Meadowbrook Equine Therapy

05/10/2026

Show me your horse is a dirty beast… without telling me your horse is a dirty beast! 😂🐴💩

Drop a photo in the comments, or tell us their most disgusting habit🤮💩🐴

03/10/2026

🐴 “He’s always done that…”

Opened his mouth.
Resisted being bridled.
Argued with the contact.

When something becomes familiar, it can be easy to stop questioning it.

But familiar behaviour still deserves our attention.

Bit and bridle fit are worth considering alongside dental health, physical comfort, training and rider influence. A fitting assessment is one part of understanding the horse, it isn’t a diagnosis or a promise that changing equipment will solve everything.

At Meadowbrook, I want to help you ask:
“Is my horse comfortable in what I’m asking him to wear?”

💬 What does your horse do when you approach with the bridle?

24/09/2026

Is your horse changing coat already? 🐴🍂

It can feel as though autumn has barely arrived before the loose hair starts appearing on your grooming brush. Coat change is a gradual process: old hairs are shed while new ones grow in, giving the horse a thicker winter coat or a shorter summer coat as the seasons change.

But how does the horse’s body know it’s time?

The main trigger is day length. As the days get shorter, the horse’s eyes detect the change in light. This affects hormone signals from the pineal and pituitary glands, which help regulate the hair follicles in the skin. So even if we’re having a warm September, a horse may already be growing a winter coat. They aren’t simply waiting until they feel cold.

Growing a new coat also requires nutrients. That doesn’t mean every horse needs an extra feed or a “coat change” supplement, but it is a good time to check that their usual diet provides enough protein, vitamins and minerals for their needs. Older horses, those losing condition and those on restricted diets may need a closer look at what they’re getting.

There are practical changes to watch for, too. A thicker coat affects how easily a horse loses heat, so one who feels comfortable on a chilly morning may be too warm in the afternoon or during exercise. All that extra hair can also make weight loss harder to spot. Get your hands on your horse regularly, rather than judging their condition by eye alone.

Most horses change coat without any problems. But if your horse grows an unusually long or curly coat, struggles to shed it, or has other signs such as weight loss, lethargy or excessive sweating, speak to your vet. An unusual coat can sometimes be a clue that the body’s hormone system needs investigating, particularly in an older horse.

Coat change is normal, but it’s also a useful reminder to look at the whole horse: their diet, condition, comfort and how they’re coping as the season changes.

Has yours started growing a winter coat yet, or are you still finding summer hair absolutely everywhere? 🐴

18/09/2026

🐴 IS YOUR HORSE DUE A WINTER MOT? 🐴

Now winter is drawing in, many horses will begin spending more time in their stables. Less turnout means fewer opportunities to move freely, while colder muscles, heavier rugs, muddy ground and changes in workload can all affect how comfortable and mobile your horse feels.

Winter coats and rugs can also hide subtle changes in muscle tone, symmetry and body condition, so problems may not always be obvious from the outside.

At Meadowbrook Equine Therapy, I offer a range of treatments and professional fitting services to support the whole horse:

✨ Full-body assessment
Looking at posture, symmetry, muscle development and any changes in the way your horse stands or moves.

✨ Sports and rehabilitation massage
Helping to relieve muscular tension, encourage circulation and support flexibility, comfort and recovery.

✨ Myofascial release
Addressing restrictions within the fascial system that may be affecting movement, balance and overall comfort.

✨ Fascial Edge Tool techniques
Used where appropriate to assess and work with areas of tension and restricted tissue movement.

✨ Red light therapy
A gentle, non-invasive therapy used to support circulation, tissue health and the body’s natural recovery processes.

✨ Thermal screening
Helping to identify unusual patterns of heat or asymmetry that may need closer monitoring or veterinary investigation.

✨ Professional bit and bridle consultations
As a Lantra-qualified Bit and Bridle Consultant, I assess your horse’s individual head and mouth anatomy, including the available space for the bit, tongue and bar conformation, dental considerations, facial nerves and sensitive structures.

The fit and action of the current bit and bridle are considered alongside your horse’s comfort, behaviour and way of going. Where changes are needed, I can help you find a more suitable setup for both horse and rider, without automatically reaching for a stronger bit.

✨ Smart Saddle assessments and test rides
As a Smart Saddles Advisor, I can arrange an assessment and test ride, giving you the opportunity to try different saddle models and discover what works best for both horse and rider.

Whether your horse is in full work, returning from injury, enjoying a quieter winter or simply beginning to feel a little stiffer, now is the perfect time to book their winter MOT.

📍 Covering Staffordshire, surrounding counties and North Wales
📧 [email protected]
📞 07917 688638
🌐 www.meadowbrook.co.uk
📱 Instagram:

Book your horse’s winter MOT and find out what is really happening beneath the rugs, and beneath the tack.

