July 27 2018
ENDURANCE GB ADVICE TO KEEP YOU AND YOUR HORSE SAFE IF YOU ARE TRAINING & COMPETING IN WARM OR HOT WEATHER
With horse welfare cemented at the heart of the sport, Endurance GB is committed to educating riders to ensure horse well-being is paramount. With consistently high summer temperatures showing no sign of abating it is important that the necessary steps are taken to ensure horses are managed correctly in the heat.
Recognising high body temperature and the risk to horse welfare is essential for riders and anyone else involved with horses at competitions. There are a number of indicators that a horse is very hot or suffering from heat exhaustion:
Excessive sweating – horse completely covered in sweat and/or sweat running from the body
Whilst they will sweat initially, if severely dehydrated they may have reduced sweating leading to reduced ability to control body temperature
Horse feels very hot to touch and may have prominent blood vessels in the skin
Ataxia (unsteadiness) – especially when stopping after exercise
High or irregular heart rate and respiratory rate
Blowing very hard (deep and laboured breathing)
Panting (fast and shallow breathing)
A high rectal temperature – above 40°C (104°F)
Horse may show little reaction to people or environment or be lethargic
Horse may appear distressed or depressed
Horse becomes colicky
Dark urine and reduced urination
Dark mucous membranes
Muscle spasms
Slow recovery after exercise
Tom Eaton-Evans, 4* FEI Endurance Veterinary Treatment Official, 2* FEI Endurance Official Veterinarian and EGB Welfare Committee Member, team vet for the British Young Riders Endurance team, explains: “Horses are susceptible to heat-related illness whilst being exercised or transported in hot weather. Endurance riders are well practised in keeping their horses cool, but in these hot summer months it is necessary to review the signs to look out for and the actions to take if your horse is overheating.”
Fellow EGB Welfare Committee member, scientific and equine consultant and researcher for FEI and BEF Dr David Marlin shares his expertise on horses at risk in the heat and potential consequences of heat exhaustion: “Older, younger, less fit, dark coloured, unclipped, sick, large and overweight horses will struggle more in the heat. If not managed properly heat exhaustion can quickly progress to heat stroke. If your horse does go down then continue to cool it aggressively and send for a vet! Severe heat stroke/heat exhaustion can lead to renal failure, COLIC, myopathy (muscle damage), laminitis, liver failure and can be fatal if not treated promptly.”
EGB advises that if you suspect your horse is overheating there are measures you should take immediately to help, including:
Stop exercising
Remove the tack
Move your horse out of direct sunlight
Start cooling – this is best achieved with copious amounts of cool water applied all over the horse- if a hose is available use that
If ice is available this can be added to the water to help cool it further
In cases of mild heat stress horses can recover rapidly, however when coupled with dehydration or exhaustion intravenous fluids may be required to help your horse recover in which case a vet will be needed
There are number of things that can be done to reduce the risk of heat exhaustion, David Marlin adds: “Provide water at all times. Don’t remove water. Allow horses to drink immediately before, during and after exercise. If you do put on a sheet then make sure it’s a white one. White material reflects some heat whilst dark colours absorb radiant heat.”
Additional advice includes:
· Travelling Horses lose around 3-5kg per hour. Travelling is tiring, don’t leave horses standing in lorries on hot days.
· Competition – Accept your horse may not be able to achieve the same performance on a hot day.
· Electrolytes – Feed daily in feed according to level of work and weather.
· Warming-up – Cut down warm-up time or break it up and cool if necessary.
Commenting on the recent King Forest event Tom Eaton-Evans said: “The hot weather has been on all riders’ minds for the last few weeks – especially for endurance riders where it represents a particular challenge with horses out in the heat for long periods of time. ‘Crewing’ is an essential part of successful endurance riding and at the Kings Forest ride I was able to watch this in action, resulting in a quiet few days for me in the treatment clinic.
The ride organisers had ensured enough water was available for all competitors (with buckets to decant the water from the troughs to prevent infection risk), ice on hand that helped cool the water in the heat of the day and ride stables were wonderfully cool. I must congratulate all riders and their crew for their diligence in ensuring their horses remained cool and comfortable throughout the weekend, the organisers for ensuring that sufficient water and ice was provided, and the veterinary commission for their care in ensuring that the horses were fit to continue at all times.”
further information from Dr David Marlin on caring for your horse in the heat visit - http://davidmarlin.co.uk/portfolio/advice-for-horse-owners-in-hot-weather/.
