What Freddie’s Skeleton Taught Us
We were lucky enough to share this very special article in the Intelligent Horsemanship Spring/Summer 2024 magazine — and now, I'm excited to bring it to you here.
'Freddie was the original Horses Inside Out horse. He was there from the very beginning. He has been painted with every anatomical system imaginable: the skeleton depicted from the side, from above, in front, and behind! The muscles, fascia, tendons, and ligaments, as well as the digestive, respiratory, endocrine, lymphatic, cardiovascular, and even the reproductive system of a mare in foal! I think he holds the record for being the first Gelding in Foal.' Gillian Higgins
When Freddie Fox passed away in 2021, his legacy didn’t end. In a bold and beautifully respectful move, his skeleton was preserved to continue teaching us about equine movement, health, and anatomy.
What are some of the things we learnt from his skeleton?
- Uneven wear showed old movement patterns, like arthritis in the left thoracic facet joints — likely explaining his right-side bend preference.
- Thickened areas where certain muscles once attached – But what could this mean?
- Changes in his coffin joint – perhaps an insight into why he retired from jumping?
- A detailed look into his skull reminded us how vital nerve pathways are — and how essential good tack fit is for facial comfort.
