The MARS Badminton Horse Trials have revealed that their Charity of the Year in 2025 will be Guide Dogs.Former event rider William Fox-Pitt, who temporarily lost his vision following a serious cross-country fall at Le Lion dAngers in 2015, was on site at the Gloucestershire venue to support the partnership.I have first-hand experience of sight loss after a bad fall ten years ago. I was very lucky that with time and rehabilitation my sight returned, but it really made me appreciate my vision, and the part animals can play in helping to rebuild and recover after something so traumatic, explained William.Guide Dogs is an amazing cause, and that sense of connection and working as a team resonates very strongly with me. Ill be at Badminton as a non-competitor this year, and Im really looking forward to supporting them there.William will be hosting a cross-country course walk during next years event, which takes place from Thursday 8 Sunday 11 May, to raise money for the charity.Guide Dogs supports two million people in the UK with sight loss to live actively, independently and well. The charity is almost entirely dependent on donations.Were delighted to have been chosen as this years charity of the year for the Badminton Horse Trials, said Andrew Lennox, ceo of Guide Dogs.This is an excellent opportunity for us to showcase the work we do to an audience that already understands how valuable the partnership between animals and humans can be.A guide dog partnership is a team they rely on each other and build up a strong bond of trust over time, facing all kinds of challenges. Its a powerful working relationship, and I think that seeing that kind of extraordinary partnership at work will resonate with visitors to Badminton.For more information about Guide Dogs click here. Latest newsBan for woman who returned loan horse emaciated and with rain scaldHell on Earth! Cycle4Caroline riders close in on the halfway pointFire crew pull escaped mare from icy Derbyshire canalThe post William Fox-Pitt champions Badmintons new Charity of the Year appeared first on Your Horse.

Autologous protein solution joint injections might be safer for horses with metabolic problems. | Haylie Kerstetter/The HorseVeterinarians commonly use intra-articular (injected into the joint) corticosteroids, such as triamcinolone acetonide (TA), to treat pain and inflammation in horses joints. Despite their popularity, corticosteroids can negatively impact the endocrine system, especially in horses with metabolic problems.Previous work by us and other scientists has shown a significant suppression of cortisol (a hormone involved in various metabolic processes) by TA, said Allen Page, DVM, PhD, assistant professor in the Department of Veterinary Science at the University of Kentuckys Gluck Equine Research Center, in Lexington. Our research goal was to compare the metabolic effects of TA with those of autologous protein solution. Horses diagnosed with insulin dysregulation (ID) and pituitary pars intermedia dysfunction (PPID, formerly known as equine Cushings disease) are at higher risk of developing laminitis after intra-articular corticosteroid injection, he said.Triamcinolone acetonide is the most commonly used corticosteroid for injections in high-motion joints such as the fetlock. Autologous protein solution (APS) is a plasma product derived from a horses own blood used to reduce joint inflammation and promote healing. It delivers a concentrated solution of cells, platelets, growth factors, anti-inflammatories, etc. to the target location.Page and his fellow researchers tested the effects of fetlock joint injections using a rotation of either a saline solution (the placebo, having no therapeutic effect), followed by APS or 9 milligrams of TA on five geldings for three consecutive treatment blocks lasting 28 days each. At different time intervals post-treatment, they collected plasma and serum samples of adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH, a hormone the pituitary gland produces that stimulates cortisol release), cortisol, glucose, insulin, thyroid hormone, and thyrotropin-releasing hormone and performed oral sugar tests.The Metabolic Effects of Corticosteroids vs. APSA single 9-mg dose of TA had a significant effect on both the oral sugar test and the TRH test, said Page. An oral sugar test measures a horses insulin response to sugar intake, and a TRH test assesses how well the pituitary gland, a gland in the brain that makes, stores, and releases hormones, responds to TRH. Both are common tests for ID and PPID, respectively. This effect was seen at two days post-TA administration, which suggests we need to be careful of the timing of these tests when also potentially treating joint disease with TA.The researchers also found that intra-articular TA administration led to significant ACTH and cortisol suppression for 96 hours post-treatment. In addition, after TA treatment, blood glucose and insulin levels increased between 12 and 48 hours, and for 32 hours, respectively.The concern is the potential for hyperinsulinemia-associated laminitis, which is one of the main considerations with ID horses, Page said.Therefore, he noted that choosing APS over TA has one major benefit: By administering APS, we avoid the metabolic effects on ACTH, cortisol, glucose, and insulin levels, which should be a consideration when treating joint disease in ID horses.However, he and his colleagues tested intra-articular TA and APS only on metabolically normal horses, so further trials in ID horses are needed to conclusively determine the effects in those animals.Take-Home MessageOur findings reminded me that intra-articular TA is not as innocuous as we may think it is, Page said. Therefore, he recommended veterinarians always consider and assess the drugs potential metabolic effects on equine patients before administration.