Friday, July 27, 2018
Thursday, July 26, 2018
Endurance Saddles of the future being developed in the Foothills
TryonDailyBulletin.com - Full Article
By Catherine Hunter
Published 8:00 am Wednesday, July 25, 2018
New riding technology being researched in Tryon
TRYON — Ron Friedson, of Pegasus Saddles, was in town this week talking about Pegasus’ new Featherweight saddle designed for endurance riders.
Friedson has been working with Mike Schatzberg, owner of Cherokee Hill Farm in Tryon, to develop the ideal lightweight saddle for endurance riders.
“The Pegasus Saddles are made with a Unicorn Duel Action spring hinge embedded on either side in the front of the saddletree,” Friedson said. “This lets the saddle automatically open and close to fit wide or narrow backed horses, or even a horse that is uneven.”
Pegasus saddles are designed and built by a former Kieffer saddle maker. Friedson himself is a world-renowned saddle designer, and has studied with both German and English saddle makers...
Read more here:
https://www.tryondailybulletin.com/2018/07/25/saddles-of-the-future-being-developed-in-the-foothills/
By Catherine Hunter
Published 8:00 am Wednesday, July 25, 2018
New riding technology being researched in Tryon
TRYON — Ron Friedson, of Pegasus Saddles, was in town this week talking about Pegasus’ new Featherweight saddle designed for endurance riders.
Friedson has been working with Mike Schatzberg, owner of Cherokee Hill Farm in Tryon, to develop the ideal lightweight saddle for endurance riders.
“The Pegasus Saddles are made with a Unicorn Duel Action spring hinge embedded on either side in the front of the saddletree,” Friedson said. “This lets the saddle automatically open and close to fit wide or narrow backed horses, or even a horse that is uneven.”
Pegasus saddles are designed and built by a former Kieffer saddle maker. Friedson himself is a world-renowned saddle designer, and has studied with both German and English saddle makers...
Read more here:
https://www.tryondailybulletin.com/2018/07/25/saddles-of-the-future-being-developed-in-the-foothills/
Wednesday, July 25, 2018
Out-of-control dogs v. horse riders: FEI to fine owners
Horsetalk.co.nz - Full Article
July 17, 2018
Horsetalk.co.nz
Loose dogs have been in the news in recent weeks following the serious injuries sustained by a horse rider on an equestrian trail in New Zealand. Now, horse sport’s governing body is looking to clamp down on loose dogs at events, with fines for the offending owners.
In the latest proposals for modifications to its General Regulations, the FEI said there was currently no provision in its rules about dogs at FEI Events. “It is proposed to clarify that dogs must be leashed at FEI events as otherwise it can be dangerous for the horses/riders if there are loose dogs running.”
If allowed at an event, dogs must be leashed and “affixed to a human or stationary object”, under the new, proposed wording. Violation of the rule will incur a fine of the equivalent of $US100 for each offence. Repeat offenders may be excluded from the venue...
Read more here:
https://www.horsetalk.co.nz/2018/07/17/dogs-horse-riders-fei-fine-owners/
July 17, 2018
Horsetalk.co.nz
Loose dogs have been in the news in recent weeks following the serious injuries sustained by a horse rider on an equestrian trail in New Zealand. Now, horse sport’s governing body is looking to clamp down on loose dogs at events, with fines for the offending owners.
In the latest proposals for modifications to its General Regulations, the FEI said there was currently no provision in its rules about dogs at FEI Events. “It is proposed to clarify that dogs must be leashed at FEI events as otherwise it can be dangerous for the horses/riders if there are loose dogs running.”
If allowed at an event, dogs must be leashed and “affixed to a human or stationary object”, under the new, proposed wording. Violation of the rule will incur a fine of the equivalent of $US100 for each offence. Repeat offenders may be excluded from the venue...
Read more here:
https://www.horsetalk.co.nz/2018/07/17/dogs-horse-riders-fei-fine-owners/
Sunday, July 22, 2018
Feeding Endurance Horses
Thehorse.com - Full Article
Feeding hard-working endurance horses is as much art as it is science. Our sources walk you through an endurance horse’s diet, from conditioning to post-race. Read an excerpt from this feature in our July 2018 issue.
