Echo Hill Equestrian Physical Therapy

01/25/2026

Horses do not wake up with a to-do list.

They are not standing at the gate thinking, “Right. Big day today. Hope she finally nails that 20-metre circle and remembers her inside leg.”

They are thinking about: Is it safe. Is it predictable. Where’s my herd. Where’s my food. Why is that wheelbarrow looking suspicious. Can I nap later.

That’s it. That’s the full wellbeing strategy.

So when you choose not to ride, you are not depriving your horse of a vital life experience. You are not “letting them down.” You are not ruining their career.

You are, in fact, aligning beautifully with their priorities.

Most days, what your horse actually wants is you turning up without dragging your nervous system behind you like a rattling tin can. They notice everything. The clenched jaw. The stompy footsteps. The breath you forgot to take because your brain is doing its loud dial-up modem thing.

They clock it instantly. And they respond accordingly.

A horse would much rather stand with you quietly than carry you while you’re wound tighter than a baler twine knot.

They would prefer a calm groom over 45 minutes of schooling while the winter wind bangs the arena boards like it’s auditioning for a horror film.

They would rather feel you settle next to them than feel you trying to sort yourself out on their back.

Riding is a human idea. A hobby. A sport. A thing we invented. Horses did not put it on the agenda.

What they look for is harmony. A safe companion. Someone predictable enough that their body can finally unclench.

So when you decide not to ride because you’re tired, the ground is frozen, or your brain is shouting nonsense at full volume, you’re not failing.

You’re being fluent in horse.

A regulated human is infinitely more valuable than a mounted one.

They don’t keep score. They don’t measure commitment in hours ridden. They don’t care if today was a “walk to the field and snacks” kind of day. They dont care if you take them for hack inhand and not on their backs.

They care that you’re safe company. That you don’t bring storms into their space. That when you do ask something of them, it comes from clarity, not pressure.

And honestly? Some horses thrive when riding takes a back seat for a while. Their bodies get a breather. Their minds get space. The relationship stops being about tasks and starts being about trust again.

If you’re showing up kindly, you’re doing enough. If your horse is eating well, moving freely, and living a routine that makes sense to them, you’re doing enough.

And in the quieter seasons, the bond often deepens. Because horses remember who chose stillness over striving. And who sat with them when nothing needed to be achieved. 💛🐎

01/25/2026

💧 𝐃𝐨 𝐌𝐚𝐬𝐡𝐞𝐬 𝐀𝐜𝐭𝐮𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐲 𝐈𝐧𝐜𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐬𝐞 𝐖𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐈𝐧𝐭𝐚𝐤𝐞 𝐢𝐧 𝐇𝐨𝐫𝐬𝐞𝐬?

Soaking feed or utilizing mashes is a common practice intended to increase water intake in horses - but does it actually help?

I decided to take a dive into the research, as many horse owners soak feed in the winter, particularly during cold weather snaps, to encourage water intake. And while digging, I came across two studies you may find interesting!

🧪𝐒𝐭𝐮𝐝𝐲 𝟏 (𝐅𝐞𝐫𝐫𝐞𝐢𝐫𝐚 𝐞𝐭 𝐚𝐥., 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟓)
The first study took place in Florida, where the average ambient temperature during the study was 55°F (13°C). This research evaluated horses consuming soaked pelleted feed, alfalfa cubes, or beet pulp in a 2:1 ratio of water to concentrate.

This study found that horses rapidly self-regulated voluntary water intake based on the amount of water provided in the meal. This means, when water was added to their feed, they voluntarily drank less so total water consumption remained the same.

This was shown as horses on dry feed had a voluntary water intake of 32.2 L while horses on soaked feed reduced voluntary water intake to 25.4 L to accommodate the ~6 L of water provided in the mash, for a total water intake of 31.5 L.

But that brings us to the second study 👇

❄️ 𝐒𝐭𝐮𝐝𝐲 𝟐 (𝐑𝐮𝐜𝐤𝐞𝐫 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐇𝐢𝐧𝐞𝐲, 𝟐𝟎𝟏𝟑)
This study evaluated seasonal differences in water intake during the fall (55°F; 12.8 °C) and winter (-4 to 33°F; -20 to 0.67°C) in Wisconsin. Horses were fed a pelleted concentrate at 0.5% body weight, with soaked feed provided at 2 L water/kg feed.

This study found that horses drank:
🍁 29.3 L/day in the fall
❄️ 24.7 L/day in the winter

This decrease supports previous findings that water intake drops by approximately 6–12% during the cold winter months.

