The term headshaking often causes confusion because it is a literal translation of “shaking the head.” But not every horse that shakes its head suffers from headshaking syndrome. Luckily!

Some types of headshaking are due to playful or mischievous behavior, while others result from stress or physical discomfort. In headshaking syndrome, however, there is a neurological problem.

It is important to make a clear distinction in the way the horse shakes its head. Simply put: is it a consciously controlled movement, or does the horse make this movement unconsciously?

To help you make this distinction, I developed the Headshaking Check. Using a series of videos, I show you how to recognize the difference and what you can do in each case.

If your horse shows an uncontrolled movement, what we also call a tic, it is essential to consult your veterinarian for further examination. In the Headshaking Check, I give tips on what to ask your vet and which issues you want to have ruled out.

Click here to do the Headshaking Check →

Headshaking syndrome is complex, but fortunately, there are things you can do yourself to make your horse’s life more comfortable. There are practical exercises and groundwork routines that you can easily apply to help your horse relax, calm down, and release tension.

Horses with tics or itching often try to protect themselves from pain by tensing up. Unfortunately, this usually increases their discomfort. While no medication or supplement can completely prevent this, the right exercises can help your horse relax more effectively and release built-up tension.

Important: these exercises are not a replacement for veterinary care. If symptoms persist or you are unsure, it’s always wise to consult your veterinarian.

Follow me on Instagram to stay updated as this course develops!

I completely understand that you might want to share your horse’s situation with me, as it can be confusing and sometimes even frustrating not knowing what to do next.

At the same time, I face the challenge of a full schedule, many requests, and limited time. That’s why I’ve decided to offer specific times for a free Headshaking Support Call, available to people whose horses already have a clear diagnosis.

This is automatically offered after taking my masterclass, so you are already familiar with my approach (and I don’t have to explain it personally to every horse owner).

Absolutely! The most important thing is to follow a logical, step-by-step approach. The first step is to discover exactly what’s going on with your horse. You can start with the free first steps, which guide you in identifying the type of headshaking and help you see if your horse may be a true headshaker. After that, it’s important to work with your veterinarian to investigate what is happening and which factors might be involved.

There are also various exercises you can apply yourself to help your horse relax, release tension, and reduce headshaking. These exercises are included, for example, in the Headshaker Comfort an course, not yet translated to English.

Because there is so much involved, you’ll hear different opinions from everyone about what works and what doesn’t. That’s why I advise horse owners to really educate themselves about headshaking syndrome and learn the best way to manage it. In my free Headshaking Uncovered masterclass, I show you exactly what’s happening with your horse and which steps are most effective. This gives you a clear overview and practical tools you can apply immediately.

You can also find plenty of tips and advice on my social media channels (Facebook and Instagram).

This is possible, but only if you have completed the full Headshaking Guide program and followed all the steps.

Since there is still limited medical knowledge about headshaking syndrome, there is no standardized approach that veterinarians follow. How thorough the diagnosis is often depends on your veterinarian’s experience and expertise with this condition.

That’s why I guide you step by step through this process, helping to rule out possible medical causes with a qualified equine veterinarian. This includes excluding inflammation or tumors in the head, broken teeth, skull fractures, and EORTH. Only once these medical causes have been ruled out and your veterinarian has confirmed in writing that no medical issues are present, can we look further at underlying triggers and optimize your horse’s management.

During the program, I help you understand exactly what this condition involves, how to manage it effectively, and how you and your veterinarian can take the right steps. I provide personal guidance throughout this process, so you know exactly what is needed for your horse.

Please note: At the moment, this is only possible for horses located in the Netherlands. In the future, I may consider doing a tour to expand this service.

Do you ever make exceptions for people who feel like they’ve tried everything?

I completely understand that feeling of: “Help, I’ve really tried everything and nothing works.” But honestly, “everything” is usually based on assumptions. Many people have indeed tried a lot of things, but often without a proper investigation into what is really going on with their horse.

Even if a veterinarian can’t find the cause, that doesn’t automatically make you an exception. In most cases, the focus has been on suppressing symptoms. Without properly investigating the cause, you’ll just keep going in circles.

That’s exactly why I work with a clear approach that focuses on identifying the root cause. I don’t deviate from this, because I know this is what ultimately makes the difference, even if you feel like you’ve tried everything.

I warmly invite you to join my free masterclass Headshaking Uncovered: Beyond the Symptoms, where I explain exactly what this condition involves and how to manage it. From this masterclass, you’ll also have the opportunity to look at your horse’s specific situation in more detail.