Thehorse.com - Full Article
By Christa Lesté-Lasserre, MA
Aug 30, 2014
A second horse has died during the Fédération Equestre Internationale (FEI) Alltech World Equestrian Games (WEG) in Normandy, France. Two days after an endurance horse died during the race, eventing mount Wild Lone, ridden by Harry Meade (GBR), died at the Haras du Pin cross-country course.
The 13-year-old Irish Sport Horse gelding had just completed a clear round on Saturday afternoon when he collapsed, the FEI stated...
Read more here:
http://www.thehorse.com/articles/34472/british-event-horse-wild-lone-dies-after-weg-cross-country
Saturday, August 30, 2014
Wednesday, August 27, 2014
Beet Pulp: A Super Source of Fiber for Horses
KER.Equinews.com - Full Article
By Kentucky Equine Research Staff · July 17, 2014
A byproduct of the sugar industry, beet pulp is the fibrous portion of the sugar beet that remains after the sugar has been extracted. This material is dehydrated and shredded before being sold as a livestock feed. Known as a “super-fiber” because it provides both fiber and a higher level of energy than most forages, it is easily digested by horses, somewhat more so than many types of hay. Plain beet pulp contains very little sugar, and therefore few calories, though beet pulp with molasses contains an appreciable amount of sugar.
Any horse can be given beet pulp as part of the diet, but it is especially suitable for horses with several specific conditions. For insulin-resistant horses, beet pulp is a good choice because it does not cause a significant glycemic response as it is being digested. Despite its low-carbohydrate status, it can help put weight on some thin horses through the energy that is released when it is fermented in the hindgut. If hay is in short supply, beet pulp can be used as an alternate fiber source to replace some dietary roughage...
Read more here:
http://ker.equinews.com/article/beet-pulp-super-source-fiber-horses?utm_source=KER+Newsletter&utm_campaign=fe78d69753-ker-horse-nutri-kentucky-equine-07_30_2014&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_0d95781dfc-fe78d69753-11166
By Kentucky Equine Research Staff · July 17, 2014
A byproduct of the sugar industry, beet pulp is the fibrous portion of the sugar beet that remains after the sugar has been extracted. This material is dehydrated and shredded before being sold as a livestock feed. Known as a “super-fiber” because it provides both fiber and a higher level of energy than most forages, it is easily digested by horses, somewhat more so than many types of hay. Plain beet pulp contains very little sugar, and therefore few calories, though beet pulp with molasses contains an appreciable amount of sugar.
Any horse can be given beet pulp as part of the diet, but it is especially suitable for horses with several specific conditions. For insulin-resistant horses, beet pulp is a good choice because it does not cause a significant glycemic response as it is being digested. Despite its low-carbohydrate status, it can help put weight on some thin horses through the energy that is released when it is fermented in the hindgut. If hay is in short supply, beet pulp can be used as an alternate fiber source to replace some dietary roughage...
Read more here:
http://ker.equinews.com/article/beet-pulp-super-source-fiber-horses?utm_source=KER+Newsletter&utm_campaign=fe78d69753-ker-horse-nutri-kentucky-equine-07_30_2014&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_0d95781dfc-fe78d69753-11166
Tuesday, August 26, 2014
Developing the Sport Horse: Part 2 the importance of hydration
Equineguelph.ca - Full Article
August 2014
Story by: Dr. Brianne Henderson
As we move through the height of our summer competition season, it is not uncommon to have multiple days of severe heat and humidity – the days when you sweat standing still. Heat and humidity can be harder on your horse than it is on you. Most of us have worked to motivate a sluggish horse through the final jump off or day 3 of a competition but why does it happen?
Was our training off the mark? Perhaps they need a different energy source in their feed? Or was it that energy zapping heat and humidity? In the next few pages we will take a close look at the role of sweating in the horses’ ability to cool and how extreme heat and humidity can affect their ability to perform.
What happens to horses while exercising in the heat?
As the horse begins to work, heat is produced as a by-product of muscle contraction at a 4:1 ratio! As the body temperature climbs and adrenaline levels increase, sweat glands respond by producing a hypertonic (highly concentrated) salt solution that coats the hair. Under normal circumstances horses cool by evaporative cooling and convection. The movement of air over their body is paramount to both of these mechanisms...
Read more here:
http://equineguelph.ca/news/index.php?content=419
August 2014
Story by: Dr. Brianne Henderson
As we move through the height of our summer competition season, it is not uncommon to have multiple days of severe heat and humidity – the days when you sweat standing still. Heat and humidity can be harder on your horse than it is on you. Most of us have worked to motivate a sluggish horse through the final jump off or day 3 of a competition but why does it happen?
Was our training off the mark? Perhaps they need a different energy source in their feed? Or was it that energy zapping heat and humidity? In the next few pages we will take a close look at the role of sweating in the horses’ ability to cool and how extreme heat and humidity can affect their ability to perform.
What happens to horses while exercising in the heat?
As the horse begins to work, heat is produced as a by-product of muscle contraction at a 4:1 ratio! As the body temperature climbs and adrenaline levels increase, sweat glands respond by producing a hypertonic (highly concentrated) salt solution that coats the hair. Under normal circumstances horses cool by evaporative cooling and convection. The movement of air over their body is paramount to both of these mechanisms...