However, this study also evaluated soaked vs dry feed.

While no difference in voluntary water intake was observed during the fall trial, horses in the winter consumed more water when eating a mash (26.9 L) compared to when consuming dry feed (22.4 L), a difference of about 1.2 gallons per day. The study found that horses consuming the mash drank equal to or more water than horses consuming the dry grain, in addition to the water they consumed in their feed.

✨𝐓𝐚𝐤𝐞-𝐡𝐨𝐦𝐞 𝐦𝐞𝐬𝐬𝐚𝐠𝐞
Cold weather can reduce voluntary water intake in horses, but feeding a mash during winter can help combat that decline. In more mild weather, however, soaking feeds likely does not increase total water intake, as horses will self-regulate.

Will these studies make you more likely to soak you feeds - why or why not?

Stay warm out there!
Dr. DeBoer

Ferreira N, Binder D, Garbati IH, Lance JM, Warren LK. Effect of soaking feed on water intake and hydration in horses. Journal of Equine Veterinary Science. 2025 May 1;148:105449.

Rucker NK, Hiney KM. Voluntary water intake in horses when fed a dry versus mash grain in two different seasons. Journal of Equine Veterinary Science. 2013 May;33(5):355-6.

01/23/2026

𝗦𝗲𝗹𝗳-𝗿𝗲𝗴𝘂𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻... can we teach horses to have it?

It's one of the most vital skills we can teach our horses because it moves them from a reactionary state to one of thoughtful focus. Many people are used to seeing horses that are either very stressed/anxious or completely shut down, yet both of these states are actually rooted in tension.

A horse that is self-regulated has the internal tools to bring his own energy levels back to a baseline of relaxation without needing physical restraint from a human. In fact, when we add equipment to restrain, we may stop a behavior, but we do not change the emotional state for the better. Instead, we oftentimes only make it worse.

Through the use of positive reinforcement, we can click and reinforce the exact moments when horses decides to take a breath, soften their muscles, or shift their attention back to us. This process teaches our horses that they have a choice in how they feel, which builds a foundation of true confidence rather than forced compliance.

The science behind this approach tells us that horses do not have a highly developed pre-frontal cortex, which means they are not capable of plotting/planning to be difficult or stubborn.

Instead, their behaviors are often survival mechanisms triggered by a lack of clarity or a feeling of being unsafe. When we act as behavioral analysts, we stop looking at horses as a set of fixed personality traits and start seeing their actions as responses to the environment.

By using a bridge signal like a clicker to identify calm behaviors, we help horses to understand exactly what we are looking for. This clarity reduces the anxiety that leads to spooking or bolting, as they begin to realize that they can control the outcome of the session by maintaining their own emotional balance.

Properly utilizing food as a reinforcer plays a massive role in helping horses regulate their own nervous system. When they chooses to chew, they're making a physiological choice to move out of a fight or flight state and into a more relaxed frame of mind.

This is why it is so important to provide a satisfying mouthful rather than being stingy with food reinforcement. If a horse is only getting a few crumbs, he can become frustrated and frantic, which keeps his dopamine levels in a constant state of seeking and sometimes- even agitation. When the prediction of the next dopamine hit is interrupted, it can become frustrating.

Context shifts are another area where self-regulation is put to the test, such as when you travel to a busy show or a new arena. In these new environments, sights and sounds act as overriding factors that can easily cause a horse to lose his focus. Instead of trying to force him to behave, we meet him where he is by using high-value reinforcers that help him bridge the gap between worry and the training.

By rewarding the smallest tries at relaxation in a scary place, we show our horses that they can feel safe even when the world around them is changing. Over time, horses learn to check in with the trainer and regulate their own arousal levels because they know that staying calm and present is the most reinforcing path forward. It’s also the safest.

Ultimately, the goal is to create a horse who is a curious and confident learner who genuinely enjoys the process of working with people. This requires us to look past surface behaviors and address the underlying causes of tension, whether they stem from past trauma, physical pain, or simply a lack of understanding.

When we prioritize the emotional state of the horse, we develop a partnership built on a consistent commitment to trust rather than fear. A horse that can regulate his own energy is safer to be around and much more capable of performing complex tasks with ease.

By shifting our perspective to honor the horse as an intelligent and sentient individual, we create a training experience that is both compassionate and incredibly effective.

01/15/2026

When a horse suddenly resists familiar cues, reacts sharply to light touch, or becomes unpredictable under saddle, the default explanation is often behavioral: lack of training, anxiety, or attitude. But in some cases, what looks like “bad behavior” isn’t behavioral at all — it’s pain.

