Bodywork

A Pelvic Blow Out? The Widened Pubic Symphysis in Horses

November 15, 2020 by Jane @ THB 20 Comments

Now here is something that’s just so common that people seem to think it’s normal. I guess that if you define ‘normal’ as something that’s nearly always seen, then yes, it’s probably normal – but that doesn’t make it a good thing.

So what are we looking at here?

Note: this article was edited for improved clarity on 19 May 2024.

First, a ‘Normal’ Equine Pelvis

The horse’s pelvis is made up of two halves, these being the pelvic bones (os coxae). Each half – or hemipelvis – is made up of three flat bones, the ilium, pubis and ischium, which are fused into one.

The ilium attaches to the sacrum at the sacroiliac joint, a combined synovial and fibrocartilagenous joint which is supported by ventral, dorsal and lateral sacroiliac ligaments. The sacrum articulates with the lumbar spine and coccygeal (tail) vertebrae.

The two halves join at the pelvic floor, via a cartilaginous joint called the pubic (or pelvic) symphysis. Made of hyaline cartilage and fibrocartilage, this gradually ossifies so that by around 6 years of age, it is usually bone and mostly fused.

It is common to see a short opening at the rear, which possibly enables some valuable shock-abosrbing motion in the overall structure.

Hemi-pelvis (os coxae) of a 5- yo Australian Stock Horse, showing the pubic symphysis. Only the cranial (front) part of the ligamentous joint was intact. (c) The Horse’s Back

How the two halves would have been positioned in the living horse. The cranial part (top of photo) was still ligamentous at the time of death. The caudal section (bottom of photo) was separated as a result of traumatic falls. (c) The Horse’s Back

In older horses, this joint would normally completely ossify, so that the base of the pelvis is solid bone. Given that many of the equine pelvises we do get to see are from older horses, you’d think we’d see them all fused and ossified.

However, that’s not the case. While it’s normal for a short section to be widened at the rear of the symphysis, many are separated along 1/3 to 2/3 of their length, being fused only at the cranial (front) end of the pubic symphysis.

Separation of the Pubic Symphysis

We can sometimes see this condition without looking at the bones. The reason for this is that the two halves of the pelvis have opened out to the extent that there’s no symmetry in the living horse’s structure at all. The pelvis is both distorted and twisted.

The tuber sacrales tell us about sacroiliac damage, usually when these are of different heights > 5 mm.
The tuber coxae (point of hip) are positioned differently, with one higher or further forward.
The tuber ischii (seat bones) may be at different heights, or one may be further forward.
The horse is very often rotated along the thoracolumbar spine, with a noticeable direction change at T18-L1 (thoracolumbar junction).

The ex-racehorse’s pelvis can be particularly distorted. (c) The Horse’s Back

The problem can be very obvious. Always check under the tail, as what you see there can tell you a lot… The following horse had an outwardly rotated left hindlimb.

The asymmetrical height and position of the tuber ischii (seat bones) is visible under the tail, where it looks as if the anus is off to one side. Warmblood gelding, presumed traumatic fall (c) The Horse’s Back, posted with owner permission.

An older horse’s pelvis may become distorted due to a fall, trauma or long term muscular stresses, without the pubic symphysis being separated. This is because it has fully ossified.

The difference lies in the degree of the problem: a major trauma might cause additional fractures or ligaments rupture, with signs of serious injury at the time. Ongoing stress can gradually affect angles of the tuberosities (sacrales, ischii and coxae), albeit not as dramatically as in major trauma.

What About The Sports Horse’s Pelvis?

In ridden horses and especially in ex-racehorses, it’s not uncommon to see significant widening and associated asymmetry of the two pelvic halves. It can’t all be due to heavy falls, at least not in flat racing.

The following two photos show the pelvis of an ex-racehorse. This wasn’t an extreme case by any means, but look at how far forward the separation extends. It reaches right to the weakest part of the structure, between the obturator foramen (the two openings). This primes the pelvis for distortion.

Outcome? The bones show an overall distortion, nowhere more so than in the different angles of the acetabulum (cup part of the hip joints).

It can, of course, be worse.

Pelvis of a 9-yo OTTB gelding. The separation extends along the caudal 2/3 of the symphysis. This extends to the narrowest, weakest part of the symphysis, enabling greater lateral distortion of the two pelvic halves. (c) The Horse’s Back

It’s Not Always a Disaster

Some horses can do very well after experiencing this type of pelvic distortion. Here’s a TB who never made it to the track and has considerable distortion.

And yet, through a series of compensatory adjustments along his spine, he stands squarely and works quite well.

OK, so he only takes part in local competitions and is never going to be working at a serious level, but with good management of his body and hooves, and correct training and saddle fit, he’s very functional. He just needs those things to be absolutely correct, as there’s no wriggle room for further compensations.

This problem can be a career-changer without sounding a death knell.

If Horses Can Live With It, Should We Worry?

Let’s be clear: this may well have hurt when it happened. Whether through trauma or the effects of ongoing physical stress on bone, the wide separation of the pelvis would be painful.

The pain of a sacroiliac ligament lesion might get noticed and the horse be rested. A check for more common stress fractures in the ilium might yield no findings.

