Can you recognise when a horse is in pain?

If a horse has a major injury it is easy to see signs of discomfort immediately – most riders and owners can identify a lame horse. However, it is much harder to tell if a horse is experiencing chronic, or low-level pain. Recognising when a horse is suffering is vital for their health, welfare and quality of life. Pain is one of the most common causes of behavioural problems and pain-related behaviours are often misinterpreted or dismissed as ‘bad behaviour’.

This one-day workshop will give you a practical understanding of equine pain. Veterinary behaviourist Roxane Kirton, equine behaviour consultant Justine Harrison and veterinary physiotherapist Holly Gallacher will look at various aspects of equine pain via lectures and practical demonstrations with the horses based at Twemlows Stud.

The workshop is designed for all equine professionals, horse owners and caretakers who want to learn how to recognise and assess pain in the horse using evidence-based information and techniques.

Key Learning Objectives

• Recognise and assess the more subtle signs of pain and discomfort.

• Understand the various factors that contribute to a pain assessment including behaviour, posture and movement.

• Understand the limitations of pain assessment and why it isn’t always simple to identify and treat.

• Learn how pain is related to unwanted or problem behaviours.

• Recognise the warning signs that can cause a horse to react adversely to handling or veterinary care.

• Understand the differing roles and responsibilities of physiotherapists, behaviourists and vets and the importance of a team approach for complex cases.

CPD / CEUs for BHS APCs, PCUK, KPA and IAABC are pending approval.

The workshop will start at 9am and finish at 4.30pm.

The ticket price of £99 includes refreshments and a buffet lunch.

For more information visit the Understand horses website HERE