Read more here:
http://equineguelph.ca/news/index.php?content=419
Sunday, August 24, 2014
Feeding Hay to Horses: Dry, Dampened, Soaked, or Steamed?
KER.equinews.com - Full Article
By Kentucky Equine Research Staff · July 16, 2014
Are you confused about how to feed hay to your horses? If so, you’re not alone. Feeding hay used to be as simple as opening the stall door and tossing in a couple of flakes, but now there are other ways to provide this dietary staple.
Feeding dry hay. This choice is fine for most horses. Feeding hay from the ground, whether in a stall or in the pasture, allows the horse to carry its head and neck in the most natural way while feeding. Owners can also use a haynet to keep hay off the floor, or a slow-feed web or bin to stretch out the time hay is available. These options are all useful when feeding dry hay.
Feeding dampened hay. Dipping the flakes or full haynet into a large container of water and pulling it right out will dampen the hay enough to get rid of some dust and fine particles. This could be done for any horse, but is most helpful for hay that will be fed to horses riding in a trailer or for horses with mild heaves or airway irritation. Quickly dipping the hay won’t remove carbohydrates or minerals, so the nutrient profile will not change. The only change is that there won’t be as much dust floating around to irritate eyes and respiratory passages as the horse eats. On a warm day, dampened hay that is not eaten within a few hours may begin to mold. Feed small amounts at a time and remove damp hay that has not been consumed to avoid this problem...
Read more here:
http://ker.equinews.com/article/feeding-hay-horses-dry-dampened-soaked-or-steamed?utm_source=KER+Newsletter&utm_campaign=fe78d69753-ker-horse-nutri-kentucky-equine-07_30_2014&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_0d95781dfc-fe78d69753-11166
By Kentucky Equine Research Staff · July 16, 2014
Are you confused about how to feed hay to your horses? If so, you’re not alone. Feeding hay used to be as simple as opening the stall door and tossing in a couple of flakes, but now there are other ways to provide this dietary staple.
Feeding dry hay. This choice is fine for most horses. Feeding hay from the ground, whether in a stall or in the pasture, allows the horse to carry its head and neck in the most natural way while feeding. Owners can also use a haynet to keep hay off the floor, or a slow-feed web or bin to stretch out the time hay is available. These options are all useful when feeding dry hay.
Feeding dampened hay. Dipping the flakes or full haynet into a large container of water and pulling it right out will dampen the hay enough to get rid of some dust and fine particles. This could be done for any horse, but is most helpful for hay that will be fed to horses riding in a trailer or for horses with mild heaves or airway irritation. Quickly dipping the hay won’t remove carbohydrates or minerals, so the nutrient profile will not change. The only change is that there won’t be as much dust floating around to irritate eyes and respiratory passages as the horse eats. On a warm day, dampened hay that is not eaten within a few hours may begin to mold. Feed small amounts at a time and remove damp hay that has not been consumed to avoid this problem...
Read more here:
http://ker.equinews.com/article/feeding-hay-horses-dry-dampened-soaked-or-steamed?utm_source=KER+Newsletter&utm_campaign=fe78d69753-ker-horse-nutri-kentucky-equine-07_30_2014&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_0d95781dfc-fe78d69753-11166
Saturday, August 23, 2014
Back Country Horsemen of America Helps Restore Trail after Forest Fire
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 22, 2014
By Sarah Wynne Jackson
Every trail has a history, and Back Country Horsemen of America defends our right to be a part of it from the back of a horse, the way our ancestors were. The Duckabush Trail tells a story of sustained hard work, needless calamity, and the progress that can be accomplished when people from different walks of life work together toward a specific goal. Back Country Horsemen of America is pleased to play a major part in this tale, from start to finish.
Annual Improvement
The Duckabush Trail starts in Olympic National Forest, about a 20-mile drive from Quilcene, Washington. It follows a remote stretch of the Duckabush River, crossing the Brothers Wilderness, then entering Olympic National Park from the east. The trail is easy except for the section that traverses Big Hump, where the grade is steep with a loose rock tread. Travelers must negotiate tight switchbacks threaded along high cliffs and deep drop-offs.
Every year, as Back Country Horsemen of Washington Peninsula Chapter assisted the Washington Trails Association with spring maintenance, the two groups frequently found ways to make stock travel safer along this trail. Areas around dangerous rocks were grubbed back to open more surface to walk on, trees were removed to make safer access to cliff-side trails, and dangerous water crossings were altered to reduce risk. In accordance with nationwide Wilderness regulations, no motorized vehicles or equipment was used; pack horses and mules hauled in the necessary gear and workers used hand tools instead of power tools.
Up In Flames
In September 2011, that hard work was nearly ruined by a careless visitor who failed to fully extinguish a campfire. At first, the flames only reached a few acres, but warm days of low humidity allowed them to flair and spread. The deep buildup of dry needles, leaves, and brush that naturally collects on the forest floor provided ample fuel. The wildfire burned the majestic Douglas fir, hemlock, and red cedar second-growth and old-growth trees that contribute to the stunning beauty of the Brothers Wilderness.
Within days, the fire was visible from Seattle, about 35 miles away. As many as 165 firefighting personnel battled the fire and helicopters drew water from area lakes and rivers to drop on the blaze. The steep, inaccessible terrain prevented firefighters from entering the Big Hump area, hindering their efforts on the ground. Finally, cooler daytime temperatures and a steady light rain contained and eventually smothered the fire, but not before it had incinerated 1,250 acres of protected land.
