Section Key Points Choosing the Right Stables and Guides - Consider experience level of riders - Manhattan Riding Club offers Clydesdale Hack & Wine Tasting for various skill levels - Seaton Hackney Stables offers guided trail rides in Loantaka Park for all levels Safety First: Essential Tips - Wear ASTM and SEI certified helmet - Sturdy shoes/boots, proper attire - Match horse temperament with skills - Avoid riding alone, handle reins properly Preparing for Your Ride - Arrive 15 minutes early, use mounting blocks - Check weather forecast, avoid riding in thunder/lightning The Ride Experience - Offers scenic trails with rivers, streams, fields, and hills - Experienced guides ensure safe navigation - Wildlife interaction, historic lands Post-Ride Activities - Wine tasting options, e.g., Manhattan Riding Club - Local amenities like Aqui Market for snacks Level of Experience - Honest assessment of skill level is crucial - Events like Clydesdale Hack categorize riders into Level 1-2 (walking) and Level 3+ (trot/canter) Conclusion - Combines physical activity, scenic beauty, and horse interaction - Recommendations for equipment from various collections Exploring Guided Horseback Hacks in Jersey: Tips and Recommendations for Your Next Adventure If you're looking to embark on a unique and exhilarating adventure in New Jersey, guided horseback hacks offer a perfect blend of nature, exercise, and camaraderie. Heres a comprehensive guide to help you prepare and make the most out of your horseback riding experience in the Garden State. Choosing the Right Stables and Guides When selecting a stable for your guided horseback hack, it's crucial to consider the experience level of the riders in your group. For instance, the Manhattan Riding Club offers a "Clydesdale Hack & Wine Tasting" event in Long Valley, NJ, which caters to riders of various skill levels. They divide riders into groups based on their comfort with walking, trotting, or cantering, ensuring everyone has a safe and enjoyable experience (source). Another reputable option is Seaton Hackney Stables in Morristown, NJ. This family-oriented facility provides guided trail rides suitable for complete beginners through advanced riders, utilizing the nicely maintained bridle paths in adjacent Loantaka Park (source). Safety First: Essential Tips for Horseback Riders Horseback riding, while incredibly rewarding, comes with inherent risks. Here are some essential safety tips to keep in mind: Proper Equipment: Always wear a properly fitting helmet certified by the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) and the Safety Equipment Institute (SEI). Replace your helmet every three to five years or immediately after an impact (source). Footwear and Attire: Wear sturdy shoes or boots that cover the ankle and have a one-inch heel. Avoid overly loose clothing that could get hung up on tack and equipment. Horse Handling: Make sure your skills match the horses temperament. Become well-versed in equine behavior and best horse-handling practices. Inspect your tack and equipment regularly. Riding in Groups: If possible, dont handle or ride horses alone. When leading a horse, always hold the reins or lead rope in folds, not looped or wrapped around your arm or hand. Preparing for Your Ride Before you mount up, here are a few things to consider: Arrival and Mounting: Arrive 15 minutes early to meet the group and get introduced to your horse. Use mounting blocks if available to avoid straining yourself or the horse (source). Weather Check: Always check the weather forecast before riding outside. If you detect thunder or lightning, get off your horse and return to the barn. The Ride Experience Guided horseback hacks in New Jersey offer a diverse range of landscapes and experiences. Heres what you can expect: Scenic Trails Explore rivers, streams, fields, and hills across the Skylands region. These trails provide remote views and vistas that can only be accessed on horseback. Trail Guides Experienced guides will lead you through the trails, ensuring you navigate safely and enjoy the scenery. For example, the Manhattan Riding Clubs guides will help you warm up in the arena before heading out on the trail. Interacting with Nature Enjoy the peaceful landscape, populated by deer, hawks, and other wildlife. The trails often pass through historically significant lands, such as those once owned by Revolutionary War Brigadier General Stirling. Post-Ride Activities Many guided horseback hacks include additional activities to enhance your day: Wine Tasting After your ride, you might have the opportunity to enjoy a wine tasting, such as the one offered by the Manhattan Riding Club. This is a great way to unwind and socialize with fellow riders. Local Suggestions Take advantage of nearby amenities. For instance, you can stop at the Aqui Market in Califon to pick up snacks before or after your ride. Level of Experience Guided horseback hacks cater to various skill levels, so its important to be honest about your experience: Level Descriptions: For events like the Clydesdale Hack, riders are divided into Level 1-2 for walking hacks and Level 3+ for trot/canter hacks. Ensure you choose a group that matches your riding experience. Honesty About Ability: Dont exaggerate your riding ability. Booking a ride that is beyond your