Breed: KWPN (Dutch Warmblood)
Gender: Mare
Age: 8 years old
Discipline: Dressage
In the world of competitive dressage, where precision is key, data-driven insights can make all the difference in decision-making, particularly after a potential injury.When 8-year-old Minstrel was involved in a dramatic accident during transport, the historical gait analysis data collected by her physiotherapist, Gillian Tabor, provided reassurance to her care team. The documented data, compared with post-accident measurements, confirmed that the mare had not sustained serious injury and could safely be returned to work. Minstrel and her rider went on to win their next competition.
During a routine transport, Minstrel spooked and attempted to leap over a partition in a horse lorry. The dramatic accident raised immediate concerns about Minstrel’s well-being and the extent of injuries sustained.
"It was one of the worst things I’ve ever seen," recalls Minstrel’s rider. The veterinarian called out to examine the mare after the accident noted some weakness in her left hind. The team also reached out to Gillian Tabor for physiotherapy as the horse seemed sore.
Gillian is a chartered physiotherapist, vet physio, and Programme Manager for the MSc Veterinary Physiotherapy course at Hartpury University. She has been working with Minstrel for some time, using gait analysis to document the horse’s movement pattern. This regular monitoring provided a baseline of the horse’s normal gait pattern.
"I generally use the app in all checkups," says Gillian. "The records in there are really good, and I find the videos and data useful when explaining things to clients, or if I want to refer a case to the vet.” — Gillian Tabor
Following the incident, Gillian’s data allowed the team to compare the mare’s pre- and post-accident movement. Although a very mild asymmetry was detected, after treatment and a period of rehabilitation the data showed that it was consistent with her historical gait patterns, indicating no significant injuries had occurred as a result of the accident.
With the additional assurance provided by the gait analysis data, Minstrel successfully returned to the dressage ring. The confirmation that the movement patterns hadn’t changed as a result of the accident meant that the team could proceed confidently with her return to training and competition, without the need for treatment or a prolonged rehabilitation program.
"You don’t just ride her as normal straight after an accident like that, but knowing what’s ‘normal’ for her made all the difference," the rider explains.
The team around Minstrel has proven that success isn’t just about talent — it’s about trust, teamwork, and the power of knowing your horse inside and out.
Gait analysis technology, combined with expert care, empowers equestrian teams to make informed decisions about the health, well-being, and performance of horses. Minstrel’s case exemplifies the role access to data can play in preventing setbacks and ensuring a confident return to competition.
MSc ResM MCSP HCPCreg. Chartered Physiotherapist.
