Whittle received the award for his advocacy for veterinary students and scope-of-practice protections. | AAEP photoThe American Association of Equine Practitioners (AAEP) presented its 2024 Distinguished Service Award to Bruce Whittle, DVM, owner of Honey Creek Veterinary Hospital, in Trenton, Missouri, for his longstanding leadership of the AAEPs Essential Skills Workshops for students and his staunch advocacy on veterinary scope-of-practice issues.The Distinguished Service Award honors exemplary service to the AAEP or a similar organization to the benefit of the horse, horse industry, or profession of equine veterinary medicine. Whittle received his award Dec. 10 during the Presidents Luncheon at the AAEPs 70th Annual Convention, in Orlando, Florida.Whittle is the longtime linchpin of the AAEPs Essential Skills Workshop in dentistry, an immersive weekend program begun in 2009 and offered approximately 20 times each academic year for AAEP student chapter members at veterinary schools across North America. Since its inception, Whittle has served as an instructor at 45 different workshops at 24 colleges of veterinary medicine. He additionally recruits AAEP members to serve as volunteer workshop instructors; coordinates with local faculty to make live horses and cadaver heads available for student training; and regularly reviews and updates the workshop curriculum so that student education is rooted in sound primary care practices.Since its beginnings in 2009, Dr. Whittle has truly been the captain of the AAEP volunteer team who makes this program a reality, said co-nominator Kenton Morgan, DVM. Through his efforts, Dr. Whittle has personally helped educate hundreds of veterinary students in the art and science of equine dentistry, directly impacting the health and welfare of horses and the profession of equine veterinary medicine.Beyond his deep-seated commitment to veterinary students, Whittle has championed the horse and profession through his volunteer service with the AAEP and Missouri Veterinary Medical Association (MVMA), particularly on public policy and scope of practice issues. He has been directly involved in state-level legislative action to deregulate equine dentistry, and he has personally educated veterinary medical associations about the potential negative professional, ethical, and health-care effects of unlicensed veterinary practices. In conjunction, he directly participated in crafting AAEP position statements on Dentistry, Levels of Supervision, Practice of Veterinary Medicine, and Roles of Healthcare Providers in Veterinary Medicine.Whittle, who received his veterinary degree in 1994 from the University of Missouri, in Columbia, is a past president of the MVMA and a former chair of the AAEPs Welfare and Public Policy Advisory Council.

Dr. Tracy Turner was installed as 2025 AAEP president during the organizations 2024 annual convention held in Orlando, Florida. | AAEPTracy Turner, DVM, MS, Dipl. ACVS, ACVSMR, partner in Turner Wilson Equine Consulting, in Stillwater, Minnesota, became president of the American Association of Equine Practitioners (AAEP) on Dec. 10. He was installed during the Presidents Luncheon at the 70th Annual AAEP Convention, held in Orlando, Florida.Turner retired from private practice in December 2023 after concentrating exclusively on equine sports medicine, lameness, and surgery at his Turner Equine Sports Medicine and Surgery. He established the practice in 2016 following 12 years with Anoka Equine Veterinary Services in Elk River, Minnesota. He joined Anoka Equine after 23 years in academia as an assistant professor at the University of Illinois, in Urbana (19811983), tenured associate professor at the University of Florida, in Gainesville (19831990), and tenured professor at the University of Minnesota, in Minneapolis (19912004). Turner received his veterinary degree from Colorado State University, in Fort Collins, in 1978.He has consulted for the USDA Horse Protection Program, Fdration Equestre Internationale, the United States Equestrian Federation, and the American Quarter Horse Association. Turner also delivers medical care to working equids and education to students and caretakers in Central America as a volunteer with the Equitarian Initiative, cofounded by his wife, Julie Wilson, DVM.An AAEP member since 1986, Turner previously served on the organizations board of directors from 2017 to 2019; as chair of the Farrier Liaison Committee; and as member of the Educational Programs and Student Relations committees as well as the Foundation Advisory Council. He was instrumental in creating the AAEP student chapter veterinary podiatry workshops in the early 1990s, and he served as the faculty advisor for the AAEP student chapter at the University of Minnesota for many years.Beyond the AAEP, Turner has served as president of the Minnesota Horse Council, Minnesota Association of Equine Practitioners, and the American Academy of Thermology; and on the board of directors of the American Academy of Equine Sports Medicine. In addition, he has authored more than 110 refereed manuscripts and 31 book chapters, and he has delivered hundreds of presentations throughout the United States and internationally.

