In these podcasts, Dr Gillian Tabor reviews her highlights from the International Canine and Equine Locomotion Conference (ICEL9) held in Utrecht in August 2023.  All the recognisable names from biomechanics research were there, which makes for a very exciting meeting to be at. If you have ever written an essay or a dissertation that refers to equine movement, you will have referenced at least one of these experts - Hilary Clayton, Rene van Weeren, Filipe Serra Braganza, Lars Roepstorff,...

Dr Gillian Tabor reports on a study investigating the effects of a device to improve lymphatic flow in the legs on healthy horses, which has the potential for use in horses with injury or chronic progressive lymphoedema (CPL).   Koch, D.W., Schnabel, L.V., Reynolds, J. and Berry, C.R., 2023. Pneumatic compression therapy using the EQ Press accelerates lymphatic flow in healthy equine forelimbs as determined by lymphoscintigraphy. American Journal of Veterinary Research, 84(4). Head to the...

At this time of year, many people are starting to use studs if they are eventing, show jumping on grass or concerned about their horse slipping in grass arenas etc. It is an often contested subject with lots of opinions and anecdotes, but sadly very little research. In this podcast, Dr Gillian Tabor will review one research article about using screw-in studs. The Dr David Marlin Team are currently running a survey - Use of Screw-in Studs for Competition Horses – What do you think? In this...

Dr David Marlin looks at what is Headshaking, Head Flicking, Head Tossing, Trigeminal Mediated Headshaking In Spring and Summer the number of cases of headshaking appears to increase, so if this a real increase or potential misdiagnosis? In this podcast, David discusses …. What is headshakingWhat are the triggersWhat is the underlying causeWhat options are there for treatment and management We have LOTS of information on the website about head shaking in horses and TWO webinars by one of the...

Following a succession of questions and interest in microcurrents in our Facebook Group Gillian has compiled this presentation to help us understand more about what it is and how it works. This was originally a webinar and the audio is used here as a podcast. To watch the webinar, head over to the website - https://drdavidmarlin.com/webinar-microcurrent-therapy-dr-gillian-tabor/ Dr Gillian Tabor discusses: What microcurrent gadgets and equipment are on the market, and what are their marketing...

Dr David Marlin gave an impromptu talk at the prestigious Mayfield School in Kent in June at the request of one of our members and pupils at the school, Flo Burnop. Flo arranged for David to speak to her fellow classmates, their parents and staff at the school. David was delighted to chat and discuss his work, career, where his research has led him and how it has helped shape welfare guidelines for all our horses. This was recorded outside at the Mayfield School's Equestrian Centre, and you...

What is core stability? What is the core considered to be, and what also could be included?               What is the anatomy of the core?               What do we mean by stability?               What research is there on core stability in horses? ---- Not a Member? Join for as little as £6 a month or £8 on a month-by-month basis to access all the test results and have a say in what we test and investigate next. For this, you also get access to all past and future webinars, videos, podcasts,...

When Alfalfa, Camelina, Canola Oil and Baking Soda are recommended for equine gastric ulcers - do they work? Why are social media and online "experts" recommending them, and is there ANY science to back up the claims?! Camelina oil and canola oil what is it and where does it come from?what is it good for?what are the drawbacks?what oils would be better?can oil have any positives for horses suffering from gastric ulcers? Alfalfa chaff/pellets how does alfalfa alter stomach acid?where does this...

Dr David Marlin looks back at his research and work over the last 30 years for the FEI at the Olympic Games into helping horses deal with heat. What can you do to help your horse deal with the heat and rapid increases in heat that they are unprepared for? We must avoid horses getting too hot and overheating, which can happen during competition. Acclimatisation - when and how can you do this? BUT is this possible when we have had cold weather over the last few weeks and months?Avoid the heat?...

In this podcast, Gillian covers the development of technology for assessing gait and speaks about how reliable visual assessment is. She covers the basics of what the technology is able to measure and some of the key papers that report on research looking into the amount of movement asymmetry seen in normal horses, and how treating with NSAID affects it. Want to hear more from Gillian or watch some of her videos, then head over to the website to see lots...

Dr David Marlin discusses - Why do we use saddle pads?The reasons we might use a saddle pad could include: Keeping the saddle cleanWicking sweatImproving saddle fitTo reduce saddle movementDistribute rider and saddle forces more evenly and prevent high-pressure pointsFashionOf these, probably the most important are distributing saddle forces evenly and reducing saddle movement. How can you choose which saddle pad is best for your horse? BUT which of these is the most important? How can you...

What do Apple Cider Vinegar, Aloe Vera and Sweet Potatoes have in common? They are all things that "internet experts" are recommending for horses... Dr David Marlin investigates the questions: Can I feed my horse sweet potatoes?Are sweet potatoes beneficial to horses with gastric ulcers?What does the science tell us, and what research is there into sweet potatoes and gastric ulcers?Is Aloe Vera helping horses prone to gastric ulcers?What are the animal studies that lead to concerns about Aloe...

