Adobe StockMost horse owners have experienced the frustration of a wound that justwontheal. You can clean, wrap, and treat faithfully and still never seem to make any progress.Proper healing is essential for preventing complications that can turn a minor wound intoa serious problem. If a woundisnthealing, something needs to change.Here are five of the most common reasons your horses woundisnthealing and what to do about each one.Reason 1: You Might be Treating the Wrong ConditionIf a skin problemisntresponding to consistent treatment, confirm the diagnosis with your veterinarian first. Misidentifying the condition can set healing back by days or weeks, and the underlying problem often worsens in the meantime.Two of the most common examples of misidentified conditions are scratches and rain rot.Scratches, also known as pastern dermatitis, is a bacterial or fungal skin condition affecting the lower limbs, typically around your horses pastern and heel bulbs. Itpresentswith crusty scabs, thickened skin, and sometimes oozing or heat.The infection is active in deeper tissue layers, which means clearing visible debris without addressing the underlying pathogen (disease-causing organism)wontresolve the issue. Consistent treatment with a broad-spectrum antimicrobial and antifungal formula is essential.Rain rot is a bacterial skin disease that produces waxy scabs along the topline, hindquarters, and face. It spreads readily in warm, wet conditions anddoesntrespond well to common wound care protocols. This infection also requires antimicrobial treatment.Reason 2: Cleaning OnceIsntEnoughWound cleaning is the first step to promoting healing. Butitsoften not enough to simply sanitize a wound once and leave it to heal on its own.Horses live in environments dense with bacteria. Bedding, soil, manure, and standing water are constant sources of reexposure for an open wound.Within 24 to72 hoursofinitialinjury, bacteria begin forming biofilm, a protective matrix that anchors microbial colonies to the wound surface. Once biofilm has beenestablished,eliminatingthe bacteria within it becomes significantly more difficult.Wound healing also progresses through distinct phases. During the inflammatory phase, yourhorsesbody dispatches white blood cells to fight bacteria and clear cellular debris and damaged tissue.That gives way to the proliferativephase, whengranulationtissue forms and new skinbeginsmigrating across the wound bed. A wound that receives no antimicrobial coverage at this stage can become infected just as readily as one that was never cleaned at all.Consistent daily treatment throughout the active healing period is typically necessary to sustain progress and ensure wounds heal completely. But what owners use for that daily treatment makes a difference.Reason 3: Your Antiseptic Might Be Working Against YouWhen treating wounds, many horse owners reach for antiseptics to kill bacteria and prevent infection. But some antiseptics can work against the healing process.For example, applying hydrogen peroxide to a wound can damage fibroblasts and keratinocytes, the cells responsible for building new granulationtissueand generating new skin. Repeated applications disrupt the biological processes that wound healingdependson.Full-strengthiodine carries the same risk. Diluted,itseffective for wound lavage. Used straight from the bottle, or in the scrub formulation thatcontainsdetergents harmful to tissue, it becomes caustic to cells along wound margins.Healthy skin also hosts beneficial microorganisms that actively compete with and suppress harmful bacteria. Broad-spectrum antiseptics thateliminateall bacterial populations without discrimination can dismantle that defense layer, leaving a wound more vulnerable to infection after treatment.AbsorbinesSilver HoneyRapid Wound Repair line was designed to address this problem. It combines antimicrobialMicroSilverBGand Manuka Honey, is pH-balanced to protect theskinsnaturalmicrobiome, anddoesntcontaincytotoxic compounds that damage healthy tissue.The Silver HoneyRapid Wound Repair Spray Gel is ideal for daily maintenance and ongoing protection. It delivers a full Manuka Honey andMicroSilverBGformula with each application andcontainsneem oil to deter insects from the treatment area.Reason 4: Lower Leg Wounds Need More SupportLower leg wounds often take much longer to heal than wounds in other areas. Below the hock and knee, yourhorsesanatomy works against wound healing in ways thatdontapply elsewhere on the body.Blood supply is the first constraint. The distal limb has poor vascular perfusionrelativeto the upper body. Fewer vessels mean fewer immune cells reaching the wound, slower delivery of oxygen and nutrients, and a less robust inflammatory response.Also, the lower leg lacks the abundant muscle and fatty tissue found elsewhere in the body to support the development of a healthy wound bed. The skin has higher inherent tension, so wounds that would contract and close elsewhere tend to pull