Ocala, FL The final dressage show of 2024 at World Equestrian Center Ocala (WEC) opened on Thursday, December 12, at the December Dressage CDI-W presented byHampton Green Farms. Three CDI classes were featured on the days schedule with familiar faces leading the victory gallops. U.S. Olympic team silver medalist Adrienne Lyle (USA) led the 15-entry strong Grand Prix for Freestyle CDI-W class riding[...]Read MoreThe post Strong Performances Highlight Opening Day at World Equestrian Center Ocala December Dressage CDI-W Show appeared first on World Equestrian Center.

The British Eventing Support Trusts Winter Ball, which took place on Saturday 30 November at the Savoy Hotel in London, proved to be its most successful event ever after it raised 254,965.The money was generated through ticket sales, a live auction during the evening, a silent auction and a raffle as well as donations from guests. The event was attended by many well-known faces from the horse world such as Zara Tindall, Alice Plunkett, William Fox-Pitt, Kristina Cook, Nicola Wilson and Ian Stark (all pictured above).The funds raised will allow the British Eventing Support Trust to provide physical, mental health and financial support to British Eventing (BE) members following an accident or through difficult times. The charity also offers support to research involving safety within the sport of eventing.I cannot thank everyone enough for their support at the Winter Ball. What a brilliant night of entertainment, fundraising and raising awareness, said Lexi Hambro, chair of the Winter Ball committee and BE Support Trust trustee.The highlight of the evening was listening to the very inspirational Saffron Cresswell speak to Nicola Wilson, about her rehabilitation journey, after her fall earlier this year. What a driven young lady Saffron is and we continue to send positive thoughts to her in her rehabilitation journey.Cycle4Caroline concludesThe Winter Ball also marked the end of the Cycle4Caroline challenge which saw nine riders, including Badminton and Burghley champion Piggy March, her husband Tom and several other members of the equestrian community, complete a 1,100km cycle ride from Blair Castle in Scotland to the Savoy Hotel in Central London.The riders battled treacherous weather conditions to traverse the length of the country in 11-days and raise money for Spinal Research and the BE Support Trust. Special guests such as Joe Stockdale, William Fox-Pitt and Zara Tindall joined them on various legs throughout the event.The challenge was in memory of Caroline March, Toms sister, who died by assisted suicide in March 2024 after being paralysed in an eventing fall in 2022. At the time of writing the challenge had raised over 300,000.Main image photo credit: Julian PortchFurther readingThree exercises to prepare your horse for jumping indoors this winterThis is how a horses digestive system worksHead shaking in horses: specialist vet explains what you need to knowThe post BE Support Trusts Winter Ball raises record amount appeared first on Your Horse.

