Pros, cons, and surprising facts about slow-feeding devices for horses, such as haynets, hay bags, and hay boxesRound bales can be convenientbut wastefulfor supplying a constant source of forage. | Getty imagesHorse owners use slow-feeding devices for a variety of reasons. For instance, utilizing a slow-feed haynet can aid in controlling a horses weight by reducing feed intake while keeping the horse occupied. Alternatively, owners could use other types of slow feeders to extend feeding times when their horses are stalled for a substantial portion of the day. In both cases slow feeders can help promote normal foraging behaviors, which might decrease the risk of developing stereotypiesrepetitive behaviors that have no apparent purpose, such as cribbing.You might be interested in slow feeders to extend feeding times to decrease the risk of equine gastric ulcers, especially squamous ulcers (those in the upper portion of the stomach). Finally, slow feeders could help reduce feed intake while keeping horses busy, leading to weight loss, which could potentially reverse or reduce the risk of equine metabolic syndrome.Another reason to consider slow feeders is to reduce feed wastage. Bordin et al. (2024) cite a report that horses waste up to 57% of loose hay provided, and feeding costs represent one of the greatest expenses on horse farms (Alabama Cooperative Extension System).We have a wide variety of slow-feeding devices available, each with the potential to make our horses happier and slimmer. As we will see, researchers on several recently published studies affirm that slow feeders do extend feeding time. However, not all slow-feeding devices perform equally well, and there are potential drawbacks to using them. Here well relay the most up-to-date data on the topic of slow-feeding devices, including haynets, hay bags, and boxes.Comparing Intake Time in Ponies Amongst Slow FeedersHorses stabled for most of the day often have extended periods of fasting. This occurs despite recommendations from veterinary experts that horses should not fast for longer than four or five hours (Bordin et al., 2024).Some horses get frustrated with haynets, even to the point of giving up on them. | Adobe StockProlonged fasting periods may cause gastrointestinal or behavior problems in horses, such as increased risk of gastric ulcers, development of stereotypies, and the ingestion of bedding substrate, explains Clara Bordin, MSc, a research fellow in the Department of Veterinary Science, University of Turin, in Italy.To determine the effect of various methods of feeding hay on feed intake rate, Bordin and colleagues studied nine healthy adult ponies, both Shetland type and Welsh/Cob type. They used four different feeding types: (1) fully filled small perforated haynets (3.5 x 3.5 cm holes); (2) partially filled small perforated haynets; (3) a hay box devised and patented by the research team with the haynet stretched over the top; and (4) hay provided on the ground.As expected, ponies fed off the ground had a significantly higher intake rate than ponies fed using any of the slow feeders. The partially filled haynet resulted in the lowest intake rate, while the fully filled haynet and hay box yielded similar intake rates.The expression of frustration behaviors, such as the bite and pull, was exacerbated with the use of the haynets, but this is not surprising because they are hung and thus very mobile, explains Bordin. With the hay box, however, we recorded a higher expression of frustration in terms of bite and ripping behavior.When choosing a slow-feeding device, Bordin recommends considering that each animal is unique and many factors influence the intake rate, including breed. For example, they noticed that Welsh Cob ponies showed a higher expression of frustration behavior when compared to Shetland ponies, which could be an effect of the breed temperament.There is no one-size-fits-all solution, says Bordin.She also notes that the hay box needs additional testing, but so far it seems to be a good compromise to enforce a restricted diet and reduce forage waste, while allowing a natural grazing posture.Chewing Frequency, Duration as a Cause of Extended Feeding TimeHart and fellow researchers from the Department of Animal and Dairy Science at the University of Georgias College of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences report: No research has yet demonstrated whether haynets cause the horse to increase their chewing frequency and chewing duration, or whether the slowing effect observed in some research is simply due to restriction in the amount of forage they can ingest per bite.They investigated whether feeding Bermuda grass hay from a haynet alters chewing frequency compared to feeding from the ground and studied chewing patterns of horses fed from three types of haynets.Eight horses acclimated to a chewing halter ate from a haynet with a single large bottom hole, a large-hole haynet (132.24 cm2 openings), a small-hole haynet (30.25 cm2 openings), or directly from the ground. The research team analyzed data collected over a 24-hour period for each treatment to calculate the chewing duration, chewing frequency, and the number of chews in the first 120 and 240 minutes.They found haynet use did not influence overall hay consumption, with all horses consuming 1.4% of their body weight. Type of feeder also did not affect chewing frequency. However, chewing duration, calculated to measure the amount of time (in minutes) spent chewing each day did differ based on feeder type. Notably, chewing duration was significantly longer when feeding from the small-hole