On May 14, a yearling Quarter Horse gelding at a private facility in Dane County, Wisconsin, tested positive for equine influenza. The horse, who is under-vaccinated, initially presented with a dry cough on May 11. He is currently recovering and has been quarantined.EDCC Health Watch is an Equine Network marketing program that utilizes information from the Equine Disease Communication Center (EDCC) to create and disseminate verified equine disease reports. TheEDCCis an independent nonprofit organization that is supported by industry donations in order to provide open access to infectious disease information.About Equine InfluenzaEquine influenzais a highly contagious respiratory disease that infects horses, ponies, and other equids, such as donkeys, mules, and zebras. The virus that causes it is spread via saliva and respiratory secretions from infected horses. Horses are commonly exposed via horse-to-horse contact; aerosol transmission from coughing and sneezing; and contact with humans contaminated hands, shoes, or clothes or contaminated tack, buckets, or other equipment.Clinical signs of equine influenza infection can include a high fever (up to 106F); a dry, hacking cough; depression; weakness; anorexia; serous (watery) nasal discharge; and slightly enlarged lymph nodes. Consider monitoring your horses health at shows by taking his temperature daily, which can help you pick up on signs of infection early and take appropriate measures to reduce disease spread.Vaccinationis an important and inexpensive way to protect your horse. US Equestrian requires proof that horses have had an equine influenza vaccination within the six months prior to attending organization-sanctioned competitions or events. Your veterinarian can help you determine what other vaccines your horse might benefit from.In addition to vaccinating, following strictbiosecurity protocolscan help reduce your horses chance of infection and disease. Such measures include quarantining new equine arrivals at barns, disinfecting buckets and equipment, and preventing nose-to-nose contact between horses.

Widespread exposure but relatively rare clinical disease makes Lyme disease diagnosis and treatment challengingMany horses in endemic areas test positive for Lyme antibodies without ever developing clinical illness. | Adobe stockLyme disease often leaves horse owners and veterinarians with more questions than answers. Caused by the bacterial spirochete Borrelia burgdorferi and transmitted by black-legged ticks (Ixodes spp), the infection is common in many regions of North America. Yet the jump from exposure to true clinical disease in horses remains inconsistent, controversial, and at times unclear.Priscila Serpa, DVM, MSc, DSc, Dipl. ACVP, assistant professor at Cornell Universitys College of Veterinary Medicine, in Ithaca, New York, says equine exposure to B. burgdorferi happens far more frequently than manifestation of illness. Figuring out whether a horse with subtle or nonspecific clinical signs is infected or merely exposed continues to be a core challenge.Clinical Signs of Lyme DiseaseWhen B. burgdorferi exposure does lead to clinical illness in horses, the disease most often presents as vague musculoskeletal, neurologic, or ophthalmic issues or behavioral changes, rather than a single defining sign.These manifestations differ from those seen in humans and dogs and frequently overlap with many other equine conditions. Horses rarely exhibit the acute fever and lethargy common in dogs, or the bullseye rash (erythema migrans) seen in humans, says Serpa. Chronic lameness and stiffness are far more prominent in horses than in dogs, where acute lameness and kidney disease are classic. Neurologic and ophthalmic signs are more notable in horses than in dogs. She adds that in humans, arthritis caused by Lyme disease typically involves a single joint, while in horses, its often a shifting polysynovitis affecting multiple joints.In its B. Burgdorferi Infection and Lyme Disease Guidelines the American Association of Equine Practitioners (AAEP) lists neurologic impairment (neuroborreliosis), ocular inflammation (uveitis), nodular skin lesions (cutaneous pseudolymphoma), and inflammation of a fluid-filled sac along the crest of the neck (nuchal bursitis) among the most documented clinical signs of Lyme disease.Neuroborreliosis involves nervous system inflammation and can produce a range of signs in horses such as the behavioral changes mentioned, head tilt, difficulty swallowing (dysphagia), cranial nerve deficits, and ataxia (incoordination). Uveitis leads to eye pain, tearing, light sensitivity, or more profound vision changes. Cutaneous pseudolymphoma refers to the benign lesions that can develop at or near tick bite sites. More recent research now supports a connection