Issue Solution Blades Not Cutting - Check blade tension and fit - Clean and oil blades - Sharpen or replace blades Overheating Motor - Check blade tension - Ensure sharp blades - Clear vents and filters Noisy Clippers - Check blade attachment - Tighten loose components Lines and Uneven Cuts - Technique and pressure - Blade maintenance Battery and Charging Issues - Full initial charge - Charging and run time management General Maintenance - Annual servicing - Cleaning and storage Troubleshooting Common Challenges with Liveryman Harmony Plus Clippers For horse groomers and equine care professionals, the Liveryman Harmony Plus Clippers are an indispensable tool. However, these mechanical devices can sometimes face issues that might affect their performance. This article provides a comprehensive guide to troubleshooting common challenges with your Liveryman Harmony Plus Clippers, ensuring you can maintain optimal performance and continue providing the best care for your horses. Blades Not Cutting One of the most frustrating issues is when your blades stop cutting effectively. Here are a few steps to troubleshoot this problem: Check Blade Tension and Fit Ensure that your blades are fitted and tensioned correctly. If the blades are too tight, it could put extra strain on the motor, leading to overheating and poor performance. Conversely, if they are too loose, they may not cut properly. Refer to the manual or the manufacturer's guidelines for the correct tensioning procedure [source]. Clean and Oil the Blades Dirt, hair, and other debris can clog the blades and reduce their cutting efficiency. Remove the blades, clean them thoroughly, and oil them every 5-10 minutes while clipping. Regular maintenance is key to keeping the blades in good condition [source]. Sharpen or Replace the Blades If your blades are dull, they will not cut effectively. Check if your blades need to be re-sharpened or replaced. Liveryman recommends having your blades re-sharpened periodically to maintain their cutting performance [source]. Overheating Motor An overheating motor can be a sign of several underlying issues: Check Blade Tension As mentioned earlier, blades that are too tight can cause the motor to overheat. Ensure the blades are tensioned correctly to avoid putting unnecessary strain on the motor. Ensure Sharp Blades Blunt blades can also cause the motor to overheat due to the increased effort required to cut through hair. Regularly sharpen or replace your blades to keep them cutting efficiently [source]. Clear Vents and Filters Ensure the vents and filters on your clippers are not clogged by loose hair or dirt. Clearing these can help keep the motor cool and running smoothly. Noisy Clippers If your Liveryman Harmony Plus Clippers are making unusual noises, here are some potential causes and solutions: Check Blade Attachment Ensure that the blades are properly attached to the clipper. For snap-on blades like those used in the Harmony Plus, make sure you hear the double click when attaching the blade. If the blade is not attached correctly, it can cause rattling or other noises. Tighten Loose Components Loose hinges or latches can also cause noise. Use a Phillips head screwdriver to tighten any loose components. If the noise persists, it may indicate a worn-out latch that needs to be replaced. Lines and Uneven Cuts Leaving lines or making uneven cuts can be frustrating and affect the appearance of the horse's coat. Technique and Pressure Ensure you are applying even pressure both front to back and side to side. This technique helps in achieving a smooth, even cut. If lines are still visible, try creating X marks over the lines to help them disappear. Blade Maintenance Properly maintained blades are essential for avoiding lines. Regularly clean and oil the blades, and ensure they are sharp. Dull blades can cause uneven cuts and lines. Battery and Charging Issues If you're experiencing issues with the battery or charging of your Harmony Plus Clippers, here are some tips: Full Initial Charge When you first purchase your Harmony Plus Clippers, ensure you give them a full 24-hour charge, even if the light turns blue shortly after being plugged in. This helps in setting up the battery for optimal performance. Charging and Run Time The Harmony Plus has an internal battery with a run time of up to 90 minutes from a 3-hour charge. If the red light starts flashing, it indicates you have 20 minutes of run time left. Make sure to charge the battery fully before storing it, and charge it every six months when not in use to maintain battery health. General Maintenance Regular maintenance is key to extending the life and performance of your Liveryman Harmony Plus Clippers. Annual Servicing Liveryman recommends servicing your clippers once a year by themselves or an approved service center. This ensures all components are checked and maintained properly. Cleaning and Storage Keep your clippers clean by regularly wiping off hair and debris. Store the battery in a warm, dry place when not in use and charge it fully every six months to maintain its lifespan. Conclusion By following these troubleshooting steps and maintenance tips, you can ensure your Liveryman Harmony Plus Clippers continue to perform optimally, providing the best possible care for your horses. Regular maintenance not only extends the life of your equipment but also guarantees a smooth and efficient grooming process.

