Meet Rachel Bean – Vet Nurse, Educator & Global Canine Welfare Advocate In this episode, we welcome Rachel Bean , a highly experienced Registered Veterinary Nurse, canine first aid trainer, and passionate animal welfare advocate. Rachel joins the Animalweb expert panel and shares her incredible journey, from her early days at the Dogs Trust to working across the globe with street dogs and wildlife detection teams. We talk about: How she helps owners choose the right dog and avoid common beha...
Jul 12, 2025•34 min
In this highly relevant Animalweb podcast, Dr David Marlin is joined by Animalweb's independent bit and bridle fitting expert Emma Busk to unpack the introduction of the new FEI noseband gauge, now in use on the international competition circuit. Together, they explore what the measure means in practice, why it has been introduced, and how riders, stewards, and horse owners are reacting to it. Emma, who has worked with both the FEI and ISES gauges, shares her practical experience using the new t...
Jun 28, 2025•35 min
Dr Heather Cameron-Whytock recently joined the Animalweb Team to tell us about her recently published study - Equine Fatalities In Eventing. This was originally recorded as a webinar that will be available to watch on AskAnimalweb from Wednesday 11th June. This conversation delves into Heather and her colleague's recent research on equine fatalities in eventing, highlighting the misconceptions surrounding the risks associated with horse falls. The study reveals that a significant percentage of e...
Jun 07, 2025•30 min
PAIN – How to tell if your horse has kissing spine, gastric ulcers of arthritis How do you know if your horse is in pain, and more importantly, where that pain is coming from? In this episode, equine physiotherapist Dr Gillian Tabor explores the complexities of recognising pain in horses. From facial expressions and behaviour to the blurred lines between conditions like kissing spines, gastric ulcers and lameness, Gillian dives into the latest research to help you spot the subtle (and not-so-sub...
Apr 19, 2025•16 min
In this episode, Dr David Marlin takes us inside the findings of a ground-breaking new research paper titled “Comparison of Rein Forces and Pressure Beneath the Noseband and Headpiece of a Snaffle Bridle and a Double Bridle” , recently published in the journal Animals . Amidst ongoing public debate and controversy surrounding the use of double bridles in dressage, David shares how this study aimed to put assumptions to the test with science. Working with a team of researchers and high-level dres...
Apr 12, 2025•17 min
This podcast discusses the various health risks that horses face during the spring season, including colic, laminitis, grass sickness, head shaking, atypical myopathy, and respiratory issues. Dr David Marlin emphasises the importance of gradual management changes, monitoring horse health, and consulting veterinarians when necessary. The conversation highlights the complex interplay between environmental factors and horse health, providing practical tips for horse owners to mitigate risks during ...
Mar 29, 2025•20 min
Reading between the research lines - factors in studies that can affect how much we can trust the impact of the study. In this podcast, Dr Gillian Tabor discusses the intricacies of evaluating research in animal physiotherapy, particularly focusing on horses. She emphasises the importance of understanding research limitations, the necessity of robust methodologies, and the critical evaluation of statistical significance versus clinical relevance. The conversation provides insights into how to ef...
Mar 22, 2025•22 min
In this podcast, Dr David Marlin discusses the complexities of saddle pads, including their functions, testing methods, and how to choose the right one for your horse. She emphasises the importance of informed choices based on laboratory testing and user feedback, while also cautioning against manufacturers' claims without evidence. The conversation highlights the need for proper saddle fitting and the role of saddle pads in equine health and comfort. Points covered: There are many brands and mo...
Mar 08, 2025•15 min
Research Review: The Effect of Screw-in Studs on Equine Hoof and Limb Kinematics on Artificial Surfaces In this podcast, Dr Gillian Tabor reviews a study on the effects of screw-in studs on equine hoof and limb kinematics during cantering and jumping on artificial surfaces. The study aims to understand the benefits and risks associated with using studs, particularly in terms of injury prevention and performance enhancement. The findings indicate that while there were no significant differences i...
Mar 01, 2025•16 min
In this podcast, Dr David Marlin discusses the various aspects of stirrups in equestrian riding, including their historical significance, safety concerns, rider asymmetry, and the forces exerted on horses. David emphasizes the importance of stirrup design, the impact of rider position, and the need for further research in this area. takeaways Stirrups play a crucial role in mounting and stability. There are over 429 patents related to stirrups. Safety stirrups may reduce injury severity during f...
