Richard Valdez Massage Therapy

03/23/2026

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Here's an effect of saddles that are too narrow.

When I've come across this, the physical and emotional trauma I've felt in the horse has been sickening. The physical damage is done - you can't put back what's gone.

The emotional distress can be enormous and I sincerely believe it's emotional trauma that has built up over many months and/or years, as an unprotesting horse continues to do as asked, despite the problem being exacerbated whenever the rider's weight hits the saddle.

Perhaps they become numb to it over time, and it's only with deep and gentle work that the problem is revealed. I hope that enough of the distress is released for the horse to continue its ridden career with renewed heart.

I've usually been with a new owner when we've come across this, thankfully not that many times, and we've taken heart that the horse knows its needs (and pain) are seen and heard. Sometimes we can't change what's there and what's been done, but we can certainly help with the horse's response to it.

This isn't a new observation - there's a reason Balance Saddles call this the 'junction' - but it's always worth building awareness and *empathy. (Please excuse the limitations of images - it can be hard to find what I need!)

- Dr Jane Clothier

02/11/2026

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Equine Asymmetry vs Laterality

A 2024 study by Zetterberg et al., Prevalence of Movement Asymmetries in High-Performing Riding Horses Perceived as Free from Lameness, shook up what we thought we knew about performance horse biomechanics - revealing that over 70% of elite dressage and showjumping horses without any clinical signs of lameness showed measurable vertical movement asymmetries.

📊 Here’s what they found:
Using objective motion analysis, the researchers discovered that most of these “sound” horses displayed head and pelvic movement asymmetries that were similar in magnitude to those seen in lame horses.

These asymmetries were consistent across different gaits and persisted even when horses were warmed up and performing at their usual level.

In many cases, riders and trainers did not perceive any abnormality - the horses were competing and training at a high level without ever being flagged as “unsound.”

💡 What does this mean for us as rehab professionals?
👉 Movement asymmetry is not always lameness - but it is information. It tells us about underlying muscular imbalance, compensation strategies, pain history, or functional adaptations that may increase injury risk over time.
👉 Subtle asymmetries can affect saddle fit, rider balance, joint loading, and long-term soundness - even if the horse never “looks” lame.

💡 How do we start to differentiate between asymmetry, laterality, and lameness?

👨‍🏫 This months webinar with João Paulo Marques: DVM, MRCVS, IVCA, IVAS, CERP starts to unravel this question.
🟢 Equine Asymmetry and Laterality: Part 1
During this webinar, we will explore morphological and functional asymmetry and laterality in horses, reviewing key findings from the literature. The webinar will provide insights into how these factors influence equine performance and movement, laying the foundation for clinical applications in rehabilitation and training.

📢 Comment EQU if you would like the link to register for this webinar

✍️ In this image, we can see a pelvic drop together with muscle atrophy of the left hind gluteals which may point us towards instability or core weakness. Or it may not - because a still image in an asymmetric gait does not give us enough information.

01/28/2026

Have a question for me? In today's blog, you'll learn how to submit potential queries in my "Dear Audrey" series.
Read more ➡️ https://declue-equine.com/dear-audrey/

01/28/2026

https://youtu.be/aKqYXy8DK0U?si=hb7tv97ClhljZksS
My Horse folks need to watch this!

The Veterinary profession has focused on the "SI" as one of the prominent problems of why horses are struggling in performance. How many of you have had your...

12/10/2025

08/20/2025

Cody says what’z up!!

03/21/2025

09/28/2024

The soundness of both performance and pleasure horses is greatly influenced by the health of its pastern joint, a critical structure that absorbs and

06/29/2024

Check out this article on the thoracic sling really pinpoints, muscle dysfunction in movement!
https://www.animalosteopathycollege.com/blog/understanding-and-strengthening-the-thoracic-sling a thoracic sling really pinpoint a lot of basic issues and movement!

https://www.animalosteopathycollege.com/blog/understanding-and-strengthening-the-thoracic-sling

London College of Animal Osteopathy provides top quality training to the veterinary and animal care community, osteopaths, and musculoskeletal therapists.

06/27/2024

To all my Horse friends out there I wanted to share this book. I think it’s one of the most comprehensive books to help physical problems before they crop up or to keep your horse physically in his best shape.
In my practice over the years, I have seen many of the same reoccurring muscle and myofascial problems. I think they can help be avoided with these types of exercises.

55 Corrective Exercises for Horses: Resolving Postural Problems, Improving Movement Patterns, and Preventing Injury

06/20/2024

Scroll down to watch a video of this exercise. Finally, the mighty thoracic sling of muscles is getting the attention it deserves. The thoracic sling is generally defined as the ring of muscles that suspends the horse’s chest cavity between his shoulder blades, thereby playing a critical role in l...

06/12/2024

https://www.youtube.com/shorts/QpLo7uGD7Yo

Team Tate Academy is honored to have Dr. Hilary Clayton in the house this week! Dr. Clayton graciously shared with us 5 strengthening exercises that anyone ...