Getting to Know Your Horses Head: How Anatomy Shapes Movement and Behaviour with Dr James Cooling

This session, Getting to know your horses’ head – how anatomy shapes movement and behaviour, moves beyond just bitting and looks at the bigger picture.

Recent research highlights how traditional or poorly fitting bridles, nosebands, and halters can affect the sensitive anatomy of a horse’s head—impacting nerve function, muscle tension, biomechanics, comfort, and long-term welfare. In this online session, we’ll explore how these factors show up in behaviour, why good horsemanship means seeing behaviour as communication, and how to question discomfort before labelling a horse as difficult. We’ll also look at how small, practical changes in fit, pressure, dental care, and expectations can make a meaningful difference.