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Understanding the Musculoskeletal System

The musculoskeletal system is a complex network of bones, muscles, tendons, and ligaments that provides support and enables movement in horses. In the podcast, April emphasized the significance of recognizing how each component interacts. For instance, they discussed how a minor issue in the ligaments can lead to larger problems in the horse’s mobility, illustrating the interconnectedness of the system.

Holistic Approaches to Horse Care

April advocated for a holistic approach to horse care, which considers not just the physical aspects but also the emotional and environmental influences on a horse’s well-being. They shared specific examples of how stress and anxiety can manifest physically, leading to musculoskeletal issues. By addressing these emotional factors, horse owners can improve their horses’ overall health and performance.

Practical Tips for Horse Owners

During the podcast, several practical tips were shared that horse owners can implement immediately. One recommendation was to incorporate regular stretching and warm-up routines before riding to prevent injuries. Additionally, the importance of proper nutrition was highlighted, with a focus on feeding practices that support muscle and joint health. For instance, the inclusion of Omega-3 fatty acids in the diet was suggested to promote anti-inflammatory benefits.

Case Studies and Success Stories

April recounted success stories from her program, showcasing how her holistic approach has transformed horses’ lives. One particular case involved a horse that had been struggling with chronic lameness. After a thorough assessment and implementation of a customized care plan, including physical therapy and environmental adjustments, the horse showed remarkable improvement. These real-life examples serve as powerful testimonials to the effectiveness of holistic care.

Key Takeaways

The podcast from Holistic Horseworks highlights the critical role of understanding the musculoskeletal system in horse care. By adopting a holistic approach that considers physical, emotional, and nutritional factors, horse owners can significantly enhance their horses’ health and performance. Key takeaways include the importance of regular physical assessments, integrating stretching routines, and focusing on nutrition tailored to musculoskeletal health.

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As the days grow shorter and the temperatures start to drop, it’s time for horse owners to start thinking about how to best care for their equine friends through the winter months. With the right preparation and proactive steps, you can help ensure your horse stays healthy, comfortable, and thriving all season long.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll share six essential cold weather horse care tips straight from the experts at Holistic Horseworks. Whether you’re dealing with freezing temperatures, icy conditions, or relentless mud, these strategies will help you keep your horse happy and healthy through even the harshest of winters.

Blanket Horses at Night When Temperatures Drop Below 45 Degrees

As the temperatures start to dip, it’s important to pay close attention to your horse’s comfort and ability to stay warm. If a horse has to shiver to stay warm, they are burning extra calories just to maintain their body heat.

This can be especially problematic during the winter months when hay and grain prices are already high. By providing a blanket for your horse at night when temperatures drop below 45 degrees, you can help them conserve that precious energy.

Of course, the ability to blanket at night may depend on your specific situation. Some horse owners who board their horses or have multiple pens may find it challenging to put blankets on and take them off each day. In those cases, investing in an automatic, heated water trough may be a better solution.

The key is to monitor your local temperatures and your horse’s behavior closely. If you notice shivering or other signs they are struggling to stay warm, a lightweight blanket at night could make a big difference in their overall health and comfort through the winter months.

Make Sure Horses Have Access to Unfrozen, Lukewarm Water

Another critical component of cold weather horse care is making sure your equine friend has access to unfrozen, lukewarm water at all times. Not only is ice-cold water physically uncomfortable for the horse, but drinking it can actually discourage them from drinking enough. Horses that don’t consume adequate water are at higher risk of impaction colic, as the lack of hydration causes the digestive system to slow down.

But it can be a real hassle to constantly break through ice that forms on top of water troughs, especially if you have multiple pens to maintain. To combat this issue, try investing in an automatic, heated water trough. This will keep the water temperature around 45–50 degrees, making it much more palatable for your horse.

Here are a few water heaters I recommend trying:

This one works well for smaller water buckets.

