Photo courtesy ASPCAMatching the right horse with the right person is the ongoing task of equine rehoming groups across the country, and many are discovering that location is a factor. The good news is that adoptable horses can now find a ride to their new homes with the Horse Adoption Express, an innovative new transport program from the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA).The program works with its Right Horse adoption partners to move horses between facilities so that they have a better chance to connect with the right person as soon as possible. It grew out of collaborative efforts with Right Horse adoption partners across the country, launching in March 2021.One of the things we found is that there are people [interested in providing a home] for these horses, but they arent always necessarily where the horses are, says Emily Weiss, Ph.D., vice president of ASPCA Equine Welfare. If we can just get that horse to the right location, we can get him home.Supply & DemandTransport has become an established practice for dog and cat shelters, helping to save more pets by moving them to locations with fewer animals and more available homes. For horses, Weiss explains that its less about numbers and more about supply and demand for a particular type of horse.Stories from the ASPCA Horse Adoption Express are proving the case already. One successful relocation effort involved a group of Thoroughbreds in Florida suffering from anhidrosis, a decreased ability to sweat and cool off properly. Safely managing this condition in Floridas hot, humid climate was a challenge.Fortunately, there were Right Horse adoption partners in the cooler climate of Michigan with wait lists for Thoroughbreds. The ASPCA Horse Adoption Express took a load of these horses up there, where they were quickly snapped up by adopters.Stories like that help us solidify that there are homes for these horses, and when were seeing them sit for longer periods of time, [its] simply because their particular adopter isnt right there in that area, says Weiss.So far, 180 horses have been transported between Right Horse adoption partners or trainers in the programs first year. A total of 95 were adopted by the end of 2021. Weiss reports that they now have a constant flow of horses moving through the program, with Right Horse partners collaborating to figure out which horses might be a fit for their organization or someone elses.An Existing NetworkWhile shipping horses all over the country sounds more complicated than transporting small animals, getting the equine program established had a built-in advantage because there are already horses moving all over the country via professional haulers. By tapping into this existing equine transportation industry, the ASPCA was able to get the Horse Adoption Express on the road relatively quickly.We were able to engage transport of the big companies that are moving horses, such as Brook Ledge and Equine Express, as well as some of the very reputable and responsible smaller haulers to help us to be pretty nimble, and were still working on becoming even more so, says Weiss.Transport for TrainingThe ASPCA Horse Adoption Express also helps transfer horses to trainers and programs where they can receive any training or physical rehabilitation needed to make them more adoptable.Sometimes [a horses] right trainer or right opportunity for a smooth transition isnt in his backyard, so getting him to the right place and finding that match can make a big difference, says Weiss. Engaging those trainers has been really powerful.Putting professional training on adoptable horses or pairing them with locations that want a certain type of horse, like off-track Thoroughbreds, has been the goal of the Adoption Express. Photo courtesy ASPCADaisy Petrey of Petrey Horsemanship in Texas is one trainer who has been a frequent stop for the Horse Adoption Express. Trainers like Petrey are often able to network with their contacts to facilitate a successful adoption.With just a little bit of training and a sensitive eye to the needs of that particular horse, the horses found their homes much more quickly than they would have otherwise, shares Weiss.Such was the case with Miakoda, a horse that had been at Kentucky Equine Adoption Center (KyEAC), a Right Horse adoption partner, for some time but had yet to find his perfect match. The team at KyEAC reached out to the community of Right Horse partners, and he was transported through the ASPCA Horse Adoption Express to Petrey Horsemanship, where he quickly advanced as a riding horse.Petrey worked with him and matched him with a teenage girl, who has also stayed on with her as a working student. After adopting Miakoda, the teen now has an ambition to open her own non-profit organization to rehome and adopt out non-riding horses!Sometimes location is everything, and it makes perfect sense if a rescue does not have the resources to train and adopt one, or simply has too many, to help get these horses to places where they can get what they need quicker, says Petrey.Transportation benefits adoption programs on both sides of the process. Because of the Horse Adoption Express, we were able to find the perfect situation for Miakoda, says Kelli Sorg, KyEAC development director,. It would have been beyond our reach to know about Daisy and the perfect home for Miakoda without it!Miakoda traveled from Kentucky to find the right home in Texas with Kristina (center) thanks to training and support from Petrey Horsemanship. Photo by Lindsey Arnold/Cricket PhotographySafe LandingsIn addition to supporting the ASPCAs mission to massively increase horse adoption, Weiss sees the ASPCA Horse Adoption Express also becoming a vehicle to help ensure safe transitions for all equines in need.For owners who can no longer care for their horse, the Horse Adoption Express could help provide transport to a Right Horse adoption partner so he can be transitioned into a new home.We are actively supporting our partners in moving toward open admission and making sure were supporting the horses before they get at further risk, says Weiss.Adoption ListingsOnline horse listings make it easy for equestrians to search available horses anywhere, and this now includes adoptable horses on myrighthorse.org, the ASPCAs online adoption platform for equines.Through myrighthorse.org, adopters can look across the country for their right horse, says Emily Weiss, Ph.D., vice president of ASPCA Equine Welfare. Our goal through the Horse Adoption Express is to eliminate distance as a barrier for finding your right match.This article about the ASPCA Horse Adoption Express appeared in the April 2022 issue of Horse Illustratedmagazine.Click here to subscribe!The post The ASPCA Horse Adoption Express appeared first on Horse Illustrated Magazine.