The fortunate ones will get rehabilitation exercises as they get going again.

Yet going by how rarely we hear about this issue, it can be assumed that it’s often overlooked.

But What About Later?

Once the horse is through the original trauma, does this distorted pelvis remain a problem? It all comes down to how bad it is.

Please note the use of “may” in the following points.

Some horses are fully able to compensate for a milder or fully symmetrical presentation and there is no effect on performance.

If the pelvis is distorted and the coxofemoral (hip) joints are in different positions, then stride length, lateral and circle work may be affected.

Different hindlimb positioning can also lead to asymmetric weight bearing, with different concussion through the hind limbs, and diagonal effects flowing forward.

If it’s bad, co-existing sacroiliac damage may lead to an ongoing vulnerability. Tuber sacrales may be extremely close together because the pubic symphysis has widened.

Pelvic asymmetry may link to rotation of the spine and scoliosis along its length.

Plus, a horse may retraumatise an existing opened pubic symphysis, leading to renewed pain.

As I always say, awareness is everything.

It’s always wise to check the pelvic symmetry of your horse, particularly a potential purchase off the track, while being sure to understand how and why this will affect performance.

[1] https://epos.myesr.org/poster/esr/ecr2020/C-08782/Findings%20and%20procedure%20details#poster

[2] Beatty T. Osteitis pubis in athletes. Curr Sports Med Rep. 2012 Mar-Apr;11(2):96-8. doi: 10.1249/JSR.0b013e318249c32b.

Footnote

In 2012, I asked Dr Sharon May-Davis about an ex-racehorse I was seeing. The TB, who had a very asymmetrical pelvis, had done some damage to himself and had obvious pelvic pain, with that dull, dull look of pain in the eye that I associate with fractures. Sharon asked me if I had a photo of the structure under his tail, and I did – it was so asymmetric that I’d photographed it. Sharon sent me a photo of some pelvic bones and for the first time, I saw the underlying nature of this problem. Yet again, I have to thank Sharon for alerting us to this disturbingly common issue in horses.

Footnote 2 (June 2025)

In the past 18 months, I have experienced some grief over this post on social media. I am now republishing it under a refreshed title, although with some reluctance. I stand by the information it contains, which was not formerly in the general domain until this appeared in late 2020. This pelvic issue is a contributory or causal factor to asymmetry in the horse, yet is not (in the vast majority of cases) a catastrophic event. However, this issue and consequent asymmetry, if serious, may prevent performance at the higher athletic levels, even if not in itself a source of pain or breakdown. As owners, we must recognise this and make appropriate decisions for the horse’s activities and career. If horses are to be helped and understood, I believe such topics should not be the sole preserve of articles in scientific journals. There are places for information at many levels – if some popular terminology help owners to understand, then I also question whether that is a bad thing.

All About Crooked Legs: Angular Limb Deformities in Horses and Foals

April 5, 2020 by Jane @ THB 9 Comments

Angular Limb Deformities: it’s the technical term for crooked leg problems. The term sounds alarming, but how bad are they and exactly how common?

We’ve all seen shocking pictures of crooked foal legs in groups and forums, but thankfully they stand out exactly because they’re not so common.

However, many horses have mild or moderate versions of these. And what is normal is that many tend to slip under the radar, undetected by owners and breeders. And that’s not a good thing.

The problem is that moderate angular limb deformities (ALDs, as we’ll now call them) can create bigger problems as the horse grows older, with increased risk of lameness, instability, and joint degeneration.

They can cause complications when the horse is injured elsewhere in the body and needs to compensate, but can’t, because the non-straight limbs are already under pressure.

To repeat: many ALDs aren’t an issue. In fact, many are so mild that they’re never a problem.

The thing is, you need to know the difference. And that means knowing what to look for.

Some are obvious, others need veterinary radiographs to be sure. For all of them, the earlier you catch them in foals, the better. Always talk to your vet first.

So without further ado, here are ten ALDs you really ought to know about.

© All text copyright of the author, Jane Clothier, https://thehorsesback.com. No reproduction of partial or entire text without permission. Sharing the link back to this page is fine. Please contact me for more information. Thank you!

1. Carpal Valgus

‘Knock Knees’

*Carpal valgus (c) vetstream.com. Additional markup: THB.*

This is the most commonly seen ALD in foals and horses. Technically it is an outward deviation of the lower leg from the mid line. Most of us see the other effect – the knees coming closer together.

In foals, the hoof often points outward. In older horses, the hoof may turn inwards – this is compensation to bring weight bearing back in.

There may have been a fetlock valgus (see #3) lower down, which has then caused the carpal valgus higher up.

This can be congenital. It can also be acquired, as a result of physitis of the radial growth plate immediately above the knee at a few months of age.

Incomplete ossification, when the carpal bones are underdeveloped at birth due to dysmaturity or prematurity, can contribute to this problem.

Key points: ALD of forelegs; knock-kneed appearance; lower leg angled outwards; affects one or both forelegs.

