Sport Horse Podcast

How common are weight issues in sport horses? How does insulin dysregulation impact overall health? What are the positive impacts that exercise produces in obese horses (beyond simply reducing weight)? We chat with Dr. Shannon Pratt-Phillips about these topics and others on this episode of the Sport Horse Podcast.

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Title Sponsor Name and Text Link:  Achieve Equine – FLAIR Equine Nasal Strips  https://achieveequine.com/

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Guest Name: Dr. Shannon Pratt-Phillips 

Website:https://cals.ncsu.edu/animal-science/people/shannon-pratt-phillips/

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Relevant Links:https://www.mdpi.com/2076-2615/14/5/727

https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0737080622003355?via%3Dihub

https://thehorse.com/1author/shannon-pratt-phillips-msc-phd/

What impact do modern sport horse management practices have on bone health? How do we ensure bone develops correctly in young horses? In this episode, we speak with Dr. Brian Nielsen about his research into bone health and discuss practical recommendations for sport horse owners and trainers.

Episode Links

Surface electromyography is becoming a viable tool to study how a horse’s muscles are activated to move the body during ridden exercise. In this episode, we welcome back Dr. Lindsay St. George to discuss some of her findings examining muscle activation in horses on the flat and during jumping.

How is the gut microbiome related to equine asthma? What causes gut dysbiosis and what can be done to ‘correct’ it? In this episode, we have a fascinating discussion with Dr. Marcio Costa on all things gut and the impact that the bacterial content in the GI system can have on the rest of the body.

How can we design practice to develop the horse-rider partnership? How do the environment, the horse/rider, and tasks interact to determine the ways in which an exercise will be performed? To answer these questions and more, we chat with UK Coach Developer and PhD candidate Marianne Davies. 

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Title Sponsor Name and Text Link:  Ignite - www.igniteforequineathletes.com

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Guest Name: Marianne Davies

Website:https://dynamics-coaching.com/home/marianne-davies/

Instagram: @river.tiger

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Link for Show Notes:https://dynamics-coaching.com/home/marianne-davies/

Link for Show Notes:https://www.researchgate.net/publication/361313928_Can't_jump_won't_jump_Affordances_of_the_horse-rider_dyad_underpin_skill_adaptation_in_showjumping_using_a_constraints-led_approach

Dr. Eva Marunova is an accredited equestrian coach, a university lecturer, and a researcher in based in the UK. In this episode, she details her journey to completing her PhD and describes her research examining equine compensatory movement strategies during lameness.

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Title Sponsor Name and Text Link:  Ignite - www.igniteforequineathletes.com

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Guest Name: Dr. Eva Marunova

Website:https://empoweredequitation.co.uk/

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Link for Show Notes:https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36210019/

Link for Show Notes:https://www.igniteforequineathletes.com/store

In this wide-ranging interview with Dr. Joop Loomans, we talk about his research examining veterinary practice characteristics, the importance of mentorship in 2023, and his time leading a veterinary clinic and training program in China.

Sport Horse Podcast Guests and Links Episode 46:

Does a rider’s nationality or start order affect their dressage score? How do humans allocate visual focus to assess movement and assign scores? In this episode, Dr. Inga Wolframm is joined by Dr. Peter Reuter to discuss recent research efforts to better understand different sources of bias in judged sports and how expert evaluators form visual search patterns to arrive at their assessments.

Sport Horse Podcast Guests and Links Episode 45:

Join Nicole and Tim as they cover highlights from the past year of the Sport Horse Podcast as well as the exciting projects planned for the Sport Horse Series and Ignite in 2024! 

Sport Horse Podcast Guests and Links Episode 44:

We speak with David Deillon about his passion for data in equestrian sports, which ultimately led him to develop the Alogo MovePro technology. We discuss how data can be used to enhance training effectiveness as well as opportunities to grow viewership by providing audiences with novel insights.

Sport Horse Podcast Guests and Links Episode 43

In this episode, we chat with Canadian Olympian and World Athletics Championships competitor Julie-Anne Staehli. She shares her perspectives on a variety of topics related to being an elite athlete, including managing professional relationships, how to prepare for a major championship, and how she builds recovery into her training program. Julie-Anne has a unique perspective and this episode will be of great interest to athletes and their support teams - especially those stepping up to higher levels of competition! 

