The Donkey Sanctuary is supporting two five-year programmes in Africa and Mexico which are expected to vaccinate around 50,000 donkeys against rabies.One of the worlds most deadly and dangerous diseases, rabies is entirely preventable through vaccination.Although rabies is more commonly associated with dogs, any warm-blooded mammal can contract the infectious viral disease which is spread when infected saliva enters an open wound.The Donkey Sanctuary has collaborated with local government agencies and partner organisations to support rabies vaccination programmes in Lamu in Kenya and in Oaxaca in Mexico. Both communities rely heavily on donkeys for their livelihoods.Dogs included in vaccination programmeIn Lamu, the Donkey Sanctuary is also vaccinating dogs as part of their programme. Over a six-week period which started in May, the team vaccinated around 1800 donkeys and 2500 dogs. At the same time, the donkeys were also vaccinated against tetanus.Donkeys are the bread winners for many families in Lamu, and in Kenya as a whole, said Dr Solomon Onyango, country director for The Donkey Sanctuary in Kenya.This calls for communities, the government, and both humanitarian and animal welfare organisations to be proactive and work together to ensure that we control and eradicate rabies, which is a devastating disease and a major threat to public health.It is vitally important that we not only do this to help protect people, but also safeguard their donkeys, which are a major part of their livelihood.So far, the programme in Oaxaca has vaccinated 4000 donkeys against rabies. This year, regions in San Luis Potosi have been incorporated into the programme and it is hoped to expand it to include parts of Hidalgo and reach a further 4000 donkeys before the summer of 2025.Rabies is a global threatWith a fatality rate of almost 100 per cent in humans and animals alike, rabies remains a global threat in donkey-reliant communities like Lamu and Oaxaca, said Rebekah Sullivan, veterinary surgeon at The Donkey Sanctuary, who visited the Lamu vaccination programme.There is no cure, so prevention is vital, which is why our programme andaone welfare approach works to vaccinate not just donkeys, but companion animals such as dogs, which transmit the disease. We know that what saves animals, will save humans too.World Rabies Day took place last month (28 September) and was marked in Kenya by a production from a local drama group which uses forum theatre as a way of engaging with those communities who are reliant on donkeys.The production was based on the socioeconomic importance of donkeys in Lamu and the need to safeguard them against rabies and tetanus.Further readingGoal-den opportunity for residents at the Donkey SanctuaryLong stripey socks give donkeys relief from irritating fliesTVs Yorkshire Vet praises surgery to remove donkeys eyeThe post The Donkey Sanctuary rolls out vaccination programmes to prevent rabies appeared first on Your Horse.

Key Point Details Understanding Tetanus in Horses Bacterium Clostridium tetani in soils and manure; causes severe muscle spasms and requires prompt treatment. Importance of Tetanus Vaccination Considered core by AAEP; involves initial series followed by boosters; reduces infection risks significantly. Lameness After Tetanus Vaccination Rare occurrence; generally mild, caused by localized reactions such as swelling or pain at the injection site. Causes of Lameness Localized reactions at the injection site leading to temporary lameness; not usually indicative of systemic issues. Frequency and Severity Rare instances; if occurring, are mild and resolve swiftly. Managing Lameness Monitor horse, consult veterinarian, apply local care, ensure rest and observation. Other Potential Side Effects Mild fever, swelling, general malaise; typically resolve without intervention. Conclusion Vaccination prevents severe disease; manage side effects in consultation with a vet. Keeping Your Horse Healthy Understand vaccine importance; use everyday supplements and appropriate accessories for overall health. Horse Health Concerns: Understanding Lameness After Tetanus Vaccination Ensuring the health and well-being of your horse requires proactive measures, and vaccinations play a pivotal role in preventative care. But what happens when a tetanus vaccination, intended to safeguard, leads to potential side effects such as lameness? In this comprehensive guide, we unpack the essential facts about tetanus vaccinations for horses, including the rare occurrence of lameness as a side effect. Understanding Tetanus in Horses Tetanus, a life-threatening ailment caused by the bacterium Clostridium tetani, lurks in soils and manure. Its deadly neurotoxin infiltrates through cuts and wounds, resulting in severe muscle spasms and a grim prognosis without prompt treatment. Central Equine Vets highlights the grave risks associated with tetanus infections. The Importance of Tetanus Vaccination The American Association of Equine Practitioners designates tetanus vaccinations as core, underscoring its necessity across all horses, irrespective of age or lifestyle. Typically, an initial series