2. Tarsal Valgus

‘Cow Hocks’ (mistaken for)

*Tarsal valgus in a foal (c) Redden, RF [1]*

This is an ALD that very often gets mixed up with the conformational trait of cow hocks. To further confuse matters, mature horses with back issues may also stand unusually behind.

In these limbs, the point of hock angles inwards, while the lower limb angles outwards. Often, the pasterns are also angled outwards, giving a splay-footed look. In walk, the foot will swing in and then land wide.

The entire leg may be rotated out from the midline, as in this image.

In older horses, the medial heel may be crushed or under run.

Key points: ALD of hind legs; lower limb or whole limb angled out; affected hinds land wide; affects one or both limbs; one limb often worse.

3. Fetlock Valgus

‘Toe Out’

*Fetlock valgus. (c) unknown. Additional mark-up: THB.*

It’s extremely hard to find a picture that shows a fetlock valgus with no other visible limb deformity. Even the mild ones tend to be associated with rotation at knee level (see #10).

This is when the pastern and therefore hoof are angled away from the midline, below the level of the fetlock.

The valgus in this photo is reasonably clear, although there’s some rotation in the knee. Note that the foal is weighting this limb less and an upright foot is already starting to develop.

Key points: usually ALD of forelegs; sometimes with tarsal valgus in hind legs; one or both feet angled outwards; one often worse.

4. Fetlock Varus

‘Toe In, Pigeon-toed’

*Fetlock varus (c) Stephen O’Grady [3]. Additional mark-up: THB*

A fetlock varus is also often confused for conformation or a horse ‘just being like that’.

With this problem, the foot is angled towards the midline below the level of the fetlock,

This problem is often combined with offset canons or rotated carpals (see # 9,10), as the foal is compensating in an effort to bring the weight bearing line back beneath the shoulder joint.

In older horses, the lateral heel may be crushed or wear down quicker. Depending on severity, there may be a tendency to ringbone in later life.

Key points: usually ALD of forelimb; affects one or both legs; often accompanied by a carpal ALD.

5. Carpal Varus

‘Bow Legs’

In a carpal varus deformity, the lower leg is angled inwards, towards the midline. Our eye tends to see it as the joint being angled outwards.

You don’t often hear about bow legs in horses, do you? That’s because it’s rare.

It’s usually seen in older horses, when the problems have layered up. Arthritis may already be present in the joints, while tendons and ligaments may have lesions.

Some may have had lax ligaments at birth, or have ruptured the common digital extensor tendon at a young age, causing misalignment of the carpal bones.

Key points: rare ALD of foreleg; bow-legged look; foot dishes inward; arthritis and lameness likely.

6. Flexural Deformity

‘Contracted Tendons’ (so-called)

This is a common deformity in newborn foals (call your vet).

Sometimes it affects the carpal (knee) joints only and the foal is still able to use the lower leg quite effectively. Or, it affects both the carpal joints and the fetlocks, leading to a more serious situation where they can’t walk on the hoof.

*Severe congenital flexural deformity (c) J. Clothier*

This can also be an acquired deformity related to incorrect nutrition during the first weeks and months of life. In these cases, nutritional measures, remedial hoofcare and even surgery may be required .

The hind legs can also be affected, although this is less serious as the direction of joint flexion encourages correction.

Mild cases in foals can often come right on their own in the first days of life with a little help. However, it is always important to involve a vet at an early stage for monitoring.

Key points: ALD mostly affecting forelegs; either knees only or knees and fetlocks.

7. Hyperextension

‘Lax Tendons’

Again, this is super-common in newborn foals and it can often resolve all on its own in the first few days of life with a mix of confinement and limited exercise.

Occasionally, in the case of dysmature and premature foals, the problem can be more complex. Combined with incomplete ossification and lax ligaments, hyperextension can lead to another level of ALD, as the cuboid bones of the carpals and tarsals become misshapen.

Once more, give the foal a couple of days to straighten up and then talk to your vet if it persists.

Key points: affects forelegs and hindlegs often together; usually resolves with conservative exercise; support for limbs and hooves may be required.

8. ‘Windswept’

This startling looking deviation is often seen in foals that are post-mature – they have had a long gestation and have been restricted within the uterus.

What we’re looking at is a combination of ALDs: carpal valgus and varus in front, and/or a tarsal valgus and varus behind.

The problem will general resolve within a few days, sometimes with a bit of hoofcare and bodywork to assist.

However, if the foal appears weak despite being ‘over-cooked’, with hyperextension (#7) as well, be sure to monitor it especially carefully during the early weeks and months. This is because incomplete ossification may also be present.

Key points: affects forelimbs and/or hindlimbs; hyperextension may also be present; often resolves in days.

9. Offset Cannons

*Offset cannon (c) horsesidevetguide.com Additional markup: THB*

Strictly speaking, this is a conformational trait, as it often visible in the sire or dam. However, it is still classified as an ALDs on account of the structural weaknesses involved.

In the offset cannon, the cannon bone is positioned wider than the midline of the leg, although it still faces forwards. The hoof is also forward facing.

In one leg, this ALD may have no negative effect on athletic performance. Yet if present in both forelegs, the horse may be less stable in some situations, such as going downhill.

It increases the chances of two things: developing a splint (medial leg) and a tendency for the foot to turn inwards, which could then lead to an acquired fetlock varus (see #4).