real ability can make the experience unpleasant for you and other riders. Conclusion Exploring New Jersey on horseback is a unique and enriching experience that combines physical activity, scenic beauty, and the joy of working with horses. By choosing the right stables, following safety tips, and being honest about your experience level, you can ensure a memorable and safe adventure. Whether you're riding through the picturesque trails of the Skylands region or enjoying a wine tasting after your hack, New Jersey offers a plethora of opportunities to connect with nature and horses. So saddle up, and let the gentle giants guide you through the beauty of the Garden State. For the best horse riding equipment and accessories, remember to check out the various collections available at Jodhpur Collection, Horse Riding Boot Collection, and Horse Riding Gloves Collection.```html```

Its wise to use a veterinarian that uses a full-mouth speculum for dental exams, which allows him or her to visualize and palpate all aspects of the horses cheek teeth. | Photo: Stephanie L. Church/The HorseQ.I have a Morgan mare who, I think, might have something wrong with her teeth. What should I expect from a dental examination for my horse?Gail, via e-mailA.Dental examinations can vary from a superficial examination to identify major abnormalities only to a detailed examination that hopefully will reveal the smallest dental problem. The age and use of the horse will influence the type of examination performed.Some practitioners exams consist of flushing the mouth to remove feed and hay, a visual examination, and possibly a manual examination. This type of examination might identify many problems, especially if the horse is amenable. However, it has the potential to miss problems, especially at the back of the mouth.As such, its wise to use a veterinarian that uses a full-mouth speculum for dental exams, which allows him or her to visualize and palpate all aspects of the horses cheek teeth. Most practitioners sedate horses before a speculum exam.Who Needs Dental Exams?Newborn foals should be examined to see if there is proper alignment of the incisors (parrot-mouthed or sow-mouthed) or congenital defects of the lips or palate. Procedures that help in correcting malalignment might be available.All horses going into or already in training should have dental examinations (at least annually) to allow the identification and correction of dental problems such as sharp enamel points and the presence of wolf teeth.Retired and/or senior horse also require dental examinations and treatment. The latter group might require more frequent evaluation and treatment than younger horses (often every six months) as older horses are at risk for a number of dental issues.What Problems Might Your Vet Find?As mentioned before, sharp enamel points will cause discomfort as a bit or noseband might push the cheeks into the sharp points on the outside of the upper cheek teeth. And, not all wolf teeth cause problems, but no wolf tooth ever helped the horse, and some do cause problems. So, most wolf teeth are extracted.Other problems that should be identified include retained deciduous incisors and premolars (caps), tall/long (dominant) teeth, hooks, ramps, beaks, and unlevel chewing surfaces front to back. The chewing surface of the cheek teeth normally slopes 10-15% from side to side.Infected or diseased teeth do occur, although they are rare. They are indicated by facial or mandibular swellings, draining tracts, slow eating, holding the head to the side, and bad odor of the mouth. If there are signs of an infected tooth, radiographic examination probably is indicated.The owner should expect to be told and/or shown what problems/abnormalities the veterinarian identifies and what effect those abnormalities might have on eating, performance, and long-term dental health. The owner should be given an estimate of the professional fees for any indicated corrective procedures. If the corrective procedures are beyond the examiners expertise, knowledge, or instrumentation, the owner should expect to be referred to a specialist.The Bottom LineDental examinations are important in the health management of the horse and should be performed on a regular basis. This might be on a six to 12 month basis as indicated by the horses age, use, expected level of performance, and overall condition of the teeth.A 10-year old in light pleasure riding should be examined yearly to see if corrective procedures are indicated.Late two-year olds or late three-year olds in top level competition might need to be seen every month as they shed (or fail to shed) deciduous premolars (caps) and the new permanent cheek teeth develop sharp enamel points.A few horses have such bad occlusions that they need corrective procedures every three months, although that is unusual.Owners need to observe their horses eating habits and performance characteristics closely. If the horse changes either eating and/or performance habits, a dental examination is indicated. Abnormal conditions found at examination need to be corrected. This prevents minor problems from becoming major problems. Good dental care can help reduce the risk of colic and choke, prolong the effectiveness of the teeth, increase feed efficiency, and keep horses performing well.