You can also try adding a bit of salt or electrolytes to their water (I like Dynamite Dyna Spark electrolytes), which can further encourage drinking.

For those times when you can’t provide heated water, offering a warm mash can be helpful. The warm, wet feed will help increase your horse’s overall hydration levels. Just be sure to monitor their water intake closely during the winter months.

Provide Warm Mashes with Electrolytes and Supplements

In addition to ensuring access to lukewarm water, I like to offer my horses a warm mash as part of their winter feeding routine. This can be an effective way to get more fluids into their system, especially if they are reluctant to drink enough on their own

One of my favorite recipes is mixing a warm mash with ingredients like shredded beet pulp, timothy hay pellets, and a bit of an electrolyte supplement like Dynamite Dyna Spark. The warm temperature and added electrolytes can help stimulate thirst and keep the digestive system functioning properly.

For older horses or those prone to impaction colic, you can even try adding a small amount of Epsom salt or sea salt to the mash. This can help draw more water into the intestines and prevent blockages. Feeding a warm, hydrating mash a few times per week, especially before any strenuous exercise, can be a game-changer for your horse’s winter health and comfort. Just be mindful not to let the mash freeze before they can consume it.

Prioritize Hoof Care in Wet, Muddy Conditions

While keeping horses warm and hydrated is essential during the winter months, it’s also important to maintain hoof health, even in the face of challenging, wet, and muddy conditions.

I’ve seen horses’ hooves rot away due to constant exposure to unsanitary, moisture-laden environments. To combat this in the past, I’ve used a diluted bleach solution to kill off harmful bacteria and thrush—around 1 teaspoon in a 16 oz water bottle as a makeshift hoof treatment. However, now I prefer a more natural solution, like my Hoof, Hand, and Ting Miracle Spray.

For horse owners facing similar muddy situations, I suggest being extra diligent about regular hoof picking and cleaning so you don’t get to that point. You may also want to consider using a topical hoof treatment or ointment to help protect the delicate frog and prevent further deterioration. The Hoof, Hand, and Ting Miracle Spray is also great for this.

Neglecting hoof care can quickly lead to lameness, infections, and other serious issues. So be sure to make this a top priority, even when the weather makes it an unpleasant chore.

Keep Horses Moving to Maintain Circulation

It’s important to keep horses active and moving during the winter, especially older horses. As horses age, they can become stiffer and less inclined to get up and move around as much.

However, maintaining circulation and movement is crucial for their overall health and well-being. The “frog pump”—the natural pumping action that occurs when a horse walks—helps move toxins out of the legs and keep blood flowing.

To encourage horses to stay mobile, here are a few strategies:

• Provide a warm, comfortable place for them to rest that is off the cold, wet ground

• Incorporate light exercise and movement into their daily routine, even if it’s just walking around their stall or small paddock. You could also try the horse yoga routine

• Offer supplements or treatments that can help reduce joint stiffness and pain, like Dynamite Free and Easy

By making a conscious effort to keep horses active, you can help prevent circulation issues, muscle atrophy, and other problems that can arise from prolonged inactivity in the winter months

Support Your Horse’s Immune System Before Problems Start

Winter is already asking a lot from your horse’s body. They’re burning extra calories to stay warm, working harder to digest dry hay, dealing with less turnout and movement, and fighting off the cold.

Their immune system is working overtime just to keep them healthy under normal winter conditions. So when something else comes along, like a cut that won’t heal, a neighbor’s horse that comes back from a show with a cough, a batch of dusty hay, a routine vet visit, their system doesn’t have the reserves to handle it.

That’s when you see horses go downhill fast in winter. A small issue becomes a big one because their body is already maxed out.

I recommend Silver Lining Herbs Immune Support through the winter months to give their immune system backup when it’s already under stress. An immune support supplement is cheap insurance compared to dealing with respiratory issues, infections, or a horse that just can’t bounce back.