In racehorses, it can increase the chance of injury in the medial carpals, while other sports horses may be prone to osteoarthritis in the joint.

Key points: cannon appears shifted sideways; cannon, hoof and knee face forwards; usually inherited conformation; medial splints more likely.

10. Carpal Rotation

‘Bench Knees’

*Rotated carpals with associated fetlock valgus. (c) unknown. Additional markup by THB.*

In this ALD, the cannon bones are rotated slightly outwards, as are the lower knee bones and the feet. This sets the horse up for a fetlock valgus (‘toe out’), as can be seen in the left foreleg in this image.

Also a conformational trait, this kind of leg is frequently seen in Quarter Horses. A wide chest and narrow lower limbs can also contribute to a postural rotation of the foreleg.

Similar rotation in the lower forelimb can also be an acquired ALD, if a young horse has to change its weight bearing for a long time, due to (say) an injury in the diagonally opposite hind limb.

From certain angles, this rotation can look like a carpal valgus. Always check from different angles to be sure.

Key point: face of cannon and knee appear rotated outwards; pastern and toe often angled outwards, medial splints more likely; medial hoof wears faster.

Other resources

[1] Redden, RF. How to Evaluate Foot Flight and Leg Alignment
AAEP PROCEEDINGS, Vol. 57, 2011, p.407

[2] O’Grady, SE, Routine Trimming and Therapeutic Farriery in Foals, Th Veterinary Clinics of North America, Equine Practice, 2017

‘The Size of a Walnut’ – Does Equine Brain Size Matter?

November 5, 2019 by Jane @ THB 7 Comments

There seem to be quite a few social media posts about the equine brain of late – and that’s no bad thing.

In some ways, the brain is simply the latest part of the equine anatomy to come under the spot light. It’s being subject to statements about welfare, training and psychology – and that’s definitely a good thing (here’s one from Hippologic.)

However, I want to add something to this equine brain discussion. I just happened to run in to it when I went down a research rabbit hole a couple of years back.

We often hear how brain size is not directly linked to an individual’s intelligence. At the same time, a relatively large brain is said to signify intelligence in humans, while that of the horse, popularly said to be the size of a (large) walnut, is said to account for their lack of intelligence.

*Vintage anatomy print showing relatively small size of equine brain to body size.*

This falls down once we look at elephants, which have relatively small brains yet are pretty cluey.

In horses, innovative behaviors without evolutionary basis are often used as a measure of intelligence (read more here about unlatching gates). Leaving behaviour-based measurement methods aside for the moment, let’s ask: how do we figure out if there’s an association between different brain sizes and intelligence levels?

(Note: if you’re a neuroscientist of any description, look away now. What follows is a highly simplistic overview of this incredibly complex subject area.)

© All text copyright of the author, Jane Clothier, www.thehorsesback.com. No reproduction of partial or entire text without permission. Sharing the link back to this page is fine. Please contact me for more information. Thank you!

Measuring Equine Brain Mass and Body Mass

In zoology, the starting point isn’t about brain size, but brain mass compared with body mass or weight.

Even then, it’s not a matter of separating the brain from the body and then weighing both. The most accurate way of measuring this accounts for several anatomical, physiological factors, including the amount of water in the brain.

The result is a single figure that is called the encephalization quotient (EQ). The EQ for a species is arrived at after researchers have performed the calculation for dozens of animals.

*The parietal bones form the domed ‘cranial vault’ of the skull.*

So How Does This Look for the Equine Brain?

Only a handful of equine researchers have delved into EQs, as this is mostly an area of zoological neuroanatomy.

In this study by Cozzi et al (2014), the brains of 131 mixed breed adult horses (no ponies) were collected and weighed.[1] Researchers found first that the adult horse’s brain weighs 600 – 700 g. The average brain weight for horses aged 2 years and over was 606 g, while the average bodyweight was 535.22 kg.

This meant the horses in this study had an EQ of 0.78.

Here are the EQs for some of the large mammals: Cow – 0.55, Pig – 0.6, Camel – 0.61, Horse – 0.78, Goat – 0.8, Wolf – 0.9, Domestic Cat – 1.00, African Elephant – 1.67, Gorilla – 1.76, Human – 6.62.

And if you’re really interested, here’s the calculation used in the equine paper. Other scientists use different calculations – there is no standard approach.

EQ = E i / 0.12 P2/3E_a/E_e

So, Are Horses Intelligent – or Not?

A larger brain mass compared with body mass is often associated with better cognitive functioning, but that does not mean it causes it.

Brain size is therefore a very general measure for intelligence. What actually matters are the specific areas of the brain and their relative sizes.

The bigger the frontal lobes, the more capable the species is of ‘goal directed’ behaviors – that is, the ability to analyse information and act accordingly, planning ahead. [2]

Here we hit an issue. The frontal lobes are either relatively small in the horse, or non-existent – and this is a matter of contention. Some published veterinary researchers maintain that they do, as shown below.

