AHA, Inc. Virtual
Pre-Conference with Gillian Higgins of Horses Inside Out

The Pre Conference will consist of three 1-hour presentations with a Q&A following each presentation.

1. The Horse’s Back: Understanding and Applying Back Movement in Therapy Sessions

This session takes a deep dive into how the horse’s back actually moves, examining where movement occurs along the spine, how much movement is available, and what limits or enhances it. Through clear anatomical explanations and dynamic visuals, participants will learn how posture, balance, and core engagement shape back movement, and how to encourage healthy, therapeutic back motion in the horses they work with.

Learning Objectives:

By the end of this session, participants will be able to:

1. Describe the key anatomy and biomechanics of the equine back, including the normal ranges of movement in each spinal region.

2. Explain how posture influences back function and identify the four main ways horses support healthy back posture.

3. Apply practical strategies within therapy sessions to help horses improve and maintain effective back support and movement.
   

2. From Walk to Canter: Movement, Mobility, and Meaning in the Gaits

This session focuses on the walk, the primary gait used in equine-assisted therapy, while also covering trot and canter for context. Gillian will explore how the horse’s back and limbs move in each gait, highlighting subtle variations in stride, rhythm, and mobility that directly influence the therapeutic experience.

Understanding these gait mechanics helps therapists improve movement quality, ensuring sessions are safe, effective, and tailored to each horse and client. By seeing how back movement changes in different gaits, participants can select the most appropriate gait for specific exercises, enhance harmony, and achieve better functional outcomes, even when working mainly at walk.

Learning Objectives:

By the end of this session, participants will be able to:

1. Compare how back movement and spinal range of motion differ between walk, trot, and canter.

2. Assess back movement effectively in each gait using visual and practical evaluation techniques.

3. Interpret how limb movement influences spinal motion and overall back function during locomotion.
   

3. The Power of Poles and Pilates: Practical Ideas for Therapy Sessions

This session presents simple, practical polework and equine Pilates exercises designed to improve posture, core stability, flexibility, and strength. Gillian Higgins will demonstrate how these exercises can be directly incorporated into EAS sessions, supporting the horse’s wellbeing while enhancing the therapeutic experience for clients.

Participants will leave with actionable ideas for building exercises into daily therapy routines, helping horses move more comfortably and responsively, while providing varied, engaging, and safe activities that support client goals.

Learning Objectives:

By the end of this session, participants will be able to:

1. Explain how pole work influences equine biomechanics and back movement.

2. Select and apply appropriate pole and “pilates-style” exercises to achieve specific therapeutic goals.

3. Adjust and assess pole distances accurately and evaluate how different spacing affects movement quality and spinal function.