Dr. Thunes doesnt face winters like this in Arizona, but the change in season still requires preparation. | Photo: iStockGrowing up in the United Kingdom, late summer and early fall were the times when the hay barn was filled with enough of that years harvest to get us through the winter. Once we had filled the barn, we always had a sense of relief and a feeling that we were ready for whatever winter might bring. It was a time of year to look ahead to winter and make necessary preparations. Now I live in Arizona. Some would hardly consider our state as having a winter, but we do drop 60-plus degrees Fahrenheit from summer temperatures, so some preparation is still necessary.In no particular order, here are a few of the things I have been thinking about that you might want to put on your getting-ready-for-winter checklist.Assess your horses condition.Too fat or too thin? If too fat, then winter can be your friend. Cooler temperatures can result in weight loss, even without reducing feed intake, which is ideal. Skip that blanket, and let your overweight horse burn some calories producing heat to stay warm. If your horse is on the thin side, then try to put pounds on him before winter sets in and weight gain becomes harder. Assess the possible cause of weight loss. Its always a sign that your horses calorie level is inadequate. You might already be feeding a lot, but those calories arent getting to their destination. Ask yourself why, and what else is going on. Have your veterinarian assess the horse to rule out dental issues, internal parasites, and pain, which can all cause weight loss. Is the horse being bullied in pasture and kept away from hay? Maybe hes a hard-keeper and needs more than just hay? Perhaps he needs digestive tract support to facilitate hindgut fermentation and better use the forage in his diet? Consider working with a qualified equine nutritionist who can suggest ways to best support weight gain.Condition tack and send in for repair.If you ride more in the summer than winter and will be letting horses down, now is a good time to send in tack for repairs, such as stirrup leather restitching or saddle billet replacement. If you wont be using an item for a few months, condition it and put it in storage. If you ride more in the winter, take equipment out of storage and prepare them for use.Service clippers and blades.If you will be body-clipping this winter (and you didnt do this at the end of last winter), send your clippers to be serviced and blades sharpened. It will make for a much more pleasant job, and your horse will appreciate clippers that run cool and blades that cut well.Check blanket fit/search for preseason sales.If you are clipping, you will likely be blanketing. Depending on the weather, you might need to blanket even if your horse is unclipped. Keep in mind that many of us overblanket. Educate yourself on good blanket selection for your climate. Make sure existing blankets still fit, as sometimes blanket fit changes as horses gain or lose weight. If you need something new, now is a great time to hit preseason sales. Mend any blankets you didnt get mended last year, and consider buying spare leg straps and a rip repair kit so you can keep your blankets functioning through the season. If you live in a dry climate, have static guard (available from the laundry aisle) on hand.Be weather ready.If you live in a wet climate, prepare now for mud. If your horses get turned out, what area will you make your sacrifice area? Consider placing fine gravel in heavy-traffic areas such as gateways and around water troughs. Check with local clean water agencies and university extension offices, as they often have excellent resources and help that is appropriate for your area. If you live in a region that gest snow and ice, stock up on vegetable shortening to pack in to hooves to prevent ice balls from forming during turnout. Keep it somewhere where it will be warm enough to scoop out of the container!Check lights.Discovering in the dark on a cold night that a bulb has burned out is frustrating. Many of us do not use our barn lights in the summer, so now is a good time to make sure all circuits are working.Assess pasture condition.Do your pastures need to be reseeded, harrowed, rolled, or mowed before being shut down for the winter? Now is the time to get out and do those tasks while you can still get machinery into pastures without damaging them.Buy an electric kettle for your tack room.Great for defrosting frozen facets and making hot cocoa, every tack room should have one! Unplug it when not in use.Check trough heaters and buckets.For those in colder climates where frozen buckets and troughs are issues, check existing bucket and trough heaters to make sure they work. Consider purchasing if you do not have these already, or look online for ways to insulate water troughs and keep them from freezing without the need for electricity. If using electric heaters, be certain your horse will not get shocked while drinking.Lag pipes.Nobody enjoys frozen or, worse, broken pipes. Insulate them as well as possible. Have a plan for what you will do if your water supply does freeze. How will you get water to your horses?Feed salt.If you do not do so already, add 1 tablespoon of salt per 500 pounds of body weight to your horses ration, and provide an additional salt source. As the weather fluctuates through fall into winter, many horses do not drink as much. Add to that the transition from pasture to dry hay and reduced movement once stalled, and it becomes obvious why incidences of colic increase as we go into winter. Keeping your horses drinking is a great insurance against impaction colic, and salt will help encourage them to drink.Whether we like it or notand in Arizona I admit we like itwinter is coming. Take the time now to be prepared.