open instead.Motion is another obstacle. Every stride flexes the lower joints, mechanically disrupting tissuethatstrying to knit together. That movement also drives proud flesh, the common name for exuberantgranulationtissue.Proud flesh occurs when the granulation bed overproduces and rises above skin level, blocking new skin from migrating across the wound surface.Although it is sometimes initially mistaken for a sign of healing, this tissue is actually a complication that halts the process.Bandaging the lower leg limits edema (fluid swelling), reduces movement disruption, protects the wound from contamination, andmaintainsa moist healing environment. Many veterinarians recommendbandaging forany lower-leg wound beyond a superficial scrape.When bandagingisntpractical, Silver HoneyRapid Wound Repair Maximum Strength Dry Spray can help provide a protective barrier. Its formulacontains10 times moreMicroSilverBGthan the Spray Gel in a dry powder that adheres to the wound surface.Reason 5: Dead Tissue Blocks New GrowthDead or dying skin, dried exudate (liquid produced in response to tissue damage), and the protein-rich film thataccumulates onchronic wound surfaces form a physical barrier over the wound bed. That barrier prevents healing.Removing that barrier is called debridement, a corecomponentof managing any wound that has stopped progressing. It can be performed surgically by a veterinarian or occur naturally through autolytic (self) debridement driven by thewoundsown enzymatic activity within a moist environment.Manuka honey supports this natural process. It draws fluid from the wound bed, creatingthemoist environment that activates the bodys own enzymes to break down and shed dead tissue naturally.Multiple studies from researchers at the University of Sydney, in Australia,demonstratedthat equine wounds treated with manuka honey gel healed faster than control wounds, an outcome linked in part to autolytic debridement.Silver HoneyRapid Wound Repair Ointment, formulated with manuka honey, is the right choice when a wound has developed heavy or persistent scabbing. Its thicker consistency softens crusted tissue, allowing gentle removal without damaging whats underneath.When to Call Your VeterinarianHome wound management has limits and recognizing them is part of responsible horse ownership.Call your veterinarian right away if:The wound is near or over a joint, tendon sheath, or hoof structureThe wound is a puncture, regardless of how minor it looks at the surfaceYou can see any exposed internal structuresThere are no signs of progress after 48 to72 hoursof consistent treatmentYou notice signs of systemic infection, such as fever, discharge, heat, or swellingGranulation tissue in the lower leg is growing above skin levelIfyourenot sure whether somethingwarrantsa visit, your veterinarian might ask you to send a photo. Many practitioners can provide insight and guidenextsteps from an image alone.Take-Home MessageIdentifyingand addressing the root cause of nonhealing wounds is vital for preventing complications.Misidentification of skin conditions, insufficient treatment frequency, use of the wrong antiseptic, lack of support for the lower legs, and dead tissue blocking the wound bed account for most cases of wounds thatwontheal in horses.Identifywhich variable is wrong, address it with a product that supports rather than disrupts the healing environment, and apply it consistently throughout the entire healing window to help wounds heal quickly and completely.*MicroSilverBG is a registered trademark ofBioGateAG

The RSPCA has issued an appeal to trace the owner of an filly, who was found lame and seemingly abandoned.The charity praised the local community who helped keep the horse safe by alerting them to her presence and need for sanctuary.She is making good progress in RSPCA care and will be made available for rehoming if no owner comes forward.The bay youngster was found on 10 June in a field in the Timber Lane area of Stourport on Severn in Worcestershire.When I attended the location she had been tethered to a field shelter and there were a few locals present who said her owner was unknown, RSPCA Animal Rescue Officer Sarah Guest, who has been making enquiries about the horse.There had been efforts to find an owner after the horse had been found a few days earlier loose, but no one had come forward.Wed like to thank those who helped bring her to a place of safety. When we all work together we can bring animals to safety more quickly and were really grateful to everyone who helped and showed her such kindness.A vet attended the scene and police took the filly into possession before placing her into the care of the RSPCA.She was taken to an equine hospital for treatment and is now at an equine boarding facility.It does appear this filly was abandoned as weve so far not been able to find an owner, continued Sarah.At the equine hospital she has really improved which is great to hear and if no-one comes forward she will