Equitopia Center: Science-Based Horse Care for Informed Equestrians

Anthropocentrism in Horse Welfare Philosophies

Anthropocentrism and Horse Welfare: Unraveling the Impact of Human Superiority on Equine Treatment and Cultural Norms

Anthropocentrism is the philosophical viewpoint that places humans at the center of moral consideration, often seeing human needs, desires, and perspectives as superior to or more important than those of other species.

Championing Horse Welfare in High-Level Competition!

Caroline Hegarty, CEO of Equitopia Center – a passionate advocate for horse welfare.

The Evolution of Equestrian Coaching

This evolution of pedagogy reflects our growing understanding of how people learn best

How Can You Increase your Horse’s Welfare and also Boost Performance?

We have written a lot about the Ridden Horse Pain Ethogram (RHpE) developed by Dr. Sue Dyson and her team.

Recognizing Dysfunction in the Hoof

As an equine practitioner I see and work on numerous horses that have problems stemming from the hooves.

How Well Does your Saddle Fit?

Finding a saddle that fits can be one of the most stressful things for riders.

Groundwork and Liberty Training - Meg Brauch

Groundwork and Liberty Training - Part 1

Signs of relaxation as well as ways to help guide your horse to a more relaxed state

Teach your Horse to Carry you Properly

As a bodyworker, I see a lot of young horses who have very similar tension patterns in their bodies.

Saddle fit vs Saddle fashion

So many people approach the topic of saddle fit with apprehension.

Equine Complex Vertebral Malformation (ECVM)

Dissections of modern horses have revealed that a sizeable proportion of them.

What Equestrians need to know about the Psoas Muscle – Part 1

At first glance, horses and humans are two very different animals, but if you look at us from an anatomical perspective, we are actually very similar.

Why You should Feed your Horse before Work

Unlike us, horses constantly secrete stomach acid which sits in the lower portion of the stomach

A Healthy Posture for Horse and Rider

As responsible horse owners and riders, our goal is to keep our horses happy, healthy and strong.

Unclenching the Jaw – a look at the Horse’s TMJ

Jaw clenching and TMJ immobility will end all impulsion, fluidity and suppleness in both horse and human.

Improve your Hands and Rein Contact

Do your shoulders get tense when you ride? Have trouble keeping your hands quiet?

Neck Bracing and Forelimb Pain – Part 2

Here’s a simple test you can do on your own horse at home.

Neck Bracing and Forelimb Pain – Part 1

Forelimb lameness is common enough that most horse owners can recognize the signs and symptoms.

The principles of teaching a horse to find his vertical balance

How to teach a horse vertical balance

Most horses (and riders) are not aware that they actually are out of balance.

Where is the nose of a horse in vertical balance?

One of the most difficult things to achieve and sustain in training your horse is the length in the neck.

Getting to the core of better riding

Core strength is a current buzzword in fitness and riding.

The importance of vertical balance for correct lateral flexion

A correct lateral flexion (sidebend) is equally divided over the entire spine from head to tail.

The first step in training your horse

Vertical balance is an extremely important part of the training.

Vertical balance – Why is it so important?

A horse out of vertical balance has more weight on one of his front legs.

Do horses really need a herd leader?

Some trainers base their methods on the idea that every horse needs a leader.

Vertical balance – An Introduction

Vertical balance is the balance in the vertical plane; the left to right balance of the horse.

Equitopia’s Saddle fitter from the UK, Georgie Welge

Help! All of a sudden, my horse has rub marks under his saddle

In this post it explains why rub marks may appear under your horse’s saddle.

Keeping an eye on muscles

The way the horse is trained will first be reflected in his muscles and connective tissue.

Ready to Transform Your Horse’s Life?