Stable Science from Dr David Marlin's Animalweb

Latest Episodes:

Introducing YardWise – A New Event for Yard Professionals Aug 02, 2025

Show notes

Introducing YardWise – A New Event for Yard Professionals

In this special episode of the Animalweb podcast, Helen Stock is joined by Amanda Watson (Equestrian Index) and Cheryl Johns (LiveryList) to introduce YardWise, a brand-new event tailored specifically for livery yard and riding school professionals. The event, taking place on 19 November 2025 at Warwick Trident College, Leamington Spa, is designed to be practical, collaborative, and solution-focused, offering attendees a rare chance to access top industry experts in one place.

Helen, Amanda, and Cheryl share the story behind YardWise, a collaborative effort driven by a shared passion for supporting yard owners and addressing the real-world challenges they face. From welfare and insurance to biosecurity, legal guidance, employment, sustainability, and communication skills, YardWise will tackle the everyday issues that affect yard businesses, with expert-led roundtables and tailored support.

🗓️ YardWise 2025 – Key Details

📍 Location: Warwick Trident College, Leamington Spa
📅 Date: 19 November 2025
💷 Price: £95 (includes lunch, refreshments, and all workshops)
🎓 CPD: BHS Accredited Professionals receive 6 CPD points
🔗 Tickets & Info: yardwise.co.uk

💡 Key Takeaways

Not a conference – a workshop-based experience: No long lectures. Attendees will join small group roundtables with leading experts to discuss the issues that matter most to them.
Bring your pain points: YardWise is designed to provide real solutions. Attendees are encouraged to arrive with 3–4 key problems they want to solve.

Expert line-up includes:

Dr David Marlin & Amanda Stoddart-West (Welfare & Welfare Stewarding)
Rebecca Stojak (Equine Solicitor – Geldards)
Nick de Brauwer & Helen Whitelig (Redwings)
SEIB Insurance Team
Lizzie Herron (Equestrian Leadership & Communication)
Lucy Catan MBE (Code of Good Employment)
Claire Shand & Sarah (Worming & Parasite Control)
Catherine Chapman (Accountancy & VAT)
White Griffin (Equestrian Environmental Sustainability)
Gail Eggington (Biosecurity – Ag+)
Jane Patching & Leanne Kelly (Health & Safety – IMG)
Livery Live (Yard Tech Solutions)
British Horse Society (Business Support)

Inclusive and tailored: Relevant for all yard professionals – livery yards, riding schools, mixed yards – no matter your size or experience.

Networking and community-building: A much-needed opportunity for professionals who often work in isolation to connect, learn, and build stronger businesses.

Hospitality by Bedmax & Strawmax: Expect more than a sandwich – attendees will be well looked after!

🔗 Additional Info

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Meet Rachel Bean – Vet Nurse, Educator & Global Canine Welfare Advocate Jul 12, 2025

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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 behavioural issues
The importance of proper canine first aid training – and why regulation is urgently needed
Her international work in places like Thailand, Kenya, Sri Lanka, and the Orkneys
Her latest project working with anti-poaching sniffer dogs in Zimbabwe
Her growing passion for wildlife photography
Her mission to improve animal welfare standards on film and TV sets in the UK

Whether you're a dog owner, pet professional, or just animal curious, this episode is full of useful advice, real stories, and inspiration.

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To find out more about becoming a member >>> AskAnimalweb.com

Not a Member? Join for as little as £6 a month or £8 on a month-by-month basis to access all the test results and have a say in what we test and investigate next. For this, you also get access to all past and future webinars, videos, podcasts, and articles, the opportunity to take part in testing and research and SOOOO much more.

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New FEI Noseband Gauge – What It Means for Riders and Horses Jun 28, 2025

Show notes

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 tool and highlights some of the challenges around consistency, fit, and application across different types of nosebands and horse sizes. She and David discuss whether the gauge goes far enough in protecting horse welfare, and what more could be done.

Beyond the gauge, they delve into the broader topic of bit and bridle fitting, exploring why it matters, its impact on performance, and how to assess fit both in the stable and under saddle. Emma emphasises that every horse is different and that correct fit can’t be judged by looks alone. They touch on the importance of collaboration between vets, dentists, physios and fitters, and how past trauma or pain can affect a horse’s response to tack.

The episode closes with some top tips for checking noseband fit and an honest conversation about pressures in the competition world, rider habits, and the myths around stronger bits.