By Heather Smith Thomas | Jul 16, 2018
Make sure your horse gets the energy, nutrients, and water he needs to tackle a long ride
Athletes need fuel to work. Endurance horses, in particular, need a nutrition strategy that will allow them to travel all day at moderate to high speeds without “running out of gas” or becoming dehydrated. They need adequate energy in a form that won’t produce excess body heat and will provide enough fluid and electrolytes to maintain hydration.
Julie Bullock, DVM, of Mount Sidney, Virginia, has been riding endurance horses for 25 years and competes in 100-mile races. She says the endurance community is growing fast, and it’s important for newcomers to the sport to understand these horses’ nutritional needs.
Kathleen Crandell, PhD, an equine nutritionist with Kentucky Equine Research, in Versailles, has extensive background in nutrition science and has trained and competed endurance horses. “When feeding an endurance horse, we think about two programs—feeding the horse on a daily basis as we get the horse into fitness, and then a plan for what we’ll feed the horse on the day of competition,” she says.
In this article our sources will walk you through an endurance horse’s diet, from conditioning to post-race...
Read more here:
https://thehorse.com/159337/feeding-endurance-horses/
Feeding hard-working endurance horses is as much art as it is science. Our sources walk you through an endurance horse’s diet, from conditioning to post-race. Read an excerpt from this feature in our July 2018 issue.
By Heather Smith Thomas | Jul 16, 2018
Make sure your horse gets the energy, nutrients, and water he needs to tackle a long ride
Athletes need fuel to work. Endurance horses, in particular, need a nutrition strategy that will allow them to travel all day at moderate to high speeds without “running out of gas” or becoming dehydrated. They need adequate energy in a form that won’t produce excess body heat and will provide enough fluid and electrolytes to maintain hydration.
Julie Bullock, DVM, of Mount Sidney, Virginia, has been riding endurance horses for 25 years and competes in 100-mile races. She says the endurance community is growing fast, and it’s important for newcomers to the sport to understand these horses’ nutritional needs.
Kathleen Crandell, PhD, an equine nutritionist with Kentucky Equine Research, in Versailles, has extensive background in nutrition science and has trained and competed endurance horses. “When feeding an endurance horse, we think about two programs—feeding the horse on a daily basis as we get the horse into fitness, and then a plan for what we’ll feed the horse on the day of competition,” she says.
In this article our sources will walk you through an endurance horse’s diet, from conditioning to post-race...
Read more here:
https://thehorse.com/159337/feeding-endurance-horses/
Wednesday, July 11, 2018
Acclimating our endurance horses for heat and humidity
KarenChaton.com - Full Article
by Karen Chaton
It has suddenly gotten hotter. It should get up to 90 degrees here today and will get even warmer than that in the next few days. I know in previous years when I have ridden my horses more in the heat, they acclimate to it rather well and have done well on rides that were very hot or else hot and humid.
When my horses have gone to rides that were suddenly hot or abnormally hot and humid compared to the kind of conditions we had been riding in – it was a lot harder on them.
This got me curious about how long it takes to acclimate a horse to riding in heat and humidity. I was able to find quite a bit of information including a few studies where they were able to acclimate horses in 21 days, with results showing up in 14 days. Perfect timing for those planning on going to the Tevis – NOW is the time to really get our horses acclimated to the heat. Later this week we are also due to have afternoon thunderstorms which means it will be hot AND humid. As a side benefit, while I am getting my horses better prepared to handle working in hotter and more humid conditions I will also be acclimating myself.
I know riders who have worked their horses with sheets on in order to help the horse learn to deal with the additional heat load. That makes sense. It’s a lot like working them in the spring with their winter coat and then doing a full body clip just before a ride. With careful monitoring of your horses vital signs you can do this safely – just make sure your horse doesn’t over heat or become dehydrated, and that you allow enough time for the horse to recover after each work out...
Read more here:
http://www.karenchaton.com/2010/07/acclimating-endurance-horses-heat-humidity/
by Karen Chaton
It has suddenly gotten hotter. It should get up to 90 degrees here today and will get even warmer than that in the next few days. I know in previous years when I have ridden my horses more in the heat, they acclimate to it rather well and have done well on rides that were very hot or else hot and humid.