Prepare Your Horse for a Healthy, Comfortable Winter

As the temperatures start to drop and winter approaches, it’s important to take proactive steps to ensure your horse stays healthy, comfortable, and thriving through the colder months.

By following the six key tips outlined in this article—from blanketing at night to maintaining proper hoof care—you can help your equine friend conserve energy, avoid dangerous health issues like colic, and weather the winter season with ease.

Remember, every horse is unique, so be sure to monitor your individual animal’s needs and adjust your care routine accordingly. What works for one horse may not be the best solution for another.

With a little extra time and attention, you can help set your horse up for a safe, healthy, and comfortable winter.

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Bugs are here it is that time of year, yuck! Here are some very helpful tips to help you and your horses stay comfortable all summer long.

Every season, I hear from folks battling mosquitoes, flies, and ticks in the barn, garden, and pasture. Over the years, I’ve found a few easy tricks that make a big difference. If you’re tired of swatting bugs during barn chores or want to keep your horses happy and itch-free, these are the solutions I use myself, and they work!

My Go To Mosquito Shield

I put TerraShield on me whenever I’m out gardening or working on horses and, I swear, everything just leaves me alone—even though I’m usually the first person the mosquitos find in a big group! Seriously, this stuff works. A little goes a long way: I just spray once on my hand and rub it over my whole arm, then do the same for the other arm and each leg. No need to go overboard.

If you’re sharing, don’t just hand someone the bottle and let them go wild—one spray per limb really does the job. Bonus: it actually smells good. I’ve even had people stop me to ask what perfume I’m wearing, and I have to laugh and tell them, “It’s bug spray!” They never believe me.

I like that I can use it around horses and dogs, too, without worrying about harsh chemicals or weird reactions. I keep a bottle in my grooming bag and in the garden shed so I’m never caught off guard. If you’re tired of being the main course for bugs, this is my favorite solution by far.

Silent Bug Traps That Actually Work

Put one of these bug traps at each end of the house and barn. It’s amazing to watch the trap fill up with mosquitoes, flies, and all sorts of little pests, without any of that obnoxious zapping noise. The best part is, it works by attracting the bugs and pulling them into a basket with a quiet fan, so you can actually enjoy being outside or in the barn without being swarmed.

These traps help break up the mosquito breeding cycle, so you’re not just getting rid of the bugs you see, you’re preventing more from hatching. They’re built tough for both indoor and outdoor use, and they just keep going all season. I even tried one out in my garden this year to keep pests away from my veggies.

The catch basket pops out with the press of a button, so cleanup is quick and easy. And the LED bulb lasts way longer than regular ones, so you’re not always replacing parts. Each trap covers up to half an acre, which is perfect for most backyards, barns, or gardens. For the best results, just make sure you set them up about three to six feet off the ground and a little ways away from where you like to relax—about 20 to 40 feet—so the bugs go to the trap instead of you.

No more waving bugs away at the dinner table or when you’re out with the horses. I love how quietly and efficiently these bug traps do their job.

The Best Fly Mask Out There

You all know by now how much I love the EquiVizor fly masks. One thing I especially appreciate: the mask doesn’t crush their eyelashes. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve seen other masks cause irritation, ingrown hairs, or even infections from rubbing those delicate eyelashes down. With the EquiVizor, no more worries about that.

EquiVizor masks also have the highest level of UV protection I’ve found, up to 95% for your horse’s eyes, which is a lifesaver for photosensitive horses or those who are prone to sunburn. They’re even helpful for horses that need a little extra protection on bright days.

The safety breakaway quick-release clips are an industry first, so if your horse gets caught, the mask will release safely. Plus, you don’t need to buy two separate masks, you can use this one right over the bridle for riding.

I’ve found that horses just accept wearing these much better than traditional masks, and once you’ve measured your horse and found the right fit, they’ll be comfortable and protected all summer long. I recommend using the sizing chart before you order to make sure it fits just right.

If you’ve struggled with fly masks before, give this one a try.