Of course, it is normal behaviour for a horse to shake his or her head. However, one in 25 horses in the UK are reported by their owners to shake their heads more than is normal.There are many reasons for horses to shake their heads too much, including ill-fitting tack, musculoskeletal pain and dental pain. When this is the case you may be able to resolve the problem yourself or by involving paraprofessionals such as a saddler, trainer or physiotherapist although it is my opinion that involving your vet early on can be beneficial.A quarter of horses shake their head so badly, or do not get better, and these are the ones that do see a vet. Of these, 90% will be diagnosed with trigeminal-mediated (TGM) head shaking in horses.The vast majority of the remaining 10% have a better prognosis than those diagnosed with trigeminal-mediated headshaking and the underlying cause is successfully treated.Trigeminal-mediated head shaking in horsesThere is some evidence that in TGM head shaking in horses, the main sensory nerve to the face has become some 10 times more sensitive than that of a normal horse. We do not know how or why this sensitisation occurs.There is a complex association between environment and sensitisation, but it is not allergy. In fact, the nerve when examined under a microscope appears entirely normal, ruling out other proposed causes such as nerve damage from tack.It is likely that the sensitisation results in nerve pain, which is called neuropathic pain. People with neuropathic pain report varying occurrence and intensity of pins and needles, burning and electric shock-like pain.We assume horses experience the same type of pain and indeed if you watch a horse with trigeminal-mediated headshaking, they look exactly like they are experiencing these sensations.Clinical signs of head shaking in horsesTGM head shakers show varying intensity and frequency of predominantly vertical head shaking, accompanied by sharp vertical tics and signs of nasal irritation, such as snorting, nose rubbing and striking at the nose with the front legs.Types of horse affectedHorses are not born trigeminal-mediated head shakers, but instead acquire the condition, usually between the ages of about four and 12. There does not seem to be direct heritability.Seasonal influencesSome horses with trigeminal-mediated headshaking are affected all year round, though all TGM headshakers tend to vary moment on moment and day on day.About 70% are much better in the autumn and winter, with 30% of those being clear of any signs at this time of year. Less commonly, horses may only show signs when it is raining or just about to rain, for example.Triggers of head shaking in horsesMany trigeminal-mediated headshakers seem to have an environmental trigger(s), and these do appear to be individual. For example, they may show signs more commonly on days with more sunlight or wind, or near particular hedges or trees.It is hard to separate possible triggers, though, as days with more sun and wind may also have more particulates. Moving environment only occasionally results in signs resolving, however.Virtually all horses who head shake will be worse affected at exercise than rest. Those that are also affected at rest are of particular welfare concern, as they may have little relief from pain.Diagnosing head shakingThe first step is to be as sure of a diagnosis as is possible. If the cause of the head shaking is, for example, an ill-fitting saddle or a lameness, then resolving that is the key to management.A diagnosis of trigeminal-mediated head shaking is one of exclusion and ideally made by a vet using a range of tests, including a computed tomography (CT) scan of the head. This often requires referral to a specialist.Once a diagnosis of trigeminal-mediated headshaking has been made, there are treatments that can be tried. However, there is no one good treatment for all. Response can be very individual.There are many unpublished treatments which may work well for some individuals but without scientific data behind them. Owners risk spending a lot of time and money on unproven treatments, and all the while their horse is suffering.Treating head shaking in horsesUnfortunately, we do not know how or why trigeminal-mediated head shaking occurs in horses and, until that happens, we do not know how to prevent it nor how best to treat it. In the meantime, the following methods can be effective in managing and treating head shaking in horses:NosenetsThe first treatment option is a nosenet. These fall largely into three different types, and it is worth trying all three. Some are allowed in some competitions and owners should check with their regulatory body.It is thought that nosenets work by rubbing the nose the same way that if you bang your elbow, you rub it and it feels less painful.You can expect 25% of trigeminal-mediated headshakers to be up to 70% better with a nosenet. You may achieve greater success by adding in a facemask.It is much harder if your horse is in the 75% of non-responders to a net, or if 70% improvement is not enough.MagnesiumYou can supplement feeds with magnesium as part of a holistic approach. Magnesium calms nerve firing. However, most horses do not seem to show a dramatic improvement. You can find dosage information here: (Trigeminal Mediated Headshaking) AskAnimalweb (drdavidmarlin.com). Use of magnesium has been found to reduce headshaking (Sheldon et al, 2019 B; Sheldon et al, 2019 C). The work was carried out in the USA where they used magnesium with boron. Boron increases uptake of magnesium but cannot be fed in the UK. However, boron