between B. burgdorferi and nuchal bursitis in some horses (more on this on page 25), an inflammatory condition of the structure cushioning the nuchal ligament.Black-legged ticks (Ixodes scapularis) are found across the eastern U.S., Midwest, and Canada. The greatest risk of being bitten exists in the spring, summer, and fall. | Adobe stockTiming adds another layer of complexity. After exposure to the agent, says Serpa, it can take three to six weeks for horses to develop antibodies when experimentally infected. The incubation timehow long it takes to develop symptomsis unpredictable, and infected horses might never show symptoms.Here are the signs Serpa says owners might notice:Musculoskeletal Reluctance to move and muscle wasting or twitching. The AAEP guidelines note that limited evidence exists to document stiffness, lameness, and malaise in horses as a result of B. burgdorferi infection, but these signs might be possible.Behavioral and neurologic lethargy, poor performance, irritability, difficulty swallowing, ataxia, and facial paresisOphthalmic squinting, tearing, cloudy eyes, redness of the scleraSystemic low-grade fever and weight lossThe AAEP guidelines note that while no Lyme vaccines are licensed for use in horses, reasonable evidence suggests vaccination with canine recombinant outer surface protein A (OspA) vaccine or the whole-cell vaccines are at least partially protective. Specific protocol and protective antibody levels have not been established.How Common Is Lyme Exposure?Researchers on serologic surveys in horses have found high exposure rates in endemic areas. For decades veterinarians have recognized that asymptomatic horses in certain areas of the U.S., such as the Northeast, Midwest, Mid-Atlantic, and Pacific Northwestanywhere Ixodes spp liveoften have positive antibody tests for B. burgdorferi, says Serpa. Some researchers believe many horses have been exposed to B. burgdorferi, even though clinical signs appear uncommon. This mirrors research in other species, where exposure appears widespread, while only a small subset of exposed individuals ever develop clinical disease.In a landmark comparative immunoassay study completed in Germany (Broeckl, 2024), researchers evaluated three serologic tests to detect B. burgdorferi-specific antibodies in clinically healthy vaccinated (with the canine vaccine off-label) and nonvaccinated horses. The researchers showed multiple assay platforms can detect exposure with varying accuracy and highlighted the complexity of interpreting serologic data.Interpreting Serologic TestingInterpreting serologic testing for Lyme disease remains challenging because, again, many horses in endemic regions have antibodies to B. burgdorferi without clinical illness, while true clinical disease affects only a small fraction.Serpa says veterinarians often use Lyme multiplex assays that identify antibodies to specific outer surface proteins (OspA, OspC, OspF), to help them estimate the timing of exposure and whether it might be ongoing. However, positive results, even with detailed profiling, still need clinical correlation. Serology alone does not confirm that clinical signs are caused by B. burgdorferi infection, she explains, noting a veterinarians clinical judgment and case context remain crucial.Nuchal Bursitis and Lyme InfectionIn a 2024 multicenter cohort study, scientists analyzed horses with nuchal bursitis. They found those with B. burgdorferi in the bursal fluid or tissue also had significantly higher blood serum antibodies against OspA than healthy control horses.Outer surface protein A antibodies are often associated with early infection or vaccination in other species but, in this context, where the horses had not been vaccinated, elevated serum OspA levels correlated with B. burgdorferi detection in fluid and tissue, suggesting the organism might play a larger role in some cases of equine nuchal bursitis than previously appreciated. Importantly, the researchers found similar histologic (visible under the microscope) inflammation in bursitis cases regardless of whether they detected B. burgdorferi, confirming bursitis pathology (disease or damage) alone isnt specific to Lyme infection.This work supports B. burgdorferis involvement in some cases of Lyme disease in horses and underscores the need for clinicians to include Lyme disease in differential diagnoses when evaluating poll-region swelling and neck pain.In a 2025 case report Serpa and colleagues describe a 1-year-old American Quarter Horse with acute hind-limb lameness, marked eosinophilic synovitis (joint inflammation with fluid containing an excess of eosinophils, a type of white blood cell), and positive serology for B. burgdorferi. Polymerase chain reaction testing (PCR, a method to detect bacterial DNA) of