Bare Bones of the Matter

How one horse’s lifetime will transform the future welfare and wellbeing of our horses

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Documentary Series Overview:

This insightful online documentary series explores the challenges horses face in today’s world. Using her own horse, Freddie Fox and his skeleton, the original star of Horses Inside Out as a case study, equine anatomy and biomechanics specialist Gillian Higgins shares his story alongside special guests and top equestrian professionals. Many of these experts, including world leaders in their fields, were part of the multidisciplinary team that cared for Freddie during his life.

This engaging and conversational 7-part series helps horse owners deepen their understanding of their horses while raising awareness about comfort, movement, welfare, and the best practices for maintaining the highest standards in the equine world.

This unique and thought-provoking series

  • Unlocks the intricacies of equine anatomy
  • Dispels long-standing myths and misunderstandings in horse care and training
  • Questions traditional approaches to training, welfare, and management
  • Exposes the root causes of injuries and performance setbacks
  • Defines the gold standard for horse care, training, and management
  • Highlights the vital role of a multidisciplinary approach to equine wellbeing
  • Reveals the science behind optimal horse health and performance
  • Unravels the mechanics and mysteries of the equine body
  • Elevates standards across all aspects of horse care, training, and management

Chapter 1: Freddie’s Story

Premiers: Wednesday 24th September 2025

Feature Presenter: Gillian Higgins

Short Form Presenters: Dr Kirsty Lésniak, Professor Meriel Moore Colyer, Dr Sebastian McBride and Clare MacLeod

Collaborators: Horses Inside Out

Overview: 

In the first chapter of The Bare Bones of the Matter, Gillian Higgins shares the inspiring story of Freddie Fox, the original star of Horses Inside Out. She reflects on their journey together, recounting memorable moments and valuable lessons from his life. Gillian also highlights the dedicated team that ensured Freddie’s comfort and performance at every stage of his life.

Introducing us to Freddie’s skeleton, she explores his anatomy and the valuable insights his bones reveal. By understanding equine anatomy, we can enhance our horses’ comfort, optimise their performance, and better prevent potential issues – regardless of what equestrian discipline we do. Also in this chapter, leading equine scientists and professionals provide expert analysis, each offering a unique perspective on different aspects of Freddie’s skeleton and what it teaches us about horse care and well-being.

Topics covered in chapter 1:

  • Holistic training
  • Finding a good horse
  • Producing horses
  • Training for longevity
  • Preventing injury
  • The correct outline
  • Anatomical misconceptions 
  • Neuromuscular training
  • Learning theory

Chapter 2: Holistic Training

Premiers: Wednesday 1st October 2025

Feature Presenters: Caroline Moore and Richard Davison

Short Form Presenters: Kelly Marks and Roly Owers

Collaborators: British Horse Society, World Horse Welfare, Performance Mentoring Programme and Intelligent Horsemanship

Overview:

This chapter explores coaching and training strategies that promote both longevity and peak performance in horses. Gillian Higgins is joined by the late eventing performance coach Caroline Moore FBHS and Olympian dressage specialist Richard Davison for an in-depth discussion on holistic training, selecting and developing horses for long-term success, and injury prevention. They also tackle key topics such as achieving the correct outline, debunking anatomical misconceptions, neuromuscular training, finding the right coach, and the welfare challenges facing equestrian coaches today.
Also in this chapter is a short interview with behaviour specialist and trainer Kelly Marks who highlights the importance of learning in both horse and rider and with Roly Owers, chief executive of World Horse Welfare, who discusses learning theory. 

Topics covered in chapter 2:

  • Holistic training
  • Finding a good horse
  • Producing horses
  • Training for longevity
  • Preventing injury
  • The correct outline
  • Anatomical misconceptions 
  • Neuromuscular training
  • Learning theory
  • About WHW 
  • BHS Training and Exams
  • About PMP

Chapter 3: Healthy Bones

Premiers: Wednesday 8th October 2025

Feature Presenters: Dr Sue Dyson

Collaborators: 24 Behaviors and Horses Inside Out

Overview:

In Chapter 3, lameness consultant and performance specialist Dr. Sue Dyson joins Gillian Higgins to uncover the stories bones can tell. They explore bony changes caused by bits, as well as common equine issues such as arthritis, neck pain, ECVM, navicular disease, kissing spines, congenital abnormalities, and hock problems. The discussion also highlights the importance of strengthening, how to assess your horse’s back, and practical methods for improving equine well-being.

Packed with myth-busting insights and hands-on techniques, this chapter gives horse owners the skills and knowledge to assess and improve their horses.