itself is not the active ingredient.There are other pharmaceuticals to try, however response is very individual, they can be very expensive, may have side effects such as sleepiness and are not allowed in competition.EquiPENS neuromodulationA pharmaceutical trial is something to discuss with your vet. EquiPENS neuromodulation gives 50% of horses remission after three hospital-based procedures. They return to ridden work at the previous level, however, this is for an unpredictable period of time.Risks are low, but present, and it is expensive. However, it is currently the best treatment available where a nosenet is ineffective.Results from EquiPENS neuromodulation, developed by myself in collaboration with others, was also published in a large international study (Roberts et al, 2020).Avoiding triggers If you know your horses triggers very well and they are specific, then sometimes it is possible to avoid them.However, this is fairly rare and I would advocate against owners turning their lives upside down for example staying close to home to be able to bring their horse in from the field at the first sign of rain as this causes huge amounts of anxiety and difficulty.Triggers of head shakingThere are many causes of head shaking in horses, including musculoskeletal pain, cervical (neck) pathology and temporomandibular joint (jaw joint) pathology.One top-level dressage horse who was referred to me had started to head shake. It was worse at exercise and he was no better on bute or with rest.After several months of trying to find a solution, his owner brought the horse to see us. We found on CT scan that he had broken a fragment of bone from his top neck vertebra and no one knows how on earth he did it.It had been there for some months, which limited treatment options, added to the fact that this is not really a diagnosis found in a textbook.We injected steroid around the fragment to settle inflammation and the horse did lots of physiotherapy. A special bridle was made for him and I was delighted when he returned to competing.CT scan: top to bottom slice through the back of the horses head. A bone fragment is highlighted by white arrows, the bone it comes from, by the green arrow. You can see the normal bone on the opposite side.Latest researchThere have been 18 peer-reviewed papers over the last five years on trigeminal-mediated head shaking in horses, showing it is an active research area.A survey of cases in Germany, Australia and then France and Switzerland found the situation similar to US and UK, where most research has been published (Maxi Stange et al, 2020; Maxi Stange et al, 2022; Bell et al, 2024).The caecal microbiome of trigeminal-mediated head shakers differs to that of horses with orthopaedic disease, although it is not clear if this is cause, result or association (Aleman et al 2022).Seasonally affected geldings did not have different levels of a hormone, compared to healthy geldings in late summer, so this did not explain a cause (Sheldon et al, 2019 A).My own researchI have been involved in a study to demonstrate that cannabinoid receptors are expressed in the trigeminal ganglion of the horse, and we are doing further work in this area (Zamith Cunha et al, 2023).Ive also been working to develop an objective measure (like a FitBit), which has been shown to be an accurate measure (Pickles et al, 2024) and is being further developed, as well as a novel scoring system (Kloock et al, 2024 A; Kloock et al, 2024 B).Besides this, I am part of a research team showing the importance of computed tomography in making a diagnosis (Fairburn et al, 2023; Perrier at el, 2023; Kloock et al, 2022; Edwards et al, 2019).If your horse starts head shakingIf head shaking comes on suddenly and your horse is affected at rest, please call your vet urgently. When this is not the case, first gather some information and take some videos of your horse in the stable, field, on the lunge and ridden (if safe to do so). Try using a nosenet to see if it helps alleviate symptoms and then contact your vet with the information you have gathered.I am lucky enough to work with great horses, owners, referring vets, veterinary and research teams. We have had great successes, getting anything from international competition horses through to childrens ponies back to work.Sadly, however, it is the failures which we remember more prominently. Until we know the cause of trigeminal-mediated head shaking we will always struggle to treat it and have no idea how to prevent it. To make progress, we need more research.The Langford Trust for Animal Health and Welfare have a dedicated fund for head shaking research. Here is a link for further information and should you be interested in donating.My patientsHis triggers arent consistentI diagnosed a beautiful horse called Jack with trigeminal-mediated headshaking. His owner, Mel, is a veterinary nurse and extremely dedicated, but despite our best efforts, Jacks TGM headshaking did not responded to any treatment.Jack was subsequently retired, and Mel very kindly allows him to participate in our (ethically approved) research.Head shaking is a frustrating, painful condition that has many triggers which sadly are never consistently the same, says Mel. One day the rain or hay may cause an attack, but later that same day at a different time there may be no reaction at all.This makes it so difficult to treat and find a solution. However, with more research and information given by owners of head shaking horses we can further our bank of knowledge and give us a further insight into finding the answer.EquiPENS made all