Equisearch.com - Full Article
By the Editors of EQUUS magazine
Feeding at floor level is in your horse's best interest.
You can reduce your horse's risk of choke, colic and respiratory disorders and increase the amount of nutrients he gets from his ration by doing nothing more than eliminating chest- or head-high feed tubs and hay racks.
Floor-level feeding of both hay and feed mimics the natural heads-down grazing posture, which brings with it several health benefits:
Slowed rate of consumption--The horse must be more meticulous in his chewing to hold onto the hay and grain he's processing. Compared to chest-high intake, each mouthful of floor-fed feed is smaller, more thoroughly chewed and better mixed with saliva, lowering the horse's choke and colic risks.
Improved processing--Increased chew time and greater salivation prepare each bite for more complete nutrient extraction down the line, increasing the nutritional benefits from each bite...
Read more here:
http://www.equisearch.com/horses_care/nutrition/feeds/eqfeed31003/?utm_source=EQUUSNL&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Newsletter
Sunday, August 19, 2012
Thursday, August 16, 2012
Five Cases of Equine WNV Reported in Colorado in 2012
Thehorse.com
by: Edited Press Release
August 16 2012, Article # 20494
From the Colorado State Veterinarian's Office:
Five equine cases of West Nile virus (WNV) have been diagnosed in Colorado as of Aug. 14. The WNV positive horses are from Fremont, Weld, Montrose (2), and Larimer counties.
The incidence of the disease varies from year to year and depends on a number of factors, including mosquito numbers. WNV can be carried by infected birds and then spread locally by mosquitoes that bite those birds. The mosquitoes can then pass the virus to humans and animals.
Infected horses can display clinical signs including head tilt, muscle tremors, stumbling, lack of coordination, weakness of the limbs, or partial paralysis. If horses exhibit clinical signs consistent with WNV, it is very important for horse owners to contact their veterinarian in order to confirm the diagnosis through laboratory testing.
Horse owners should consult their private practicing veterinarian to determine an appropriate prevention strategy for their horses. Vaccines have proven to be a very effective prevention tool. The veterinary staff at the State Veterinarian's Office has done a very limited and informal survey of WNV vaccine sales in Colorado; it indicates a significant drop in vaccine sales over the past years. If this small survey is indicative of the overall sales, it is a disturbing trend.
Of the five horses that have been WNV-positive, we have not been able to confirm that any of the horses have been vaccinated for WNV.
In addition to vaccinations, horse owners also need to reduce the mosquito populations and their possible breeding areas. Recommendations include removing stagnant water sources, keeping animals inside during the bugs' feeding times, which are typically early in the morning and evening, and using mosquito repellents.
"It is important to protect your horse through WNV vaccination and good management practices," said State Veterinarian Keith Roehr, DVM. "West Nile virus is a disease that threatens the health of humans, horses, and other animals. This is the time of year when we are most likely to see WNV cases reported in horses
"It is difficult to project how many WNV cases we may see in the coming months," he noted.
by: Edited Press Release
August 16 2012, Article # 20494
From the Colorado State Veterinarian's Office:
Five equine cases of West Nile virus (WNV) have been diagnosed in Colorado as of Aug. 14. The WNV positive horses are from Fremont, Weld, Montrose (2), and Larimer counties.
The incidence of the disease varies from year to year and depends on a number of factors, including mosquito numbers. WNV can be carried by infected birds and then spread locally by mosquitoes that bite those birds. The mosquitoes can then pass the virus to humans and animals.
Infected horses can display clinical signs including head tilt, muscle tremors, stumbling, lack of coordination, weakness of the limbs, or partial paralysis. If horses exhibit clinical signs consistent with WNV, it is very important for horse owners to contact their veterinarian in order to confirm the diagnosis through laboratory testing.
Horse owners should consult their private practicing veterinarian to determine an appropriate prevention strategy for their horses. Vaccines have proven to be a very effective prevention tool. The veterinary staff at the State Veterinarian's Office has done a very limited and informal survey of WNV vaccine sales in Colorado; it indicates a significant drop in vaccine sales over the past years. If this small survey is indicative of the overall sales, it is a disturbing trend.
Of the five horses that have been WNV-positive, we have not been able to confirm that any of the horses have been vaccinated for WNV.
In addition to vaccinations, horse owners also need to reduce the mosquito populations and their possible breeding areas. Recommendations include removing stagnant water sources, keeping animals inside during the bugs' feeding times, which are typically early in the morning and evening, and using mosquito repellents.
"It is important to protect your horse through WNV vaccination and good management practices," said State Veterinarian Keith Roehr, DVM. "West Nile virus is a disease that threatens the health of humans, horses, and other animals. This is the time of year when we are most likely to see WNV cases reported in horses
"It is difficult to project how many WNV cases we may see in the coming months," he noted.
Pack that repellent: West Nile virus spiking across the USA
Travel.usatoday.com - Full Article
By Laura Bly, USA TODAY
Texas is being hit the hardest by a surge in mosquito-borne West Nile virus cases, with Dallas' mayor declaring a state of emergency and ordering the city's first aerial spraying of insecticide in nearly five decades.
Yet 32 states have reported cases, the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says, and there have been at least 693 cases and 28 deaths nationwide, according to the CDC and state numbers released Tuesday. That's up from 390 cases and eight deaths last week.
Most people who are infected with the West Nile virus, 70% to 80%, never know they have it. But 20% to 30% develop West Nile fever, with headaches, fever, joint pains, vomiting or diarrhea and rash.
A mild winter and ample spring rains allowed the mosquito population to build up early, while heat and scant rainfall are creating stagnant water pools ideal for breeding grounds.
And it's going to get worse, David Dausey, a professor of public health at Mercyhurst University in Erie, Pa., told USA TODAY. He says climate change means warmer winters, milder springs and hotter summers, all of which "create a longer season for mosquitoes to breed and ideal conditions for them to survive." That will mean more West Nile and, public health workers worry, other mosquito-borne diseases such as yellow fever, malaria and dengue fever, Dausey says...
Read more here:
http://travel.usatoday.com/destinations/dispatches/post/2012/08/pack-that-repellent-west-nile-virus-spiking-across-the-usa/825689/1
By Laura Bly, USA TODAY
Texas is being hit the hardest by a surge in mosquito-borne West Nile virus cases, with Dallas' mayor declaring a state of emergency and ordering the city's first aerial spraying of insecticide in nearly five decades.
Yet 32 states have reported cases, the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says, and there have been at least 693 cases and 28 deaths nationwide, according to the CDC and state numbers released Tuesday. That's up from 390 cases and eight deaths last week.
Most people who are infected with the West Nile virus, 70% to 80%, never know they have it. But 20% to 30% develop West Nile fever, with headaches, fever, joint pains, vomiting or diarrhea and rash.
A mild winter and ample spring rains allowed the mosquito population to build up early, while heat and scant rainfall are creating stagnant water pools ideal for breeding grounds.
And it's going to get worse, David Dausey, a professor of public health at Mercyhurst University in Erie, Pa., told USA TODAY. He says climate change means warmer winters, milder springs and hotter summers, all of which "create a longer season for mosquitoes to breed and ideal conditions for them to survive." That will mean more West Nile and, public health workers worry, other mosquito-borne diseases such as yellow fever, malaria and dengue fever, Dausey says...
Read more here:
http://travel.usatoday.com/destinations/dispatches/post/2012/08/pack-that-repellent-west-nile-virus-spiking-across-the-usa/825689/1
Alternative Hays for Horses
Equinews.com - Full Article
By Dr. Peter Huntington · May 22, 2012
Common hays fed to horses include various pure grass hays, mixed grass hays, and legume hays such as alfalfa (lucerne) and clover. If these hays are not available, horse owners may have to choose from less traditional hay types. While these other forages are usually suitable for horses, some have associated risks.
