New names have been given to a smuggled mare and her days old foal since they have found sanctuary with World Horse Welfare.The last of five in foal mares that were found with 21 other horses and ponies being smuggled out of Dover port has recently given birth to a healthy filly foal. Lacking a microchip, the charity has named the mare Ada after their founder and bestowed her surname of Cole onto the foal.The name Cole means victory of the people and the charity hopes their story will further raise awareness of the issue of horse smuggling and encourage the public to join their campaign to ensure the right measures are implemented to put an end to this cruel and illegal trade.Our charitys founder Ada Cole campaigned long and hard to try and put an end to horses being transported long distances in terrible conditions to slaughter, said Kim Ayling, Senior Public Affairs Officer at World Horse Welfare. And whilst the recent live export ban in the UK is a step in the right direction, horse smuggling means hundreds if not thousands of horses are still being illegally transported into Europe in horrific conditions to end their lives in European slaughterhouses.With the UK General Election fast approaching, we are calling on everyone who cares about animals to add their voice to our pledge to show the next government that horse smuggling must be stopped. We need to be the voice for frightened horses, ponies and donkeys across the UK who suffer in horrendous conditions, being transported to an unknown fate. Our voice is their only voice.The Dover 26 mare Ada and her new foal Cole are being cared for and rehabilitated at World Horse Welfares Hall Farm Rescue and Rehoming Centre in Snetterton, Norfolk, along with the other horses and ponies that were rescued at the Kent port.Their story, which was featured in a recent RT documentary about the illegal movement and re-identification of horses, has exposed an industry that appears to be rampant across Europe, with the Dover 26 highlighting how British horses can easily be caught up in this trade.World Horse Welfare is campaigning for a better equine identification and traceability system across Europe to help protect all horses from being smuggled, as well as better enforcement in the UK and for border posts to be manned 24/7.Unfortunately due to the lack of information to be able to properly trace the background of the Dover 26 movements before being discovered, it has made a possible prosecution quite challenging, said Kim. We have approached all of the local authorities who could have taken legal action and none of them have wanted to take that forward. Unfortunately, this means that in this instance the trader involved will not be prosecuted and they will not have to face consequences for their actions.Ada and Cole are being looked after by Hall Farm groom Megan Jarvis, who describes Ada and Cole as the lucky ones as they have a bright future ahead of them. Once Cole has been weaned the charity will ensure they are found loving new homes.World Horse Welfare is urging its supporters to sign a pledge to #StopHorseSmuggling.I cant bear to think about all the other horses that arent as lucky as them and having to go on even longer journeys in worse conditions, said Megan. I, for one, will be signing the pledge and hope that others will join me in doing the same.World Horse Welfares #StopHorseSmuggling pledge is for all UK residents who are 18 or over and those who sign will have the option to be kept informed about the charitys work to end the illegal trade in horses and what else they can do to ensure action is taken by government.Sign the pledge to #StopHorseSmuggling here.Further readingBirth of first foal from smuggled horses rescued by World Horse WelfareHorses smuggled out of Dover highlight sickening threat to vulnerable animalsA century in the making: World Horse Welfare thrilled at new bill banning live exportsThe post New names for smuggled mare and her adorable days old foal appeared first on Your Horse.

The Agria Irish Senior Eventing Team has been chosen for the CCIO4*S Nations Cup in Aachen, Germany next weekend. Dag Alberts team are riding the crest of a wave with the Paris Olympic Games on the horizon, and hopes are high for another excellent result. HSI Eventing High Performance Director Albert has chosen a talented quartet to represent to Agria Irish team looking to build on the recent home Nations Cup win at Millstreet, where Ireland topped the podium. Ian Cassells and Millridge Atlantis (ISH) were part of that victorious team and line up again next weekend, joining Paris-bound Austin OConnor with his talented mare Isazsa. They will be joined by Joseph Murphy and Calmaro, who have found Aachen a happy hunting ground in recent years when finishing fourth in 2022 and ninth in 2023, as well as Sam Watson with Ballyneety Rocketman (ISH), who secured top spot in the []

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 Blaze! Check back weekly for a new featured horse so you can find your Right Horse.Photo courtesy Happy Trails Farm Animal SanctuaryAdoptable Horse: Blaze, a 17-year-old 16.1hhAppendix Quarter Horse geldingOrganization: Happy Trails Farm Animal Sanctuary, Ravenna, OhioGet to Know Adoptable Horse BlazeLooking for a new friend to join your family? Blaze is a stocky, athletic Appendix gelding with a heart of gold. Hes 17 years young, and has a temperament as gentle as can be. This dude is a genuine sweetheart on the ground. He rides very quietly and you can tell he loves having a job.If youre ready to provide a safe and caring environment filled with love and attention, Blaze would love to be a part of your life. He has had chronic abscesses in the past and has slight navicular and white line disease, but with some shoes and daily care, hes ready to do whatever is asked of him. Blaze is actively in rehab and needs someone willing to continue doing so.Contact Happy Trails Farm Animal Sanctuary today about ASPCA Right Horse Adoptable Horse of the Week, Blaze!Photo courtesy Happy Trails Farm Animal SanctuaryCould this weeks adoptable horse be the Right Horse you have been waiting for? Click here for more information about Blaze, the ASPCA Right Horse Adoptable Horse of the Week.ASPCA 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: Blaze appeared first on Horse Illustrated Magazine.