be made available for rehoming in the near future.Anyone with any first hand information is urged to contact the RSPCA Inspectorate Appeal Line on 0300 123 8018, quoting 01824644.The RSPCA is urging the public to choose kindness this summer and make a difference for animals.By joining the charitys Summer of Kindness, animal lovers can take on Seven Acts of Kindness that are simple, family-friendly and can benefit both pets and wildlife.More from Your HorseHow to cool a horse down quickly in hot weather no sweat scraper required!Amber extreme heat warning issued: Horse owners urged to take precautions this weekendLaminitis in horses: essential guide for every ownerPoisonous plants for horses: in picturesThe post Community praised for helping save abandoned filly appeared first on Your Horse.

Horse Sport Ireland (HSI) has today published the 2026 Traditional Irish Horse (TIH) Report, providing the most comprehensive and up-to-date analysis of the genetics, population structure and breeding trends within this important herd and the foundation bloodlines of the Irish Sport Horse Studbook.Prepared by geneticist Dr. Jennifer Doyle, the report reinforces the importance of the TIH designation, originating in 2017, in preserving the core Irish bloodlines which incorporate Thoroughbred, Irish Draught, Connemara Pony and traditionally bred Irish Sport Horses. The report highlights the international presence of the Traditional Irish Horse, with almost 120 TIH FEI horses registered across disciplines to date in 2026, demonstrating the continued global demand for these horses.This report supports the delivery of Horse Sport Irelands Strategic Plan, Priority Two: Optimise genetics, genomic insight and performance data to strengthen breeding excellence, highlighting continued progress in the application of genomic and data-driven tools to support sustainable breeding and selection decisions.Horse Sport Ireland will recommend a genomic-based TIH designation route within the studbook to the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine based on peer reviewed research soon to be presented at the World Congress on Genetics Applied to Livestock Production. This would enable horses that meet the genetic profile of a TIH to be included while maintaining the integrity of these traditional bloodlines. The intention is that this development will support population growth, improve data accuracy, and ensure that breeding decisions are informed by both pedigree and genomic insights.Breeders are encouraged to begin the foal registration process within the first month of birth to support accurate population monitoring, legislation compliance and maximise the value of these data-driven tools.Key findings53% of 2025 TIH foals out of ISH [TIH] damsIrish Draught stallions remain the dominant sire group for TIH horsesThe average Thoroughbred percentage of active TIH sires is 56%Low inbreeding levels of 0.47% which supports population genetic diversity667 TIH foals with a 2025 date of birth, these figures continue to grow due to late registrationsDr. Jennifer Doyle, Geneticist at Horse Sport Ireland, commented:This report highlights the continued strength of the Traditional Irish Horse population, underpinned by its crossbred structure and strong foundations in Irish bloodlines. The consistently low levels of inbreeding, combined with improving pedigree completeness, demonstrate the effectiveness of current breeding practices in maintaining genetic diversity. While recent foal registration numbers show some decline, this is influenced by late registrations, and the overall trends point to a resilient population. The sustained use of Irish Draught stallions and the balanced Thoroughbred contribution reflect the enduring value of traditional breeding systems in producing versatile, quality horses.Dr. Sonja Egan, Head of Breeding, Innovation and Development at Horse Sport Ireland, said:The Traditional Irish Horse represents a vital component of Irelands equine culture, and safeguarding its genetic identity is central to our breeding strategy. The findings of this report reinforce the importance of maintaining diversity within this population while supporting breeders in producing horses that meet both national and international market and sporting demands. Horse Sport Irelands work in advancing genomic tools, including SNP-based parentage verification and genetic profiling, is a significant milestone for the sector. These developments have enabled continuous roll out of genomic services for breeders, and we hope this will follow with the introduction of a genomic-based TIH designation. Importantly, these tools allow us to protect the uniqueness of the TIH while providing flexibility within how modern studbooks operate, ensuring that valuable bloodlines are preserved and that the breed can continue to evolve in a sustainable and evidence-based way.The post Horse Sport Ireland Publishes 2026 Traditional Irish Horse Report appeared first on .