And not the kind that’s easy to see.

When Pain Doesn’t Look Like Lameness

Neuropathic or neurologic pain can present very differently from traditional musculoskeletal soreness. Horses experiencing sensory nerve dysfunction may not limp or show obvious physical deficits. Instead, they may exhibit:

- Exaggerated reactions to light touch
- Resistance to once-simple aids
- Irritability or sudden defensiveness
- Inconsistent or deteriorating performance

Because these signs don’t resemble classic lameness, they are often misinterpreted as training problems or behavioral issues.

Vitamin E and the Nervous System

Vitamin E is a critical antioxidant for neurologic health. Deficiency can contribute to nerve cell damage, altered sensory processing, and poor proprioception. In some horses, especially those with limited pasture access or absorption challenges, deficiency can develop quietly and progress over time.

Clinical signs may include subtle coordination issues, heightened sensitivity, muscle weakness, or changes in demeanor — all of which can manifest as what owners label “bad behavior.”

When Normal Feels Threatening

A horse with compromised sensory processing may experience ordinary stimuli as uncomfortable or even alarming. A routine grooming session, leg pressure, or familiar environment can suddenly feel overwhelming. The horse isn’t being difficult — it’s responding to discomfort it cannot escape or explain.

This disconnect often leads to frustration on both sides, as training adjustments alone fail to resolve a problem rooted in physiology.

Behavior as Communication

Behavior is communication. Sudden changes — especially in an otherwise consistent horse — deserve careful attention. Before escalating training pressure or discipline, it’s worth asking whether the horse is signaling distress rather than defiance.

Veterinary evaluation, including neurologic assessment and bloodwork for vitamin E levels, can help identify underlying contributors that might otherwise be missed.

Looking Beyond the Label

Labeling a horse as “naughty,” “sour,” or “difficult” may stop the conversation too soon. When we slow down and look deeper, we often find that behavior changes are meaningful indicators — not character flaws.

Understanding the physical roots of behavior allows us to advocate more effectively for the horse and make decisions that prioritize both welfare and long-term soundness.

📎 Save & share this article by Sabina Chambers at https://www.theplaidhorse.com/2026/01/12/when-bad-behavior-isnt-bad-behavior-at-all/
📸 © Heather N. Photography

01/11/2026

Asymmetry vs Ambidexterity (Bilateral Competence) - Movement bias vs movement capacity (preference vs adaptability)

Asymmetry
A difference between the left and right sides of the body in structure, movement, or function.

In horses, asymmetry may appear as:
• uneven limb loading
• differences in stride length or timing
• unequal bend or reach
• side-dominant postural strategies
• fascial or muscular tone differences

Asymmetry can be:
• structural (conformation, injury, pathology)
• functional (habitual movement patterns, training history)
• neurological (sensory–motor bias, including laterality)

Some degree of asymmetry is normal, but excessive or persistent asymmetry can limit efficiency, comfort, and soundness.

Ambidexterity (Bilateral Competence)
The ability to use both sides of the body with comparable coordination, control, and ease.

In horses, this does not mean perfect symmetry or the absence of laterality.
Instead, bilateral competence refers to:
• balanced left–right coordination
• similar quality of movement on both sides
• smooth transitions between sides
• the ability to adapt without compensatory tension

Bilateral competence is expressed through appropriate movement variability rather than rigid symmetry.

This is a functional and neurological concept rather than a purely structural one.

Key Distinction
Asymmetry describes difference.
Bilateral competence describes capacity.

A horse can show mild asymmetry and still be bilaterally competent—meaning one side does not limit the other.

One-Line Glossary Version
• Asymmetry – a left–right difference in structure or movement
• Ambidexterity (bilateral competence) – the functional ability to coordinate and use both sides effectively

Teaching Note
The goal in training and bodywork is not to eliminate all asymmetry, but to develop sufficient bilateral competence so asymmetry does not drive compensation, tension, or injury.

https://koperequine.com/how-to-ride-a-better-circle/

01/11/2026

Applies to horses as well.
The lowering stress and anxiety is up for debate 😉😉

01/08/2026

I love being reminded of this by a veterinary surgeon whose work has stood the test of time.

“It is not by taking weight off it that we can create and maintain a strong and healthy forehand, but suitable training must focus on strengthening and encouraging the growth of the muscles in the forearm and shoulder, which automatically makes the tendons more resilient.”
— Udo Bürger, The Rider Forms the Horse

You don’t protect the forehand by avoiding load.
You protect it by building the strength to carry it well.