Walking on the Moon
One Back Country Horsemen of Washington member likened the landscape to stepping onto the moon. Charred trees littered the ground like pick-up-sticks, while others still stood precariously. Ashes and soot blanketed the forest floor. Organic material on the ground acts as mortar, holding rocks and gravel in place, but once it burned, gaps and crevasses opened up, making the already rugged area even more perilous. That vegetation also retains rainwater, releasing it slowly into the forest. Without it, water erodes the soil, creating holes and gullies.
Dirty Work
Although the difficulty of the terrain and the immensity of the project might have caused others to abandon the trail, the Peninsula Chapter of Back Country Horsemen of Washington attacked it with determination. They were there from the start of the restoration project, hauling in tools and supplies on their pack horses and mules for the US Forest Service Fire Crew to cut open the trail and remove the hazardous downed trees. The same hard working BCHW members and their pack stock then supported the Washington Trail Association workers who continued clearing the downfall and repaired the trail tread damage.
After nearly a year of effort, Duckabush Trail was re-opened in July 2012. Despite the long days, rough terrain, and challenge of soot and charcoal irritating noses and eyes, the trail has not only been restored, it has been even further improved. Some tight switchbacks required a horse to stop with its head over a precipice, then sidestep to negotiate the hairpin turn. These have been widened, allowing more natural and safe travel for saddle and pack stock.
An Avoidable Disaster
The Big Hump Fire is just one example proving the value of Leave No Trace Outdoor Ethics, which clearly state that campfires must be put out completely. Back Country Horsemen of America enthusiastically follows LNT principles and takes a leading role in educating others about the importance of responsible recreation. Government agencies and volunteer organizations oversee the care of our public lands, but protecting them is our job as individuals. Back Country Horsemen of America encourages horsemen and women to step out to the forefront in spreading the word about responsible recreation.
About Back Country Horsemen of America
BCHA is a non-profit corporation made up of state organizations, affiliates, and at-large members. Their efforts have brought about positive changes regarding the use of horses and stock in wilderness and public lands.
If you want to know more about Back Country Horsemen of America or become a member, visit their website: www.backcountryhorse.com; call 888-893-5161; or write PO Box 1367, Graham, WA 98338-1367. The future of horse use on public lands is in our hands!
Peg Greiwe
Peg@backcountryhorse.com
www.backcountryhorse.com
888-893-5161
August 22, 2014
By Sarah Wynne Jackson
Every trail has a history, and Back Country Horsemen of America defends our right to be a part of it from the back of a horse, the way our ancestors were. The Duckabush Trail tells a story of sustained hard work, needless calamity, and the progress that can be accomplished when people from different walks of life work together toward a specific goal. Back Country Horsemen of America is pleased to play a major part in this tale, from start to finish.
Annual Improvement
The Duckabush Trail starts in Olympic National Forest, about a 20-mile drive from Quilcene, Washington. It follows a remote stretch of the Duckabush River, crossing the Brothers Wilderness, then entering Olympic National Park from the east. The trail is easy except for the section that traverses Big Hump, where the grade is steep with a loose rock tread. Travelers must negotiate tight switchbacks threaded along high cliffs and deep drop-offs.
Every year, as Back Country Horsemen of Washington Peninsula Chapter assisted the Washington Trails Association with spring maintenance, the two groups frequently found ways to make stock travel safer along this trail. Areas around dangerous rocks were grubbed back to open more surface to walk on, trees were removed to make safer access to cliff-side trails, and dangerous water crossings were altered to reduce risk. In accordance with nationwide Wilderness regulations, no motorized vehicles or equipment was used; pack horses and mules hauled in the necessary gear and workers used hand tools instead of power tools.
Up In Flames
In September 2011, that hard work was nearly ruined by a careless visitor who failed to fully extinguish a campfire. At first, the flames only reached a few acres, but warm days of low humidity allowed them to flair and spread. The deep buildup of dry needles, leaves, and brush that naturally collects on the forest floor provided ample fuel. The wildfire burned the majestic Douglas fir, hemlock, and red cedar second-growth and old-growth trees that contribute to the stunning beauty of the Brothers Wilderness.
Within days, the fire was visible from Seattle, about 35 miles away. As many as 165 firefighting personnel battled the fire and helicopters drew water from area lakes and rivers to drop on the blaze. The steep, inaccessible terrain prevented firefighters from entering the Big Hump area, hindering their efforts on the ground. Finally, cooler daytime temperatures and a steady light rain contained and eventually smothered the fire, but not before it had incinerated 1,250 acres of protected land.
Walking on the Moon
One Back Country Horsemen of Washington member likened the landscape to stepping onto the moon. Charred trees littered the ground like pick-up-sticks, while others still stood precariously. Ashes and soot blanketed the forest floor. Organic material on the ground acts as mortar, holding rocks and gravel in place, but once it burned, gaps and crevasses opened up, making the already rugged area even more perilous. That vegetation also retains rainwater, releasing it slowly into the forest. Without it, water erodes the soil, creating holes and gullies.