If winter cuts down on your riding time, try exploring these winter equestrian activities to get your horse fix.Photo by Daniel JohnsonTable of ContentsToggleRead Horse-Related BooksExplore New SkillsLearn More About Your HorseStudy for CertificationStay in ShapeMake Plans for Warmer MonthsGet OrganizedSet a BudgetTackle Repairs & DIY ProjectsGo Horse ShoppingGet CraftyVolunteer Your TimePerks of Trying Winter Equestrian ActivitiesYou start every winter with the best of intentions. This year, Im going to keep riding all winter, no matter how bad the weather gets!Youre a tough equestrian, right? Youre not going to let a little snow (wind/sleet/ice) stop you from spending time in the saddle.But then deep winter sets in, and you struggle to simply keep up with the regular daily barn chores, along with the myriad of winter-centric tasks (shoveling, de-icing, shoveling, then some more shoveling). Throw in some winter weather advisories and what seems like two hours of daylight per day, and its no wonder that you ultimately decide that spending some downtime indoors sounds like a pretty good idea.Winter downtime is one thing, but you also dont want to go stir crazy. And horses are your thingyou want to learn, grow, explorewithout freezing for hours on end outdoors.The good news is theres so much more to the equestrian lifestyle than time in the saddle, and winter is a great time to invest your energy into activities that will make a positive impact on your involvement with horses. The following are a few ideas to get you started.Read Horse-Related BooksWe always tell ourselves were going to make time to read and then we dont.Its easy to pile up a TBR pile a mile high during fair weather, so now is the time to enjoy some horsey fiction and learn from some great horsemanship manuals. Photo by Daniel JohnsonThis winter, make it happen. Set aside some of your downtime to explore an assortment of horse-related books, both fiction and nonfiction. Revisit childhood favorites and enjoy them with a new perspective. Explore new subjects that interest youmaybe training young horses, equine nutrition, or the history of your favorite breed. Check out vintage horse books. Try some biographies of pillars of the industry. Read old breed association yearbooks. Catch up on your pile of magazines.Youll learn a lot, and youll have the satisfaction of making a dent in your TBR (to be read) pile. If you dont have a TBR pile, get in the habit of keeping a list during the fair-weather months on your phones notepad app. When a book strikes your fancy but you dont have time to read it, just jot down the title.Explore New SkillsQuiet winter weekends are a great time to explore new skills. Have you always loved taking photos but wish you understood the nuances of equine photography? Do you wish your horse show videos werent so shaky and choppy? Maybe you daydream about creating beautiful artwork or sculptures of your horse.Now is the time to learn a new skill, such as photography. By next spring, youll be snapping beautiful photos of your horse. Photo by Paulette JohnsonDaydreaming is great, but you can take action by pursuing your ambitions: sign up for some art or photography classes, find a mentor who can give you some guidance, and practice, practice, practice! Youll be surprised at how quickly you can make progress when you carve out regular time to pursue your passions.Learn More About Your HorseYou love your horse and all of his endearing habits and mannerismsbut this winter, why not learn as much as you can about him?Start with his pedigree, if available, and begin researching his ancestors. Look for photos, gather info, and find out more about your horses background.Learn the basics of equine coat color genetics and discover how your horse came to be the color he is, as well as how and why he inherited his white markings (or lack thereof).You can also explore breed registry resources to learn all you can about the history of your horses breed, or send off a DNA test if your horses ancestry is unknown.Study for CertificationDo you have long-held ambitions that youve always wanted to pursue? Winter is the perfect time to take the first steps.Check out educational courses and programs, then find out what it takes to become certified in the field youre interested in, whether its judging, training, instructing, horsemanship, equine appraisal, massage, or another related area. Fulfilling all of the requirements for certification can take a long time (in some cases years), but you can take advantage of the winter months to get the ball rolling. The time will pass either way, so you might as well be making progress toward your goal!Stay in ShapeWhen its cold, chances are youre craving comfort foods. Of course, comfort foods get most of their comfort from the gazillion calories they contain. And when you combine that with decreased activity levels during the winter, the result leaves you in something less than tip-top physical shape.But it doesnt have to be that waystaying in shape during the winter not only feels great, but it also