of two vaccines spaced 4-6 weeks apart is followed by periodic boosters. This approach immensely mitigates infection risks. Burwash Equine Services stresses the indispensable nature of this preventive measure. Lameness After Tetanus Vaccination While tetanus vaccinations are both effective and generally safe, lameness can rarely occur post-vaccination. Understanding why this happens can help soothe concerns and ensure proper management. Causes of Lameness Lameness commonly results from localized reactions at the injection site, presenting as swelling, inflammation, or painleading to temporary lameness in some horses. Such side effects are generally mild and not indicative of systemic issues. Frequency and Severity Documented instances of post-vaccination lameness in horses are scarce, and when they do occur, adverse reactions tend to be mild and resolve swiftly. Managing Lameness Should your horse experience lameness post-vaccination, reaching out to a vet is critical. Steps to alleviate discomfort include: Monitor the Horse: Observe your horse closely, noting any symptom changes or escalations. Consult Your Veterinarian: Seek professional advice to discern if the lameness is vaccine-related or due to alternate causes. Local Care: Use cold compresses and veterinary-recommended anti-inflammatory medications to ease site reactions. Rest and Observation: Often, rest and passive observation are sufficient as symptoms tend to subside naturally. Other Potential Side Effects Aside from lameness, other side effects may include mild fever, localized swelling, and general malaise. These transient issues typically resolve without intervention. Conclusion While the primary goal of tetanus vaccination is disease prevention, understanding and managing side effects are crucial in care routines. Vaccination greatly reduces the risk of life-threatening infections, yet close communication with a vet ensures health challenges are swiftly addressed. Keeping Your Horse Healthy By understanding the importance and potential consequences of vaccines, you safeguard your horse from severe diseases. Just as significant as the vaccine itself, is prioritizing everyday supplements to boost overall health and immunity. Equipping your horse outfit with the right stable rugs and other accessories enhances protection against external factors. Informed and vigilant horse health care is key to proactive prevention and managing inevitable challenges.

ADVERTISEMENT FEATURESummer seemed to end dramatically this year. No sooner were we enjoying riding out on crisp autumn days than those frosty mornings start to creep in and were bracing ourselves for a few cold, dark challenging months as winter sets in.Getting out of bed at the crack of dawn to go and see to our horses is a totally different experience in the winter. Low temperatures and wet, boggy ground means our four-legged equine friends need to spend more time in the stable.Horses are naturally herd animals and in an ideal world theyd be living in a group with other horses, wandering for miles every day, constantly grazing.But a cold, wet winter in the UK isnt an ideal world and stabling a horse means that they cant do the things they would normally do to keep themselves stimulated.The Insurance Emporium provides specialist horse insurance. Heres our advice about how to enrich a horses stable environment through those long winter months.Muck out thoroughlyHowever nice it is to see your horse standing on a bed of deep straw, a thicker bed isnt always ideal as it encourages bacteria and parasites plus ammonia in urine can cause respiratory problems.Rubber matting, even with a small amount of bedding, or with some shavings in a corner for urinating, is a good option for some horses and has the advantage that it can be swept out a couple of times a day.Keep equipment cleanKeeping the stable clean, ventilated and as dust-free as possible is a good habit to get into.Your horses feed buckets and water bowls, as well as yard tools, should be scrubbed weekly and general surfaces kept free of dust and cobwebs.Make sure they always have access to clean water thats not covered by ice when its really cold.Monitor your horseMonitor your horse carefully for changes in weight and behaviour, and keep an eye on their legs and coat for early signs of conditions such as rain scald or mud fever.You should also keep an eye out for behaviour that might indicate stress or boredom in horses, such as weaving or box walking.Access to forageHorses eat little and often, so make sure they have enough forage to last through the night. If you are concerned about weight gain, you could swap it for a lower quality forage. In the case of hay, soaking it will reduce its sugar (calorie) content and then you can increase the quantity.You could also use hay nets positioned around the stable with different qualities of feed inside. If you use the type with smaller holes, this could slow down the horses eating and make forage last longer.Keep an eye on the temperatureJust because you feel cold, it doesnt mean your horse will. They dont feel the cold the same way we do, and feel comfortable with