HSI has received 1689 applications and issued 450 completed applications for foals born in 2026.1680 pedigree applications have had their foal kit sent to the applicant, with the remaining one issued imminently.It is important to note that, to date, 767 foal kits have not been yet returned from breeders to HSI for pedigree applications, which is 54 per cent of all applications.Of the 913 applications who have returned their foal kits to HSI, 450 have been completed and the passport issued, and 42 are currently undergoing quality control checks, while the remaining 421 applications DNA samples are currently with the laboratory for analysis.Of the 492 passport applications, where the DNA samples have been returned to HSI from the laboratory, 91 per cent are processed and complete, totalling 450.The remaining applications are pending QC checks before being completed, and the team is working hard to complete them imminently.In HSIs Customer Service Department, 315 calls were received this week, of which 91 per cent were answered, totalling 287.The post Updated figures of passport applications processed on Horse Source June 18th, 2026 appeared first on .

Training Show over the working hunter course, classes from 30cms to 1M, no 2nd phase, casual dress.All under 16's must wear a back protector while jumping...

According to the State Department of Agriculture, one horse in Crook County, Oregon, has tested positive for equine herpesvirus-1 (EHV-1). The horse is quarantined. One additional horse has been exposed.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.EHV 101Herpesvirus is highly contagious among horses and can cause a variety of ailments in equids, including rhinopneumonitis (a respiratory disease usually found in young horses), abortion in broodmares, and EHM.In many horses, the first or only sign of EHV-1 infection is fever, which can go undetected.In addition to fever, other common signs of EHV-1 infection in young horses include cough, decreased appetite, depression, and a nasal discharge. Pregnant mares typically show no signs of infection before they abort, and abortions usually occur late in gestation (around eight months) but can be earlier. Abortions can occur anywhere from two weeks to several months following infection with EHV-1.Horses with EHM usually have a fever at the onset of the disease and might show signs of a respiratory infection. A few days later, neurologic signs such as ataxia (incoordination), weakness or paralysis of the fore- and hind limbs, urine retention and dribbling, loss of tail tone, and recumbency (inability to rise) develop.Herpesvirus is easily spread by nose-to-nose or close contact with an infectious horse; sharing contaminated equipment including bits, buckets, and towels; or clothing, hands, or equipment of people who have recently had contact with an infectious horse.Routine biosecurity measures, including hygiene and basic cleaning and disinfection practices, should be in place at all times to help prevent disease spread.Current EHV-1 vaccines might reduce viral shedding but are not protective against the neurologic form of the disease. Implementing routine biosecurity practices is the best way to minimize viral spread, and the best method of disease control is disease prevention.