synovial fluid was negative. However, the horse improved with a treatment of Bute, minocycline, and oxytetracycline, and clinical signs recurred in a pattern consistent with ongoing disease. Based on the serology and clinical course, Serpa and her coauthors described this as a possible naturally occurring B. burgdorferi-associated synovitis, a condition previously unreported in horses. She says their report illustrates both the clinical variability and the diagnostic challenges of Lyme in horses. Positive serology and clinical response to treatment can be clues, even when direct molecular detectionas with the synovial fluid hereisnt available or conclusive.Indeed, clinical response to treatment can provide useful context, but it does not confirm disease cause on its own, particularly when medications used to treat Lyme also have anti-inflammatory effects. In other words, improvement of clinical signs alone should not drive antibiotic use.What This Means for Horse Owners and VeterinariansEquine researchers continue to advance their understanding of how B. burgdorferi infection manifests, how serology can be interpreted, and when Lyme might be playing a role in a horses health problems. However, no single definitive test or pathognomonic sign (specific to a certain disease) clinches the diagnosis without clinical signs of the disease.For people navigating these questions, several practical points emerge, says Serpa:Exposure is common, but disease is not. Many horses in endemic areas test positive for Lyme antibodies without ever developing clinical illness.A positive test alone does not justify a diagnosis or treatment. Veterinarians must interpret serologic testing alongside clinical signs, exposure risk, and overall case context.Lyme remains a differential diagnosis, not a default explanation. Documented associations exist between B. burgdorferi and clinical syndromes such as neuroborreliosis, uveitis, pseudolymphoma, and nuchal bursitis, but the conditions are not specific to B. burgdorferi infection.Clinical response matters. In the absence of definitive organism detection, clinical improvement with appropriate therapy after other causes are ruled out can be an indicator of successful management.The growing body of research offers perspective for veterinarians and horse owners but reinforces the importance of clinical judgment, comprehensive workups, and careful interpretation of serology when Lyme is in question.Take-Home Message Lyme disease exposure is common in horses living in endemic regions of North America, but true clinical illness remains relatively uncommon and difficult to confirm. Early recognition, thoughtful diagnostics, and realistic expectations remain essential for managing suspected Lyme disease in horses.This article is from the Spring 2026 issue ofThe Horse: Your Guide to Equine Health Care. We at The Horse work to provide you with the latest and most reliable news and information on equine health, care, management, and welfare through our magazine and TheHorse.com. Your subscription helps The Horse continue to offer this vital resource to horse owners of all breeds, disciplines, and experience levels. To access current issues included in your subscription, please sign in to theAppleorGoogleapps ORclick herefor the desktop version.

Regional differences in fungi can affect horses with asthma. | iStockResearchers recently found regional differences in the fungi present in the lower airways of asthmatic horses, adding to growing evidence that environmental fungal exposure influences airway inflammation and respiratory disease.The researchers evaluated bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) samples from horses presented to veterinarians for poor performance or respiratory signs across several U.S. ecoregions. They found that neutrophil and eosinophil (types of white blood cells) proportions differed by region, while fungal genera such as Aspergillus, Alternaria, Cladosporium, and Epicoccum also varied geographically. The researchers studied horses in Six ecoregions of North America: Northern Forests, Eastern Temperate Forests, Great Plains, North American Desserts, and Mediterranean California.The authors noted fungal exposure has long been implicated in equine asthma and inhaling environmental dust particles and mold plays a central role in the disease process.Managing Dust and Fungal Exposure on Horse FarmsKathleen Ivester, DVM, PhD, Dipl. ACVS, a researcher at Purdue University, in West Lafayette, Indiana, said current management recommendations continue to focus on reducing dust and improving ventilation on horse farms. She said the regional differences in fungal types reaching horses lower airways of horses might be due to differences in the fungi present in the ambient environment or