a body temperature that can range between 5C and 25C.How cold they feel also depends on their age, health and whether or not theyve been clipped.As long as they have sufficient hay, they have great internal central heating and can generate and maintain their body heat.If they are fit and healthy and have access to enough forage, they should be okay without rugs. They can increase their temperature but cant reduce it, so being too wrapped up can be as uncomfortable for them as it would be for us.Keep your horse occupiedThis is the biggie. Horses need stimulation and you can help keep them occupied and entertained by leaving chopped fruit and veg around their stable, maybe in little nooks and crannies to encourage them to investigate their surroundings and give them more of a challenge.You could also hang things up for them to nibble on using treat branches (choose a branch from a non-poisonous tree) with different things stuck to it, such as vegetables, dried fruit, Polos or jam.You could also give the horse logs and branches to chew on or experiment with essential oils or herbs. Try a few out and see if your horse has a preference!Ensure theyre hydratedSalt is an important part of every horses diet. They need the electrolytes in sodium to regulate their nerve and muscle function, and if they dont have enough, they wont drink as much and could become dehydrated including in winter.A good way to ensure they always have enough is to provide them with salt licks. These can also help prevent a horse from getting bored.Put together a toy boxYou could also put together a toy box for a bit of supervised play. Things to include are:RopeRubber dog toysEmpty drinks cartonsOld wellington boots with the toes cut off and stuffed with hayThings with an interesting smell/textureSome forage-based pellets at the bottom of the box, or scattered around the stable, to keep the horse busy and engagedBe sociableHorses still need to socialise through the winter and need to see other horses. Stable blocks arent the ideal setting for this, so at the very least make sure they can see other horses in the stables around them.Barns with bars between the stalls are a much more sociable option and encourage physical contact.If possible, walk your horse around the yard on a daily basis so that they can see and speak to their friends. Some horses even like having a radio on.Prepare earlyIts a good idea to be prepared before winter really sets in. Stock up on essentials, make any necessary repairs and make sure that your horses farriery, veterinary and dental care are all up to date.Horses are very similar to puppies and toddlers in that they need company and stimulation, and theres nothing like seeing your horse settled and content, particularly during the winter when neither of you can get out and do what you want.Horse insuranceThe Insurance Emporiums horse insurance policies come with death, theft or straying as standard and you can then tweak them with a choice of optional benefits, leaving you with the kind of policy that suits you, your horse and your budget.Head over to our website and get a free, no-strings, no-jargon quote today, along with up to a *30% discount, including a special **5% discount for Your Horse readers.Visit theinsuranceemporium.co.uk/YH99 and enter promo code YH99 for 5% off your quote (include QR code if applicable).*Enjoy a 20% introductory discount and, if you have more than one horse or pony in the family, then you can take advantage of the 10% multi-horse discount. The 20% introductory discount is available from the start of the policy until its first review/renewal date. The maximum discount is 30%.** Offer ends 31/12/2025 and is not available in conjunction with any other promo code. Promo code discount is available from the start of the policy until its first review/renewal date.Lifestyle Policy Limited is an appointed representative of The Equine and Livestock Insurance Company Limited. The Insurance Emporium is a trading name of The Equine and Livestock Insurance Company Limited (registered in England and Wales no: 294940), which is authorised by the Prudential Regulation Authority and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority and the Prudential Regulation Authority no:202748.All content provided in this blog is for informational purposes only. We make no representations as to the accuracy or completeness of any information on this site or found by following any link on this site. We will not be liable for any errors or omissions in this information nor for the availability of this information. We will not be liable for any loss, injury, or damage arising from the display or use of this information. This policy is subject to change at any time.We offer a variety of cover levels, so please check the policy cover suits your needs before purchasing. For your protection, please ensure you read the Insurance Product Information Document (IPID) and policy wording, for information on policy exclusions and limitations.Main image ShutterstockThe post Tips for an enriched stable environment and happier horse this winter *PROMOTION* appeared first on Your Horse.

