Section Key Points Introduction Choosing the right bridle is crucial for horses with respiratory issues in dressage. Why Bitless Bridles Matter More comfort, less stress, and better for horses with respiratory concerns such as EIPH. Benefits for Respiratory Health Reduced Mouth Stress Gentler Pressure Distribution Improved Comfort Types of Bitless Bridles Sidepull: Nose only, may lack stopping power Cross-Under: Nose, cheeks, ears, requires handling Bosal Hackamore: Nose, chin, less precise Mechanical Hackamore: More "feel," avoid long shanks Guide to Choosing Assess Horse's Issues Evaluate Dressage Goals Check Fit and Materials Test Responsiveness Consider Rider Skill Trial Period Potential Drawbacks Not suitable for every horse, proper adjustment needed. Real-World Tips Start Simple Padding is Key Transition Success Vet Endorsement Conclusion Bitless bridles enhance performance and well-being for horses with respiratory issues. IntroductionWhen it comes to horse riding, the equipment used can make a significant difference, especially for horses experiencing respiratory issues. In the world of dressage, where precision and horse-rider communication are paramount, finding the right bridle is crucial. This article will explore the advantages of using a bitless bridle for horses with respiratory concerns, focusing on how these alternatives can improve horse health and performance.Why Bitless Bridles Matter for Horses with Respiratory IssuesBitless bridles are gaining popularity because they offer more comfort and less stress for horses. Unlike traditional bridles that can increase respiratory strain by pressing on the horse's tongue or palate, bitless bridles apply pressure over broader areas like the nose and chin. This adjustment can particularly benefit dressage horses prone to exercise-induced pulmonary hemorrhage (EIPH) or airway inflammation [source].Understanding Respiratory Concerns in Dressage HorsesDressage requires horses to be supple and collected, demanding a level of respiratory ease that might be compromised by traditional bits. Horses with respiratory issues can show signs of stress like mouth gaping or head tossing, which in turn restricts airways. Bitless options are designed to prevent these stresses, helping horses maintain relaxed and effective breathing [source]. Key Benefits for Respiratory Health and Dressage Performance Reduced Mouth Stress: Bitless bridles eliminate the pinching and pressure typical of bits, preventing the neck tension that can impede airflow and cause discomfort [source]. Gentler Pressure Distribution: These bridles encourage poll flexion with light chin and nose pressure, supporting deep, calm breaths necessary for dressage transitions and extensions [source]. Improved Comfort: Young or anxious horses often suffer from bit aversion, leading to behaviors like head shaking, which can worsen breathing [source]. A comfortable bitless bridle reduces these stress signals.Types of Bitless Bridles: Matching to Respiratory Needs and DressageWhen choosing a bitless bridle, it is critical to consider the design's impact on the horse's respiratory well-being. Prioritize styles with minimal leverage and even pressure distribution to avoid unnecessary tension. TypePressure PointsBest For Respiratory/Dressage HorsesDrawbacks SidepullNose onlyYoung/sensitive horsesMay lack stopping power Cross-Under (Cheek-Cross)Nose, cheeks, earsHorses disliking single-point pressureRequires precise handling Bosal HackamoreNose, chinWestern-style trainingLess precise for lateral aids Mechanical Hackamore (Short Shanks)Nose, chin, earsHorses needing more "feel"Avoid long shanks Step-by-Step Guide to Choosing the Right One Assess Your Horse's Specific Issues: Consult with a veterinarian to understand specific respiratory diagnoses and tailor your bridle choice accordingly. Padded nosebands might be necessary for extra sensitivity [source]. Evaluate Dressage Goals: Consider what you aim to achieve with your horse, from basic training to advanced dressage, and select a corresponding bridle type. Check Fit and Materials: Look for anatomical shaping features