Foxtail or German millet can be used for horse forage. If foxtail millet hay is fed to horses, additional calcium supplementation will be required as it is high in oxalates, substances that make it difficult for the horse to absorb the calcium in its diet. Some reports show that horses grazing millet hay may have lameness and joint swelling. Some pearl millet reportedly has an alkaloid buildup that can induce toxicity in cattle. Horses may also react to these alkaloids because they are susceptible to alkaloid toxicity syndromes. All millets can accumulate nitrates, which in grazing or haying millets can reach toxic proportions. Nitrate can be controlled somewhat by reducing the amount of nitrogen per application and increasing the number of applications. German millet can cause oral lesions.
Sorghum grasses include sudangrass, johnsongrass, hybrid forage sorghums, and grain sorghums. Here we consider all classes of forage sudangrasses and associated hybrids the same. In reality, there may be some without toxicity problems...
Read more here:
http://ker.equinews.com/article/alternative-hays-horses
By Dr. Peter Huntington · May 22, 2012
Common hays fed to horses include various pure grass hays, mixed grass hays, and legume hays such as alfalfa (lucerne) and clover. If these hays are not available, horse owners may have to choose from less traditional hay types. While these other forages are usually suitable for horses, some have associated risks.
Foxtail or German millet can be used for horse forage. If foxtail millet hay is fed to horses, additional calcium supplementation will be required as it is high in oxalates, substances that make it difficult for the horse to absorb the calcium in its diet. Some reports show that horses grazing millet hay may have lameness and joint swelling. Some pearl millet reportedly has an alkaloid buildup that can induce toxicity in cattle. Horses may also react to these alkaloids because they are susceptible to alkaloid toxicity syndromes. All millets can accumulate nitrates, which in grazing or haying millets can reach toxic proportions. Nitrate can be controlled somewhat by reducing the amount of nitrogen per application and increasing the number of applications. German millet can cause oral lesions.
Sorghum grasses include sudangrass, johnsongrass, hybrid forage sorghums, and grain sorghums. Here we consider all classes of forage sudangrasses and associated hybrids the same. In reality, there may be some without toxicity problems...
Read more here:
http://ker.equinews.com/article/alternative-hays-horses
Tuesday, August 14, 2012
Our 7 Step Strategy to Top Ten at Tevis - 4th Gear Here We Come
Easycare Blog - Full ArticleTuesday, August 14, 2012 by Kevin Myers
We set out with a goal ten months ago, and built the strategy around that goal. The goal was simple: to achieve a top ten placing at Tevis 2012. We thank Garrett Ford for his support and encouragement that we could train our horses to this level. Our reading list was 4th Gear by Dennis Summers.
The essential components were:
1. Impeccable hoof care. It all starts with the hooves - I believe that more and more each day. If the feet aren't right, you can't do well. We used Easyboot Glue-Ons on ride day.
2. Diet: the grass pasture has changed our horses for the better - and so has the space for them to run around and be stupid with each other (they're on 4 acres right now, but were previously on a pasture twice that size). We feed a good quality grass hay mix; a balanced performance feed and a multi-vitamin. If Far began to look too lean, we would add Amplify to his diet. Once the grass got going, it was more a question of how to keep the weight off them. We wanted meat over the ribs, but we wanted to see ribs when they breathed in, and to be able to feel them. Stoner actually went into Tevis at a higher weight than we wanted, but that did not seem to hurt him...
Read more here:
http://blog.easycareinc.com/blog/bootlegging/our-6-step-strategy-to-top-ten-at-tevis-4th-gear-here-we-come
Monday, August 13, 2012
Introduction of Competition Floating Boots shoes
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El Raid Blog - Gabriel GamizJuly 5 2012
[google translation]
Our friends Otilio and Florentino, Equestrian Endurance enthusiasts and innovators in sneakers and boots for horses Barefoot System, prepare to present their products at the Equestrian Society Lebrera in Badajoz, where he is going to celebrate this weekend Spain Championship for Young Riders Raid.
Here I put the note you sent me:
"COMUNICACADO OF SHOE Floting SL
Tomorrow, Friday, July 6, 2012, at 12:00 am, there will be a practical demonstration of the Floating Boots racing shoes in the area of the stables of the Equestrian Society Lebrera in Badajoz. Otilio Gonzalez and Florentino Pereira will be available to the stakeholders for resolving queries and doubts.
Fittings Floating Boots have proven their suitability for high competition in the Interautonomías Raid of Figarol and the Championship of Spain, winning the Individual Gold in both competitions and the Gold Team in Figarol."
See more here:
http://ggjineteraid.blogspot.com/2012/07/presentacion-de-los-zapatos-de.html
Sunday, August 12, 2012
Equine Leg Wounds: Should You Bandage?
Thehorse.com - Full Article
by: Stacey Oke, DVM, MSc
August 05 2009, Article # 14643
Managing wounds on the lower limbs of horses is expensive, frustrating, time-consuming, and wrought with complications. Various approaches to expedite wound repair and minimize the development of serious complications have been assessed, including extracorporeal shock wave therapy and platelet-rich plasma. Now, even the merits of bandaging on wound healing is questionable, says a group of Australian researchers.
"Wounds on the distal (lower) limb are often left to heal without suturing; however, this often predisposes wounds to form excessive granulation (scar) tissue," said Andrew Dart, MACVSc, Dipl. VetClinSt, ACVS, director of the University of Syndey's Veterinary Centre Camden and Biomedical Research and Clinical Training Unit in Australia.
The formation of excessive granulation tissue is undesirable as it prolongs healing.
"Wound healing in the horse, particularly wounds of the lower limb, differs from healing in ponies and other species," he added...
Read more here:
http://www.thehorse.com/ViewArticle.aspx?ID=14643
by: Stacey Oke, DVM, MSc
August 05 2009, Article # 14643
Managing wounds on the lower limbs of horses is expensive, frustrating, time-consuming, and wrought with complications. Various approaches to expedite wound repair and minimize the development of serious complications have been assessed, including extracorporeal shock wave therapy and platelet-rich plasma. Now, even the merits of bandaging on wound healing is questionable, says a group of Australian researchers.
"Wounds on the distal (lower) limb are often left to heal without suturing; however, this often predisposes wounds to form excessive granulation (scar) tissue," said Andrew Dart, MACVSc, Dipl. VetClinSt, ACVS, director of the University of Syndey's Veterinary Centre Camden and Biomedical Research and Clinical Training Unit in Australia.
The formation of excessive granulation tissue is undesirable as it prolongs healing.
"Wound healing in the horse, particularly wounds of the lower limb, differs from healing in ponies and other species," he added...
Read more here:
http://www.thehorse.com/ViewArticle.aspx?ID=14643
Monday, July 30, 2012
Tevis Preparation: Misc. Musings - Karen Chaton
Enduranceridestuff Blog - Full Article
It’s interesting how much more effort it takes to prepare for the Tevis Cup than any other ordinary ride. The easiest part is getting the horse ready, it seems. That’s because I’m always riding anyway! Then there is the paperwork, crew arrangements and all of the other organizing and planning that goes into getting ready for the Tevis.
Most of the rides that I attend take little preparation ahead of time especially since I go by myself — I just pack up and go!
Tevis is one ride where there are a lot of details, some big, and some small... that all have to be attended to especially if you want to have a stress free ride on ride day.
So far I’ve got my crew arranged. I’ve got lists made up for each of the stops including checklists for what to pack. I got my entry in late, so I didn’t get a stall at the fairgrounds. As it turns out that is okay as I can keep Bo on the trailer in a dirt lot after the ride is over which will allow me to keep a closer eye on him.
I’ve been going through all of my tack and equipment making sure everything is in good condition and clean. I’m still deciding what headgear to use on Bo for the start of the ride. He goes so well in this one Myler bit, however it has shanks on it that he just HATES if they hit the side of a water bucket, and I don’t want to cause a delay in him drinking because he is bothered by that. I know I’ll be able to change him over to the S-hack but he’s much too strong and fit to start him in that...