Feb 15, 2025•21 min
In this podcast, Dr David Marlin discusses the importance of understanding horse and rider behaviour to reduce the risk of injury and improve performance. David emphasises the need to move away from labelling horses as 'naughty' and instead focus on the underlying reasons for their behaviour, such as pain, confusion, and anxiety. The conversation explores how horses perceive their environment, including their acute hearing abilities, and how this can affect their reactions. David highlights the ...
Feb 08, 2025•22 min
In this podcast, Dr Gillian Tabor critiques her own research on the effects of percussive therapy on equine thoracic profiles, mechanical nociceptive thresholds, spinal and limb kinematics, and gait symmetry. The study aimed to provide evidence for the efficacy of percussive therapy devices, which are often marketed with unverified claims. The research methodology included a randomised, blinded crossover design, and the results indicated no significant differences between treatment and sham grou...
Feb 01, 2025•19 min
In this podcast, Dr David Marlin discusses the best practices for starting early season training for your horse or pony, focusing on soundness and performance. David emphasizes the importance of strengthening the horse's back, ensuring proper saddle fit, and addressing common misconceptions about road work. The conversation also covers dietary needs, exercise frequency, warm-up and cool-down techniques, and post-exercise care to prevent injuries. Topics covered: Introduction to Early Season Trai...
Jan 12, 2025•23 min
Prof Pablo Murcia talks to Dr David Marlin about his recent paper about horses being infected with H5N1 – avian flu – in Asia, and that infections have been occurring in horses undetected. In this conversation, Professor Pablo Murcia discusses his recent research on bird flu in horses, emphasizing the importance of understanding avian influenza and its potential impact on equine health. He explains the mechanisms of infection, the risks for horse owners, and the evolving nature of viruses. The d...
Dec 15, 2024•41 min
Are Welfare and Performance Mutually Exclusive in Equestrian Sport? This week, we’re bringing you something significant - a recorded presentation by Dr. David Marlin from March 2023, all about SLO—Social Licence to Operate. This presentation predates some of the major welfare controversies that have recently hit the headlines: the military horses galloping through London, the Blue Tongue outcry, and the shockwaves caused by a dressage rider’s training video. David has been at the forefront of th...
Dec 08, 2024•29 min
A Candid Conversation with Dressage Legend Emile Faurie Join us as we sit down with the legendary Emile Faurie, a stalwart in the world of dressage, for an open and honest interview. Emile shares his incredible journey, including his recent challenges with cancer, from which he is now in remission. In this heartfelt conversation, Emile discusses: - His training philosophy and approach with riders and horses, including updates on Tom Goode and their progress. - The challenges facing the equestria...
Dec 01, 2024•51 min
In this episode, we dive into animal genetics with Dr. Victoria Lindsay-McGee, the newest expert on Animalweb. Dr. Lindsay-McGee introduces the fundamentals of animal genetics, including: complex disease genetics genetic selection the impact of breeding practices. She discusses the importance of genetic counselling for animals, as well as the challenges of managing genetic diversity and cultural attitudes towards breeding. We also explore why Dr. Lindsay-McGee and her team are launching a new st...
Nov 24, 2024•47 min
In this episode, Dr. David Marlin sits down with Vickie Dennis and Ruth Schofield, the minds behind the Equiseat Aid. They dive into the inspiration for creating the Equiseat, a product designed to enhance symmetry, engage the rider's seatbones, and improve rider positioning. David, Vickie, and Ruth discuss the Equiseat Aid's functionality and its benefits for a range of riders. They also explain why they partnered with Animalweb to put the product to the test through scientific research. David ...
Nov 17, 2024•19 min
A quick podcast from Dr David Marlin about all the topics you'll be thinking about and worrying about this autumn. Here are a few links to the topics David mentions in the podcast: Fireworks - https://askanimalweb.com/?s=fireworks Mudfever - https://askanimalweb.com/webinar-the-skin-of-the-lower-legs-from-mud-fever-to-mites-dr-kieran-obrien/ Increased feeding/bedding - https://askanimalweb.com/?s=bedding Autumn Colic - https://askanimalweb.com/winter-and-spring-colic/ Rugging - https://askanimal...
Nov 10, 2024•8 min
Dr David Marlin took the opportunity to catch up with his old friend and colleague, farrier Ben Benson, at the annual Acpat seminar at Leamington Spa in October 2024. Ben Benson AWCF Farrier presented at the conference 'The Farrier's role in influencing equine posture and injury prevention'. They discuss the role of the farrier and how they can work with other professionals to determine the best course of action for any horse - given their unique perspective. How can a horse owner/rider get all ...