Natural Pest Control for Barn and Pasture

Diatomaceous earth is a must. I always use the food-grade kind, so if the chickens or dogs happen to eat any manure, there’s nothing to worry about. I also add a teaspoon right into wet horse feed every day, it helps keep those parasites away from the inside out.

For easy sprinkling, I grab an empty gallon container with a handle, like an old milk jug, and poke a few holes in it. This way I can do a little shake-shake dusting over the manure cart after every stall and on the manure I pick up, plus the wet urine spots. Any bugs that land on it or walk through it are gone within 24 hours. Layering it into the manure pile out back keeps fly larvae from hatching.

For big areas like pastures, I just put a couple pounds of diatomaceous earth in a kitchen garbage bag, poke some holes in the bottom, and walk around giving a quick shake over fresh manure piles and urine spots. If your neighbor’s flies keep visiting, try leaving your manure cart with diatomaceous earth right by the fence. It’ll attract them over and take care of them, too.

If you stick with this every day for two weeks, you’ll barely see any flies left on your horses.

Treating Ticks and Biting Flies

If your horse is out in the pasture where ticks and biting flies are a constant problem, I like to use a spot-on treatment for extra protection. My go-to is the Manna Pro Pro-Force 50 Spot-On. It’s easy to use, just apply a single dose along your horse’s back from head to tail, and you get about two weeks of coverage against flies and up to three weeks for ticks.

I’ve found it especially handy for horses that spend a lot of time in the tall grass or brush where ticks love to hide. Plus, it holds up well in the rain and with sweaty horses, so you don’t have to worry about reapplying all the time.

I always check for any skin sensitivities the first time, but overall, Pro-Force 50 is a fuss-free way to help keep your horse comfortable and bite-free during the worst of bug season.

Dealing with bugs and pests can feel never-ending, but a few simple habits make all the difference for you and your horses. With the right sprays, traps, masks, and a little daily effort, you really can keep those flies, ticks, and mosquitoes at bay. Naturally and without a lot of hassle.

If you have any questions about what’s working for me, or want help troubleshooting a pest problem at your barn, just send me an email at april@holistichorseworks.com. And if you want more quick tips and practical horse wisdom, check out my short, informative podcasts, Holistic Horseworks Talks.

Wishing you and your horses a happy, healthy, and bug-free summer!

Horse 102: Holistic Alternatives

If you want more info on natural horse care, don’t miss my Horse 102: Holistic Alternatives book. This is the essential guide every horse owner needs for those moments when sickness, injury, or emergencies pop up. I wrote this handbook to be as practical and affordable as possible, with step-by-step solutions that are easy to follow and actually work.

Inside, you’ll discover better alternatives you can put to use with simple ingredients you already have at home. I cover everything from managing bugs, to treating wounds and recognizing colic symptoms, plus lots more.

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When Dakota started acting out, Kimberley thought she had a training problem on her hands. But deep down, something didn’t feel right.

He was spooking more. Tossing his head. Resistant under saddle. The connection they once had was fading—and no amount of groundwork or retraining was helping.

That’s when she found Holistic Horseworks… and scheduled an equine distance reading with April Love.

The Surprising Truth Behind “Bad Behavior”

April’s equine distance reading didn’t just reveal tension patterns, it uncovered the emotional energy Dakota had been storing in his body.

Through intuitive scanning and energetic assessment, April pinpointed key areas where Dakota was holding past trauma and physical pain. Some of it stemmed from early halter training. Some from improper hoof angles. All of it was affecting his movement, mood, and performance.

“He wasn’t misbehaving. He was trying to communicate,” said April.

Small Shifts, Big Results

Kimberley followed the personalized bodywork routine April provided, focusing on fascia release, energetic rebalancing, and resetting key structural areas like the first rib.

Within days, she noticed a shift:

• Dakota was calmer

• More connected

• Willing to engage

• Moving with ease and confidence again

Healing for Both Horse and Human

It wasn’t just Dakota who was out of balance.