*Rough comparison of the frontal lobes of the horse (left) and human brains.*

However, researcher and author of Horse Brain, Human Brain Janet Jones PhD writes, “Basic anatomy shows that horses have no frontal lobes and no prefrontal cortex. No qualified PhD trained in neuroscience disputes this anatomy.”[3]

Whichever is true, the take home for both is that the horse is more likely to react in the moment. This is not to say that horses lack intelligence, but that they think and respond differently.

The brain’s fissures are also important. These are the wrinkles and grooves, known as sulci (sunken inwards) and gyri (protrude outwards). They’re standard within species, although the brains of some species have more complex surfaces than others.

Rats, considered to be on the lower end of the intelligence scale of mammals (although rat owners will surely disagree), have smoother brain surfaces than horses. In turn, horses have fewer fissures in their brains than primates.

The area contained within the cranium is the ‘cranial vault’. Its inner surface perfectly matches the outer surface of the brain, as they develop together as the animal grows. If you could look inside this part of the skull, you would see a perfect mould of the fissures.

More recent research also links the organization of neurons (nerve cells) and synapses in the brain to intelligence.

Surely There’s a Difference Between Breeds?

Different breeds of horses certainly have differences in the shapes of their heads.

However, these differences are slight overall. In a study of TBs, STBs and Arabians, the relative proportions of the ‘neurocranium’ – the area above the frontonasal suture, including the cranium – were reasonably similar between breeds.

It was the lower part of the skull, primarily the nasal bones and the maxilla, that varied most and gave the breeds their different looks [4]. The study did not measure the cranium itself.

*The neurocranium aligns with the ends of the frontonasal suture and includes the temporal and parietal bones, ending at the occiput.*

This suggests that while some breeds may look extremely different – take the Welsh Cob and the TB, for instance – the neurocranium may be nearly square in all, at least when viewed from the front.

And even though some breeds may have proportionately larger heads, all (excluding ponies) will have EQs grouped around the average score of 0.78 mentioned earlier.

Small and wide ponies, incidentally, often have quite large parietal domes (or tuberosities, as they should be known), but the jury is out as to whether this makes them more intelligent… The fact is that we don’t know.

A Little More on Equine Brain Size

There are a few other differences that aren’t documented. Comparing horse skulls, we can see that some have a cranium that is narrower in relation to overall skull width than others. They also vary in shape: some are very full and round, while others are more teardrop shaped.

You can see this when you look at the spaces to either side of the parietal ‘dome’ and temporal bones, where the coronoid processes (tips) of the mandible protrude behind the zygomatic arch.

This may be due to breed or it may be individual. Our own skulls vary from person to person, with some aspects being just how we are, while others may be more developmental.

We can see this in horses too. Dwarf horses can have domed heads, as can horses that have been born prematurely.

This can affect intelligence – researchers have found that in humans, when the brain is smaller due to development delays, the intelligence can be lower. If it is smaller without any developmental delay, it makes no difference at all. [5]

Interestingly, a new study in humans shows that the longer the time Romanian orphans spent in the institutions as babies, the smaller their total brain volume, with these changes being associated with a lower IQ. You can read more about that study here. [6]

Personally, I would love to know more about this, as I’ve been researching the developmental effects of gestational problems in horses, including the effects of premature birth (my PhD thesis lives here). It’s the same old problem though: once a horse is at the stage where we can examine its skull, its early history is usually lost in the mists of time.

Ultimately, as with humans, what is going to make the most difference to us as horse owners is the individual’s learning experiences at different stages of its life. This is also where equine personality comes in, and the methods of training used, but those are different subject areas altogether.

[1] Cozzi et al., The Brain of the Horse: Weight and Cephalization Quotients, Brain Behav. Evol., 2014; 83:9-16

[2] McGreevy, P., Equine Behavior – A Guide for Veterinarians and Equine Scientists, Elsevier, 2012.

[3] Janet Jones – Horse Brains Facebook page

[4] Evans KE, McGreevy, PD., Conformation of the Equine Skull: a Morphometric Study, Anat. Histol. Embryol., 2006, 35(4): 221-7

[5] de Bie H. et al. Brain Development, Intelligence and Cognitive Outcome in Children Born Small for Gestational Age. Horm Res Paediatr 2010, (73)6-14.

[6] Mackes, NK. et al., on behalf of the E. Y. A. F. (2020). Early childhood deprivation is associated with alterations in adult brain structure despite subsequent environmental enrichment. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.

Not Quite Classical… Better Lungeing for the Rest of Us

July 14, 2019 by Jane @ THB 8 Comments

Thinking as a bodyworker, if there were one thing I could change in the training of ridden horses, it would be the way that many people lunge their animals.

I’d be so happy if the standard practice were a simple, gentle and biomechanically correct approach that brings profound improvements to the horse’s back health and readiness for riding.

It’s not a science and it needn’t be. For most people, it’s easy to learn, easy to do and easy to continue with. At even a basic level, it conditions the horse to carry weight and to not only balance itself, but to move effectively while carrying the weight of the rider.

Every rider and horse can benefit from this, no matter the ridden goals or discipline. Horses may just happen to have a back we can sit on, but their bodies are not designed to function in the way that we ask.