Dual Olympic stallion secures maiden elite GP win five weeks before retirement Emotions were high in Monterrey overnight as Darragh Kenny was rewarded for an all-or-nothing approach to secure a maiden five-star Grand Prix for his double Olympic partner VDL Cartello, just weeks ahead of the 17-year-olds retirement from top-flight show jumping. Kenny and the horse that made so many of my dreams come true at high levels, have been successful all around the world, individually and as part of the Underwriting Exchange Irish Show Jumping team competing in Nations Cups, most recently being part of Michael Blakes squad at the Olympics in Paris, four years after reaching the individual final in Tokyo. But a five-star Grand Prix had been missing from the veteran stallions CV until the early hours of this morning Irish time, when the duo beat off some of the greats of their sport to land the []

ADVERTISEMENT FEATUREAwareness and understanding of Equine Gastric Ulcer Syndrome (EGUS) has increased significantly in recent times, but whilst more is known about risk factors for Equine Squamous Gastric Disease (ESGD), less is known about Equine Glandular Gastric Disease (EGGD).As the names suggest, ESGD refers to ulcers in the squamous region of the horses stomach, whilst EGGD describes issues in the glandular region of the stomach. Researchers now describe the latter as being an inflammatory disease rather than an ulcerative disease.Risk factors for Equine Glandular Gastric DiseaseStress in horsesAn increasing amount of evidence exists to suggest an association between stress in horses and EGGD. One study has recently recorded its prevalence in horses in a USA university teaching hospital over a period of three years (Sharbine et al., 2023).The horses were managed as usual, and EGGD occurred at various points over the three years. The authors state that: EGGD might improve, worsen or even resolve over time without medical intervention. The risk factors that can be attributed at the individual level need to be acknowledged in this environment breed, number of handlers, hierarchy and stress were relevant.ExerciseExercise is also a recognised risk factor. This is because it may divert blood away from the horses stomach sufficiently to result in damage or weakening of the cells, thereby compromising their defences to acid.Exercising more than four or five days per week was found to be a risk factor for EGGD in racing Thoroughbreds and showjumpers respectively (Sykes et al., 2019).In endurance horses, the prevalence of EGGD doubled during the competition season compared with the inter-season period (Tamazli et al., 2011).These findings have resulted in the recommendation that at least two days off a week is recommended to reduce the risk of EGGD in horses.What role does diet play?A recent review of published work relating to EGGD (Banse and Andrews, 2019) found that dietary factors seem to be less important for the control of EGGD when compared to ESGD.The studies did indicate, however, that decreased pasture turnout or increased grain concentrate feeding may be associated risk factors for EGGD, as they are for ESGD.Whilst there is no evidence-based link between diet and EGGD, the advice is still to implement the same feeding management as for ESGD, which amounts to reducing starch intake and feeding plenty of fibre.In many cases, high quality fibre sources can be used to provide the horse with sufficient energy for the work they are doing, reducing the need to feed cereals and thereby reducing starch intake.Straw can be fed to good doers with gastric ulcersILCE-7M3 f/4 1/160s 40mm ISO250This has been demonstrated in a recent study by Martin et al., (2023). It showed that horses in training who are fed a third of their total ration as alfalfa with just 7% oats performed comparably with those horses being fed 33% oats (the remainder of this diet was hay).The replacement of oats with alfalfa had no detrimental effects on performance or muscle tone and, in fact, altered energy metabolism in such a way as to potentially improve performance and recovery.Feeding straw to horses with EGGDYes, you can feed straw to good doers with EGGD.In 2009, a study looked at the incidence of gastric ulceration in a population of horses and found that those that were fed straw as the sole or predominant fibre source were more likely to have ulcers.The key fact that tends to get lost in communication is that straw was used as the sole or predominant fibre source, which is not typically done in the UK.Recognising that straw can be useful as a low-calorie forage source for good doers, a follow up study has been published investigating the safety of feeding 50% wheat straw to replace haylage. The study by Jansson et al., (2021) found no ill effects and specifically looked for gastric ulcers.Dengie Ulser LiteThe latest feed to join the Dengie range of products