It’s important that you know what to do to stay within the law before reporting a horse in trouble, writes Jennifer Williams, PhD. Neglect, abuse and/or abandonment are considered cruelty to animals and are a criminal offense in many states. . . . it’s important to understand how terms like “abuse” and “neglect” are defined in your local and state laws. And then you need … [Read more...]
Cattle feed can be deadly for horses
A long-running court case serves as a reminder to be vigilant about the source and content of a horse's grain. Twenty horses there were poisoned by a mistaken delivery of cattle grain laced with the antibiotic lasalodic in 1999. All the horses colicked and five died. Source: EQUUS, July 25, 2021. Link. Lasalodic and monensin are two common cattle-feed additives that are … [Read more...]
A buyers guide to horse halters
All halters perform the same basic function to provide a means of controlling horses' movements during handling. However, all halters don't serve all control needs equally well and there are hundreds to choose from. Joanne Meszoly reviews the types of halters and reminds us that the horse's safety and comfort come first, followed by a handler’s control and convenience. … [Read more...]
New thinking about cribbing
Also called wind sucking, cribbing is a stereotypy, a repetitive, compulsive activity that serves no purpose for a horse and it poses health risks. Current thinking is that an individual horse might have a genetic predisposition to crib, but the behavior isn’t triggered until he is subjected to stressors related to his lifestyle. Source: EQUUS, July 20, 2021. Link. Horses … [Read more...]
Medina Spirit’s treatment with canine antifungal could be behind doping findings
Opinion We’re sharing articles about the Kentucky Derby winner Medina Spirit. The horse allegedly tested positive for 21 picograms of betamethasone according to the Kentucky Horse Racing Commission. Medina Spirit’s dermatitis was treated with Merck OTOMAX® OTIC OINTMENT, consistent with a veterinarian's recommendation to apply this ointment daily to give the horse relief, … [Read more...]
4 things to do for horses before a weather emergency
Preparation can be the key to keeping your horses safe during a weather emergency or natural disaster says Jennifer Williams, PhD. Her list to be prepared includes: A list of farms that offer temporary stabling within 100 miles Ensuring you can catch, lead and load your horses so you don’t waste time Secure loose outdoor items so they don’t become projectiles in … [Read more...]
Spotting stress in horses in their eyes
Horses in challenging situations blink less often than horses who are calm, according to researchers at the University of Guelph. Visual clues are important in all species for animal owners and veterinary teams to ensure proper handling and safety for the animal and us. Source: EQUUS, October 22, 2020. Link. INSIGHTS: This is good information to share with new horse … [Read more...]
Know your NSAIDS for horses
EQUUS editors provide a crib sheet to show horse owners which non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs work best for specific types of discomfort in horses. Source: EQUUS, December 22, 2020. Link. The crib sheet is a rundown to which NSAIDs work best for different types of discomfort that your horse may experience. INSIGHTS: Concise, this article will fit well with social … [Read more...]
Make sure horses get enough water
We can’t assume horses will break through a thin layer of ice or be willing to drink water that contains chunks of ice. Some will not do either. The authors share three ways to reduce the risk of dehydration even in the coldest weather. Keep buckets and troughs ice-free Check all automated waterers daily Mix up some mashes Source: EQUUS, January 8, 2021. … [Read more...]
While late, horses still need a fall wellness exam
Winter is in full swing, but with all the confusion from Covid-19, not all horses received their normal exams. Christine Barakat, DVM, stresses the importance of comprehensive wellness exams to help prevent problems. She shares a partial list of the topics likely to be addressed in them and why. With mares foaling now, veterinarians receive calls to assist. Performing exams … [Read more...]
Confinement, feeding practices, lifestyle affect horse behaviors
There’s a lot to understand and consider when dealing with undesirable horse behaviors. New research from Brazil confirms the connection between confining a horse to a stall without sufficient food to keep him occupied and an increased likelihood of undesirable behaviors. Source: EQUUS, November 2, 2020. Link. If a horse develops unwanted behaviors, Ribeiro urges owners to … [Read more...]
Fall colors signal risks for horses
Fall leaves, especially red maple, can be toxic to horses, livestock and small ungulates. While we enjoy the colors and fall activities, a wind-cast limb from a maple could provide toxic leaves in the pasture. Toxins, especially those in red maple, damage the hemoglobin in horses’ red blood cells, so they can no longer carry oxygen. Affected cells may rupture, clogging the … [Read more...]
Keys to Leave no Trace trail riding
Randy Rasmussen outlines ways for trail riding groups to be environmentally responsible, especially in shared-use areas. He lists the following: Plan before proceeding Respect the environment Manage your horse’s manure Source: EQUUS, July 8, 2020. Link. INSIGHTS: Consider the number of youth groups that need volunteer hours as possible resources for beginning … [Read more...]
Managing heat stress in horses
Aubrey Moore reminds us that days with high temperature, plus high humidity put horses at the greatest risk for heat exhaustion. All horses are susceptible to overheating, regardless of their activity. . . . when in doubt, if you’re overheated, they’re overheated.” Source: The Horse Network, August 3, 2020. Link. The Fédération Équestre Internationale recommends continuous … [Read more...]
Horses: skin care, socialization and going swimming
Horse owners are inquisitive. They work hard to own and nurture horses for what may be relatively few days of riding enjoyment. The articles below help clear up some issues with aggression and ensure horses and riders enjoy time together. Sources: Why horses need social bonds, Horse Network, May 20, 2020. Link. Domestic horses spend more time in aggressive behavior and … [Read more...]