gives you an advantage when the weather improves and you can get back in the saddle on a regular basis.Your specific method of staying in shape will depend on your individual circumstances, but might include walking, swimming, yoga, visits to the gym, et cetera.Make Plans for Warmer MonthsTheres no better time to make plans than during the winter. Evaluate the upcoming year and begin to set goals and plans.Which horse shows will you attend? Can you pencil in some weekends for trail rides? Add in dates of clinics, horse expos, breed association meetings, and local club events so its all on the calendar from the start of the year. Then determine the training goals you want to accomplish with your horse this year. What farm improvements would you like to make? Are there any important purchases you need to consider this year? Start tackling the logistics now, while things are quieter and less chaotic than in the summer.Get OrganizedWintertime is the ideal season to work on getting organized. Who wants to deep-clean a tack trunk in the middle of a crazy show season? Or sort a box with 43 nylon halters when its 98 degrees?Use the quiet time and the cooler working conditions to make some cleaning headway in your tack collection, show clothes, and trailer. You can get organized slowly, at your own pace, without the rush-rush-rush of the summer schedule on your mind.Set a BudgetJust kidding. Budgets are for New Years resolutions!Tackle Repairs & DIY ProjectsFeeling handy? Its time to work on some of those long-overdue repair projects youve been avoiding.From little things like repairing tack, fixing buttons on shirts, and replacing laces in paddock bootsall the way up to bigger DIY projects like repainting jump standards, building window boxes, replacing the flooring in the bathroom at the barnyou can tackle these projects during the winter months and feel relaxed and ready to roll when spring arrives.Go Horse ShoppingBuying a new horse is a surefire way to have fun this winter and make the most of the seasonal downtime, right? Of course, even if youre not in the market for a new horse, it never hurts to browse some listings or watch a few YouTube videos of horses for sale.Window shopping can be almost as much fun as actual shopping, plus its a lot less expensive.Get CraftyWhy not put your crafting skills to good use? Maybe youve always wanted to make a ribbon quilt with your keepsake show ribbons.Or maybe you love to crochetwhy not start making crocheted ponies for the kids in your life or to give as prizes at next summers horse shows?Crafting takes a bit of time to learn and execute, but its well worth the end results. Photo by Karenkh/Adobe StockVolunteer Your TimeBreed associations and local horse clubs are almost always in need of volunteers to help with events, to serve on committees, and to handle the details of various programs. Your assistance will be gratefully received, and youll have the satisfaction of being a vital asset to these organizations.Perks of Trying Winter Equestrian ActivitiesAfter youve put the winter months to good use, youll be more than ready to greet the coming spring from the vantage point of the saddle. But youll also have the satisfaction of knowing that you put your time to good use even on the coldest, windiest, and snowiest of winter days.This article about winter equestrian activities with less time for riding appeared in the November/December 2023 issue of Horse Illustratedmagazine.Click here to subscribe!The post Winter Equestrian Activities: How to Spend Your Time with Less Riding appeared first on Horse Illustrated Magazine.

LENNOX, S.D. Every great innovation begins with a moment of clarity, and for ZahnTechs founder, Avery Zahn, it came in the most unexpected way. As Avery looked out his window one afternoon, he watched his horse stubbornly push against a corral built with railroad tie fences. Frustrated by their inadequacy, he had an epiphany: I should build a better fencepost.The idea, however, had deeper roots. Avery had previously owned a plastic lining company for PVC pipes. His late father, George Zahn, often encouraged Avery to find a better use for leftover PVC material, a suggestion that lingered in the back of his mind. Years later, this vision became a reality with ZahnTech, a company now transforming plastic waste into durable, eco-friendly fencing solutions.At ZahnTech, were not just recycling; were reimagining the possibilities of waste, said Dan Elliott, head of marketing and sales, and the creator of the companys motto: Give it better than it was given, and leave it better than it was left. This guiding principle, adopted last spring, encapsulates ZahnTechs commitment to innovation and sustainability.Farming and Building Expertise Shapes the VisionJoining Avery in leading ZahnTech is Vice President Billy Pollema, who brings a wealth ofexperience from his background in farming and construction building. Billys practicalknowledge has been a cornerstone of our product development, Elliott explained. Heunderstands the structural demands and real-world