approved with the BETA mark as being suitable for horses and ponies prone to EGUS is Ulser Lite.It has been developed by our highly qualified nutritional experts with the ulcer-prone good-doer in mind.The predominant ingredient is chopped oat straw blended with some chopped and pelleted grass to provide some natural sweetness, whilst keeping the energy level as low as possible.Alfalfa pellets are included for their natural buffering potential, while the addition of prebiotics and yeast promote digestive health. The added herbs are those used very successfully in Dengie Healthy Tummy to tempt even the fussiest eaters.Hes looking and performing the best he ever hasFreddies owner Joanne was worried about gastric ulcers due to his competition lifestyle. Even though Freddie is in a lot of work, he is such a good doer which meant Joanne was unable to feed him Dengie Healthy Tummyat the recommended quantity for his size.After a visit from performance horse nutritionist Claire Akers, Jo started Freddie on Dengie Ulser Litealongside a balancerto provide him with a balanced diet.Freddie has lost the excess weight he was carrying and is looking and performing the best he ever has, says Joanne.Freddie can be crabby and argumentative, but we have seen real improvement in his behaviour since changing his diet. He has more energy, is more forward going off the leg, and appears less grumpy.Freddie weighed 588kg before starting Ulser Lite and was condition scored at 3.75 on a five-point scale by Dengie nutritionist Claire.When the horse was reweighed six months later, he had lost 26kg and was condition scored at 3.25.As Ulser Lite is low calorie, Freddie can have a larger quantity. This provides him with more fibre and chew time, as well as keeping him occupied for longer.Increasing a horses chew time helps promote more saliva production, which in turn helps with buffering acidity in the horses digestive tract.Feeding working horses with EGGDStudies back in the early 2000s (Nadeua et al., 2000; Lybbert et al., 2007) showed that alfalfa was more beneficial for horses with ulcers (ESGD) compared to grass forages, as the high levels of calcium and magnesium it contains act as natural buffers to acidity.More recently, studies carried out by the Lab to Field research group based in Dijon, France, have shown the protective effects of alfalfa in horses in training.Their findings demonstrated that clinical success with horses with EGGD was 47.7 times more likely in horses fed alfalfa pellets as part of their ration, compared to those on concentrate-only rations.Current veterinary advice is to implement the same feeding practices for all forms of EGUS.Dengie Healthy TummyDengie Healthy Tummy is a combination of chopped and pelleted alfalfa and is also approved with the BETA mark for horses and ponies prone to EGUS.This process involves an independent assessment of the products suitability and is checked by the Veterinary Medicines Directorate to ensure false claims are not being made.Dengie Healthy Tummy is a medium energy feed and so is ideal for supporting those in work or helping to promote weight gain.Dengie Alfa-Beet is a great mash that is full of highly digestible fibre that can be fed alongside to help promote weight or support work with slow-release energy.References Banse and Andrews (2019) Equine glandular gastric disease: prevalence, impact and management strategies. Veterinary Medicine: Research and ReportsJansson et al., (2021) Straw as an Alternative to Grass Forage in HorsesEffects on Post-Prandial Metabolic Profile, Energy Intake, Behaviour and Gastric Ulceration. Animals. 11.Julliand et al., (2023) Effect of diet composition on glandular gastric disease inhorses. Journal of Veterinary Internal MedicineLybbert et al., (2007), Proceedings of Annual Convention of the AAEP, Orlando, Florida, 2007.Martin et al., (2023) Effect of high-starch or high-fibre diets on the energy metabolism and physical performance of horses during an 8-week training period. Front. Physiol. 14:1213032.Nadeau et al., (2000) Evaluation of diet as a cause of gastric ulcers in horses. American Journal of Veterinary Research. 61 (7):784-90.Sharbine et al., (2023) The prevalence and changes over time of equine glandular gastric disease in a teaching herd population EVE 35 (12)637-648Sykes et al., (2019) Management factors and clinical implications of glandular and squamous gastric disease in horses. Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine 33 (1) 233-240Tamzali et al., (2011) Prevalence of gastric ulcer syndrome in high-level endurance horses.Equine Vet. JournalVoss et al., (2022) A study comparing the healthy and diseased equine glandular gastric microbiota sampled with sheathed transendoscopic cytology brushes. Journal of Equine Veterinary Science.The post Diet advice for a horse with gastric ulcers *PROMOTION* appeared first on Your Horse.