like padded browbands to ensure a comfortable and effective fit that doesn't aggravate the airways [source]. Test Responsiveness: Gradually introduce the bitless bridle, starting on the ground, and note any improvement in your horse's comfort and breathing. Consider Rider Skill: While sidepulls are simpler for less experienced riders, more seasoned horsemen might prefer the nuanced feedback of a cross-under bridle. Trial Period: Monitor the horse's breathing and performance across several weeks, ensuring the bridle supports reduced stress and enhanced relaxation [source].Potential Drawbacks and When to Avoid BitlessWhile bitless bridles are beneficial for many, they are not for every horse. Horses that dont respond well might experience increased speed and tension, which can be harmful. Proper adjustment and professional fitting are critical to avoid these issues [source]. Real-World Tips from Experts and Riders Start Simple: Experts suggest beginning with basic sidepulls for ease and clarity in cues. Padding is Key: Proper padding minimizes discomfort and pressure, encouraging respiratory ease [source]. Transition Success: Transitioning horses to bitless bridles can be gentle and effective when done correctly, often replicating methods used in other disciplines such as Western riding. Vet Endorsement: Veterinarians advocate bitless bridles for horses recovering from mouth injuries or those with severe bit aversions.ConclusionOpting for a well-designed bitless bridle can lead to a more successful dressage performance, particularly for horses with respiratory concerns. By ensuring maximum comfort and minimal stress, these bridles help foster a stronger partnership between rider and horse, enhancing both well-being and performance. At Just Horse Riders, you can find an array of tack and riding apparel to keep both you and your horse comfortable.```html```

Welcome to Horse Illustrateds weekly installment of the Right Horse Adoptable Horse of the Week, offered in partnership with the ASPCAs Right Horse program. This weeks adoptable horse is Belle! Check back weekly for a new featured horse so you can find your Right Horse.Photo courtesy Susquehanna SPCAAdoptable Horse: Belle, a 26-year-old, 12.0hh grade pony mareOrganization: Susquehanna SPCA, Cooperstown, N.Y.Get to Know Adoptable Horse BelleBelle is a charming senior pony (estimated 25+) who is ready for a fresh start with someone who will enjoy helping her shine. After spending years alone with limited hoof care, shes now discovering the world with new confidence. She can be shy at first, but a nibble of grain and a calm presence help her relaxand once she feels safe, her sweet, gentle personality shines through.Despite her age, Belle has the energy and curiosity of a much younger pony. She enjoys stretching her legs, exploring her surroundings, and taking in everything happening around her. Her bright, independent nature makes her especially rewarding to work with.Belle is still learning that farrier visits are a normal part of life, so shell need a patient farrier and a veterinarian who can provide sedation as needed to ensure her trims remain positive and low-stress.She is looking for an adopter with the experience, steadiness, and understanding needed to help continue her journey. With consistency, kindness, and thoughtful handling, Belle will blossom into a confident and engaging companion.Contact Susquehanna SPCA today about ASPCA Right Horse Adoptable Horse of the Week, Belle!Photo courtesy Susquehanna SPCAASPCA Right HorseASPCA Right Horse is the online adoption platform of The Right Horse Initiative, a collection of equine industry and welfare professionals and advocates working together to improve the lives of horses in transition. A program of the ASPCA, their goal is to massively increase horse adoption in the United States. To find more adoptable horses and foster horses, visit www.myrighthorse.org. To learn more about The Right Horse, a program of the ASPCA, visit www.aspcarighthorse.org.The post ASPCA Right Horse Adoptable Horse of the Week: Belle appeared first on Horse Illustrated Magazine.