17/09/2026

𝗦𝗵𝗼𝘂𝗹𝗱 𝗮 𝗵𝗼𝗿𝘀𝗲 𝗯𝗲 𝗺𝗮𝗿𝗸𝗲𝗱 𝗱𝗼𝘄𝗻 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗮 𝗱𝗶𝘀𝗮𝗯𝗶𝗹𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝘁𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗶𝘀 𝗽𝘂𝗿𝗲𝗹𝘆 𝗰𝗼𝘀𝗺𝗲𝘁𝗶𝗰?

Many of you will already know Louis Vuitton.

Louis is a beautiful Purebred Arab who won an awful lot in-hand as a younger horse. He has genuine quality, presence and movement, the sort of horse who was born to be noticed in a show ring!!

But Louis now only has one eye 👁️

After suffering from recurrent uveitis, his right eye was removed. The socket is completely healed and stitched closed. He has adapted incredibly well and, to Louis, life simply carried on.

But would the showing world see him in the same way❓

Could I take him into a ridden Purebred Arab HOYS qualifier❓

Would he be welcomed into the ring and judged as the quality horse he still is, or could he be asked to leave because he no longer presents the traditionally “complete” picture?

And even if the rules allow him to compete, would a judge mark him down for the absence of an eye❓

His breeding hasn’t changed.

His conformation hasn’t changed.

His movement, quality and presence haven’t disappeared.

He didn’t lose his eye because of a hereditary defect or poor conformation. He lost it because of a painful medical condition, and removing it gave him back his comfort and quality of life.

Of course, showing is partly about visual impression. Symmetry, beauty and breed type all matter, particularly in the Arab world. But where should we draw the line between assessing conformation and penalising a disability❔

Should the judge assess the horse standing in front of them, or compare him with an image of physical perfection that he can never meet?

I can’t find a published rule specifically stating that a one-eyed horse is prohibited from competing, although I would seek official written confirmation before entering him.

But perhaps the bigger question isn’t simply, “Is he allowed?”

Perhaps it is:

𝗜𝘀 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝘀𝗵𝗼𝘄𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘄𝗼𝗿𝗹𝗱 𝗿𝗲𝗮𝗱𝘆 𝘁𝗼 𝘀𝗲𝗲 𝗽𝗮𝘀𝘁 𝗮 𝗺𝗶𝘀𝘀𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗲𝘆𝗲 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗷𝘂𝗱𝗴𝗲 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝘄𝗵𝗼𝗹𝗲 𝗵𝗼𝗿𝘀𝗲?

What do you think❔

Would you show him❔

And if you were judging him, should his missing eye affect your decision❔

Arab Horse Society of Great Britain

12/09/2026

🐴 “He’s always stiff when we first start… but he soon works out of it.”

This is something we hear surprisingly often, but should a horse need to work through stiffness before they begin moving comfortably?

Perhaps they come out of the stable looking short behind. They struggle with the first few circles, feel reluctant to bend on one rein or shuffle for the first ten minutes of a hack. Then, once they are warm, they apparently feel fine.

But has the stiffness genuinely disappeared… or has the horse simply adapted once again?

There can be many reasons for a horse feeling stiff initially: reduced joint mobility, muscular tension, fascial restriction, arthritis, previous injury, poor posture, digestive discomfort, unsuitable tack or even the amount of time they have spent standing still. Some horses absolutely do benefit from a longer, gentler warm-up, but repeatedly needing to “work out of” noticeable discomfort shouldn’t automatically be dismissed as normal.

So, tonight’s discussion question is:

Does your horse ever start stiff and then loosen up, and what do you believe is causing it?

🟢 Never, comfortable from the beginning
🟡 Occasionally, usually after stabling, hard work or a day off
🟠 Regularly, but they improve once warmed up
🔴 Yes, and the stiffness is becoming more noticeable

There are no prizes for pretending everything is perfect, and no judgement either. Honest observations are often where the most useful conversations begin.

Tell me your horse’s age, workload and which area seems stiffest. Let’s see whether any patterns emerge. 👀🐴

08/09/2026

🐴 Your horse doesn’t have to be lame to be asking for help.

Perhaps they feel slightly different under saddle. They’re less willing on one rein, struggling with transitions, uncomfortable in the contact, resisting the bridle or simply not moving with the freedom they once had.

These changes are rarely “just them.”

I offer a comprehensive, whole-horse approach through:

🔹 Equine bodywork and therapy treatments
🔹 Fascial release techniques
🔹 Red light therapy where appropriate
🔹 Professional bit and bridle consultations

During every appointment, I look beyond the most obvious symptom. I assess the horse’s posture, movement, muscular balance, areas of tension and compensation, and consider how their tack may be influencing the way they use their entire body.

A poorly suited bit or incorrectly fitted bridle doesn’t only affect the mouth. Discomfort around the tongue, jaw, poll and sensitive facial structures can influence the neck, shoulders, back, movement and willingness to work. Equally, restrictions elsewhere in the body may be contributing to the resistance you feel in the contact.

That is why looking at the whole horse matters.

With approximately 35 years of experience in the equine industry and professional qualifications in equine therapy, fascial release, osteopathic study, bit and bridle fitting and ridden ergonomics, I combine extensive practical experience with careful observation and a genuine commitment to listening to what each horse is trying to tell us.