Dirty Work
Although the difficulty of the terrain and the immensity of the project might have caused others to abandon the trail, the Peninsula Chapter of Back Country Horsemen of Washington attacked it with determination. They were there from the start of the restoration project, hauling in tools and supplies on their pack horses and mules for the US Forest Service Fire Crew to cut open the trail and remove the hazardous downed trees. The same hard working BCHW members and their pack stock then supported the Washington Trail Association workers who continued clearing the downfall and repaired the trail tread damage.
After nearly a year of effort, Duckabush Trail was re-opened in July 2012. Despite the long days, rough terrain, and challenge of soot and charcoal irritating noses and eyes, the trail has not only been restored, it has been even further improved. Some tight switchbacks required a horse to stop with its head over a precipice, then sidestep to negotiate the hairpin turn. These have been widened, allowing more natural and safe travel for saddle and pack stock.
An Avoidable Disaster
The Big Hump Fire is just one example proving the value of Leave No Trace Outdoor Ethics, which clearly state that campfires must be put out completely. Back Country Horsemen of America enthusiastically follows LNT principles and takes a leading role in educating others about the importance of responsible recreation. Government agencies and volunteer organizations oversee the care of our public lands, but protecting them is our job as individuals. Back Country Horsemen of America encourages horsemen and women to step out to the forefront in spreading the word about responsible recreation.
About Back Country Horsemen of America
BCHA is a non-profit corporation made up of state organizations, affiliates, and at-large members. Their efforts have brought about positive changes regarding the use of horses and stock in wilderness and public lands.
If you want to know more about Back Country Horsemen of America or become a member, visit their website: www.backcountryhorse.com; call 888-893-5161; or write PO Box 1367, Graham, WA 98338-1367. The future of horse use on public lands is in our hands!
Peg Greiwe
Peg@backcountryhorse.com
www.backcountryhorse.com
888-893-5161
Thursday, August 21, 2014
Developing the Sport Horse: The Importance of Hydration
Thehorse.com - Full Article
By Equine Guelph Aug 20, 2014
As we move through the height of our summer competition season, it is not uncommon to have multiple days of severe heat and humidity—you know, the days when you sweat standing still.
But heat and humidity can be harder on your horse than it is on you. Most of us have worked to motivate a sluggish horse through the final jump off or Day 3 of a competition, but why does this happen? Was our training off the mark? Perhaps they need a different energy source in their feed? Or was it that energy-zapping heat and humidity? Let's take a close look at the role of sweating in the horses' ability to cool and how extreme heat and humidity can affect their ability to perform...
Read more here:
http://www.thehorse.com/articles/34410/developing-the-sport-horse-the-importance-of-hydration
By Equine Guelph Aug 20, 2014
As we move through the height of our summer competition season, it is not uncommon to have multiple days of severe heat and humidity—you know, the days when you sweat standing still.
But heat and humidity can be harder on your horse than it is on you. Most of us have worked to motivate a sluggish horse through the final jump off or Day 3 of a competition, but why does this happen? Was our training off the mark? Perhaps they need a different energy source in their feed? Or was it that energy-zapping heat and humidity? Let's take a close look at the role of sweating in the horses' ability to cool and how extreme heat and humidity can affect their ability to perform...
Read more here:
http://www.thehorse.com/articles/34410/developing-the-sport-horse-the-importance-of-hydration
Cross training important for the mind and body of sport horses
Horsetalk.co.nz - Full Article
By Contributor on Aug 21, 2014
Horse owners should not gloss over the importance of mental stimulation in the training of horses, suggests Dr Brianne Henderson, of Ferguson Equine Veterinary Services and Toronto Equine Hospital. In the first part of a series exploring developing the sport horse, she discusses the important benefits of cross training.
Cross training, a strategy commonly used by humans athletes, can deliver the same crucial advantages to sport horses.
As our expectations for our equine partners increase, so should our knowledge of injury prevention and our understanding of the psychology of the equine athlete...
Read more here:
http://horsetalk.co.nz/2014/08/21/cross-training-important-mind-body-sport-horses/#ixzz3B2PIUzhx
By Contributor on Aug 21, 2014
Horse owners should not gloss over the importance of mental stimulation in the training of horses, suggests Dr Brianne Henderson, of Ferguson Equine Veterinary Services and Toronto Equine Hospital. In the first part of a series exploring developing the sport horse, she discusses the important benefits of cross training.
Cross training, a strategy commonly used by humans athletes, can deliver the same crucial advantages to sport horses.
As our expectations for our equine partners increase, so should our knowledge of injury prevention and our understanding of the psychology of the equine athlete...
Read more here:
http://horsetalk.co.nz/2014/08/21/cross-training-important-mind-body-sport-horses/#ixzz3B2PIUzhx
Wednesday, August 20, 2014
Feed Palatability: Horses Select Desirable Nutrients
KER.Equinews.com - Full Article
By Kentucky Equine Research Staff · July 22, 2014
Many people know to avoid certain foods, remembering previous times of gastric distress. That’s one of the perils of being a monogastric animal with a simple stomach. Horses are also monogastrics; however, they are hindgut fermenters and have long gut transit times. This means that establishing a link between what they eat and whether or not it “agrees” with them is far more challenging than in humans.
It is equally difficult to determine what horses like to eat, but having that information is an important step in establishing an animal’s nutritional requirements and how to properly formulate and present equine feeds.
According to a recent study*, horses do have specific “tastes.” Researchers found horses in the study preferred to eat either a protein-rich or carbohydrate-rich diet rather than diets fortified with fat. The authors discussed a number of interesting facts about how horses select their feed and the consequences of food preference:...