Gillian reviews a paper published in the Equine Veterinary Journal in 2020 that tested using a LED device to heal wounds on horses’ necks. The paper has good methodology with a control group, and those taking the measurements did not know whether the wounds were being treated. Listen to find out if the LED device sped up healing!   Michanek, P., Toth, T., Bergström, E., Treffenberg‐Pettersson, H. and Bergh, A., 2021. Effect of infrared and red monochromatic light on equine wound...

A podcast about equine respiratory disease and, in particular respiratory issues that often start in Spring. Dr David Marlin answers the question, 'what problems do the warmer days and onset of Spring cause your horse?' Why are the lungs sensitive, and why are they prone to environmental changes?What do allergic and/or allergens do to the lungs?What is Equine Asthma?Where do the air quality problems come from?What can you do to help and protect your horse? Dr David Marlin has delved into...

John Moore is a renowned equine development professional in America. Some may call John a horse behaviourist, although he does not like the title… he prefers to think of himself as providing equine educational opportunities for humans to understand what our horses are thinking, feeling, and why. Dr David Marlin has asked John to share a few of his thoughts and learnings about horse behaviour with us. The interview was conducted over Zoom as John is based in Montana in the USA.  In the coming...

A review of cold therapy when used for horses. The history of cold therapyLooking at local applications not whole body.RICE – should we still follow the protocol of Rest, Ice, Compression and Elevation in animals?A sneak peek at a recent survey of Equine Physios and their use of cold therapy.Cryotherapy for laminitisUsing cold therapy to reduce whole body heatTendon and ligament injuries – how does cold therapy benefit them and/or prevent injury? If at all.David explores the different...

Dr Gillian Tabor introduces Lorna Cameron, a senior lecturer at Hartpury University. Lorna discusses her work on female equestrians and, specifically, body image. Body Image has been investigated in diverse sports, yet not in equestrian, where a high proportion of female participants. Does this mean it is not an issue? Or just not talked about. Why may BI be an issue? What do you think? Subjective judging? This conversation will continue on the DrDavidMarlin.com Facebook Group. In future...

Headaches in horses. Why do we think horses get horses? What can we do to help elevate the discomfort? Dr Gillian Tabor looks at the following: The equine skeleton and confirmation - what can cause discomfort and generate headaches?How do posture and training affect the body, neck and affect the headWhat should we look for - across and around the faceBehavioural changesVets and their assessments Treatments, comfort and restoring range of motion and quality ---- Not a Member? Join for as...

In this episode, Dr David Marlin looks closer at Sugar and Starch - Are they always bad for horses? Sugar and starch are everywhere in our horse’s diets. Even grass can be a source of sugar and starch. And in fact, our horses might struggle on a ZERO sugar and ZERO starch diet, which is good news because it would be impossible to achieve. And part of the sugar and starch problem is how it’s fed. So a horse eating grass or hay with a moderate sugar or starch content over the course of several...

In this podcast, Dr Gillian Tabor reviews a paper that investigates the size of the deep spinal stability muscle, multifidus, in relation to chronic lameness. Whilst admitting a positive bias as to the topic of the paper, Gillian discusses the validity of the methodology and the results, as well as the outcome and the key take-home messages. Research Review of Paper: Sullivan, H.M., Acutt, E.V., Barrett, M.F., Salman, M.D., Ellis, K.L. and King, M.R., 2022. Influence of chronic lameness on...

Equine Joint Supplements UPDATED for January 2023 In this podcast, Dr David Marlin discusses his recent work reviewing equine joint supplements. How do you find the BEST equine joint supplements for your horse? What are equine joint supplements?Are equine joint supplements important?What are the efficacy of using them and some of their ingredients?What can you and can't you expect from a joint supplement?What ingredients can we find in them?Are joint supplements legal to compete on?Which...

Dr Gillian Tabor meets Emily Plummer from @wisewomeninsport, and together they open the discussion of how women in sport and specifically equestrianism tackle various challenges and health implications of riding. Together they delve into the health of women touching on physiology, age, menstrual cycle, body changes following pregnancy and body image. Under discussion in this podcast: Menstrual cycle and the reproductive cycleRecent body image discussions at Riding Clubs and Pony ClubThe...

Gillian discusses the effects of a technique commonly applied to horses to lift and round their backs. This movement is often used as part of therapy treatments and prescribed to owners to repeat with their horses on a regular basis. Whilst it is possible to see the ‘lift’ and flexion of the back, this paper evidences the effect on the vertebrae and discusses their effect in horses diagnosed with kissing spines In this podcast Dr Gillian Tabor reviews the research paper: Paper: O’Sullivan,...

Recently, we have seen a few posts about an apparent problem with a specific product where owners have said their horse wouldn’t eat it or that their horse has become ill after eating it! So if this happens to you, what steps should you take? In this podcast, Dr David Marlin discusses: Be careful what you post on social mediaWhy might a horse or pony not eat a feed or supplement?Remember – horses and ponies get ill every day!What to do if you suspect a problem with a feed or supplement If...

Dr David Marlin is the President of the UK National Equine Welfare Council and President of the Internationally established Sport Horse Welfare Foundation, and with David's deep and varied experience across the spectrum of the international equine world, he is well positioned to discuss this HOT topic. Is what we 'equestrians' do acceptable? Here David discusses society's view/s on the equestrian world's social licence to operate. Thought-provoking and eye-opening... what is in store for the...