Learn about diagnosing and treating sarcoids in equids and what scientists are learning about this complex condition. Read more in The Horse's Summer 2024 issue!The post The Complex Puzzle of Sarcoids appeared first on The Horse.

Understanding how your horses digestive system works is a key element of providing them with a stable diet so that they remain in good digestive health.Its large and its complicated, but a horses digestive system, much like a persons, works like a dream when its maintained in a healthy state.Hind gut fermentersHorses are hind gut fermenters, which means their digestive system is very different from ours, a dogs or even a cows.Rabbits, elephants, and rhinoceros are some of the other animals that have this type of digestive system, but there are few of them.Managing your horse correctly therefore, and knowing what to avoid and/or look for that cantrigger problems some bigger and potentially more deadly than others is vital.A horses lips and sensitive muzzle mark the start of their digestive system. Their lips, tongue and teeth are designed to grasp food, which they do effectively, explains equine vet Sara Fleck.Horses can move their jaws from side to side, back and forth, and they also have very moveable tongues and lips to the point where they could just about form words.Once food is in your horses mouth, their teeth break it down by crushing and grinding, which releases nutrients from inside the plant cells.The food becomes a soft pulp and is made into a bolus [ball] by the tongue, says Sara. When a horse swallows, the trachea is blocked by the epiglottis to make sure food goes into the oesophagus and not the windpipe.The oesophagus is a muscular tube about 1.5m long that transports food from the horses mouth into the stomach by rhythmic contractions known as peristalsis.The bolus then passes through the cardiac sphincter and into the lumen of the stomach. The sphincter acts as a one-way valve, which explains why horses cant vomit.Digestive system: inside the mouthA horses mouth is an important and sometimes overlooked part of the digestive system, states Dr Laura Wilson, a vet and technical advisor at Dodson & Horrell.It is in their mouth that mechanical digestion begins via chewing, and saliva is secreted.Dental health is vital to a horses overall digestive health, and it is therefore important to have your horses teeth checked regularly. Food is broken down into smaller pieces in the mouth to improve its digestibility and absorption of vital nutrients, explains LauraForage such as hay, haylage or even grass requires more chewing than concentrate feeds. Increased time spent chewing is beneficial for the horse as it promotes healthy wearing of the teeth and leads to increased saliva production.Did you know that adult horses may secrete up to 35-40 litres of saliva per day?Saliva plays a very important role in lubricating the food ingested and buffering stomach acid, which is important for the prevention and management of gastric ulcers.Digestive system: inside a horses stomachOnce food has been swallowed, it passes down the horses oesophagus into their stomach.A horses stomach contains gastric juices, pepsin and hydrochloric acid, which break down food into semi-digested liquid (chime).The stomach is made up of two types of tissue and the lower section is lined with glandular mucosa, which secretes acid to help digestion.Ahorses stomach can be divided into the following two parts, separated by a line called the margo plicatus:The lower part of the stomach has a glandular lining, and it is here that the acid is produced in response to a complex pathway of stimulatory and inhibitory signals.The upper part of the stomach has a squamous lining. It is this part of the stomach that is sensitive to contact with the acid from the lower part which can, in some cases, lead to gastric ulceration.The lower area also produces mucus and has protective mechanisms to ensure its not damaged.The upper section is lined with squamous mucosa, which doesnt have this protection so is therefore vulnerable if it comes into contact with stomach acid, explains Sara.The stomach empties when two thirds full, which means continuous foraging or several small feeds are preferable to large ones.A horses stomach is a muscular organ thats about the size of a rugby ball (between nine and 15 litres), which is very small.This is because horses are designed to trickle feed, eating little and often, and the majority of digestion occurs in the hindgut, explains Sara.Digestive system: inside the small intestineOnce processed by the stomach, semi-digested food passes through a valve (the pyloric sphincter) into the small intestine. This is around 25 metres long in a 500kg adult horse.Horses dont have multi-compartmented stomachs like cattle, sheep and goats do, explains Sara.Instead, they have a simple stomach similar to a humans. Preliminary digestion occurs first in the foregut (mouth, stomach, small intestine), before fermentation takes place in the hindgut (caecum). Horses are therefore known as hindgut fermenters.The small intestine consists of the duodenum, jejunum and ileum, with the duodenum around 1m long.Enzymes secreted from the pancreas and liver break down food into basic nutrients