Read more here:
http://enduranceridestuff.com/blog/2012/07/tevis-preparation-misc-musings/
It’s interesting how much more effort it takes to prepare for the Tevis Cup than any other ordinary ride. The easiest part is getting the horse ready, it seems. That’s because I’m always riding anyway! Then there is the paperwork, crew arrangements and all of the other organizing and planning that goes into getting ready for the Tevis.
Most of the rides that I attend take little preparation ahead of time especially since I go by myself — I just pack up and go!
Tevis is one ride where there are a lot of details, some big, and some small... that all have to be attended to especially if you want to have a stress free ride on ride day.
So far I’ve got my crew arranged. I’ve got lists made up for each of the stops including checklists for what to pack. I got my entry in late, so I didn’t get a stall at the fairgrounds. As it turns out that is okay as I can keep Bo on the trailer in a dirt lot after the ride is over which will allow me to keep a closer eye on him.
I’ve been going through all of my tack and equipment making sure everything is in good condition and clean. I’m still deciding what headgear to use on Bo for the start of the ride. He goes so well in this one Myler bit, however it has shanks on it that he just HATES if they hit the side of a water bucket, and I don’t want to cause a delay in him drinking because he is bothered by that. I know I’ll be able to change him over to the S-hack but he’s much too strong and fit to start him in that...
Read more here:
http://enduranceridestuff.com/blog/2012/07/tevis-preparation-misc-musings/
Thursday, July 26, 2012
Beyond Bran: Other Wheat Byproducts for Horses
Equinews.com - Full Article
By Kentucky Equine Research Staff · June 22, 2012
Wheat bran is often fed to horses in a warm mash, but horse owners may not be as familiar with other byproducts of wheat milling. Wheat byproducts were an integral part of the beginning of the feed industry. Many of the earliest feed companies were flour milling companies looking for an outlet for their byproducts. Since wheat byproducts are so important to the feed industry, it is essential that proper terminology be used to differentiate between the various types of byproducts.
Wheat bran is the coarse outer covering of the wheat kernel that is separated from cleaned and scoured wheat in the usual process of commercial milling. Wheat middlings, known also as wheat midds, refers to the fine particles of wheat bran, wheat shorts, wheat germ, and wheat flour produced in the milling process. Wheat midds must be obtained in the usual process of commercial milling and must contain no more than 9.5% crude fiber. Wheat mill run is similar to wheat midds but tends to contain somewhat coarser grades of the same ingredients. These terms are often used interchangeably, but the actual byproducts are not the same.
Read more here:
http://ker.equinews.com/article/beyond-bran-other-wheat-byproducts-horses
By Kentucky Equine Research Staff · June 22, 2012
Wheat bran is often fed to horses in a warm mash, but horse owners may not be as familiar with other byproducts of wheat milling. Wheat byproducts were an integral part of the beginning of the feed industry. Many of the earliest feed companies were flour milling companies looking for an outlet for their byproducts. Since wheat byproducts are so important to the feed industry, it is essential that proper terminology be used to differentiate between the various types of byproducts.
Wheat bran is the coarse outer covering of the wheat kernel that is separated from cleaned and scoured wheat in the usual process of commercial milling. Wheat middlings, known also as wheat midds, refers to the fine particles of wheat bran, wheat shorts, wheat germ, and wheat flour produced in the milling process. Wheat midds must be obtained in the usual process of commercial milling and must contain no more than 9.5% crude fiber. Wheat mill run is similar to wheat midds but tends to contain somewhat coarser grades of the same ingredients. These terms are often used interchangeably, but the actual byproducts are not the same.
Read more here:
http://ker.equinews.com/article/beyond-bran-other-wheat-byproducts-horses
Monday, July 23, 2012
Use of Alfalfa or Lucerne and Its Effect on Gastric Ulcers
Equinews.com - Full Article
By Dr. Clarissa Brown-Douglas · May 10, 2012
There has been recent hype in the feed industry about the possibility of improvements in gastric ulceration when feeding ensiled (fermented) chopped lucerne (also known as alfalfa) to horses, and many horse owners have increased the amount of ensiled fiber fed to their horses.
What might surprise you is that this capacity of fiber to protect and support a healthy digestive tract, from the stomach to the large intestine, is the basis behind almost every aspect of sound equine nutrition. This is not new knowledge!
It is commonly known, accepted, and promoted in the equine nutrition and veterinary world that the capacity of feeds and forages to counteract changes in gastric pH (stomach acid) plays an important role in the prevention of gastric ulcers in horses. This ability to resist changes in pH is called buffering capacity. Lucerne hay has been shown in multiple studies to be effective in reducing the severity of ulcers in horses by providing superior buffering capacity compared to other forages.
Gastric ulcers are very common in performance horses, affecting more than 90% of racehorses and 50 to 70% of other performance horses. The occurrence of ulcers is related to work, reduced forage intake, meal feeding (no grazing), and high starch (from grain) intake. The high incidence of ulcers seen in performance horses is a man-made problem resulting from the way we feed and manage these horses, since ulcers, are much less prevalent in unexercised horses maintained solely on pasture...
Read more here:
http://ker.equinews.com/article/use-alfalfa-or-lucerne-and-its-effect-gastric-ulcers
By Dr. Clarissa Brown-Douglas · May 10, 2012
There has been recent hype in the feed industry about the possibility of improvements in gastric ulceration when feeding ensiled (fermented) chopped lucerne (also known as alfalfa) to horses, and many horse owners have increased the amount of ensiled fiber fed to their horses.
What might surprise you is that this capacity of fiber to protect and support a healthy digestive tract, from the stomach to the large intestine, is the basis behind almost every aspect of sound equine nutrition. This is not new knowledge!
It is commonly known, accepted, and promoted in the equine nutrition and veterinary world that the capacity of feeds and forages to counteract changes in gastric pH (stomach acid) plays an important role in the prevention of gastric ulcers in horses. This ability to resist changes in pH is called buffering capacity. Lucerne hay has been shown in multiple studies to be effective in reducing the severity of ulcers in horses by providing superior buffering capacity compared to other forages.
Gastric ulcers are very common in performance horses, affecting more than 90% of racehorses and 50 to 70% of other performance horses. The occurrence of ulcers is related to work, reduced forage intake, meal feeding (no grazing), and high starch (from grain) intake. The high incidence of ulcers seen in performance horses is a man-made problem resulting from the way we feed and manage these horses, since ulcers, are much less prevalent in unexercised horses maintained solely on pasture...
Read more here:
http://ker.equinews.com/article/use-alfalfa-or-lucerne-and-its-effect-gastric-ulcers
Sunday, July 22, 2012
Elite, Non-Elite Endurance Horse Hearts Compared
Thehorse.com - Full Article
by: Erica Larson, News Editor
July 22 2012, Article # 20341
Editor's note: This article is part of TheHorse.com's ongoing coverage of topics presented at the 2012 American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine Forum, held May 30 - June 2 in New Orleans, La.
Many equestrians agree that it takes a horse with a special heart, mind, and athletic ability to reach the upper echelons of their sport. But now scientists have confirmed at least one part of this theory: Recent study results indicate upper level endurance horses have some different cardiac specifications than their lower level counterparts.
Mary M. Durando, DVM, PhD, Dipl. ACVIM, of Equine Sports Medicine Consultants, in Newark, Del., discussed the results of a study that compared elite and non-elite endurance horses' echocardiographic measurements at the 2012 American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine Forum, held May 30 - June 2 in New Orleans, La.
"In Thoroughbred racehorses an association has been made between caliber of racehorse, maximal oxygen consumption, and certain echocardiographic variables in longer, more aerobic races," Durando explained. "The purpose of this study was to determine if performance ability is related to echocardiographic indices of cardiac dimensions or function in endurance Arabians, because the sport has such a large demand on aerobic function..."
Read more here:
http://www.thehorse.com/ViewArticle.aspx?ID=20341
by: Erica Larson, News Editor
July 22 2012, Article # 20341
Editor's note: This article is part of TheHorse.com's ongoing coverage of topics presented at the 2012 American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine Forum, held May 30 - June 2 in New Orleans, La.
