Dr. Kate Workman (Denali Equine, Rexos) returns to break down ECVM, the lower-neck malformation increasingly linked to behavior, performance, and pain issues in horses. We cover her newly published, open-access paper (with Dr. Sharon May-Davis and Dr. Audrey DeClue), the grading system, how to diagnose it correctly, how to manage a horse presenting symptoms of ECVM.

In this episode:

what ECVM is and the clinical signs

the grade 1–4 scale, unilateral vs. Bilateral

effects on the longus coli, brachial plexus, and vertebral artery

surgical risk

diagnosing it right (and the most common x-ray mistake)

genetics and breeding

About Dr. Kate Workman:

Dr. Kate Workman is aveterinarian at Denali Equine and co-founder of Rexos, a nonprofit dedicated to cataloging axial skeleton conditions in horses through necropsy-based research. Her team has performed detailed post-mortem studies on horses euthanized for unresolved behavioral, performance, and pain issues, work that led to her most recent paper on ECVM.

Denali Equine

https://denaliequine.com/

The paper:

Identifying by Radiograph Grade 4 Aplasia of the Caudal Lamina Ventralis in the Equine Sixth Cervical Vertebra and Three Coinciding Morphological Variations

https://www.mdpi.com/2076-2615/16/3/482

What if many of the problems we label as "lameness" don't actually begin in the limbs?

In this episode I sit down with Dr. Audrey DeClue, an equine veterinarian known for challenging long-standing assumptions in equine medicine. Together, we explore the concept of body lameness, why biomechanics should play a central role in every lameness examination, and how collaboration between veterinarians, bodyworkers, farriers, saddle fitters, trainers, and owners can dramatically improve outcomes for horses.

Dr. DeClue shares the experiences that transformed her approach to veterinary medicine, the importance of questioning accepted ideas, and why observing the horse as a whole, not just individual body parts, is essential for finding the root cause of dysfunction.

Whether you're a horse owner, trainer, bodyworker, farrier, therapist, or veterinarian, this episode offers a thought-provoking conversation that encourages us all to ask better questions, think more critically, and ultimately provide better care for our horses.

In this episode of the EquiScience Podcast, we sit down with equine rehabilitation specialist and researcher Sandro to explore the science behind balance pads in horses. We break down his recent study on postural sway, pad density, and limb placement, and discuss how balance training can improve proprioception, spinal stability, muscle function, and injury prevention in sport horses. From rehabilitation protocols for tendon and ligament injuries to practical tips for horse owners using balance pads at home, this conversation dives deep into the biomechanics and physiology behind one of the most popular tools in equine rehab and performance training.

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Hoof care is full of strong opinions, but what does the science actually say? In this episode, I sit down with hoof care professional Beccy Smith to unpack what really mattersfor hoof health. We dive into the horse’s lived experience, the role of diet and movement, different trimming approaches, and the welfare implications behind them. Along the way, we challenge common hoof-care myths and look at where research needs to head next.

Check out Beccy's ressources here:

https://www.holisticequine.co.uk/

In this conversation, Kailyn Pupa from Bullseye Equine, a rehabilitation specialist, discusses the intricacies of equine rehabilitation, focusing on pain management, the importance of prehab, and the stages of healing. The dialogue emphasizes the need for a team approach in managing horse injuries, the significance of understanding pain cycles, and the critical role of gradual reintroduction to sport-specific activities. In this conversation, we delve into the intricaciesof horse rehabilitation, focusing on the importance of understanding the rehab timeline, the benefits of pole work, and the role of kinesiology tape and tactile stimulation in enhancing recovery. We discuss the multifacetedadvantages of pole work for improving joint flexion, muscle activity, and proprioception, while also emphasizing the significance of preventing injuries through proper training and management. The conversation highlights the needfor a balanced approach to equine fitness, promoting symmetry and variation in movement to maintain soundness and performance.

Get in touch with Kailyn:

https://bullseyeequine.com

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What really happens when we put a bridle on a horse? Does “bitless” automatically mean kinder, or can it create just as much pressure in different places? And how much responsibility do riders carry when it comes to equipment choices?