Any deviation from normal behavior toward the foal can be a form of foal rejection. | iStockFoal rejection is a relatively uncommon phenomenon in broodmares. However, it can jeopardize the foals healtheven his lifedue to failure of passive transfer of immunity (as a result of not ingesting enough colostrum, or first milk) or severe injury. Researchers have shown nearly 20% of rejected foals have been injured or killed by their dam.To identify foal rejection, it is important to understand the normal mare-foal interaction. Mare-foal bonding starts during parturition (birth), as the mare sniffs, licks, and nuzzles the fetal fluids and membranes. Immediately after foaling, the mare directs her attention to the foal, nuzzling, licking, scraping with teeth, allowing and facilitating nursing, and protecting. Bonding behavior includes nose-to-nose nuzzling and nuzzling of the foals perineum (around the anus), particularly during nursing.Stepping away from the foal while it seeks the udder is a normal mare behavior if not accompanied by aggressive kicking or biting. It is also normal for mares to terminate nursing sessions by walking away while the foal is still nursing. Most maternal aggression occurs when the foal is suckling, and excessive suckling and vigorous bumping of the udder can trigger foal rejection behavior. Stimulating the sympathetic nervous system in aggressive mares in this way could inhibit milk production and exacerbate the problem.Any deviation from normal behavior toward the foal can be a form of foal rejection. These reactions can range from simple avoidance and ambivalence or lack of attention to severe threats toward and savaging of the foal. Most foal rejection cases (90%) occur in the first 24 hours postpartum, though veterinarians have observed foal rejection as late as four months postpartum. Foal rejection behaviors include ear pinning, squealing (this can also be exhibited in normal mare/foal relationships), tail swishing, pushing, threatening to bite, biting, and kicking.We dont fully understand the underlying causes of foal rejection. However, factors suspected to increase foal rejection risk include breed/genetics, parity (number of foals a mare has had), foaling conditions, and foal or mare health. Foal rejection seems to be more common in Arabian mares than other breeds for reasons unknown. Primiparous (maiden) mares are more likely to reject foals because of inexperience and fear.Foaling conditions suspected to trigger foal rejection include the presence of too many people, obstetrical intervention, and overt handling of the foal in the immediate postpartum period. All these can interfere with normal mare and foal bonding.While researchers believe hormonal imbalances could cause foal rejection, scientific evidence is lacking. The hormones oxytocin, estrogen, and prolactin are essential for maternal behavior, and researchers on one study saw no difference in progesterone, estradiol (an estrogen type), or prolactin concentrations in foal-rejecting and normal mares. However, the prostaglandin-E2-to-progesterone ratio was significantly higher in normal mares than in foal-rejecting mares. Prolactin concentration decreased significantly from Days 1 to 3 in rejecting mares. Low prolactin might lead to higher anxiety and stress response, culminating with abnormal behavior toward the foal. We must interpret these studies with caution, however, as the number of animals involved is often low.Foal rejection is also associated with painful conditions in the dam. It is common for primiparous mares to avoid their foals due to a painful udder. However, this behavior typically subsides after a few suckling sessions. (Note that any mare can experience vaginal trauma and sore udders after parturition, and many veterinarians administer NSAIDs such as flunixin meglumine or phenylbutazone in foal-rejecting mares.) Other conditions that can cause mare discomfort and resulting foal rejection include the foal bunting the udder and biting the teat, retained placenta, inflammation of the uterine wall, gastrointestinal pain, udder edema, and mastitis. Foals in critical condition that have been isolated from their dams are at higher risk of being rejected. Early identification and diagnosis of foal rejection is critical for foal health. Caretakers should observe the mare and foal closely, particularly if its the mares first foal. An early sign is a lack of licking the foal. Eighty-two percent of dams lick their foals after parturition, compared to 38% of rejecting mares. Rejecting mares also tend to chase their foals.How to manage foal rejection is often a subject of debate and is mostly based on clinical experience. Its crucial to collect a thorough history of the mare (including foaling condition and behavioral signs) and conduct a physical examination prior to initiating any treatment. If the foal rejection becomes permanent, practitioners typically prefer to graft the foal to a calm nurse mare rather than hand-raise it.