Dont delay the start of a joint health program for your horse. | Shelley PaulsonDo you condition your horse with his joint health in mind? Do you consider pain before labeling him difficult or unwilling? Do you check with your veterinarian before starting the horse on joint supplements?If not, you could be making some of the most common mistakes in equine joint health management. Overall, horse owners do a good job managing joint health, says Charlie Barton, BVetMed, MS, Dipl. ACVS-LA, a postdoctoral fellow at Colorado State Universitys College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences, in Fort Collins. But oversights still occur, and they can affect your horses performance and welfare, along with long-term costs.To learn where owners most often go wrong, we asked equine joint health experts to share the mistakes they see most frequently and how to avoid them.1. Delaying the Start of a Joint Health PlanMany owners wait until a horse shows signs of joint inflammation before implementing a joint health program, says Lauren Trager, DVM, MS, Dipl. ACVSMR, clinical assistant professor of equine sports medicine and rehabilitation at the Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine, in Blacksburg, Virginia.By then, significant damage might already have occurred. Once your horse has osteoarthritis, it becomes increasingly difficult to maintain soundness anddepending on the specific joint and degree of inflammationcan be career-changing or career-ending, she explains.Joint support should begin early, Trager says. Breeders can promote lifelong joint health through evidence-based nutrition and exercise programs, along with screening young horses for developmental orthopedic diseases such as osteochondritis dissecans.As horses age, regular soundness evaluations and joint and soft tissue palpation can help identify problems before they become significant. Monitoring changes in conformation and range of motion can provide additional clues. Owners should also consider each horses history and discipline, because different activities place different demands on the joints.Barton recommends incorporating raised poles, hill work, stretching, and core-strengthening exercises into training programs. This builds muscle, which in turn reduces forces on tendons and ligaments, improves joint stability, and improves balance, coordination, and proprioception, she says, the latter being the horses awareness of limb and body position.It can be hard to think about a potential problem when the horse is happy, sound, and performing well in his current role, Trager says. But be proactive instead of reactive when it comes to your horses joint health. Its never too early to start a joint health program and, with the wide variety of therapies and strategies we have in our arsenal, your horses joint health plan can be very strategic and individualized.Special Feature: Managing Your Performance Horses Joints2. Letting Horses Become OverweightExcess weight remains common in horses, often because owners underestimate their horses body condition. While obesity increases the risk of metabolic disorders and laminitis, it also places additional stress on joints.Youve got a horse thats supposed to be an athlete sometimes, and yet its super overweight, says Sarah Le Jeune, DVM, Dipl. ACVSMR, associate professor of surgical and radiological sciences at the University of California, Davis, Weill School of Veterinary Medicine. Obviously, thats going to affect the joint.Excess body weight puts extra forces on the joints, adds Barton.Owners should learn how to assess body condition score and work with their veterinarian or equine nutritionist to develop a feeding program that supports both performance and a healthy weight.3. Assuming Its a Behavior ProblemJoint pain doesnt always appear as obvious lameness, Le Jeune says. Instead, horses might resist specific tasks, such as jumping, turning, or moving forward.Horses with joint problems can show resistance to athletic activities, and people think the horse just has bad behavior, she explains. There are a lot of old beliefs that horses can be lazy or bad, and so their riders just push them harder, whereas in fact theyre actually in pain.Some horses become difficult to catch or tack up because they associate those activities with discomfort, she adds. Others might kick, buck, rear, or bite. Riders and trainers just dont see that the horse is struggling, Le Jeune says. I mean, sure, some horses are less energetic than others. But if you really have to kick the horse constantly to get it going, theres probably something wrong.Before labeling a horse as difficult or unwilling, owners should work with their veterinarian to rule out pain, including joint-related issues, Le Jeune says.4. Waiting Too Long to Call the VeterinarianEven when owners notice stiffness, joint pain, or lameness, some delay veterinary evaluation. Instead, they take a wait-and-see approach or try home remedies and supplements first.Joint diseases such as osteoarthritis often grumble along and get progressively worse over time, Barton says. Treating early can slow progress of joint damage and improve the horses comfort.Prompt treatment can also