Here is a simple and affordable resource that will help you to do it better: A Course in Lungeing. It’s something I’ve recommended to bodywork clients over the years, with positive results. (It does involve ditching the gadgets and moving with your horse, but you don’t mind that, do you?)

Let’s look at why I believe it’s so good.

** Questions, thoughts or comments? Join us at The Horse’s Back Facebook Group.

What often passes for lungeing

Oddly enough, many people think you don’t have to learn anything in order to lunge a horse.

It’s assumed that you just need to buy the right equipment. In all too many cases, it’s then a matter of sending the horse in a circle, achieving as much trotting in as short a time as possible.

There are plenty of goals, including many that don’t have much to do with preparation for biomechanically correct movement while being ridden.

Lungeing to warm up the horse. Lungeing to build topline. To get the horse ‘into an outline’. To make the horse listen. To make the horse understand. To ‘get the buck out’. To get weight off the horse.

It’s also what many people do when they haven’t got time to ride. It’s not good and it’s not the best option for any horse.

It takes time to prepare the horse’s back

Lungeing shouldn’t be part of a rush. It isn’t a ‘hack’, ie. some kind of shortcut or saving of time and effort, adopted to fill the gap between feeding and going to work on days when there aren’t enough hours for riding.

In the last few years, a renewed interest in a more classical, biomechanically correct approach to training has brought simple, in-hand training techniques to wider audiences. Older methods that aimed to prepare horses for ridden careers, which have been overlooked in the great rush to do everything faster, have come back into focus.

This doesn’t involve sending horses in circles around a largely stationary human. It involves walking with the horse, working with it and shaping it. It’s about educating the horse to move and to carry itself in a way that is then taken forward into ridden work.

Lungeing for ‘everyhorse’

While horses differ enormously in terms of conformation, their needs are basically the same for carrying a rider. This is true no matter what discipline their athletic capabilities and fate destine them for. It is equally true for the trail riding horse.

Biomechanically correct lungeing prepares the horse to do this. Put very, very simply, this means lungeing so that on a bend, the horse weights inside and outside legs evenly and doesn’t lean in.

Instead, this even weighting means it is able to freely lift up through the base of neck and withers, between the shoulders (i.e. the thoracic sling). Meanwhile, the hindquarters are active and load bearing. The horse moves lightly with elevation and is able to do so freely and at all paces.

Biomechanically correct lungeing helps to develop the back and teach self-carriage, which makes it humane as well as effective.

Why would anyone wish for less for their horse? The wonderful thing is that it’s not hard to do.

Therapeutic benefits of correct lungeing

As a bodyworker, I have repeatedly witnessed the improvements in horses that were helped to work correctly in this way.

Clients and associates have had success rehabilitating horses, including (and especially) ex-racehorses with serious sacroiliac dysfunction.

The strength in their bodies, the suppleness, and the ability to work softly in a magnificent shape without any kind of restriction or force is wonderful to see.

I’ve also noticed how much horses seem to enjoy working in this way, as their body and movements develop and their spirits lift. Pride becomes visible in their movement and attitude.

These horses go on to flow under the saddle. Again: who wouldn’t want that for their horse?

The thing is, once this approach is learned, the improvements come quickly. Dramatic changes can happen through 2-3 short sessions a week. It’s not time consuming at all – and you don’t need to be into dressage to do it.

Which brings us to A Course in Lungeing.

So how do we relearn lungeing?

A Course in Lungeing makes these time-tested approaches available to the owners of any horse, no matter what breed, age or conformation, or ridden discipline.

It’s perfect for people who don’t want to study for qualifications or who can’t afford or manage to attend clinics with classical trainers (you can do this in your paddock).

The course was developed by German horsewoman, Babette Teschen, based on her many years of teaching correct lungeing in workshops in Europe.

Lunging training stood out as being really helpful for my work,” writes Babette Teschen. “In as much as you learn to lunge your horse according to biomechanical principles, you are doing what is best for the health and spirit of your animal partner: you give it the means to fulfill what you want of it in a healthy way.”

What I love is their strong focus on musculoskeletal health, so much so that they’ve included contributions from an equine osteopath and an equine acupuncturist.

More info and to purchase ‘A Course in Lungeing’

What you receive with ‘A Course in Lungeing’

With this training, you can help your horse to learn to bend in a circle instead of falling in, to raise its inner shoulder, and to move with the hindquarters tracking the forelegs (think of a train on the tracks rather than a motorbike on a bend).

When your horse can do this, it will be able to free up the neck and ‘let go’ from the withers. It can develop rhythm and freedom of pace, with good ground coverage. The horse’s back muscles are freed up to do their work effectively, with its hindquarters taking up the load.

What you’ll receive:

View the first 30 pages of the book for free.
250 pages of instruction material plus videos of various exercises.
Extensive basic information of anatomy and biomechanics.
Clearly presented exercises that will help you and your horse to master the problem of moving in a circle with ease and enjoyment such as the Cone Slalom, the Stepped Pathway, and many more.
Photos and diagrams with explanations and illustrations.
A Media Library with videos, and a substantial .pdf by osteopath Maike Knifka on the theme of Physiotherapy and the Lungeing Course, with supporting videos.
Acupressure tips from acupuncturist Patrizia Harneit on video.
A special on working with horses with extra paces, such as Icelandic horses.
Tips for working with older horses and those with health problems.