Horse Sport Ireland (HSI) is delighted to announce the appointment of Sam Griffiths as its new High Performance Eventing Manager ahead of the FEI World Championships in Aachen this summer and in the lead-up to the LA Olympic Games in 2028.One of the most respected figures in international eventing, Griffiths brings extensive experience as an elite athlete, performance manager and coach at the highest level of the sport.A dual Olympian and team medal winner for Australia at the Rio Games in 2016, the former Badminton Horse Trials champion has enjoyed a distinguished competitive career, also representing his country at World Championships and five-star level events around the world, while being ranked within the worlds top 10 of the FEI rankings. He was also named the 2014 Eventing rider of the year by the International Riders Club.In addition to his success in the saddle, Griffiths has built a strong reputation in high-performance leadership and programme management. He has held senior high performance roles within eventing, working closely with athletes, coaches and support teams to deliver sustainable success on the world stage.His experience spans talent development, championship preparation and performance systems aligned with best international practice. He played an integral part in the redesign of New Zealands High Performance Eventing program along with the High Performance Director, while also serving as Head Coach to the New Zealands High Performance Eventing Team for over three years, including at the Paris Olympics in 2024, and also acted as Chef dEquipe at various international events and in Nations Cups.Griffiths is looking forward to working with Irelands eventing athletes and support network, saying: Im really excited to be appointed as Horse Sport Irelands High Performance Eventing Manager. Ireland is a very strong equestrian nation with exceptional horses and riders so Im hoping I can get the best out of everyone.This is a strong period for Irish eventing with some young combinations as well as the more established ones, and the European Championships was obviously a great result. Ireland is a nation very much on the up. I learned a lot throughout my riding career and also as head coach for New Zealand and Im hoping to implement some of the philosophies Ive honed along the way to this programme.Im ambitious, we have the World Championships on the horizon and we want to go well there. Thats also a stepping stone to the Olympics, with qualification to Los Angeles on offer and from there we have European Championships, but what I want is an Olympic medal, so lets all pull in the same direction to get there.Griffiths also has an affinity with Ireland, having won Badminton with the Irish-bred mare Paulank Brockagh, bred in Co. Wicklow by Paula and Frank Cullen. He also has family in South Dublin and has a long-standing sponsorship arrangement with Horse Sport Ireland team sponsors, TRM.He added: I have an Irish connection, through Paulank Brockagh, bred by my friends Paula and Frank Cullen, and my cousin also lives in south Dublin who I see on a regular basis, so I definitely feel like theres a bit of Ireland in me. Its also been fantastic to be supported by TRM, who I know have been great supporters of the Horse Sport Ireland Youth programme for many years.Its going to be an exciting time for Irish eventing, and I cant wait to get started.Griffiths is also recognised for his contribution to panel discussions and forums focused on horse welfare, athlete accountability and transparency in the sport. He has been an active and respected voice in international conversations around safeguarding the welfare of the horse and strengthening trust and integrity within high-performance sport.Horse Sport Ireland Chief Executive Denis Duggan added: We are delighted to welcome Sam Griffiths to Horse Sport Ireland as our new High Performance Eventing Manager.Sam brings an exceptional blend of elite competitive experience and proven high-performance management expertise. His understanding of what it takes to succeed at the very top of the sport, both as an athlete and as a leader, will be of enormous benefit to our eventing programme.Mr Duggan added: This appointment follows a thorough and competitive RFT and interview process, and Sam stood out for his vision, technical knowledge and alignment with Horse Sport Irelands high-performance strategy. His commitment to horse welfare and to transparency within the sport reflects the values at the heart of Horse Sport Irelands high-performance system.He also paid tribute to the outgoing High Performance Eventing Manager: I would like to sincerely thank Dag Albert for his commitment, professionalism and contribution to Irish eventing during his time with Horse Sport Ireland. Dag has played an important role in supporting our athletes and in strengthening the foundations of the High Performance Eventing Programme, and we wish him every success in the future.The Irish High Performance Eventing Programme is exclusively funded by Sport IrelandCharles Ancona Official athlete clothing supplier to Horse Sport Irelands Senior Olympic programmesBucas official supplier to Horse Sport Irelands High Performance programmeThe post Olympic medal winner Sam Griffiths announced as Irelands new Eventing High Performance Manager appeared first on .