Many equestrians agree that it takes a horse with a special heart, mind, and athletic ability to reach the upper echelons of their sport. But now scientists have confirmed at least one part of this theory: Recent study results indicate upper level endurance horses have some different cardiac specifications than their lower level counterparts.
Mary M. Durando, DVM, PhD, Dipl. ACVIM, of Equine Sports Medicine Consultants, in Newark, Del., discussed the results of a study that compared elite and non-elite endurance horses' echocardiographic measurements at the 2012 American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine Forum, held May 30 - June 2 in New Orleans, La.
"In Thoroughbred racehorses an association has been made between caliber of racehorse, maximal oxygen consumption, and certain echocardiographic variables in longer, more aerobic races," Durando explained. "The purpose of this study was to determine if performance ability is related to echocardiographic indices of cardiac dimensions or function in endurance Arabians, because the sport has such a large demand on aerobic function..."
Read more here:
http://www.thehorse.com/ViewArticle.aspx?ID=20341
Wednesday, July 18, 2012
NetPosse.com One Minute Disaster Tips
Netposse.com
One Minute Disaster Tips - When a disaster strikes it sends victims into a confused sate of frenzy in the aftermath. I speak at public events on many topics but one is the importance of ID and being able to prove ownership at a moment’s notice.
One of the things I ask people to do ahead of time is to make an ID prevention packet. The packet includes copies of important papers such as registration papers, ID registrations (microchip, brand, tattoo etc.) vet records pictures (winter, summer, dirty clean & all four sides with special markings) copy of current coggings, and any other kind of paperwork that can ID you as the owner of the horse. Seal the information in a big brown envelope. Mail the envelope to yourself. When you receive the copy file it in a safe place until you need the information. You may want to put a copy in your safety deposit box for safe keeping for situations where a house may be lost. Hopefully you will never need to use the ID packet.
Once you have completed this process you will have a Poor Man's copyright that if not opened (so that chain of custody is not broken) may be used in court of law if needed.
Most importantly in a disaster situation you have all of your information at hand for each horse so that you do not have to look it up when you are not thinking straight.
We do have disaster tips on www.netposse.com. Go to the tool bar, click on the SERVICES tab and then RESOUCES, DISASTER TIPS. You will find a PDF document that you can easily download.
Hope this helps.
Debi Metcalfe
Stolen Horse International
One Minute Disaster Tips - When a disaster strikes it sends victims into a confused sate of frenzy in the aftermath. I speak at public events on many topics but one is the importance of ID and being able to prove ownership at a moment’s notice.
One of the things I ask people to do ahead of time is to make an ID prevention packet. The packet includes copies of important papers such as registration papers, ID registrations (microchip, brand, tattoo etc.) vet records pictures (winter, summer, dirty clean & all four sides with special markings) copy of current coggings, and any other kind of paperwork that can ID you as the owner of the horse. Seal the information in a big brown envelope. Mail the envelope to yourself. When you receive the copy file it in a safe place until you need the information. You may want to put a copy in your safety deposit box for safe keeping for situations where a house may be lost. Hopefully you will never need to use the ID packet.
Once you have completed this process you will have a Poor Man's copyright that if not opened (so that chain of custody is not broken) may be used in court of law if needed.
Most importantly in a disaster situation you have all of your information at hand for each horse so that you do not have to look it up when you are not thinking straight.
We do have disaster tips on www.netposse.com. Go to the tool bar, click on the SERVICES tab and then RESOUCES, DISASTER TIPS. You will find a PDF document that you can easily download.
Hope this helps.
Debi Metcalfe
Stolen Horse International
Processing Improves Grain Digestibility in Horse Feeds
Equinews.com - Full Article
By Kentucky Equine Research Staff · May 21, 2012
The grains in most of today’s feeds are processed in some manner before being fed. Although some grains can be fed whole, processing, even if it is only grinding, usually makes the nutrients more available to the animal, thus improving digestibility and feed efficiency.
Grinding is done using either a hammermill or roller mill. Hammermills grind primarily by the impact of free-swinging hammers on the grain as it falls through the grinding chamber. Screens with specifically sized holes surround the grinding chamber and as the grain particles become small enough, they pass out through the holes. Roller mills have pairs of rolls, often two or three pairs per mill, that crush the grain as it passes between the rolls. The space between rolls can be adjusted to give various particle sizes.
Popping is achieved by rapid, intense heating of grain. Rapid heating with 700 to 800° F (371 to 427° C) hot air makes the moisture in the kernel turn to steam, thereby expanding the grain. Most feed grain does not pop like popcorn, but grain does expand and starch is gelatinized, resulting in the grain being much more available to digestive enzymes or organisms. Because popped grain has a larger volume per weight, it also contains a lower level of nutrients than the same volume of unpopped grain and sometimes an animal cannot consume sufficient feed, resulting in reduced gains. Many users roll the popped grain to increase the bulk density and to help flatten the grain for easier handling...
Read more here:
http://ker.equinews.com/article/processing-improves-grain-digestibility-horse-feeds
By Kentucky Equine Research Staff · May 21, 2012
The grains in most of today’s feeds are processed in some manner before being fed. Although some grains can be fed whole, processing, even if it is only grinding, usually makes the nutrients more available to the animal, thus improving digestibility and feed efficiency.
Grinding is done using either a hammermill or roller mill. Hammermills grind primarily by the impact of free-swinging hammers on the grain as it falls through the grinding chamber. Screens with specifically sized holes surround the grinding chamber and as the grain particles become small enough, they pass out through the holes. Roller mills have pairs of rolls, often two or three pairs per mill, that crush the grain as it passes between the rolls. The space between rolls can be adjusted to give various particle sizes.
Popping is achieved by rapid, intense heating of grain. Rapid heating with 700 to 800° F (371 to 427° C) hot air makes the moisture in the kernel turn to steam, thereby expanding the grain. Most feed grain does not pop like popcorn, but grain does expand and starch is gelatinized, resulting in the grain being much more available to digestive enzymes or organisms. Because popped grain has a larger volume per weight, it also contains a lower level of nutrients than the same volume of unpopped grain and sometimes an animal cannot consume sufficient feed, resulting in reduced gains. Many users roll the popped grain to increase the bulk density and to help flatten the grain for easier handling...
Read more here:
http://ker.equinews.com/article/processing-improves-grain-digestibility-horse-feeds
Pigeon Fever in Horses: A Re-emerging Disease
Thehorse.com - Full Article
by: Equine Disease Quarterly
July 07 2012, Article # 20273
Infection in horses caused by the Gram-positive bacterium Corynebacterium pseudotuberculosis can assume many forms. Deep intramuscular abscesses in horses caused by C. pseudotuberculosis were first reported in San Mateo County, Calif., in 1915. Since that time, the disease commonly referred to as "pigeon fever" was considered one of the most frequent infectious diseases in the western United States.
Infections tend to occur as sporadic cases on a farm or as outbreaks involving hundreds of horses in a region. Disease incidence is increasing, possibly in association with climate change. Unprecedented epidemics in the past decade have affected tens of thousands of horses in Colorado, Idaho, Kentucky, Louisiana, Missouri, New Mexico, Oregon, Texas, Utah, Washington, Wyoming, and British Columbia, Canada--regions historically low in prevalence. High environmental temperatures and drought conditions preceded all reported outbreaks of this soil-dwelling organism.
The most common clinical form of the disease is characterized by external abscesses in the pectoral or ventral abdomen, hence the term "pigeon fever" due to the swelling of the horse's pectoral region resembling a pigeon's breast. Two other clinical forms of the disease include internal organ involvement such as liver, lung, kidney, or spleen abscesses, and infection of the limbs, termed "ulcerative lymphangitis," which appears as a severe cellulitis with multiple draining ulcerative lesions...