differences in the fungi released from bedding, hay, or other feed stuffs specific to those regions.Ivester added that regional differences in hay production, harvest conditions, and storage methods likely contribute to those exposures. Even good-quality hay can expose horses to fungal spores and fragments, she explained. Feeding your horse hay outside or in well-ventilated areas, steaming hay, or feeding a pelleted forage can help reduce risk. She also noted that large round bales generally release more dust and fungi than high-quality square bales.Owners should also avoid bedding with visible mold contamination or a musty odor. If using straw bedding, Ivester recommended inspecting it for mold.Barn Chores and Equine AsthmaRoutine barn chores can temporarily increase airborne dust levels, including fungal spores.Resuspension of settled dust particles can increase the airborne concentration of particulate matter, including fungal spores, for several hours, Ivester said. If possible, activities such as sweeping and mucking out should be performed when horses are not in the barn, particularly those horses that have been diagnosed with asthma.For horse owners concerned about environmental exposure, Ivester said measuring dust particles can provide a useful practical indicator, even though direct fungal testing often involves specialized laboratory techniques. We have developed a real-time monitor to measure dust, designed to be worn on a halter, she said. This monitor allows measurement of dust levels in the breathing zone of the horse, providing the best estimate of the amount of dust the horse is exposed to. We hope to make this monitor commercially available in the future, and we are actively using it in our own research. She added that measuring to identify high-dust activities can provide a good marker for inhaled fungi exposure.Take-Home MessageResearchers identified regional differences in the fungi found in the lower airways of horses with asthma, suggesting geography and environmental exposure could influence airway inflammation. Until researchers can make region-specific recommendations, reducing dust through good ventilation, careful hay and bedding management, and minimizing airborne particles in the barn remain key strategies for managing equine asthma.

According to the State Department of Agriculture, one horse in Crook County, Oregon, has tested positive for strangles, and two horses are suspected to be positive. Additionally, 30 horses have been exposed to the disease. The affected horses are under quarantine.EDCC Health Watch is an Equine Network marketing program that utilizes information from the Equine Disease Communication Center (EDCC) to create and disseminate verified equine disease reports. TheEDCCis an independent nonprofit organization that is supported by industry donations in order to provide open access to infectious disease information.About StranglesStranglesin horses is an infection caused byStreptococcus equisubspeciesequiand spread through direct contact with other equids or contaminated surfaces. Horses that arent showing clinical signs can harbor and spread the bacteria, and recovered horses remain contagious for at least six weeks, with the potential to cause outbreaks long-term.Infected horses can exhibit a variety of clinical signs:FeverSwollen and/or abscessed lymph nodesNasal dischargeCoughing or wheezingMuscle swellingDifficulty swallowingVeterinarians diagnose horses using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) testing with either a nasal swab, wash, or an abscess sample, and they treat most cases based on clinical signs, implementing antibiotics for severe cases. Overuse of antibiotics can prevent an infected horse from developing immunity. Most horses make a full recovery in three to four weeks.A vaccine is available but not always effective. Biosecurity measures of quarantining new horses at a facility and maintaining high standards of hygiene and disinfecting surfaces can helplower the risk of outbreakorcontain one when it occurs.

This unique form ofplacentitisis challenging for both breeders and veterinarians to manage. | Adobe StockNocardioformplacentitis(NP)now more descriptively referred to asfocalmucoidplacentitis(FMP)is a unique form of equineplacentitisthatremainsone of the most enigmatic challenges for breeders and veterinarians. Firstidentifiedin 1985, FMP has since occurred episodically with outbreaks in 1998, 1999, 2011, 2017 and 2020. The most recent surge in 2020 was reported in Central Kentucky and in the Mid-Atlantic region. Sporadic cases of FMP have also been reported in South Africa, Italy, Australia,Braziland New Zealand. Affected mares maysufferlate-term abortions or give birth to small, weak, stunted foals due to placental insufficiency. These