Kent Police are appealing for information after three horses were stolen from a paddock in the village of Hartley near Sevenoaks last week.Wendy McLaughlins three cob mares, Bess, Freya and Misty, were taken from inside their stables near New Ash Green between 5.30pm on Thursday 21 November and 7am on Friday 22 November.The horses were stolen from their location near Church Road, after fencing was damaged to gain entry to the paddock. It is believed the horses were then led through fields onto Ash Road and loaded into a horsebox which was parked near the Royal Oak pub, said police.Bess is grey/white and aged 11-years-old, Freya is also grey/white with a very long mane and is around seven-years-old. Freyas foal Misty is brown with a white stripe on her face and is aged four. Freya and Misty have little moustaches on their top lips.Never been partedThe ponies are much loved. Our ethos is to give equines a brighter future and to protect green spaces. These mares would have had a safe place for life.Freya and Misty have never been parted and Misty has never been off my land, said Wendy.Enquiries have led to the identification of important CCTV footage from separate locations which is in the process of being recovered and analysed.Local residents are asked to check doorbell cameras and CCTV for any images or footage which may assist the investigation.Anyone with information should call Kent Police on01622 604100, quoting reference 46/198687/24.You can also contact Crimestoppers anonymously on0800 555111.Further readingWilliam Fox-Pitt champions Badmintons new Charity of the YearBan for woman who returned loan horse emaciated and with rain scaldFire crew pull escaped mare from icy Derbyshire canalThe post Police appeal for help following theft of three horses in Kent appeared first on Your Horse.

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Join us for an enlightening lecture series at the University of Florida Veterinary Hospital at WEC, focusing on topics that impact the equine athlete. What: Gain insights from leading experts in the equine veterinary field as they cover a range of vital topics. When: Wednesday at 6 PM, starting January 22, 2025 Where: UF Veterinary Hospital at WEC (across from Barn W) Registration: Free [...]Read MoreThe post Expand Your Equine Knowledge at UF Veterinary Hospital at WEC Free Lecture Series Starting January 22 appeared first on World Equestrian Center.

Not in a hurry? Choose No-Rush Delivery this Black Friday, and youll get an exclusive discount code for 15% off when you order in January. No-Rush Delivery is available exclusively from 28th November -2nd December and only applicable to orders being delivered within the UK.What is No-Rush Delivery?Black Friday can be a busy time for shopping! With our No-Rush Delivery service, well deliver your Black Friday order within 10-14 days. This helps our packing team stay organised, and gives you access to a great discount on your next order. Saving your Christmas money for something special? The No-Rush Delivery discount gives you a little help to get there.How does No-Rush Delivery work? Our website has a live link with our shop and warehouse, so the items on your order are safely reserved for you until theyre despatched.When will I get my order?Well aim to deliver our No-Rush Delivery orders by 18th December, using the same fully tracked services Royal Mail, ParcelForce, or DPD that we use for all of our orders. So you can still get your order in time for Christmas.When will I get my discount code?Your unique discount code will be sent by email on or after 6 January 2023. This is an exclusive, one-time-use code, so be sure not to share it with anyone else! Youll be able to use the code for 15% off an order placed in January.Please note: The discount code is not valid on feed, bedding, wormers, or Gift Vouchers.Can I still use choose a faster option?Of course! If youd like to have your order with you sooner, you can still choose from our great range of Standard, Express, and Premium delivery services. Standard delivery is FREE on orders over 50, or you can choose a Premium Next Day service from as little as 3. For more information on our delivery services, please click here.UK orders only. The post 15% OFF with No-Rush Delivery first appeared on Redpost Equestrian Blog.