here. Bile is also secreted direct from the liver.Some of the protein, fat and non-structural carbohydrates from food will be digested and absorbed in the small intestine.It isalso an important site of mineral absorption, with horses absorbing most, although not all, of their daily requirements prior to the food entering the large intestine.While most mineral absorption occurs in the small intestine, research in more recent years has shown that minerals are also absorbed in the large intestine, states Laura.The jejunum and caecumThe jejunum is roughly 19m long and the chemical breakdown of food is finished in this part of the small intestine, with nutrients absorbed into the bloodstream to be used by the body or stored in the liver.The ileum, around 1m long, is the final part of the small intestine. It continues the absorption of nutrients and controls the passage of partially digested food into the caecum, explains Sara.The junction between the small intestine and the caecum is called the illeo-caecal junction and is a prime spot for tapeworms.The caecum itself is 1.5m to 2m long and holds up to 30 litres of fibrous food and fluid.Contraction of the caecal muscles results in mixing of the food with microbes that digest tough plant cells via fermentation. This fibre breakdown produces substances called volatile fatty acids, which can then be absorbed and used by your horse for energy, explains Sara.The large intestineOtherwise known as the horses hind gut, the large intestine is what makes a horses digestive system unique.As hind gut fermenters, horses rely upon a factory of micro-organisms that live within the large intestine to be able to release the energy from a forage-based diet.Aregular supply of fibreinto the micro-organism factory is key to keeping it healthy and functioning well, advises Laura.Regular fibre intake maintains the complex balance in the large intestine, reducing fluctuations in pH and preserving the microbes at optimum levels.The large intestine, which is almost 8m in length, consists of the large colon, transverse colon and small colon, and is where most of the water absorption takes place and the remaining food matter is turned into faeces.The amount and type of food ingested has a large impact on the amount of water held in the large intestine and the absorption of water and electrolytes, adds Laura.This is important for maintaining gut motility andkeeping your horse hydrated(two key factors for general health and the prevention of colic).The diameter of the large intestine varies from five to 50cm. The pelvic flexure, only 8cm, is where the large colon turns to change direction and this is a common site for impactions.The small colon is where faeces form into balls and are evacuated.While most mineral absorption occurs in the small intestine, research in more recent years has shown that minerals are also absorbed in the large intestine, says Laura.How to keep the digestive system healthySara explains that attempting to mimic natural feeding and movement patterns is the key to keeping a horses digestive system functioning well.Horses with access to ample pasture will spend up to 18 hours a day grazing, while slowly moving around the paddock, which helps to stimulate gastrointestinal motility.So, where possible, regular turnout is the ideal way to ensure good digestive health in horses.Other management routines to utilise in order to keep your horses digestive system moving include:Free access to clean water at all times.Add water to feed to mix it, and/or include a soaked bucket to increase water intake.Regular dental care to aid chewing.Feed food damp and cutting fruit and vegetables into small pieces to avoid choke.Introduce any changes in management or diet gradually, to give the microbial population in the system time to adapt. Not doing so increases the risk of colic.Feed small, regular meals, alongside high-quality forage. Little and often is key.Control parasites (worms) by good pasture management, faecal worm egg counts and targeted use of appropriate wormers.If your horse is turned out on sandy soil, consider feeding psyllium as a supplement to prevent sand colic.Ensure your horse is getting enough exercise. Movement is key to digestive health. If a horse is retired, there are still ways to get them moving: leading out in-hand, light lunging and increasing turnout, for example.How to feed for good digestive healthThe horses hindgut is where fibre is fermented by microbes to produce energy.Its important to keep the hindgut healthy, as well as the balance of beneficial and harmful microbes that reside there, as an unhealthy gut can cause problems in the gastro-intestinal tract.Olivia Colton, senior nutritionist at Feedmark, advises the following to keep the hindgut healthy:1 Keep your horse hydrated Dehydration increases the risk of hindgut issues, including impaction. If a horse is reluctant to drink, try giving a soaked feed, adding water to bucket feeds and soaking hay. Offering warm water can also encourage drinking.2 Provide plenty of forageWhere possible, provide your horse with ad-lib forage. If this isnt an option, ensure forage is fed regularly. Too little forage increases the risk of colic, gastric ulcers, and other digestive