Section Key Points Importance of Bedding Keeps stables dry, reduces odors, supports respiratory health, prevents hoof problems, and absorbs urine effectively. Miscanthus Bedding Highly absorbent, dust-free, biodegradable, eco-friendly, cost-effective, but may be difficult to source and more expensive initially than straw. Aubiose Bedding Hemp-based, superior odor control, cost-effective in deep litter, soft, but higher initial expense and can be slippery. Miscanthus vs. Aubiose Miscanthus: better hygiene and less waste. Aubiose: better softness and odor control. Both are highly absorbent and dust-free. Other Bedding Options Hemp, wood fibre/shavings, straw, peat, and pellets. Each varies in cost, absorbency, and dust levels. Selection Tips Test small quantities, consider stable mats, monitor horse reactions, factor in cost versus value. Comparing Bedding Options for Horses: Miscanthus, Aubiose, and MoreChoosing the right bedding for your horse is essential for their comfort, health, and your wallet. With so many options available, understanding the pros and cons of each type can be a challenge. In this guide, we'll explore different types of horse beddings, focusing primarily on Miscanthus and Aubiose, while also considering other popular options. Whether you're concerned about absorbency, cost, or environmental impact, we've got you covered.Why Bedding Matters for HorsesThe right bedding plays a crucial role in maintaining a horse's health and comfort. It keeps stables dry, reduces ammonia odors, supports respiratory health, and prevents issues like thrush or hoof problems. Ideal beddings absorb urine effectivelyholding at least twice their weight in liquidwhile being dust-free and easy to manage. Poor bedding, on the other hand, can lead to wet feet, slips, and more intensive cleaning jobs.Factors to ConsiderThe choice of bedding depends on numerous factors, including your horse's habits (such as whether they tend to be more 'wet'), the stable setup (deep litter systems can save money), and your budget. An eco-friendly choice is always a bonus since biodegradable options rot quickly for easy disposal.Spotlight on Miscanthus BeddingMiscanthus, often called elephant grass bedding, is a processed, fibrous material that's more absorbent than straw or shavings, soaking up three times its own weight in urine. It's a stable favorite for its hygienic properties and reduced waste, leading to smaller muck heaps and fewer top-ups over time, saving both time and money.Key Pros of Miscanthus Dust-free and hygienic: Undergoes dust extraction, making it safe for horses with respiratory issues and 100% organic. Biodegradable and eco-friendly: Breaks down quickly, reducing environmental impact. Warm and durable: Forms a firm, cozy bed that lasts longer than straw, with droppings staying on top for easy clean-up.Potential Drawbacks Cost: A 20kg bag averages 8-11, more than straw but often cheaper than shavings over time. Availability: Might be harder to source in some regions. Eating risk: Some horses may nibble on it, but it's less appealing when scented with lavender or eucalyptus.Compared to straw, Miscanthus produces less waste overall, making it a smart choice for efficiency.Spotlight on Aubiose BeddingAubiose is a hemp-based bedding known for its soft texture and strong absorbency. It's derived from plant fibers that are particularly effective at controlling odors and moisture, making it among the most absorbent options available, quickly breaking down for easy use in deep litter systems.Key Pros of Aubiose Superior odor control and absorbency: Handles urine and ammonia effectively, ideal for dusty or smelly stables. Economical in deep litter: Its cost-effectiveness shines despite higher upfront costs due to weekly urine removal. Soft and comfortable: Gentle on skin and hooves, with quick breakdown for disposal.Potential Drawbacks Initial expense: More costly upfront, though deep litter systems can mitigate this. Handling: Initially slippery, and might stick to rugs if not tailored specifically for equine use.Head-to-Head: Miscanthus vs. AubioseBoth Miscanthus and Aubiose offer great plant-based alternatives to traditional straw or shavings, excelling in absorbency and dust levels. Here's a quick comparison of these two Feature Miscanthus Aubiose (Hemp) Absorbency 3x its weight Top-tier for urine/odors Dust Level Very low, extracted Dust-free Cost per 20kg 8-11 Higher initial, good value in deep litter Best For Hygiene, less waste Softness, odor control Eco-Factors Biodegradable Plant-based, quick rot Miscanthus is preferred for longevity and muck savings, while Aubiose shines for comfort in deep beds.Other Popular Bedding OptionsAdditionally, there are other bedding options worth exploring: Hemp (general): Matches Aubiose in absorbency; dust-free, economical in deep litter but can be pricey initially. Wood Fibre/Shavings (e.g., Bedmax): Firm underfoot, low waste, easy to clean, but dustier than other plant-based options. Straw: The most affordable option, offering a fluffy bed but with higher waste and less absorbency. Alternatives like Peat or Pellets: Peat is ultra-absorbent and cushy, while wood pellets expand when wet but may cause dust concerns.Cost and Practical TipsExpect straw to range from 4-6 per bale, with shavings/Miscanthus mid-range (8-11 per 20kg), and Aubiose at the higher end. The initial cost may seem higher for certain options like Aubiose, but they often pay off through efficiency and longer life span.Tips for Selecting Bedding Test small quantities first to see how your horse reacts. Use stable mats for enhanced drainage and comfort. Monitor for any adverse reactions, like eating or respiratory issues.Final Thoughts for Horse OwnersFor most horses, Miscanthus or Aubiose outperform traditional options in terms of absorbency and health benefits. Align your choice with your horse's needs: Miscanthus is great for minimizing waste and maintaining hygiene, while Aubiose excels in providing a soft and comfortable sleeping environment. For those dealing with respiratory challenges, consult a vet for tailored advice. Ultimately, the choice of bedding can significantly impact your horse's wellbeing, so it's crucial to consider all aspects and choose wisely.Your dry and happy horse will thank you!