haynet compared to the control group (off the ground). Further, the researchers noticed a more rapid intake in the morning than the evening and from the bottom-hole haynet than the small-hole haynet. The authors reported it was interesting that the rate of intake did not differ between the small-hole haynet and either the large-hole haynet or off the ground.The increased rate of consumption noted with the bottom-hole net, especially given that the loose hay did not have this effect, potentially indicates that raising hay off the ground and closer to the (horses) head level while providing a large opening may in fact increase the rate of consumption as compared to no intervention at all, wrote the researchers.Slow Feeders Mimic Natural Time Budget, Decrease Waste and Weight GainTanja Hess, MV, MSc, PhD, professor of animal sciences, and Jssica Carvalho Seabra, PhD, a postdoctoral fellow, both from Colorado State University, in Fort Collins, along with colleagues from the Federal University of Parana, Brazil, acknowledge that free-choice roughage could indeed be the best option for horse welfare.Horses consume and waste less hay with a box feeder than from a traditional free feeder. | Courtesy Savvy FeederSeeking to better understand the effects of various feeding devices on equine behavior, Seabra and her collaborators divided 15 horses into three groups. One group was fed using an automatic hay box that offered unrestricted hay for 60 minutes six times daily. The second group was fed using a traditional elevated V feeder offering unlimited access to hay. The third group had unrestricted access to hay through a slow feeding device called a Hayhut with a 1 -inch-hole haynet over a square bale. After 15 days the horses behaviors were video recorded and analyzed by animal scientists specializing in equine behavior.Horses in both the free-choice and slow-feeder treatment groups were able to spend more than 50% of their day foraging, generating a time distribution like feral horses in their natural environment. Horses consumed and wasted more hay from the traditional free feeder than the automatic box feeder and the slow feeder.Not surprisingly, the free-fed horses experienced a significantly greater change in weight over the study period compared to the box- and slow-feeder groups. Therefore, free-choice hay should not be recommended to owners of overweight horses. The researchers saw no difference in consumption or weight change between horses feeding from the box and slow feeder. However, the box feeder treatment had a negative influence on horse behavior, decreasing the time horses spent eating to 25.81% of their day and increasing the time spent on other unwanted activities, such as aggression and coprophagy (eating manure).Our study shows that restricted access to resources like food and space can increase competition and aggression between horses housed in groups, says Seabra. The horses in the box-feeder group had a higher number of negative social interactions (e.g., biting and kicking), corroborating with previous studies reporting that aggressive behavior between horses increases when hay availability decreases.Restricted access to resources such as food can increase competition and aggression between horses housed in groups. | Adobe stockOn the other hand, the free-choice treatment resulted in lower levels of aggression and was the only group where the researchers observed allogrooming, a positive social interaction involving mutual grooming.Our study therefore shows that providing more foraging opportunities can increase the frequency of positive social interactions between horses kept in groups, decrease aggression, promotes expression of natural behavior, and decreases the chances of horses developing abnormal behaviors, says Seabra.Forces and FrustrationsAndrea Ellis, PhD, with UNEQUI Ltd., in Notts, U.K., has conducted extensive research on slow feeders and haynets. In one of her recent studies (Hodgson et al., 2022), Ellis and colleagues examined how the height at which haynets are hung affects the pressure needed to pull forage from single- or double-layered haynets.Horses without evidence of back or neck pain were included in this study and acclimated to the haynets. On the testing days horses were fasted 45 to 60 minutes before being offered forage in the haynets. The haynets were connected to a force meter linked to a laptop to collect pull force data. They were hung either low (2.5 centimeters above the withers) or high (30 cm above the withers) in the pilot study, and single and double haynets were used in the main study hung at the high level.Key findings of this study were that horses pulled harder on low-hung haynets compared to high-hung haynets and on the double-layered haynets compared to the single-layered haynets, says Ellis. The pull pressure on the teeth was equivalent to around 2 kg (4.41 lb) for hay, which was not worrying, but it could go up to 6 kg (13.23 lb) in very resistant forages like haylages.The researchers reported they were not surprised to find that feeding from double-layered nets involved increased pressure.As haynet fill decreased, ingestion time increased, making it harder to take larger bites of hay for the horses, explains Ellis. In the pilot study, shorter-cut brittle hay was used, and this did not extend intake time much on single-layered haynets. Filling multiple haynets and hanging them at the right height can increase intake time and foraging behavior considerably.Researchers on this and a previous study (Ellis et al., 2015) also assessed the horses behaviors while using the