April offered a people distance reading for Kimberley too, identifying areas where her body wasn’t properly absorbing nutrients.  April also intuitively picked up on imbalances in Kimberley’s own body, especially in her digestive system.

Like many busy horse owners, Kimberley had gotten used to feeling off: bloated, tired, foggy, and not fully herself.

Through a frequency therapy session that came with her distance reading and a few key dietary adjustments, Kimberley began to feel a difference—more clarity, more energy, and fewer digestive issues.

Learn more by watching April Love’s interview with Kimbery Ley on The Backyard Horse Enthusiast.

Get a Distance Reading for Horses

Do you feel like something is “off” with your horse? During a distance reading, April has the ability to scan photos of your horse, noticing even the slightest details in alignment, muscling, posture, and more that indicate deeper issues. She can also energetically and intuitively scan your horse to uncover bacterial, vital, emotional, or mental issues that need to be addressed.

Get a Distance Reading for People

Not feeling as good as you’d like? Not sleeping well and waking refreshed? Craving food like sugar, carbs, and things you know are not good for you? Uncover the root cause behind your wellness struggles. Get an intuitive health assessment, analyzing areas of the body that require healing, nutritional deficiencies, emotional blocks, and more.

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Great weather has us getting outdoors and hauling to our favorite locations, whether it’s for showing, camping, competitive trail, endurance, or just for the day of fun! But for our horses, it often comes with a heavy load of emotional and physical stress. From the heat and unfamiliar surroundings to performance anxiety and exhaustion, it’s a lot to ask of even the most seasoned equine athletes.

Here are some key things to consider when prepping your horse for summer travel, and the strategies I’ve personally used to help mine stay healthy, limber, and ready to shine.

The Hidden Stresses of Travel

Even if your horse is a pro at trailering and showing, the body still keeps the score. Here are some common stressors to keep in mind:

• Unfamiliar water: Water that smells or tastes different (due to different minerals or treatments) can cause horses to avoid drinking. A simple solution is to use a water filter or bring your own supply.

• Heat and traffic: Long hours in a trailer during summer heat can cause dehydration, stress, and fatigue.

• Sleeping away from home: Just like us, horses don’t rest as deeply in unfamiliar places. A couple of nights of shallow rest can impact performance and recovery.

• Anticipation and anxiety : New environments, crowds, and the energy of a show can create nervous tension that tightens muscles and depletes the immune system.

These layers of stress build up fast, and if we’re not supporting the horse’s system properly, it can result in tight muscles, shortened stride, gut issues, and even mysterious lameness later on.

My Go-To Travel Support Protocol

1. NCD (Natural Cellular Defense) for Passive Detox & Immune Support

I always give my horses NCD leading up to and during events. It’s a liquid zeolite that helps pull toxins and lactic acid from the body. This is huge because:

• Tight muscles = limited joint mobility. When a horse’s muscles are tense from stress or overexertion, joints can’t move freely, which affects stride, flexibility, and increases the chance of injury.

• Lactic acid buildup from nervous energy and physical effort can cause stiffness and pain.

• Improved recovery: My endurance horse, Tiki, had dramatically better post-ride recovery when using NCD. His heart rate dropped from a typical 122–134 bpm to just 106–114 bpm during a 50-mile ride. That meant better oxygenation, cooler muscles, and more efficient hydration.

Bonus: NCD may also help reduce viral load, supporting your horse’s immune system when they’re exposed to lots of other horses at public events.

How much do I give? I just squeeze the dropper directly into the mouth 2–3 times a day, probably 10–15 drops each time. On Amazon subscription, it’s around $24/month, a small price to keep your horse feeling and performing their best.

2. Avoid Deworming or Vaccinating Within 3 Weeks of a Show

This one’s important! I’ve seen it again and again, a horse “ties up” at an event (cramping of the hindquarters requiring vet attention), and when I ask, “Did you recently worm or vaccinate?” the answer is always yes.