Osteoarthritis affects about 80% of horses over the age of 15. | Erica Larson/The HorseOsteoarthritis (OA) remains the leading cause of lameness in horses, affecting an estimated 80% of horses older than 15. Characterized by progressive cartilage degeneration and joint inflammation, OA can be challenging to manage, particularly in horses that need to stay sound long-term. Among the available disease-modifying osteoarthritis drugs (DMOADs), pentosan polysulfate (PPS) has gained attention for its multifaceted mechanisms and growing body of supporting research, said Grace Hunt, DVM, resident at the Colorado State University (CSU) College of Veterinary Medicine & Biological Sciences, in Fort Collins, during a sunrise session at the 2025 American Association of Equine Practitioners Convention, held Dec. 6-10 in Denver, Colorado.Pentosan polysulfate is a semisynthetic polysulfated polysaccharide product approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration in 2022 for intramuscular use in horses. Unlike therapies that only target symptom relief, PPS is also intended to influence the disease process itself by supporting cartilage metabolism and joint health.Understanding PPSs Mechanism of Action in HorsesArticular cartilage consists of chondrocytes embedded in an extracellular matrix (ECM) rich in proteoglycans, which play a critical role in the structure and function of cartilage. Researchers have suggested PPS might support cartilage health through several pathways. During in vitro studies, researchers have shown PPS stimulates proteoglycan synthesis in equine cartilage and helps normalize synoviocyte activity, said Hunt.Beyond cartilage preservation, PPS appears to influence vascular function within the joint. Researchers believe it stimulates the release of tissue plasminogen activator (tPA), superoxide dismutase, and lipases from vascular endothelium, improving microcirculation. PPS is similar in structure to heparin, with weak anticoagulant properties that are dose dependent and, at the labeled dose, resolve within 24 hours, said Hunt. Due to these transient changes, veterinarians should avoid administering PPS within 24 hours of extreme stress, injury, or surgical procedures.Safety of PPS and Adverse Effects in HorsesIn a margin-of-safety study, researchers evaluated PPS administration in 32 horses divided into four groups receiving one, three, or five times the labeled dose over a 12-week period (13 injections total). The most commonly reported adverse effects were injection-site swelling and transient elevations in coagulation parameters; however, no horses developed clinical signs of coagulopathy (the bodys impaired ability to form blood clots), said Hunt. Rarely reported effects included lethargy, behavioral changes, and transient colic. Overall, PPS demonstrated a wide margin of safety when administered at the labeled dose, Hunt added.Pentosan polysulfate is administered intramuscularly, and injection-site reactions are the most frequently reported adverse events, said Erin Contino, MS, DVM, Dipl. ACVSMR, an associate professor at CSU, during the sunrise session. Transient changes to the haircoat, such as discoloration, alopecia, or altered hair texture have also been reported. For this reason Contino says she prefers administering PPS in the pectoral region. Given the relatively large injection volume, I like to divide the dose between two injection sites to improve tolerance.Polysulfated Polysaccharide Efficacy in HorsesIn an experimental OA model, researchers surgically created osteochondral fragments in the middle carpal joints of horses, using the contralateral joints as sham-operated controls. The researchers gave the horses weekly intramuscular PPS or saline (control) injections for four weeks and exercised them on a high-speed treadmill. At Day 70, treated joints demonstrated significantly reduced cartilage fibrillation (advanced stage of damage), improved histologic cartilage scores, and increased concentrations of the CS-846 biomarker, which is associated with cartilage repair activity, said Hunt.In a study involving 25 Mongolian horses treated over four weeks, investigators