The Integral Role of Head and Neck in Horse Movement When we think about how a horse moves, it is easy to focus on the legs. We notice whether the horse is tracking evenly, picking up the correct lead, feeling stiff in one direction, or struggling to stay balanced under saddle. But one of the most important parts of the horse’s movement system is actually the head and neck. The way the head, poll, neck, back, pelvis, and sacrum communicate with each other has a major influence on balance,...

Question: I would be interested to learn the percentage of horses tested for vitamin E that are deficient, and what their diets typically look like. I supplement year-round. Multiple studies show that a significant percentage of horses test deficient or borderline. The challenge is that vitamin E status depends heavily on management, forage type, season, and individual absorption, rather than feed labels or soil conditions alone. Why is Vitamin E important? Vitamin E is a critical antioxidant...

Equine “kissing spine,” or overriding dorsal spinous processes (ORDSP) that occurs when the bony spikes along a horse’s spine grow too close or touch. This crowding can inflame nearby tissues and nerves, causing pain and performance issues. Kissing spine is puzzling. Some horses with concerning X-rays feel fine, while others with minor changes suffer chronic pain. A Condition as Old as Time Kissing spines might seem modern, but evidence shows it has existed longer than saddles. During the...