Read more here:
http://ker.equinews.com/article/feed-palatability-horses-select-desirable-nutrients?utm_source=KER+Newsletter&utm_campaign=b268f32d96-ker-horse-nutri-kentucky-equine-08_06_2014&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_0d95781dfc-b268f32d96-11166
By Kentucky Equine Research Staff · July 22, 2014
Many people know to avoid certain foods, remembering previous times of gastric distress. That’s one of the perils of being a monogastric animal with a simple stomach. Horses are also monogastrics; however, they are hindgut fermenters and have long gut transit times. This means that establishing a link between what they eat and whether or not it “agrees” with them is far more challenging than in humans.
It is equally difficult to determine what horses like to eat, but having that information is an important step in establishing an animal’s nutritional requirements and how to properly formulate and present equine feeds.
According to a recent study*, horses do have specific “tastes.” Researchers found horses in the study preferred to eat either a protein-rich or carbohydrate-rich diet rather than diets fortified with fat. The authors discussed a number of interesting facts about how horses select their feed and the consequences of food preference:...
Read more here:
http://ker.equinews.com/article/feed-palatability-horses-select-desirable-nutrients?utm_source=KER+Newsletter&utm_campaign=b268f32d96-ker-horse-nutri-kentucky-equine-08_06_2014&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_0d95781dfc-b268f32d96-11166
Wednesday, August 06, 2014
Lightning Strike Kills Mississippi Rider, Horse
Thehorse.com - Full Article
By Pat Raia
Jul 15, 2014
Officials in Mississippi say a cloud to ground lightning strike is to blame for the death of a rider and her horse last week.
Clarke County Emergency Management Agency Director Eddie Ivy said emergency personnel responded to a 911 call about a lightning strike in Clarke County on July 11. Upon arrival, emergency personnel learned that 23-year-old Shannon Mosley had been riding her horse when lightning struck the pair, he said...
Read more here:
http://www.thehorse.com/articles/34202/lightning-strike-kills-mississippi-rider-horse?utm_source=Newsletter&utm_medium=welfare-industry&utm_campaign=07-17-2014
By Pat Raia
Jul 15, 2014
Officials in Mississippi say a cloud to ground lightning strike is to blame for the death of a rider and her horse last week.
Clarke County Emergency Management Agency Director Eddie Ivy said emergency personnel responded to a 911 call about a lightning strike in Clarke County on July 11. Upon arrival, emergency personnel learned that 23-year-old Shannon Mosley had been riding her horse when lightning struck the pair, he said...
Read more here:
http://www.thehorse.com/articles/34202/lightning-strike-kills-mississippi-rider-horse?utm_source=Newsletter&utm_medium=welfare-industry&utm_campaign=07-17-2014
Monday, August 04, 2014
Recovering from Colic Surgery
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
July 29, 2014
www.GettyEquineNutrition.com
Recovering from Colic Surgery – Feeding and Nutrition Advice from Dr. Juliet M. Getty
Surgery is one of those necessary evils. It helps your horse overcome whatever is ailing him, yet at the same time, it can give him a new list of concerns and ailments – pain, inflammation, risk of infection, and suppressed immune function due to the hormonal changes that arise from enduring physical and mental stress.
Recovery from colic surgery is particularly challenging because the very route of nutrition – the digestive tract – is impaired. Things that your horse normally would eat, such as hay, may cause further harm. Surgery to the digestive tract leads to a decline in motility. Therefore, feed has to be gradually re-introduced, with small, frequent feedings of highly digestible feedstuffs, such as:
• Fresh pasture. Pasture has less bulk and is more digestible than hay.
• Alfalfa leaves. Alfalfa leaves offer protein and are well-tolerated in most cases.
• Complete feed pellets. Pellets can be moistened and are fortified with vitamins and minerals.
• Psyllium and beet pulp. Both offer water-soluble fiber.
Nutrient supplementation will make a difference. Some important guidelines:
• Avoid soybean or corn oils. These are high in inflammatory omega-6 fatty acids. While inflammation has a role in healing, too much can create further damage, lengthen healing time, and cause excess pain.
• Offer two sources of anti-inflammatory omega 3s – plant and fish oils. Ground flaxseed and chia seeds are balanced in their omega 3 to omega 6 content and contain the essential, alpha linolenic acid (ALA); fish oils contain eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). EPA and DHA can be made by the body from ALA, but adding extra will serve to aggressively reduce inflammation.
• Provide high quality protein for tissue repair. Grass hay does not provide all of the necessary amino acids. Supplement with alfalfa, or provide a protein supplement.
• Add vitamins C and E as well as the herbs, Curcumin and Boswellia. These are potent antioxidants, neutralizing damaging free radicals, thereby reducing inflammation and pain. This improves immune function, paving the way for recovery. Vitamin E also helps inhibit formation of adhesions.
• Supplement B vitamins. These are necessary for rebuilding healthy tissue. It’s best to offer a B-complex preparation.
• Add a probiotic. Antibiotics kill harmful bacteria, as well as beneficial hindgut bacteria. Offer a probiotic that contains billions (not millions) of colony forming units (CFUs).
Knowing what caused the colic problem will help avoid another episode. Colic can be prevented. Free-choice forage, eliminating cereal grains, movement (avoiding confinement to a stall), and stress reduction will go a long way toward keeping your horse healthy.