the differenceAlthough I have seen hundreds of horses for head shaking investigation, Dude stands out because of his awesome personality and his dedicated owner.Dude was diagnosed with trigeminal-mediated head shaking and was one of the first horses in the world to try EquiPENS neuromodulation some 10 years ago. Amy, his amazing owner, put all faith in us and travelled him from Durham to Bristol on several occasions to be part of our first treatment trial.During that time, Dude even managed to break a leg. He survived, but he did have to start treatment all over again. Dude is still in ridden work today.The best thing I ever did was accidentally stumble on Veronica and her PENS therapy study, says Amy.Dude had just been diagnosed as a head shaker and the prognosis was bleak. I found the study and emailed not expecting a reply, but Ronnie responded the same day and not long after we made the journey to Bristol.Dudes been in remission for 10 years now and continues to do everything we did prior to the diagnosis, adds Amy. Without EquiPENS I dont think he would have seen the last 10 years. Im forever grateful to Ronnie for giving Dude and I this life.Related contentResistance to antibiotics is growing and this is what we need to do about itHow to tell if a horse is happyCan you read your horses body language?This is what horse ear positions meanHow to lower the risk of equine fluReferencesAleman M., Sheldon S.A., Jospin G., Coil D., Stratton-Phelps M., Eisen J. (2022) Caecal microbiota in horses with trigeminal-mediated headshaking Vet Med Sci 8(3):1049-1055Bell T., Kyriazopoulou P, Mowbray C., Murphy B.A. (2024) Equine Headshaking Syndrome: Triggers, Seasonality, and Treatment Efficacy in Australia. Animals (Basel) 13;14(6):875Edwards RA, Hermans H, Veraa S. (2019) Morphological variations of the infraorbital canal during CT has limited association with headshaking in horses. Vet Radiol Ultrasound. 60(5):485-492Fairburn A.J., Meehan L.J. , Roberts V.L.H (2023) Computed tomographic findings in 101 horses presented for the investigation of headshaking. Equine Vet Edu. 35;4:339-345Kloock T, Pickles KJ, Roberts V, Uhlendorf F, Twele L, Wilkens HL, Stehle E, Feige K, Niebuhr T. (2024) History, Rest and Exercise Score (HRE-S) for assessment of disease severity in horses with trigeminal-mediated headshaking. Equine Vet J. 56(3):464-474Kloock T, Hellige M, Kloock A, Feige K, Niebuhr T. (2024, B)Application of the HRE-S to 140 horses with trigeminal-mediated headshaking and the association of clinical signs with diagnosis, therapy, and outcome. Front Vet Sci. 5;11:1329054Kloock T, Hellige M, Kloock A, Feige K, Niebuhr T. (2022) Impact of Different Diagnostic Procedures on Diagnosis, Therapy, and Outcome in Horses with Headshaking: Recommendations for Fast-Track Advanced Diagnostic and Therapeutic Protocols. Animals (Basel) 13;12(22):3125Maxi Stange L., Krieter J., Czycholl I. (2022) Comparison of the Current Situation of Equine Headshaking Syndrome in France and Switzerland Based on an Online Survey. Animals (Basel) 28;12(11):1393Maxi Stange L, Krieter J., Czycholl I. (2020) Overview of the Current Situation in a Sample of Headshakers and Owner Assessment of Effective Therapeutic Measures Used in Germany. J Equine Vet Sci 95:103270Perrier M, Manso-Daz G, Dunkel B (2023) Computed tomography findings in horses presented with signs of head-shaking Equine Vet Journal. 55(4):649-655Pickles K, Williams J, Marlin D, Roberts V (2024) Use of a poll-mounted accelerometer for quantification and characterisation of equine trigeminal-mediated headshaking Equine Vet Journal. In press.Sheldon SA., Aleman M., Rosa R Costa L., Santoyo A.C, Weich K.M, Howey Q., Madigan J.E (2019 A) Luteinizing hormone concentrations in healthy horses and horses with trigeminal-mediated headshaking over an 8-hour period. J Vet Intern Med 33(2):885-888Sheldon SA, Aleman M, Costa LRR, Santoyo AC, Howey Q, Madigan JE. (2019 -B) Intravenous infusion of magnesium sulfate and its effect on horses with trigeminal-mediated headshaking. J Vet Intern Med. 2019 Mar;33(2):923-932Sheldon SA, Aleman M, Costa LRR, Weich K, Howey Q, Madigan JE. (2019 C) Effects of magnesium with or without boron on headshaking behavior in horses with trigeminal-mediated headshaking. J Vet Intern Med. 2019 May;33(3):1464-1472Roberts VLH, Bailey M; Equipens group; Patel NK. (2020) The safety and efficacy of neuromodulation using percutaneous electrical nerve stimulation for the management of trigeminal-mediated headshaking in 168 horses. Equine Vet J. 2020 Mar;52(2):238-243 Zamith Cunha R, Semprini A, Salamanca G, Gobbo F, Morini M, Pickles KJ, Roberts V, Chiocchetti R. (2023) Expression of Cannabinoid Receptors in the Trigeminal Ganglion of the Horse. Int J Mol Sci. 3;24(21):15949The post Head shaking in horses: specialist vet explains what you need to know appeared first on Your Horse.

One of the most important complications in neonatal foals is failure of passive transfer (FPT). This is the inadequate absorption of antibodies from the mares colostrum.Approximately 5-20% of newborn foals are diagnosed with FPT. They are at risk for developing serious medical conditions.To learn why passive transfer is so critical, how to check antibody levels in your foal, and what to do if failure of passive transfer occurs, follow the steps illustrated in this infographic.This infographic gives you a visual understanding of how your newborns immune system functions. Then you can work with your veterinarian to prepare for foaling. And once the foal is born, you can ensure he receives the protection he needs.