Oct 27, 2024•29 min
TWO Animalweb experts, Adi Devonish and Nicola Bell, come together to discuss the trials and issues with running livery yards and what yard owners and their liveries need to be talking about, planning for and discussing. The conversation includes: Cost of having a horse on livery The vital role grooms and yard staff provide How yard owners and their liveries interact and communicate Dealing with welfare issues What support and training do our livery yard owners and their staff need What do we ne...
Oct 20, 2024•1 hr 6 min
Dr David Marlin discusses Blue Tongue What do we know? What do we THINK we know? What do we NEED to know? Why have we only been seeing images fairly recently? What can we learn from the photos we have seen? And why photos can't tell us everything we need. David also discusses a small pilot survey about Blue Tongue and what could be causing it. ----------------------------------------- To find out more about becoming a member >>> AskAnimalweb.com Not a Member? Join for as little as £6 a ...
Sep 29, 2024•17 min
Dr David Marlin discusses the different beddings the Animalweb team tested from the first round to this second round. There are a wide variety of types from all the different manufacturers. David discusses all the different tests that have taken place; dust, hygienic quality, absorbency and marketing claims. Do you use any of these bedding products? Bedmax Littlemax & Strawmax Caviera Cavianthus & Raviera Champion Chip Easibed Ethos Original Probale Probed Sorbeo Horse Sundown Sun-e-bed ...
Sep 25, 2024•14 min
Caroline is LIVE from Burghley Horse Trials, and David is away on holiday, but the two found a little time to catch up and discuss their work. Caroline is a renowned Eventing Coach who works with many leading horses and riders. Although spending her life producing horses and riding up to 5*, Caroline’s passion has always been in coaching and helping others achieve their goals. Caroline became a Fellow of the British Horse Society in 2008, had three years of experience as a Young Rider selector a...
Sep 07, 2024•37 min
What is the autonomic nervous system, and how does it affect our horses? In this podcast Dr Gillian Tabor discusses the flight and fight, rest and digest elements of horse behaviour and poses the questions: Is being in a high arousal state always a concern? Can it be beneficial in rehab and training? We have a lot to learn about motivation and ideas such as 'flow state' and how they can be applied to horses, but we must consider that much can be translated. What do you think? -------------------...
Sep 04, 2024•13 min
Animalweb's Equine Physiotherapist Dr Gillian Tabor reviews two new research papers on rehabilitation exercises: The first paper investigates the horse's trunk kinematics and limb movement when walking backwards and forwards. Jobst, I.D., Zsoldos, R.R. and Licka, T.F., 2024. Trunk kinematics and limb movement of horses walking backwards and forwards in hand and lifting a single limb. The Veterinary Journal , p.106202. Links to the studies can be found on the Animalweb website. The second paper e...
Aug 18, 2024•21 min
Dr David Marlin Interviews Charlotte Hodgetts of Myerscough College about her latest Research into Cooling Horses. David chats with Charlotte about how her equine science career started and what led her to research cooling horses. Charlotte's work and abstract can be found on the Animalweb website here. To understand more, here is the Introduction: Introduction: Strenuous exercise like British Eventing (BE) cross-country competition can increase equine core body temperatures to critical levels, ...
Aug 11, 2024•22 min
Listen to Dr David Marlin as he discusses in-depth how he advises the FEI and IOC on climate mitigation and, essentially, how to manage competitions in terms of climate and temperature. This is an incredible podcast where David discusses: Education Scheduling Air-conditioning Competition modification Cooling facilities Monitoring Plus, David makes weather predictions and suggestions for the teams out in Paris. ----------------------------------------- To find out more about becoming a member >...
Jul 26, 2024•24 min
🐴 Can Horses Experience "Flow" During Training? 🤔 Ever wondered if we could make rehab and training more enjoyable for our equine partners? Research by Hintze & Yee (2022) asks: "Can we provide animals with the same access to a sense of enjoyment that we as humans value so much?" 🔑 Key Points: Effective rehab/training requires intensity for adaptation What if horses could be happy increasing effort? Could horses experience a 'flow state' during work? Dr Giliian Tabor has been diving into ...
Jul 14, 2024•19 min
Mark Lucey has a 40-year career as a vet, including officiating at the Olympic Games and working as an eventing team vet, and is a former partner at Bourton Vale Equine Clinic in Gloucestershire. David and Mark have worked together for many years, and in this relaxed interview, they discuss why the surfaces our horses runs on are so important and why this is important for ALL horses and not just the top-level competitors. In this interview, David and Mark discuss: Their history together and Mark...
Jul 07, 2024•45 min