The Underwriting Exchange Irish Senior Show Jumping Team athletes have been named for the CSIO5* Nations Cup in Aachen next weekend, with Irish combinations for the Paris Olympics potentially lining out. HSI High Performance Show Jumping Director Michael Blake has selected three of the four riders travelling to Paris next month for the Games, with Cian OConnor, Shane Sweetnam and Bertram Allen joining Denis Lynch on the team. The Irish Senior team has been in fine form this season as they gear towards Paris, finishing on top of the Longines League of Nations Series Standings ahead of the final in Barcelona in October. The only member of Irelands Olympic quartet not jumping in Aachen is Daniel Coyle, whose Legacy jumped in the Longines League of Nations last week in Rotterdam, and Blake will be hoping for a strong showing. The Underwriting Exchange Irish Senior Show Jumping Team, in alphabetical order, []

An owner seeks advice on managing a senior horse with Cushings disease during a heat wave.The post How Can I Keep My Senior Horse With PPID Cool? appeared first on The Horse.

Colic in horses is one of the top reasons for making a claim on horse health insurance policies. It can be fatal and the vet bills quickly mount up, especially if surgery is required. In all cases of colic, the earlier you spot the signs and call your vet, the greater the chances your horse has of making a full recovery. Veterinary intervention is always essential.In my experience, a horse affected by any type of colic is likely to be at an increased risk of further colic episodes in the future. Colic can occur all year round and there are different types to look for. In this article, I will explain what impaction colic and gassy colic is in horses.Impaction colic in horsesImpaction colicis a blockage of the intestine, typically due to the accumulation of ingesta (partially digested feed material) within the gut, resulting in a blockage. The impacted food material places pressure on the gut wall and causes gas to build up around the obstruction.This stimulates sensitive nerves in the gut wall, called stretch receptors, which send pain signals to the brain. It is these pain signals that result in a horse displaying signs of abdominal discomfort the signs of colic vets and owners recognise.Impaction colic is particularly prevalent during the winter and accounts for between 8% and 10% of all colic cases.Over time, the impacted food material becomes progressively harder and direr, and therefore more difficult to shift. Most impactions can be resolved with medical treatment, such as oral fluids and painkillers, but occasionally surgical intervention is needed to unblock the intestine.Early detection of impaction colic is key, but even better is to try to reduce the chance of it occurring in the first place. Knowing how and why impacts occur makes it far easier to identify both possible solutions and the management changes we can implement to minimise the risk.Causes of impaction colicThe horses gut is long and convoluted, with various narrow sections and bends. Impactions typically occur at these locations where the passage of food slows down.The pelvic flexure is one such site. Its a hairpin-like kink found on the left side of the abdominal cavity near the flank, where the large colon turns back on itself and narrows, and a common location for impaction colic.As we look at other risk factors associated with impaction colic, it becomes easier to understand why horses are so prone to this type of colic during the winter months. I have seen and treated numerous cases of impaction colic in horses. Below are some of the most common causes:1 Lack of movementShorter daylight hours, poached fields, or lack of winter grazing inevitably result in reduced turnout and exercise time. Movement and exercise are essential in stimulating peristalsis the contractions of smooth muscle in the gut wall that move food along the digestive tract.As our horses and ponies spend more time stabled, their guts can become a little sluggish, making impaction colic more likely as the passage of gut contents slows down.Water is absorbed from food as it passes along the intestine, so the longer food stays in one section of gut, the more water is reabsorbed and the direr the ingesta becomes.Leaving horses turned out as much as possible will ensure their digestive system is stimulated and kept motile. Horses in good condition can withstand very low temperatures, provided they have access to some form of shelter, so unless grazing is restricted, many horses will be happier and healthier if left outdoors.2 Reduced fluid intakeInsufficient water can contribute to impactions in two