Equine Head Dissection: Practical and Anatomical Considerations
Sunday, May 31, 2026 from 09:00 to 17:00 HRS @ Centaur Biomechanics, Warwickshire, CV35 9BD
Equine Head Dissection: Practical and Anatomical Considerations to Bridle and Bit Fit
Dr Russell MacKechnie-Guire and Lucinda Stockley
Centaur Biomechanic Training and Research, Dunstaffanage House, Moreton Morrell, Warwickshire, CV35 9BD
09:30 – 17:00 HRS BST
Bridle and bit fit are often overlooked compared to saddle fitting, yet both play a crucial role in horse comfort and performance. The bridle sits over several sensitive anatomical regions, and poor fit can lead to focal pressure and discomfort. Similarly, the bit lies within the interdental space, where variations in oral conformation mean that achieving the correct fit for each individual horse is essential.
This one-day course explores the latest evidence surrounding bridle fitting, with a strong emphasis on practical anatomical understanding. Using detailed head dissections, participants will gain valuable insights into facial muscles, head mechanics, and the location of key bridle components and their relationship to underlying structures.
The objective of the course is to provide information to attendees that can be used within their own work, whether as a horse owner, coach, therapist, saddle fitter or other professional.
£230 inc VAT and booking fees.
Suggested pre or post reading and viewing
Russell MacKechnie-Guire PhD, BSc, BHSI, FHEA
Russell MacKechnie-Guire holds a PhD in Equine Biomechanics, graduating from the Royal Veterinary College in 2019. Russell’s thesis was titled ‘The Relationship between Saddle and Rider Kinematics, Equine Locomotion, and Thoracolumbar Pressures in Sports Horses’. Russell is based at Centaur Biomechanics, a company which he founded in 2006. He has extensively researched the effect that tack (saddle, bridle and girth) and the rider has on equine health and performance. Russell is an Asscoiate Professor in Equine Biomechanics at Hartpury University. Russell’s current area of research is horse-saddle/bridle-rider interaction, spinal kinematics in horses when ridden over ground, the effect that rider asymmetry has on equine back movement, and from a rehabilitation perspective, the effect that training aids and pole work exercise has on back movement. In addition, Russell collaborates with researchers on various research projects associated with equine health, rehabilitation and performance. Russell is a consultant for the British Equestrian Federations World Class, Team GBR programme and is a member of Team GBR’s Scientific Advisory Group. Russell also sits on the Society of Master Saddlers Scientific Advisory Group, and is part of the executive committee for the International Task force on Laterality in Sports Horses. Russell is also a Pilates instructor, Intrinsic (Human) Biomechanics Trainer, a BHSI equestrian coach, and a keen competitor in dressage and show jumping.
Lucinda Stockley
Lucinda has studied the art of equine dentistry for the past 20yrs. Initially studying in America and Australia gaining an Advanced Certification in Equine dentistry at the college of equine dentistry Australia and the Academy of Equine dentistry USA. Returning to the UK in 2005 Lucinda enrolled on the Equine dental science degree at Hartpury University graduating in 2009 with BSc (Hons) in Equine dental science and recently graduating with a Masters of Research in Equine performance.
With a passion for understanding the roles of the environment and its effects on the working dynamics of dentition, TMJ and the whole body Lucinda has had the opportunity to attend a number of whole horse dissections with Sharon May Davis and gain a greater understanding of teaching the horse balance and proprioception studying the methods of Linda Tellington Jones and Peggy Cummings.
As a competitor Lucinda competed 3* level eventing, short listed for the British Junior event, National Eventing Individual Pony club champion as a working pupil under Jane Holderness- Roddam.
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