outcomes are not only devastating for breeders and owners but also impose a substantial economic burden on the equineindustry. At the University of Kentuckys Equine Reproduction Laboratory, our research focuses on improving our understanding of and management for this disease by developing innovative diagnostic and therapeutic strategies.The Enigmatic DiseaseThe route of infection for FMPremainsone of the most significant mysteries surrounding the disease. Unlike ascendingplacentitis, which originates from ascending bacterial infection through the cervix, FMP is characterized by unique mucoid lesions typicallylocatedat the base of the uterine horns. These lesions are often covered ina thick, tan, mucoid material and are sharply demarcated from healthy tissue. How bacteria reach this siteremainsunknown.The condition has been thought to be associated with soil-dwellingnocardioformbacteria such asCrossiellaequiandAmycolatopsisspecies, though other non-nocardioformbacteria like Mycobacterium species andPantoeaspecies have also been isolated from clinical cases. Yet despite these associations, experimental attempts to induce the infection in mares by intrauterine inoculation ofCrossiellaequiat breeding and in pregnant mares viaoral,intravenousand intranasal routes have been unsuccessful. Therefore, the pathogenesis of FMPremainsobscure. What is clear, however, is that the environment plays a role. Outbreaks have repeatedly followed latesummerscharacterized byunusuallywarm and dry conditions.Advancing Diagnostic FrontiersDetecting this condition at an early stage is crucial for effective treatment. While transabdominal ultrasound is a primary tool, it can miss early or small lesions because of the limited area that can be visualized in a large pregnant uterus. By the time overt clinical or imaging abnormalities are detected, the disease is already advanced, reducing treatment efficacy and increasing the risk of pregnancy loss.To address this limitation, our laboratory is pioneering the use of blood-based proteomicsan advanced approach that enables comprehensive analysis of the circulating protein profile. Preliminary studies haveidentifieda panel of proteins that issignificantlyaltered in mares with FMP compared to healthy controls. We are currently expanding this work to verify andvalidatethe most informative biomarkers, focusing on those with the highest sensitivity,specificityand diagnostic accuracy. The development of a reliable blood-based screening test wouldrepresenta major advancement, allowing veterinarians toidentifyat-risk mares earlier and with greater confidence. Earlier detection would, in turn,facilitatetimelytherapeutic intervention before the disease progresses,ultimately improvingpregnancy outcomes.Advancing Treatment FrontiersCurrent treatment protocols arelargely empirical, as it is not yet fully understood which medications effectively penetrate the thick mucoid material to reach the bacteria. New research efforts led by Dr. Rebecca Ruby at the UK Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory are focusing on measuring antibiotic penetration andidentifyingwhich drugs best reach the target site. Furthermore, byutilizinghigh-resolution RNA sequencing, we at the Equine Reproduction Laboratory are investigating the genes involved in placental inflammation.Identifyingthese on/off switches for inflammationspecifically Toll-like receptors (TLRs)may allow for the development of targeted therapies that complement existing anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial treatments.How the Industry Can HelpSolving the mystery of FMP requires a partnership between researchers and the horse industry. The industry can contributeby:1.) Sharing samples: Providing blood samples andsubmittingplacentas from suspected cases to diagnostic laboratories forresearch, 2.) Maintaining detailed records: Accurate mare histories help researchers correlate disease patterns with potential risk factors, and3.)Participating in surveys: Answering surveys helps map the geographical spread andidentifycommonalities among impacted farms.Looking AheadWhile FMPremainsa complex puzzle, our efforts to develop reliable diagnostic biomarkers and targeted therapeutics aim to fill critical gaps in the management of equine FMP. Our goal in the Equine Reproduction Laboratory is clear: to improve live foal rates and pregnancy outcomes for mares and reduce the substantial economic loss associated with this disease.This is an excerpt from Equine Disease Quarterly, Vol. 35, Issue 2, funded by underwriters at Lloyds, London, brokers, and their Kentucky agents. It was written byHossam El-Sheikh Ali, DVM, MVSC, PhD, Dipl. ACT, associate professor of equine reproduction, at the University of Kentuckys Gluck Equine Research Center, in Lexington.

