The Equine Documentalist

The way a horse stands, is a window into its physical and mental state - two aspects that cannot be separated. Emotions, the surrounding environment and internal visceral functions can all heavily influence the body’s physical form. Negative physical experiences, thoughts and feelings impact the autonomic nervous system (ANS) which in turn can alter the myofascial system. This can affect posture, physiology, and ultimately, hoof shape. The reverse is also true—physical imbalances can influence the horse’s mental and emotional state, creating a cyclical relationship. A horse’s environment, social interactions, physical body, hooves, and mind can affect both the ANS and shape the myofascial system, playing a critical role in its overall health. We are so looking forward to our live webinar with @Holistic Equine on Jan 7th at 7pm (UK time), where we will be exploring the key role of the autonomic nervous system and fascial network - and their relationship to the musculoskeletal system and the hooves of the horse! This webinar builds upon the insights shared in the series with Dr. Gellman—Proprioception and Posture and The Implication of Domestication (see links below)—to bring a deeper understanding of these concepts and their practical application. 📆 Book your spot here: https://lnkd.in/dsDfrEE6 _________ 🔗 Dr Gellman Webinar Links 👇 Proprioception and Posture: https://lnkd.in/dQ9XsaSM The Implication of Domestication: https://lnkd.in/d-PdgdWw _________ #nohoofnohorse #horsewelfare #theequinedocumentalist #equineeducation #horseshoeing #hoofcare #farrier #holisticequine #equinenueromusculartherapy #equineveterinary

What’s Your Definition of Integrative Hoof Care? #horsewelfare #hoofcare #equineeducation

Do owners have as much influence on posture as farriers and physios? Posture is shaped by domestication—limited movement, confinement, diet, and human interaction—often leaving horses in a constant sympathetic nervous state. Let’s start with diet. Gellman and Shoemaker discuss dentition, the TMJ joint, and the upper cervical area—key proprioception input areas affected by domestication. Domestication disrupts the horse’s natural relationship with food, impacting dental health and the stomatognathic system, often worsened by human intervention. Riding: Seneque et al. (2018) found that poor riding techniques cause spinal stiffness and abnormal postures due to back muscles opposing the rider's hands and legs. Alvarez et al. (2008) noted that an elevated head and neck during riding leads to thoracic extension, lumbar flexion, and reduced range of motion. French studies by Feureix et al. and Lesimple et al. found that higher head carriage and a flatter neck, often linked to confinement and riding, were associated with back problems and compensatory postures. After riding, we often stable horses, where they are subjected to constant postural modifications. Research has shown these influences can have a more significant impact on posture than aging itself. These factors contribute to a life of heightened stress, leaving horses stuck in a sympathetic posture. The posture becomes both emotional and physical/structural. Elbrond and Shultz’s dissections highlight viscerosomatic connections, revealing how deeply internal issues, driven by diet and stress, can influence a horse’s posture. I’m not suggesting banning horse ownership unless horses' can be kept in a more natural state, but we must understand the unintended consequences of domestication and work to mitigate them. This means farriers, physios, and owners creating species-appropriate management practices together. It also requires owners to create species-appropriate management practices where possible. Join us for a webinar (Jan 7th) to explore solutions through integrative hoof and body care. 📝Sign up here! https://lnkd.in/dsDfrEE6