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Aspect Details Why Regular Dental Care is Essential Proper Tooth Alignment: Prevents sharp edges and injuries. Prevention of Tooth Imbalances: Avoids malocclusions and chewing issues. Geriatric Health: Manages age-related dental challenges. The Issue of Widening Tooth Gaps Uneven Wear: Can cause gaps between teeth. Malocclusions: Misalignment leading to discomfort and gaps. Signs Your Horse May Need Dental Care Dropping Food: Indicates dental discomfort. Difficulty Chewing: May chew only on one side. Weight Loss: Difficulty in maintaining a healthy condition. Behavioral Changes: Head tossing or reluctance to eat. Solutions for Widening Tooth Gaps Regular Dental Check-Ups: Young horses semi-annually until age 5, then annually. Dental Procedures: Floating, tooth extraction, molar malocclusion treatment. Dietary Adjustments: Soften feed, monitor weight and body condition. Educating Horse Owners Signs of Discomfort: Recognize dental discomfort signs. Dental Anatomy: Understand dental anatomy for better care. Impact of Diet: Make informed decisions on diet. The Importance of Regular Dental Care for Horses: Exploring Solutions for Widening Tooth Gaps As a horse owner, ensuring the overall health and well-being of your equine companion is a top priority. One often overlooked but crucial aspect of horse care is dental health. Horses' teeth continuously grow throughout their lives, which can lead to various dental issues, including the widening of tooth gaps. Let's delve into the importance of regular dental care for horses and explore solutions to address the issue of widening tooth gaps. Why Regular Dental Care is Essential Horses' teeth are designed to last about 20 years, with the reserve crowns continuously erupting while the exposed crown wears away. However, domestic horses often do not have the same varied diet as their wild counterparts, leading to uneven wear patterns and potential dental issues. Regular dental care is vital for several reasons: Proper Tooth Alignment: Regular dental check-ups help maintain proper tooth alignment, preventing sharp edges and hooks that can cause discomfort and injuries to the mouth. Prevention of Tooth Imbalances: Without professional dental maintenance, horses can develop malocclusions and other imbalances that make eating difficult and painful. Geriatric Health: Senior horses are prone to periodontal disease and other age-related dental challenges. Regular care helps manage these issues and ensures the horse can process feed effectively. The Issue of Widening Tooth Gaps Widening tooth gaps, often resulting from uneven wear or malocclusions, can significantly impact a horse's health and performance. Here are some key points to consider: Uneven Wear: Horses' teeth grow continuously, but if the wear is uneven, it can lead to gaps between the teeth. This uneven wear can be exacerbated by a diet that does not naturally grind down the teeth, such as soft alfalfa hay. Malocclusions: Misalignment of the teeth can cause some teeth to wear down more quickly than others, resulting in gaps. This misalignment can also lead to discomfort and difficulty in chewing. Signs Your Horse May Need Dental Care Before we dive into the solutions, it's crucial to recognize the signs that indicate your horse needs dental attention. These include: Dropping Food: If your horse is dropping partially chewed food while eating, it could be a sign of dental discomfort. Difficulty Chewing: Horses with dental issues may have trouble chewing or may chew only on one side of the mouth. Weight Loss or Poor Body Condition: Dental problems can lead to weight loss or difficulty maintaining a healthy body condition. Behavioral Changes: Dental discomfort can cause changes in behavior, such as head tossing, resisting the bit, or reluctance to eat. Solutions for Widening Tooth Gaps Addressing widening tooth gaps requires a combination of regular dental check-ups and specific dental procedures. Regular Dental Check-Ups Frequency: Young horses should have their first comprehensive dental exam before they reach 1 year old. Semi-annual exams are recommended until about age 5, and then annual exams are generally sufficient, although some horses may need more frequent visits. Early Detection: Regular check-ups help in early detection of dental issues, which can prevent more severe problems from developing. This not only reduces pain and discomfort