12/30/2025

It’s as prevalent as the 62 thoroughbreds…..

Every year this joke makes the rounds and it sends the wrong type of message, so here’s a new version.

I posted a similar in past years and caused quite the stir, so here’s further explanation as to why this mindset is harmful for both horses & humans.

The answer to fixing the type of reactivity that “necessitates” lunging for safety purposes is addressing the training and management factors that contribute to a horse having so much pent up energy that they need dangerously explosive behaviours as release.

Lunging to tire is a bandaid for unwanted behaviour, it uses physical exhaustion as a means of addressing BEHAVIOUR but fails to address the cause.

The problem is that routine lunging for the sole purpose of energy release before rides creates a very fit horse who will need to expend more energy before tiring if the cause of their explosives isn’t addressed.

All that aside — don’t we all want the horse we can just get on & go?

Using this joke as a metaphor for humans, aren’t we tired of always having to “lunge” the year to avoid explosives?

The “lunging” only provides temporary relief before the problem reoccurs.

Addressing causes of the problem can bring permanence that can result in lasting relaxation.

The metaphor of lunging the year to make it behave is equivalent to suggesting use of temporary coping mechanisms that long term don’t help us at all.

Wouldn’t we rather address factors causing us grief instead of perpetually slapping a bandaid on and dealing with behaviour we admittedly do not want to deal with on a repeated basis?

As someone who used to have the explosive horse who needed to be lunged to (hopefully) avoid him rocket launching me, I much prefer being able to get on that same horse with no prep.

For my new year, I want to heal the source of problems causing grief to bring lasting peace & contentment, rather than temporary relief and instant gratification at the cost of persisting problems.

Do inner work to expose root causes.

Target the source of problems.

Then enjoy a year that will improve as time passes rather than dooming you to repeatedly meet the same issues.

It’s hard to start but much more rewarding longterm.

12/23/2025

As many of you know, we have recovered 2 of the 4 horses recently stolen from Osteen, and arrested one suspect. Our Volusia Sheriff's Office investigation is still active and ongoing, so please keep the tips coming in if you have information.

In the meantime, I want to share some tips on protecting your animals, as I know this case has raised concerns and worry in the horse community.

These tips come from Lori Tankel of Volusia County, author of "Common Sense Horse Keeping," who has dealt with suspicious activity and attempted theft on her own horse farm in the past:

· Install motion sensor lights and motion-activated surveillance cameras.

· Post signs warning not only of cameras but of dogs. Thieves tend to pass over places with warning signs.

· Alarm pads should not be in a location where a thief can see if it is on. And if you have alarms, use them!

· Thieves don’t like noise. Geese, livestock guardian dogs, and donkeys are deterrents.

· Replace wire fencing, which can be cut, with board fencing, especially on the back side of the property and those with easy access to roads.

· Patrol pastures daily. Look for fresh tire marks, cut wires, trampled bushes, and other signs that someone was scoping your property.

· Plant thorny shrubs along your fence line.

· Get to know your neighbors! Look out for one another. Tell them that if they see anyone leading your horse or attempting to load it, do not assume it is all right. It is ok to be nosey!

· Vary your routine. Thieves like orchestrated schedules. If you leave, consider timers that turn on lights and the TV at different times. And if you are gone for an extended time, ensure your mail and newspaper are collected. Is it snowing? Ask your neighbor to make fresh tire tracks in your driveway.

· Many thieves canvas farms by posing as potential boarders, students, looking for employment, etc. Consider asking for ID and taking a photo of their license plate. Be wary of anyone who shows up unannounced, especially anyone looking for sale horses.

· Use common sense regarding social media. Don’t announce you are going out of town. Don’t reveal the location of your horse. Remove your address from websites.

· Report any suspicious vehicles. Confront anyone taking photographs of your horses or property. Get tag numbers. Many victims reported seeing suspicious cars hanging around their property. If confronted, they always had flimsy excuses, such as looking for an address to deliver a package. Take photos of the car, tag, and the persons themselves. Make a report to the police.

If your horse is missing, whether or not you think it has been stolen or perhaps just gotten loose and wandered off, contact the police immediately. Next, contact Stolen Horse International (Netposse). The faster the word is put out, the greater the chance of recovering your horse.

Don’t be afraid to report anything suspicious to the police. One must be vigilant in keeping their horses safe!

Feel free to share more tips with each other here because we are stronger and safer when we all work together!

12/17/2025

12/10/2025