Does viewing the horse as a neuro-bio-tensegrity inform more holistic podiatry and physio practice? There is anatomical evidence for myofascial lines, kinetic chains and logical thinking behind bio-tensegrity, however, the discussion of these theories is often lacking understanding of integral components that control these systems and ultimately stops the body from being a pile of connected tissue, on the floor. One being the nervous system. Bio-tensegrity research suggests the bones of the skeletal system are held together by the resting muscle tone of numerous viscoelastic muscular chains in a tension dependent manner. But what controls muscle tone? New research into the complexities of bio-tensegrity have now included the tensions created by nervous tissue, the vascular tissue, the movement of the viscera and bodily fluids (liquid fascia), such as blood, lymph, interstitial and intracellular fluids, recognising how body fluids can manipulate mechanical tensions faster than muscles and govern functionality. Suddenly we see how the autonomic system can play a vital role in the tensegrity of the horse. While fascia itself has been postulated to have inherent tension and impart a continuous tension to the system, it is suggested both intrinsic tension AND active contractions are responsible for the tension within the system. Importantly It has been proposed that the resting muscle tone throughout the musculoskeletal system is important in providing compression and tension between the bones, giving the body the ability to be upright and mobile. Again, what controls muscle tone? Bio-tensegrity does exist, but in a biological, living, moving form, it is the nervous system that acts as the push button to switch it all on! Ok great, we all agree, but do we remember that there are different nervous systems? Afferent and efferent nerves. The autonomic nervous systems, sympathetic and para-sympathetic. We can illicit changes to muscle tone and posture through nerve release and manipulation of the myofascial system, but also the autonomic nervous system has direct influence on muscle tone! Therefore the influences on posture become more abstract, influenced by cortisol levels and therefore by life situations that create sympathetic response. All of a sudden the relationships we have explored between neurology, posture and hoof balance have further contributing factors that have to be considered in holistic treatment. Join us for a webinar on 7th Jan where Yogi and Holistic Equine will explore holistic horse care and the interconnectivity between neurology the autonomic system, the myofascial system, posture and hoof balance. https://lnkd.in/dsDfrEE6

Have you seen how stress impacts posture and muscle health? When caring for horses—whether focusing on prevention or treatment—we must go beyond assessing physical structure and posture. The psychosocial stress of domestication and its impact on the sympathetic nervous system cannot be ignored. The domestic environment influences the autonomic nervous system and visceral function, which, in turn, instruct default posture by altering the myofascial and musculoskeletal systems. Without managing stress as a root cause, we may find ourselves treating symptoms perpetually without addressing the underlying issue.. Stress caused by inappropriate management regimes for horses. 🔍 Stress, posture, and health are deeply interconnected. Psychosocial stress and the neuro-immune system directly impact visceral function and myofascial tension—and vice versa! _______________ Join Holistic Equine and I, for an eye-opening webinar on Jan 7th (7pm UK time) where we will discuss things like: 💡The critical role of the autonomic nervous system 💡The fascial network that seamlessly connects the horse’s entire body—including the hooves 💡Practical insights into addressing stress to improve equine health holistically Jump in with us as we take a deeper look at how domestication influences equine health -- and what we can do to help our horses thrive. Pre-book your seat here: https://lnkd.in/dsDfrEE6 _______________ #nohoofnohorse #equineeducation #horsewelfare #hoofcare #holisticequine #horseshoeing #theequinedocumentalist #equinenueromusculartherapy #equineveterinary #FarrierLife #equinebodywork #equinephysio #equinephysiology #equinephysiotherapy

Neuromuscular health, the autonomic nervous system, and hooves, what do they have to do with each other? A new era of hoof care is beginning to emerge with a focus on trimming for optimum neuromuscular health. Hoof care professionals who are taking this holistic approach are beginning to document changes to the capsule and posture of the horse during and immediately after sessions which focus on neuromuscular health with an understanding of the fascial connections. The fascial system of the horse, is influenced by the autonomic nervous system (ANS) and is intricately connected to all parts of the horse, including the hoof. So new research is looking at what influences the fascia, and how we can work with the horse to influence hoof morphology, beyond traditional farriery and trimming protocols. Join us for a webinar with Holistic Equine, where we will explore the topic of podiatry and farriery which focuses on promotion of neutral posture and optimum hoof morphology for a balanced horse through optimising neuromuscular health via coherence of the ANS. It explores what science can tell us about the hoof as a neurosensory organ and how we can utilise objective assessment of both horse and hoof, and advance the industry. 🔗 Pre-book your spot here: https://lnkd.in/dtTaRUds 📆 Live webinar drops on the 7 Jan, at 7pm (UK time). Don't miss it! #theequinedocumentalist #horseshoeing #nohoofnohorse #horsewelfare #hoofcare #equineeducation #horsebusiness #FarrierLife #equinetherapy #equestrian #equestriantech #horsetech