single-, double-, and even triple-layered haynets. Some horses exhibited frustration behaviors such as flinging the haynet, particularly when double haynets were used. A few horses even gave up on the triple-layered nets.Offering the initial hay in single haynets and hanging some up in doubles to keep them busy for later on (e.g., overnight) may be a good strategy, explains Ellis.Individual horses will respond differently so first observe your horse and its reaction to double haynets, she adds. If the horse gets very frustrated or makes wide neck movements by flinging the haynet, you could tie this down at the bottom, as we tested that option, and it did not increase pressure on teeth much at all.Effect of Feeders on Back and Neck PositionEllis and colleagues also looked at back and neck posture. They used markers placed on the horses necks and backs to evaluate angles while feeding.Low-hung haynets created a lot greater posture changes as horses lifted the haynet upwards and had to pull upwards to extract the hay, she says. This can be avoided by hanging the haynet so its bottom reaches no lower than the shoulder of the horse. We used hangers 30 cm above withers so horses can pull downwards, which allows gravity to help them.Bordin adds that some horses adopt an unnatural neck and back posture while eating from high-hung haynets.Indeed, haynets can lead to unnatural neck and back posture if hung too high or low from the floor and not adjusted for the individual horse. But haynets might still be an optimal solution when owners or managers need to reduce horses intake rate (i.e., overweight horses or ones prone to metabolic disorders) and increase their feeding consumption time, says Bordin. They might also help reduce waste which impacts hay costs.As suggested above, a ground slow feeder such as the hay box can be a good compromise when looking for a restrictive feeding method and at the same time allowing a natural feeding posture, she says.Take-Home MessageUsing haynets and slow feeders can be more complex than it seems at first glance. These tools aim to extend feed intake time while promoting equine welfare, a balance scientists continue to refine through ongoing research.As a research group, we are still testing and looking for new, practical solutions to improve feeding management of stabled equids, says Bordin. Further research is needed if we aim to help owners and caretakers to improve welfare of their horses and ponies. Ellis adds, According to the latest recommendations by Harris et al. (2017), horses should be allowed to forage a minimum of eight hours in 24 hours. Therefore, haynets hung correctly or doubled up will increase intake time by around 30%, and slow feeders on the ground can also achieve this. Hanging multiple haynets at lower fill rates or doubling up larger haynets can also lead to increased and more natural intake times in stables.

When: December 8, 2024: This year, the winter collection of the 12th Oldenburger Special Edition captivates with outstanding riding horses and promising young talents. Join us live on December 8 in the newly renovated auction hall at the Oldenburg Horse Center in Vechta, and place bids on your favorites. For the first time, the event []The post Winter Magic Live in Vechta: Auction collection now online appeared first on Breeding News for Sport Horses.

On November 1, a 29-year-old Quarter Horse mare in Van Buren County, Michigan, tested positive for West Nile virus (WNV). The mare, who is unvaccinated, developed clinical signs on October 21, including hindlimb weakness, ataxia, and difficulties chewing. She has recovered.EDCC Health Watch is an Equine Network marketing program that utilizes information from the Equine Disease Communication Center (EDCC) to create and disseminate verified equine disease reports. TheEDCCis an independent nonprofit organization that is supported by industry donations in order to provide open access to infectious disease information.WNV 101West Nile virusis transmitted to horses via bites from infected mosquitoes. Not all infected horses show clinical signs, but those that do can exhibit:Flulike signs, where the horse seems mildly anorexic and depressed;Fine and coarse muscle and skin fasciculation (involuntary twitching);Hyperesthesia (hypersensitivity to touch and sound);Changes in mentation (mental activity), when horses look like theyre daydreaming or just not with it;Occasional drowsiness;Propulsive walking (driving or pushing forward, often without control); andSpinal signs, including asymmetrical weakness; andAsymmetrical or symmetrical ataxia.West Nile virus has no cure. However, some horses can recover with supportive care. Equine mortality rates can reach 30-40%.Studies have shown thatvaccines can be effective WNV prevention tools. Horses vaccinated in past years need an annual booster shot, but veterinarians might recommend two boosters annuallyone in the spring and another in the fallin areas with prolonged mosquito seasons. In contrast, previously unvaccinated horses require a two-shot vaccination series in a three- to six-week period. It takes several weeks for horses to develop protection against the disease following complete vaccination or booster administration.In addition to vaccinations, owners should work to reduce mosquito population and breeding areas and limit horses mosquito exposure by:Removing stagnant water sources;Dumping, cleaning, and refilling water buckets and troughs regularly;Keeping animals inside during insect feeding times (typically early in the morning and evening); andApplying mosquito repellents approved for equine use.