problems.3 Keep high-starch feeds smallIf you feed too much starch in one go, it gets pushed too quickly though the small intestine (where starch should be digested), and so enters the hindgut undigested.Its then rapidly fermented, producing lactic acid and lowering the pH of the hindgut, which inhibits the population of fibre-fermenting microbes.4 Add oil for additional energy or condition When added to the diet gradually, these are much kinder on the gut than high-carb diets.5 Make any changes to the diet gradually Abrupt changes can upset the delicate balance of microorganisms in the hindgut.6 Avoid overusing oral antibiotics and wormers Though necessary, prolonged use of antibiotics and wormers can harm the population of beneficial microbes within the hindgut.Resistance to these drugs is also a very real threat to the horse population around the world. Only use antibiotics at the say-so of your vet and follow their instructions to the tee.7Try prebiotics and probioticsIf your horse is prone to gut disturbances, or youve recently administered antibiotics or wormers, feeding a good quality prebiotic and probiotic supplement daily will help to promote the growth of good bacteria in the hind gut, and promote overall digestive health.Signs of trouble in a horses digestive systemKnowing your horses normal behaviour is the best way to identify any abnormalities with their digestive system. Seek veterinary advice if you spot any of the following:Quidding (dropping partially chewed food from the mouth while eating).Coughing or retching after feeding, excessive salivation and food coming from the nose or mouth may indicate your horse is trying to dislodge food during an episode of choke.Changes in behaviour, grumpiness when being girthed, weight loss or poor performance any of these could be indications of gastric ulcers forming.Changes in your horses manure, as this may reveal information about hydration, efficiency of digestion or parasitic burden.Flank watching, rolling, box walking, lack of appetite, vocalising, looking dull/ quiet, diarrhoea, or a lack of faeces are strong indications of colic.When a horses digestive system goes wrongAny of the following can occur when a horses digestive system becomes unhealthy:Diarrhoea (loose stools)The most common cause of diarrhoea is a change in diet that affects the water content in faeces, or disrupts/ changes the microbial population within the gastrointestinal system.Other causes may be a parasitic, bacterial or viral infection, a response to drug use, tumours or malfunction of other internal organs. Find out more here.ChokeNarrow tubes are always prone to getting blocked, and when a blockage of the oesophagus occurs, this is described as choke.It differs to choke in humans, which generally refers to a blockage of the trachea or windpipe. In horses, most episodes of choke will clear on their own, but in some instances, veterinary intervention may be required.Gastric ulcersThe risk of gastric ulcers forming is increased by long periods of time spent with an empty stomach.A food mat within the stomach helps prevent acid splashing and damaging the upper, unprotected squamous stomach lining.Diagnosis is usually by gastroscopy feeding a long flexible endoscope (camera) down the horses oesophagus and into the stomach so the lining can be examined. The time of day you ride and feed plays a big part in preventing and managing ulcers.ColicColic is abdominal pain and may originate from any of the abdominal organs. However, the complex anatomy of the gastrointestinal tract means its involved in the vast majority of cases. Colic is broadly categorised into the following:Idiopathic/ spasmodic colicAlso known as gassy colic, this is the most common type and occurs when the intestine contracts abnormally, creating painful spasms. Idiopathic is a veterinary term for unknown origin as, despite investigation, there are still episodes of colic where the cause is never determined. Thankfully, the majority of these respond to simple medical treatment.ImpactionsThis is when a part of the gastrointestinal system is blocked by food material. Impaction colic is fairly common and may resolve with administration of fluids via a stomach tube. Occasionally, larger and more severe impactions will need surgery. Changes in the way a horse is managed is often the cause of impaction colic.Displacements, strangulations and torsionsDisplacements happen when one section of the small or large intestine moves to an abnormal location within the abdomen.Strangulating colic describes an episode where the blood supply to a piece of gastrointestinal tract gets cut off.Torsions occur when the bowel twists on itself, cutting off the blood supply.Some displacements can be treated medically but severe ones, and all strangulations and torsions, require surgical correction.Main image/diagram: copyright Shutterstock & Your Horse LibraryRelated contentHow to recognise choke in horses and what to do if it happensCommon causes of diarrhoea in horses and how to prevent itGastric ulcers in horses: why the time of day you ride and feed is so importantWhy is my horse coughing?What is gassy colic and impactions in horses?The post How a horses digestive system works appeared first on Your Horse.