Did you know that the myofascial system represents the anatomy of bio-tensegrity? 👀 Tensegrity structures are designed for efficiency—they allow maximum work to be done with minimal energy and provide maximum stability within minimal space. Given these advantages, it’s no surprise that nature has favoured such systems throughout evolution. The concept of tensegrity can be applied to the musculoskeletal system of animals, including horses. Horses are biological tensegrity models, made up of segments held together by continuous tension. In this system, the bones are suspended in a soft tissue network, their position maintained by the tension in muscles and fascia. A horse’s posture and conformation aren’t upheld by rigid joints and compression alone but rather by this delicate balance of tension across the entire musculoskeletal system. As mentioned, one of the key components of this bio-tensegrity network is fascia. Fascia is the connective tissue that weaves throughout the horse’s body, linking every part to every other part. This dense, elastic tissue supports, connects, separates, and envelops the bones, organs, muscles, nerves, and blood vessels. Understanding dysfunction within the myofascial system is vital for addressing locomotion issues in horses. We have a series of webinars with the incredible Tuulia Luomala. These webinars delve into dysfunctions in this complex system and explore how our own fascial systems can influence our horses. 🔗 Myofascial Tissue, Dysfunctions and Treatment https://lnkd.in/dh8n-Dvv 🔗 Horse-Rider Myofascial Connection https://lnkd.in/dpmebVcH 🔗 For further reading on the hoof and bio-tensegrity follow the rabbit hole (article)… https://lnkd.in/dswiZ5MH 👩🏫 T.E.D courses and webinars: https://lnkd.in/dRWcZw7t #hoofcare #equineeducation #farrier #farrierlife #horsewelfare #theequinedocumentalist #yogisharp #equestriantech

Shoeing the Powerhouse: The Role of the Hind Feet Hind feet, often overlooked in both farriery and veterinary practice, play a pivotal role in a horse’s ability to sustain propulsion and its overall static and dynamic biomechanics. This directly impacts performance and soundness. While the forelimbs bear the brunt of the horse’s weight, the hind limbs act as the engine, providing thrust and compensating for forelimb issues. However, research and guidelines for ideal hind hoof conformation have lagged behind those for the forelimbs, despite the basic ideals being essentially the same. In the forelimb, although poor dorso-palmer hoof balance affects the musculoskeletal system, the profound and heavily researched predispositions are within the digit. While in the hind Conditions such as long toe, low heels and negative plantar angles have been linked pathologies higher within the limb, including sacroiliac disorders, kissing spines, and proximal suspensory desmitis. Insights from preliminary studies suggest that hind feet often have naturally different phalangeal alignments compared to the forefeet. While this is normal, negative plantar angles remain a significant concern, as they compromise proprioception and posture. By viewing the hind feet as integral to the whole system, farriers can better support the horse's potential for optimal performance, longevity, and well-being. The importance of hind hoof balance concerning static posture has been explored in a recent webinar: ✅ https://lnkd.in/d9bTpdMv... And article: ✅ https://lnkd.in/d3iF8vBP... #hoofcare #horsewelfare #theequinedocumentalist #farrier

🍎 Now you can book a 1-hour Online Consultation with Yogi Sharp - founder of The Equine Documentalist 🍏 Expert hoof care and equine health guidance, with evidence-based insights and holistic solutions tailored to you, your horse, or your client. Yogi guides you in making well-informed and confident decisions. What to expect: ✅ In-depth consultations focused on your specific case or questions ✅ Navigating complex hoof care challenges. ✅ Receive advice to address your (or your client's) horse's specific hoof health needs for optimal performance and well-being ✅ Discuss and learn from Yogi's extensive knowledge of the latest research in farriery and equine science ✅ For equine professionals and farriers, gain advanced insights, tips and techniques to enhance your practice ✅ Gain a trusted, professional perspective on hoof care challenges or treatment plans, helping you make informed decisions ✅ A collaborative approach to problem-solving, no matter where you’re located. Book and pay for your online consultation here: https://lnkd.in/dncPzEHC We’ll reach out next week to arrange a time and date that works for you (please note: limited availability pre-January). #horsebusiness #farrier #hoofcare #horsewelfare #equineeducation