Injecting chemical wormers or vaccines too close to an event can overload your horse’s system, disrupt gut health, and add more internal stress when their body is already working overtime.

3. Calm the Gut with Miracle Clay

Just like us, horses can get nervous tummies before travel and events — and that internal stress can lead to poor appetite, dehydration, and overall tension. One of my go-to remedies? Dynamite Miracle Clay.

I pre-mix a batch ahead of time and always keep it on hand during show season. I give 1–2 tablespoons of the mixed clay in my horse’s feed the night before and again the morning of hauling. It helps settle the gut, reduce internal stress, and keeps them eating and drinking well on the road.

4. Keep Flies away with Diatomaceous Earth

Don’t forget to pack a bag of diatomaceous earth when you hit the road! Sprinkling it over manure piles, stall bedding, paddocks, portable pens, and surrounding areas helps keep the fly population down, making life more comfortable for both your horse and you.

It’s a simple, non-toxic way to reduce stress, irritation, and the risk of fly-borne illness during events or layovers.

Fuel Performance with Nutritional Support

With increased workload comes increased nutritional demands, and when I was actively competing, these supplements were especially helpful for keeping my horses in top physical and emotional condition.

Dynamite TNT

I highly recommend TNT from Dynamite. It’s an easy-to-feed, all-in-one formula that supports joint health, digestive balance, immune system resilience, and metabolic function.

Each dose delivers a powerful blend of Dynamite, Easy Balance, Izmine, Free & Easy, Excel, and HES  making it ideal for performance horses, senior horses, and youngsters in training.

Dynaspark Liquid Electrolytes

This was my other not-so-secret weapon. Instead of the paste electrolytes (which can burn the esophagus and are often too concentrated), I use Dynaspark liquid electrolytes in small, frequent amounts:

• Mixed into mash or sprinkled on pellets

• A splash in the water bucket to encourage picky drinkers

• Carried in a pop-top travel bottle for trail use, I’d squirt a bit into Tiki’s mouth at water stops

Most riders struggled to get paste electrolytes into their horses… Meanwhile, horses would try to eat my bottle once they smelled what I had!

Read my other blog post: Summer Heat and the Best Electrolytes for Horses →

Tricks for Trailering Your Horse

If your horse suddenly refuses to load — or arrives stressed — the problem may be with the trailer, not the horse. Here are quick fixes that make a big difference:

• Balance the tires every year. Vibration from unbalanced tires feels like an earthquake to your horse.

• Silence the noise by gluing a yoga mat or carpet to the tack wall. Constant banging from bridles = unnecessary stress.

• Add familiar scent by tossing in a bit of used stall shavings. Horses recognize their own smell and feel safer.

• Check the step height. If the step is too high and your horse’s shoulders or hips are tight, loading can physically hurt.

• Let them ride how they want. Some horses feel more balanced riding backwards—don’t fight it if they turn around loose.

Travel Well, Perform Better: Set Your Horse Up for Success

Traveling and showing can take a serious toll on your horse — physically, mentally, and emotionally. But with a little extra care and intention, you can help your horse arrive calm, limber, and ready to perform.

From filtered water and gentle electrolytes to balanced tires and quiet trailers, every small adjustment makes a difference. When your horse feels safe and supported, they’re more likely to load with ease, recover faster, and enjoy the experience right alongside you.

Another powerful way to prep your horse for travel and show season?
Equine Musculoskeletal Unwinding.

This bodywork method helps release deep patterns of tension, improve joint mobility, and restore balance throughout the entire body — especially the shoulders, hips, and poll, which are key for smooth trailering and peak performance. It’s a game-changer for horses who tend to show up stiff, spooky, or sore.

Learn how to do it yourself through our home study course or clinic offerings — your horse will thank you.

Ready to Start Helping Your Horse?

Start with April’s foundational training, Equine Musculoskeletal Unwinding, available to learn online with live 1:1 support.