Sligo athletes five-star triumph comes 24 hours after four-star success for McAuley Richard Howley and Mansini Ltd have proven a combination to be feared in speed classes since discovering the winning thread last year and they registered an eighth victory of 2024 in the five-star Lugano Diamonds Trophy at the Longines Global Champions Tour in Rome earlier today. This success is a 14th since the beginning of 2023 for the duo. The stellar run of form kicked off at elite level in Bordeaux 19 months ago and the triumph at the Piazza di Siena is a fifth five-star win for the combination. Enniscrone native Howley and the 15-year-old HK Horses-owned bay gelding were nimble, quick and accurate, completely in sync as every tight line was taken, while putting on the after-burners when the opportunity presented itself. The pair stopped the clock on 50.73 seconds, which was enough to take the []

Equine charity Brooke is constructing three veterinary clinics in Ethiopia over the next year, which are each set to benefit around 20,000 animals a year.The clinics, to be based in rural areas of Shashememe, Akaki and Halaba where there is an urgent need for veterinary care, will include a pharmacy, laboratory, operating room and shelter for animals to rest in the shade.The new clinics are part of Brookes ongoing mission to improve vaccination services andanimal health infrastructure in Ethiopia to help the working horses, donkeys and mules depended on by many small-scale farmers.Transforming health and welfareVets at a clinical skills training workshop hosted by Brooke and Jimma University Animal Welfare and Health Training Centre, Ethiopia. Credit: BrookeEthiopia has a huge agricultural sector and one of the largest working equine populations in the world, including 8.8 million donkeys used for transporting people and goods.These animals play a critical role in transportation, reducing travel time for water collection, firewood gathering, and market trips. They can alleviate the burden on women and girls, giving them more time for education andreducing gendered workload.Veterinary services are often lacking, particularly in poorer, rural parts of the country, leading to preventable suffering and loss of life, as sick and injured animals are left untreated.The QATO Foundation, an organisation promoting animal welfare under human care, will be financing the construction and equipment for the Shashamane clinic.Lead image: Dr Siraj, a Brooke trained government vet, conducts a welfare assessment on Adi the horse with his owner, Wako. Credit: BrookeFurther reading5 things your horses vet really wishes you wouldnt doUseful hoof care advice for a sound and happy horseHow to identify and prevent colic in horsesThe post Brookes new vet clinics to benefit 60,000 animals a year appeared first on Your Horse.

Another quiet week for Novice and above but BE and EV took the stage before a busy autumn to come as well as a 5* this week. Any Irish bred horses placed at the three remaining FEI events will be in next weeks results. Sapey One Day Event (GBR) 31st August 1st September 2024 Open Novice Sec H 3rd Korolaine (ISH) 2016 gelding by Koro DOr (SF) out of Newton Elaine (ISH)[TIH] by Royal Persian (TB)[IRL]. Breeder: Bernard Stanford. Rider: Owen Wong (HKC) 33.0, 0, 0.0 = 33.0 6th Greannanstown Atomic (ISH)[was Greannanstown Cruising Douglas] 2016 gelding by Future Trend (OLD) out of Grennanstown Douglas Cruise (ISH) by Iroko (WESTF). Breeder: John Flynn. Rider: Dan Jocelyn (NZL) 29.8, 0, 5.6 = 35.4 9th Gamebird (ISH) 2016 mare by Womanizer (KWPN) out of Wild Harlequin (ISH) by Harlequin du Carel (SF). Breeder: Tommy Merrigan. Rider: Ibbie Watson []

Key Points Details Personalization and Tailoring Forelock and Fringe offers a high level of personalization based on size, color, and dietary needs of both rider and horse, ensuring tailored product selection. Value for Money Each box contains 5-7 items with a retail value over 65, while the subscription cost starts at 37.00 per month, providing substantial savings. Variety and Seasonal Relevance Curated items are seasonal and varied, including rider clothing, horse wear, grooming products, and snacks for both rider and horse. Flexibility in Subscription Plans Subscription plans are flexible with options including monthly, bimonthly, quarterly, or single boxes to fit different budgets and preferences. International Availability and Shipping Subscription boxes are now available internationally. Shipping rates apply, but the convenience of delivery to your doorstep is a benefit. Community and Educational Value Each box includes educational materials such as pole work or gridwork exercise sheets, helping riders improve their skills. Conclusion Forelock and Fringe subscription boxes offer customization, value, variety, flexibility, and educational insights, making them worth the investment for equestrian enthusiasts. Are Subscription Boxes Like 'Forelock and Fringe' Worth the Investment for Equestrian Enthusiasts? For equestrian enthusiasts, maintaining the well-being and performance of both themselves and their horses can be a significant investment. Subscription boxes, such as those offered by Forelock and Fringe, have become increasingly popular as a way to receive a curated selection of products tailored to the equestrian lifestyle. But are these subscription boxes truly worth the investment? Let's delve into the details to find out. Personalization and Tailoring One of the standout features of Forelock and Fringe is the level of personalization they offer. When you sign up, you are asked a series of detailed questions about yourself and your horse, including size preferences, color preferences, and dietary needs. This ensures that every box is uniquely tailored to meet your specific requirements. This personalization is crucial for equestrian enthusiasts who often have very specific needs for both themselves and their