Take a virtual ride as if you were a racehorse jockey. See what a jockey sees and the decisions required as the race progresses. Source: Horse Network, June 17, 2016. There is so much you simply cannot see and hear unless you are actually in the saddle yourself. Equine Productions strapped cameras on the helmets of a few jockeys at Belmont Park last week and the result is … [Read more...]
One woman. One horse. One goal.
Raise awareness of domestic violence in 48 states. Meredith Cherry embarks on the Centauride this fall to visit domestic violence centers, women’s shelters, schools and community centers. The objective is to raise awareness about the realities of domestic violence and provide hope to women dealing with its effects. She will begin her ride will depart in Grass Valley, … [Read more...]
AQHA’s Huffhines shares strategic plan highlights
Craig Huffhines, executive vice president of the American Quarter Horse Association, shares the key areas of the 2016 strategic operating plan for the association. The leadership team came up with five points to make AQHA the service and membership organization that will best advance the equine industry and ensure superior service for members and owners. Source: America’s … [Read more...]
10 most poisonous plants for horses
Hundreds of poisonous plants grow in North America, and many are common. "I defy anyone to tell me they have a pasture with zero poisonous plants," says Jeffery Hall, DVM, PhD, a toxicologist at Utah State University. Source: Equus, June 2014. According to Anthony Knight, BVSc, MRCVS, plant toxicologist from Colorado State University, these 10 plants are those most … [Read more...]
Ranch sorting grows in popularity as a horse show event
Ranch sorting takes skill and cow savvy. It also relies heavily on a competitor’s horsemanship skills. Source: America’s Horse Daily, June 15, 2016. Two riders, two horses, two pens, 11 head of cattle – and only 60 seconds to work. INSIGHTS: Representatives who are not horse people can use this article to get more familiar with customers who are into equine athletic events … [Read more...]
Unusual white-headed thoroughbred foal born
This story about a newborn Thoroughbred foal will intrigue even those only slightly interested in horses. Source: Blood-Horse, June 6, 2016. In 35 years in the industry I’ve never seen a Thoroughbred like this,” said Eric Guillot, who trains for Southern Equine. “The mare hasn’t thrown anything unusual before, but Bodemeister throws a lot of white. I’ve got a few by him … [Read more...]
Most common form of cancer in horses may have a genetic link
A new study from Cornell University suggests some horses are more susceptible than others to sarcoid skin tumors. Researchers found regions on two chromosomes that differed in horses with the tumors compared to those without, indicating to the researchers that, at least in part, a horse's genes can determine how susceptible it is to the tumors. Source: Seeker, June 13, 2016. … [Read more...]
Tips for good horse photos
Shows, rodeos and fairs pepper summer days into fall. Cellphone cameras make shooting a photograph easy. However, many of these photos are just snapshots instead of something that represents a horse and rider in the best light. Mary Cage provides good tips to use when photographing horses. Source: American Racehorse, May/June 2016. (direct link unavailable). Various factors … [Read more...]
Overview: Equine Veterinary Education (EVE)
We received several positive responses to posts referencing the tables of contents from scientific journals. The May print issue of EVE arrived this week and the June issue is shown online. Review the table of contents for this journal to determine if any of the studies are relevant to your work. Source: Equine Veterinary Education (EVE), May 2016. (partial link only) … [Read more...]
It’s just me and the horse
Something worthwhile is coming from the Bureau of Land Management’s capture of wild horses from Wyoming. After therapy and medication, including self-medication, fails U.S. veterans of post-traumatic stress disorder and severe brain trauma, wild Mustangs are helping them thrive again. BraveHearts works with BLM to bring horses to Illinois where veterans work to help train … [Read more...]
Equine coronavirus: an emerging enteric virus of adult horses
Equine coronavirus (ECoV) is an emerging virus associated clinically and epidemiologically with fever, depression, anorexia and less frequently colic and diarrhea in adult horses. Sporadic cases and outbreaks have been reported with increased frequency since 2010 from Japan, the United States and more recently from Europe. Source: Equine Veterinary Education, April 2016. … [Read more...]
Summer horse health concerns
Summer is almost here. Horse owners and their channel support teams need to keep in mind common health concerns. Summer can be hard on horses. Source: Equus, Issue #403. The specifics of the season will vary by location, but there are some nearly universal concerns. Here's a quick look at some of the conditions that could adversely affect the well-being of horses this … [Read more...]
Sharpen equine shot skills
Stacy Tarr, DVM, Wellington, Colorado, reminds readers of the right and wrong ways to give horses intramuscular injections. She also warns that assuming clients know how to do it may be a mistake. Source: Western Horseman, June 2016, page 30. (direct link unavailable) Tarr recommends a three-step process: Clean the site Use the right needle Administer in one … [Read more...]
Fighting equine influenza
Equine influenza virus can spread through an entire herd in a matter of days. We can no longer assume that older horses are immune. This feature covers the virus, viral mutation, pathways and recovery. Veterinary teams, dealer associates and sales representatives will appreciate the fresh resources on this ugly virus. Source: EQUUS, June 2016. (direct link … [Read more...]
Sponsored Content – 100 years of horse history
We found this content and video fun. It also offers a historical pictorial. Source: Horse Network, May 3, 2016. Look back at how the events, horses and Absorbine® products that shaped the way we live and ride today. … [Read more...]
Stressful stalls?