Learn about 4 common injuries veterinarians see in these athletes, how they diagnose them, and what treatments and rehabilitation methods they use.The post Sidelined: 4 Common Injuries in Western Performance Horses appeared first on The Horse.

SectionKey PointsThe Role of Tendons and LigamentsTendons attach muscles to bones, enabling movement and stability.Ligaments connect bones to other bones, stabilizing joints.Both are made of collagen fibres, providing strength and elasticity.The Pressure on Tendons and LigamentsHigh-speed activities place immense stress on tendons and ligaments.Superficial digital flexor tendon (SDFT) is particularly susceptible to overstrain.Combined weight of horse and rider, along with movement forces, increases stress.Common Injuries and Their CausesTendon InjuriesResult from overstrain, trauma, or repetitive micro-damage.Commonly affected tendons: SDFT and deep digital flexor tendon (DDFT).Ligament InjuriesCaused by direct trauma, abnormal forces, or accidents.Commonly affected ligaments: suspensory ligament, collateral ligaments of the coffin, fetlock, and hock joints.Signs of Tendon and Ligament InjuriesLameness, swelling, heat, and pain.Reluctance to bear weight, changes in gait.Decreased performance.Diagnosis and TreatmentDiagnosis through physical examination, ultrasound, and MRI.Treatment includes rest, cold therapy, anti-inflammatories, and controlled exercise.Preventing Tendon and Ligament InjuriesProper warm-up and cool-down, regular exercise, balanced nutrition.Correct footing, proper hoof care, gradual conditioning.Regular veterinary check-ups, quality tack, cross-training, weight management.Horses are remarkable athletes, capable of incredible feats of speed, strength, and endurance. However, these abilities come with a significant risk of injury, particularly to their tendons and ligaments. Understanding the pressures these structures endure and how to manage and prevent injuries is crucial for anyone involved in equine care and management.The Role of Tendons and LigamentsTendons are tough, fibrous connective tissues that attach muscles to bones. They transmit the force generated by muscles to the bones, enabling movement and providing stability to the joints. Tendons also act as mechanical buffers, absorbing and storing energy from concussive forces and releasing it to propel the leg forward.Ligaments, on the other hand, connect bones to other bones and are essential for stabilizing joints, limiting excessive movement, and preventing injuries during strenuous activities. Both tendons and ligaments are composed mainly of collagen fibres, which provide strength and elasticity.The Pressure on Tendons and LigamentsThe pressure on a horse's tendons and ligaments can be immense, especially during high-speed activities like racing, jumping, and eventing. For instance, the superficial digital flexor tendon (SDFT) experiences high loading stress when the horse is in motion, making it particularly susceptible to overstrain injuries. A slow-motion analysis of a galloping horse reveals the extreme hyper-extension of joints at speed, highlighting the vital roles of tendons and ligaments in stabilizing and supporting the limbs under such conditions. The combined weight of the horse and rider, along with the forces generated during movement, places significant stress on these structures.Common Injuries and Their CausesTendon InjuriesTendon injuries are common in performance horses and can result from overstrain, traumatic events, or repetitive micro-damage. Factors such as poor foot balance, hard track surfaces, muscle fatigue, and excessive weight can increase the risk of tendon injuries. The most frequently injured tendons include the SDFT and the deep digital flexor tendon (DDFT).Ligament InjuriesLigament injuries can occur due to direct trauma, abnormal or excessive forces placed on a joint, or sudden accidents. Common ligament injuries in horses include suspensory ligament desmitis