Topics covered in chapter 3:

  • Learning from bones
  • Bony changes from bits
  • Arthritis
  • Neck pain
  • ECVM
  • Navicular disease
  • Kissing spines
  • Facet joint arthritis
  • Congenital abnormalities
  • Hock problems
  • The importance of strengthening
  • How to assess your horses back 
  • Sacroiliac dysfunction

Chapter 4: Hoof Care and Balance

Premiers: Wednesday 15th October 2025

Feature Presenters: Mark Johnson

Short Form Presenters: Simon Curtis

Collaborators: Horses Inside Out

Overview:

In this chapter, Gillian Higgins is joined by farrier and barefoot specialist Mark Johnson for an in-depth discussion on the vital role of the hoof in equine health and performance. They explore the hoof’s anatomical connections, methods for improving hoof balance, and its impact on movement and overall soundness. Other topics covered include assessing hoof shape, comparing barefoot approaches, the use of hoof boots and shoes, and much more.

The chapter also features a special interview with farriery legend Simon Curtis, who literally wrote the book on angular limb deformities and asymmetry in young horses. If you want to maximise your horse’s hoof health and performance, this is a must-watch.

Topics covered in chapter 4:

  • Anatomical importance and connections of the hoof
  • Methods for and the effects of hoof balance
  • Assessing movement and hoof shape
  • Bare foot vs boots and shoes 
  • Asymmetry and hoof imbalance
  • Correcting angular limb deformities
  • Freddie Fox as a case study

Chapter 5: Dentistry, Performance and Beyond

Premiers: Wednesday 12th November 2025

Feature Presenters: Chris Pearce

Collaborators: The British Horse Society, Equine Dental Clinic and Horses Inside Out

Overview:

In the dentistry chapter, Gillian teams up with vet and dental specialist Dr. Chris Pearce for a detailed look into equine dental health. They explore how dental pain can impact performance, the key problems every horse owner should recognise, and some of the most misunderstood areas of the head—including the hyoid, TMJ, and incisor balance. 

They also discuss what a modern dental examination should include, helping owners understand what to expect. If you want a soft, consistent contact and a horse that feels comfortable in its mouth and head, this is a chapter you won’t want to miss!

Topics covered in chapter 5:

  • Dental pain as a cause of poor performance
  • Common dental problems every equestrian should know about
  • The hyoid
  • TMJ 
  • ETORH
  • Tooth extraction
  • Wolf teeth
  • What we as horse owners should expect from a modern dental examination.
  • Freddie Fox as a case study
  • About the BHS No Pain Check Again Campaign

Chapter 6: Saddlery and Symmetry

Premiers: Wednesday 19th November 2025

Feature Presenters: Laurence Pearman and Catherine Baker

Short Form Presenters: Dr Russell MacKechnie Guire and David Kempsell.

Collaborators: Society of Master Saddlers, Wow Saddles and Horses Inside Out

Overview:

In the Saddlery and Symmetry chapter, Gillian is joined by Master Saddlers Laurence Pearman and Catherine Baker from the Society of Master Saddlers for an insightful look into saddle design and fit. They explore the anatomical challenges of saddle fitting, how to assess fit, what to expect from a professional fitting session, and the impact of asymmetry on both horse and rider.

The chapter also features a fascinating interview with research scientist and biomechanist Dr. Russell MacKechnie Guire and saddle engineer David Kempsell, who discuss the science behind saddles, symmetry, and rider-horse interaction. Whether you’re passionate about improving performance or simply want to ensure your horse’s comfort, this is a must-watch chapter for every rider.

Topics covered in chapter 6:

  • Anatomical challenges of designing and fitting saddles
  • Scapula movement
  • Rib cage shape and fitness
  • Back shape change
  • How to check saddle fit
  • What to expect from a modern saddle fitting session
  • Asymmetry 
  • Fitting for the rider as well as the horse. 
  • Fitting veteran horses
  • Freddie Fox as a case study
  • Finding qualified independent saddler fitters
  • About the SMS

Chapter 7: Veterans and Veterinary Care

Premiers: Wednesday 26th November 2025

Feature Presenters: Matthew Barlow and Clare MacLeod

Short Form Presenters: Nic De Brauwere

Collaborators: The British Horse Society, Clare MacLeod and Horses Inside Out

Overview:

The final chapter of this series is a deeply emotional and important one, as Gillian shares the final stage of Freddie’s journey. While a difficult topic, it’s one that every horse owner will face at some point. Gillian is joined by vet Matthew Barlow to discuss caring for older horses, covering common conditions such as Cushing’s, choke, strangles, melanomas, and more. Independent equine nutritionist, Clare MacLeod, discusses the nutritional demands of veterans and the practical challenges of feeding older horses 

The chapter also features a thoughtful interview with Dr. Nic de Brauwere, Head of Welfare at Redwings Horse Sanctuary, offering valuable insights into end-of-life care. Honest, heartfelt, and essential viewing, this chapter is a must-watch for every responsible horse owner.

Topics covered in chapter 7:

  • Managing older horses
  • Melanomas
  • Strangles
  • Choke
  • Cushings
  • Feeding veterans
  • Freddie Fox as a case study
  • End of Life Care
  • About the BHS Friends at the End