prevent acute problems from becoming chronic, Le Jeune says. As horses compensate for pain, they often overload other muscles and joints, creating what she describes as a whole cascade of musculoskeletal and behavioral issues.Untreated joint problems can eventually progress to degenerative joint disease. You dont want to get there, Le Jeune says. You want to be early in that process, because once cartilage deteriorates, youre not bringing it back.5. Forgetting to Consider Hoof BalanceA painful joint might be only one piece of a larger problem, Barton says. Looking beyond the affected joint can reveal contributing factors elsewhere in the horses musculoskeletal system.Hoof balance often plays a key role. Poorly balanced hooves can create uneven forces throughout the limb, increasing stress on joints, tendons, ligaments, and other soft tissues. Imbalanced feet also absorb concussion less effectively, potentially contributing to injuries elsewhere in the body as horses compensate.To help maintain proper balance, Barton recommends working with a farrier who periodically uses radiographs to guide trimming and shoeing decisions, particularly in horses with existing issues.Taking a broader view of the horse can help you address the root cause of joint pain and reduce the likelihood of future problems. Sometimes you focus on just that individual joint, and its easy to forget about the horse as a whole.6. Relying Too Heavily on Joint SupplementsWhen owners suspect a joint issue, some immediately reach for supplements. But relying on supplements without veterinary guidance can delay diagnosis and treatment.People might throw a bunch of supplements at their horse instead of getting the vet out, and meanwhile the joint problem isnt going away, says Le Jeune.Trager adds that supplement quality varies considerably. While there are many effective, evidence-based joint supplements available, there are also those that have no validity, she explains. Plus, nutraceuticals are not FDA-regulated, so its important to be mindful of what is (or isnt) in the joint supplement.Evidence-based supplements can play a role in a proactive joint health program, she says. However, horses diagnosed with osteoarthritis or other joint pathology typically need a more comprehensive approach.Take-Home MessageCommon mistakes when managing horses joint health often come down to waiting too long to act, missing subtle signs of pain, and relying on supplements instead of a diagnosis. Excess body weight, delayed veterinary care, and and overlooking factors elsewhere in the horses musculoskeletal system can all accelerate joint damage. A proactive, whole-horse approach gives horses the best chance at long-term soundness and performance.

Whether youre preparing for a competition, heading out hacking or simply enjoying some quality time with your horse, a good grooming routine is an essential part of horse care. Thats why weve teamed up with Absorbine to offer three lucky people the chance to win* a grooming bundle featuring a selection of products (pictured above) to help keep coats gleaming and manes and tails pristine all-year round. Entries are open now and close at 11.59pm on Monday 27 July.How to enterENTER HEREThe closing date is 11.59pm on Monday 27 July.*UK only. Full terms and conditions are on the entry page.About the prizesThree winners will each receive one of the following:ShowSheen Hair Polish & DetanglerThis unique formula contains provitamins to nourish coats and silk proteins to strengthen manes and tails and promote stronger, longer hair. ShowSheen leaves a healthy shine and makes grooming easier. Not only is it an excellent detangler for snarled manes and tails, its also incredibly versatile. Apply it over your horses coat to repel dust and prevent mud from sticking to keep them clean for longer. It also accentuates muscle tone and helps easily remove burrs from manes and tails. Size 950ml. RRP 20.12ShowSheen 2-In-1 Shampoo & Conditioner This two-in-one horse shampoo and conditioner deep cleans and conditions in one easy step, leaving the coat, mane, and tail incredibly soft. Its pH-balanced formula is specially designed for your horses sensitive skin, with provitamins and conditioners to nourish the skin and coat. It rinses out easily and leaves no residue. Size 591ml. RRP 12.30ShowSheen Stain Remover & Whitener A fast-acting spot remover and horse whitener enhanced with Oxi-Eraser stain lifters for a colour-safe, deep clean without bleach or blueing agents. This nourishing formula contains provitamins, green tea, and fruit extracts and is pH-balanced for horses. It gets white markings their whitest! Size 591ml. RRP 12.30Hooflex Natural Dressing and ConditionerThis all-natural herbal formula, including tea tree oil, arnica, comfrey, and avocado oil, helps maintain the hoofs natural moisture balance. It penetrates fast and conditions deeply, enhancing natural hoof colour without artificial chemicals or dyes and with no greasy residue. Size 44ml with brush. RRP 21.50The full range of Absorbine products are available from equestrian retailers and Absorbine stockists. Find out more here.The post Win a fantastic grooming bundle from Absorbine! appeared first on Your Horse.