challenges, ensuring our products meet and exceed expectations.What began as an experiment with leftover plastic quickly evolved into a groundbreakingprocess. ZahnTech now accepts all types of plastics items most recyclers wont touch, from lick tanks to barrels and drums and transforms them into high-performance fenceposts. Each 4x4x8 post repurposes about 1,600 water bottles or 680 milk jugs, while a larger 6x8 round post contains 3,600 bottles or 1,125 jugs.The manufacturing process is both straightforward and transformative. Plastic waste is ground into pieces, heated, and molded into sturdy posts that are 10 times stronger than wood and 20 times more durable. The posts are pest-resistant, water-proof, and can even be drilled into directly for electric fences.A Perfect Fit for Horse Owners and Hobby FarmsZahnTechs products are designed with the needs of horse owners and hobby farmers in mind. Strong enough to keep horses secure yet requiring little to no maintenance, the posts are an ideal solution for those looking to upgrade their fencing. They also offer a sustainable option for equestrians who value eco-friendly practices.The companys commitment to education and sustainability is evident through their Waste:ReImagined initiative. In partnership with Black Hills State University, ZahnTech is promoting awareness about sustainable recycling and encouraging schools, governments, and businesses to rethink waste management.ZahnTechs model also provides a zero-cost disposal option for businesses. We dont pay for plastic, but companies save on landfill fees, Elliott explained. Our process turns waste into something both practical and lasting.A Legacy of InnovationZahnTechs fenceposts are already proving their worth across the U.S. Hobby farmers and horse owners alike appreciate their durability, eco-friendliness, and long-term value.Reflecting on the journey, Avery Zahn shared: Were not just building a product; were creating a legacy. This is about reimagining what waste can become transforming it into something meaningful and lasting.To learn more about ZahnTech, visit www.zahntech.com or call (605) 202-5192.The post Waste: ReImagined ZahnTech Repurposes Waste for a Permanent Fencing Solution appeared first on Horse Illustrated Magazine.

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 worksEvery pony-mad child will be looking forward to opening any presents they find under the Christmas tree this year especially if they have a horsey twist. My daughters love the LeMieux toy pony range and both have one to unwrap year. Heres my round up of the best Christmas gifts for children this festive season at the best prices I could find.LeMieux Toy Pony Dream save 5%RRP 47.45 (sale price) Rug and tack accessories sold separately. Other pony colours availableBuy NowLeMieux Mini Toy Tiny Pony save 5% RRP 17.05Buy NowEquetech Horseshoe Scrunchie Navy GoldRydale Toddler Fleece GiletRRP 24.99Buy NowEmily Cole Childrens Activity BookRRP 9.99Buy NowLeMieux Hobby Horse PopcornHy Equestrian Thelwell Collection Fleece BlanketRRP 42.99. Available in navy, pink or redBuy NowFetlox Silver Sparkly Horseshoe EarringsRRP 22.50Buy NowAnalise Reversible Padded Jacket by Little RiderRRP 43.59Buy NowDublin Kids 3 Pack SocksHarry Hall Childrens BaselayerDoodle Domino Personalised Horse Portrait BackpackRRP 45 Multiple colour options availableBuy NowGlitter Horse in Heart Purple Childrens HoodieRRP 24.95Buy NowYour Horse subscription 13 issues for under 25!Buy NowBreyer Unicorn Magic Wood Carry Stable With 6 UnicornsMelissa and Doug Fold and Go StableRRP 59.99Buy NowHorze Elsa Kids Fleece Riding Jacket up to 15% off!RRP from 23.24 Available in mist green or falcon brownBuy NowHarry Hall Stretch Hat Silk with Removable Faux Fur Pom PomsHy Equestrian Flaine Childrens Bobble HatRRP 7.68 Available in grey/pink or navy/pinkBuy NowRelated contentThese are the best gifts weve found for horses this ChristmasOpen todays window in the Your Horse Christmas Advent Calendar!16 charity Christmas cards that any horse lover will love to openNew parents will love this equestrian-themed baby wear rangeThe post Perfect presents for pony-mad children this Christmas at the best prices appeared first on Your Horse.

Horse Sport Ireland are seeking applications from venues who wish to host a leg of the DAFM Showjumping Studbook Series and or Development Series in 2025. Please note, this Expression of Interest form is for the Showjumping Section only. Venue application terms, conditions, and eligibilities for the Studbook Series can be foundhere. Development Series terms, conditions and eligibilities can be foundhere. To complete the application form, please follow this link: Application Form The closing date for receipt of applications will beThursday 16th January 2025 at 12 noon sharp. Please note the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine (DAFM) Studbook Series and Development Series, delivered by Horse Sport Ireland are subject to funding by the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine under National Breeding Services.