An ex-soldier from Sandy in Bedfordshire has led the towns annual remembrance parade for the past two years with her horse and dog wearing a rug and coat bedecked in knitted poppies.In 2023, Samantha Wenn posted on her local Facebook page asking if people from the area would send in knitted poppies to cover her horse Chesters rug and help raise money for charity.The post proved extremely popular and hundreds of poppies began arriving.Samantha soon had enough to cover the 15-year-old Irish draft geldings rug so her mum, Eileen Wenn, began sewing each poppy on by hand, a project which took six months to complete.News soon got around about our rug, and we were asked to lead the remembrance parade in Sandy, explained Samantha.We were so grateful to be asked, as this was our way to help raise awareness for the animals who helped serve alongside our soldiers.FundraiserSamantha served in the Royal Logistics Corps in Wiltshire for nine years and completed a six-month tour of Afghanistan in 2011.We decided to raise money for the Royal British Legion, a charity that is very close to me, said Samantha.Remembrance Day is very important to me as it is a time to remember not only the fallen soldiers of World War I and World War II but also friends who I lost while serving in Afghanistan.Through collections on the day of the parade and her Facebook page, Adventures of the Floppy Ear Pony in Sandy, Samantha raised 400 for the Royal British Legion.Chester was unable to take part in this years remembrance parade as he was out of work, so Samantha decided to make a smaller poppy-covered coat for her dog, Billy, an 11-year-old Cocker Spaniel.She wrote a post on her Facebook page and was again inundated with handmade poppies.One follower even made a wreath from knitted poppies which Samanthas older horse, Jack, wore for some photos at home.The response we received was brilliant, and mum sewed each poppy onto Billys coat, said Samantha.A few weeks before the remembrance parade we received a phone call and were asked if we would like to lead the parade with Billy. We were absolutely delighted to be asked back again this year.This year Samantha has raised over 2000 for Keech Hospice Care, a hospice which provides palliative care for adults and children across Luton, and also 400 for the Royal British Legion.Further readingFamily poem about horse requisitioned for war features in Brooke remembrance campaignAngela Rippon to represent Brooke at remembrance service for animals lost in warBrooke reveals it helped 32 million working horses and donkeys in 2023-24Grey army horse returns to Household Cavalry after London incident *VIDEO*The post Ex-soldier leads local remembrance parade with horse covered in handmade poppies appeared first on Your Horse.

Section Key Points Yoshi's Journey Yoshiaki Oiwa acquires MGH Grafton Street, a British five-star winner, highlighting the high stakes in selecting an eventing horse. Understanding Eventing Three phases: Dressage, Cross-Country, Show Jumping Requires stamina, jumping ability, agility Qualities of an Eventing Horse Preferred breeds: Warmbloods Key qualities: Stamina, jumping ability, suppleness Introducing a New Horse Assess social skills Follow step-by-step introduction: Initial separation Visual introduction Controlled meeting Supervision Gradual integration Young Event Horse Programs USEA Young Event Horse Program helps in identifying and developing young talent for eventing. Conclusion Successful integration and development involve careful consideration of the horse's social skills, breed, and programs. Introducing a New Equine Companion: Yoshi's Journey and Eventing PotentialWelcoming a new horse into your stable or herd can be an exciting yet challenging experience, especially when the new equine companion has the potential to excel in a demanding sport like eventing. This article will follow the journey of introducing a new horse, showcasing Yoshiaki Oiwa's recent acquisition, and delve into the aspects of integrating a new horse into a herd and the qualities necessary for success in eventing.The Story of Yoshiaki Oiwa and MGH Grafton StreetRecently, Yoshiaki Oiwa, a renowned event rider, acquired MGH Grafton Street, a British five-star winner that previously triumphed at the 2019 Burghley Horse Trials under the guidance of Pippa Funnell. (Horse & Hound). This acquisition highlights the high stakes and careful consideration involved in selecting a horse for top-level eventing. Understanding EventingEventing is a multifaceted equestrian sport that requires a horse to excel in three distinct phases: dressage, cross-country, and show jumping. The sport demands a horse with stamina, jumping ability, and the agility to navigate complex courses over several days (ehorses). Dressage: This phase tests the horse's discipline and grace as it performs a set test in an arena. Cross-Country: Here, the horse must demonstrate boldness, stamina, and a willingness to listen to the rider while navigating obstacles at speed. Show Jumping: The final phase requires the horse to show agility and focus in a controlled arena setting.Qualities of an Eventing HorseWhen selecting a horse for eventing, several key qualities are crucial: Breed: Warmblooded breeds such as Belgian Warmbloods, Czech Warmbloods, and Irish Sport Horses are particularly well-suited due to their balanced combination of stamina, jumping ability, and suppleness (ehorses). Stamina and Endurance: The ability to perform over several days is essential. Jumping Ability: Both in the arena and across country. Lightness and Suppleness: Necessary for the dressage phase. Introducing a New Horse to the HerdIntroducing a new horse to an established herd requires careful planning and execution to ensure a peaceful and safe integration.Assessing Social SkillsBefore introducing the new horse, it is vital to assess its social skills and experience with other horses. A horse with good social skills can avoid conflict and recognize calming signals from other horses. This assessment helps in understanding how the new horse will interact with the existing herd members (The Willing Equine).Step-by-Step IntroductionHere are some steps to follow for a safe introduction: Initial Separation: Keep the new horse separated from the existing herd initially