This step-by-step course teaches you how to release deep patterns of imbalance and pain—so your horse can move, feel, and live better.

Includes video lessons, downloadable workbooks, and a personalized distance reading from April herself.

Rather learn in-person?
Check out our hands-on equine remedial therapy clinics, available all over the globe →

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“What would you do if your horse was limping, colicking, or spooking—and no one could tell you why?”

That question lit a fire in April Love that would grow into a global mission: helping horse owners uncover the root causes of mystery lameness, behavioral issues, and chronic pain that traditional methods often miss.

Recently, April joined Kimberley on The Backyard Horse Enthusiast podcast to share her journey, from early passion and endurance riding to developing the revolutionary bodywork system that is now Holistic Horseworks.

From Endurance Rider to Equine Healer

April’s journey began like many others: a childhood love of horses, followed by a return in adulthood. But her story took a unique turn when she encountered recurring lameness issues during 50-mile endurance rides. Vets couldn’t pinpoint the cause. Adjustments wouldn’t hold. Treatments failed to last.

So April started asking deeper questions:

• Why does my horse keep getting pulled for mysterious lameness?

• What’s causing the hooves to grow unevenly?

• How can I fix this without relying solely on expensive treatments?

She began studying with healers and bodyworkers, combining everything she learned into a whole-horse system. The real teacher? Her little Arabian gelding, Tiki.

The Truth About First Ribs, Cranial Bones, and High-Low Hooves

April discovered that most horses are struggling with undiagnosed structural imbalances that develop as early as foalhood—long before they show symptoms. Things like:

• Misaligned first ribs affecting shoulder movement and hoof growth

• Compressed cranial bones from pulling back while tied, leading to metabolic issues like Cushing’s and Uveitis

• Unbalanced hind-end loading that contributes to tendon and suspensory injuries

These aren’t rare problems. They’re common—and fixable.

Empowering Horse Owners Through Education

What makes April’s approach unique is that she teaches horse owners how to become their horse’s best healer. Through hands-on clinics, online home study courses, and a growing archive of over 200 YouTube videos and bite-sized podcasts, April shares techniques that work—because they’re based on real results over decades of experience.

From resolving Uveitis without surgery, to transforming behavioral “problem horses” into calm companions, April’s stories are more than anecdotes—they’re evidence of what’s possible when we support the body’s ability to heal itself.

And the best part? You don’t need to be a vet, trainer, or therapist. You just need the right tools, a little guidance—and a deep love for your horse.

Learn more by watching April Love’s interview with Kimbery Ley on The Backyard Horse Enthusiast.

Ready to Start Helping Your Horse?

Start with April’s foundational training, Equine Musculoskeletal Unwinding, available to learn online with live 1:1 support. This step-by-step course teaches you how to release deep patterns of imbalance and pain—so your horse can move, feel, and live better.

Whether your horse is showing signs of discomfort or you simply want to deepen your connection and care, this program puts powerful tools in your hands.

Includes video lessons, downloadable workbooks, and a personalized distance reading from April herself.

Rather learn in-person? Check out our hands-on equine remedial therapy clinics, available all over the globe →

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When a horse shows signs of lameness, pinpointing the exact cause can be challenging due to compensatory mechanisms. Horses often redistribute weight and movement to avoid pain, making the actual injury difficult to locate. Here’s a practical step-by-step guide to help you identify the root cause of lameness in horses.

Step 1: Observe and Note Symptoms

Start by watching the horse closely. Look for signs like head bobbing, uneven movement, or reluctance to perform certain tasks. A bobbing head is usually a red flag for something serious since horses tend to hide their pain as much as possible. Keep in mind that where the lameness shows up might not be where the actual problem is. For example, if your horse seems lame in the left front leg, the real issue could be in the right hind leg. Pay attention to how they move and document anything that seems off. These notes will come in handy as you dig deeper.