The dos and donts of feeding horses with 4 common health conditionsAvoid feeding asthmatic horses round bales, which are notorius for being dusty in the middle. | iStockThe sneezy, runny-nosed gelding in the barn sleeps on special dust-free bedding. A laminitic pony next door wears custom wedged shoes, and the ulcer-prone Thoroughbred across the aisle lives on a panoply of medications. Veterinary care, pharmaceuticals, and management play crucial roles when addressing disease. But we often overlook an equally powerful player: nutrition. Many studies have proven a direct link between diet and disease in horses. Moreover, research shows many maladies have a nutritional component, meaning adjusting the diet can improve the condition. Here well describe feeding practices that can helpor hinderhorses with four common diseases.1. Gastric UlcersFor decades scientists have known that stomach ulceration is prevalent in horses of all disciplines (McClure et al., 1999). Racehorses top that list, with up to 80-100% of those actively racing having gastric ulcers (Sykes et al., 2015). Even pleasure horses get ulcersas many as 40-60% are affected. Luckily, we can adjust the diet to help. What to feed:Free-choice forage Unlike humans, horses continuously secrete digestive enzymes and acidic juices in the stomach, including hydrochloric acida compound corrosive to eyes, skin, and mucous membranes. Horses have evolved to consume small amounts of fiber-based feeds around the clock, justifying this constant gastric fluid production. Offering free-choice forage helps prevent ulcers because fiber helps buffer the acidity. Otherwise, in the absence of feedstuffs to digest, gastric juices have nothing but the stomach lining itself to break down, leaving it inflamed, eroded, and ulcerated. Alfalfa This and other legume hays are valuable sources of protein and calcium, making them particularly effective at buffering the stomach from its own acidic contents. Researchers have shown feeding alfalfa can help prevent and manage gastric ulcers (Lybbert, 2007).Gastroprotective supplements Choose those backed by science, and offer them judiciously based on your vets advice.What to avoid feeding:Lots of concentrates Feeds high in nonstructural carbohydrates (NSC) increase volatile fatty acid (VFA) production. While VFAs are essential for fermenting fiber in the hindgut (the cecum and large colon), an abundance of VFAs in the foregut damages the stomachs protective mucosal lining, leaving it prone to inflammation and ulceration (Nadeau et al., 2003).Low-fiber diets The bulk of the equine diet should be forage; horses consuming < 1% of their body weight in forage daily are at increased risk of gastric ulcers.Straw This grain crop byproduct has long been blamed for ulcers when fed in large amounts (Galinelli et al., 2019) or as the only forage source (Luthersson et al., 2009). But in a 2021 study researchers couldnt correlate good-quality wheat straw as 50% of horses daily forage allowance with ulcer development. This suggests good-quality straw might be a suitable dietary component but should not replace hay or grass as forage sources.2. Metabolic disordersThese include insulin dysregulation (ID), equine metabolic syndrome (EMS), and the hoof disease laminitis. Obesity is the top cause of metabolic dysregulation, so diet has the single biggest impact on prevention/management. What to feed:Enough to meet nutritional requirements Dont starve obese and laminitic horses out of fear that eating will kill them. If you restrict a horses feed intake too much, you could end up dealing with an array of secondary health problems: gastric ulcers, colic, nutritional deficiencies, weight loss, muscle wasting, and behavioral issues, to name a few.Low-NSC forage Prioritize good-quality hay over grass, as fresh grass generally has high sugar levels. Depending on the severity of your horses metabolic dysregulation, your vet might recommend limiting grass intake or steering clear of it altogether. If blood insulin concentrations are high, test the hay to ensure NSC levels are low enough that you can safely feed it to your metabolically challenged horse, says Nicholas Frank, DVM, PhD, Dipl. ACVIM, a professor of large animal internal medicine at Tufts Universitys Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine, in North Grafton, Massachusetts.Soaked hay Soaking hay for 30 minutes (and tossing the water before feeding) reduces its sugar content. This simple practice can be an effective way to reduce NSC intake. If you soak the hay for longer periods of time (two-plus hours), however, you are likely to leach vitamins and minerals out of the hay, Frank cautions.Ration balancer instead of concentrates If your horse doesnt need extra calories from grain, you can complement his forage-based diet and meet