Managing Gastric Ulcers: What the Research Says

HorseSport.com - Full Article

A look at some of the causes and management strategies, including omeprazole (Gastroguard, Ulcerguard) and esomeprazole (Nexium).

By: Shannon Pratt-Phillips, PhD. | August 21, 2024

Research into drugs, therapies and nutritional management of equine ulcers is ongoing, and new information is being published monthly. One of the biggest changes to the area of ulcer management is the distinction of Equine Squamous Gastric ulcers (ESGD) that occur in the upper, less protected region of the stomach, and Equine Glandular Gastric ulcers (EGGD), those that occur in the glandular region. By recognizing the types, and causative factors, we can be more accurate in management.

Squamous ulcers occur in the squamous area, that is above the margo plicatus, where there is little to no mucous or protection against stomach acids. Ulcers occur here generally when there is a “splashing” of acid from the lower part of the stomach, which can happen with exercise (when the abdominal muscles constrict on the stomach) or when there is less of a physical barrier between the acidic liquid and the squamous mucosa, both of which can be made worse by an exaggerated acidic environment.

Glandular ulcers occur in the areas of the lower stomach, where glands secrete acids, but where there is normally extensive mucous protection. With these ulcers, both increased acidity and reduced mucous production may contribute to ulcer development...

Read more here:
https://horsesport.com/magazine/health/managing-gastric-ulcers-what-the-research-says/?vgo_ee=tBUEFg6jEYfCa5KTKAmExtuupbxa1tcg3eiP9TX2uzBrKauLjRjX%3ARx%2FSl%2BvGEq%2Fyqla5%2BHfbzGL0x4rknYEa

Why Endurance ‘Truly is a Horsemanship Sport’

Heather Davis photo

USEF.org - Full Article

“In many ways, endurance is the purest thing we can ask of a horse,” U.S. Endurance Chef d’Equipe Lisanne Dorion says.

by Debbie Elliot | Sep 3, 2024

Endurance is not as well known as other equestrian disciplines such as jumping, eventing, or dressage, but it is becoming increasingly popular both in the U.S. and around the world. Among the many positive aspects of endurance are the deep bond that it creates between horse and rider and the sense of camaraderie between the athlete and their support crew. Endurance is known as one of the friendliest equestrian sports, and it encourages a true sense of sportsmanship at all levels of competition.

For those not familiar with endurance, it is a long-distance sport covering variations in altitude, terrain, and weather that tests both the horse’s fitness and stamina. It also tests the athlete’s discipline and horsemanship skills. Periodic checkpoints occur throughout the competition to ensure the health and fitness of the horse and rider. In fact, endurance horses undergo more vet exams during competition than any other equestrian sport, U.S. Endurance team vet Olivia Rudolphi stated.

Rudolphi said that because of the long distances that endurance entails – top riders do 100 miles in a day - the sport is often misunderstood. Endurance athlete Heather Davis agreed that there are a lot of misconceptions about horse welfare when it comes to competitive endurance.

“You cannot be successful in this sport unless you're a horseman, because you're constantly with your horse ... knowing what it takes to keep them sound, healthy and happy and loving their job for hours upon hours makes endurance unique vs. other sports,” Davis said. Davis explained that the top-level riders are very in tune with everything about their horse’s welfare, from feeding and shoeing to saddle fit.

“In many ways, endurance is the purest thing we can ask of a horse,” U.S. Endurance Chef d’Equipe Lisanne Dorion said. “Endurance can actually be an amazing foundation for other disciplines because of the thoughtfulness that goes into the training and conditioning...”

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https://www.usef.org/media/equestrian-weekly/why-endurance-truly-is-horsemanship-sport

Woman, 82, rides pony 600-miles with her beloved dog in saddlebag beside her

Mirror.co.uk - Article and video

Jane Dotchin makes the journey from her home in Hexham, Northumberland, to the north of Scotland every year and has even won awards for her long-distance exploits

By Bradley Jolly 3 Oct 2024

A pensioner with impaired vision travels 600 miles every year on her horse with her beloved dog in her saddlebag.

Jane Dotchin, now believed to be 82, has completed the long-distance exploits with Dinky the dog and Diamond the pony since 1972. She's so familiar with the route from her home in Hexham, Northumberland, to the north of Scotland that she is now friendly with business owners and community leaders...

See the rest here:
https://www.mirror.co.uk/news/uk-news/woman-82-rides-pony-600-33796548