The book is available as a PDF in English.

More information and to purchase ‘A Course in Lungeing’

Note: this post was published in July 2019, simply because I believe in the approach.

This has resulted in many purchases of the course. I’ve been happy to facilitate that, as it helps so many horses.

*Bondi, an Australian Stock Horse whose owner, the late Eva Thaler, introduced me to this course many years ago.*

An Unwelcome Side Effect: Transitional Vertebrae in Horses

May 1, 2018 by Jane @ THB 24 Comments

They can lead to scoliosis, spinal arthritis, flexion and straightness problems, saddle fit issues, secondary lameness, hoof problems and soft tissue trauma. So, what on earth are transitional vertebrae, and why haven’t we heard more about them?

To answer the first part of that question, transitional vertebrae are hybrids that appear where one group of vertebrae changes to another. They show mixed features of each group.

They can be found along the spine, where:

the cervical (neck) meet the thoracic vertebrae,
the thoracic meet the lumbar vertebrae,
the lumbar meet the sacral vertebrae (sacrum),
where the sacrum meets the caudal vertebrae (tail bones).

As for why we’ve not heard much about them, the answer is probably that they’re rarely identified while a horse is alive.

However, they can lead to some very real problems in the living horse due to the asymmetry they cause along the spine – and they’re far more common than you might think.

*A transitional vertebra at L1. (c) J. Clothier*

The affected process or rib can hurt when the horse bends into it, as the abnormal rib/process is literally ‘stabbing’ into soft tissue.”

© All text copyright of the author, Jane Clothier, https://thehorsesback.com.

Thoracic and lumbar transitional vertebrae

Here are the three main types of variation, as shown in this diagram from one of the few research papers to mention this issue.

Here, we’re going to look at the first two – labeled A and B – which are the most common manifestations.

*The three kinds of thoracolumbar transitional vertebrae. (c) American Journal of Veterinary Research. (Annotated in green by J. Clothier)* Haussler, K.K., Stover, S.M., Willits, N.H. Developmental variation in lumbosacropelvic anatomy of Thoroughbred racehorses (1997); American Journal of Veterinary Research, 58 (10), pp. 1083-1091

A ‘process-like rib’ at T18

Labeled ‘A’ in the above diagram, this is a transitional vertebra at T18 (the last thoracic vertebrae) – a rib that thinks it might be a transverse process, lacking an articulation or joint with the vertebral body.

*A normal facet on one side, a non-articulated process-like rib on the other (c) J. Clothier*

Instead, the process-like rib is solidly attached, meaning there is no independent movement whatsoever. At its end point, it’s joined by costal cartilage to the preceding rib, partially restricting that rib’s movement, too.

This is a problem, as the caudal ribs are not directly attached to the sternum because they need to move more.

The abnormality can be on one or both sides of the vertebra, although single side is most common.

A ‘rib-like process’ at L1

Labeled ‘B’ in the above diagram, this is a transitional vertebra at L1 (the first lumbar vertebrae). Again, it’s usually one-sided, although two sides also occur.

Here, we’re looking at a transverse process that rather than being fairly short, wide and flat, instead extends outwards like a misshapen rib. There’s no articulation with the vertebral body.

*The first lumbar vertebrae (L1) of this Quarter Horse mare is a transitional vertebra. (c) Melissa Longhurst, www.equinebodybalance.com.au*

The above image shows an abnormal L1 found in a Quarter Horse mare. This mare was asymmetric throughout her body, and had a history of unsoundness both fore and rear throughout her lifetime.

Effect on the horse

Scoliosis is the major effect of transitional vertebrae. It’s an asymmetry that in these cases can be lifelong and permanent.

I’ve seen it a few times now in skeletons and on horses that have subsequently been euthanized for unrelated reasons – the spine curves in the affected direction, ie. the horse’s ‘short side’ is the same as the abnormal rib/process that is causing restriction.

The above bones were from a TB gelding who was in his late teens. Over his lifetime, the additional pressure on the side of the abnormal L1 had caused greater bone development in the vertebra further forward. In this photo, T18, the last thoracic vertebra, has been cut to show this impact.

Cases are highly individual and the degree of impact depends on how abnormal the vertebra is, plus other factors affecting the horse’s musculoskeletal balance – including tack and riders. However, we can consider the following points.

There can be an obvious localized effect:

The affected process or rib can hurt when the horse bends into it, as it is literally ‘stabbing’ into soft tissue.
The attachments of the deep, short muscles involved in segmental stabilization at L1 and T18 are affected, also affecting proprioception and posture.
The abdominal muscles involved in breathing and flexion during locomotion are restricted over an affected T18.
The diaphragm inserts onto T18, meaning its function is also affected.

*L1 transitional vertebra on the left side causing scoliosis along the spine, including the sacrum. (c) Melissa Longhurst, www.equinebodybalance.com.au*

This can affect overall spinal health and biomechanics:

Scoliosis means that bending to the affected side can be uncomfortable, while bending to the opposite side can be highly limited.
Achieving straightness may be impossible. Scoliosis can extend through the withers and into the neck.
Impinging transverse processes and vertebral arthrosis at other vertebral joints further limit movement.
These restrictions make lifting the back problematic.