An online tool entitled Whats Your Worm Risk has been rolled out by diagnostics company Austin Davis Biologics with the aim of supporting the responsible use of worming drugs for horse health.Whats Your Worm Risk is a free and simple-to-use online risk calculator which helps horse owners apply evidence-based parasite control to their worming programmes.Recent guidance highlighted risk assessments as the first step in equine worm control.By calculating a horses risk of worm infection, appropriate next steps can be implemented. These initiatives include pasture management improvements and testing and treatment options as required.However, risk assessments can be challenging and have proved to be a barrier to this approach to worm control. Austin Davis Biologics have developed Whats Your Worm Risk to attempt to combat that and enable horse owners to successfully manage their worm control.Whats Your Worm Risk calculates the likely level of risk based on widely accepted principles regarding equine worm infections and, depending on horse-specific input, will classify the risk of worm infection of an individual horse as low, moderate or high, said Professor Jacqui Matthews, recognised specialist in parasitology, director of veterinary science at Austin Davis Biologics.The tool is designed to be used by owners to help them assess their horses risk and takes into account, where relevant, the impact of their grazing companions.Designed to assist ownersWhats Your Worm Risk will help horse owners to use methods such as using pasture and horse management strategies to reduce worm infection in the environment and break worm infection cycles.Another measure is the use of monitoring tools like faecal worm egg counts and antibody testing to determine the need to treat individuals for egg shedding or worm burden and to assess worm populations for drug resistance.Whats Your Worm Risk is a much-needed tool to support owners in discussing wormers with prescribers and will help them consider responsible wormer use and how to adopt best practice worm control, said Dr Corrine Austin, managing director of Austin Davis Biologics.We hope that widespread use of risk assessments when considering worm control will result in reduced reliance on wormers.The risk calculator is available here and works on a smart phone, laptop or desktop computer.Related contentHorse worming schedule and management adviceWinter worms: three to test your horse for nowRingworm in horses: vet advice for prevention and treatmentThe post First online tool to support sustainable parasite control launched appeared first on Your Horse.

Equine U is a 3-month curriculum that will give you the foundation for understanding and caring for your horses.Each month we will offer three courses.Click here for all requirements.Click here for the FAQs.The post appeared first on Horse Illustrated Magazine.

Founded in 1983, the Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation (TRF) took in its first retiree in 1985. The mission of the TRF is to provide a sanctuary for animals coming off the racetrack. Shortly thereafter, they began pairing up the horses with inmates to care for them at New Yorks Walkill Correctional Facility, in what is now known as the Second Chances Program.From the TRF website:The Second Chances Program is a unique and pioneering program where inmates build life skills while participating in a vocational training program as they provide supervised care to our retired racehorses. Located at correctional facilities in eight states, inmates from every imaginable background take part in a rigorous training program where they learn horse anatomy, how to care for injuries, equine nutrition and other aspects of horse care. Graduates of the program receive a certification based on the level of expertise they have mastered. After their release from prison, graduates of the TRF Second Chances Program have gone on to careers as farriers, vet assistants, and caretakers.Photo courtesy TRFWhat Makes the Second Chances Program DifferentThe inmates must learn about protecting a sentient creature; they have to think about a living thing other than themselves. The Second Chances Program is distinctive among vocational prison education because it is based on the horse, a being requiring complex care and training.But vocational education doesnt just help the inmates. The TRF program rehabs ex-racehorses, a concept known as aftercare.The inmates vocational education also helps rehab the ex-racehorses, known as aftercare. Photo courtesy TRFHorses go to TRF with various needs due to age, injury or circumstance. Aftercare helps keep them from possible abuse and neglect. If they cant be retrained as riding horses, or are not suitable for a particular program, they will go to a sanctuary farm managed by TRF staff who arent in the corrections system.The Programs ImpactIn prison management, the focus is about keeping the population quieter, increasing positive communication, and tempering behavior, says TRF Director of Major Gifts and Planned Giving, Kim Weir. The inmates see improved self-esteem and gain a greater sense of purpose.The horses help give program participants a greater sense of purpose and self-esteem.Photo courtesy TRFA warden at the flagship mens program at the Walkill, N.Y., facility comments that the Second Chances Program constructively impacts all the people who work in the prison, including the womens staff. Corrections news can be dark much of the time, but the equine