Equine Science Archives - Page 5 of 7

What structured horse observation actually reveals, and why most of us miss it

by Nicky Ross, BEd | May 24, 2026 | Equine Science | 0 |

Most of us notice things about our horses. But noticing is only the beginning of observation — and observation without a framework is just watching. Equine behaviourist Nicky Ross explores how structured tools, grounded in welfare science, change what we can see, hear, and understand.

What Kind of Horse Person Are You — And What Does That Mean for Your Horse?

by Cristina Wilkins | May 12, 2026 | Equine Science, Horse Welfare | 0 |

Ask a farrier what’s wrong with your horse and the answer starts in the feet. Ask a nutritionist and it starts in the feed bucket. It’s funny because it’s true — and it’s true because it’s biology. This article explores how your experience and expertise shape what you detect in your horse, what you miss, and why a whole-horse welfare assessment process changes everything.

From Telos to Teleonome: A New Way to Understand Horse Welfare

by Cristina Wilkins | Mar 8, 2026 | Equine Science, Equitation Science, Horse Welfare, Uncategorized | 0 |

You’ve seen it. The horse pacing the fence line, wearing a track in the ground. The one who calls out, again and again, when stabled alone. We call these problems. But most of us have a quieter sense that something else is going on. That quieter sense is correct — and now there’s a word for what it’s pointing at.

Think Blue Tongues may be Harmless in Elite Sport Horses? Think Again.

by Dr James Cooling | Oct 9, 2025 | Anatomy, Dressage, Equine Science, Equitation Science, Horse Welfare | 0 |

Unlike most reports quoting only veterinarians, this analysis comes from Dr James Cooling—a medical doctor, qualified bit-fitter, and rider. He explains why blue tongues in elite horses are not cosmetic, but clear evidence of pressure, pain, and compromised welfare.

The Mouth-Iron-Free Solution for Sudden Death in the Racehorse

by Dr Robert Cook, FRCVS, PhD | Oct 6, 2025 | Equine Science, Horse Health, Horse Welfare, Off The Track, Respiratory | 0 |

In this final paper, the late Dr Robert Cook reviews decades of anatomical, physiological, and behavioural research showing how bits cause pain, breathing restriction, and performance loss in horses. He argues that allowing bit-free options across all disciplines would improve welfare, enhance safety, and restore public trust in equestrian sport.