observed a decrease in the COMP/CPII ratio at Days 14 and 28, reflecting reduced cartilage degradation relative to new production. In a larger placebo-controlled clinical trial of 237 horses with radiographically confirmed OA and single-limb lameness, 58.9% of PPS-treated horses improved by at least one lameness grade, compared with 36.2% of placebo-treated horses, said Hunt.Clinical Considerations for PPS Use in HorsesPentosan polysulfate is approved for intramuscular use only and veterinarians should use the product cautiously in horses with known clotting disorders or when administering NSAIDs concurrently, said Contino. I recommend avoiding administration immediately before or within 24 hours after strenuous exercise, she added.Clinically, veterinarians often incorporate PPS into management plans for young performance horses, horses with multilimb lameness, metabolic horses, and FEI competitors, for which intra-articular therapies might be limited, said Contino. In experimental models, researchers have demonstrated that PPS provides superior cartilage histologic outcomes compared with intramuscular polysulfated glycosaminoglycans and hyaluronic acid.Take-Home MessagePentosan polysulfate (PPS) is an FDA-approved, intramuscular osteoarthritis drug with a growing body of experimental and clinical evidence supporting its use in horses. Researchers report that PPS supports cartilage metabolism, improves joint microcirculation, and might help reduce cartilage breakdown. When used appropriately, PPS appears to be a reasonably safe option for managing osteoarthritisparticularly in horses where multijoint involvement, competition regulations, or long-term joint health are key considerations, said Contino.

Working animal charity Brooke has called for compassionate treatment of donkeys after recent scenes in an episode of The Real Housewives of Salt Lake City showed reality stars riding donkeys up steep hills in Santorini.Brooke is asking people to recognise working animals like donkeys as sentient beings with intrinsic value rather than as props for entertainment.The charity has contacted Bravo, who are the production company for The Real Housewives of Salt Lake City,to condone this behaviour andemphasise the poor welfare implications donkey rides can have.Animals need to be treated with dignityTourism can coexist with compassion when animals are treated with dignity, saidDr Laura Skippen, global head of animal health and welfare at Brooke.Good welfare should ensure that animals are cared for, respected and not pushed beyond their needs.Leisure use that is unnecessary or purely for spectacle should never come at the expense of an animals wellbeing, particularly when alternatives exist.We ask that producers and TV stars refrain from using donkey rides for entertainmentand follow a strict internal protocol for filming.Raising standardsHorse and donkeys working in tourism are often used to travel long distances over challenging terrain and with limited access to water and shade.Brooke asks people to consider:Is the animal happy and healthy? Can the animal carry or pull my weight? What alternatives are there to using animals?The charity is asking tourists to contact their tour operator, local police or authority if they believe an animal is being exploited.HistoryBrooke, which was founded by Dorothy Brooke in 1934,works with communities, local health providers and policy makers to create a better life for working animals and their owners.The charity recognises that working animals are an essential part of many communities around the world and without them they would be unable to earn a living, provide food for their families and send their children to school.ReadBrookesguide toresponsible use of animals in tourism.Main stock image Shutterstock.More contentBecky Moody explains how to master the perfect 20m circleJay Halims simple showjumping warm-up routine to jump a clear roundNine course-walking tips for a clear round from Ben MaherRos Canters grid exercise to slow a keen or strong horse when youre jumpingThe post Working animal charity condones treatment of donkeys in reality TV show appeared first on Your Horse.