education helps provide a positive environment, and the staff is part of a project having a favorable outcome.Participants in the program, many of whom dont have experience with horses, are each responsible for the care of four horses, including their feeding, stall cleaning and general health. They work an eight-hour day, and the hands-on education is supplemented with a course in Equine Science Management from the College of Central Florida.Helping Incarcerated WomenEach inmate in the program spends eight hours a day caring for four horses, including their feeding and stall cleaning.Photo courtesy TRFThe Second Chances Program at Lowell Correctional Institute in Ocala, Fla., specializes in incarcerated women. Most are convicted of drug offenses; violent offenders arent allowed in the program.Chelsea OReilly, program manager, says the Second Chances training gives inmates a different kind of teacher. They learn how to diagnose a creature who cant tell whats wrong with words. OReilly comments that the women are more open about their emotions than the men; they are forthcoming.The Department of Corrections (DOC) supported the idea of the womens program; historically, women have not had as much opportunity for vocational rehabilitation in prison as men. Many are mothers, so they are eager to earn the credit of completing the program and get out to see their kids.I dont have to worry about them running away, says John Evans, former program director, of the women who qualify for the program. The women are a lot less angry when they bond with a horse.To qualify for the program, the women must be within a few years of being released from the facility. After graduation, they get referred to work primarily at horse facilities or a non-equine job where the focus and communication tools they learned can be applied.Lauren Vanucci, a former hunter/jumper rider, served a sentence for DWI manslaughter, wherein the victim was paralyzed. After graduation from the program, she was hired in a client relations position by Niall Brennan, a leading racehorse trainer in Ocala, Fla.Vanucci says that the skills she learned from Second Chances, such as how to be a team player and how to be a leader for yourself, apply to any kind of work. Lowering Recidivism The DOC cites an average 20 percent recidivism rate (a measure of the tendency of convicted individuals to reoffend). Studies have shown a reduction in recidivism rates at facilities that host the Second Chances Program.According to Weir, their behavior prior to release improves, providing more reason for the parole board to end their sentence, and helping prevent them from going back to prison after release.Evans also maintains a broad spectrum of contacts in the horse industry that help newly released participants with finding jobs.Funding and Donations for Second ChancesThe funding supporting the horses initially came from the Florida Thoroughbred Breeders and Owners Association. Currently, TRF is supported by private donations.Donors are prompted in part, says Weir, by the belief that humans brought racehorses into the world for entertainment, so the horses deserve to have a healthy, happy life. The second reason is that the Second Chance Program is profoundly changing the lives of inmates.The racing industry also contributes to Second Chances through promotion in broadcasting and media; Gulfstream Park and Santa Anita Park had a race named in honor of the program on the same day.They are teaching generations about equine aftercare, says Weir.There are some famed former racehorses in the Second Chances herd, including Shake You Down, who earned more than $1.4 million on the track. He recently passed away at the age of 23, but had been retired to the TRFs Second Chances Farm at the Lowell Correctional Institution for Women in Ocala, Fla., for 15 years.Hemingways Key, who placed third in the 2006 Preakness Stakes, was another favorite at Lowell who relocated to an adjacent farm in 2021 to become a part of the TRFs Second Chances Juvenile Program. There, he helps give at-risk youth (young men ages 12-18) a chance to learn hands-on training in animal skills and life skills that they can use once released.Skills LearnedEven the veterinarian visits spark thinking skills, as the vet asks inmates gathered there: What would you look for? Why did this (condition) happen? How would you prevent this from happening? How do you treat it?OReilly notes the interdependence of the horse-human bond. The horse needs the inmate to care for its health, and the inmate needs the horse to learn about the benefit of bonding in nature to diffuse the effect of the tiled, cement-covered and loud environment they live in. The connection provides purpose with support and structure.Confidence may be hard-won for those who end up in prison, but it can result from learning how to be sensitive to a horse while handling and training such a large animal and keeping it healthy.More on the Second Chances ProgramTo learn more about TRFs Second Chances Program, visit their website here. If you have felt moved by learning how much these horses and inmates impact each others lives for the better, consider donating. The program relies on donations, rather than government grants, to continue.This article about the Second Chances Program appeared in the October 2023 issue of Horse Illustratedmagazine.Click here to subscribe!The post Second Chances: Inmates and Thoroughbreds Helping Each Other appeared first on Horse Illustrated Magazine.