Permission to reprint this article commercially is granted, provided prior notice is given to Dr. Getty at gettyequinenutrition@gmail.com. No editorial changes may be made without her approval. Dr. Getty appreciates being informed when and where reprints are published.
Juliet M. Getty, Ph.D. is an internationally respected, independent equine nutritionist who believes that optimizing horse health comes from understanding how the horse’s physiology and instincts determine the correct feeding and nutrition practices. She is available for private consultations and speaking engagements.
Dr. Getty’s comprehensive resource book, Feed Your Horse Like a Horse, is available at Dr. Getty’s website, www.gettyequinenutrition.com, as well as from Amazon (www.Amazon.com) and other online book retailers. The seven separate volumes in Dr. Getty’s topic-centered “Spotlight on Equine Nutrition” series are also available at her website, where Dr. Getty offers special package pricing, and from Amazon (in print and Kindle versions) and from other online retailers.
Dr. Getty’s website, www.gettyequinenutrition.com, offers a generous stock of free, useful information for the horseperson. Sign up for her free monthly newsletter, Forage for Thought; browse her library of reference articles; search her nutrition forum; and purchase recordings of her educational teleseminars. Plus, for the growing community of horse owners and managers who allow their horses free choice forage feeding, Dr. Getty has set up a special forum as a place for support, celebrations, congratulations, and idea sharing. Share your experiences at jmgetty.blogspot.com. Reach Dr. Getty directly at gettyequinenutrition@gmail.com.
July 29, 2014
www.GettyEquineNutrition.com
Recovering from Colic Surgery – Feeding and Nutrition Advice from Dr. Juliet M. Getty
Surgery is one of those necessary evils. It helps your horse overcome whatever is ailing him, yet at the same time, it can give him a new list of concerns and ailments – pain, inflammation, risk of infection, and suppressed immune function due to the hormonal changes that arise from enduring physical and mental stress.
Recovery from colic surgery is particularly challenging because the very route of nutrition – the digestive tract – is impaired. Things that your horse normally would eat, such as hay, may cause further harm. Surgery to the digestive tract leads to a decline in motility. Therefore, feed has to be gradually re-introduced, with small, frequent feedings of highly digestible feedstuffs, such as:
• Fresh pasture. Pasture has less bulk and is more digestible than hay.
• Alfalfa leaves. Alfalfa leaves offer protein and are well-tolerated in most cases.
• Complete feed pellets. Pellets can be moistened and are fortified with vitamins and minerals.
• Psyllium and beet pulp. Both offer water-soluble fiber.
Nutrient supplementation will make a difference. Some important guidelines:
• Avoid soybean or corn oils. These are high in inflammatory omega-6 fatty acids. While inflammation has a role in healing, too much can create further damage, lengthen healing time, and cause excess pain.
• Offer two sources of anti-inflammatory omega 3s – plant and fish oils. Ground flaxseed and chia seeds are balanced in their omega 3 to omega 6 content and contain the essential, alpha linolenic acid (ALA); fish oils contain eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). EPA and DHA can be made by the body from ALA, but adding extra will serve to aggressively reduce inflammation.
• Provide high quality protein for tissue repair. Grass hay does not provide all of the necessary amino acids. Supplement with alfalfa, or provide a protein supplement.
• Add vitamins C and E as well as the herbs, Curcumin and Boswellia. These are potent antioxidants, neutralizing damaging free radicals, thereby reducing inflammation and pain. This improves immune function, paving the way for recovery. Vitamin E also helps inhibit formation of adhesions.
• Supplement B vitamins. These are necessary for rebuilding healthy tissue. It’s best to offer a B-complex preparation.
• Add a probiotic. Antibiotics kill harmful bacteria, as well as beneficial hindgut bacteria. Offer a probiotic that contains billions (not millions) of colony forming units (CFUs).
Knowing what caused the colic problem will help avoid another episode. Colic can be prevented. Free-choice forage, eliminating cereal grains, movement (avoiding confinement to a stall), and stress reduction will go a long way toward keeping your horse healthy.
Permission to reprint this article commercially is granted, provided prior notice is given to Dr. Getty at gettyequinenutrition@gmail.com. No editorial changes may be made without her approval. Dr. Getty appreciates being informed when and where reprints are published.
Juliet M. Getty, Ph.D. is an internationally respected, independent equine nutritionist who believes that optimizing horse health comes from understanding how the horse’s physiology and instincts determine the correct feeding and nutrition practices. She is available for private consultations and speaking engagements.
Dr. Getty’s comprehensive resource book, Feed Your Horse Like a Horse, is available at Dr. Getty’s website, www.gettyequinenutrition.com, as well as from Amazon (www.Amazon.com) and other online book retailers. The seven separate volumes in Dr. Getty’s topic-centered “Spotlight on Equine Nutrition” series are also available at her website, where Dr. Getty offers special package pricing, and from Amazon (in print and Kindle versions) and from other online retailers.
Dr. Getty’s website, www.gettyequinenutrition.com, offers a generous stock of free, useful information for the horseperson. Sign up for her free monthly newsletter, Forage for Thought; browse her library of reference articles; search her nutrition forum; and purchase recordings of her educational teleseminars. Plus, for the growing community of horse owners and managers who allow their horses free choice forage feeding, Dr. Getty has set up a special forum as a place for support, celebrations, congratulations, and idea sharing. Share your experiences at jmgetty.blogspot.com. Reach Dr. Getty directly at gettyequinenutrition@gmail.com.