And then there can be a host of secondary effects:

In the heavily pregnant mare, existing discomfort due to a T18 may worsen.
Achieving saddle fit is difficult on an asymmetric horse with scoliosis.
Abnormal loading can lead to recurrent lameness and persistent hoof issues.
Unrelated pathologies can scale up uncontrollably, as the horse cannot compensate effectively.

Can we spot transitional vertebrae in the living horse?

Yes, sometimes.

*Unilateral transitional vertebra at T18. (c) J. Clothier*

As this TB mare (above and below) was unable to maintain weight due to the physical stresses she was experiencing, her rib outline was fairly clear.

In her case, the last rib felt wider and flatter than the other ribs. The space between the rib and the point of hip was also noticeably narrower on the affected side (although this would be true of any horse with scoliosis, it’s a matter of putting the picture together, sign by sign).

*The problem is visible here. This mare’s body condition and tension reflects the stresses caused by the T18 transitional vertebra, which was later confirmed at necropsy. (c) J. Clothier*

There were other reasons for suspicion. Even when all the surrounding tissue was relaxed, there was no ‘spring’ when the rib was palpated with a flat hand. That’s not definitive, but it’s a cause for concern.

Do something that most people never do – stand on a fence or mounting block and take a photo down the horse’s spine, when it’s standing square…”

This veteran grey Arabian, below, is one I’d also consider a suspect. Again, we can see a very obvious protruding last rib on the offside and a lack of straightness. Even with musculoskeletal bodywork and spinal mobilization, the rib remained just as pronounced.

*Arabian mare with a suspect rib. Photo: J. Clothier*

Incidentally, I’ve also worked on this horse’s offspring, and the younger horse has the same profile to the ribs, on the same side, accompanied by a history of inexplicable back pain – and lack of straightness.

Note: It’s important to eliminate other causes first, as horses will often have this appearance at the last rib, without it being caused by a transitional vertebra. What’s happening is that the rib is protruding because the vertebra is immobilised in a rotated position. When chiropractic, osteopathy or bodywork restores mobility to the spine, the rib returns to its normal position.

Ongoing hoof issues

In the bay TB mare, spinal asymmetry (scoliosis, with bend to the right) had led to excessive loading of the near fore. This was no doubt compounded by constantly training and racing in a clockwise direction, plus the classic long toe/low heel frequently found in ex-racehorses.

As a result, her near fore had constant hoof wall separation, bacterial infection (seedy toe / white line disease) and a deep P3 problem that would never come right.

Here’s the hoof capsule and P3. Yes, the poor girl suffered, despite extensive efforts to reconstruct that hoof.

*P3 and hoof capsule, near fore, TB mare. Photo: J. Clothier*

Patreon members can view videos of this mare and further photos. Go to: www.patreon.com/thehorsesback for more details.

The TB gelding mentioned earlier also had chronic issues in the opposing fore hoof, with wall separation, damage to P3 and evidence of earlier laminitis.

How many horses are affected?

Who knows? The study mentioned earlier (Haussler et al, 1997) found that 22% of Thoroughbreds examined at necropsy, having died or been euthanized at the racetrack, had thoracolumbar transitional vertebrae.

*Transitional vertebra at T18 (above ground skeleton, damaged by scavengers) (c) J. Clothier*

To date, I’ve come across 3 in above-ground skeletons (2 x T18, 1 x L1), plus one in a horse later euthanized (1 x T18). These were TBs and Australian Stock Horses.

And as mentioned, I’ve suspected the T18 issue here and there amongst clients’ horses.

Although found mostly in Thoroughbreds, transitional vertebrae are seen across a range of breeds. And certainly, with equine dissection having taken off in quite a big way in the equine care industry, more and more of these anomalies are being observed.

Should we be concerned?

The answer is, inevitably, both yes and no.

On the positive side, if the numbers harbouring this problem are as high as it seems, we have to assume that many horses are coping just fine.

For as with any musculoskeletal anomaly, horses can compensate very well.

However, when another problem is added to the mix, things can head south very quickly indeed.

And it can all happen without us ever knowing that a skeletal anomaly is an underlying factor. When this happens, owners often have a lot of unanswered questions about their horses – and often large vets bills.

*Transitional vertebrae at T18. (c) J. Clothier*

It’s the TB or TB-derived breed horse that is most likely to present this (although not exclusively). If you’re buying one and you view a horse with an obvious T18 that really stands out, you might want to get that checked.

At the very least, do something that most people never do – stand on a fence or mounting block and take a photo down the horse’s spine, when it’s standing square or close to square.

If there’s a clear scoliosis along the spine, be cautious (this is a good rule of thumb anyway, no matter what the cause is). If you see an overly pronounced rib on the concave side, be doubly cautious.

And if you believe your horse may have one, the answer is the same as always: be aware, take a 360 degree approach in ensuring that hooves, tack, training and riding are as good as they can be, and your horse will have the best possible chance of functioning well without cause for concern.