STABLE SCIENCE is a must to promote the health, well-being and performance of all horses. Dr David Marlin’s Animalweb offers a straightforward approach to chall...
Dr David Marlin on the latest round of Saddle Pad Testing!
In this podcast, Dr David Marlin discusses the complexities of saddle pads, including their functions, testing methods, and how to choose the right one for your horse. She emphasises the importance of informed choices based on laboratory testing and user feedback, while also cautioning against manufacturers' claims without evidence. The conversation highlights the need for proper saddle fitting and the role of saddle pads in equine health and comfort.Points covered:There are many brands and models of saddle pads available.Testing saddle pads under identical conditions allows for direct comparison.Saddle pads serve multiple functions, including sweat wicking and improving saddle fit.Laboratory testing can provide insights into a pad's mechanical properties.Not all expensive pads perform better than reasonably priced options.User feedback is essential for understanding long-term performance of saddle pads.Saddle pads can affect saddle fit, which may not always be beneficial.It's important to consult a qualified saddle fitter when choosing a pad.Beware of marketing claims that lack scientific backing.Testing methods include static and dynamic pressure tests.Which saddle pads actually deliver on their claims? With prices ranging from £20 to over £200, it’s hard to know what really works and what’s just clever marketing. That’s why Animalweb has CUT THROUGH THE MISINFORMATION by putting them to the test under the same laboratory conditions, so you can see exactly how they compare!Saddle Pads Tested - https://askanimalweb.com/saddle-pads-tested-round-two-2025/Want to read the full results? You’ve got to be an Animalweb member! Join today for just £8 a month (cancel anytime) and get access to exclusive, in-depth testing that helps you make the best choices for your horse. The saddle pads in this round were chosen by our Animalweb members! So if you want a say in future testing, make sure you’re signed up!----To find out more about becoming a member >>> AskAnimalweb.comNot a Member? Join for as little as £6 a month or £8 on a month-by-month basis to access all the test results and have a say in what we test and investigate next. For this, you also get access to all past and future webinars, videos, podcasts, and articles, the opportunity to take part in testing and research and SOOOO much more. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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15:22
Studs on Artificial Surfaces, Research Review - Dr Gillian Tabor
Research Review: The Effect of Screw-in Studs on Equine Hoof and Limb Kinematics on Artificial SurfacesIn this podcast, Dr Gillian Tabor reviews a study on the effects of screw-in studs on equine hoof and limb kinematics during cantering and jumping on artificial surfaces. The study aims to understand the benefits and risks associated with using studs, particularly in terms of injury prevention and performance enhancement. The findings indicate that while there were no significant differences in slip distance, certain kinematic parameters were affected, leading to discussions on the implications for equestrian practices.The study - Dunbar, T. and Morscher, S., 2025. The Effect of Screw-in Studs on Equine Hoof and Limb Kinematics while Cantering and Jumping on an Artificial Surface. International Journal of Equine Science, 4(1), pp.1-10. STUDY LINK ----To find out more about becoming a member >>> AskAnimalweb.comNot a Member? Join for as little as £6 a month or £8 on a month-by-month basis to access all the test results and have a say in what we test and investigate next. For this, you also get access to all past and future webinars, videos, podcasts, and articles, the opportunity to take part in testing and research and SOOOO much more. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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16:29
The Hidden Science of Stirrups - Dr David Marlin
In this podcast, Dr David Marlin discusses the various aspects of stirrups in equestrian riding, including their historical significance, safety concerns, rider asymmetry, and the forces exerted on horses. David emphasizes the importance of stirrup design, the impact of rider position, and the need for further research in this area.takeawaysStirrups play a crucial role in mounting and stability.There are over 429 patents related to stirrups.Safety stirrups may reduce injury severity during falls.Rider comfort and stability are key factors in stirrup choice.Asymmetry in riders can affect performance and horse health.Forces in the saddle can be significantly higher than expected.Expensive stirrups may not offer additional benefits.Proper footwear is essential for safety while riding.Research on stirrup design is still ongoing and necessary.Alternating between sitting and standing may benefit the horse's back.----To find out more about becoming a member >>> AskAnimalweb.comNot a Member? Join for as little as £6 a month or £8 on a month-by-month basis to access all the test results and have a say in what we test and investigate next. For this, you also get access to all past and future webinars, videos, podcasts, and articles, the opportunity to take part in testing and research and SOOOO much more. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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20:55
Horse and rider behaviour, injury and performance
In this podcast, Dr David Marlin discusses the importance of understanding horse and rider behaviour to reduce the risk of injury and improve performance. David emphasises the need to move away from labelling horses as 'naughty' and instead focus on the underlying reasons for their behaviour, such as pain, confusion, and anxiety. The conversation explores how horses perceive their environment, including their acute hearing abilities, and how this can affect their reactions. David highlights the significance of recognizing conflict behaviours and their potential consequences for both horse and rider, advocating for a more empathetic and informed approach to equestrianism.Points covered:Understanding horse behaviour can reduce the risk of injury.Pain and anxiety are common triggers for unwanted behaviours.Horses have a different hearing range than humans.Recognizing a horse's mood can improve training outcomes.Training should focus on clear communication with the horse.Horses may react to stimuli that riders cannot perceive.The term 'naughty' is misleading in equestrian contexts.Improving horse-rider communication enhances performance.----To find out more about becoming a member >>> AskAnimalweb.comNot a Member? Join for as little as £6 a month or £8 on a month-by-month basis to access all the test results and have a say in what we test and investigate next. For this, you also get access to all past and future webinars, videos, podcasts, and articles, the opportunity to take part in testing and research and SOOOO much more. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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22:09
The Research Behind Percussive Therapy for Horses: Unlocking Mobility & Comfort - Dr Gillian Tabor
In this podcast, Dr Gillian Tabor critiques her own research on the effects of percussive therapy on equine thoracic profiles, mechanical nociceptive thresholds, spinal and limb kinematics, and gait symmetry. The study aimed to provide evidence for the efficacy of percussive therapy devices, which are often marketed with unverified claims. The research methodology included a randomised, blinded crossover design, and the results indicated no significant differences between treatment and sham groups, although no adverse effects were observed. The discussion highlights the importance of distinguishing between statistical and clinical significance and suggests areas for future research.Dr Gillian Tabor is MSc ResM MCSP HCPCreg, a Chartered Physiotherapist, Cat A member ‘Association of Chartered Physiotherapists in Animal Therapy and has lots of great help and advice for horse owners - check out all of her work here - Dr Gillian TaborRead the full research paper here.----To find out more about becoming a member >>> AskAnimalweb.comNot a Member? Join for as little as £6 a month or £8 on a month-by-month basis to access all the test results and have a say in what we test and investigate next. For this, you also get access to all past and future webinars, videos, podcasts, and articles, the opportunity to take part in testing and research and SOOOO much more. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
About Stable Science from Dr David Marlin's Animalweb
STABLE SCIENCE is a must to promote the health, well-being and performance of all horses. Dr David Marlin’s Animalweb offers a straightforward approach to challenges, disrupting and reshaping the outdated equestrian education many of us have grown up with.Along with a mighty team of experts, David is helping all horse owners, riders and breeders achieve optimal performance for their much-loved horses, horses are living healthier, happier, longer lives by using the latest that science and technology can give us.AskAnimalweb.com is an independent resource website for all equestrians. A source of unbiased, science-based research, delivering news, product reviews, webinars, podcasts and articles covering the full breadth of the equine world. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
South Africa