and injuries to the collateral ligaments of the coffin joint, fetlock joint, and hock joints.Signs of Tendon and Ligament InjuriesRecognizing the signs of tendon and ligament injuries is crucial for early intervention and effective treatment. Common signs include:Lameness: Varying in severity depending on the extent of the injury.Swelling: Localized or diffuse swelling around the affected area.Heat and Pain: Detected through palpation.Reluctance to Bear Weight: Particularly when turning or on uneven surfaces.Changes in Gait: Such as shortened strides or uneven movement.Decreased Performance: Difficulty in performing usual activities.Diagnosis and TreatmentDiagnosing tendon and ligament injuries typically involves a combination of physical examination, ultrasound imaging, and sometimes advanced procedures like MRI. Treatment options vary depending on the severity of the injury but generally include:Initial Rest and Immobilization: Box rest and bandaging to immobilize the limb.Cold Therapy: Ice application or cold hosing to reduce inflammation.Anti-Inflammatories: Medications like Bute to reduce swelling and provide pain relief.Controlled Exercise: Gradual reintroduction of exercise under veterinary guidance.Preventing Tendon and Ligament InjuriesPrevention is always better than cure. Here are some key strategies to minimize the risk of tendon and ligament injuries in horses:Proper Warm-Up and Cool-Down: Essential to prepare the tendons and ligaments for work and reduce the risk of injury.Regular Exercise: Consistent, appropriate exercise helps strengthen these structures.Balanced Nutrition: A well-balanced diet supports overall musculoskeletal health.Correct Footing: Suitable footing in training and exercise areas to prevent undue stress.Proper Hoof Care: Regular trimming and shoeing to maintain proper limb alignment.Gradual Conditioning: Avoid sudden increases in workload to allow the body to adapt.Regular Veterinary Checkups: Early detection and management of potential issues.Quality Tack and Equipment: Ensuring proper fit to minimize pressure on the limbs.Cross-Training: Engaging in a variety of activities to avoid repetitive stress.Weight Management: Maintaining a healthy weight to reduce strain on tendons and ligaments.ConclusionUnderstanding the pressures on horses' tendons and ligaments and implementing preventive measures can significantly reduce the risk of injury. By recognizing the signs of injury early and providing appropriate treatment, we can help ensure the well-being and performance of our equine companions.For more detailed information on tendon and ligament injuries, you can refer to resources from Scott Dunn's Equine Clinic, Animal Osteopathy College, and other reputable veterinary sources.Asked by YouHow serious is a tendon injury in a horse?A tendon injury in a horse can be quite serious, as it often requires significant rest and rehabilitation time. The severity can range from mild strains to complete ruptures, which may require months of recovery and potentially affect the horse's long-term performance.Can a horse fully recover from a suspensory ligament injury?Yes, a horse can fully recover from a suspensory ligament injury with proper treatment and rehabilitation. However, the recovery process is lengthy and requires careful management to ensure the ligament heals correctly and to prevent re-injury.How long does it take for a horse to recover from a ligament injury?The recovery time for a horse with a ligament injury can vary depending on the severity of the injury. Generally, it can take anywhere from several months to a year for a horse to fully recover, with a gradual reintroduction to activity under veterinary guidance.Can a horse recover from tendonitis?Yes, a horse can recover from tendonitis, which is inflammation of the tendon. Treatment typically involves rest, anti-inflammatory medications, and a controlled exercise program to gradually restore tendon function and strength.

