FAQ’s

What is Horses Inside Out?

Why use paint?

When did you start Horses Inside Out?

What made you think of the idea?

How has Horses Inside Out Developed?

Who benefits most from Horses Inside Out?

Who comes to the lectures?

Where do you hold the lectures?

Tell me about Freddie Fox.

Does Freddie always travel with you?

Do you do anything for children?

Do you ride yourself?

What Qualifications do you hold?

What skills do you need to deliver a Horses inside Out lecture demonstration?

When did you decide to write a book and make a DVD?

Does Horses Inside Out arrange other types of functions?

What paint do you use and how long does it take?

How do you arrange a demonstration?

What is Horses Inside Out?

Horses Inside Out is an educational service delivered in a fascinating and fun way. It is the teaching arm of my therapy business Equine and Human Massage and Manipulation. Its purpose is to show riders, trainers and therapists how, by understanding the anatomy of the horse, they can improve performance and reduce the risk of injury.

Why use paint?

By painting the bones, muscles, tendons, and other anatomical systems on the side of a live horse and watch it moves, really brings the subject to life, is more memorable and enables riders to appreciate in more depth ‘How their Horse Moves.’ A picture says a thousand words!

When did you start Horses Inside Out?

I held my first clinic in 2006.

What made you think of the idea?

As a Sports and remedial Therapist, I realised that many of my clients were asking the same questions about their horses, particularly in relation to their backs. I decided to hold a workshop outlining the areas most prone to problems and showing them how, by understanding their anatomy, they could improve performance and reduce the risk of injury. I was then asked to give a presentation to the British Horse Society. The organisation grew from there.

How has Horses Inside Out Developed?

After the first few demonstrations I was contacted to write an article for a local Magazine- Equestrian Life. Things then began to snowball. I entered and won the Knowledge West Enterprise award for innovation. I am now asked to give demonstrations to organisations such as British Dressage, British Eventing, the Society of Master Saddlers as well as Riding Club, Equestrian Centres, Livery Yards, Colleges and Universities.  Since having been on television and leading national newspapers, I have had requests to lecture as far afield as South America, South Africa, as well as several European Countries.

Who benefits most from Horses Inside Out?

The Horse. When riders understand the anatomy, they can manage their horses more sympathetically and train more effectively and sensitively.

Who comes to the lectures?

That depends on who has booked the demonstration and for what purpose. It can be riding club members, clients from equestrian centres, university or vet students, or members of specialist organisations such as the World Class development Squad, Judges, Officials and Equine Dentists. I have even lectured to artists and sculptors interested in anatomy in order to bring ‘movement’ to their creations. Basically Horses Inside Out is for anyone who is thirsty for knowledge and has the best interest of the horse at heart.

Where do you hold the lectures?

Any where that has an indoor facility. Horses Inside Out has travelled from Inverness in the North to Cornwall in the South and from Norfolk in the East to Ireland in the west.

Tell me about Freddie Fox.

Freddie is the main model for Horses Inside Out lectures, the book and the DVD. He is a grey gelding who loves to be the centre of attention. He has a very kind, patient nature. He has been featured on TV and in National newspapers, riding and pony magazines.

Does Freddie always travel with you?

No. Horses Inside Out is based just outside Nottingham and now as we are asked to do more demonstrations and go further afield, we often ask for a suitable horse to be provided. The profile of an ideal model is grey, safe, patient, moves well and if appropriate jumps on the lunge. Freddie still makes guest appearances at many lectures.

Do you do anything for children?

Ponies Inside Out has been developed specifically for children from 8 years old upwards. I arrange ‘paint a pony’ sessions where the children paint the skeleton on their ponies. The main idea is to encourage an interest in anatomy and impart knowledge relevant to their age and stage. Paint a Pony days are popular with Pony Clubs. I also use the same technique with students and where requested with adults. It’s a great way to learn.

Do you ride yourself?

I most certainly do! I ride and train Freddie everyday unless I am away on tour, then Freddie is exercised by David Higgins. I event Freddie up to Intermediate level he is a lively horse who loves to be in work. I evented my previous horse Quake- now retired to advanced level. I also represented Britain in he students Nations Cup where I won a gold medal in Canada.

What Qualifications do you hold?

I trained in Nottingham as a Human Sports and Remedial Therapist then, along side my Equine Business Degree at the Royal Agricultural College in Cirencester I trained in Equine Sports Massage for a year -- then for a year as a McTimoney Corely Therapist at Oxford. I have also attended numerous short courses relating to anatomy, biomechanics and physiotherapy. I follow an aggressive course of Continual Professional Development. I endeavour to meet world leaders in anatomy and biomechanics, read avidly and study both historical and new texts in a quest for more knowledge. In this respect I am self taught.

What skills do you need to deliver a Horses inside Out lecture demonstration?

You need an in depth knowledge of anatomy and biomechanics, how horses are ridden and trained, good artistic skills, patience, an eye for detail, perseverance, tenacity, the ability to get the subject over in a lively, enthusiastic and easy to understand manner and a fantastic support team.

When did you decide to write a book and make a DVD?

I was approached by David and Charles to write the Horses Inside Out book- How your Horse Moves in December 2007. The book was published in March 2009 and has proved an enormous success. This has been followed up by a Horses inside Out Publication ‘Pilates for Horses- An Exercise Index for Horse Owners’ and ‘Horses Inside Out –The DVD Movement from the Anatomical Perspective. All publications are available from the online shop at www.HorsesInsideOut.com.

Does Horses Inside Out arrange other types of functions?

Horses Inside Out runs an annual two day conference with high profile speakers such as Dr Gerd Heuschmann and Dr Hilary Clayton. In the winter when it’s too cold to paint I arrange indoor winter series lectures with speakers such as Mary King, Yogi Breisner and Jennie Killilea. I also run a variety of day courses for horse owners and therapists relating to massage, manipulation and pilates and stretching for horses.

What paint do you use and how long does it take?

I use a safe paint which washes off easily. This does mean horses cannot go out in the rain!

How do you arrange a demonstration?

Horses Inside Out is a small family organisation and everything we do is tailor made. To arrange a demonstration you need to contact Shirley Higgins – Shirley@HorsesInsideOut.com 01159212648 who will talk you though everything and ensure you get the most from your demonstration. David Higgins will then provide you with advertising material.