his vitamin and mineral requirements by feeding a small amount (about 1-2 pounds daily, depending on body size) of a ration balancer.Frequent small meals If he does need concentrates to meet calorie needs, break his rations into small meals (< 1.1 gram/kilogram of body weight per meal) to avoid hyperinsulinemia, or high levels of insulin in the blood (Vervuert et al., 2009).Fat for additional calories Unlike NSC, dietary fat is not associated with an increased risk of developing laminitis. Fat does not contribute to ID or EMS, either.What to avoid feeding:More calories than necessary, based on the National Research Councils Nutrient Requirements of Horses. A calorie surplus can lead to obesity and fuels metabolic disorders. Overweight horses should operate at a caloric deficit to shed excess pounds. Consider all dietary componentsforage, concentrates, and supplementswhen calculating total daily caloric intake.Lots of concentrates, because the starch and sugar rush translates to an insulin spike that can lead to ID. The degree to which the diet needs to be managed depends upon the severity of ID and whether blood insulin concentrations decrease when initial management changes are made, says Frank. The severely affected animal with profound hyperinsulinemia has to be handled carefully, and all feeds must be low in NSC.Lots of sugar-rich treats Lets not forget those peppermintsin abundance, they, too, can contribute to ID in at-risk horses. What about horses with equine Cushings disease (pituitary pars intermedia dysfunction, PPID)? This is often, but not automatically, associated with ID. If he does not have ID, the horse with PPID can be fed like a regular senior citizen, Frank says, noting that PPID horses tend to be older than 15. But the horse with both conditions needs a diet adapted first and foremost to ID. Therefore, when planning your PPID horses diet, Frank recommends starting by assessing his insulin status (via blood test) to determine whether he also suffers from ID.3. Respiratory problemsManagement and medication are the primary ways we manage equine respiratory conditions such as equine asthma, but certain dietary adjustments can also help horses breathe easier. What to feed:Fresh grass, assuming your horse doesnt have pasture-associated asthma. One of the advantages of fresh pasture is it generally contains high levels of two important antioxidants: beta-carotene (a vitamin A precursor) and vitamin E, which is known to prevent inflammation, says Laurie Lawrence, PhD, professor of equine science and nutrition at the University of Kentucky, in Lexington. Soaked or steamed hay to reduce dust and mold particles that irritate your horses airway mucosa.What to avoid feeding:Round bales, which are notorious for being dusty in the middle.Hay directly on the ground, especially in a dirt lot, which increases your horses inhalation of dirt particles.Pro-inflammatory ingredients Diets that are high in some types of fat may be high in omega-6 fatty acids that are more pro-inflammatory than omega-3 fatty acids, Lawrence says. Cereal grains such as corn and oats contain much higher levels of omega-6 than omega-3, a ratio conducive to inflammation. In a horse with inflamed airways, its vital to ensure the diet contains more antioxidants than pro-inflammatory agents, even though researchers havent yet confirmed ideal numbers and ratios, says Lawrence. If the horse is consuming plenty of fresh grass and receiving concentrates, his antioxidant status is probably good, she says. However, if hay is his main forage source, adding a ration balancer fortified with trace minerals or a vitamin supplement that provides at 500 to 1,000 IU of vitamin E per day might be beneficial in terms of their antioxidant intake.4. Dental problemsHorses of any age can have difficulty chewing their food because of sharp, loose, or broken teeth. Heres how to make mealtime easier for them. What to feed:Soaked grain Its easier to slurp soup than chomp hard feed.Processed forage like hay cubes/pellets, instead of long-stemmed hay that requires extensive chewing. Soak before feeding.What to avoid feeding:Dry beet pulp To avoid choke, soak this highly digestible, easy-to-chew fiber source thoroughly. Choke can affect any horse fed insufficiently soaked beet pulp. A grain-only diet Dont skimp on forage because your horse struggles to chew hay. Again, turn to alternative forage sources. Complete feeds can also help horses that have trouble chewing long-stemmed fiber.Take-Home MessageA holistic approach to disease management includes nutrition. Your veterinarian and nutritionist are well-informed when it comes to formulating a diet that can alleviateor, at the very least, not aggravateyour horses particular condition. And for the healthy equid, provide a diet designed for long-term health.