Sport Horse Podcast Guests and Links Episode 42:

The prepurchase examination is a common yet often misunderstood aspect of buying and selling sport horses. Dr. Chris Elliott recently published an informative article on the topic and we take a deeper dive into prepurchase exams in this comprehensive episode. 

Sport Horse Podcast Guests and Links Episode 41:

There is still much to learn about the optimal training methods to employ to improve function in horses to both prevent injury and when returning from a musculoskeletal issue. In this episode, we speak with returning guest Dr. Bart Halsberghe about equine sports physiatry, which emphasizes the prevention, diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation of physical impairments or disabilities. 

Sport Horse Podcast Guests and Links Episode 40:

Surface electromyography (EMG) is a useful non-invasive tool to assess the electrical activation of skeletal muscle. EMG is increasingly used in research settings to understand how different events, such as induced lameness, impact how the neuromuscular system functions in horses. In this episode, we speak with Dr. Lindsay St. George about the exciting research being conducted with surface EMG and where this work is heading.

Sport Horse Podcast Guests and Links Episode 39:

The importance of gut microbiota is increasingly well recognized. In horses, disturbances to the gut microbiome are linked to a number of GI tract issues as well as other common, and potentially devastating, ailments. In this episode, we speak with Dr. Luis Arroyo Castro about gut health and future directions for his research on this topic. 

Sport Horse Podcast Guests and Links Episode 38:

The life of an FEI groom can be hectic and demanding. Grooms need to stay up to date on constantly evolving rules, perceive subtle changes in a horse and adapt accordingly, and plan for events months in advance. In this episode, we speak with renowned FEI jumping groom Danny Ingratta about how he acquires his information and decides what new inputs to incorporate into a horse's daily program.

Sport Horse Podcast Guests and Links Episode 37:

What are the limitations of using skin temperature to assess core body temperature in horses? How do popular management strategies post-exercise impact decreasing a horse’s temperature? In this episode, we take a dive into these topics and more with Dr. Elisabeth-Lidwien Verdegaal.

Sport Horse Podcast Guests and Links Episode 36:

Equine sports science is growing in popularity in select disciplines and regions of the world. In this episode, we chat with Romy Borrione about her journey working with Thoroughbred racehorses and how she built her own sports science business in Australia.

Sport Horse Podcast Guests and Links Episode 35:

Human athletes use compression boots to aid circulation in the lower body post-exercise and during extended travel. Similar devices can be used as a therapy for individuals living with lymphedema. A team at NC State took this concept and developed a new product, the EQ Press, to address the same situations in horses. In this episode, we speak with one of the Founders of Vetletics, Dr. Lauren Schnabel, about a study performed on the EQ Press and exciting next steps for this technology.

Sport Horse Podcast Guests and Links Episode 34:

What role do orthobiologics play in the care and management of the modern sport horse? How do veterinarians determine what regenerative product should be used when and where? In this episode, we talk with Dr. Beau Whitaker about his approach to using orthobiologics to treat injuries in sport horses.

Sport Horse Podcast Guests and Links Episode 33:

How can technology be used to inform training decisions? What does the future of training jumpers look like? In this episode, we speak with Canadian show jumping rider Sean Jobin on all things science in sport.

Sport Horse Podcast Guests and Links Episode 32:

We all know the saying 'No hoof, no horse', but what can we do to ensure the hoof structure is healthy, durable, and able to meet the demands of a horse's daily training? In this episode with Dr. Bart Harlsberghe, we discuss how vibrating platforms and a new type of shoe can stimulate hoof growth. We also briefly touch on the new field of equine sports physiatry.

Sport Horse Podcast Guests and Links Episode 31:

Have you ever wanted to have the ability to accurately detect lameness using a Smartphone App? In this episode, we speak with Dr. Aagje Hardeman about the new markerless lameness diagnostics tool 'Sleip' as well as her own cutting-edge research on asymmetry and lameness detection in sport horses!

Sport Horse Podcast Guests and Links Episode 30:

Major championships represent the pinnacle of high-performance in sports. But what goes on behind the scenes to ensure athletes are able to perform at their best? In this episode, we speak with former US Team Veterinarian Dr. Tim Ober about the responsibilities of the team vet as well as some helpful tips on preparing for a major competition.

Sport Horse Podcast Guests and Links Episode 29:

We all want to know how to manage situations and provide the best care possible for our horses. But how do we know what information to trust? How should we incorporate new information into a tried and tested horse management program? In this episode, Nicole and Tim take a closer look at the best places to search for reliable information and how to integrate new ideas within an existing program.

