By Kristen Closson
Every horse owner wants to do the very best for their horse. As our understanding evolves, so too should the questions we ask.
More than 100 horse enthusiasts from across Australia joined Equestrian NSW last Thursday evening for the inaugural session of the ‘Two Athletes. One Future. Welfare, Performance & Longevity Series’, where internationally respected FEI veterinarian Dr. Mike Tomlinson (USA) challenged participants to consider one simple but powerful question:
“How can I do better?”
Originally planned as a member benefit, Equestrian NSW generously opened the session to the broader horse community, recognising that conversations about horse welfare and continual improvement are strengthened when they are shared across our entire industry.
Rather than delivering a traditional lecture, Dr. Tomlinson welcomed questions throughout the evening, creating an engaging conversation that encouraged participants to reflect, share experiences and explore ideas together.
His presentation, ‘Welfare, Recovery & the Philosophy of Longevity’, explored how our understanding of equine welfare continues to evolve, not simply from preventing suffering, but towards creating lives in which horses can truly flourish. Drawing on decades of experience across veterinary medicine, governance and international sport, he encouraged riders, coaches, officials and owners to see welfare not as a checklist, but as a philosophy that shapes every interaction we have with our horses.
One of the evening’s strongest messages was beautifully simple:
“Do not feel bad that you used to do things in a way that is no longer acceptable. We are presenting opportunities to have better outcomes.”
Dr. Tomlinson presented changing knowledge as an opportunity to keep improving. His practical five-step framework — Listen. Acknowledge. Change. Act consistently to build trust. Accentuate the positive — provided a roadmap for continual improvement and resonated strongly with attendees.
Another concept that struck a chord was his reminder that welfare isn’t defined solely by the hour we spend riding, but by “the other 23 hours.” From travel and hydration to sleep, social interaction, turnout and recovery, he challenged attendees to think more broadly about the many factors that influence a horse’s physical and mental wellbeing every day.
Recovery itself became a recurring theme throughout the discussion. Rather than viewing it simply as what happens after work, Dr. Tomlinson encouraged participants to see recovery as an essential part of training. Physical comfort, digestive health, mental decompression and preserving a horse’s willingness to work all contribute to longevity. As he reminded the audience, we should strive to “recover the horse, not just the muscles.”
One message echoed throughout the entire presentation:
“Listen to your horse.”
It was a fitting thread that ran through the entire evening. Every horse communicates through its behaviour, movement, enthusiasm and demeanour. Our role is to notice, to listen, to acknowledge, and, when we know better, to do better.
The discussion quickly became a conversation rather than a presentation. Audience questions extended well beyond elite competition, exploring how these ideas could be applied within riding clubs, agistment centres, coaching environments and everyday horse ownership. It reinforced one of the key aims of the series, not simply to share knowledge, but to explore how we translate it into better outcomes for horses.
As one attendee reflected after the presentation:
“This webinar was epic! This feels like a public service announcement.”
Another wrote:
“So excited a vet can see the BIG PICTURE.”
These responses captured the spirit of the evening. Rather than offering isolated answers, Dr. Tomlinson invited participants to remain curious, ask better questions and continually evolve alongside the horses in their care.
Conversation continues
The conversation continues in October with renowned neuroscientist Dr. Stephen Peters, whose presentation, ‘Horse Brain Science’, will explore how understanding the equine brain shapes learning, behaviour and emotional regulation.
In February 2027, internationally respected equitation scientist Dr. Andrew McLean will build on those foundations, examining how clear communication and learning theory can improve welfare, rider safety and long-term performance.
Together, these presentations invite us to view the horse through different lenses. Each speaker offers another perspective, another piece of understanding, reminding us that no single discipline has all the answers, but together, they help us ask better questions and create better lives for our horses.
Because if there was one message that echoed throughout the evening, it was simply this:
Listen to your horse.
