵𝗮𝘀𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘀𝘆𝗺𝗽𝘁𝗼𝗺𝘀.
It is about understanding relationships.
And when the anatomy is allowed to tell its story, the horse often makes perfect sense.

Image: Found on google, the asterisk mark the foramen lacerum > https://www.equus-soma.com/apollo-part-five/

Shared with permission of owner.

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I provide Equine Sports therapy and Magna wave PEMF for horses, people and pets. Treating horse and rider is invaluable as one affects the others movement, posture, tensions within fascia lines and centre of gravity. Thus our injuries and pains do effect the horses way of going, so intrinsically even the way we clench our jaw will carry through to the horse.

I have a weekly human clinic at Snitterby for any person not just riders. Common complaints treated are; back/neck pain, shoulder & knee injuries, arthritis management, sciatica, headaches/migraines, auto immune conditions, CFS/ME, sports injuries and much more. Because PEMF is a natural non invasive complimentary therapy that boosts cellular recovery it will target inflammation and damaged cells anywhere in the body. I am a registered PEMF practitioner also after completing training for people, horses and pets in USA.

I take horses in for treatment and I also travel. I provide rehabilitation livery and treatment packages with magna wave PEMF for injuries such as suspensory ligament inflammation or lesions, tendon injuries, fractures, sacro-iliac disease and most other common disorders in the ridden horse.

My CPD is continuous human and equine, I am insured with Balens and work alongside your vet, farrier, saddle fitter, instructor for a happier healthier horse. I am a registered member of IAAT, the International Association of Animal Therapists. I am happy to provide paper work and invoices for veterinary insurance claims.