Step 2: Consider Compensation Patterns

Horses often compensate for injuries, which can create a chain reaction of secondary problems. For example, if a horse has a high-low hoof syndrome or a misaligned first rib, other parts of the body might be working overtime to make up for it. If the horse seems lame in the left front, check the right hind leg. Compensation patterns often work diagonally. Look for areas where the horse is avoiding putting weight or where muscles seem overworked. Tracing these patterns can help you find the root cause of the problem.

Step 3: Palpate the Legs

Use your hands to feel for tightness, swelling, or sensitivity. Start with the front legs by palpating the suspensory ligament along the cannon bone and the tendon groove at the back of the leg. Compare the left and right legs to see if one feels more sensitive than the other. Then, do the same for the hind legs, focusing on the muscles in the hips and thighs. Tighter areas are often a sign of overcompensation due to an injury elsewhere. This step can give you valuable clues about where the issue might be.

Step 4: Inspect the Hooves

Hooves are often the source of lameness, so it’s essential to check them thoroughly. Run your hands over each hoof to feel for heat or unusual textures, and look for signs of bruising, abscesses, or punctures. Take a close look at the frog and sole for any discoloration or damage. You can also use a hoof tester to apply gentle pressure and see if any areas are sensitive. If you suspect an abscess or bruising, try soaking the hoof in a mix of Epsom salt, Dynamite Liquid Trace minerals, and warm water. Cleaning out debris and stones is also a good idea to rule out simple irritants. Make sure to check all four hooves to get a complete picture.

Learn even more about laminitis, foundering, and general hoof health in my other blog article →

Step 5: Check for Heat and Swelling

Heat and swelling are key indicators of injury, so don’t skip this step. Run your hands along each limb, paying close attention to the areas where muscles transition to tendons and ligaments. Compare both sides of the horse’s body—if one side feels warmer or more swollen, that’s a good place to focus your attention. Heat and swelling can help you narrow down the affected area and understand the nature of the injury.

Step 6: Use Diagnostic Aids

Sometimes, you need a little extra help to figure out what’s going on. Products like Dynamite Release can be applied to the suspected area, and they’ll foam up where there’s an issue. Bigeloil is another handy tool. Use it diluted as a spray for prevention or undiluted on problem areas. It tends to stay wet longer on injured spots, making it easier to identify trouble zones. These aids can save you time and help pinpoint subtle issues that might otherwise go unnoticed.

Preventative and Therapeutic Measures

Once you’ve identified the problem, it’s time to take action. Here are several specific measures to help the horse recover and prevent future issues:

• Topical Applications: Use products like Bigeloil or Dynamite Release to target sore or inflamed areas. Apply them daily to help reduce pain and improve healing. Bigeloil can be diluted in water and used as a spray for warm-ups or undiluted for direct treatment.
• Horse Yoga: Incorporate the Holistic Horseworks horse yoga exercises to improve flexibility and support the horse’s natural movement patterns. These exercises can help realign the body and reduce strain from compensatory behaviors.
• Equine Bodywork: Perform bodywork like Equine Musculoskeletal Unwinding to release tension, improve circulation, and address compensatory imbalances caused by lameness. This hands-on approach is an essential step to help the horse recover alignment and comfort.
• Hoof Soaks: For issues originating in the hooves, use a hoof soak made of Epsom salts and Dynamite Liquid Trace Minerals to draw out inflammation and promote healing. This is especially effective for bruises or abscesses. 
• Consistency and Patience: Apply treatments daily and monitor progress. The key is to address the root cause while supporting the horse’s natural healing processes.

Ready to Start Helping Your Horse?

Start with April’s foundational training, Equine Musculoskeletal Unwinding, available to learn online with live 1:1 support.

This step-by-step course teaches you how to release deep patterns of imbalance and pain—so your horse can move, feel, and live better.

Includes video lessons, downloadable workbooks, and a personalized distance reading from April herself.

Rather learn in-person?
Check out our hands-on equine remedial therapy clinics, available all over the globe →

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