for the horse but also makes treatments simpler and less invasive. Dental Procedures Floating: This is the process of filing down sharp edges or hooks on the horses teeth. Floating helps maintain a balanced bite and prevents injuries to the mouth. It is particularly useful in addressing uneven wear and malocclusions that lead to widening tooth gaps. Tooth Extraction: In some cases, a severely damaged or infected tooth may need to be extracted to prevent further complications. This can help in maintaining proper tooth alignment and preventing gaps. Molar Malocclusion Treatment: Correcting misalignments or abnormalities in the molars using a band or a bite plate can help in promoting proper chewing and overall dental health, thereby reducing the widening of tooth gaps. Dietary Adjustments Feed Types and Consistency: For horses with dental issues, adjusting the diet can be beneficial. Soaking feed or offering softer alternatives can help reduce the strain on the teeth and prevent further widening of gaps. Monitoring Weight and Body Condition: Regularly monitoring your horses weight and body condition can help in identifying any dietary issues that may be contributing to dental problems. Educating Horse Owners To ensure the best possible care for your horse, it is essential to be educated on various aspects of equine dental health. Here are some key areas to focus on: Signs of Discomfort: Recognize the signs of dental discomfort and behavioral changes that may indicate dental issues. Dental Anatomy: Understanding the basics of dental anatomy helps in identifying normal wear patterns and potential issues. Impact of Diet: Knowing how diet affects dental health can help in making informed decisions about your horses feed. Conclusion Regular dental care is a critical component of maintaining your horse's overall health and performance. Widening tooth gaps, resulting from uneven wear or malocclusions, can be addressed through regular dental check-ups, specific dental procedures, and dietary adjustments. By being vigilant for signs of dental issues and working with qualified equine dentists or veterinarians, you can ensure your horse remains comfortable, healthy, and performs at their best. For more detailed information on equine dental care and how to manage specific dental issues, you can consult resources from reputable veterinary clinics and equine health specialists. ```html```

With the UK season finished one might expect the numbers to drop not so, as once again the Irish Sport Horse breeders excel in this weeks results. Some breeders appear more than once. These results are complete for this week. The Eventing Championships at Galway Downs (USA) 30th October 3rd November 2024 CCI 3* Long 5th Carlingfords Hes A Clover (ISH)[was Hes a Clover] 2012 gelding by Polanski (SWB) out of Fourleaf Clover (ISH)[TIH] by Clover Hill (ID). Breeder: Thomas Keenan (Louth). Rider: Tamara Smith (USA) 32.1, 4, 23.2 = 59.3 7th HSH Bold Decision (ISH)[was My Bold Decision] 2015 gelding by Sibon W (KWPN) out of Dubietys Fashion (TB) by Dubiety (YB). Breeder: Timothy T Tierney. Rider: Anni Grandia-Dodson (USA) 42.4, 8, 19.2 = 69.6 9th Ringwood Adios Amigo (ISH)[was Ringwood Phantom] 2016 gelding by Ringwood Adieu Z (ZANG) out of Ringwood Operetta (ISH) []

The Akhal-Teke horsepronounced like apple with a K instead of the Ps, and techieis one of the rarest horse breeds in the world. Originally from Turkmenistan, the breed is over 4,000 years old. Their closed stud book has been held in Russia since 1932.Photo by Bob LangrishThe Akhal-Teke Association of America (ATAA) runs the North American registry in partnership with the stud book. They register both pure and part-breds, and currently have over 400 registered.The breed is known for its stamina, intelligence, athleticism, and of course that incredible metallic sheen to their coat. Another unique characteristic is the Akhal-Teke glide gait, which is a smooth, fast trot. They were also one of the foundation horses for the Thoroughbred breed.The Akhal-Tekes roots go back thousands of years, and it was influential in developing the Thoroughbred. Photo by Bob LangrishOne Akhal-Teke, a black stallion named Absent, won four Olympic medals in dressage with two different riders at three different Olympic Games during the 1960s.Today, owners of the breed continue to admire this incredibly rare and beautiful horse for its amazing attributes.The Perfect Wedding