It's that time of year again at Gleno Valley Stables - haylage making season! Nothing beats the feeling of providing our four-legged friends with the best So if you see us out in the fields, give us a wave #haylageseason #summertime #happyhorses

Sandra Auffarth waves to the busy stadium after winning Aachen in 2022. Photo by Tilly Berendt.Entries for the eventing portion, the SAP Cup, at CHIO Aachens annual World Equestrian Festival have been published, with 10 nations receiving an invitation and sending forward a total of 51 horses for entry into the CCIO4*-S happening July 6 and 7 in Germany.Aachen has been chosen to host the 2026 FEI World Championships / World Equestrian Games for most disciplines, and its been the prime choice of top competitors around the world for many years. Some countries aiming for Paris will make their final team selections following Aachen, where we might see some pairs under orders to pull up or otherwise save their competitiveness for the Olympics in a few weeks time.The complete list of entries can be found hereor below:AUSAUSTRALIAChef dEquipe:Erin ONeillBARNETT, AndrewGo ToscaBURTON, ChristopherClever LouisHOY, AndrewCadet de BeliardMCNAB, KevinMiss Pepperpot,Willunga(Jump&Drive)AUTAUSTRIASIEGL, Leavan Helsing PBELBELGIUMDE LIEDEKERKE MEIER, LaraDucati dArville,Hermione dArville,Pumpkin de la Liniere(Jump&Drive)FRAFRANCEChef dEquipe:Michel AsserayEURIAT, MorganeFixin de CondeLEFEVRE, CyrielleArmanjo SerosahMARX, ArthurChurchIleMASSIE, BenjaminFilao de PerleGBRGREAT BRITAINChef dEquipe:Philip SurlteamCHABERT, KirstyClassic v.teamCOLLETT, LauraDacapoteamKING, EmilyValmy BiatsteamTAYLOR, IsabelleSbh Big WallDOEL, DavidCaptain Tiger Tilly(Jump&Drive),Kenzo Power BGERGERMANYChef dEquipe:Jens Prof.Dr. AdolphsenteamHANSEN-HOTOPP, MalinCarlitos Quidditch KteamJUNG, MichaelFischerchipmunk FRH,Kilcandra Ocean Power(team)teamROBINE, JeromeBlack IceteamWAHLER, ChristophCarjatan S,dAccord FRHAUFFARTH, SandraViamant du MatzBCKMANN, CalvinCrunchip M(Jump&Drive),The Phantom Of The OperaKRAJEWSKI, JuliaGreat Twist dIve Z(Jump&Drive),Nickel 21SCHRADE, DirkCasino 80SIEMER, AnnaFRH Butts AvondaleIRLIRELANDChef dEquipe:Dag AlbertCASSELLS, IanMillridge AtlantisMURPHY, JosephCalmaro,Choclat(Jump&Drive)OCONNOR, AustinIsazsaWATSON, SamBallyneety RocketmanNZLNEW ZEALANDChef dEquipe:Jonathan PagetteamJOHNSTONE, ClarkeDomascoteamPOWELL, CarolineCbi AldoteamPRICE, JonelleSenor CrocodilloteamPRICE, TimJarilloTHOMASEN, GinnyCapitaine de Hus ZSUISWITZERLANDChef dEquipe:Dominik BurgerGODEL, RobinGlobal DhiMINDER, NadjaTop Jobs JaliscoRYAN, PhilipAmansaraVOGG, FelixColeroUSAUNITED STATESChef dEquipe:Robert CostelloteamALLISTON, JamesKarmateamBRANNIGAN, Jennie[WITHDRAWN 6/25]FE Lifestyle [WITHDRAWN 6/25]teamHALLIDAY, ElisabethShanroe CooleyteamPHILLIPS, AlyssaOskarCOON, HallieCute GirlHallie Coon and Cute Girl. Photo by Tilly Berendt.There is a late substitute on the U.S. team, which sees Hallie Coon and Cute Girladded to the roster, while Liz Hallidays individual horse, Shanroe Cooley, was moved to the team. Lizs original team horse, Miks Master C, will not make the trip to Aachen. Liz posted the following update on her social media:We have unfortunately made the tough decision to withdraw Miks Master C from the team for CHIO Aachen next week. He had an excellent Cross-Country round in the Advanced at Stable View last weekend and finished very well, but when we checked him later that day it was apparent that he was not 100%[.]With the quick turn around to head to Aachen we decided that it was not in his best interest to put him on a plane and instead need to focus on getting him back to feeling his best.[Editors Update] Late on Tuesday, Jennie Brannigan announced that she was also withdrawing FE Lifestyle from the Aachen team, stating that Foxy had picked up a shipping fever after Stable View. After consulting with Mary Griffin and trusting my own gut as a horsemen [sic] we do both feel it is not right to put him on a van/plane tomorrow, she wrote on social media. I am grateful to the USEF for the opportunity and to my owners who always let me make the right choice for the horses. There is always another horse show. there is only one Foxy.The second alternate for the U.S. was designated as Emily Hamel and Corvett, who just completed Luhmhlen earlier this month and will not be turning around for Aachen. While an official USEF update has yet to be made, we will likely see Hallie Coon (originally the first alternate) moved into the vacant team spot with Cute Girl, and the U.S. will proceed with no individual riders. We will update this post and the entry list once USEF has made any further changes official.You will be able to watch CHIO Aachen live and on-demand with your ClipMyHorse.TV membership. Bookmark this page to access the live stream. As always, Tilly Berendt will be our eyes on the ground in Germany next weekend.World Equestrian Festival CHIO Aachen: [Website] [Program All Disciplines] [Program Eventing] [Entries All Disciplines] [Entries Eventing] [Live Stream] [Results All Disciplines] [Results Eventing] [ENs Coverage]

Biosecurity measures remain a critical component to combating 'strep throat for horses.' Learn more in this article from The Horse's Spring 2024 issue. The post Equine Strangles: An Old Disease in a Modern World appeared first on The Horse.