Read more here:
http://www.thehorse.com/ViewArticle.aspx?ID=20273
by: Equine Disease Quarterly
July 07 2012, Article # 20273
Infection in horses caused by the Gram-positive bacterium Corynebacterium pseudotuberculosis can assume many forms. Deep intramuscular abscesses in horses caused by C. pseudotuberculosis were first reported in San Mateo County, Calif., in 1915. Since that time, the disease commonly referred to as "pigeon fever" was considered one of the most frequent infectious diseases in the western United States.
Infections tend to occur as sporadic cases on a farm or as outbreaks involving hundreds of horses in a region. Disease incidence is increasing, possibly in association with climate change. Unprecedented epidemics in the past decade have affected tens of thousands of horses in Colorado, Idaho, Kentucky, Louisiana, Missouri, New Mexico, Oregon, Texas, Utah, Washington, Wyoming, and British Columbia, Canada--regions historically low in prevalence. High environmental temperatures and drought conditions preceded all reported outbreaks of this soil-dwelling organism.
The most common clinical form of the disease is characterized by external abscesses in the pectoral or ventral abdomen, hence the term "pigeon fever" due to the swelling of the horse's pectoral region resembling a pigeon's breast. Two other clinical forms of the disease include internal organ involvement such as liver, lung, kidney, or spleen abscesses, and infection of the limbs, termed "ulcerative lymphangitis," which appears as a severe cellulitis with multiple draining ulcerative lesions...
Read more here:
http://www.thehorse.com/ViewArticle.aspx?ID=20273
Sunday, July 01, 2012
Secrets of the Arabian Horse
Standard of Ur, southern Iraq, circa 2600-2400 BC Majalla.com - Full Article
Equestrianism through the ages
In the year of Queen Elizabeth’s Diamond Jubilee comes The Horse: From Arabia to Royal Ascot, the title of a major exhibition at the British Museum.
How many courtly poems have been written to the Arabian horse? How many evocative Bedouin songs have risen into the night sky above a desert encampment in praise of this noble animal? These petite-but-tough galloping champions of the sands have been treasured in the West, too. This horse, the most iconic symbol of Arabian romance and pride, has been as much admired for its sensitive beauty as it has for its speed and powers of endurance in the inhospitable territories in which it has been bred since at least 3,500 B.C.E.
Entire peoples and cultures have been characterised by the horse and its central role in society—in peace and war, in mythology and literature. As travel is one of the defining features of human development, so the history of the horse is in essence the history of civilisation, a force for change in ancient cultures. Both pure Arabian bloodstock and its descendant thoroughbreds continue to win world-famous races today.
The Horse: From Arabia to Royal Ascot is the title of a major exhibition at the British Museum and its accompanying book. This is the year of Queen Elizabeth’s Diamond Jubilee, and the exhibition is organised this year, no doubt because the Queen so loves horses. She rides them, breeds them and cheers her own on to win so many classic equestrian events.
The exhibition shows the influence of horses in Middle Eastern culture from their domestication around 3,500 B.C.E. to the present day, with Olympic trophies on the horizon. Famous pieces from the British Museum and Saudi Arabian collections demonstrate this ancient history, such as the cylinder seal of the Achaemenid Persian King Darius, dating from 522-483 B.C.E., showing him hunting lions in a chariot. The ‘breaking’, or training, of wild horses for domestic use probably took place on the steppes of southern Russia, with horses introduced into the Middle East around 2,500 B.C.E.
Another thesis is that the Arabian horse originated in the Sabean kingdom of what is now Yemen. With the frankincense trade routes linking so much of the Middle East, King Solomon (r. 970–931 B.C.E.) obtained horses from the Queen of Sheba and gave one to some visiting Omanis. In just a few decades this stallion had 157 descendants, which were famous all over southern Arabia. In subsequent centuries countless numbers were exported to India...
Read more here:
http://www.majalla.com/eng/2012/06/article55232770
Friday, June 29, 2012
Forage: A Fluid Reservoir for Horses
Equinews.com - Full Article
By Kentucky Equine Research Staff · April 24, 2012
Ingested forage holds water in the horse’s gut. This is seen as positive in endurance horses, as the stored fluid can be drawn upon to keep the horse hydrated as it covers the miles during a long ride. Trainers of Thoroughbred horses see the weight as a disadvantage that has the possibility of causing a horse to run more slowly in a short race, so they routinely remove hay from a horse’s stall in the hours prior to competition.
A recent study conducted at Michigan State University looked at type of forage and length of forage particles as related to their water-holding and water-releasing properties. Grass hay had...
Read more here:
http://www.equinews.com/article/forage-fluid-reservoir-horses?cid=1
By Kentucky Equine Research Staff · April 24, 2012
Ingested forage holds water in the horse’s gut. This is seen as positive in endurance horses, as the stored fluid can be drawn upon to keep the horse hydrated as it covers the miles during a long ride. Trainers of Thoroughbred horses see the weight as a disadvantage that has the possibility of causing a horse to run more slowly in a short race, so they routinely remove hay from a horse’s stall in the hours prior to competition.
A recent study conducted at Michigan State University looked at type of forage and length of forage particles as related to their water-holding and water-releasing properties. Grass hay had...
Read more here:
http://www.equinews.com/article/forage-fluid-reservoir-horses?cid=1
Four Years and Counting - Bootmeister
Easycareinc Blog - Full ArticleTuesday, May 8, 2012 by Christoph Schork
The peoples of The Steppes have been riding bare and without hoof protection for thousands of years, we know them from the history books and heard about their amazing horses: the Parthians, Scythians, Cimmerians, Huns and Mongols created some of the largest empires the world has ever seen. They scared and defeated the Greeks, Romans and other western powers with their incredible riding and warfare skills. Their skill were always far superior to the western powers and they always rode barefoot.
Natural hoof care was and still is the norm with the Peoples of the Steppes.
Mongol horses are being trimmed. Notice the strong healthy frog and tough sole. These horses are being ridden over rocks, grass and sand.
This Natural Hoof Trimming contrasts starkly to our western civilizations Hoof Care. Only very recently did we start to embrace barefoot trimming. Until about 4 years ago, 80% of all Hoof Care procedures at the Global Endurance Training Center were applications of steel, polyurethane or aluminum shoes. Today, maybe 5% of all Hoof Care services involve application of steel shoes, more than 80% are bare hoof trims. What a huge change. What have we noticed during these 4 years in regards to the health of the hooves?
- a thicker and tougher sole
- a huge reduction to total absence of white line separation
- a bigger and healthier frog
- a naturally developed break over
Read more here:
http://blog.easycareinc.com/blog/bootmeister-natural-hoof-care-tips/four-years-and-counting
Thursday, June 28, 2012
Prepare horses for long trips in trailer
Countryworldnews.com - Full Article
Tuesday, 26 June 2012 20:16 By MINDY RIFFLE, Country World Staff Writer
E-mail Print
June 21, 2012 - With summer heat coming in early, preparing horses for trips in the hauler is more important than ever.
[Getting a horse used to eating and drinking on the trailer will reduce stress during trips. -- Staff photo by Riffle]
"Many of us travel short distances from the farm to the arena or an event, but if you ever have to travel a long distance, there are some things you need to know," Dr. Valerie Bixler DVM.
"You want your horse to be well hydrated before they ever get on the trailer," said Bixler. "Because, a lot of horses do not drink while they are on the trailer. They will learn if you do it enough, but most of them don't."
The idea is to have them well-hydrated long before they step into the trailer. Beginning three or four days before a trip, Bixler suggests supplementing with electrolytes, so that the horses will begin to take in more water. This way, they are prepared for a longer period without water once they are on the trailer.
"If they are not hydrated and you get to where you are going, you are going to be behind the eight ball," Bixler said.
While a bit extreme for the average Texas rodeo horse, Bixler pointed out that hydration is so important for equine athletes that those involved with Fdration Equestre Internationale (FEI) and other high level equestrians that travel all over the world will have a vet come out, put a catheter in the vein and run liters of fluids to horses before they put them on the trailer...