Back Country Horsemen of America Helps Girl Scouts Earn Merit Badges
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
July 31, 2014
by Sarah Wynne Jackson
Back Country Horsemen of America protects our right to ride horses on public lands through a wide range of projects across the nation. Some of their favorites include passing on their hard-earned equestrian and wilderness skills to others, especially young people. BCH folks understand that our children will continue our quest to keep trails open for horse use while practicing responsible recreation.
Assisting Youth and the Back Country, at the Same Time
The Mesa Verde Chapter of Back Country Horsemen of Colorado, based in Cortez, performs trail work to help maintain some of the trails in the San Juan National Forest and on BLM lands. They often work with other groups, such as the San Juan Mountain Association, in preserving the public’s access to these wild lands.
Along with other members of the Mesa Verde Chapter, Latifia “Tif” Rodriguez, a MVBCH Director and State Representative, established a program for teaching their local Girl Scout Troop 1192, based in Dolores, about responsible recreation while giving them an opportunity to earn their Camping Badges.
Learning and Doing
The program began with a trip to the local Public Lands Office, where the girls studied maps of the region and learned the importance of knowing about the area in which we live. Chapter member Kathe Hayes is a Leave No Trace Master Educator and spoke about Leave No Trace outdoor ethics and passed out LNT reference cards. Bill Vicary, Head of the MVBCH Trails Committee, taught the troop how to tie a variety of knots useful for packing and camping. The Girl Scouts also learned how to build a safe mound fire and cook in the back country using lightweight packing stoves.
Finally, they put those lessons to good use on an overnight campout at Transfer Campground in the San Juan National Forest. They pitched their own tents and cooked one-pot meals over a campfire they had built themselves. The next morning, the troop hiked the Big Al interpretive trail, picking up trash. Following Leave No Trace principles along the way, they made sure the campfire was completely extinguished and left their campsite cleaner than they found it.
Despite some rain, thunder, and a terrific lightning show, the Girl Scouts enjoyed themselves, even with a 24-hour no electronics blackout period. The girls earned their Junior Camping Badges, along with four other patches for Leave No Trace Outdoor Ethics, Knot Tying, Cooking, and Campfire Safety.
Taking the Initiative
Inspired by her mother, Tif’s daughter Madison created a project of her own to earn her Bronze Award, the highest honor a Junior Girl Scout can earn. She and two other Girl Scouts volunteered 20 hours each at various public multi-use areas, trails, and dispersed campsites in the Four Corners vicinity. They hauled out 250 pounds of trash, recycled the metal and glass, and made sure the trash made it to the landfill. During the project they also mentored a younger Daisy Girl Scout.
Keeping a Good Thing Going
The Mesa Verde Chapter of Back Country Horsemen of Colorado has plans to expand this very successful program. Their next step is to help older Cadette Girl Scouts earn the more advanced Trailblazing Badge, which requires them to learn adequate outdoor skills to safely stay at least one night at a backwoods or primitive site. MVBCH has purchased a variety of equipment for each participant, including maps from the local Public Lands Office and the San Juan Mountains Association, mess kits, survival whistles, and compasses. Some of the girls would not otherwise have the opportunity to own these items.
Making a Difference
A grant from the Back Country Horsemen of America Education Foundation made this project possible. This nonprofit 501 (c)(3) corporation provides financial support for qualified programs that meet the BCHA Education Foundation’s specific objectives and purposes: to promote education programs that benefit the horse and other stock users, and to promote cooperative interaction with other user groups regarding safety, care, and the protection of our back country resource. Although a number of grants go to youth programs, the Education Foundation supports of a wide array of public interests.
While educating girls about responsible recreation and instilling in them a love and respect for America’s wild places, the Mesa Verde Chapter of Back Country Horsemen of Colorado also cleaned up Narraguinnep Reservoir State Wildlife Area, Scotch Creek Trail, and a number of dispersed campsites in the town of Dolores, on the San Juan National Forest.
About Back Country Horsemen of America
BCHA is a non-profit corporation made up of state organizations, affiliates, and at-large members. Their efforts have brought about positive changes regarding the use of horses and stock in wilderness and public lands.
If you want to know more about Back Country Horsemen of America or become a member, visit their website: www.backcountryhorse.com; call 888-893-5161; or write PO Box 1367, Graham, WA 98338-1367. The future of horse use on public lands is in our hands!
Peg Greiwe
Back Country Horsemen of America
peg@backcountryhorse.com
July 31, 2014
by Sarah Wynne Jackson
Back Country Horsemen of America protects our right to ride horses on public lands through a wide range of projects across the nation. Some of their favorites include passing on their hard-earned equestrian and wilderness skills to others, especially young people. BCH folks understand that our children will continue our quest to keep trails open for horse use while practicing responsible recreation.
Assisting Youth and the Back Country, at the Same Time
The Mesa Verde Chapter of Back Country Horsemen of Colorado, based in Cortez, performs trail work to help maintain some of the trails in the San Juan National Forest and on BLM lands. They often work with other groups, such as the San Juan Mountain Association, in preserving the public’s access to these wild lands.