Sport Horse Podcast Guests and Links Episode 28:

Do farriers from diverse backgrounds manage complex cases in the same manner? How can collecting hoof measurements enhance communication between your farrier and veterinarian? In this episode, we welcome back Jude Florio to discuss some of his recent research as well as the current state of the farrier profession!

Sport Horse Podcast Guests and Links Episode 27:

As a follow-up to Episode 24, this episode explores practical strategies to prevent ulcers as well as examines the causes of glandular and squamous ulcers. We speak with leading expert Dr. Ben Sykes as he discusses the ‘Big 3’ ulcer prevention strategies that include i) carbohydrate intake, ii) how much and when roughage should be fed, and iii) exercise considerations.

Sport Horse Podcast Guests and Links Episode 26:

Barn schedules, infrastructure, finances, and past experiences can all dictate how we manage sport horse nutrition. In this episode, we tackle some of the common nutrition practices in the stable, discuss the importance of roughage, and hear about key feeding practices that are supported by scientific literature. This is a topic that our followers have wanted us to cover for a while now, and we are glad we were able to secure someone as highly qualified as Dr. Anneke Hallebeek to lead this discussion.

Sport Horse Podcast Guests and Links Episode 25:

In this episode, we chat with Dr. Arno Werners about therapeutic options for equine gastric ulcers. Equine Gastric Ulcer Syndrome is a common occurrence in sport horses and is associated with a number of negative symptoms. The prognosis is good if horses are treated in a timely manner and appropriate lifestyle changes for the horse are made. Listen in for another great episode with Dr. Werners!

We all know that a rider's 'mental game' is critical to success. But what are the common mistakes and what strategies can we utilize to fix them? In this episode, we discuss with Dr. Inga Wolframm how a rider's tension can negatively impact a horse's behavior, goal setting, and tips to control the here and now.

Sport Horse Podcast Guests and Links Episode 23:

Join Nicole and Tim as they recap highlights from the first year of the Sport Horse Podcast, discuss some of their favorite moments, as well as the future of the Sport Horse Series and Equine High-Performance Sports Group! 2023 will be bigger and better!

Sport Horse Podcast Guests and Links Episode 22:

How is osteoarthritis defined and diagnosed? Why do sport horses struggle with this condition? What next-generation tools are being developed to allow horse owners to catch osteoarthritis in the early stages or to potentially reverse the disease? In this episode, we discuss these topics and more with Dr. Thomas Koch from the University of Guelph.

Sport Horse Podcast Guests and Links Episode 21:

Fitness wearables are becoming more common, but how should they be used and what can we learn from the data? In this episode, Dr. Cris Navas shares his expertise on how different types of information can be used to guide and inform training decisions.

Sport Horse Podcast Guests and Links Episode 20:

What does sustainability mean in equestrian sports? What changes can be made to ensure we continue to prioritize horse welfare and high-level performance? In this episode, we talk with Dr. Inga Wolframm about her research on sustainable equestrianism, the horse-rider interaction and implications for how we build each training session, as well as discuss key anecdotes that frame the direction that our sports need to move.

Sport Horse Podcast Guests and Links Episode 19:

Excessive tension in the muscles of the back and neck is common in ridden horses. Oftentimes, a rider’s seat and subtle movements in the saddle creates excessive loads on a horse’s body which causes this enhanced muscle tonus and eventual soreness and pain. In this episode, physiotherapist Imke Schlomer discusses some of the common issues she sees and offers practical cues anyone can use to improve their seat and connection with their equine partner.  Listen in…

Sport Horse Podcast Guests and Links Episode 18:

What do owners expect from their veterinarians? How can veterinarians navigate complex situations to ensure the best possible outcome for their clients and horses? In this week’s episode, we dive into these topics and more with Dr. Yteke Elte from Utrecht University. Yteke shares her research on the topic and identifies opportunities to ensure veterinarians work with their clients to come up with the best possible solutions.

Sport Horse Podcast Guests and Links Episode 17:

The number of equine veterinarians retiring continues to outpace the number entering the profession. So what does the future of equine veterinary medicine look like? What changes can be made to encourage an influx of new veterinarians? We chat about this topic with Dr. Erica Lacher.