ways:First, a lack of dietary moisture quite literally dries out the gut contents, increasing the risk of a blockage.Second, dehydration lowers blood volume. Because of this, blood is diverted away from the gut to vital organs such as the heart and kidneys, ensuring they receive an adequate supply of oxygen, water, and nutrients. As blood flow to the gut is reduced, the gut becomes less active and the passage of food along the intestinal tract slows down.Unfortunately, horses are notoriously fussy drinkers. As the adage goes: you can lead a horse to water, but you cant make them drink. However, we do need to make sure the horse can firstly get to the water by breaking any ice that forms on buckets, troughs and automatic drinkers, and we can encourage them to drink.Cold water is particularly off-putting to many equines, so adding a little warm water or certain flavourings may help to encourage fluid intake.3 Dietary changesAnother cause associated with colic in horses is the switch from fresh to preserved forage, typically hay or haylage.Horses are hindgut fermenters and are uniquely adapted to digest fibrous plant material with the help of microbes in the hindgut. Rapid changes in any feed material changes the balance of microbes in the hindgut and alters fermentation patterns. This results in increased gas production and changes the normal fluid exchange within the colin, increasing the risk of gassy (tympanic) and impaction colic.Different sources of forage also supply dietary moisture in varying amounts. Fresh grass has a moisture content of around 80%. Compare this to hay, where the moisture content is reduced to around 12% to prevent spoilage, and we can soon see why fluid requirements for horses often increase in winter, despite the cooler temperatures.Keep horses hydratedAs I discussed above, the drier the gut contents, the increased risk of impaction. So, as well as ensuring any changes in forage are made gradually (the horses digestive system ideally needs about 14 days to adapt to changes in diet), ensure theres plenty of fresh water available, particularly if your horse is moving onto forage with a lower moisture content.Its easy to feel the inclination to increase concentrate and grain rations to meet the increasing energy demands of keeping warm. However, excess concentrates are more likely to upset the delicate balance of bacteria in the hindgut, potentially resulting in hindgut acidosis or diarrhoea.In very bleak conditions, I suggest that additional forage is a better way to provide your horse with extra calories for heat production, as fermentation in the hindgut generates heat to help maintain body temperature.4 Dental diseaseChewing is the first phase of the digestive process and is vital for ensuring proper digestion of fibrous feeds.Older equines often have poor dentition as diastemata (gaps between teeth) develop and teeth are lost. Improperly chewed food, coupled with reduced gastrointestinal motility, means an increased risk of choke and impaction.Ensure your horses teeth are in good condition by having regular dental checks (at least annually) carried out by your vet or a qualified equine dental technician.In some cases, dietary alterations may be necessary to minimise the risk of impactions. Forage replacers, such as hay cubes or pellets, can be fed in the same quantity as your normal forage source if your horse is struggling to chew properly. Look to offer around 2% bodyweight total feed per day for maintaining current condition (so 10kg of total food for a 500kg horse).Access to forage is still important, however, as the chewing action is beneficial to reducing the risk of gastric ulceration, further dental issues, and boredom.Gassy colic in horsesGassy colic, otherwise known as spasmodic colic, is a condition where the horses bowel becomes hyperactive and spasms. This over-activity of the gastrointestinal tract differs to other more dangerous types of colic, which may be caused by impaction of food material or by areas of the gut becoming twisted.Clinical signs for gassy colic include:Audibly increased gut sounds heard by a bystanderFood aversionReduced faecal outputPossible sweatingRollingFlehmen response (lip curl)A distended colon is shownThe pain associated with spasmodic colic can appear to come in waves, with the horse becoming painful and then seeming to have some improvement between painful episodes. This differs to other types of colic, such as displacement or twisting of the gut, where the horse presents as more continuously painful with their distress continuing to worsen.Any change in routine or diet may trigger an episode of gassy colic, for example box resting after an orthopaedic