When my horses have gone to rides that were suddenly hot or abnormally hot and humid compared to the kind of conditions we had been riding in – it was a lot harder on them.
This got me curious about how long it takes to acclimate a horse to riding in heat and humidity. I was able to find quite a bit of information including a few studies where they were able to acclimate horses in 21 days, with results showing up in 14 days. Perfect timing for those planning on going to the Tevis – NOW is the time to really get our horses acclimated to the heat. Later this week we are also due to have afternoon thunderstorms which means it will be hot AND humid. As a side benefit, while I am getting my horses better prepared to handle working in hotter and more humid conditions I will also be acclimating myself.
I know riders who have worked their horses with sheets on in order to help the horse learn to deal with the additional heat load. That makes sense. It’s a lot like working them in the spring with their winter coat and then doing a full body clip just before a ride. With careful monitoring of your horses vital signs you can do this safely – just make sure your horse doesn’t over heat or become dehydrated, and that you allow enough time for the horse to recover after each work out...
Read more here:
http://www.karenchaton.com/2010/07/acclimating-endurance-horses-heat-humidity/
Wednesday, July 04, 2018
FEI: Permitted Equine Therapists (PETs)
FEI.org
Permitted Equine Therapist (PET) is a new category of personnel introduced in 2018. PETs are permitted to carry out ‘Restricted Therapies’ in which they have been trained, according to the Veterinary Regulations 2018, Chapter VI.
Registration of Permitted Equine Therapists
As of 1 July 2018 anyone who carries out Restricted Therapies at FEI events must be a PET. PETs are required to fill in the Registration Form (found below) and give it to the Veterinary Delegate on arrival at the event. Stewards have started to carry out PET identification checks at events. Should any person, who is not a PET or Permitted Treating Veterinarian, carry out Restricted Therapies at FEI event they will be sanctioned in accordance with the Veterinary Regulations, Annex VI.
Applying to become a Permitted Equine Therapist
In order to apply to become a PET, we strongly suggest applicants read the 'Guidelines for Applicants' found below. Applications are received and reviewed by the applicant's National Federation. Once their approval has been sought, the applicant must pass an online examination in order to obtain the PET status.
For guidelines and registration form see:
https://inside.fei.org/fei/your-role/veterinarians/permitted-equine-therapists
Permitted Equine Therapist (PET) is a new category of personnel introduced in 2018. PETs are permitted to carry out ‘Restricted Therapies’ in which they have been trained, according to the Veterinary Regulations 2018, Chapter VI.
Registration of Permitted Equine Therapists
As of 1 July 2018 anyone who carries out Restricted Therapies at FEI events must be a PET. PETs are required to fill in the Registration Form (found below) and give it to the Veterinary Delegate on arrival at the event. Stewards have started to carry out PET identification checks at events. Should any person, who is not a PET or Permitted Treating Veterinarian, carry out Restricted Therapies at FEI event they will be sanctioned in accordance with the Veterinary Regulations, Annex VI.
Applying to become a Permitted Equine Therapist
In order to apply to become a PET, we strongly suggest applicants read the 'Guidelines for Applicants' found below. Applications are received and reviewed by the applicant's National Federation. Once their approval has been sought, the applicant must pass an online examination in order to obtain the PET status.
For guidelines and registration form see:
https://inside.fei.org/fei/your-role/veterinarians/permitted-equine-therapists
Tuesday, July 03, 2018
Horses Have Had Dental Appointments in Mongolia for Over 3,000 Years
LiveScience.com - Full Article
By Laura Geggel, Senior Writer | July 2, 2018
Imagine extracting a wayward tooth from a young horse more than two millennia before the discovery of laughing gas. It may sound like a Herculean task, but the ancient people of Mongolia figured it out, making them the oldest veterinary dentists on record.
Researchers made the discovery by examining 85 ancient horse remains, dating from about 1200 B.C. to 700 B.C., that had been buried in equine graves by the nomadic Deer Stone-Khirigsuur culture in Mongolia. The researchers found that one of these teeth was sticking out at an odd angle and had been cut, possibly with a stone, in about 1150 B.C., making it the oldest known evidence of horse dentistry in the world...