In this episode, I sits down with researcher Tracy Bye toexplore a growing question in the equestrian world: was's the true impact of riding bitless. Together, we unravel the science behind pressure, movement, and horse welfare, challenging long-held assumptions and opening the door to moreindividualized approaches.

From the hidden dynamics of bridles to the role ofrider balance, this conversation reveals why equestrianpractice must go beyond tradition and start embracing research, responsibility, and the individuality of every horse.

And for those curious about alternatives,stay tuned until the end, Tracy and I dive deep into the physics of hackamores and their hardware, breaking down how these tools actually work, and what riders needto know before using them.

Head shaking in horses is one of the most misunderstood and emotionally challenging conditions horse owners face. In this episode, we explore trigeminal-mediated head shaking, a complex neurological disorder where horses exhibit intense, seemingly unexplained reactions to environmental stimuli.

Our guest, Dr. Veronica Roberts, is a European and RCVS Recognised Specialist in Equine Internal Medicine, Senior Lecturer at the University of Bristol, and one of the world’s leading experts on this condition. With a PhD focused on trigeminal-mediated head shaking, Dr. Roberts brings a rare blend of clinical expertise and compassion to the conversation.

We discuss:

• What makes trigeminal-mediated head shaking so difficult to diagnose

• Common environmental triggers and why nose nets sometimes help

• The importance of careful behavioral observation

• Why treatment is rarely one-size-fits-all

• How research is shaping the future of diagnosis and care

• The emotional toll on owners, and the support they need

Whether you’re a veterinarian, a horse owner, or simply someone who wants to understand more about equine welfare, this episode offers science-backed insights, practical considerations, and heartfelt perspective.

This conversation delves into the complexities of pain perception in horses, exploring how individual differences in personality can influence their behavior and expression of pain. The discussion highlights the importance of accurate pain assessment in veterinary care and the evolutionary factors that shape how horses respond to pain. By comparing pain responses in horses and dogs, the conversation emphasizes the need for a nuanced understanding of equine behavior and welfare. Carrie Ijichi discusses her research on how personality traits influence physiological responses to pain, the importance of measuring stress through various indicators, and the implications of these findings for animal welfare practices. The conversation also highlights the challenges of studying animal behavior and the need for more comprehensive research to improve the understanding of how animals cope with pain and stress.

In this episode of the EquiScience Podcast, Kym Griffin discusses the critical yet often overlooked topic of sleep deprivation in horses. With a background in equine science, Kym shares insights from her research on horse sleep patterns, the importance of REM and NREM sleep, and the implications of sleep deprivation on horse welfare. The conversation also delves into the symptoms of sleep deprivation, the distinction between narcolepsy and sleep deprivation, and the need for better education and monitoring of equine sleep behaviors to enhance overall horse management and welfare. This conversation delves into the critical role of sleep in equine health and performance, exploring how sleep deprivation affects horses, the importance of herd integration, and strategies for optimizing sleep. Kym Griffin shares insights from her research on monitoring sleep patterns, the implications of sleep on equine welfare, and future research directions in the field. The discussion emphasizes the need for a holistic approach to horse care, considering environmental factors, bedding, and social dynamics to enhance sleep quality and overall well-being.

KYM GRIFFIN

EQUITOPIA

PROCHAPS

In this episode of the EquiScience Podcast, Dr. Michelle Anderson from the Michelle Method, shares her journey from a horse-loving child to a doctor of physical therapy and certified equine rehabilitation therapist. She discusses the importance of understanding the differences between modality-based and exercise-based rehabilitation, emphasizing the need for progressive training to prevent injuries in both horses and riders. The conversation also explores the concepts of rehab versus prehab, highlighting the proactive approach of prehab in maintaining equine health. Dr. Anderson stresses the interconnectedness of horse and rider health, advocating for a holistic approach to training and rehabilitation. She highlights the significance of groundwork and movement in preparing horses for riding. Michelle advocates for a team approach involving veterinarians and therapists to ensure effective rehabilitation and long-term soundness in horses.

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