injury or the sudden availability of turnout in the spring. As winter approaches, we as owners impose sudden management changes such as changing from grass as the main source of fibre to hay, or from hay to haylage, which is why spasmodic colic can be described as seasonal.When to call a vet for colic in horsesA veterinary examination should be carried out when any signs of colic arise, as soon as possible. When I assess a horse with potential colic, I check the following:Colour of their gums and capillary refill time (ie how quickly the colour returns when I press a finger against the gums)Respiratory rateHeart rateAuscultation of gut sounds.In an uncomplicated spasmodic colic, these findings are likely to be normal apart from an increase in gut sounds. I may then carry out a rectal examination to assess if there are any areas of the gastrointestinal tract that are of concern, although this is not a definitive diagnostic test as one can only palpate the caudal third of the abdominal contents.Most horses with spasmodic colic respond to injections of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and antispasmodics that relax the intestinal muscles. Non-response to this treatment may be an indicator that further treatment or surgery may be required.She was colicking violentlyMay is pictured after having colic surgeryOne of the scariest things about colic is that it can come out of the blue and develop quickly, as Susie Lear find when her six-year-old mare, May, suddenly began colicking just 30 minutes after a short hack, writes Stephanie Bateman. May rolled after being untacked, which was unusual behaviour, and then Susie noticed the mares breathing was getting heavy. Less than an hour later she arrived at Pool House Equine Clinic, by which time she was colicking violently.On arrival there was a team of vets waiting. I got her off the lorry and she collapsed at the bottom of the ramp. Federica, the vet, grabbed May from me and another vet sedated her to calm her down, recalls Susie.After examination, surgery was recommended and May was operated on.The large colon and caecum were severely distended with gas, which was decompressed via needle suction, explains Federica. A right dorsal colon displacement was identified, and it was corrected to normal anatomical alignment. The mare also had an impacted colon.A sterile abdominal bandage was wrapped around the mares stomach and she was closely monitored post-operatively for signs of discomfort, as well as given a course of antimicrobials and anti-inflammatories. According to Susie, vets believe the reason that May colicked was likely due to a sudden change in temperature, from warm to cold, in the UK, as the equine hospital had another four cases of colic that week too.REACT to colicThe British Horse Society (BHS) set up its REACT Now to Beat Colic campaign to help horse owners and riders identify the early signs of colic. The message is:Restless or agitated: for example, the horse repeatedly rolling, sweating, trying to lie down.Eating less or droppings reduced: this can include a change in consistency of droppings too.Abdominal pain: the horse might kick or bite at their tummy, paw the ground.Clinical changes: such as, high heart rate, increased breathing, reduced gut sounds, pale gums.Tired or lethargic: a lowered head position or appearing dull and depressed.Colic cases can quickly deteriorate so early recognition and prompt veterinary attention is vital to increase the chance of recovery for the horse, says the BHS.Main image: copyright Shutterstock; inset images: Pool House Equine ClinicRelated contentInside a horses digestive system and how to keep it healthyAll about peritonitis in horsesWhy every horse will benefit from eating a soaked feedHow long can a horse really go between meals?The post How to identify and prevent colic in horses appeared first on Your Horse.

Do you have a passion for horses and looking for weekend work? Look no further! Wirral Riding Centre is currently seeking experienced individuals to join our team on Saturdays and Sundays from 8.30am - 5pm at our bustling riding school. As part of the role, you'll be responsible for mucking out and tacking up, so previous experience with horses is a must. Don't miss out on this exciting opportunity to work with these majestic creatures while gaining valuable skills in the equestrian industry. Apply now and become a part of the Wirral Riding Centre family! #horselove #weekendjob #joinourteam

Two experts answer your questions about equine osteoarthritis, the No. 1 cause of poor performance in horses. Sponsored by American Regent. The post Equine Joint Care Strategies appeared first on The Horse.