June 26, 2024 Ocala, FL Dressage returns to World Equestrian Center Ocala (WEC) for theHampton Green FarmsWEC July Dressage Show on July 13-14, 2024, for USEF/USDF Level 3 competition. Entries are due by July 3, 2024. For the first time ever, WEC plans to host equestrian competition in Indoor Arena 6. The expansive arena will be able to hold all dressage competition[...]Read MoreThe post World Equestrian Center Ocala Welcomes Back Dressage for Hampton Green Farms July National Competition appeared first on World Equestrian Center.

June 26, 2024 Wilmington, OHIO World Equestrian Center Wilmington (WEC) is pleased to welcome Merck Animal Health to its family of sponsors. WEC is proud to partner with a leader in the business of global animal health and join forces to promote the importance of the well-being of the equine athlete. We are excited to partner with World Equestrian Center, Wilmington, a[...]Read MoreThe post World Equestrian Center Wilmington Welcomes Merck Animal Health to Family of Sponsors appeared first on World Equestrian Center.

Molly is Assistant Shop Manager here at Redpost, who enjoys competing in British Showjumping competitions on her horse Mojo.About the productThe Kentucky Classic Mesh Fly Rug is the perfect solution for horse owners looking to protect their horses from flies during the spring and summer months. Made with a lightweight mesh, this classic design provides excellent protection without adding extra warmth to your horse. The breathable mesh fabric allows for airflow, keeping your horse cool on hot sunny days. Additionally, the fabric reflects the sun, helping to keep your horse even cooler. Shop Kentucky Classic Mesh Fly Rug What were your first impressions?The rug is very lightweight which makes it perfect for warm summer weather. The material was also very soft and did not have a rough scratchy surface which I have found with other fly rugs. The fly mask had substantial Velcro staps which reduced the worry of the fly mask coming off.How was the sizing & fit?My horse Mojo is always a 66 and this rug fitted perfectly in his usual size. It is generous around the shoulder and chest which is a great feature as I often find fly rugs tight across the chest. I also tried the rug on my other horse, who despite being the same size rug is considerably broader and the generosity in the chest allowed the rug to fit both comfortably making this rug perfect for horses of all shapes and sizes. The fly mask also fitted true to size with two adjustable straps allowing for a secure fit.How did you test the product?Mojo has worn the rug both in the day and overnight. The rug has stayed in place every wear and has offered excellent protection from the flys. I have in the past struggled with Mojo getting little lumps from bites, but since using this rug I have had no issues. The mask has also stayed on with every wear.Would you recommend it to a friend?Yes definitely. The rug fits perfectly and has caused no rubbing at all to a sensitive grey whilst offering maximum protection from flies- Im not sure what else you can want from a fly rug!What was your favourite feature?The fit. After lots of struggles with tight and rubbing fly rugs it is great to have a fitting and comfortable rug. I also really like the extra large tail flap which further increases the coverage of the rug. Shop Kentucky Classic Mesh Fly Rug Silver The post Tried & Tested: Kentucky Classic Mesh Fly Rug in Silver first appeared on Redpost Equestrian Blog.