On November 5, a 3-year-old Paso Fino mare in Marion County, Florida, tested positive for West Nile virus (WNV). The mare, who is vaccinated, developed clinical signs on October 31, including elevated temperature, head shaking, muscle twitching, incoordination, and inability to stand. She is currently affected and alive.This is Floridas 10thconfirmed equine WNV case in 2024.EDCC Health Watch is an Equine Network marketing program that utilizes information from the Equine Disease Communication Center (EDCC) to create and disseminate verified equine disease reports. TheEDCCis an independent nonprofit organization that is supported by industry donations in order to provide open access to infectious disease information.WNV 101West Nile virusis transmitted to horses via bites from infected mosquitoes. Not all infected horses show clinical signs, but those that do can exhibit:Flulike signs, where the horse seems mildly anorexic and depressed;Fine and coarse muscle and skin fasciculation (involuntary twitching);Hyperesthesia (hypersensitivity to touch and sound);Changes in mentation (mental activity), when horses look like theyre daydreaming or just not with it;Occasional drowsiness;Propulsive walking (driving or pushing forward, often without control); andSpinal signs, including asymmetrical weakness; andAsymmetrical or symmetrical ataxia.West Nile virus has no cure. However, some horses can recover with supportive care. Equine mortality rates can reach 30-40%.Studies have shown thatvaccines can be effective WNV prevention tools. Horses vaccinated in past years need an annual booster shot, but veterinarians might recommend two boosters annuallyone in the spring and another in the fallin areas with prolonged mosquito seasons. In contrast, previously unvaccinated horses require a two-shot vaccination series in a three- to six-week period. It takes several weeks for horses to develop protection against the disease following complete vaccination or booster administration.In addition to vaccinations, owners should work to reduce mosquito population and breeding areas and limit horses mosquito exposure by:Removing stagnant water sources;Dumping, cleaning, and refilling water buckets and troughs regularly;Keeping animals inside during insect feeding times (typically early in the morning and evening); andApplying mosquito repellents approved for equine use.

Two horses in Ontario recently tested positive for equine influenza. The horses live in the United Counties of Leeds and Grenville and Lanark County.In the United Counties of Leeds and Grenville, a yearling warmblood colt tested positive after developing clinical signs on October 28, including fever and nasal discharge. Between eight and 10 other horses at the facility are also presenting with a fever, cough, and nasal discharge. The colt is recovering, and the facility has implemented movement restrictions.In Lanark County, a 24-year-old Thoroughbred gelding tested positive on November 2 after developing clinical signs on October 17, including a cough and nasal discharge. He is now recovering. The only other horse on the property is vaccinated and not showing clinical signs.EDCC Health Watch is an Equine Network marketing program that utilizes information from the Equine Disease Communication Center (EDCC) to create and disseminate verified equine disease reports. TheEDCCis an independent nonprofit organization that is supported by industry donations in order to provide open access to infectious disease information.About Equine InfluenzaEquine influenzais a highly contagious respiratory disease that infects horses, ponies, and other equids, such as donkeys, mules, and zebras. The virus that causes it is spread via saliva and respiratory secretions from infected horses. Horses are commonly exposed via horse-to-horse contact; aerosol transmission from coughing and sneezing; and contact with humans contaminated hands, shoes, or clothes or contaminated tack, buckets, or other equipment.Clinical signs of equine influenza infection can include a high fever (up to 106F); a dry, hacking cough; depression; weakness; anorexia; serous (watery) nasal discharge; and slightly enlarged lymph nodes. Consider monitoring your horses health at shows by taking his temperature daily, which can help you pick up on signs of infection early and take appropriate measures to reduce disease spread.Vaccinationis an important and inexpensive way to protect your horse. US Equestrian requires proof that horses have had an equine influenza vaccination within the six months prior to attending organization-sanctioned competitions or events. Your veterinarian can help you determine what other vaccines your horse might benefit from.In addition to vaccinating, following strictbiosecurity protocolscan help reduce your horses chance of infection and disease. Such measures include quarantining new equine arrivals at barns, disinfecting buckets and equipment, and preventing nose-to-nose contact between horses.Click hereto read common questions and answers about equine influenza.

