UK equine performance specialist Sue Dyson and US-based director Kathryn Lauritzen of Padma Video have announced that “Horses & the Science of Harmony” has been selected to screen at three equine-themed film festivals. They are the Equus International Film Festival September 11-14 in Missoula, Montana; the Equus Film and Arts Festival November 13 -16 in Reisterstown, Maryland; and the prestigious Tryon International Film Festival October 9-12 in Tryon, North Carolina. 

A brave fighter

“Horses & the Science of Harmony” is a full-length feature film. It tells the story of Bubby Upton, a rising 3-day eventing star. After suffering a catastrophic spinal injury, she fought bravely to return to riding. Bubby’s emotional narrative is woven alongside cutting-edge science to educate viewers about equine behavior and optimal well-being. At the same time, it asks: “What is it about horses that speaks so strongly to our hearts?”

The film features some of the “who’s who” of British eventing, including Olympians Mary King and Lucinda Green. In addition, it showcases some of the world’s top equine veterinarians and researchers. Cognitive brain scientist Janet Jones describes how horses and humans influence each other’s neurochemistry. Veterinary behaviorist Gemma Pearson shares her research on how stable design influences relaxation. And veterinary researcher Rachel Murray illustrates how bridle pressure points can influence the way a horse moves. 

The goal was “… to present information that was not common knowledge in the horse world,” said director Kathryn Lauritzen. “We interviewed 24 experts at the top of their fields to really drill down into concepts that even seasoned horse professionals probably didn’t know. For instance, most people probably don’t realize that horses hear frequencies that we do not hear, so when your horse reacts strongly to clippers, it is literally hearing sounds that you cannot hear.” 

Recognizing pain in horses

Executive producer Sue Dyson discusses how behavior reflecting pain in horses is common and often ignored. According to Dyson, “People have actually lost sight of what ‘normal’ looks like.” In “Horses & the Science of Harmony” she shows how images of horses throughout history have depicted horses displaying painful behaviors to the point “it has become normalized.” In the film Dyson provides evidence-based information to describe what a comfortable horse should look like under saddle. This is demonstrated by international dressage rider and trainer Gareth Hughes. 

“Horses & the Science of Harmony” is available on YouTube https://youtu.be/3ulkLHqHZ3g. It may also be viewed on the Equus Television Network www.equustelevision.net and on Horse.TV https://www.horse.tv/. Bonus footage is available at https://padmavideo.com/horses-science-of-harmony