Read more here:
http://www.countryworldnews.com/news/headlines/1147--prepare-horses-for-long-trips-in-trailer.html
Tuesday, 26 June 2012 20:16 By MINDY RIFFLE, Country World Staff Writer
E-mail Print
June 21, 2012 - With summer heat coming in early, preparing horses for trips in the hauler is more important than ever.
[Getting a horse used to eating and drinking on the trailer will reduce stress during trips. -- Staff photo by Riffle]
"Many of us travel short distances from the farm to the arena or an event, but if you ever have to travel a long distance, there are some things you need to know," Dr. Valerie Bixler DVM.
"You want your horse to be well hydrated before they ever get on the trailer," said Bixler. "Because, a lot of horses do not drink while they are on the trailer. They will learn if you do it enough, but most of them don't."
The idea is to have them well-hydrated long before they step into the trailer. Beginning three or four days before a trip, Bixler suggests supplementing with electrolytes, so that the horses will begin to take in more water. This way, they are prepared for a longer period without water once they are on the trailer.
"If they are not hydrated and you get to where you are going, you are going to be behind the eight ball," Bixler said.
While a bit extreme for the average Texas rodeo horse, Bixler pointed out that hydration is so important for equine athletes that those involved with Fdration Equestre Internationale (FEI) and other high level equestrians that travel all over the world will have a vet come out, put a catheter in the vein and run liters of fluids to horses before they put them on the trailer...
Read more here:
http://www.countryworldnews.com/news/headlines/1147--prepare-horses-for-long-trips-in-trailer.html
Endurance Horse Training Basics Part 1: Hobble Training
Enduranceridestuff Blog - Full Articleby Karen Chaton
BENEFITS OF HOBBLE TRAINING A HORSE
Hobble training teaches a horse to give to pressure, not to freak out when caught/cast/trapped and to wait to be rescued (patience!). It desensitizes your horses legs to being confined or trapped.
If you’ve ever had a horse get caught up in wire, step into a wooden pallet, roll and get cast under a fence or gate or become entangled in a rope or other containment system you no doubt have seen first hand that horses can and will find ways to get into trouble. How they handle it can often be attributed to how the horse has been trained.
Hobble training is something that I have done on every single one of my endurance horses before taking them to an endurance ride. It has really paid off too. I have posted blog posts on this topic before because I do feel so strongly that hobble training should be included in the basic training for any endurance horse. If you haven’t already, please read this post on preparing a horse for hobble training, and this post on some personal examples on when hobble training paid off.
JUST WHAT IS HOBBLING, EXACTLY?
Read more here:
http://enduranceridestuff.com/blog/2011/11/endurance-horse-training-basics-part-1-hobble-training/
Wednesday, June 27, 2012
Long Range Disaster Planning
NNMHA.com - Full Article
National disasters such as flash floods, tornados, snow storms or wild fires, and man-made problems such as gas explosions, leaking tank cars, and terrorist incidents can happen with little or no warning. The nature of the emergency may determine whether to shelter in place or evacuate.
Developing an effective personal emergency plan, coupled with predetermined holding facilities, may allow you enough time to move your horses to safety. If you are unprepared or wait until the last minute to evacuate, emergency management officials may tell you that you must leave your horses behind. Once you leave your property you have no way of knowing how long you will be kept out of the area.
Do not count on others to rescue your animals. Being prepared for an emergency evacuation in important for all animals, but it takes extra consideration for horses because of their size and their transportation needs. Horses can panic when they smell smoke. If you delay evacuation until fire danger is imminent, you may not be able to control and load your horses.
To avoid this situation, the following information and suggestions are offered to help plan for emergencies:
1. Familiarize yourself with the types of disasters/emergencies that could occur in your area. Develop a written plan of action for each. Review your plan regularly with everyone involved including friends and neighbors. Post emergency numbers in a visible location in your stable or barn.
Plan an escape route for taking your horses to safety.
If you do not have a trailer or enough trailers for evacuation, make arrangements in advance to have your horses trailered in case of emergency. Develop a community plan with call-up lists for assistance.
Find several alternative locations and check entry requirements. If you have no other safe place, contact your local fair grounds.
2. Look at your property and identify the best location for animal confinement for each type of disaster, should you be unable to evacuate them. Identify food and water sources that do not rely on electricity – disaster cause power outages – water pumps and automatic waterers stop working. Have standby water storage for 48 to 72 hours.
3. Photograph the left and right sides of each horse as well as face and medial and lower legs. Have a photo of your horse with you in the picture, to help identify the horse as yours when picking it up from an evacuation area...
Read more here:
http://www.nnmha.com/EmergencyPreparedness.html
National disasters such as flash floods, tornados, snow storms or wild fires, and man-made problems such as gas explosions, leaking tank cars, and terrorist incidents can happen with little or no warning. The nature of the emergency may determine whether to shelter in place or evacuate.
Developing an effective personal emergency plan, coupled with predetermined holding facilities, may allow you enough time to move your horses to safety. If you are unprepared or wait until the last minute to evacuate, emergency management officials may tell you that you must leave your horses behind. Once you leave your property you have no way of knowing how long you will be kept out of the area.
Do not count on others to rescue your animals. Being prepared for an emergency evacuation in important for all animals, but it takes extra consideration for horses because of their size and their transportation needs. Horses can panic when they smell smoke. If you delay evacuation until fire danger is imminent, you may not be able to control and load your horses.
To avoid this situation, the following information and suggestions are offered to help plan for emergencies:
1. Familiarize yourself with the types of disasters/emergencies that could occur in your area. Develop a written plan of action for each. Review your plan regularly with everyone involved including friends and neighbors. Post emergency numbers in a visible location in your stable or barn.
Plan an escape route for taking your horses to safety.
If you do not have a trailer or enough trailers for evacuation, make arrangements in advance to have your horses trailered in case of emergency. Develop a community plan with call-up lists for assistance.
Find several alternative locations and check entry requirements. If you have no other safe place, contact your local fair grounds.
2. Look at your property and identify the best location for animal confinement for each type of disaster, should you be unable to evacuate them. Identify food and water sources that do not rely on electricity – disaster cause power outages – water pumps and automatic waterers stop working. Have standby water storage for 48 to 72 hours.
3. Photograph the left and right sides of each horse as well as face and medial and lower legs. Have a photo of your horse with you in the picture, to help identify the horse as yours when picking it up from an evacuation area...
Read more here:
http://www.nnmha.com/EmergencyPreparedness.html
Tuesday, June 26, 2012
Myths Concerning Feeding Fat to Endurance Horses
KPPUSA.com - Full Article
Article written by KPP staff.
MYTH:
Fat is an unsuitable ingredient in the diets of endurance horses.
FACT:
Fat is not only a perfectly acceptable component in the diets of all performance horses, it sometimes proves to be a necessary ingredient. Due to the intense work that endurance horses perform, many are unable to maintain optimal body condition when fed forages (pasture and hay) and traditional concentrates (textured or pelleted sweet feed). Because fats contain more than two times the energy of carbohydrates, they have become commonplace in the rations of successful endurance horses worldwide.
In fact, endurance horses fed fat may have an advantage over those that are not. As horses consume fat as part of their daily diets over a long period of time, their bodies become adept at using it as an energy source, allowing the horse to conserve more valuable fuels such as glycogen.
In a study conducted comparing the utilization of fat among breeds, researchers found that Arabians are most efficient at employing fat as an energy source.
At the 2005 World Endurance Championships, held in Dubai, nearly all of the horses were fed an identical concentrate supplied by the event’s sponsor, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum. That feed was a high-fat formulation, and the finish times were blisteringly fast.
MYTH:
Because fat slows digestion, it adversely affects performance and should be avoided in the diets of endurance horses...
Read more here:
http://kppusa.com/tips-and-topics/dispelling-three-myths-concerning-feeding-fat-endurance-horses/
Article written by KPP staff.
MYTH:
Fat is an unsuitable ingredient in the diets of endurance horses.
FACT:
Fat is not only a perfectly acceptable component in the diets of all performance horses, it sometimes proves to be a necessary ingredient. Due to the intense work that endurance horses perform, many are unable to maintain optimal body condition when fed forages (pasture and hay) and traditional concentrates (textured or pelleted sweet feed). Because fats contain more than two times the energy of carbohydrates, they have become commonplace in the rations of successful endurance horses worldwide.
In fact, endurance horses fed fat may have an advantage over those that are not. As horses consume fat as part of their daily diets over a long period of time, their bodies become adept at using it as an energy source, allowing the horse to conserve more valuable fuels such as glycogen.
In a study conducted comparing the utilization of fat among breeds, researchers found that Arabians are most efficient at employing fat as an energy source.
At the 2005 World Endurance Championships, held in Dubai, nearly all of the horses were fed an identical concentrate supplied by the event’s sponsor, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum. That feed was a high-fat formulation, and the finish times were blisteringly fast.
MYTH:
Because fat slows digestion, it adversely affects performance and should be avoided in the diets of endurance horses...
Read more here:
http://kppusa.com/tips-and-topics/dispelling-three-myths-concerning-feeding-fat-endurance-horses/
Tuesday, June 19, 2012
Equine Ration Balancer Pellets Explained
Thehorse.com - Full Article
by: Kristen M. Janicki, MS, PAS
June 09 2012, Article # 20138
As research has advanced our understanding of equine nutrition, we now know more about how best to meet our horse's nutritional needs. One feed option that owners may notice on the shelves of their local feed store is a ration balancer. This pelleted feed option might have a place in your horse's diet, so let's explain how it is used.
Originally formulated for the growing horse, the ration balancer--in conjunction with a high-quality forage source--can provide the amino acids, vitamins, and minerals a horse needs without the excess calories that could put young horses at higher risk of developmental orthopedic diseases
In addition to young horses, mature equids able to maintain their weight on an all-forage diet of hay or pasture--termed "easy keepers"--can also benefit from a ration balancer. Depending on the species of forage provided and geographical location where it's grown, protein, vitamin, and mineral deficiencies might be presence; ration balancer pellets are often used to offset these deficiencies.
In addition, the ration balancer pellet is a good option for horses that cannot tolerate high sugar and starch levels in some grains, such as those with Cushing's disease (pituitary pars intermedia dysfunction or PPID, laminitis, and hyperkalemic periodic paralysis (HYPP). The lower glycemic index of a ration balancer also has the potential to lessen a horse's hyperactive behavior...
Read more here:
http://www.thehorse.com/ViewArticle.aspx?ID=20138
by: Kristen M. Janicki, MS, PAS
June 09 2012, Article # 20138
As research has advanced our understanding of equine nutrition, we now know more about how best to meet our horse's nutritional needs. One feed option that owners may notice on the shelves of their local feed store is a ration balancer. This pelleted feed option might have a place in your horse's diet, so let's explain how it is used.
Originally formulated for the growing horse, the ration balancer--in conjunction with a high-quality forage source--can provide the amino acids, vitamins, and minerals a horse needs without the excess calories that could put young horses at higher risk of developmental orthopedic diseases
In addition to young horses, mature equids able to maintain their weight on an all-forage diet of hay or pasture--termed "easy keepers"--can also benefit from a ration balancer. Depending on the species of forage provided and geographical location where it's grown, protein, vitamin, and mineral deficiencies might be presence; ration balancer pellets are often used to offset these deficiencies.
In addition, the ration balancer pellet is a good option for horses that cannot tolerate high sugar and starch levels in some grains, such as those with Cushing's disease (pituitary pars intermedia dysfunction or PPID, laminitis, and hyperkalemic periodic paralysis (HYPP). The lower glycemic index of a ration balancer also has the potential to lessen a horse's hyperactive behavior...
Read more here:
http://www.thehorse.com/ViewArticle.aspx?ID=20138
Wednesday, June 06, 2012
Feeding During an Endurance Ride
Equinews.com - Full Article
By Dr. Peter Huntington and Scott O'Brien · June 4, 2012
The actual amount and type of feed your horse should get through the ride will depend on the length and difficulty of the ride as well as the result you hope to achieve. With shorter ride lengths (20 to 40 km or 12 to 25 miles) and speed restrictions on all riders, it is all about completing and training or educating your horse.
As long as your horse is fit enough and you have a good feeding program at home, you shouldn’t need much more than hay and electrolytes to get you through these rides. If you arrive the night before the ride, give your horse his dinner and some hay to see him through the night. If he’s a poor drinker you might include some electrolytes in this final meal (as long as he’ll eat his feed with the electrolytes added; otherwise give them in a syringe mixed with water, applesauce, or yogurt).
In the morning, just make sure he has a little hay and fresh water before tacking up and riding off.
After the first leg in a split-leg ride, give some more hay or green forage and perhaps some electrolytes. Electrolytes are recommended if it is a hot day or if your horse has not yet had a drink in the first leg. The amount you give will depend on the temperature, how much your horse has drunk, and how much he has sweated.
If, by the end of the final leg, your horse has still not had a good drink, find a vet and discuss the use of any further electrolyte supplementation. Giving electrolytes to a significantly dehydrated horse can cause metabolic problems and should only be done under veterinary supervision.
Once the ride is finished and you have been through vetting, you can give the horse his normal breakfast. Over the next 24 hours you will need to feed a little more than the normal daily allowance to replenish energy reserves lost during the ride. Feed small meals (up to around 2 kg or 4.4 lb per meal) rather than large meals and space them out by about 4 to 6 hours. Further electrolyte supplementation is also useful for rehydrating the horse in preparation for the trip home.
The longer one-day rides of 80 km to 160 km (50 to 100 miles) can be quite competitive, and depending on how you want to ride them, your feeding management will be different...
Read more here:
http://www.equinews.com/article/feeding-during-endurance-ride
By Dr. Peter Huntington and Scott O'Brien · June 4, 2012
The actual amount and type of feed your horse should get through the ride will depend on the length and difficulty of the ride as well as the result you hope to achieve. With shorter ride lengths (20 to 40 km or 12 to 25 miles) and speed restrictions on all riders, it is all about completing and training or educating your horse.
As long as your horse is fit enough and you have a good feeding program at home, you shouldn’t need much more than hay and electrolytes to get you through these rides. If you arrive the night before the ride, give your horse his dinner and some hay to see him through the night. If he’s a poor drinker you might include some electrolytes in this final meal (as long as he’ll eat his feed with the electrolytes added; otherwise give them in a syringe mixed with water, applesauce, or yogurt).
In the morning, just make sure he has a little hay and fresh water before tacking up and riding off.
After the first leg in a split-leg ride, give some more hay or green forage and perhaps some electrolytes. Electrolytes are recommended if it is a hot day or if your horse has not yet had a drink in the first leg. The amount you give will depend on the temperature, how much your horse has drunk, and how much he has sweated.
If, by the end of the final leg, your horse has still not had a good drink, find a vet and discuss the use of any further electrolyte supplementation. Giving electrolytes to a significantly dehydrated horse can cause metabolic problems and should only be done under veterinary supervision.
Once the ride is finished and you have been through vetting, you can give the horse his normal breakfast. Over the next 24 hours you will need to feed a little more than the normal daily allowance to replenish energy reserves lost during the ride. Feed small meals (up to around 2 kg or 4.4 lb per meal) rather than large meals and space them out by about 4 to 6 hours. Further electrolyte supplementation is also useful for rehydrating the horse in preparation for the trip home.
The longer one-day rides of 80 km to 160 km (50 to 100 miles) can be quite competitive, and depending on how you want to ride them, your feeding management will be different...
Read more here:
http://www.equinews.com/article/feeding-during-endurance-ride
Sunday, June 03, 2012
Preparing the Endurance Horse
Hought.com - Full Article
by Eric Hought
When plotting a course to reach any goal, the final expectation must be known. Without a vision the chances of reaching that goal are slim. Many riders stumble because they have no clear mental image and do not have a large arsenal of techniques. When you drove here today, you knew exactly where you were going to make turns in order to arrive in Mariposa. You may have faltered slightly, but you made it. I am sure that none of you just got into the car and began driving in hopes you would arrive today. You had a plan to get here. It is exactly the same with our horse. If we do not have a plan, how can both of us arrive at the same place at the same time?
My goal today is to plant the seed that preparing a horse is simple. Mental preparation of the horse is most important. If the horse is not mentally prepared for any situation or execution of a maneuver, he can not perform to his peak potential. The "work" of preparing him mentally takes place while he learns the mechanics of feet and body control.
The mind of the horse must be on the same page of execution as the rider or leader. Everything we do with the horse is centered on building a good mind. The rider must be able to control every step the horse takes during a ride. Out of control at the start of the ride or any other part of the ride is dangerous for the horse and rider. Aside from that, the wasted effort by the horse can affect his strength and/or recovery at other points in the ride.
The use of exhaustion as a tool to cause the Arabian endurance horse to look to the rider for relief is not an option for preparing the endurance horse. The old phrase of "the blood rises in the head" is not an accurate assessment of the situation. I don't know positively whether or not the reactive side of the horse is the results of the release of adrenaline into the system. If that is the correct assumption then little to no progress will follow until the horse's system returns to normal. I spoke with a veterinarian and he thought it was more of the personality of the horse. Whichever is correct, the rider must wait until the horse returns to normal in order to continue preparing the horse.
The "trick" is to change the activity "before" the adrenaline is released. The window of opportunity between mounting and working with the horse before the adrenaline release will vary from horse to horse, rider to rider and the immediate environment of activity.
A horse's window of opportunity can be enlarged through careful preparation of the horse by the rider. The rider never has the privilege of assuming the position, "I just let him go until it is out of his system". My position is this rider lacks knowledge of how the horse learns, lacks skills and avoids responsibility for the horse's actions by placing the blame upon the horse. The classic method of correction is to use a more severe tool of intimidation such as a larger bit, tie down or martingale. The reality is the rider must return to a snaffle bit and rebuild the foundation of the horse's skills. "But he is not in control with a snaffle bit". The answer is simple. Ride at the walk until control of all four feet is achieved in the walk then progress to the trot etc. This can not happen on a ride. It all takes place on the trail, riding solo in training until control is achieved. It could take 3-4 months or longer depending upon how engrained the behavior, how often the horse is ridden per week and most important the consistency of the rider. The rider's plan is key to success of the horse...
Read more here:
http://www.hought.com/hp.prep-end-horse.html
by Eric Hought
When plotting a course to reach any goal, the final expectation must be known. Without a vision the chances of reaching that goal are slim. Many riders stumble because they have no clear mental image and do not have a large arsenal of techniques. When you drove here today, you knew exactly where you were going to make turns in order to arrive in Mariposa. You may have faltered slightly, but you made it. I am sure that none of you just got into the car and began driving in hopes you would arrive today. You had a plan to get here. It is exactly the same with our horse. If we do not have a plan, how can both of us arrive at the same place at the same time?
My goal today is to plant the seed that preparing a horse is simple. Mental preparation of the horse is most important. If the horse is not mentally prepared for any situation or execution of a maneuver, he can not perform to his peak potential. The "work" of preparing him mentally takes place while he learns the mechanics of feet and body control.
The mind of the horse must be on the same page of execution as the rider or leader. Everything we do with the horse is centered on building a good mind. The rider must be able to control every step the horse takes during a ride. Out of control at the start of the ride or any other part of the ride is dangerous for the horse and rider. Aside from that, the wasted effort by the horse can affect his strength and/or recovery at other points in the ride.
The use of exhaustion as a tool to cause the Arabian endurance horse to look to the rider for relief is not an option for preparing the endurance horse. The old phrase of "the blood rises in the head" is not an accurate assessment of the situation. I don't know positively whether or not the reactive side of the horse is the results of the release of adrenaline into the system. If that is the correct assumption then little to no progress will follow until the horse's system returns to normal. I spoke with a veterinarian and he thought it was more of the personality of the horse. Whichever is correct, the rider must wait until the horse returns to normal in order to continue preparing the horse.
The "trick" is to change the activity "before" the adrenaline is released. The window of opportunity between mounting and working with the horse before the adrenaline release will vary from horse to horse, rider to rider and the immediate environment of activity.
A horse's window of opportunity can be enlarged through careful preparation of the horse by the rider. The rider never has the privilege of assuming the position, "I just let him go until it is out of his system". My position is this rider lacks knowledge of how the horse learns, lacks skills and avoids responsibility for the horse's actions by placing the blame upon the horse. The classic method of correction is to use a more severe tool of intimidation such as a larger bit, tie down or martingale. The reality is the rider must return to a snaffle bit and rebuild the foundation of the horse's skills. "But he is not in control with a snaffle bit". The answer is simple. Ride at the walk until control of all four feet is achieved in the walk then progress to the trot etc. This can not happen on a ride. It all takes place on the trail, riding solo in training until control is achieved. It could take 3-4 months or longer depending upon how engrained the behavior, how often the horse is ridden per week and most important the consistency of the rider. The rider's plan is key to success of the horse...
Read more here:
http://www.hought.com/hp.prep-end-horse.html
Friday, June 01, 2012
The Don horse of Russia
Horsetalk.co.nz - Full Article
By Horsetalk.co.nz on Jun 01, 2012 in Horse Breeds
Two notions that perhaps everyone associates with Russia are the immense distances and Siberian temperatures.
If one thinks harder, richly decorated churches, golden palaces, Faberge eggs, war and peace or revolution may come to mind, but what really stands out are the infinite Russian versts (1 verst = 1.06km). Amazingly, the maximum east west extent of modern day Russia is almost 10,000km, a distance encompassing 11 time zones and spanning nearly half the circumference of the earth.
And there is a native breed of horses, possibly little known abroad, whose qualities have come to match the extreme conditions perfectly: the Don horses. Named after the river Don in southern Russia, this breed is one of only two native breeds which have survived in modern times. The other such native horses are the Orlov trotters, bred by and named after the 18th century Count Orlov, one of the most influential figures in Catherine the Great’s Russia.
The roots of the Don horses go back to ancient times and the Nogajy tribes who inhabited the regions east of the Caspian Sea. These equine predecessors were famous for their exceptional stamina and the ability to survive equally well the freezing winters and searing heat of the southern steppes. Organised breeding began in the 18th century with the creation of special studbooks. Arab and thoroughbred stallions were introduced among the wild steppes mares. The result was an exceptional horse whose qualities came to be highly appreciated in the army...
Read more here:
http://horsetalk.co.nz/2012/06/01/don-horse/
By Horsetalk.co.nz on Jun 01, 2012 in Horse Breeds
Two notions that perhaps everyone associates with Russia are the immense distances and Siberian temperatures.
If one thinks harder, richly decorated churches, golden palaces, Faberge eggs, war and peace or revolution may come to mind, but what really stands out are the infinite Russian versts (1 verst = 1.06km). Amazingly, the maximum east west extent of modern day Russia is almost 10,000km, a distance encompassing 11 time zones and spanning nearly half the circumference of the earth.
And there is a native breed of horses, possibly little known abroad, whose qualities have come to match the extreme conditions perfectly: the Don horses. Named after the river Don in southern Russia, this breed is one of only two native breeds which have survived in modern times. The other such native horses are the Orlov trotters, bred by and named after the 18th century Count Orlov, one of the most influential figures in Catherine the Great’s Russia.
The roots of the Don horses go back to ancient times and the Nogajy tribes who inhabited the regions east of the Caspian Sea. These equine predecessors were famous for their exceptional stamina and the ability to survive equally well the freezing winters and searing heat of the southern steppes. Organised breeding began in the 18th century with the creation of special studbooks. Arab and thoroughbred stallions were introduced among the wild steppes mares. The result was an exceptional horse whose qualities came to be highly appreciated in the army...
Read more here:
http://horsetalk.co.nz/2012/06/01/don-horse/
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