As of November 6, the United States Department of Agriculture has confirmed 49 contagious equine metritis (CEM) cases in Orange County, Florida. The cases are connected to a pony stallion who tested positive forT. equigenitalison May 31 after live covering mares. Sixty-eight horses are exposed.EDCC Health Watch is an Equine Network marketing program that utilizes information from the Equine Disease Communication Center (EDCC) to create and disseminate verified equine disease reports. TheEDCCis an independent nonprofit organization that is supported by industry donations in order to provide open access to infectious disease information.About Contagious Equine MetritisContagious equine metritis (CEM) is a venereal disease of horses caused by the bacteriaTaylorella equigenitalis. It can impact fertility in both mares and stallions. The United States is considered to be CEM-free. Therefore, CEM is a foreign animal disease that is reportable at both the federal and state level. The U.S. horse industry could suffer significant economic losses if the disease became established here.CEM is spread during breeding or through contact with contaminated objects.It is highly contagious among horses and can be difficult to detect and control. Signs of illness in infected mares may not be obvious, and stallions carry the bacteria without showing any signs at all. In some cases, mares may also become carriers. Foals born to infected/carrier mares can also become long-term carriers of the bacteria.

Kirsty Withnall, an RSPCA inspector who died in April from cancer, was posthumously awarded the Animal Welfare Award at the National Charity Today Awards last month.Kirsty, who worked for the RSPCA for 23 years and was a director for the National Equine Welfare Council, dedicated her life to fighting animal cruelty.She was an RSPCA inspector before becoming a specialist equine officer and then joined the RSPCAs Special Operations Unit which investigates the most serious and organised animal crime.The 47-year-old helped tackle animal cruelty on a huge scale and was involved in many large multi-agency operations.She helped rescue more than 100 horses from a farm in Buckinghamshire, led the case into a puppy dealing gang in London who made millions of pounds selling thousands of sick puppies, and coordinated the investigation into an international dog fighting gang that bred, kept and trained dogs for fighting.Her father, late husband, brother and RSPCA colleagues Acting Head of Special Operations Ian Briggs and Chief Inspector Will Mitchell, attended the ceremony, which took place at Orton Hall Hotel & Spa in Cambridge, to collect the award in her memory.Incredible legacyWere so proud that Kirsty has been posthumously honoured with this award, its certainly well deserved, said Chief Inspector Will Mitchell.She leaves an incredible legacy behind after having such a positive impact on so many animals lives. She was an inspiring and fearless investigator and rescuer, and an avid advocate for animal welfare.She was also a loving wife, mother, daughter, sister and friend and we were incredibly privileged to have worked beside her and learn from her compassion and kindness.At the event, Kirstys family were also presented with the James E. Smith Special Recognition Award. The award is named in memory of Charity Today Awards founder, Lee Rayments, grandfather Private James Edward Smith, who was a veteran of the Burma war. The recipient of the award is chosen by Lee himself.The James E. Smith Special Recognition Award was presented to Kirstys family and colleagues at the RSPCA as a tribute to their dedication in ensuring that Kirstys work is remembered and acknowledged publicly today, said Lee.Established in 2014, the National Charity Today Awards celebrate the achievements and contributions of charities, businesses, and individuals across the UK.Further readingRescue pony enjoys showing success in new homeThe Donkey Sanctuary rolls out vaccination programmes to prevent rabiesOwners belief in horse emotion linked to animal wellbeing, Brooke study showsThe post Inspiring and fearless RSPCA inspector posthumously receives special award appeared first on Your Horse.