READ Emma's blog - Noseband Tightness in International Sport

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Dr Heather Cameron-Whytock - Equine Fatalities in Eventing Jun 07, 2025

Show notes

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 equine fatalities are due to musculoskeletal injuries and sudden deaths, rather than falls at fences.

To read the published paper - Equine Fatalities In Eventing.

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Dr Gillian Tabor - PAIN – How to tell if your horse has kissing spine, gastric ulcers of arthritis Apr 19, 2025

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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-subtle) signs that something isn't right.

Whether you’re a horse owner, rider or equine professional, this episode is packed with insights on how horses show pain, why behaviours shouldn't be dismissed as 'naughty', and why thinking pain first could be the most important step in safeguarding your horse’s welfare.

Topics include:

The science of how horses perceive pain
Anticipatory vs actual pain behaviours
Overlapping symptoms across common equine conditions
Why girthiness isn’t always about the girth
Key research from Dalla Costa, Dyson, Kumar and more

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Snaffle vs Double Bridle – What Does the Science Say? Apr 12, 2025

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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 dressage horses, the study compared rein tension and pressure at key contact points across both snaffle and double bridles.

David also tackles common misconceptions about bit mechanics, explaining why the curb bit is a class one lever with a floating fulcrum, not the “nutcracker” some claim it to be. He discusses the ethics of research publishing, the importance of evidence-based conclusions, and his hopes for a more flexible and welfare-focused approach to bridle use in sport.

This is a must-listen for anyone interested in equine science, dressage, and horse welfare. The study was funded by Hartpury University and the British Equestrian Federation, and the full paper is freely available online. Follow this link to read more about it - New Study Reveals Similarities in Rein Tension and Noseband Pressure Between Snaffle and Double Bridles

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To find out more about becoming a member >>> AskAnimalweb.com

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Equine Spring Health - Dr David Marlin Mar 29, 2025

Show notes

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 this season.

There is lots of information on the Animalweb website to help and support you and your animals through Spring.

VIDEO - Spring Respiratory Issues
ARTICLE – Spring Associated Respiratory Disease is coming!
ARTICLE – Respiratory supplements for horses reviewed
ARTICLE – Mycotoxins – a hidden danger in your horse’s environment and feed?
ARTICLE – Respiratory problems in horses: How to recognise, manage and avoid them

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Reading between the research lines with Dr Gillian Tabor Mar 22, 2025

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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 effectively critique research papers and apply findings to clinical practice.

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To find out more about becoming a member >>> AskAnimalweb.com

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Dr David Marlin on the latest round of Saddle Pad Testing! Mar 08, 2025

Show notes

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 models of saddle pads available.
Testing saddle pads under identical conditions allows for direct comparison.
Saddle pads serve multiple functions, including sweat wicking and improving saddle fit.
Laboratory testing can provide insights into a pad's mechanical properties.
Not all expensive pads perform better than reasonably priced options.
User feedback is essential for understanding long-term performance of saddle pads.
Saddle pads can affect saddle fit, which may not always be beneficial.
It's important to consult a qualified saddle fitter when choosing a pad.
Beware of marketing claims that lack scientific backing.
Testing methods include static and dynamic pressure tests.

Which saddle pads actually deliver on their claims? With prices ranging from £20 to over £200, it’s hard to know what really works and what’s just clever marketing. That’s why Animalweb has CUT THROUGH THE MISINFORMATION by putting them to the test under the same laboratory conditions, so you can see exactly how they compare!

Saddle Pads Tested - https://askanimalweb.com/saddle-pads-tested-round-two-2025/

Want to read the full results? You’ve got to be an Animalweb member! Join today for just £8 a month (cancel anytime) and get access to exclusive, in-depth testing that helps you make the best choices for your horse.

The saddle pads in this round were chosen by our Animalweb members! So if you want a say in future testing, make sure you’re signed up!

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To find out more about becoming a member >>> AskAnimalweb.com

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Studs on Artificial Surfaces, Research Review - Dr Gillian Tabor Mar 01, 2025

Show notes

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 in slip distance, certain kinematic parameters were affected, leading to discussions on the implications for equestrian practices.

The study - Dunbar, T. and Morscher, S., 2025. The Effect of Screw-in Studs on Equine Hoof and Limb Kinematics while Cantering and Jumping on an Artificial Surface. International Journal of Equine Science, 4(1), pp.1-10. STUDY LINK

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Stable Science from Dr David Marlin’s Animalweb