New FEI Noseband Gauge – What It Means for Riders and Horses
In this highly relevant Animalweb podcast, Dr David Marlin is joined by Animalweb's independent bit and bridle fitting expert Emma Busk to unpack the introduction of the new FEI noseband gauge, now in use on the international competition circuit. Together, they explore what the measure means in practice, why it has been introduced, and how riders, stewards, and horse owners are reacting to it.Emma, who has worked with both the FEI and ISES gauges, shares her practical experience using the new tool and highlights some of the challenges around consistency, fit, and application across different types of nosebands and horse sizes. She and David discuss whether the gauge goes far enough in protecting horse welfare, and what more could be done.Beyond the gauge, they delve into the broader topic of bit and bridle fitting, exploring why it matters, its impact on performance, and how to assess fit both in the stable and under saddle. Emma emphasises that every horse is different and that correct fit can’t be judged by looks alone. They touch on the importance of collaboration between vets, dentists, physios and fitters, and how past trauma or pain can affect a horse’s response to tack.The episode closes with some top tips for checking noseband fit and an honest conversation about pressures in the competition world, rider habits, and the myths around stronger bits.READ Emma's blog - Noseband Tightness in International Sport ----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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Dr Heather Cameron-Whytock - Equine Fatalities in Eventing
Dr Heather Cameron-Whytock recently joined the Animalweb Team to tell us about her recently published study - Equine Fatalities In Eventing.This was originally recorded as a webinar that will be available to watch on AskAnimalweb from Wednesday 11th June.This conversation delves into Heather and her colleague's recent research on equine fatalities in eventing, highlighting the misconceptions surrounding the risks associated with horse falls. The study reveals that a significant percentage of equine fatalities are due to musculoskeletal injuries and sudden deaths, rather than falls at fences.To read the published paper - Equine Fatalities In Eventing.----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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Dr Gillian Tabor - PAIN – How to tell if your horse has kissing spine, gastric ulcers of arthritis
PAIN – How to tell if your horse has kissing spine, gastric ulcers of arthritisHow do you know if your horse is in pain, and more importantly, where that pain is coming from?In this episode, equine physiotherapist Dr Gillian Tabor explores the complexities of recognising pain in horses. From facial expressions and behaviour to the blurred lines between conditions like kissing spines, gastric ulcers and lameness, Gillian dives into the latest research to help you spot the subtle (and not-so-subtle) signs that something isn't right.Whether you’re a horse owner, rider or equine professional, this episode is packed with insights on how horses show pain, why behaviours shouldn't be dismissed as 'naughty', and why thinking pain first could be the most important step in safeguarding your horse’s welfare.Topics include:The science of how horses perceive painAnticipatory vs actual pain behavioursOverlapping symptoms across common equine conditionsWhy girthiness isn’t always about the girthKey research from Dalla Costa, Dyson, Kumar and more----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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Snaffle vs Double Bridle – What Does the Science Say?
In this episode, Dr David Marlin takes us inside the findings of a ground-breaking new research paper titled “Comparison of Rein Forces and Pressure Beneath the Noseband and Headpiece of a Snaffle Bridle and a Double Bridle”, recently published in the journal Animals.Amidst ongoing public debate and controversy surrounding the use of double bridles in dressage, David shares how this study aimed to put assumptions to the test with science. Working with a team of researchers and high-level dressage horses, the study compared rein tension and pressure at key contact points across both snaffle and double bridles.David also tackles common misconceptions about bit mechanics, explaining why the curb bit is a class one lever with a floating fulcrum, not the “nutcracker” some claim it to be. He discusses the ethics of research publishing, the importance of evidence-based conclusions, and his hopes for a more flexible and welfare-focused approach to bridle use in sport.This is a must-listen for anyone interested in equine science, dressage, and horse welfare. The study was funded by Hartpury University and the British Equestrian Federation, and the full paper is freely available online. Follow this link to read more about it - New Study Reveals Similarities in Rein Tension and Noseband Pressure Between Snaffle and Double Bridles----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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Equine Spring Health - Dr David Marlin
This podcast discusses the various health risks that horses face during the spring season, including colic, laminitis, grass sickness, head shaking, atypical myopathy, and respiratory issues. Dr David Marlin emphasises the importance of gradual management changes, monitoring horse health, and consulting veterinarians when necessary. The conversation highlights the complex interplay between environmental factors and horse health, providing practical tips for horse owners to mitigate risks during this season.There is lots of information on the Animalweb website to help and support you and your animals through Spring.VIDEO - Spring Respiratory IssuesARTICLE – Spring Associated Respiratory Disease is coming!ARTICLE – Respiratory supplements for horses reviewedARTICLE – Mycotoxins – a hidden danger in your horse’s environment and feed?ARTICLE – Respiratory problems in horses: How to recognise, manage and avoid them----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.
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