Table of ContentsToggleClinical SignsCauses of Ulcers in HorsesDiagnosing Ulcers in a HorseTreatment OptionsPrevention of UlcersEquine ulcers are a significant concern for many horse owners. Ulcers can affect all types of horses and have a variety of causes and clinical signs. Performance horses are especially prone to developing ulcers due to their lifestyle and exercise programs.As a horse owner, its important to understand the types of equine ulcers, symptoms, causes, and treatments, as well as how best to prevent reoccurrence.Peter Heidmann, DVM, a board-certified internal medicine specialist, and Bryan Dubynsky, DVM, a sport horse medicine specialist, of Palm Beach Equine Clinic in Wellington, Fla., are both experienced in identifying, treating, and helping owners prevent equine ulcers.According to Heidmann and Dubynsky, equine ulcers can be grouped into two categories: gastric ulcers and hindgut ulcers. The horse can develop one or the other, or both in combination. Gastric ulcers, which are the most common, develop in the stomach, while hindgut ulcers are found in the colon.Clinical SignsAlthough behavior changes, crankiness, and decreased performance in a horse are signs of ulcers, sometimes its more subtle. Photo by Virgonira/Adobe StockSigns of gastric and hindgut ulcers can range in type and severity. A common indicator of ulcers in many sport horses is poor performance in the arena. Horses may also present symptoms of abdominal discomfort, such as girthiness or even colic. Other more subtle behaviors can also be warning signs.A symptom that people do not always realize is that sometimes horses will act like they are sore over their withers, says Heidmann. Horses with gastric ulcers will be reluctant to drop down if you pinch their withers because it shifts where the stomach is in their body, and it feels uncomfortable.A horse that is cinchy (irritable about being girthed up) may be indicating the pain of gastric ulcers. Photo by Maria Kondratyeva/Adobe StockAnother classic sign that sometimes goes under the radar is eating slowly or suddenly becoming a picky eater, he continues. The horse may look hungry, walk up to food, take a bite or two, and then walk away from it with a sour look on his face. If I see that while Im walking through a barn, its usually a trigger for me to consider looking into ulcers.Causes of Ulcers in HorsesOne of the most common causes of gastric ulcers is stress. Some horses internalize their stress more than others, which can make them more prone to developing ulcers.Horses who are more worried or are in an environment that doesnt suit them are at a higher risk for developing ulcers, says Heidmann. Its not as much about breed as it is job, temperament, and environment. Something as simple as stall placement could affect the horse. The lead mare in the big barn might want to be in the middle of everything, whereas another horse may want a quieter stall. Apparently even small things like that are at play.Since performance horses are often traveling and put under stress for their job, the risk for gastric ulcers is higher.Gastric ulcers can be a significant health concern in sport horses, says Dubynsky. Studies show that 50 to 90 percent of all competing horses have gastric ulcers. Intense exercise, dietary changes, stress, and confinement can all contribute to the development of ulcers in these horses.In addition to the horses stress level, job, and environment, medication can also lead to gastric and hindgut ulcers. For example, chronic administration of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) can result in both types of equine ulcers.Diagnosing Ulcers in a HorseOnce symptoms have been acknowledged, proper diagnosis is the next step. For gastric ulcers, a gastroscopic examination of the stomach in a fasting horse is critical to the process.A gastroscope is used to diagnose gastric ulcers. The veterinarian passes a tube with a light and camera through the horses nostril down the esophagus to the stomach and drives the scope camera around to visualize the stomach on screen. Photo by Amy Dragoo/www.arnd.nlA gastroscopic exam not only tells you if the horse has ulcers or not, but the procedure helps you determine the severity and location, explains Heidmann. This information helps dictate the best treatment plan and what medication we prescribe, for how long, and a plan for prevention in the future.A gastroscopic exam is often repeated at the end of a treatment cycle to determine whether it was successful and if the horse needs to remain on medication. The procedure is very safe and can be performed easily.Hindgut ulcers are more challenging to diagnose. The ideal strategy is a combination of an ultrasound and a fecal blood test.Ultrasound allows us to look at the colon, see wall thickness, and then by putting a lot of pieces together, we can infer if there is inflammation or not, says Heidmann. You can only see about 60 percent of the colon on an ultrasound because part of it points to the center of the abdomen that you cant see. This means you can miss things, even with the best technology.Since an ultrasound doesnt always provide a definitive diagnosis, the fecal blood test can be used as well. This test can have a high instance of false positives, so it is best to use it in combination with the ultrasound to determine if the horse has hindgut ulcers.Treatment OptionsOnce equine