Stable Science from Dr David Marlin's Animalweb

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 som...

Dr David Marlin discusses - Why do we use saddle pads? The reasons we might use a saddle pad could include: Keeping the saddle clean Wicking sweat Improving saddle fit To reduce saddle movement Distribute rider and saddle forces more evenly and prevent high-pressure points Fashion Of these, probably the most important are distributing saddle forces evenly and reducing saddle movement. 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...

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‐...

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 pro...

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...

A review of cold therapy when used for horses. The history of cold therapy Looking 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 laminitis Using cold therapy to reduce whole body heat Tendon and ligament injuries – h...

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...

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 head What should we look for - across and around the face Behavioural changes Vets and their assessmen...

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. S...

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: Sulli...

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...

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 cyc...

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 diagn...

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 media Why might a horse or pony not eat a feed or supplement? Remember – horse...

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...

2023 Where to start? Planning for a great year! Dr Gillian Tabor Gillian shares her ideas and thoughts on how to make 2023 a great year for you and your horse! Gillian compares your horse's plan to a car sat nav. Where to start What to look at What you can do for your horse Planning ahead – building a strategy  If this topic is of interest and you would like to learn more, watch a webinar tha...

Dr David Marlin has over 30 years of experience in designing training programmes for the equine elite, and with his years of wisdom, we can bring our horses back into work while reducing the risk of lameness. David discusses: Why do we want horses to be fit? Road work Tendons, joints and ligament damage Surfaces - the hidden dangers Young horses Hoof boots and barefoot How to increase training Rec...

David is at London International Horse Show and catches up with his old friend Professor Lars Roepstorff. Lars is the International Surfaces Expert for the FEI. They discuss Lars' life, career and relationship/love of horses, where science and the thirst for care and well-being for horses led him as a vet and research scientist. This is a fascinating, warm and eye-opening interview. There is a foc...

A quick podcast from Gillian about her Stifle webinar on the website that covers: Structure - the anatomy Normal function When it goes wrong - dysfunction Veterinary Options Physio & Rehab Watch the full webinar here >>> https://drdavidmarlin.com/webinar-the-equine-stifle-function-and-dysfunction-dr-gillian-tabor/ Not a Member? Join for as little as £6 a month or £8 on a month-by-mont...

We ran a survey to find the BEST pair of riding gloves – according to how the participants rated the gloves, specifically looking into; Warmth, Comfort, Durability, Breathability, Waterproof, Ease of Washing/Cleaning, Flexibility, Ease of doing tasks, Holding the rein, Grip and WOW factor! The survey results are here - over 1000 pairs of riding gloves were rated in the survey. You can watch a vide...

Is it time to start rugging our horses? The temperature is dropping, and we're all feeling the cold, but when does our horse feel the cold, and when do they need a rug to keep warm? Dr David Marlin explains the fundamentals of how the horse's own "central heating" system works and what they do to stay warm, and how their bodies are affected by the weather. What are the horse's copying mechanisms,...

Dr David Marlin Rounds Up his last two weeks – talking to us about his work as a scientist and as an ambassador for World Horse Welfare. Laterality survey launched - Researchers from around the world are working together to learn more about laterality or "sidedness" and what effects it. Is it nature or nurture? Trip to Holland to meet the marketing company for the Sport Horse Foundation . Wha...

Dr Gillian Tabor is a charted physiotherapist specialising in the treatment and rehabilitation of horses. In this podcast, Gillian reviews a very recent research paper, Posture and Pull Pressure by Horses When Eating Hay or Haylage from a Hay Net Hung at Various Positions by Hodgson and colleagues. Through her research review, Gillian poses questions about how feeding from haynets differs fro...

Dr David Marlin Rounds Up his week - talking to us about all his different passions and work in Horse Welfare. Svend Kold - David is sad to hear of his passing, and reminisces about the times they worked together. David has been working with Tracy Bye at Loughborough University on Rider Balance . Data analysis for the FEI for the Asian Games next year and Paris 2024. David attended the Farriers Co...