Read more here:
https://www.livescience.com/62974-oldest-horse-dentistry-on-record.html
By Laura Geggel, Senior Writer | July 2, 2018
Imagine extracting a wayward tooth from a young horse more than two millennia before the discovery of laughing gas. It may sound like a Herculean task, but the ancient people of Mongolia figured it out, making them the oldest veterinary dentists on record.
Researchers made the discovery by examining 85 ancient horse remains, dating from about 1200 B.C. to 700 B.C., that had been buried in equine graves by the nomadic Deer Stone-Khirigsuur culture in Mongolia. The researchers found that one of these teeth was sticking out at an odd angle and had been cut, possibly with a stone, in about 1150 B.C., making it the oldest known evidence of horse dentistry in the world...
Read more here:
https://www.livescience.com/62974-oldest-horse-dentistry-on-record.html
Monday, July 02, 2018
Trailering the Trail Horse
Trailmeister.com - Full ArticleJune 5 2018
by Robert Eversole
Trailering the Trail Horse
As Published in the May 2018 issue of The Horsemen’s Corral
Spring and summer are upon us and with them trail riding. Unless you’re one of the fortunate few that has immediate access to trails you most likely have to load your mounts and haul to the trails. With that in mind let’s take a moment to consider what goes into hauling our horses and mules.
The effort involved with towing starts long before we arrive at the trail head or even hook up the trailer. Consider the training aspect of trailering a horse. Just as we might not enjoy riding down the road in a noisy, bumpy, and drafty trailer, most horses tend to be a bit leery of this dark box, fortunately given enough time and patience most equines learn to tolerate the process.
Most of us have had experience with a horse that refuses to load or races out of the trailer. Practice obedience and calmness by asking him to walk forward, stand quietly, and back up on your command. The objective is for your horse to walk quietly into the trailer, stand there for a bit, and then calmly back out on your command. How long it takes to get here depends on you and your horse. Teaching your horse to load takes patience, trust and much groundwork before he’ll be a consistent loader. But once that happens he’ll step into any trailer when asked and unload easily and relaxed when you arrive at the trailhead. Quiet and confident trailering equates into a pleasure ride for both of you...
Read more here:
https://www.trailmeister.com/trailering-the-trail-horse-2/
How long does strangles survive in the environment?
EquineScienceUpdate Blog - Full Article
June 23 2018
Veterinarians and horse handlers should be aware that Streptococcus equi, the organism responsible for strangles, may survive in the environment for longer than previously thought, according to new research.
The study, by Andy Durham and colleagues, has been reported in the Equine Veterinary Journal.
The researchers inoculated S. equi cultures onto seven surfaces found in veterinary practices or in stables, and took serial samples to see how long the organism remained viable.
The test surfaces included a wet plastic bucket, a dental rasp, inside a naso-gastric tube and a fence post...
Read more here:
https://equinescienceupdate.blogspot.com/2018/06/how-long-does-strangles-survive-in.html
June 23 2018
Veterinarians and horse handlers should be aware that Streptococcus equi, the organism responsible for strangles, may survive in the environment for longer than previously thought, according to new research.
The study, by Andy Durham and colleagues, has been reported in the Equine Veterinary Journal.
The researchers inoculated S. equi cultures onto seven surfaces found in veterinary practices or in stables, and took serial samples to see how long the organism remained viable.
The test surfaces included a wet plastic bucket, a dental rasp, inside a naso-gastric tube and a fence post...
Read more here:
https://equinescienceupdate.blogspot.com/2018/06/how-long-does-strangles-survive-in.html
Sunday, July 01, 2018
Bill Introduced in Senate in Response to ELD Mandate
Thehorse.com - Full Article
Senator Ben Sasse introduced the legislation in an effort to insulate the livestock industry from the electronic logging device (ELD) changes facing the commercial trucking industry.
By American Horse Council | May 30, 2018
On May 23, Senator Ben Sasse (R-MT) introduced the ‘‘Transporting Livestock Across America Safely Act,” in an effort to insulate the livestock industry from the electronic logging device (ELD) mandate facing the commercial trucking industry.