horses. For instance, if you have a horse with weak or brittle hooves, you might receive products like Lincoln Black Hoof Grease, which is specifically designed to address such issues. Value for Money A key consideration for any investment is whether it provides good value for money. Forelock and Fringe boxes typically contain 5-7 items, with a total retail value of over 65. This is significantly more than the subscription cost, which starts at 37.00 per month. For example, a recent review highlighted the inclusion of a high-quality navy polo by Shires/Aubrion, along with Aubrion compression socks, Lincoln Black Hoof Grease, and other useful items. These products not only meet the needs of both the rider and the horse but also offer a substantial savings compared to purchasing them individually. Variety and Seasonal Relevance The contents of Forelock and Fringe boxes are carefully curated to be seasonal and useful. This means that you will receive items that are relevant to the current time of year, ensuring that you and your horse are always well-prepared. For instance, during wet and muddy conditions, you might receive products designed to protect your horse's hooves. The variety of items included is also noteworthy. From rider clothing and horse wear to grooming brushes, lotions, and horse treats, the boxes cover a wide range of equestrian needs. Additionally, you might find snacks for yourself and your horse, as well as equestrian accessories and lifestyle finds. Flexibility in Subscription Plans Another advantage of Forelock and Fringe is the flexibility in their subscription plans. You can choose to receive boxes monthly, bimonthly, quarterly, or even just a single box. This flexibility allows you to tailor the subscription to your budget and preferences, making it more accessible to a wider range of equestrian enthusiasts. International Availability and Shipping Forelock and Fringe has recently expanded to offer international shipping, making their subscription boxes available to equestrian enthusiasts worldwide. While international shipping rates apply, the convenience of receiving a curated box of equestrian products directly to your doorstep is a significant benefit. Community and Educational Value Beyond the physical products, Forelock and Fringe also provides educational value. Each box includes a pole work or gridwork exercise sheet, which can help improve your riding skills. This added educational component makes the subscription even more valuable for those looking to enhance their equestrian skills. Conclusion For equestrian enthusiasts, subscription boxes like those from Forelock and Fringe offer a compelling combination of personalization, value, variety, and flexibility. The attention to detail in tailoring each box to the individual needs of both the rider and the horse, along with the inclusion of high-quality and seasonal products, makes these boxes a worthwhile investment. Whether you are looking to enhance your riding experience, ensure your horse's well-being, or simply enjoy the convenience of receiving a curated selection of equestrian products, Forelock and Fringe subscription boxes are certainly worth considering. Explore More with Just Horse Riders If the idea of curated equestrian products excites you, then you might also want to explore the vast collection of products offered by Just Horse Riders. From jodhpurs to everyday horse supplements, you'll find everything you need to make your riding experience exceptional. Stay Stylish and Comfortable The right apparel can make a world of difference when it comes to comfort and style in horseback riding. Dont miss out on our boot collection to elevate your riding gear. Our range also includes essential accessories, such as gloves and socks that combine functionality with style. Show Your Horse Some Love Its not just about the rider. Keep your horse happy and healthy with our wide range of horse treats and daily supplements. From nutritious snacks to essential vitamins, your equine friend deserves the best. Protect and Comfort Your Horse When it comes to ensuring your horse stays comfortable, our stable rugs and turnout rugs collection provide excellent options. These rugs are designed to protect your horse in all weather conditions, ensuring their comfort all year round. Keep the Bugs at Bay Summer can bring about an array of bugs that can be a nuisance to your horse. Our fly protection range includes fly masks, fly sheets, and sprays to keep your horse protected and comfortable during the warm months. Investing in a subscription box like Forelock and Fringe can be a smart choice for any equestrian enthusiast. However, complementing it with the best gear and supplies from Just Horse Riders can ensure that you have everything you need for an exceptional riding experience. From personalized recommendations to a wide range of high-quality products, explore all that we have to offer to make your equestrian journey unforgettable. 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Final preparations are complete, the Irish horses have passed vet checks and now, on the eve of equestrian competition at the 2024 Paralympics, all thats left to do is compete. For Debora Pijpers, Irelands High Performance Para Dressage Director, it has been a relatively trouble-free build-up to the Games and her team are in place at Versailles ready to do the business. Trot-ups are done, chefs meeting has taken place, the draws are finalised, now its in the hands of Irelands riders, Kate Kerr-Horan, Jessica McKenna, Michael Murphy and Sarah Slattery. Im very excited, says Pijpers. We are competing here in Paris with four professional young adults and their wonderful horses. It is exciting to be here with a team and we will focus on presenting each combination at their individual best. We have been slowly building up to this. Kate is based in Ireland, Michael and Jessica are based []