Along with other members of the Mesa Verde Chapter, Latifia “Tif” Rodriguez, a MVBCH Director and State Representative, established a program for teaching their local Girl Scout Troop 1192, based in Dolores, about responsible recreation while giving them an opportunity to earn their Camping Badges.
Learning and Doing
The program began with a trip to the local Public Lands Office, where the girls studied maps of the region and learned the importance of knowing about the area in which we live. Chapter member Kathe Hayes is a Leave No Trace Master Educator and spoke about Leave No Trace outdoor ethics and passed out LNT reference cards. Bill Vicary, Head of the MVBCH Trails Committee, taught the troop how to tie a variety of knots useful for packing and camping. The Girl Scouts also learned how to build a safe mound fire and cook in the back country using lightweight packing stoves.
Finally, they put those lessons to good use on an overnight campout at Transfer Campground in the San Juan National Forest. They pitched their own tents and cooked one-pot meals over a campfire they had built themselves. The next morning, the troop hiked the Big Al interpretive trail, picking up trash. Following Leave No Trace principles along the way, they made sure the campfire was completely extinguished and left their campsite cleaner than they found it.
Despite some rain, thunder, and a terrific lightning show, the Girl Scouts enjoyed themselves, even with a 24-hour no electronics blackout period. The girls earned their Junior Camping Badges, along with four other patches for Leave No Trace Outdoor Ethics, Knot Tying, Cooking, and Campfire Safety.
Taking the Initiative
Inspired by her mother, Tif’s daughter Madison created a project of her own to earn her Bronze Award, the highest honor a Junior Girl Scout can earn. She and two other Girl Scouts volunteered 20 hours each at various public multi-use areas, trails, and dispersed campsites in the Four Corners vicinity. They hauled out 250 pounds of trash, recycled the metal and glass, and made sure the trash made it to the landfill. During the project they also mentored a younger Daisy Girl Scout.
Keeping a Good Thing Going
The Mesa Verde Chapter of Back Country Horsemen of Colorado has plans to expand this very successful program. Their next step is to help older Cadette Girl Scouts earn the more advanced Trailblazing Badge, which requires them to learn adequate outdoor skills to safely stay at least one night at a backwoods or primitive site. MVBCH has purchased a variety of equipment for each participant, including maps from the local Public Lands Office and the San Juan Mountains Association, mess kits, survival whistles, and compasses. Some of the girls would not otherwise have the opportunity to own these items.
Making a Difference
A grant from the Back Country Horsemen of America Education Foundation made this project possible. This nonprofit 501 (c)(3) corporation provides financial support for qualified programs that meet the BCHA Education Foundation’s specific objectives and purposes: to promote education programs that benefit the horse and other stock users, and to promote cooperative interaction with other user groups regarding safety, care, and the protection of our back country resource. Although a number of grants go to youth programs, the Education Foundation supports of a wide array of public interests.
While educating girls about responsible recreation and instilling in them a love and respect for America’s wild places, the Mesa Verde Chapter of Back Country Horsemen of Colorado also cleaned up Narraguinnep Reservoir State Wildlife Area, Scotch Creek Trail, and a number of dispersed campsites in the town of Dolores, on the San Juan National Forest.
About Back Country Horsemen of America
BCHA is a non-profit corporation made up of state organizations, affiliates, and at-large members. Their efforts have brought about positive changes regarding the use of horses and stock in wilderness and public lands.
If you want to know more about Back Country Horsemen of America or become a member, visit their website: www.backcountryhorse.com; call 888-893-5161; or write PO Box 1367, Graham, WA 98338-1367. The future of horse use on public lands is in our hands!
Peg Greiwe
Back Country Horsemen of America
peg@backcountryhorse.com
Saturday, August 02, 2014
Cross-Training Sport Horses for Body and Mind
Thehorse.com - Full Article
By Equine Guelph
Jul 31, 2014
Can cross-training, popular with human athletes, have the same beneficial effects to our equine athletes?
“Whether it be a football player studying ballet or a dressage horse learning to work cows, cross-training is a central pillar to athletic success and longevity,” said Brianne Henderson, BVMS, MRCVS, of the Ferguson Equine Veterinary Services and Toronto Equine Hospital, both in Ontario, Canada.
As our expectations for our equine partners increase, so should our knowledge of injury prevention and our understanding of the psychology of the equine athlete. Equine sports medicine and training concepts found their beginnings in the pillars of human athlete science. Moving forward we now have the benefits of dedicated research laboratories and the experience of icons in the industry...
Read more here:
http://www.thehorse.com/articles/34300/cross-training-sport-horses-for-body-and-mind
By Equine Guelph
Jul 31, 2014
Can cross-training, popular with human athletes, have the same beneficial effects to our equine athletes?
“Whether it be a football player studying ballet or a dressage horse learning to work cows, cross-training is a central pillar to athletic success and longevity,” said Brianne Henderson, BVMS, MRCVS, of the Ferguson Equine Veterinary Services and Toronto Equine Hospital, both in Ontario, Canada.
As our expectations for our equine partners increase, so should our knowledge of injury prevention and our understanding of the psychology of the equine athlete. Equine sports medicine and training concepts found their beginnings in the pillars of human athlete science. Moving forward we now have the benefits of dedicated research laboratories and the experience of icons in the industry...
Read more here:
http://www.thehorse.com/articles/34300/cross-training-sport-horses-for-body-and-mind
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