Recognising pain in the ridden horse – use of the ridden horse pain ethogram (RHpE) with Sue Palmer (interviewed by Dr Gillian Tabor)
“All too often, pain in ridden horses is labelled as ‘bad’ behaviour. The apparently ‘sound’ horse is ‘naughty’, ‘lazy’, ‘difficult’, ‘explosive’, ‘spooky’, ‘nappy’, and more. These labels are wrong. Pain impacts all aspects of a horse’s performance, including its partnership with the rider, and its potential to progress. It does not always create lameness. Relieving pain can lead to improved performance, a deeper partnership, and greater potential.”
Sue and Gillian discuss the Ridden Horse Pain Ethogram (RHpE), developed by Dr Sue Dyson and colleagues. The RHpE is a checklist of 24 behaviours to check for musculoskeletal pain in the ridden horse. Horses can only demonstrate pain through their behaviour and performance. Only through first recognising pain can we then address it through accurate assessment, diagnosis and treatment. Sue Palmer and Dr Sue Dyson have recently published ‘Harmonious Horsemanship: Use of the Ridden Horse Ethogram to Optimise Potential, Partnership and Performance’.
Sue Palmer has worked in the equestrian industry for over 25 years, is an ACPAT and RAMP registered Chartered Physiotherapist, and based in Staffordshire, UK
https://www.harmonioushorsemanship.co.uk/
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