In it the Secretary of Transportation would amend the federal regulations to ensure that a driver transporting livestock or insects within a 300 air-mile radius from the point at which the driver begins the trip shall exclude all time spent;
At a plant, terminal, facility, or other property of a motor carrier or shipper or on any public property during which the driver is waiting to be dispatched;
Loading or unloading a commercial motor vehicle;
Supervising or assisting in the loading or unloading of a commercial motor vehicle;
Attending to a commercial motor vehicle while the vehicle is being loaded or unloaded;
Remaining in readiness to operate a commercial motor vehicle; and
Giving or receiving receipts for shipments loaded or unloaded;...
Read more here:
https://thehorse.com/158319/bill-introduced-in-senate-in-response-to-eld-mandate/
Senator Ben Sasse introduced the legislation in an effort to insulate the livestock industry from the electronic logging device (ELD) changes facing the commercial trucking industry.
By American Horse Council | May 30, 2018
On May 23, Senator Ben Sasse (R-MT) introduced the ‘‘Transporting Livestock Across America Safely Act,” in an effort to insulate the livestock industry from the electronic logging device (ELD) mandate facing the commercial trucking industry.
In it the Secretary of Transportation would amend the federal regulations to ensure that a driver transporting livestock or insects within a 300 air-mile radius from the point at which the driver begins the trip shall exclude all time spent;
At a plant, terminal, facility, or other property of a motor carrier or shipper or on any public property during which the driver is waiting to be dispatched;
Loading or unloading a commercial motor vehicle;
Supervising or assisting in the loading or unloading of a commercial motor vehicle;
Attending to a commercial motor vehicle while the vehicle is being loaded or unloaded;
Remaining in readiness to operate a commercial motor vehicle; and
Giving or receiving receipts for shipments loaded or unloaded;...
Read more here:
https://thehorse.com/158319/bill-introduced-in-senate-in-response-to-eld-mandate/
Could You Be Missing the Signs of Gastric Ulcers in Horses?
Thehorse.com - Full Article
Behavior and performance changes that could be associated with gastric ulcers in horses should prompt further veterinary investigation.
By Edited Press Release | May 29, 2018
Sometimes a training ride or a show doesn’t go well. You wonder, “Is my horse just having a bad day?” But before riders place blame on any variety of causes—from the weather and the environment to the horse’s athletic ability or even their own errors—they should consider another potential problem: equine stomach ulcers.
Less-than-optimal performance, resistance to work, and training difficulties are all common issues associated with gastric ulcers, which can develop in as few as five days. If you have noticed behaviors such as your horse pinning his ears while being groomed, or kicking out when the girth is tightened, equine stomach ulcers could be a possibility, and it might be time to contact your veterinarian.
“When horses are having behavioral issues or even decreased performance in the show ring, riders and trainers should consider stomach ulcers,” says Hoyt Cheramie, DVM, MS, Dipl. ACVS, senior equine professional service veterinarian for Boehringer Ingelheim. “An equine veterinarian will be able to diagnose ulcers via gastroscopy...”
Read more here:
https://thehorse.com/158302/could-you-be-missing-the-signs-of-gastric-ulcers-in-horses/
Behavior and performance changes that could be associated with gastric ulcers in horses should prompt further veterinary investigation.
By Edited Press Release | May 29, 2018
Sometimes a training ride or a show doesn’t go well. You wonder, “Is my horse just having a bad day?” But before riders place blame on any variety of causes—from the weather and the environment to the horse’s athletic ability or even their own errors—they should consider another potential problem: equine stomach ulcers.
Less-than-optimal performance, resistance to work, and training difficulties are all common issues associated with gastric ulcers, which can develop in as few as five days. If you have noticed behaviors such as your horse pinning his ears while being groomed, or kicking out when the girth is tightened, equine stomach ulcers could be a possibility, and it might be time to contact your veterinarian.
“When horses are having behavioral issues or even decreased performance in the show ring, riders and trainers should consider stomach ulcers,” says Hoyt Cheramie, DVM, MS, Dipl. ACVS, senior equine professional service veterinarian for Boehringer Ingelheim. “An equine veterinarian will be able to diagnose ulcers via gastroscopy...”
Read more here:
https://thehorse.com/158302/could-you-be-missing-the-signs-of-gastric-ulcers-in-horses/
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