This years Appleby Horse Fair will feature new meet the expert sessions and the return of the annual Best of Appleby Awards, which will now be judged on the move.Hundreds of horses are bought and sold at the traditional gathering of Gypsy, Roma and Traveller communities, which is the biggest of its kind in the UK.The Fair begins today (4 June) and continues into the weekend, with the busiest days tomorrow, Saturday and Sunday.These sessions invite Fairgoers who are interested in the latest science and want to keep developing their horse knowledge to find out more, and of course wed like to learn from them too, said Kerry Taylor, Education Manager at Blue Cross. We hope they will be popular.Hydration, health and horsemanshipAn Appleby Horse Project staff member with a pony at last years FairThe Q and A-type sessions will take place at 1pm on Thursday, Friday and Saturday at the red tent on Salt Tip Corner.On Thursday there will be the opportunity to talk about the latest science onwatering and fitnesswith the Appleby Horse Project, made up of the eight charities who attend the Fair. Dehydration poses a huge risk to horses at the Fair and outweighs any risk of colic to their welfare, the group highlights. A limited number of free re-usable water bottles with My horse drank first printed on them will be given away to those taking part.Routine health care will be explored with Redwings vet and Best at Appleby Awards judge Nicola on Friday, which will be an opportunity to talk about issues like worming and the latest developments on how to protect against equine flu and strangles.Cumbria, Lancashire and North Yorkshire are all equine flu hotspots right now, and owners are being urged not to work their horse at the Fair if theyre showing any symptoms.On Saturday, a Certified Equine Behaviour Consultant will be at the tent to talk about happy horsemanship and asking Fairgoers what good horsemanship looks like to them.There will be the latest examples of positive and negative horse and donkey body language giving an opportunity to improve understanding of them, and the chance to ask any questions on the subject of handling.Best at Appleby Awards on the movePeoples Choice Champion 2025 Pandora with owner Mark and Redwings vet NicolaThe Best at Appleby Awards, recognising outstanding horse health, happiness and horsemanship at the Fair, are going mobile at this years event.Redwings vets Nicola and Chloe will choose the best six examples to award the Traditional Gypsy Cob Association-sponsored rosettes, while they walk and talk to owners they can be spotted wearing navy and gold hats and backpacks.We have some wonderful relationships with previous winners which are very important to us, but we are looking for some new faces this year! Nicola said. Please stop us if you see us, wed love to talk to you.Fairgoers are invited to choose their Peoples Choice Champion 2026 on the Best at Appleby social media (on TikTok, Instagram and Facebook ) on Saturday. The Champions rosette will be awarded next to the River Eden on Sunday morning.Six-year-old part bred Pandora captured the hearts of the public who voted for her to win last year and is one of the faces of this years posters. River clearing and night patrolsAn RSPCA officer at River Eden at Appleby Horse Fair 2025There will be daily river clearing by the RSPCAs water rescue team between Thursday and Sunday and extra night-time patrols too.There are hundreds of animals at this event, and were here to work with Fairgoers to best ensure their welfare, said RSPCA chief inspector Lyndsey Taylor.RSPCA officers from our water rescue team will be removing debris from the water near the ramp every morning on the main days to try to prevent injury.Last year we had a busy but positive Fair where if intervention was needed it was received well.Many of the issues we did have, particularly with over-working of horses, were later in the day so well be extending our night-time patrols further.Well be providing a vet station at Salt Tip Corner where assistance can be sought for any animal who needs it between 10am and 4pm on Friday, Saturday and Sunday and if anyone has any concerns, please approach an RSPCA officer, or police officer.The RSPCA is sending 35 staff and volunteers to this years Fair; Bransby Horses six; Redwings Horse Sanctuary six; World Horse Welfare six; Blue Cross five; The Mare and Foal Sanctuary four; British Horse Society two and The Donkey Sanctuary two. There will also be four vets donating their time from private practices.More from Your HorseHow to tell if a horse is happy: behaviourist reveals 13 key signsSix signs youre a (very) happy hackerFeeling the pressure? Learn to manage competition nerves *VIDEO*Would your horse pass the carrot test? Experts explain how to keep teeth healthyThe post Fairgoers invited to expert talks at Appleby, where awards go mobile appeared first on Your Horse.