AspectDetailsHistorical ContextDescendants of ancient equines from the Shetland Isles, adapted to harsh climates, developed intelligence, resourcefulness, hardiness, and strong survival instincts.IntelligenceHighly intelligent, capable of escaping enclosures, problem-solving to access food. Often referred to as "Houdini horses."PersonalitiesKnown for being opinionated, headstrong, cheeky, and stubborn. These traits make them challenging to handle, especially for inexperienced owners.Human InteractionLack of proper training, overindulgence due to cuteness, and misunderstanding their needs can lead to behavioural problems.Managing BehaviourRequires consistent training, mental stimulation, proper socialization, appropriate diet, and regular exercise.ConclusionTheir "naughtiness" reflects their cleverness and spirit. Proper care, training, and understanding can make them wonderful companions.Shetland ponies are renowned for their adorable appearance and compact size, but they're equally famous for their mischievous behaviour. Many horse owners and enthusiasts often wonder why these diminutive equines seem to have such big personalities and a penchant for naughtiness. Let's explore the reasons behind the Shetland pony's reputation for being cheeky and sometimes challenging to handle.Historical ContextTo understand the Shetland pony's behaviour, we must first look at its origins. These ponies are descendants of ancient equines that roamed the Shetland Isles of Northern Scotland for thousands of years. The harsh climate and limited resources of these islands played a crucial role in shaping the breed's characteristics. The challenging environment favoured ponies with intelligence, resourcefulness, hardiness, and strong survival instincts. These traits, which were essential for survival in the Shetland Isles, contribute to what we now perceive as "naughty" behaviour in domesticated settings.Intelligence: A Double-Edged SwordShetland ponies are highly intelligent creatures. This intelligence, while admirable, can sometimes lead to behaviour that humans find challenging. For instance:They quickly learn how to escape enclosures, leading to the nickname "Houdini horses".Their problem-solving abilities can result in them figuring out ways to access food or other desired items, even when they're not supposed to.A simple experiment demonstrates their intelligence: When presented with a fence with gaps and food on the other side, Shetland ponies are often the first to find and use the gaps compared to larger horses.Strong Personalities in Small PackagesDespite their small stature, Shetland ponies have big personalities. They're often described as:OpinionatedHeadstrongCheekyStubbornThese traits can make them challenging to handle, especially for inexperienced owners or those who aren't prepared for such strong-willed equines.The Impact of Human InteractionWhile Shetlands have inherent traits that contribute to their "naughty" reputation, human behaviour plays a significant role in shaping their actions:Lack of Proper Training: Many people underestimate the importance of training Shetland ponies due to their small size. However, like any horse, they require consistent training and clear boundaries.Overindulgence: Their cute appearance often leads owners to spoil them, which can result in behavioural issues.Misunderstanding Their Needs: Shetlands are herd animals and require companionship. Keeping them isolated can lead to behavioural problems.Managing Shetland Pony BehaviourTo minimize "naughty" behaviour in Shetland ponies, consider the following approaches:Consistent Training: Treat your Shetland like any other horse. Establish clear rules, boundaries, and limitations.Mental Stimulation: Provide plenty of activities to keep their intelligent minds engaged.Proper Socialization: Ensure they have companionship, either with other equines or suitable animals.Appropriate Diet: Shetlands are prone to obesity, which can lead to health issues and increased stubbornness. Maintain a proper diet to keep them healthy and content.Regular Exercise: Keep them active to prevent boredom and associated behavioural issues.ConclusionWhile Shetland ponies may have a reputation for being naughty, it's important to understand that their behaviour is a result of their unique history, intelligence, and strong personalities. With proper care, training, and understanding, these delightful ponies can make wonderful companions. Remember, their "naughtiness" is often a reflection of their cleverness and spirit traits that have allowed this breed to survive and thrive for thousands of years. By appreciating and working with these characteristics rather than against them, we can enjoy the company of these charming, pint-sized equines to the fullest.For more information on how to care for Shetland ponies and other equines, visit our Everyday Horse Vitamins & Supplements page for essential products to keep your pony healthy and happy.Explore our Jodhpur Collection for comfortable and stylish riding gear, or check out our Horse Riding Boot Collection for high-quality footwear.Keep your Shetland pony warm and cozy with our Stable Rugs and Turnout Rugs. Visit Just Horse Riders for all your equestrian needs.Asked by YouWhat is the attitude of a Shetland pony?Shetland ponies are known for their strong personalities. They can be opinionated, headstrong, and cheeky. Despite their small size, they have big attitudes and can be quite assertive.Are Shetland ponies bad tempered?Not necessarily. While Shetland ponies can be stubborn and sometimes challenging to handle, this doesn't mean they are bad tempered. Their behaviour often reflects their intelligence and need for proper training and socialization.Are all Shetland ponies mean?No, not all Shetland ponies are mean. Their behaviour largely depends on their training, environment, and interaction with humans. With the right care and handling, they can be friendly and affectionate.Do Shetland ponies lie down to sleep?Yes, Shetland ponies do lie down to sleep. Like other horses, they can sleep standing up, but they need to lie down for REM sleep to get complete rest.