The EquiScience Podcast

Dr. Kate Workman (Denali Equine, Rexos) returns to break down ECVM, the lower-neck malformation increasingly linked to behavior, performance, and pain issues in horses. We cover her newly published, open-access paper (with Dr. Sharon May-Davis and Dr. Audrey DeClue), the grading system, how to diagnose it correctly, how to manage a horse presenting symptoms of ECVM.
 
In this episode:
what ECVM is and the clinical signs
the grade 1–4 scale, unilateral vs. Bilateral
effects on the longus coli, brachial plexus, and vertebral artery
surgical risk
diagnosing it right (and the most common x-ray mistake)
genetics and breeding
 
About Dr. Kate Workman:
Dr. Kate Workman is aveterinarian at Denali Equine and co-founder of Rexos, a nonprofit dedicated to cataloging axial skeleton conditions in horses through necropsy-based research. Her team has performed detailed post-mortem studies on horses euthanized for unresolved behavioral, performance, and pain issues, work that led to her most recent paper on ECVM.
 
Denali Equine
https://denaliequine.com/
 
The paper:
Identifying by Radiograph Grade 4 Aplasia of the Caudal Lamina Ventralis in the Equine Sixth Cervical Vertebra and Three Coinciding Morphological Variations
https://www.mdpi.com/2076-2615/16/3/482

What if many of the problems we label as "lameness" don't actually begin in the limbs?
In this episode I sit down with Dr. Audrey DeClue, an equine veterinarian known for challenging long-standing assumptions in equine medicine. Together, we explore the concept of body lameness, why biomechanics should play a central role in every lameness examination, and how collaboration between veterinarians, bodyworkers, farriers, saddle fitters, trainers, and owners can dramatically improve outcomes for horses.
Dr. DeClue shares the experiences that transformed her approach to veterinary medicine, the importance of questioning accepted ideas, and why observing the horse as a whole, not just individual body parts, is essential for finding the root cause of dysfunction.

Whether you're a horse owner, trainer, bodyworker, farrier, therapist, or veterinarian, this episode offers a thought-provoking conversation that encourages us all to ask better questions, think more critically, and ultimately provide better care for our horses.

In this episode of the EquiScience Podcast, we sit down with equine rehabilitation specialist and researcher Sandro to explore the science behind balance pads in horses. We break down his recent study on postural sway, pad density, and limb placement, and discuss how balance training can improve proprioception, spinal stability, muscle function, and injury prevention in sport horses. From rehabilitation protocols for tendon and ligament injuries to practical tips for horse owners using balance pads at home, this conversation dives deep into the biomechanics and physiology behind one of the most popular tools in equine rehab and performance training.

@sandrocolla

Hoof care is full of strong opinions, but what does the science actually say? In this episode, I sit down with hoof care professional Beccy Smith to unpack what really mattersfor hoof health. We dive into the horse’s lived experience, the role of diet and movement, different trimming approaches, and the welfare implications behind them. Along the way, we challenge common hoof-care myths and look at where research needs to head next.
Check out Beccy's ressources here:
https://www.holisticequine.co.uk/

In this conversation, Kailyn Pupa from Bullseye Equine, a rehabilitation specialist, discusses the intricacies of equine rehabilitation, focusing on pain management, the importance of prehab, and the stages of healing. The dialogue emphasizes the need for a team approach in managing horse injuries, the significance of understanding pain cycles, and the critical role of gradual reintroduction to sport-specific activities. In this conversation, we delve into the intricaciesof horse rehabilitation, focusing on the importance of understanding the rehab timeline, the benefits of pole work, and the role of kinesiology tape and tactile stimulation in enhancing recovery. We discuss the multifacetedadvantages of pole work for improving joint flexion, muscle activity, and proprioception, while also emphasizing the significance of preventing injuries through proper training and management. The conversation highlights the needfor a balanced approach to equine fitness, promoting symmetry and variation in movement to maintain soundness and performance.

Get in touch with Kailyn:
https://bullseyeequine.com
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