Osteoarthritis remains one of the most significant causes of reduced performance and premature retirement in the equine athlete. | Adobe StockOsteoarthritis (OA) remains one of the most significant causes of reduced performance and premature retirement in the equine athlete. While long associated with the older horse, the underlying process chronic, low-grade inflammation that gradually compromises cartilage, synovial fluid, and the joint capsule frequently begins much earlier in life than clinical signs would suggest. By the time lameness, stiffness, or reduced performance becomes apparent, the joint has typically been adapting for some time.Osteoarthritis is progressive and, while manageable, currently not curable. That reality places considerable importance on early intervention. The risk factors are well established and largely unavoidable in working horses: the cumulative load of training and competition, conformational predispositions, work surfaces, and the demands of starting horses young in many disciplines. The clinical question is no longer whether to support joint health, but when.4CYTE Epiitalis Forte is an advanced daily oral supplement, scientifically proven to enhance joint health and function in horses, and suitable for long-term use. It is powered by Epiitalis, a globally patented plant seed oil extract that is the world-exclusive active ingredient in the 4CYTE range. Epiitalis is patented for its ability to help maintain healthy cartilage development. The unique fatty acid profile of the extract is understood to play a signaling role to chondrocytes (cells responsible for cartilage maintenance), supporting the cartilage matrix, helping maintain a normal inflammatory response, and supporting healthy cartilage and joint function.The evidence base is product-specific rather than ingredient-only, which is uncommon in the joint supplement category. Peer-reviewed work conducted at Colorado State University, including research involving Professor Wayne McIlwraith, examined Epiitalis in horses following joint injury. Over a 70-day period, horses receiving Epiitalis showed significant reductions in total radiographic scoresan indicator of OA progressioncompared with placebo, alongside a significant reduction in inflammation within the synovial fluid. Additional studies have been conducted at the University of Guelph, in Canada, and the University of Melbourne, in Australia.In clinical use 4CYTE Epiitalis Forte is suitable for long-term use and can be given from 6 months of age. It is suitable for use alongside other treatments a veterinarian might prescribe for joint health managementa practical consideration in cases where multimodal approaches are appropriate. The supplement is administered as a once-daily oral dose, is highly palatable, easily digestible, and readily absorbed, which supports the consistent daily administration that long-term joint support requires.From a practice perspective, the strongest case for prevention is straightforward. Joint function will most likely begin to decline well before clinical signs appear. The window in which intervention can support, rather than respond to, structural change is therefore narrower than it often seems at the point of presentation. With proactive measures incorporated into a horses daily management, many horses can continue to perform soundly into their late teens and beyondan outcome that aligns with both welfare considerations and the practical realities of performance-horse careers.4CYTE Epiitalis Forte is surgeon- and veterinarian-endorsed, backed by peer-reviewed and published studies, and represents an evidence-based addition to a comprehensive approach to equine joint health. As the conversation in performance-horse practice continues to shift from management of established disease toward earlier, structured support, the case for incorporating proven joint health interventions earlier in a horses working life becomes increasingly difficult to set aside.To learn more about 4CYTE Epiitalis Forte and the research behind Epiitalis, visit www.4cyte.global.

A strong team of Irish riders and horses has been announced for the upcoming EEF Nations Cup Deauville. Following Irelands success at the most recent EEF Nations Cup leg in Borgo La Caccia Bedizzole, the team will be aiming to maintain that momentum and continue their strong form.Acting as designate Chef dquipe, James Kernan leads an Irish squad featuring an exciting blend of established performers and rising talent.Ethen Ahearne will partnerLVS Goldrush H, while Harry Allen ridesEdison De Hus.Lt. Michaeli Byrnewill competeMSH Claregalway, andMatt Garriganteams up withGrace V. Completing the squad isConan Wright.The selected riders and horses contain a mix of rising stars and established performers, all aiming to deliver a strong result.Speaking ahead of the competition, team representatives expressed confidence in the teams depth and preparation, highlighting the quality of horse and rider partnerships.BREEDING:MSH CLAREGALWAY (ISH) 2015 gr mare by Cornet Obolensky (BWP) out of Lady Acobat (HOLST) by Acobat II (HOLST). Breeder: Niall & John Mullins. Owner: Minister for Defence. Rider: Lt Michaeli Ann Byrne.LVS GOLDRUSH H (ISH) 2016 gelding by Stakkato Gold (HANN) out of Arcadia Lvs Z (ZANG) by Arko III (OLD). Breeder: Heritage Bloodstock LTD. Owner: Dermot Walsh. Rider: Ethen Ahearne (IRL).The post Irish Riders Named for EEF Nations Cup Deauville appeared first on .