PresentWho needs dishware when you can get a stallion as a wedding present? Katrina Ardiel, current ATAA president, had loved the breed since she a child, but didnt see one in person until she met her husband, Giles.When we met, he had just purchased two Akhal-Teke fillies, Azeri and Dessangul, Katrina says. Azeri went on to be an amazing competitor, and Dessangul is my husbands favorite hunt horse.I was personally drawn to the Akhal-Tekes intelligent affection and athletic disposition, she continues. They are the perfect companion and the best kind of friend. Not one that follows blindly and agrees with everything you say, but one that teaches you and challenges you just as much as you them.Current ATAA president Katrina Ardiels now-husband had just purchased the filly Dessangul when they met. Shes now his favorite hunt horse. Photo by Artur BaboevSmitten with each other and the breed, Katrina and Giles gave each other a 16.1-hand chestnut stallion, Gerald, as a wedding gift. Gerald was good at eventing, but great at dressage.In 2019, we competed in our first Prix St. Georges together, Katrina says. Currently under the direction of Canadas dressage rider Megan Lane, Gerald and I hope to do our first small tour CDI this summer.One of his sons, Hendrick, has excelled in the jumper ring.He is athletic and fast, careful and forgiving, Katrina says. He is a solid 1.20-meter jumper and could probably go higher if it was not for the limitations of me, his rider! He loves his job so much as a jumper that hes been known to refuse to leave the ring at competitions. He is a beautiful boy and an excellent example of the breed.A willing, can-do attitude makes the breed a natural choice for many sports, even in the western show pen. Photo courtesy ATAAUp-and-Coming Rider ProgramTo encourage owners of Akhal-Tekes to promote the breed, the ATAA has an Up-and-Coming Rider program that gives grants to owners who want to compete and/or attend high-profile exhibitions with their horse. Grants range from $500 to $5,000.Kathy Thode met her first Akhal-Teke in 2017 at a friends farm.I actually had no interest in buying one, and only wanted to visit my friend, who had just moved back to the area, says Thode. She was bringing nine Akhal-Tekes with her. She told me all about them and I was very intrigued. She ended up purchasing Kazimir, a 16.2-hand chestnut, from her friend.Kazimir and Thode have received two grants in 2021 and 2022, which went toward costs of competition and to attend the Columbus Ohio Equine Affaire. The two compete in dressage, where Kazimir excels. On their off time, he also is a trusted trail mount.What amazes me about this breed is their calm and relaxed manner out in nature and their ability to focus on the job at hand, no matter what it might entail, says Thode.The 16.2-hand gelding Kazimir excels in dressage but is also a trusted trail mount. Photo by Q2 PhotographyAn Akhal-Teke as a Breyer ModelAkhal-Teke stallion Adamek was awarded the United States Dressage Federation (USDF) All Breeds Dressage award in 2022 and was chosen to be a Breyer model in that same year. Sabine Desper first started riding Adamek when she worked at Shenandoah Farm in Staunton, Va. After 10 years, the farm was dispersed upon the passing of its owner, Phil Case.In addition to his eventing talents, Adamek won the USDF All Breeds Dressage Award in 2022. Photo by GRC PhotographyNow owned by the Akhal-Teke Foundation, she feels fortunate she gets to continue to be his rider.I love riding Adamek for so many reasons, says Desper. He is such a willing partner and always tries his hardest, even when things dont come easy. His gaits are very comfortable, which is always an advantage in dressage. He is always happy to get ready for a ride or to load up in the trailer to go places.Sabine Desper eventing with the stallion Adamek, who was made into a Breyer model. Photo by GRC PhotographyThe ATAA loves to talk to people who are interested in the breed. You can contact them through their Facebook page (search Akhal-Teke Association of America). If you would like to meet an Akhal-Teke in person, check their website for venues where the ATAA will be in attendance.This article about the Akhal-Teke appeared in the September 2023 issue of Horse Illustratedmagazine.Click here to subscribe!The post The Beautiful Akhal-Teke appeared first on Horse Illustrated Magazine.

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