Sport Horse Podcast Guests and Links Episode 16:

The incidence of neurotrauma is relatively high in equestrian sports. Concussions continue to be a major concern and new helmet technologies are being developed to enhance rider safety. In this episode with talk with Amy Murphy, who developed a new method for testing helmet safety at the University of Ottawa.  Listen in...

Sport Horse Podcast Guests and Links Episode 15:

In this episode, Dr. Sheila Schils describes her approach to identifying problem areas within the horse's body. Sheila provides real-world examples of common issues she observes in sport horses, and speaks about how these issues can impact the horse's movement and performance as a whole.

Dr. Philippe Benoit discusses his perspective on NSAID use in sport horses. He provides practical recommendations for the use of NSAIDs, as well as shares his concerns about the liberal use of these drugs in North America.  Listen in...

Sport Horse Podcast Guests and Links Episode 13:

What are some of the common issues affecting riders' bodies? How does poor range of motion in a rider's body influence how a horse moves? In this episode, human physiotherapist Taylor Campbell weighs in on the importance of ensuring musculoskeletal efficiency in each rider's body as well as shares some tips to 'up' your game in the saddle.

Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as Phenylbutazone, can be used to treat inflammatory conditions in horses. In this episode, we talk with Dr. Arno Werners to learn how NSAIDs work, what conditions they are most effective for, and some of the common side effects seen in sport horses. Listen in...

Sport Horse Podcast Guests and Links Episode 11:

How can we use technology to gain insight into performance? In this episode, Charlotte Schrurs discusses her research examining heart rate and stride characteristics in thoroughbred race horses. The data collected can 'profile' a horse and give trainers actionable insights to ensure horses reach their full potential.

Why do horses naturally have one front heel that is higher than the other front heel and how should this be managed? In this episode with farrier Jude Florio, we tackle the 'why' behind high-low syndrome and get expert insight into how this phenomenon can be addressed.

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In this episode, Dr. Philippe Benoit discusses methods to evaluate sport horses and how to detect a small issue before it becomes a major injury. Specifically, he describes his process for examining horses early in the day in the barn as well as during ridden work. Philippe also talks about the importance of communication within the support team and some of the new technologies being applied today.

In this episode, we catch up with Ineke Smit to discuss recent results from Utrecht University's efforts to better understand horse movement. We dive into using technology to detect lameness as well as opportunities to better understand how factors like fatigue and fitness can impact muscle activity.

 What is inflammatory airway disease and how does it impact performance? How can we monitor a horse's heart to identify respiratory issues or pain? This fascinating interview with Dr. Emmanuelle van Erck - Westergren, sponsored by HayGain, discusses the latest research on cardiorespiratory health and provides practical solutions to ensure all horses can live and perform at their best. Listen in...

Sport Horse Podcast Guests and Links Episode 6:

How does high-intensity exercise affect bone growth? What effect does circular exercise (for example: longeing and turning) have on the horse's body and how does this impact conditioning programs? This podcast covers recent research performed by Michigan State University PhD Candidate Alyssa Logan and will provide you with important knowledge when building your own sport horse training programs.  Listen in...

Sport Horse Podcast Guests and Links Episode 5:

What is the future of equine sports medicine? In this episode, we dive into a discussion of the past, present, and future of sports medicine with the President of the Equine High-Performance Sports Group and renowned veterinarian, Dr. Mark Revenaugh. Mark shares what he has learned from working with elite equine athletes for over 30 years and how horse management needs to change to continue to improve health and wellness.  Listen in...

Sport Horse Podcast Guests and Links Episode 4:

If it matters, measure it! In this episode, Carl Valle shares lessons learned from human athletics about how to measure and monitor progress, and if these ideas can be applied to sport horses. We are sure you will apply Carl's ideas to your own sport horse training programs!

Sport Horse Podcast Guests and Links Episode 3:

Should a horse be barefoot or shod? What is the role of science and research in shoeing horses, both now and in the future? Join us for a discussion with farrier Pat Reilly as he shares his thoughts on the current state of managing hooves as well as what the future of his profession will look like.  Listen in...

Sport Horse Podcast Guests and Links Episode 2:

When should your horse use a water treadmill or swimming pool? Water treadmills and swimming pools are growing in popularity as tools to complement training and rehabilitation. Dr. Perse McCrae breaks down the science behind these tools, when and how they can be utilized, and shares cool insights from her experiences using both methods. Listen in...

Sport Horse Podcast Guests and Links Episode 1: