KER.equinews.com - Full Article
By Kentucky Equine Research Staff · October 27, 2007
Hay is hard to find in some areas. Because of a scarcity of hay in many regions, can you just skip feeding hay this winter and make up the deficit by doubling your horse's grain ration? The answer is an emphatic NO.
Hay, or some other source of fiber, is absolutely necessary to the health and function of the horse's digestive tract. Overconsumption of grain is characteristically followed by colic, gastric ulcers, or laminitis, so this is not an option to consider. Aim for an average of 1.5% of the horse's weigh in hay or equivalent forage each day (approximately 15 pounds of hay for a 1000-pound horse, or 7 kg for a 450-kg horse), adjusting up or down depending on the horse's age, use, and metabolism.
Why is fiber so important in the equine diet?
Consumption of grass, hay, and other forage fulfills both physical and psychological needs. Horses have a strong desire to chew, and also to have the full-gut feeling that comes from eating a lot of fiber. Deprived of adequate forage, horses tend to chew on trees, fences, stalls, and anything else that is available. A steady supply of forage helps to maintain the optimum types and numbers of microorganisms in the hindgut. These bacteria and other organisms transform fiber into energy the horse can use for growth or performance. The proper balance of beneficial bacteria prevents an overgrowth of harmful organisms that may upset digestion. As well as aiding the passage of food through the digestive tract, adequate fiber provides bulk and weight in the intestines. This helps to keep them from twisting and looping around each other, possibly leading to tissue damage and colic.
Is there a particular need for forage during cold weather?
A near-constant supply of forage is an important factor in keeping horses warm in the winter. The vast fermentation vat of the horse's hindgut steadily produces heat that can't be supplied by an all-grain diet...
Read more here:
http://ker.equinews.com/article/forage-alternatives
Tuesday, October 23, 2012
Tuesday, October 16, 2012
Only two States "opt out" of Recreational Trails Program Funding
Americantrails.org
By Stuart Macdonald, American Trails magazine and website editor
We would like to thank every one who helped in the national effort to ensure that State Governors do not opt out of the Recreational Trails Program (RTP). It appears that only Florida and Kansas have opted out. MAP-21, the new transportation funding bill, allows state governors to opt out of the Recreational Trails Program they notify the U.S. Secretary of Transportation of their decision no later than 30 days before the funds are apportioned (which was September 1, 2012).
Both are a surprise to trail advocates. Florida has had a large and highly successful State Trails Program for many years, and among the top in state-funded rail trails. Florida also has seven regional bike/ped coordinators involved with trails as well as roads, sidewalks, and safety programs. Kansas trail advocates expressed confidence that their state would continue the RTP funding, right up to the official announcement.
Several other states narrowly avoided losing RTP funds. New Mexico, a State with a large unspent balance of RTP funds, Alabama, a State with an increasingly effective trails program and widespread local interest in community trails, narrowly avoided the opt out which was supported by the State's department of transportation. New Mexico reversed its official stance at the last minute, and decided not to opt out. Nebraska and Iowa DOTs were reportedly seeking to opt out, but decided not to, apparently due to well-publicized public support for the trails funding.
As part of the Coalition for Recreational Trails, American Trails and other groups worked to raise the potential problem of States being allowed to opt out of RTP. As one result, there would be no funding for State trails program operation in addition to losing the grant funds. While funding for bicycle and pedestrian facilities is eligible under the new Transportation Alternatives category, nonprofits and volunteer groups would lose eligibility for funding.
During August 2012, the International Mountain Bicycling Association (IMBA) took the lead in developing a joint letter for each of the 50 Governors. Almost 800 organizations have signed on to the letters that were sent. A campaign was also mounted following that effort to encourage organizations and grassroots supporters to make their voices heard by contacting their Governor directly.
It is important to note that the widespread, visible and continuous support that the RTP received prior to enactment of the legislation that reauthorized RTP last month was almost exclusively focused on the U.S. Congress. Now efforts have shifted to the States and local governments: See our recent Blog: Trail politics: it’s all local...
For more information on the campaign to ask State governors to support RTP funding: Catherine Ahern (202) 682-9530 - Fax (202) 682-9529 - cahern@funoutdoors.com
More:
http://www.americantrails.org/rtp/RTP-campaign-governors-2012.html
By Stuart Macdonald, American Trails magazine and website editor
We would like to thank every one who helped in the national effort to ensure that State Governors do not opt out of the Recreational Trails Program (RTP). It appears that only Florida and Kansas have opted out. MAP-21, the new transportation funding bill, allows state governors to opt out of the Recreational Trails Program they notify the U.S. Secretary of Transportation of their decision no later than 30 days before the funds are apportioned (which was September 1, 2012).
Both are a surprise to trail advocates. Florida has had a large and highly successful State Trails Program for many years, and among the top in state-funded rail trails. Florida also has seven regional bike/ped coordinators involved with trails as well as roads, sidewalks, and safety programs. Kansas trail advocates expressed confidence that their state would continue the RTP funding, right up to the official announcement.
Several other states narrowly avoided losing RTP funds. New Mexico, a State with a large unspent balance of RTP funds, Alabama, a State with an increasingly effective trails program and widespread local interest in community trails, narrowly avoided the opt out which was supported by the State's department of transportation. New Mexico reversed its official stance at the last minute, and decided not to opt out. Nebraska and Iowa DOTs were reportedly seeking to opt out, but decided not to, apparently due to well-publicized public support for the trails funding.
As part of the Coalition for Recreational Trails, American Trails and other groups worked to raise the potential problem of States being allowed to opt out of RTP. As one result, there would be no funding for State trails program operation in addition to losing the grant funds. While funding for bicycle and pedestrian facilities is eligible under the new Transportation Alternatives category, nonprofits and volunteer groups would lose eligibility for funding.
During August 2012, the International Mountain Bicycling Association (IMBA) took the lead in developing a joint letter for each of the 50 Governors. Almost 800 organizations have signed on to the letters that were sent. A campaign was also mounted following that effort to encourage organizations and grassroots supporters to make their voices heard by contacting their Governor directly.
It is important to note that the widespread, visible and continuous support that the RTP received prior to enactment of the legislation that reauthorized RTP last month was almost exclusively focused on the U.S. Congress. Now efforts have shifted to the States and local governments: See our recent Blog: Trail politics: it’s all local...
For more information on the campaign to ask State governors to support RTP funding: Catherine Ahern (202) 682-9530 - Fax (202) 682-9529 - cahern@funoutdoors.com
More:
http://www.americantrails.org/rtp/RTP-campaign-governors-2012.html
Kenya: An Unlikely Farrier
Thehorse.com - Full Article
October 15 2012
Besides my penchant for big gray horses and veterinary science, I’ve developed a “thing” for other activities and causes along my life’s journey. One of them is for the people of Kenya, developed over aid- and missions-focused trips to Kenya in 2009 and 2011.
So imagine my excitement when I heard a story last week that combined equids and my bend toward humanitarian work in Kenya.
First, some background: Kenya’s equine industry is a far cry from that of the United States. Sure, when I’m visiting rural Kenya I see a lot of equids--maybe even as many as I see when I’m driving down the roads of Lexington, Ky. However, rather than manicured pastures studded with grazing million-dollar yearlings, in Kenya I see scores of working donkeys scattered by the road, tethered by pasterns (a common and accepted way of restraint there) and the occasional ratty-looking riding horse.
Due to donkeys’ utilitarian existence in many of the areas I have visited, I’ve never crossed paths with a horse-crazy person, an avid rider (though I saw some nice-looking show hunters in a wealthier part of Nairobi), or even an individual who’s focused on the welfare of these equids. The majority of Kenyans regard their donkeys as a crucial means to livelihood: transporting food (crops such as potatoes and corn), wood, and salable goods to market and, sometimes, even more importantly, life-sustaining water. Their attachment to their donkeys generally is not an emotional one.
Responsible care for donkeys is critical, otherwise many people aren’t able to provide basic needs for their family. Here’s where my passions collide: equids and helping Kenyans steeped in poverty. And here’s where Fiona Too Chelagat comes in. She is a spunky, ambitious 18-year-old who’s breaking barriers in her country—both in the equine welfare realm and in career expectations for women. This recent secondary-school graduate (Kenya’s equivalent to high school) is a farrier working in Kericho, which is in southwest Kenya, in the highlands above the Great Rift Valley...
Read more here:
http://cs.thehorse.com/blogs/horse-sense-and-sensibility/archive/2012/10/15/an-unlikely-farrier.aspx
October 15 2012
Besides my penchant for big gray horses and veterinary science, I’ve developed a “thing” for other activities and causes along my life’s journey. One of them is for the people of Kenya, developed over aid- and missions-focused trips to Kenya in 2009 and 2011.
So imagine my excitement when I heard a story last week that combined equids and my bend toward humanitarian work in Kenya.
First, some background: Kenya’s equine industry is a far cry from that of the United States. Sure, when I’m visiting rural Kenya I see a lot of equids--maybe even as many as I see when I’m driving down the roads of Lexington, Ky. However, rather than manicured pastures studded with grazing million-dollar yearlings, in Kenya I see scores of working donkeys scattered by the road, tethered by pasterns (a common and accepted way of restraint there) and the occasional ratty-looking riding horse.
Due to donkeys’ utilitarian existence in many of the areas I have visited, I’ve never crossed paths with a horse-crazy person, an avid rider (though I saw some nice-looking show hunters in a wealthier part of Nairobi), or even an individual who’s focused on the welfare of these equids. The majority of Kenyans regard their donkeys as a crucial means to livelihood: transporting food (crops such as potatoes and corn), wood, and salable goods to market and, sometimes, even more importantly, life-sustaining water. Their attachment to their donkeys generally is not an emotional one.
Responsible care for donkeys is critical, otherwise many people aren’t able to provide basic needs for their family. Here’s where my passions collide: equids and helping Kenyans steeped in poverty. And here’s where Fiona Too Chelagat comes in. She is a spunky, ambitious 18-year-old who’s breaking barriers in her country—both in the equine welfare realm and in career expectations for women. This recent secondary-school graduate (Kenya’s equivalent to high school) is a farrier working in Kericho, which is in southwest Kenya, in the highlands above the Great Rift Valley...
Read more here:
http://cs.thehorse.com/blogs/horse-sense-and-sensibility/archive/2012/10/15/an-unlikely-farrier.aspx
Thursday, October 11, 2012
The Conservative Approach for Healing Horses
Thehorse.com - Full Article
by: Maureen Blaney Flietner
August 01 2012, Article # 20408
Many veterinarians recommend R&R and controlled exercise to heal tendon and ligament injuries
Despite the numerous newfangled tricks and treatments available, time and R&R remain essential for helping a horse recover from tendon or ligament injury. That can be good or bad news, depending on owner expectations for the horse's performance.
Both tendons and ligaments are soft tissues. They sustain injury via similar forces, respond to damage in a similar fashion, and heal at almost the same rates. That typically amounts to eight months.
But why so long? The body's healing system is complex, explains Duncan F. Peters, DVM, MS, director of the Sport Horse Division at Hagyard Equine Medical Institute, in Lexington, Ky. While newer treatments might provide functional improvement in the healing process, they do not speed up the process itself, he notes. "The time factor is still necessary, and R&R is part of the process."
Root Causes
Tendon and ligament injuries arise from a variety of sources, such as conformational faults, fatigue, and lameness, that can lead to overload. Exercise-related tendon and ligament injuries might occur:
Read more here:
http://www.thehorse.com/ViewArticle.aspx?ID=20408
by: Maureen Blaney Flietner
August 01 2012, Article # 20408
Many veterinarians recommend R&R and controlled exercise to heal tendon and ligament injuries
Despite the numerous newfangled tricks and treatments available, time and R&R remain essential for helping a horse recover from tendon or ligament injury. That can be good or bad news, depending on owner expectations for the horse's performance.
Both tendons and ligaments are soft tissues. They sustain injury via similar forces, respond to damage in a similar fashion, and heal at almost the same rates. That typically amounts to eight months.
But why so long? The body's healing system is complex, explains Duncan F. Peters, DVM, MS, director of the Sport Horse Division at Hagyard Equine Medical Institute, in Lexington, Ky. While newer treatments might provide functional improvement in the healing process, they do not speed up the process itself, he notes. "The time factor is still necessary, and R&R is part of the process."
Root Causes
Tendon and ligament injuries arise from a variety of sources, such as conformational faults, fatigue, and lameness, that can lead to overload. Exercise-related tendon and ligament injuries might occur:
Read more here:
http://www.thehorse.com/ViewArticle.aspx?ID=20408
Wednesday, October 10, 2012
Equine West Nile Virus: An International Perspective
Thehorse.com - Full Article
by: Erica Larson, News Editor
October 03 2012, Article # 20712
Most American owners are aware of the increased number of West Nile virus (WNV) cases confirmed in the U.S. horse population this year. What they might not know is how the virus affects horses in other countries.
Australia and New Zealand
According to C.J. (Kate) Savage, BVSc (Hons), MS, PhD, Dipl. ACVIM, WEVA Oceanic delegate, a similar virus--Kunjin--is endemic in parts of Australia.
"(Kunjin) is antigenically and genetically similar to WNV and was reclassified as a subtype of WNV in 1999 (WNV/Kunjin)," she said.
Parts of Australia suffered a large equine WNV/Kunjin outbreak in 2011, she said, after which Frost et al. identified a new WNV strain as the cause.
"Results showed that most of the cases were caused by a new strain of WNV, which has been termed WNV(NSW2011)," Savage explained. "This is most closely related to WNV/Kunjin. However, the new strain appears to invade nervous tissue to a greater degree than the original Kunjin virus."
Neighbor New Zealand (NZ) remains WNV-free to date; however, risk of the disease spreading to the island nation is a concern...
Read more here:
http://www.thehorse.com/ViewArticle.aspx?ID=20712
by: Erica Larson, News Editor
October 03 2012, Article # 20712
Most American owners are aware of the increased number of West Nile virus (WNV) cases confirmed in the U.S. horse population this year. What they might not know is how the virus affects horses in other countries.
Australia and New Zealand
According to C.J. (Kate) Savage, BVSc (Hons), MS, PhD, Dipl. ACVIM, WEVA Oceanic delegate, a similar virus--Kunjin--is endemic in parts of Australia.
"(Kunjin) is antigenically and genetically similar to WNV and was reclassified as a subtype of WNV in 1999 (WNV/Kunjin)," she said.
Parts of Australia suffered a large equine WNV/Kunjin outbreak in 2011, she said, after which Frost et al. identified a new WNV strain as the cause.
"Results showed that most of the cases were caused by a new strain of WNV, which has been termed WNV(NSW2011)," Savage explained. "This is most closely related to WNV/Kunjin. However, the new strain appears to invade nervous tissue to a greater degree than the original Kunjin virus."
Neighbor New Zealand (NZ) remains WNV-free to date; however, risk of the disease spreading to the island nation is a concern...
Read more here:
http://www.thehorse.com/ViewArticle.aspx?ID=20712
Tuesday, October 09, 2012
Link between saddle slip and lameness found
Horsetalk.co.nz - Full Article
By Horsetalk.co.nz on Oct 04, 2012 in Featured, Lameness, News
Research has shown a significant link between hind-limb lameness and saddle slip.
It has revealed consistent saddle slip in some horses with hind limb lameness, even when the lameness is fairly subtle and difficult to detect.
Saddle slip in sport horses is a well-recognised problem that can occur for several reasons, including asymmetry in the shape of the horse’s back, riders sitting crookedly, and ill-fitting saddles.
The head of Clinical Orthopaedics at the Centre for Equine Studies at the Animal Health Trust in Britain, Sue Dyson, had also observed that saddle slip may occur because of hind limb lameness.
She set out in her study to find out more about the inter-relationships between the horse, saddle and rider and to document the frequency of occurrence of saddle slip in horses with hind-limb lameness compared with other horses...
Read more here:
http://horsetalk.co.nz/2012/10/04/link-between-saddle-slip-and-lameness-found/#.UHQqVfl27tE
By Horsetalk.co.nz on Oct 04, 2012 in Featured, Lameness, News
Research has shown a significant link between hind-limb lameness and saddle slip.
It has revealed consistent saddle slip in some horses with hind limb lameness, even when the lameness is fairly subtle and difficult to detect.
Saddle slip in sport horses is a well-recognised problem that can occur for several reasons, including asymmetry in the shape of the horse’s back, riders sitting crookedly, and ill-fitting saddles.
The head of Clinical Orthopaedics at the Centre for Equine Studies at the Animal Health Trust in Britain, Sue Dyson, had also observed that saddle slip may occur because of hind limb lameness.
She set out in her study to find out more about the inter-relationships between the horse, saddle and rider and to document the frequency of occurrence of saddle slip in horses with hind-limb lameness compared with other horses...
Read more here:
http://horsetalk.co.nz/2012/10/04/link-between-saddle-slip-and-lameness-found/#.UHQqVfl27tE
A Guide to Complete Horse Feeds
Thehorse.com - Full Article
by: Juliet M. Getty, PhD
July 01 2012, Article # 20398
Choosing a ready-made feed can be daunting, but this rundown will get you started on the right path to proper nutrition
Feeding time! Open a bag of ready-made feed and you're set, right? But wait--there's a staggering variety of offerings on the feed store's shelves, and it's important that you choose the correct one for your particular horse.
Manufacturers fortify these feeds with vitamins and minerals in a "complete" blend designed to provide all the nutrients a horse needs (when fed the recommended amount) without additional supplementation. Hay and/or pasture grass should make up the bulk of your horse's diet (he requires 1.5 to 2.5% of his body weight in forage per day), so most complete feeds are meant to be fed in addition to adequate forage. While many horses (particularly overweight or sedentary animals) simply need hay/pasture, water, salt, and a vitamin/mineral supplement to meet their nutritional requirements, the working or underweight horse, for instance, will benefit from a commercially fortified feed.
The array of complete feeds includes some that are cereal grain-based and others that are low-starch. Some are sweet feeds and still others are pelleted. There are those designed for growth, broodmares, performance--even senior citizens.
When choosing a complete feed appropriate for your horse, look for these basics depending on the fitting category:...
Read more here:
http://www.thehorse.com/ViewArticle.aspx?ID=20398
by: Juliet M. Getty, PhD
July 01 2012, Article # 20398
Choosing a ready-made feed can be daunting, but this rundown will get you started on the right path to proper nutrition
Feeding time! Open a bag of ready-made feed and you're set, right? But wait--there's a staggering variety of offerings on the feed store's shelves, and it's important that you choose the correct one for your particular horse.
Manufacturers fortify these feeds with vitamins and minerals in a "complete" blend designed to provide all the nutrients a horse needs (when fed the recommended amount) without additional supplementation. Hay and/or pasture grass should make up the bulk of your horse's diet (he requires 1.5 to 2.5% of his body weight in forage per day), so most complete feeds are meant to be fed in addition to adequate forage. While many horses (particularly overweight or sedentary animals) simply need hay/pasture, water, salt, and a vitamin/mineral supplement to meet their nutritional requirements, the working or underweight horse, for instance, will benefit from a commercially fortified feed.
The array of complete feeds includes some that are cereal grain-based and others that are low-starch. Some are sweet feeds and still others are pelleted. There are those designed for growth, broodmares, performance--even senior citizens.
When choosing a complete feed appropriate for your horse, look for these basics depending on the fitting category:...
Read more here:
http://www.thehorse.com/ViewArticle.aspx?ID=20398
Saturday, October 06, 2012
Tackling Tendon and Ligament Injuries
Thehorse.com - Full Article
by: Karen Briggs
June 03 2011, Article # 18342
The latest therapies for injured tendons and ligaments focus on rebuilding the tissue to its original strength and elasticity.
When it comes to tendon and ligament injuries, there's bad news, good news, and more bad news. The initial bad news, of course, is the diagnosis itself. One thing that hasn't changed in millennia is that any injury to a horse's leg tendons or ligaments--which make possible the lifting, extending, flexing, and shock-absorbing that equine limbs do--is a serious threat to his short-term soundness and his future career prospects.
The good news is that where once the tincture of time was the only potential cure, today's veterinary medicine provides us with a dizzying array of treatment options for strained or shredded ligaments or tendons. Some can facilitate the healing process; others are tremendously promising in terms of minimizing scarring and encouraging the fibers to heal in an alignment indistinguishable from the original tissue--and that means everything in terms of restoring a horse to full soundness.
And the second round of bad news, if you can call it that, is there are so many treatment options now that it might be difficult to decide which path to choose.
Let's start by looking at some of the ways in which tendon or ligament injury can occur and then examine advances in diagnostics and some of those high-tech treatments...
http://www.thehorse.com/ViewArticle.aspx?ID=18342
by: Karen Briggs
June 03 2011, Article # 18342
The latest therapies for injured tendons and ligaments focus on rebuilding the tissue to its original strength and elasticity.
When it comes to tendon and ligament injuries, there's bad news, good news, and more bad news. The initial bad news, of course, is the diagnosis itself. One thing that hasn't changed in millennia is that any injury to a horse's leg tendons or ligaments--which make possible the lifting, extending, flexing, and shock-absorbing that equine limbs do--is a serious threat to his short-term soundness and his future career prospects.
The good news is that where once the tincture of time was the only potential cure, today's veterinary medicine provides us with a dizzying array of treatment options for strained or shredded ligaments or tendons. Some can facilitate the healing process; others are tremendously promising in terms of minimizing scarring and encouraging the fibers to heal in an alignment indistinguishable from the original tissue--and that means everything in terms of restoring a horse to full soundness.
And the second round of bad news, if you can call it that, is there are so many treatment options now that it might be difficult to decide which path to choose.
Let's start by looking at some of the ways in which tendon or ligament injury can occur and then examine advances in diagnostics and some of those high-tech treatments...
http://www.thehorse.com/ViewArticle.aspx?ID=18342
Effect of Adding Soybean Oil to a Horse’s Ration
KER.equinews.com - Full Article
By Dr. Joe Pagan · September 6, 2012
When fat is substituted for carbohydrate isocalorically (calorie for calorie) in a horse’s ration, blood glucose and insulin responses to feeding are reduced. It was unclear, however, whether this response was simply due to reduced glucose in the diet or if fat affects glycemic response in some other manner. An experiment carried out at Kentucky Equine Research (KER) was designed to evaluate whether adding fat to a grain meal would affect glucose and insulin response to feeding when the level of grain intake remained the same.
Nine Thoroughbred horses were used in this two-period switchback design experiment. Five of the horses were in training and were physically fit, and four were untrained...
Read more here:
http://ker.equinews.com/article/effect-adding-soybean-oil-horse%E2%80%99s-ration
By Dr. Joe Pagan · September 6, 2012
When fat is substituted for carbohydrate isocalorically (calorie for calorie) in a horse’s ration, blood glucose and insulin responses to feeding are reduced. It was unclear, however, whether this response was simply due to reduced glucose in the diet or if fat affects glycemic response in some other manner. An experiment carried out at Kentucky Equine Research (KER) was designed to evaluate whether adding fat to a grain meal would affect glucose and insulin response to feeding when the level of grain intake remained the same.
Nine Thoroughbred horses were used in this two-period switchback design experiment. Five of the horses were in training and were physically fit, and four were untrained...
Read more here:
http://ker.equinews.com/article/effect-adding-soybean-oil-horse%E2%80%99s-ration
Wednesday, October 03, 2012
I'm Going To Hell
Easycare Blog - Full ArticleWednesday, October 3, 2012 by Garrett Ford
After over 20 years in the horse business and making protective hoof wear for horses I've finally been told by a horse owner via e-mail that "You're going to hell".
My decline and direction toward the underworld started when I purchased an Arabian race horse named Clunk. I purchased Clunk with the goal of trying to make a urethane form of hoof protection that absorbed concussion, allowed the hoof to flex as nature intended and provide the traction needed to win flat track races. I was pretty naive going into the project and found out very quickly that the flat track industry wasn't going to allow just any Easyboot model and making a product to comply with the rules would not be easy.
I caught a break when Fran Jurga told me to contact Curtis Burns of No Anvil. No Anvil makes a flexible horse shoe called the Burns Polyflex Shoe that has been used with great success on the race tracks around the world. The Burns Polyflex Shoe was used by Shackleford during his 2011 Triple Crown bid. Shackleford placed 4th in the Kentucky Derby, Won the 2011 Preakness Stakes and finished 5th in the Belmont Stakes. The list of horses that have used the Polyflex successfully is impressive and includes greats like Curlin. Curlin is the highest North American money earner with over $10.5 Million earned and many of his most successful years performed in the Burns Polyflex Shoe. Because Curtis' urethane shoe absorbs concussion and allows the hoof to expand and contract it has proven it has a place in the equine world and will continue to used by the best flat track horses for years to come...
Read more here:
http://blog.easycareinc.com/blog/hoof-boot-news/im-going-to-hell
Winterizing Your Hoof Care Program
Easycare Blog - Full ArticleWednesday, October 3, 2012 by Daisy Bicking
We’ve all heard that pulling our horse’s shoes for the winter can be a good idea. But we’ve also heard how many pitfalls there are when we pull them.
Here is a breakdown of how we at Daisy Haven Farm in the Northeastern USA, a fairly wet, humid environment, help our clients who want to pull shoes for the winter.
Some of the challenges to pulling shoes:
Chances are your foot may have minimal height once the shoe is pulled off. Some farriers advocate not trimming anything once the shoe is removed and instead prefer to allow the foot to grow. This has pros and cons.
Your horse may be more sensitive or even considered painful when walking without shoes.
You may have some foot infection to deal with around the white line or nail holes.
If you wait too long the ground may be frozen and make pulling shoes more difficult.
You may have to reduce the amount or kind of work your horse is doing until your feet are stronger barefoot again.
Fortunately we have many resources available to us to help minimize the challenges and set us up for success with this process.
First of all, work as a team with your farrier...
Read more here:
http://blog.easycareinc.com/blog/hoof-love-not-war/winterizing-your-hoof-care-program
Thursday, September 13, 2012
Environmental Effect on Hoof Wall Hydration Studied
Thehorse.com - Full Article
by: Casie Bazay, BS, NBCAAM
September 08 2012, Article # 20607
A recent two-part Australian study investigated hoof moisture levels in horses exposed to wet versus dry environments, as well as the the impact of soaking a hoof on moisture absorption.
Brian Hampson, PhD, member of the Australian Brumby Research Unit at the University of Queensland and lead author of the study, relayed, "The moisture content (of the hoof) is controlled by the internal circulation, which is fairly constant in the healthy horse."
Hampson and colleagues collected hoof wall samples from routine feral horse-culling operations in New Zealand and Australia. They measured the hoof wall moisture content in hooves from wet, semi-arid, and arid environments. Moisture content was nearly identical in hooves from all three environments, averaging 29.5%. .
For the second part of the study, the team aimed to evaluate the common practice of soaking a horse's hoof. Using six domestic horses, they placed each horse's right forefoot in a dry rubber boot and left forefoot in a rubber boot filled with water for two hours. Directly after, they trimmed the hoof walls of both forefeet with nippers and removed a small section of hoof wall horn and sole horn with a hoof knife and evaluated the moisture content of both...
Read more here:
http://www.thehorse.com/ViewArticle.aspx?ID=20607
by: Casie Bazay, BS, NBCAAM
September 08 2012, Article # 20607
A recent two-part Australian study investigated hoof moisture levels in horses exposed to wet versus dry environments, as well as the the impact of soaking a hoof on moisture absorption.
Brian Hampson, PhD, member of the Australian Brumby Research Unit at the University of Queensland and lead author of the study, relayed, "The moisture content (of the hoof) is controlled by the internal circulation, which is fairly constant in the healthy horse."
Hampson and colleagues collected hoof wall samples from routine feral horse-culling operations in New Zealand and Australia. They measured the hoof wall moisture content in hooves from wet, semi-arid, and arid environments. Moisture content was nearly identical in hooves from all three environments, averaging 29.5%. .
For the second part of the study, the team aimed to evaluate the common practice of soaking a horse's hoof. Using six domestic horses, they placed each horse's right forefoot in a dry rubber boot and left forefoot in a rubber boot filled with water for two hours. Directly after, they trimmed the hoof walls of both forefeet with nippers and removed a small section of hoof wall horn and sole horn with a hoof knife and evaluated the moisture content of both...
Read more here:
http://www.thehorse.com/ViewArticle.aspx?ID=20607
Wednesday, September 12, 2012
Starch Digestion in Horse Diets
Thehorse.com - Full Article
by: Kristen M. Janicki, MS, PAS
September 02 2012, Article # 20576
Starch is a highly digestible energy form and can provide energy needed for exercise, growth, metabolism, and other equine life functions. However, when fed improperly, this nonstructural carbohydrate can be detrimental to your horse's health.
Most of the energy contained in grains, such as corn and oats, and a percentage of the energy from forage is starch. During digestion, starch is broken down primarily in the horse's small intestine by an enzyme called amylase. This process efficiently produces glucose, a type of simple sugar essential for fueling some bodily functions.
The amount of starch consumed at one time also affects the amount of starch digested in the small intestine. If starch is not digested in the small intestine (which occurs when large amounts of starches are fed at once), it passes through the digestive tract and is fermented in the large intestine. This fermentation process, while less efficient than digestion in the small intestine, also produces energy to keep the horse's body functioning...
Read more here:
http://www.thehorse.com/ViewArticle.aspx?ID=20576
by: Kristen M. Janicki, MS, PAS
September 02 2012, Article # 20576
Starch is a highly digestible energy form and can provide energy needed for exercise, growth, metabolism, and other equine life functions. However, when fed improperly, this nonstructural carbohydrate can be detrimental to your horse's health.
Most of the energy contained in grains, such as corn and oats, and a percentage of the energy from forage is starch. During digestion, starch is broken down primarily in the horse's small intestine by an enzyme called amylase. This process efficiently produces glucose, a type of simple sugar essential for fueling some bodily functions.
The amount of starch consumed at one time also affects the amount of starch digested in the small intestine. If starch is not digested in the small intestine (which occurs when large amounts of starches are fed at once), it passes through the digestive tract and is fermented in the large intestine. This fermentation process, while less efficient than digestion in the small intestine, also produces energy to keep the horse's body functioning...
Read more here:
http://www.thehorse.com/ViewArticle.aspx?ID=20576
Creepy Crawlies, Part 1: Mighty Mosquitoes
Thehorse.com - Full Article
by: Stacey Oke, DVM, MSc
June 01 2012, Article # 20322
They might be small, but these flying fiends can spread some deadly diseases
The original intent of this article was to relay how malicious and deadly some mosquitoes are, but according to Charles Calisher, PhD, professor of microbiology, immunology, and pathology at Colorado State University, mosquitoes are neither spiteful nor a menace to society. "Mosquitoes are not deadly," he explains. "It is the viruses and microbes they transmit that are deadly."
So although mosquitoes do not willfully harm horses (aside from getting a snack), it is still important for owners to minimize contact between mosquitoes' mouthparts and their horses.
"Mosquitoes transmit some of the deadliest and most debilitating diseases in the world, including malaria, dengue fever, and lymphatic filariasis," says Nicholas Ledesma, a DVM/PhD candidate in the field of Comparative Biomedical Sciences at Cornell University. "In addition to the human mortality and decreased quality of life they cause, mosquito-borne diseases (arboviruses) such as Eastern equine encephalitis afflict both domestic and wild animal populations."
In this article we will describe how mosquitoes transmit viral infections, identify the most important viral infections horses can acquire from these annoying arthropods, and describe methods for protecting horses from infection through vaccination and control ¬measures.
How Mosquitoes Spread Disease
Many consider mosquitoes to be one of the world’s most annoying creatures. They have six long, spindly legs, scaly wings and bodies, antennae, and the pièce de résistance: long, needlelike mouthparts able to pierce both human and animal skin...
Read more here:
http://www.thehorse.com/ViewArticle.aspx?ID=20322
by: Stacey Oke, DVM, MSc
June 01 2012, Article # 20322
They might be small, but these flying fiends can spread some deadly diseases
The original intent of this article was to relay how malicious and deadly some mosquitoes are, but according to Charles Calisher, PhD, professor of microbiology, immunology, and pathology at Colorado State University, mosquitoes are neither spiteful nor a menace to society. "Mosquitoes are not deadly," he explains. "It is the viruses and microbes they transmit that are deadly."
So although mosquitoes do not willfully harm horses (aside from getting a snack), it is still important for owners to minimize contact between mosquitoes' mouthparts and their horses.
"Mosquitoes transmit some of the deadliest and most debilitating diseases in the world, including malaria, dengue fever, and lymphatic filariasis," says Nicholas Ledesma, a DVM/PhD candidate in the field of Comparative Biomedical Sciences at Cornell University. "In addition to the human mortality and decreased quality of life they cause, mosquito-borne diseases (arboviruses) such as Eastern equine encephalitis afflict both domestic and wild animal populations."
In this article we will describe how mosquitoes transmit viral infections, identify the most important viral infections horses can acquire from these annoying arthropods, and describe methods for protecting horses from infection through vaccination and control ¬measures.
How Mosquitoes Spread Disease
Many consider mosquitoes to be one of the world’s most annoying creatures. They have six long, spindly legs, scaly wings and bodies, antennae, and the pièce de résistance: long, needlelike mouthparts able to pierce both human and animal skin...
Read more here:
http://www.thehorse.com/ViewArticle.aspx?ID=20322
Monday, September 10, 2012
West Nile virus: Still a threat
Learn how you can help prevent it
West Nile virus (WNV) remains a threat to horses. However, with the right vaccine and preventive measures, it’s not too late for horse owners to help protect their horses against this life-threatening disease.
West Nile encephalomyelitis is an inflammation of the central nervous system that is caused by an infection with WNV.It is transmitted by mosquitoes — which feed on infected birds or other animals — to horses, humans and other mammals. So far in 2012, 31 states have reported 157 cases of WNV in horses, with Louisiana and Texas having the most confirmed cases — 26 and 16, respectively.
The number of reported WNV cases fell from 1,069 in 2006 to 146 in 2010, and the decline is said by health experts to reflect both vaccination and naturally acquired immunity.
“It is a good sign that the number of cases has declined over the last decade, however there has been an increasing number of both human and equine cases, especially over the last couple months,” said Tom Lenz, DVM, MS, senior director, equine technical services, Pfizer Animal Health.
Vaccination remains the most effective way to help protect horses against West Nile and other encephalic or mosquito-borne diseases, such as Eastern equine encephalomyelitis and Western equine encephalomyelitis. A trusted vaccine is available to help offer demonstrated protection against WNV and, Eastern and Western equine encephalomyelitis and tetanus — WEST NILE-INNOVATOR® + EWT — all in a single vaccine. According to the American Association of Equine Practitioners guidelines, WNV is considered a core vaccination, along with Eastern equine encephalomyelitis, Western equine encephalomyelitis, tetanus and rabies.
In conjunction with vaccination, use good techniques for managing mosquitoes. This includes:
· Destroying any mosquito breeding habitats by removing all potential sources of stagnant water.
· Cleaning and emptying any water-holding container, such as water buckets, water troughs and plastic containers, on a weekly basis.
Remember that WNV does not always lead to signs of illness. Horses that do become clinically ill, the virus infects the central nervous system and may cause symptoms such as loss of appetite and depression. Other clinical signs may include fever, weakness or paralysis of hind limbs, impaired vision, ataxia, aimless wandering, walking in circles, hyper-excitability or coma.5 Horse owners should contact a veterinarian immediately if they notice signs or symptoms of WNV infection in their horses, especially if they are exhibiting neurological signs. The case fatality rate for horses exhibiting clinical signs of WNV infection is approximately 33%.
No matter the location, horses can be at risk. By providing proper vaccination and helping to manage mosquito populations, horse owners can do their part to help prevent WNV infections.
For more information on the WEST NILE-INNOVATOR line of vaccines contact your Pfizer Animal Health representative, visit https://animalhealth.pfizer.com/sites/pahweb/us/en/products/Pages/West_Nile_Innovator.aspx or call 855-4AH-PFIZER(855-424-7349).
About Pfizer Animal Health
Pfizer Animal Health, a business unit of Pfizer Inc., is a global leader in the discovery, development and manufacture of animal vaccines, medicines, diagnostic products and genetic tests. We work to assure a safe, sustainable global food supply from healthy beef and dairy cattle, swine, poultry, sheep and fish while helping dogs, cats and horses live healthier longer lives. We strive to be the animal health company that provides full healthcare solutions to veterinarians, livestock producers, and pet owners. To learn more, visit https://animalhealth.pfizer.com.
West Nile virus (WNV) remains a threat to horses. However, with the right vaccine and preventive measures, it’s not too late for horse owners to help protect their horses against this life-threatening disease.
West Nile encephalomyelitis is an inflammation of the central nervous system that is caused by an infection with WNV.It is transmitted by mosquitoes — which feed on infected birds or other animals — to horses, humans and other mammals. So far in 2012, 31 states have reported 157 cases of WNV in horses, with Louisiana and Texas having the most confirmed cases — 26 and 16, respectively.
The number of reported WNV cases fell from 1,069 in 2006 to 146 in 2010, and the decline is said by health experts to reflect both vaccination and naturally acquired immunity.
“It is a good sign that the number of cases has declined over the last decade, however there has been an increasing number of both human and equine cases, especially over the last couple months,” said Tom Lenz, DVM, MS, senior director, equine technical services, Pfizer Animal Health.
Vaccination remains the most effective way to help protect horses against West Nile and other encephalic or mosquito-borne diseases, such as Eastern equine encephalomyelitis and Western equine encephalomyelitis. A trusted vaccine is available to help offer demonstrated protection against WNV and, Eastern and Western equine encephalomyelitis and tetanus — WEST NILE-INNOVATOR® + EWT — all in a single vaccine. According to the American Association of Equine Practitioners guidelines, WNV is considered a core vaccination, along with Eastern equine encephalomyelitis, Western equine encephalomyelitis, tetanus and rabies.
In conjunction with vaccination, use good techniques for managing mosquitoes. This includes:
· Destroying any mosquito breeding habitats by removing all potential sources of stagnant water.
· Cleaning and emptying any water-holding container, such as water buckets, water troughs and plastic containers, on a weekly basis.
Remember that WNV does not always lead to signs of illness. Horses that do become clinically ill, the virus infects the central nervous system and may cause symptoms such as loss of appetite and depression. Other clinical signs may include fever, weakness or paralysis of hind limbs, impaired vision, ataxia, aimless wandering, walking in circles, hyper-excitability or coma.5 Horse owners should contact a veterinarian immediately if they notice signs or symptoms of WNV infection in their horses, especially if they are exhibiting neurological signs. The case fatality rate for horses exhibiting clinical signs of WNV infection is approximately 33%.
No matter the location, horses can be at risk. By providing proper vaccination and helping to manage mosquito populations, horse owners can do their part to help prevent WNV infections.
For more information on the WEST NILE-INNOVATOR line of vaccines contact your Pfizer Animal Health representative, visit https://animalhealth.pfizer.com/sites/pahweb/us/en/products/Pages/West_Nile_Innovator.aspx or call 855-4AH-PFIZER(855-424-7349).
About Pfizer Animal Health
Pfizer Animal Health, a business unit of Pfizer Inc., is a global leader in the discovery, development and manufacture of animal vaccines, medicines, diagnostic products and genetic tests. We work to assure a safe, sustainable global food supply from healthy beef and dairy cattle, swine, poultry, sheep and fish while helping dogs, cats and horses live healthier longer lives. We strive to be the animal health company that provides full healthcare solutions to veterinarians, livestock producers, and pet owners. To learn more, visit https://animalhealth.pfizer.com.
Oats: A Popular Ingredient in Horse Feeds
KER.equinews.com - Full Article
By Kentucky Equine Research Staff · July 10, 2012
Because the average oat grain is about 30% hull (fiber), and oats contain sufficient protein, calcium, and phosphorus to meet the requirements of mature horses, oats have traditionally been the predominant grain used by horsemen. Horses digest oats easily in comparison with heavier whole grains like wheat and corn.
Around the middle of the last century, more oats were grown in the U.S. than at present. The decline has been mainly due to poor yields. Genetic modification to improve yields has not been as successful in oats compared to gains in other crops. In spite of poor yields, the quality of oats cannot be denied.
Oat hulls are relatively low in energy and nutritive value. The majority of the protein is found in the groat...
Read more here:
http://ker.equinews.com/article/oats-popular-ingredient-horse-feeds
By Kentucky Equine Research Staff · July 10, 2012
Because the average oat grain is about 30% hull (fiber), and oats contain sufficient protein, calcium, and phosphorus to meet the requirements of mature horses, oats have traditionally been the predominant grain used by horsemen. Horses digest oats easily in comparison with heavier whole grains like wheat and corn.
Around the middle of the last century, more oats were grown in the U.S. than at present. The decline has been mainly due to poor yields. Genetic modification to improve yields has not been as successful in oats compared to gains in other crops. In spite of poor yields, the quality of oats cannot be denied.
Oat hulls are relatively low in energy and nutritive value. The majority of the protein is found in the groat...
Read more here:
http://ker.equinews.com/article/oats-popular-ingredient-horse-feeds
Friday, September 07, 2012
Fighting White Line Disease
Thehorse.com - Full Article
by: Christy M. West
April 30 2007, Article # 9253
White line disease sneaks up on you without warning--one day your horse is fine, and the next day the farrier is digging a crater in your horse's foot, dumping what seems like handfuls of soft, crumbly hoof horn on the floor. You might ask, what the heck is white line disease? Why is it such a big deal? Your horse isn't even lame, although you fear he might be soon with that new crater in his foot.
This ugly mess called white line disease might not be a big deal initially, but left untreated it can undermine large amounts of your horse's foot (or feet), resulting in lameness and instability of the coffin bone within the horse's foot. Bill Baker, DVM, of Equine Associates in Hawkinsville, Ga., discussed the disease and its treatment at the recent Bluegrass Laminitis Symposium, held Jan. 25-28 in Louisville, Ky.
"White line disease doesn't seem to occur without some sort of mechanical stress (such as long toes or hoof damage from previous disease or injury)," he began. "The only known certainty (about its cause) is that a breach in the hoof wall has to occur for the disease to occur. (Opportunistic bacteria and/or fungi then invade the defect and begin destroying hoof wall from the inside, starting at the bottom and working their way up.) There is no breed, age, or sex predisposition to this disease. It occurs in anything from Minis to drafts, donkeys, and mules. It may invade one foot or all four feet...
Read more here:
http://www.thehorse.com/ViewArticle.aspx?ID=9253
by: Christy M. West
April 30 2007, Article # 9253
White line disease sneaks up on you without warning--one day your horse is fine, and the next day the farrier is digging a crater in your horse's foot, dumping what seems like handfuls of soft, crumbly hoof horn on the floor. You might ask, what the heck is white line disease? Why is it such a big deal? Your horse isn't even lame, although you fear he might be soon with that new crater in his foot.
This ugly mess called white line disease might not be a big deal initially, but left untreated it can undermine large amounts of your horse's foot (or feet), resulting in lameness and instability of the coffin bone within the horse's foot. Bill Baker, DVM, of Equine Associates in Hawkinsville, Ga., discussed the disease and its treatment at the recent Bluegrass Laminitis Symposium, held Jan. 25-28 in Louisville, Ky.
"White line disease doesn't seem to occur without some sort of mechanical stress (such as long toes or hoof damage from previous disease or injury)," he began. "The only known certainty (about its cause) is that a breach in the hoof wall has to occur for the disease to occur. (Opportunistic bacteria and/or fungi then invade the defect and begin destroying hoof wall from the inside, starting at the bottom and working their way up.) There is no breed, age, or sex predisposition to this disease. It occurs in anything from Minis to drafts, donkeys, and mules. It may invade one foot or all four feet...
Read more here:
http://www.thehorse.com/ViewArticle.aspx?ID=9253
Sunday, September 02, 2012
Be Alert for Early Signs of Fatigue in Endurance Horses
Equinews.com - Full Article
By Kentucky Equine Research Staff · August 29, 2012
A study of fatigue in long-distance endurance horses might offer some helpful insights for trail riders who ride for shorter distances.
In a study conducted by the University of California-Davis, researchers analyzed almost 3,500 records of horses competing in endurance rides. These rides were sanctioned by the American Endurance Ride Conference and all horses were required to have veterinary checks every 10 to 20 miles throughout each race, which ranged in distance from 25 to 100 miles. Horses were eliminated from the competition if they were found to be lame or showed signs of significant fatigue.
For the horses whose records were examined, 19% were eliminated for some reason before completing the race. About 47% of eliminations were because of lameness. The next most common reason for elimination was a metabolic cause such as delayed capillary refill or slow cardiac recovery at a vet check...
Read more here:
http://www.equinews.com/article/be-alert-early-signs-fatigue-endurance-horses
By Kentucky Equine Research Staff · August 29, 2012
A study of fatigue in long-distance endurance horses might offer some helpful insights for trail riders who ride for shorter distances.
In a study conducted by the University of California-Davis, researchers analyzed almost 3,500 records of horses competing in endurance rides. These rides were sanctioned by the American Endurance Ride Conference and all horses were required to have veterinary checks every 10 to 20 miles throughout each race, which ranged in distance from 25 to 100 miles. Horses were eliminated from the competition if they were found to be lame or showed signs of significant fatigue.
For the horses whose records were examined, 19% were eliminated for some reason before completing the race. About 47% of eliminations were because of lameness. The next most common reason for elimination was a metabolic cause such as delayed capillary refill or slow cardiac recovery at a vet check...
Read more here:
http://www.equinews.com/article/be-alert-early-signs-fatigue-endurance-horses
The Best Time to Feed Before Competition
By Joe Pagan, Ph.D.
One of the most common questions asked about feeding the performance horse is when to feed before a competition. Theoretically, feeding should be timed so that all of the nutrients from a meal have been digested, absorbed, and stored before starting exercise, but not so long before exercise that the horse begins to mobilize fuels just to maintain its resting body functions.
It is probably better to exercise horses eight hours after feeding rather than fasting them overnight, since an overnight fast may disrupt digestive function and may lead to gastric ulceration.
To test this hypothesis, Kentucky Equine Research (KER) conducted an exercise experiment. Six trained Thoroughbreds performed a standardized exercise test (SET) at three different times after eating a grain-based meal. The exercise was performed eight hours after eating, three hours after eating, or after an overnight fast. This SET, carried out on the high-speed treadmill, consisted of a two-minute warm-up walk, one-half-mile trot, one-half-mile slow gallop, one-mile fast gallop (25 miles per hour), and a warm-down trot and walk. Heart rate was monitored throughout exercise and blood samples were taken before feeding, hourly until the beginning of the SET, throughout exercise, and 15 and 30 minutes post exercise. Blood was analyzed for glucose, insulin, and lactate.
Heart rate was higher at the slow gallop and during the warm-down trot when the horses were exercised three hours after feeding. Insulin was significantly higher in the three-hour-fed horses at the beginning and throughout exercise. Blood glucose was also higher after the three-hour feeding at the beginning of exercise. During exercise, however, blood glucose dropped in the horses exercised three hours after eating while it increased in the horses fasted overnight or fed eight hours before work. Lactate increased with exercise, but was unaffected by time of feeding.
The large drop in blood glucose experienced by the horses worked three hours after feeding is not desirable. Basically, the horse has three sources of energy to fuel muscle contraction during exercise. It can use fat, either from the diet or from body stores; it can use muscle glycogen; or it can use blood glucose. Fat stores are plentiful and are good sources of energy during slow work. As exercise intensity increases, faster fuel is needed and glucose is oxidized. If this glucose originates from muscle glycogen, stores are fairly plentiful and depletion is unlikely at distances shorter than endurance rides.
Blood glucose is the most limited fuel available to the horse. Blood glucose is maintained primarily from mobilization of liver glycogen and these stores are small compared to the amount of glycogen stored in the muscle. If blood glucose is used extensively by the muscle, then blood glucose will fall and this may lead to central nervous system fatigue since glucose is the primary fuel used by the nervous system.
The horses exercised three hours after feeding experienced a large drop in blood glucose because insulin was elevated at the onset of exercise. This caused an increased uptake of glucose by the working muscle. The horses exercised after an overnight fast or eight hours post feeding began work with resting levels of both glucose and insulin. During exercise, blood glucose actually increased, indicating that the horses were mobilizing liver glycogen at a faster rate than the glucose was being cleared from the blood.
Time of feeding had no effect on lactic acid accumulation during exercise, suggesting that time of feeding only affected how fuels were used for aerobic exercise. Anaerobic energy generation was unaffected. This means that during extremely intense exercise of short duration such as a Thoroughbred race, time of feeding is not nearly as important as when the horse is performing strenuous exercise of longer duration such as the cross-country phase of a three-day event. All of the parameters measured responded nearly the same whether the horses were fed eight hours before work or fasted overnight. It is probably better to exercise horses eight hours after feeding rather than fasting them overnight, since an overnight fast may disrupt digestive function and there is evidence that fasting horses may lead to gastric ulcers.
Kentucky Equine Research is an international equine nutrition, research, and consultation company serving both the horse owner and the feed industry. For more information, visit ker.com or visit our online library of nutrition and health articles at Equinews.com.
One of the most common questions asked about feeding the performance horse is when to feed before a competition. Theoretically, feeding should be timed so that all of the nutrients from a meal have been digested, absorbed, and stored before starting exercise, but not so long before exercise that the horse begins to mobilize fuels just to maintain its resting body functions.
It is probably better to exercise horses eight hours after feeding rather than fasting them overnight, since an overnight fast may disrupt digestive function and may lead to gastric ulceration.
To test this hypothesis, Kentucky Equine Research (KER) conducted an exercise experiment. Six trained Thoroughbreds performed a standardized exercise test (SET) at three different times after eating a grain-based meal. The exercise was performed eight hours after eating, three hours after eating, or after an overnight fast. This SET, carried out on the high-speed treadmill, consisted of a two-minute warm-up walk, one-half-mile trot, one-half-mile slow gallop, one-mile fast gallop (25 miles per hour), and a warm-down trot and walk. Heart rate was monitored throughout exercise and blood samples were taken before feeding, hourly until the beginning of the SET, throughout exercise, and 15 and 30 minutes post exercise. Blood was analyzed for glucose, insulin, and lactate.
Heart rate was higher at the slow gallop and during the warm-down trot when the horses were exercised three hours after feeding. Insulin was significantly higher in the three-hour-fed horses at the beginning and throughout exercise. Blood glucose was also higher after the three-hour feeding at the beginning of exercise. During exercise, however, blood glucose dropped in the horses exercised three hours after eating while it increased in the horses fasted overnight or fed eight hours before work. Lactate increased with exercise, but was unaffected by time of feeding.
The large drop in blood glucose experienced by the horses worked three hours after feeding is not desirable. Basically, the horse has three sources of energy to fuel muscle contraction during exercise. It can use fat, either from the diet or from body stores; it can use muscle glycogen; or it can use blood glucose. Fat stores are plentiful and are good sources of energy during slow work. As exercise intensity increases, faster fuel is needed and glucose is oxidized. If this glucose originates from muscle glycogen, stores are fairly plentiful and depletion is unlikely at distances shorter than endurance rides.
Blood glucose is the most limited fuel available to the horse. Blood glucose is maintained primarily from mobilization of liver glycogen and these stores are small compared to the amount of glycogen stored in the muscle. If blood glucose is used extensively by the muscle, then blood glucose will fall and this may lead to central nervous system fatigue since glucose is the primary fuel used by the nervous system.
The horses exercised three hours after feeding experienced a large drop in blood glucose because insulin was elevated at the onset of exercise. This caused an increased uptake of glucose by the working muscle. The horses exercised after an overnight fast or eight hours post feeding began work with resting levels of both glucose and insulin. During exercise, blood glucose actually increased, indicating that the horses were mobilizing liver glycogen at a faster rate than the glucose was being cleared from the blood.
Time of feeding had no effect on lactic acid accumulation during exercise, suggesting that time of feeding only affected how fuels were used for aerobic exercise. Anaerobic energy generation was unaffected. This means that during extremely intense exercise of short duration such as a Thoroughbred race, time of feeding is not nearly as important as when the horse is performing strenuous exercise of longer duration such as the cross-country phase of a three-day event. All of the parameters measured responded nearly the same whether the horses were fed eight hours before work or fasted overnight. It is probably better to exercise horses eight hours after feeding rather than fasting them overnight, since an overnight fast may disrupt digestive function and there is evidence that fasting horses may lead to gastric ulcers.
Kentucky Equine Research is an international equine nutrition, research, and consultation company serving both the horse owner and the feed industry. For more information, visit ker.com or visit our online library of nutrition and health articles at Equinews.com.
Friday, August 31, 2012
Feeding to Avoid Problems at Endurance Ride Checkpoints
KER.equinews.com - Full Article
By Dr. Peter Huntington and Scott O'Brien · July 5, 2012
Poor scores at the vet gate during an endurance ride can be the first indication of trouble in some cases. Scoring poorly in any of the parameters should cause you to assess the problem and decide if there’s anything you can do to reverse it. This is especially true for multileg rides during which a rider has the opportunity to avoid elimination after the next leg, but it is also important to remember to address these issues even after completion of the ride.
There are a couple of problems that can be rectified nutritionally if noticed early enough. Generally these are the metabolic scores.
For dehydration, revisit your electrolyte supplement strategy. Consult with your veterinarian as to whether oral electrolytes would be of use (dependant on level of dehydration). Try to encourage the horse to eat a wet slurry-type feed or find some wet green forage and get as much in as possible. Feeding some dry hay can stimulate drinking. Try flavored waters. Slow down and allow more time at water stops for the horse to settle before drinking. Let the horse graze briefly near the water to stimulate thirst...
Read more here:
http://ker.equinews.com/article/feeding-avoid-problems-endurance-ride-checkpoints
By Dr. Peter Huntington and Scott O'Brien · July 5, 2012
Poor scores at the vet gate during an endurance ride can be the first indication of trouble in some cases. Scoring poorly in any of the parameters should cause you to assess the problem and decide if there’s anything you can do to reverse it. This is especially true for multileg rides during which a rider has the opportunity to avoid elimination after the next leg, but it is also important to remember to address these issues even after completion of the ride.
There are a couple of problems that can be rectified nutritionally if noticed early enough. Generally these are the metabolic scores.
For dehydration, revisit your electrolyte supplement strategy. Consult with your veterinarian as to whether oral electrolytes would be of use (dependant on level of dehydration). Try to encourage the horse to eat a wet slurry-type feed or find some wet green forage and get as much in as possible. Feeding some dry hay can stimulate drinking. Try flavored waters. Slow down and allow more time at water stops for the horse to settle before drinking. Let the horse graze briefly near the water to stimulate thirst...
Read more here:
http://ker.equinews.com/article/feeding-avoid-problems-endurance-ride-checkpoints
Carbohydrates in Equine Nutrition
KER.equinews.com - Full Article
By Dr. Joe Pagan · June 21, 2012
About 75% of all plant matter is comprised of carbohydrates. This fact means that carbohydrates are an extremely important part of a horse’s diet. There are a number of different types of carbohydrates in horse feed, and they vary considerably as to how well horses digest and utilize each one. In nutritional terms, carbohydrates can be divided into two broad categories: nonstructural carbohydrates (NSC) and structural carbohydrates (cell wall).
Nonstructural carbohydrates are those that either occur as simple sugars in the horse’s feed, or can be broken down by enzymes produced by the horse. Included in this category are glucose, fructose, lactose, sucrose, and starch. They range from being almost nonexistent in a grass hay diet to comprising a high percentage of the total diet in a high-grain, low-fiber ration.
Structural carbohydrates are those that are resistant to the horse’s digestive enzymes. These carbohydrates occur in the cell wall portion of the plant and must be fermented by bacteria living in the horse’s gut before they can be utilized by the horse. As a group, these carbohydrates are called plant fiber, and they consist primarily of cellulose and hemicellulose...
Read more here:
http://ker.equinews.com/article/carbohydrates-equine-nutrition
By Dr. Joe Pagan · June 21, 2012
About 75% of all plant matter is comprised of carbohydrates. This fact means that carbohydrates are an extremely important part of a horse’s diet. There are a number of different types of carbohydrates in horse feed, and they vary considerably as to how well horses digest and utilize each one. In nutritional terms, carbohydrates can be divided into two broad categories: nonstructural carbohydrates (NSC) and structural carbohydrates (cell wall).
Nonstructural carbohydrates are those that either occur as simple sugars in the horse’s feed, or can be broken down by enzymes produced by the horse. Included in this category are glucose, fructose, lactose, sucrose, and starch. They range from being almost nonexistent in a grass hay diet to comprising a high percentage of the total diet in a high-grain, low-fiber ration.
Structural carbohydrates are those that are resistant to the horse’s digestive enzymes. These carbohydrates occur in the cell wall portion of the plant and must be fermented by bacteria living in the horse’s gut before they can be utilized by the horse. As a group, these carbohydrates are called plant fiber, and they consist primarily of cellulose and hemicellulose...
Read more here:
http://ker.equinews.com/article/carbohydrates-equine-nutrition
Wednesday, August 29, 2012
How the Longines FEI World Endurance Championships 2012 was Won (or lost)
How the Longines FEI World Endurance
Championships 2012 was Won (or lost)
by David Marlin
How did 2 HH Sh Mohammed bin Rashid Al
Maktoum know how fast to go to win the FEI World Endurance
Championships at Euston Park yesterday (25th August 2012)?
Having ridden around similar courses in competitions run from Euston
Park in the past 3-4 years would definitely have helped. Although the
course would not have been exactly the same as any used previously,
there are a limited number of tracks that could be used. The fact
that the area is essentially flat means that the time should be
similar to 160km courses used before. Another factor that of course
need to be considered would be the environmental conditions. The
hotter, more humid, less cloud and less wind there is, the slower the
speed. Watching what other riders do is also a factor that needs to
be considered when setting out a strategy. You need to be up with the
front runners to stand a chance of winning, but running with the
front runners increases your chance of elimination.
No two endurance races will be run
exactly the same, but if you don’t like leaving things to chance
and like statistics and numbers, then looking back at previous times
for 160km races rides at Euston Park would seem obvious. And I
suspect that this is what many teams would have done in their
preparation for the 2012 FEI World Endurance Championships this
weekend. But, even the strong evidence of previous times for 160km
race rides at Euston as an indicator of race strategy would not give
the whole picture. The missing factor? This was a World Championship,
and they don’t necessarily have to follow the rules. In a World
Championship you have a very high number of horses and riders, and a
larger proportion of these than normal would be in with a chance of
winning. This usually means that speeds would be expected to be a
little faster than normal for such a course. The difficulty we have
with endurance is that due to the distances involved, environmental
conditions, going (footing), terrain and technical difficulty (e.g.
number and frequency of turns) all have a major impact on the speed a
160km can be won at.
So what should we have expected from
previous 160km race rides at Euston Park over the past 3 seasons and
how did this match up to the race pattern and winning speed for the
Longines FEI World Endurance Championships 2012?
The ride data for 2010, 2011 and 2012
for 160km senior rides at Euston Park was analysed. Each Summer for
the past three years the rides have been held regularly and over
similar terrain.
So the first question I had is “have
the 160km race rides at Euston Park (4 in 2010, 4 in 2011 and 3 in
2012 [there was a 4th 160km race ride in 2012 but it was
slow by Euston Park normal standards, only had 4 starters and 2
finishers and so I decided not to include it]) been getting faster
over the past 3 seasons?”. The answer to this one is a simple “no”.
The fastest time for a 160km at Euston Park over the past 3 years
was on the 25th July 2010 (22.2 kmh), followed by 21.6 kmh
on 9th June 2010. That said, the last two race rides this
season at Euston before the Longines FEI World Endurance
Championships both posted winning speeds of 21.3 kmh! So over the
past 3 seasons at Euston, the average winning speed for 11, 160km
race rides was 20.8 kmh, with the fastest being 22.2kmh and the
slowest being 18.9kmh.
Thus, with “normal” August
conditions this weekend and with good going (i.e. not too soft), I
would have to be expecting the winner to complete in a time of
22.2kmh + a little extra to allow for the fact that this is a
championship. In fact, 2 HH Sh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum
finished with an average speed of 22.8kmh. At this stage I am not
clear whether the thunder and torrential rain slowed down the riders
on course significantly, so it is conceivable that he would have
completed with an even faster time. But the point I think is made.
The fact that it was a championship lead to a winning time slightly
faster than would be typical for Non-World Championship race rides
over 160km at Euston Park. What’s more, using this approach,
presumably most teams would have known what speeds they should have
been targeting on each loop to keep in contention. Or alternatively,
they would have simply tried to keep up with those setting the pace.
So, in conclusion, when it comes to the
average speed over 160km for the winner, there are no real surprises.
But what about the pattern of the race on a loop by loop basis?
Again, this information is freely available and lends itself to
analysis to look for patterns based on previous race rides over 160km
at Euston Park.
What is clear from this analysis, is
that the first loop was extremely fast compared with the average for
loop 1 for all the winners of 160km race rides at Euston. Actually,
whilst I have used the term “average” , I actually used the
median, which reduces the influence of loops that were slower or
faster than the “norm”. It can also be seen from the graph that
winners at Euston typically have a faster 3rd loop than
the 2nd loop, but this did not happen for HH Sh Mohammed.
This was probably a consequence of the very fast first loop.
At the time of writing, the times for
the 5th and 6th loops are no available –
there was a power loss during the thunderstorms which resulted in a
disruption to the timing. (I have to say I’m not sure why given
that August is a peak month for thunderstorms that there were not
uninterruptable power supplies and surge protectors that would have
kept the timing systems up and running in the event of a loss in
mains power). As soon as the times for the 5th and 6th
loops are posted I’ll finish the analysis. My predictions are that
HH Sh Mohammed would have completed the 5th Loop at 21.2
kmh and the final loop at 23 kmh. We shall see!
Conditioning Young Horses
Thehorse.com - Full Article
by: Christa Lesté-Lasserre
June 01 2012, Article # 20329
Research shows that appropriate amounts of exercise during the first three years of a horse's life can benefit the musculoskeletal system
Before your equine athlete begins full-scale training, he can benefit greatly from preparatory physical conditioning. Yes, it's true that he's still growing, that sensitive structures such as his joints and tendons are still developing, and that, generally speaking, he's immature. But veterinary researchers agree: A fair amount of exercise will do him a significant amount of good, not only now but for his entire life. So, it's important to get your youngster out of the stall and into shape.
Muscles, Tendons, and Bones
The first three years of a horse's life--particularly the first two--are a time of great change and development in his locomotor system, particularly the muscles, tendons, and bones (including joints). These structures are the ones you keep in mind most as your prospect matures.
Researchers note that growing muscles adapt to the discipline for which the horse is preparing. That’s especially true for how these structures metabolize energy, meaning how they store oxygen and use fat as an energy source. So developing equine muscles properly via exercise is primordial in preparing the young athlete.
Tendons accumulate collagen during growth, which plays a role in their stretchiness and resistance, so safeguarding these structures is critical as well.
As bones grow, they not only increase in length and width but also in density. The mix of minerals in the bones changes, and the bones' inner and outer membranes and outer shells thicken. All these parameters affect bone strength, so, once again, promoting optimal bone growth is essential...
Read more here:
http://www.thehorse.com/ViewArticle.aspx?ID=20329
by: Christa Lesté-Lasserre
June 01 2012, Article # 20329
Research shows that appropriate amounts of exercise during the first three years of a horse's life can benefit the musculoskeletal system
Before your equine athlete begins full-scale training, he can benefit greatly from preparatory physical conditioning. Yes, it's true that he's still growing, that sensitive structures such as his joints and tendons are still developing, and that, generally speaking, he's immature. But veterinary researchers agree: A fair amount of exercise will do him a significant amount of good, not only now but for his entire life. So, it's important to get your youngster out of the stall and into shape.
Muscles, Tendons, and Bones
The first three years of a horse's life--particularly the first two--are a time of great change and development in his locomotor system, particularly the muscles, tendons, and bones (including joints). These structures are the ones you keep in mind most as your prospect matures.
Researchers note that growing muscles adapt to the discipline for which the horse is preparing. That’s especially true for how these structures metabolize energy, meaning how they store oxygen and use fat as an energy source. So developing equine muscles properly via exercise is primordial in preparing the young athlete.
Tendons accumulate collagen during growth, which plays a role in their stretchiness and resistance, so safeguarding these structures is critical as well.
As bones grow, they not only increase in length and width but also in density. The mix of minerals in the bones changes, and the bones' inner and outer membranes and outer shells thicken. All these parameters affect bone strength, so, once again, promoting optimal bone growth is essential...
Read more here:
http://www.thehorse.com/ViewArticle.aspx?ID=20329
Tuesday, August 21, 2012
At Last! A Scientific University Study of the Horses Hoof!
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
At Last! A Scientific University Study of the Horses Hoof!
In the last decade, thousands of veterinarians, farriers and horse owners have come to realize that better nutrition, trimming, correct movement, environment, and improved protective devices can cause dramatic and positive changes to the equine foot--not only externally, as previously recognized, but internally as well. “The internal foot can become larger, stronger and better,” says Joe Camp from The Soul of a Horse (http://thesoulofahorse.com). “These changes give significant resistance to hoof problems and can provide cure to pre-existing problems as well. Many of us take this concept of internal hoof development for granted--we present it as fact, because we have seen the changes with our own eyes. All the proof we need is in our own back yard.”
“But we are still a minority,” Camp continues. “Most equine veterinarians, farriers and horse owners are either unaware, or are actually combative toward any notion that the internal foot can be ‘grown’ or developed into something better because no scientific research has tracked this development in live horses. But that is about to change.”
Debra R. Taylor DVM, DACVIM and John Schumacher, DVM, DACVIM (Auburn University College of Veterinary Medicine) have taken on a monumental project. They plan to use MRI and CT imaging to track the foot development of live adult horses over time. Additionally, the horses used in the project will be divided into groups that will live very different lifestyles. Does exercise in padded hoof boots and barefoot turnout on variable terrain develop a larger, stronger digital cushion and lateral cartilage? Or can a horse grow his best possible foot while living in a stall with some turnout available? Which lifestyle is safer for the horse? These questions will be answered by a peer-reviewed, controlled study.
Renowned hoof specialist Pete Ramey (http://www.hoofrehab.com) who has worked with Dr. Taylor for several years says, “These studies will happen now, IF they can get the necessary funding and support for the project. Most scientific studies can be done in a relatively short time. A small grant and a few months of hard work yields a new published paper--new information--proof or disproof of a hypothesis. A study like this, however, will take at least two years.”
The only way to produce a solid controlled study is to have all of the horses in each control group living in the same exact environment and under the same care--at the same facility. This means the horses must be purchased for the study. They must all be cared for and exercised the exact same way. Full veterinary evaluation, the MRIs and CTs, and interpretation of the results must be done for each horse before, during, and after the study period. This will all be very expensive--this is why we have so little research on the effects of anything over time. As important as these studies would obviously be, they are horrifically cumbersome and impractical to perform.
“This project needs private financial backing--a lot of it--or it can't be completed,” Camp said. “I beg anyone who cares about the health and happiness of horses to donate. Even the smallest amount can help.”
Please click here: Donate to the Study and then proceed through four drop down menus as follows:
Donation type: Gift
Campus: Auburn-Main Campus
Area of Interest: College of Veterinary Medicine Gift
Designation: Dr. Debra Taylors Hoof Development and Rehabilitation
Description of Dr. Taylor's hoof program for 4th-year vet students and how bone, lateral cartilage and digital cushion volumes will be tracked during the study period: Hoof Rehabilitation Program Brochure
Brand New, All New Website!
Check It Out - http://thesoulofahorse.com
THE SOUL OF A HORSE Blog
Read about our new mustang and her brand new baby
Videos:
Here We Go Again! (Another pregnant mustang :)
Relationship First!
Our Paddock Paradise - What We Did, How We Did It, and Why?
Books:
National Best Seller
The Soul of a Horse - Life Lessons from the Herd
The Highly Acclaimed Continuation
The Soul of a Horse Blogged - The Journey Continues
Live Video Links in Kindle, Nook, and iBooks versions
eBook Nuggets from the Soul of a Horse... $0.99 each
Six info-packed books covering everything we've learned about Relationship, Ground Work, Diet, Pastures, Lifestyle, and Why Our Horses are Barefoot
The Soul of a Horse Fan Page on Facebook
http://thesoulofahorse.com
http://www.benji.com
At Last! A Scientific University Study of the Horses Hoof!
In the last decade, thousands of veterinarians, farriers and horse owners have come to realize that better nutrition, trimming, correct movement, environment, and improved protective devices can cause dramatic and positive changes to the equine foot--not only externally, as previously recognized, but internally as well. “The internal foot can become larger, stronger and better,” says Joe Camp from The Soul of a Horse (http://thesoulofahorse.com). “These changes give significant resistance to hoof problems and can provide cure to pre-existing problems as well. Many of us take this concept of internal hoof development for granted--we present it as fact, because we have seen the changes with our own eyes. All the proof we need is in our own back yard.”
“But we are still a minority,” Camp continues. “Most equine veterinarians, farriers and horse owners are either unaware, or are actually combative toward any notion that the internal foot can be ‘grown’ or developed into something better because no scientific research has tracked this development in live horses. But that is about to change.”
Debra R. Taylor DVM, DACVIM and John Schumacher, DVM, DACVIM (Auburn University College of Veterinary Medicine) have taken on a monumental project. They plan to use MRI and CT imaging to track the foot development of live adult horses over time. Additionally, the horses used in the project will be divided into groups that will live very different lifestyles. Does exercise in padded hoof boots and barefoot turnout on variable terrain develop a larger, stronger digital cushion and lateral cartilage? Or can a horse grow his best possible foot while living in a stall with some turnout available? Which lifestyle is safer for the horse? These questions will be answered by a peer-reviewed, controlled study.
Renowned hoof specialist Pete Ramey (http://www.hoofrehab.com) who has worked with Dr. Taylor for several years says, “These studies will happen now, IF they can get the necessary funding and support for the project. Most scientific studies can be done in a relatively short time. A small grant and a few months of hard work yields a new published paper--new information--proof or disproof of a hypothesis. A study like this, however, will take at least two years.”
The only way to produce a solid controlled study is to have all of the horses in each control group living in the same exact environment and under the same care--at the same facility. This means the horses must be purchased for the study. They must all be cared for and exercised the exact same way. Full veterinary evaluation, the MRIs and CTs, and interpretation of the results must be done for each horse before, during, and after the study period. This will all be very expensive--this is why we have so little research on the effects of anything over time. As important as these studies would obviously be, they are horrifically cumbersome and impractical to perform.
“This project needs private financial backing--a lot of it--or it can't be completed,” Camp said. “I beg anyone who cares about the health and happiness of horses to donate. Even the smallest amount can help.”
Please click here: Donate to the Study and then proceed through four drop down menus as follows:
Donation type: Gift
Campus: Auburn-Main Campus
Area of Interest: College of Veterinary Medicine Gift
Designation: Dr. Debra Taylors Hoof Development and Rehabilitation
Description of Dr. Taylor's hoof program for 4th-year vet students and how bone, lateral cartilage and digital cushion volumes will be tracked during the study period: Hoof Rehabilitation Program Brochure
Brand New, All New Website!
Check It Out - http://thesoulofahorse.com
THE SOUL OF A HORSE Blog
Read about our new mustang and her brand new baby
Videos:
Here We Go Again! (Another pregnant mustang :)
Relationship First!
Our Paddock Paradise - What We Did, How We Did It, and Why?
Books:
National Best Seller
The Soul of a Horse - Life Lessons from the Herd
The Highly Acclaimed Continuation
The Soul of a Horse Blogged - The Journey Continues
Live Video Links in Kindle, Nook, and iBooks versions
eBook Nuggets from the Soul of a Horse... $0.99 each
Six info-packed books covering everything we've learned about Relationship, Ground Work, Diet, Pastures, Lifestyle, and Why Our Horses are Barefoot
The Soul of a Horse Fan Page on Facebook
http://thesoulofahorse.com
http://www.benji.com
Sunday, August 19, 2012
Floor-Level Feeding
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
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
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)