to allow them to become familiar with each other's presence without the risk of immediate conflict. Visual Introduction: Allow the horses to see each other from a distance before any physical contact. Controlled Meeting: Use a controlled environment, such as a paddock or arena, for the first physical meeting. Ensure there is enough space for the horses to move freely and avoid feeling trapped. Supervision: Always supervise the introduction to intervene if necessary and ensure the safety of all horses involved. Gradual Integration: Gradually increase the time the new horse spends with the herd, monitoring their behavior and adjusting the integration process as needed. The Role of Young Event Horse ProgramsFor horses with eventing potential, programs like the USEA Young Event Horse (YEH) Program play a significant role in identifying and developing young talent. Established in 2005, the YEH Program focuses on showcasing the potential of four- and five-year-old horses through a series of qualifying events and championships. These programs help in educating and preparing young event horses in a correct and progressive manner, aiming to identify future five-star horses (USEA).ConclusionIntroducing a new equine companion, especially one with the potential to excel in eventing like MGH Grafton Street, is a meticulous process that requires careful consideration of the horse's social skills, breed, and overall suitability for the sport. By following a structured introduction process and leveraging programs designed to develop young event horses, riders and owners can ensure a smooth transition and set the stage for a successful partnership in the demanding world of eventing. ```html```

Your Horse is supported by our audience and when you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Heres how it worksAlthough I have always preferred to ride in safety stirrups, I have found that they can be bulky and heavy. So when I was offered a pair of Vector Balance Stirrups from LeMieux to ride in, I was very interested to see how this modern, lightweight design compared to others I have used.At first glance, when compared to my old faithful stainless steel safety stirrups, these were noticeably much lighter but with a sturdy feel and a modern look. They arrived in a smart box and they come in a variety of colour options.FitI have been using the LeMieux Vector Balance Stirrups for several months now and I found them easy to fit to my stirrup leather and saddle from day one. You do need to be mindful of the spikes on the footbed, though, which can scratch the leather on your stirrup leathers. I have since purchased a set of stirrup covers to prevent the spikes from scratching the leather. These stirrups come in one size which is plenty big enough for my foot (Im a size 7 but with fairly narrow feet) to sit safely and securely in the stirrup without it feeling big and bulky. They are also easy to clean and look fab after a quick wipe over. Several months on and even with daily use they still look like Ive just taken them out of the box.PerformanceAs soon as I put my feet in the stirrups, they felt super comfy and really secure. The spikes definitely help to prevent your foot sliding in the stirrup, and the ergonomic footplate of the Vector Balance Stirrup is set at 5 to enable lower leg stability and help encourage your heels to stay down. The apex of the frame is recessed and off-set, encouraging a 45 outward orientation to make it easier to find the ideal angle for your foot when riding. I was interested to see how secure the safety clip was on the stirrup in terms of accidentally popping open, but it has never once accidentally opened. This is because it has an integrated hinged arm with a two-stage release system, preventing unintentional opening. I have tested it and it will definitely release under enough pressure and is easy to close back together once opened.How the quick-release mechanism worksLeMieux explains that these stirrups have a spring-loaded arm that locks into the base of the iron so that when under maximum pressure, such as landing over a fence, your weight is spread evenly across the stirrup, preventing the outside from dropping and flexing. When pressure from a riders foot is put onto the arm of the stirrup, it releases and allows the foot to come out of the stirrup. The stirrup arm breakout force was 36N (equivalent to 3.62kg) in testing, which means there is enough resistance to stop it from opening unintentionally, but it will release when needed.Having said that, these stirrups as with any safety stirrup do come with a warning that the quick-release system is not 100% guaranteed to open in the event of a fall. Things like your horse falling too or a loose girth causing your saddle to slip may not generate enough lateral force to open the release arm in the stirrup, for example.Value for moneyFor a lightweight safety stirrup with plenty of technical features, I think the LeMieux Vector Balance Stirrups are priced right and are a good investment that will hopefully last the test of time. Product infoLeMieux Vector Balance Stirrups159.95Available in various colours including rose gold, auburn, navy blue and silver.Competition legal for FEI, British Dressage, British Eventing and British Showjumping.The post If youre looking for safety stirrups, Ive found these to be a good investment appeared first on Your Horse.

The FEI Pony Measuring session will take place on Wednesday 22nd and Thursday 23rd January, 2025 in Cavan Equestrian Centre. FEI Pony Owners should note thatonlyone Irish FEI measuring session will take place in 2025 and should ensure that their Ponies are presented for measuring if needed (Please see diagram below). All ponies mustbe FEI registered through Horse Sport Ireland for 2025 in order to apply for measuring. All ponies wishing to compete in FEI competitions in 2025 must also be FEI measured. FEI Registration link can be found here: Cavan Equestrians registration portal is now OPEN Click here to register: Entries for the FEI pony measuring in Cavan Equestrian Centre will close Monday 13th January at 12 Noon. Please read the FEI Guidance carefully. It is important to note that any FEI Ponies who have an interim measuring certificate (aged 1-8 years old) can re-present at this []