Category Description Understanding the Risks Equestrian sports involve high-risk activities, making protective gear essential. Chest trauma and rib fractures are common injuries. Traditional Foam Body Protectors Absorb impact during falls or kicks. Provides all-around protection to back, ribs, and chest. Comply with BETA Level 3 (2018) and EN 13158: 2018 standards. Designed for flexibility and breathability. Air Jackets (Air Vests) Inflate upon rider ejection, providing instant cushioning. Enhanced protection for torso, neck, and pelvis. Lightweight and often worn over traditional protectors. Some models connect to smartphone apps for monitoring. Combination Vests Integrate foam protectors with airbag technology. conform to EN 13158: 2018 and NF S72-800-2022 standards. Offer protection deploying in 89 milliseconds. Enhanced safety and reliable solution. Selecting the Perfect Body Protector Traditional foam or combination vests for high-impact disciplines. Lighter protectors or air jackets for leisure activities. Ensure comfort and mobility. Consider additional features like color customization. Conclusion Select protectors adhering to safety standards ensuring comfort and mobility. Explore various collections for complete rider's needs. Choosing the Right Body Protector: Exploring Air Jackets and Traditional Foam Options for EquestriansWhen it comes to horse riding, ensuring your safety and protection in the saddle is paramount. Your choice of body protector can be lifesaving, particularly if you engage in high-risk equestrian disciplines like jumping or cross-country. With a wide array of options including traditional foam body protectors and modern air jackets, making an informed choice could be challenging. Lead the way with our comprehensive guide to find your ideal body protector, enhancing your confidence and safety.Understanding the Risks of Equestrian ActivitiesEquestrian sports, notably those involving high-intensity actions, naturally come with risks. Horses are magnificent but unpredictable creatures, and that unpredictability makes protective gear crucial. Research highlights that trauma around the chest or trunk is common in these spheres, with rib fractures present in half of severely injured equestrians. Therefore, choosing adequate gear isn't just advisableit is essential.Traditional Foam Body ProtectorsHow Traditional Foam Body Protectors WorkTraditional foam body protectors are synonymous with equestrian safety gear. Crafted from lightweight yet dense foam, these protectors are designed to absorb impact during a fall or a kick. Available as either a single rigid foam panel or several articulated foam sections, some offer remarkable freedom of movement. These protectors provide all-around safety to the back, ribs, and chest and are especially suitable for tasks like breaking in young horses, galloping, or competition events like cross-country.Key Features of Traditional Foam Protectors All-Round Protection: Ensures comprehensive safety for the back, ribs, and chest. Certifications: Many comply with rigorous norms like the BETA Level 3 (2018) and EN 13158: 2018 standards. Comfort and Mobility: These protectors are designed for flexibility and breathability, essential for maintaining full mobility.Traditional foam body protectors are mandatory for cross-country and team chasing. They are also recommended for daily riding tasks when working with younger or fractious horses. Explore our Jodhpur collection for a complete riding outfit.Air Jackets (Air Vests)How Air Jackets FunctionAir jackets represent a modern class of protective equestrian wear, triggered by a CO2 canister. Through a lanyard connected to the saddle, the jacket inflates instantly upon rider ejection, providing a cushion within secondstypically just 0.2 seconds. These jackets afford additional safety to the torso, neck, and pelvis, and prove particularly effective should a horse topple onto the rider during a fall.Key Features of Air Jackets Additional Protection: Enhanced safety for the torso, neck, and pelvis. Convenience: Lightweight and lifestyle-friendly, air jackets can often be worn over traditional body protectors. Technology: Some models come equipped with smartphone apps to monitor rides and alert contacts in emergencies.While air jackets offer excellent supplementary protection, they shouldn't replace traditional protectors. Such jackets come in handy for hacking, school work, or showjumping. Discover our stylish and practical horse riding gloves collection to complement your protective wear.Combination VestsCombination Vests: How They WorkThe newest inclusion in equestrian safety gear is the combination vest, integrating traditional foam protectors with airbag technology. These sophisticated vests, such as the FreeJump X'AIR SAFE, offer precise protection each time they're zipped up. These garments meet both the EN 13158: 2018 Level 3 safety standard and the NF S72-800-2022 equestrian airbag standard.Benefits include integrated airbag protection across the spine, neck, and torso, deploying rapidly in as little as 89 milliseconds.Key Features of Combination Vests Enhanced Protection: Offers greater safety compared to either body protectors or air vests separately. Convenience and Reliability: A stress-free solution ensuring the airbag is always properly secured.Selecting the Perfect Body Protector for YouDeciding between a traditional foam protector, air jacket, or combination vest? Your choice may depend on several considerations:Considerations for Riding Discipline For high-impact disciplines like cross-country and jumping, traditional foam body protectors or combination vests are recommended. For leisurely activities such as hacking or light schooling, a lighter back protector under an air jacket can suffice.Personal Comfort PreferencesIf comfort and mobility are paramount, opt for body protectors with breathable, flexible segments. The Champion Titanium Ti22 and Racesafe ProVent 3.0 are models known for these features.Considering Additional FeaturesEvaluate extras: need color customization for your vest? The Racesafe Motion3 allows tailor-made options to match your cross-country colors. Browse our horse riding boot collection to accentuate your style.ConclusionChoosing the right body protector is a decision impacting your safety, affecting how secure you feel when riding. By weighing choices between traditional foam protectors, air jackets, and combination vests, you align safety with personal preference across different pursuits.Remember to always select according to rigorous safety standards and ensure each piece fits comfortably for maximum protection and mobility. Explore our full range of safety gear and everyday horse vitamins for ultimate equestrian support.Engage further with our products and delve into numerous collections including stable rugs, turnout rugs, and horse fly protection essentials suitable for every rider's needs.```html```