Choke in horses, a slow-motion disaster
Choke in horses is a blockage of the esophagus rather than the airway, writes Laurie Bonner. It occurs when a horse tries to ingest inadequately chewed feed or something he cannot swallow properly. Most instances of choke clear on their own but may be a sign of something that needs attention. Bonner shares reasons, risks and prevention tips that include having a veterinarian … [Read more...]
Deep slumber as important for horses as for people
We know that restorative sleep is important to equine health, but mostly leave it up to the horse, writes Kim Mariette. Environments such as bustling modern barns, modern equine facilities and even nearby construction can be disruptive and make it difficult for horses to get REM sleep. Source: EQUUS, May 28, 2019. Link. To achieve REM sleep a horse must lie down in either … [Read more...]
5 tips for better blanketing
Horses will appreciate their caregivers following this advice when selecting and using his blankets this winter: Check the fit of blankets each year Consider getting your horse “underwear” Multiple blankets? Mark them according to the appropriate conditions for their use If temperatures fluctuate, blanket for the anticipated high of the day Remove blankets … [Read more...]
Skip the bran and other winter horse feeding tips
Christine Barakat shares simple tips to keep horses happy and healthy when the weather turns cold. Even seasoned horse owners will appreciate these reminders, including the snow saucer tip for hauling hay. Source: EQUUS, November 25, 2019. Link. INSIGHTS: Consider this for social media, newsletters and targeted mailings to horse owners. … [Read more...]
Revisiting equine cellulitis
When a horse’s leg swells to double or triple the normal leg size overnight, owners and vets must take immediate action. Cellulitis, while common, can be frightening for owners. Having a veterinary professional respond quickly and decisively is critical to avoid further injury. Source: EQUUS, March 2016. Link. Caused by bacteria penetrating the dermis and multiplying in the … [Read more...]
Prepare horses and barns for winter
Winter is never the easiest season for horsekeepers, but with planning it doesn’t have to be particularly difficult, writes Christine Barakat. She offers tips on winter preparations that will benefit horses and owners. Source: EQUUS Extra. Link. Dehydration is the primary cause of impaction colic during winter months. . . be certain horses have access to fresh … [Read more...]
Baking soda and the horse barn
Baking soda? Yes, the common housecleaner has several uses in the horse barn, writes Christine Barakat: Scrub out water buckets and troughs Clean bits and metal stirrups Freshen horse’s laundry Deodorize drains Source: EQUUS, August 22, 2019. Link. INSIGHTS: We anticipate baking soda is useful in kennels and catteries, as well. Share the tip with horse and … [Read more...]
Bedding choices, hay treatments, plus ventilation critical for horse care
Bedding choices and hay treatments can reduce the risk of inflammatory airway disease (IAD) in horses according to a new study from Belgium. Switching to wood or paper bedding and steaming hay rations can cut down on the levels of fungi in a horse’s environment, reducing the risk of IAD. Adding to airway disease risks are air quality concerns. Optimal ventilation is critical … [Read more...]
Protect horses from lyme disease
Fall brings a fervent tick quest < link > that reinforces the need to limit horse exposure to ticks. There is no lyme vaccine approved for use in horses. However, some veterinarians have vaccinated horses with canine vaccine < link >. Laurie Bonner shares ways to reduce horse exposure to ticks including daily removal, pasture care and using tick repellent on … [Read more...]
Don’t forget the horses’ salt
Like shade and fresh water, salt is essential for horses, especially in hot weather. Salt is lost via their sweat and if it’s not replenished, an electrolyte imbalance may develop, leading to low blood pressure or even neurological or cardiovascular problems. This is good to use in social media, newsletters and discussions with horse owners. Source: EQUUS, July 25, 2019. … [Read more...]
Select the perfect horse shampoo
Fair and show season is well underway. Add challenging weather and it is likely that horses may experience skin issues. Eliza R. L. McGraw offers savvy considerations for horse shampoos and bathing. The article is a good resource for use in social media, newsletters and with horse owners seeking the best product for their animals. Source: EQUUS, April 25, 2005. Link. … [Read more...]
Leg “crud;” skin conditions on horses’ legs
Christine Barakat writes about equine leg crud with help from Melinda Freckleton, DVM. The questions they review can help horse owners hone in on what might be causing scabs and crusting. Several different skin conditions can lead to scabbing and crusting on a horse’s lower limbs. Source: EQUUS, September 3, 2017. Link. … [Read more...]
Protect horses from eye injuries
Protecting horses from injuries and illness will also help keep his eyes safe, writes Karen Elizabeth Baril. She reviews potential eye hazards, signs of eye troubles and equine eye emergencies. Equine eye injuries always warrant a call to your veterinarian - Alyssa Warneke, DVM Source: EQUUS, April 1, 2019. Link. Basil shares some of the most common equine eye injuries: … [Read more...]
Equine beauty products, Pop quiz!
Some horse owners may spend more on their horses’ hair-care products than their own. Take this quiz to help them spend their money more wisely and still have a comely, clean horse. Source: EQUUS, May 15, 2019. Link. INSIGHTS: The quiz covers 4 areas that salespersons can use to position the products in their portfolios: Suds and cleaning power How brightening … [Read more...]
Be watchful for rain rot on horses
With record rainfall across much of the country, horses may get rain rot. Its signs are unmistakable: After coming in from the rain, the horse's coat begins to stand up in a peculiar pattern, either bordered by the "drip line" of rain runoff or in patches Beginning to smooth it down, you feel a radiating heat and the horse flinches from the touch By the next day, … [Read more...]