Over thirty years of working with horses has taught me one fundamental truth: when something's wrong with a horse's gut, it shows up everywhere else.

I've seen it countless times. The event horse who suddenly becomes girthy. The dressage prospect with inexplicable tension through the back. The dependable riding school horse who starts pinning his ears during tacking up. Owners and trainers often search for answers in saddle fit, training methods, or veterinary diagnostics – and sometimes miss the connection to what's happening in the digestive system.

I'm Rachael Rothwell, and I work with MonoShield Equine because I've spent my career recognizing these patterns. But before anything else, I am a horse person.

From Annaharvey Farm to Equine Therapy

Growing up on Annaharvey Farm in Ireland, I competed across showjumping, eventing, hunting, and dressage. Horses shaped everything – my career, my education, and ultimately my life's work. After managing my family's riding school for many years and qualifying as a BHSAI, I pursued deeper understanding through a Diploma in Business Management at University College Cork and advanced training as an Equine Physical Therapist (Advanced Practitioner in Equine Integrated Support Therapies, IRVAP member).

Today, my therapy practice works closely with racing and sport horse yards, and I've had the privilege of lecturing in Equine Studies at Kildalton College. Every role has reinforced the same lesson: collaboration and continual learning create the best outcomes for horses.

When Gut Health Shows Up as Physical Pain

Through hands-on therapy work, I've learned to read the physical signs of gut distress. A horse struggling with digestive issues rarely stays silent about it. You might notice:

• Persistent tension through the hindquarters or back that doesn't respond to traditional therapy
• Behavioural changes during feeding time, grooming, or when being handled around the abdomen
• Resistance to work that seems disproportionate to the training demand
• Subtle shifts in posture, movement quality, or willingness that your vet can't trace to musculoskeletal injury

These signs often point to discomfort originating in the gut – and when we address that root cause through targeted support, the physical and behavioural improvements can be remarkable.

This is why my work with MonoShield Equine feels like a natural extension of what I do as a therapist. I travel to yards and facilities, educating owners, riders, and professionals on recognizing these connections. Better gut health, informed therapy, and collaborative care can transform a horse's quality of life.

The Wheel of Equine Care: Where Does Your Horse Need Support?

I think of horse care as a wheel with multiple spokes, each one essential to the whole system functioning smoothly:

The Horse at the hub, supported by:

• Owner/daily handler
• Veterinary care
• Dental care
  
• Gut support
• Instructor or trainer
• Physical therapy (physio, chiropractor, bodyworker)
• Saddle and tack fit
• Balanced diet, quality forage and clean water
• Stable Management
• Farrier care
• Regular turnout
• Exercise/Work Schedule 

When one spoke weakens or fails, the entire wheel becomes unbalanced. Pressure shifts to the other spokes, creating a cascade of compensations. A horse with poor gut health might need more frequent physical therapy. A horse with inadequate turnout might show heightened stress responses. A poorly fitted saddle might mask underlying digestive discomfort.

Our responsibility – as owners, professionals, and caretakers – is to recognize these imbalances and address them honestly.

MonoShield Equine represents one spoke in this wheel: supporting digestive health so the entire system can function with greater balance and efficiency. Over the coming weeks in this blog series, we'll explore each spoke in detail and examine how gut health influences and intersects with every other aspect of care.

A Year for Progress

2026 is the Chinese Zodiac Year of the Fire Horse, which feels fitting. I'm embracing it as a symbol of energy, passion, and meaningful progress in equine welfare. The dedication I see from owners and trainers who genuinely want the best for their horses inspires me daily. When we work together with the right knowledge and tools, lasting change becomes possible.

Real Horses, Real Results: Working with Ardeo Sport Horses

My collaboration with Ardeo Sport Horses exemplifies the kind of integrated, welfare-first approach I believe in. As part of their team in my role as equine physical therapist, I've witnessed their commitment to placing each horse in the right home, supported by comprehensive care from day one.

Ardeo incorporates MonoShield Equine into their management protocol to support horses through the stress points that commonly impact gut health:

• Travel and transportation
• Transition to new environments and homes
• Changes in feed and diet
• The physical and mental demands of training and competition
• Their team-based, thoughtful approach produces horses who travel successfully around the world, and I'm proud to contribute to their work.

Join This Conversation

This blog series will take a detailed look at each spoke in the wheel of equine care. We'll share case studies, bring in voices from other professionals, and explore real-world experiences with horses across different disciplines and management systems.

These stories might resonate with challenges you're facing with your own horses – and perhaps offer new perspectives or solutions you haven't considered.

Looking after horses is a lifelong learning journey. Every day offers new insights if we stay open-minded and willing to listen. I invite you to learn alongside me.

Have questions about your horse's gut health or physical therapy needs? Arrange a consultation with me, and I'll do my best to help.

Together, we can build stronger wheels – and better lives – for the horses in our care.