ulcers have been diagnosed, a treatment plan is developed based on the information that has been gathered. Depending on the type and area of the ulcers, different medications may be given.Omeprazole paste has been shown to be effective for treating gastric ulcers. However, misoprostol can also be added to the treatment regimen, especially for hindgut ulcers.There is some research comparing the efficacy of omeprazole products versus misoprostol for treating gastric ulcers in the lower stomach, says Heidmann. Depending on where the ulcers are in the stomach, we may do a combination of both medications. If the ulcers are up high in the stomach, then the omeprazole product does very well. If there are ulcers in the glandular and pyloric region of the lower stomach, then we often recommend a combination of both omeprazole and misoprostol.Prevention of UlcersOnce ulcers have been treated, understanding how best to prevent them from reoccurring is critical. This is especially important for performance horses who are more susceptible to developing ulcers as a result of their lifestyle.Since performance horses are often traveling and under stress, 50-90% of competing horses have ulcers. Photo by Amanda/Adobe StockIt is crucial for horse owners and trainers to be vigilant in monitoring their animals well-being, says Dubynsky. If ulcers are suspectedthe first symptom usually being behavior changeits important to seek veterinary advice. Proper management practices, such as providing a consistent feeding schedule, reducing stress, and using medications or supplements to support gastric health, can help prevent and manage ulcers in sport horses, ensuring their overall [health] and performance.In addition to reducing stress, one of the most important ways to help prevent ulcers is allowing horses to have free-choice access to pasture grazing or hay. This increases the buffering effect of constant saliva production, meaning the high pH of equine saliva helps neutralize the low pH of stomach acid. Additionally, a soft hay such as orchard grass may help to relieve discomfort with hindgut ulcers.Free-choice hay mimics grazing for horses in a stall environment. Continuous chewing produces saliva, which has a pH buffering effect on gastric acids. Photo by Mark J. Barrett/Adobe StockHorses evolved to be grazing 16 to 19 hours of the day, says Heidmann. When we domesticate horses, put them in a barn, and feed them a few flakes three times a day, the risk for ulcers goes way up. When horses can continuously graze, it also allows salivaproduced by grazingto be a buffering agent. Saliva is very protective of the stomach.Some feed adjustments may help prevent ulcers. Try to avoid high-sugar feeds that make the stomach more acidic as a result of the feedstuff being digested.Adding alfalfa hay or pellets to a horses feeding program may reduce the incidence of gastric ulcers as well. Alfalfa has less sugar than grass, is energy-dense, and contains high levels of calcium and magnesiumthink Tums for horses.If you suspect ulcers, its important to discuss diagnostic and treatment options with your veterinarian immediately. The best approach for horse owners is to be aware of the clinical signs of equine ulcers in order to prevent this debilitating disease.This article about sand colic appeared in the June 2023 issue of Horse Illustratedmagazine.Click here to subscribe!These Horse Care Tips are presented by CareCredit.The post Ultimate Guide to Ulcers appeared first on Horse Illustrated Magazine.

The finals of the SEIB Search For A Star Championships are taking place at Your Horse Live this morning. We will provide live updates on class winners and will addmore information, quotes and photos as soon as they are available.Randall IV returned to the winners enclosure in the in-hand veteran final with owner/handler Lucy Ashworth. The pair also took this title in 2022. Randall IV is a 26-year-old ex-showjumper who enjoys beach rides.Midnights Magic, who is owned by Gemma Hoe and handled by her sister Donna, was crowned champion in the in-hand plaited horse final. The 28-year-old chestnut gelding used to compete up to 1.30m showjumping with Gemma.First place in the in-hand plaited pony championships was awarded to Tambrook Prayer in C, a part bred Welsh pony who is owned and handled by Claire Crerand.Treworgan Titanium triumphed in the in-hand Mountain & Moorland Championships. The five-year-old Dartmoor gelding is owned and handled by Jessica Bowring who bought him as a two-year-old.Victory in the in-hand native and traditional class went to Bromley Cask of Magners who is known at home as Magnus. Kimberley Turner owns and handles Magnus who is a traditional cob gelding.Spinway Colm won the British Riding Clubs final under Hartpury University student Daisy Beards. The 12-year-old English Connemara has been backed and produced by Daisy over the last seven years and the pair regularly contests eventing, dressage and showjumping competitions.SEIB Search For A Star Championships timetable Friday 8 November8.40am In-Hand Veteran, Plaited Horse/Show Cob, Plaited Pony9.20am In-Hand M&M, Native & Traditional9.45am British Riding Clubs final10.10am Pony Club First Ridden & Lead Rein10.40am Pony Club Open11.10am Mountain & Moorland Ridden11.50am Open Veteran Ridden ChampionshipThe post SEIB Search For A Star winners crowned at Your Horse Live appeared first on Your Horse.