You don’t need to wait until a small change becomes a bigger problem.

If your horse feels different, struggles with something they once found easy, dislikes being tacked up or simply hasn’t felt quite right lately, now is the time to investigate.

📍 Covering Staffordshire, surrounding counties and North Wales
📞 07917 688638
📧 [email protected]
🌐 www.meadowbrook.co.uk

Message Meadowbrook Equine Therapy to discuss your horse and book an appointment. Your horse may not be able to tell you exactly where the problem is—but their body will often show us where to begin.

Meadowbrook Equine Therapy is offering Equine Sports Massage Course laser therapy and thermal image services for your horse around the Midlands and North West.

07/09/2026

🐴 QUESTION TIME…

If your horse suddenly started saying “no” to something they had always done before… what would your first thought be?

1️⃣ They’re being naughty
2️⃣ They’re testing me
3️⃣ They’re lacking confidence
4️⃣ Something may be uncomfortable
5️⃣ It depends on the situation

A refusal, pinned ears, hesitation or change in behaviour doesn’t automatically tell us why, but it does tell us that something has changed.

Pain, fear, confusion, remembered discomfort, poor balance or simply not understanding the question can all look remarkably similar from the outside.

So, be honest… what is your instinctive first reaction when your horse says “no”?

No judgement, just an interesting discussion.
👇🏻🐴

07/09/2026

🐴 The Working Equitation Bridge… or a very useful stretching platform!

One exercise we use is asking the horse to stand with their front feet on the bridge and their hind feet remaining on the ground. Once they are settled and standing square, we encourage a lower head and neck position to add to the stretch through the whole body.

So, why is this such a lovely exercise?

The raised forehand places the body on a gentle incline. With the hind feet remaining on the ground, this can encourage the hips to open and create length through the deep structures at the front of the pelvis, including the iliopsoas muscle group.

The psoas muscles lie deep within the body, connecting the lumbar spine to the pelvis and femur. They play an important role in:

🐴 Stabilising the lumbar spine and pelvis
🐴 Flexing the hip and bringing the hindlimb forwards
🐴 Supporting coordination between the back and hindquarters
🐴 Maintaining posture and balance
🐴 Helping the horse transfer power from behind through the rest of the body

Because the psoas is so deep, we cannot simply reach in and stretch it in isolation. Instead, we use carefully chosen positions that encourage the entire area to soften and lengthen.

Lowering the head and neck adds another element. It encourages length through the topline, gently opens the spaces between the spinal joints and helps create a continuous stretch from the poll, along the back and into the lumbosacral and pelvic regions. The abdominals may also begin to engage, helping to support and gently lift the back rather than allowing the horse to hollow.

The bridge gives us a controlled, gradual way to influence several connected areas at once. It can be particularly useful for horses that are tight through the lower back, restricted around the pelvis or reluctant to lengthen through their topline.

As always, this should be introduced slowly. The horse should be comfortable, balanced and allowed to find the position without being pulled or forced into it. Even a short, relaxed hold can be far more beneficial than asking for too much.

Sometimes the most useful piece of Working Equitation equipment isn’t being used for an obstacle at all! 🐴💚

05/09/2026

🌱 How are you dealing with the current grass conditions?

Following the prolonged dry spell and then the return of rain, many paddocks are behaving as though we are having a second spring. The grass may look fantastic, but for some horses this sudden flush can be difficult to manage.

We are currently trying to balance giving our horses a safe amount of turnout while keeping them on paddocks containing plenty of standing hay. Even with careful management, a couple of them have shown mild signs of gastric discomfort, so we are watching them closely and making sure they have plenty of forage available to avoid long periods with an empty stomach.

We are also feeding plenty of soaked, unmolassed sugar beet pulp. Beet pulp provides highly digestible fibre without relying on large quantities of starch. It contains pectin, a soluble fibre that may help support the stomach’s protective barrier, while feeding it soaked also increases water intake. As part of a high-fibre diet, it can be a very useful option for horses prone to gastric irritation.

One of our horses is also receiving Acid Ease to give some additional gastric support while his system settles.

Some of the others are being fed Alfa-Beet, which is a simple combination of alfalfa and unmolassed sugar beet pulp. Both ingredients provide highly digestible fibre, while alfalfa also supplies good-quality protein and is naturally rich in calcium. The calcium and protein give alfalfa a relatively high acid-buffering capacity, which can help neutralise some of the acidity within the stomach.

Of course, feeding products like beet pulp, alfalfa and gastric supplements does not replace veterinary investigation or treatment if symptoms continue or worsen. However, maintaining forage intake, avoiding long empty periods and choosing low-starch, fibre-based feeds can all form part of sensible gastric management.

It feels as though we went from worrying about having no grass at all to suddenly having rather too much of the wrong kind!

So, how are you managing your horses through this latest flush of grass? Have you noticed any changes in their droppings, behaviour, appetite, feet or general comfort? 🌱🐴