Summary: Even though horses may appear more comfortable in a stall than in a group setting, one study indicates that physiological stress indicators may tell a different story. This article presents what the best housing option might be. Source: The Horse. Individual stabling systems have developed partially out of convenience and partially out of a mistaken understanding … [Read more...]
Should I vaccinate my horse in the fall?
Summary: Vaccinations are important to help prevent disease. While it is always best to listen to your veterinarian’s recommendations, there are certainly cases when it is ideal to vaccinate for certain diseases twice a year to ensure protection. Source: Horse Talk. Vaccinations protect your horse against a host of contagious diseases. The specific vaccinations necessary … [Read more...]
EPM-causing parasites more common that thought
Summary: The parasites causing equine protozoal myeloencephalitis are ubiquitous in U.S. horses, yet fewer than one percent of the horses that carry one or both of the parasites develop clinical symptoms of EPM. Find out more about these parasites and which horses may be more predisposed to EPM. Source: The Horse. Horses cannot catch EPM from each other; rather, they’re … [Read more...]
Prepurchase exams: What to expect.
Summary: Prepurchase exams are common when horses are sold. They help buyers feel confident that the horse they are considering will be up to the task(s) they intend to use them for. Just remember, these exams do not guarantee future soundness. They are snapshots of the horses’ condition at the current time. This article highlights what goes into proper prepurchase … [Read more...]
She’s an angel, she’s a devil, she’s a mare
Barb Crabbe, DVM, shares steps to help manage inevitable moodiness in mares. She references methods to maximize the influence of progesterone and minimize the influence of estrogen. Source: Horse and Rider, May 2016. (direct link unavailable) Control methods fall into three distinct categories that influence (a mare’s) cycle in three different ways. (The article) discusses … [Read more...]
Over-supplementing horses can cause problems
Horses get all of the minerals they need from good quality forage and/or a balanced commercial ration. Over-supplementing them can cause a lack of absorption of necessary nutrients in the small intestine. It should be avoided. Source: The Horse Over-supplementation can lead to problems with proper absorption and nutrient balance. Good quality forage contains many essential … [Read more...]
Are corticosteroid injections ethical?
Corticosteroid joint injections have long been used to treat joint pain and inflammation in horses. Recently, there have been questions regarding their ethical usage, predominantly in the racing industry. While many professionals use the drugs in moderation and as a last resort, some still use them to keep potentially unsound horses racing. Several states have tightened … [Read more...]
Equine nutrition FAQs addressed
Whether it’s a large show barn, or single horse owner, feeding and nutrition questions seem to be the same. This article addresses common questions about how to properly feed our four-legged friends. From how to care for the senior horse, to if an easy keeper needs concentrate, you can find out how to provide proper nutrition and feeding for your horses. Source: Horse … [Read more...]
Sponsored Content – Equine gastroscopy 101
Merial provides a primer on what to expect if an equine veterinarian suggests a gastroscopic examination. This was sent to AQHA Daily subscribers. Source: AQHA Daily, April 28, 2016. Two out of three non-racing competitive horses have stomach ulcers. Signs such as poor performance, decreased appetite, recurrent colic or poor body condition may point to stomach ulcers. … [Read more...]
5 steps to become an equine technician
Beyond the love of horses, this article provides a reality check and roadmap for persons wanting to become an equine technician. Source: NAVTA Journal, Apr/May 2016, page 55. (direct link unavailable) To become a Veterinary Technician Specialist in Equine Nursing (VTS-EVN) candidates must work three or more years on the job to gain experience before beginning a yearlong … [Read more...]
Horseboarding, a growing new sport
Under the category of what will they think of next, horse enthusiasts in the UK have a new sport. It combines a form of skateboarding, a piece of rope, obstacle courses and horses. Source: Horse Network, April 22, 2016. A Horseboarding “team” is comprised of one horse and two riders: the equestrian and a mountainboard rider, who’s towed behind the horse on a quick-release … [Read more...]
Free April AQHA Journal
This month's digital edition of The American Quarter Horse Journal, plus the Journal High-Point Supplement, are free for readers to enjoy via computer, tablet or phone. Many animal health professionals are aware of the AQHA but may never have seen its publication. Source: America’s Horse, April 11, 2016. Whether you’re a die-hard competitor, recreational rider, a horse … [Read more...]
Horse eyes: know the basics
Equine eyes are fascinating structures. They have unique attributes and are highly complex. Most eye injuries require veterinary attention, but knowing some of the basics about how horse eyes work is beneficial. Read how David Ramey, DVM, describes how horses see, if they can see colors and much more basic information about equine eyes. Source: David Ramey, DVM, April 10, … [Read more...]
Sedating for a lameness exams may improve procedure
Mild sedation during lameness exams can help the procedure move along more smoothly and safely. However, the relaxation result of the sedative could skew results. Read this piece to learn what common lameness indicators the sedation affects and how veterinarians and owners take that into consideration. Source: Equus November, 2015 But sedation can make a horse sluggish, so … [Read more...]
Enteroliths: Colic-causing rocks
Enteroliths are rock-like concretions that are similar to gallstones in humans. They form in the large intestine of a horse; usually after the ingestion of a small pebble, grains of sand or other small, hard object. These rocks can cause anything from mild colic symptoms to full impactions that require surgery or lead to death. Luckily, there are things horse owners can do to … [Read more...]