We are often asked what the difference is between British Horse Feeds two mash feeds Speedi-Beet and Fibre-Beet. Here is an in depth look at both, which explains not only the differences, but also the similarities and why each can be a good fit for different situations and the individual needs of our horses and ponies.Speedi-Beet: The Nutrient-Rich, Starch-Free ChoiceSpeedi-Beet is a highly nutritious, quick-soaking beet pulp feed, made exclusively from high-quality British beet pulp. Our patented cooking process creates a unique product, unlike any other horse feed.Why choose Speedi-Beet?High in Soluble Fibre: Rich in easily digestible fibre, providing slow-release energy.Low in Sugar and Starch: Safe for laminitic horses and those with EMS and Cushings.No Added Molasses: A healthier, natural alternative 95% sugar free.Perfect for varying horse types: Great for slowly filling up overweight horses and good doers whilst remaining low in calories, with around six megajoules of energy in the soaked feed.Increased chew time: The digestive system functions best when chew time is longer and on a more continuous basis.Added fibre boost: Can be fed as complimentary fibre base for hard feed.Great hay replacer: If you have a veteran horse that struggles to chew long fibre such as hay, you can increase the amounts of Speedi-Beet to ensure your horse still gets enough fibre to keep his gut working efficiently.Fast soaking: More hygienic than other traditional sugar beet feeds ready in 10 minutes.Great winter feed: can be made with warm water in wintery weather to help hydrate and warm the core of your horseFibre-Beet: The Ultimate Conditioning FeedFibre-Beetis a conditioning feed with a carefully formulated combination of Speedi-Beet and alfalfa supplemented with biotin, sodium and calcium.You have got all the super benefits of Speedi-Beet with its elevated level of easily digested soluble fibre for slow energy release, along with low starch and sugar.Why Choose Fibre-Beet?Optimal Nutrient Profile: A balanced blend of essential amino acids, vitamins, and minerals for optimal health and performance.Slow-Release Energy: High in easily digestible soluble fibre for sustained energy without spikes.Low Starch and Sugar: Particularly good for horses prone to Gastric Ulcers and can be fed for condition to horses with issues such as EMS and Cushings as part of a balanced diet.Enhanced Digestion: The natural combination of multiple fibres promotes healthy digestion.Versatile Feeding: Can be fed in larger quantities than Speedi-Beet, making it an excellent choice for conditioning and weight gain.Having Speedi-Beet as part of the formulation of Fibre-Beet means you still get all the benefits of Speedi-Beet, making the two products similar in many ways. However, Fibre-Beets additional conditioning advantages makes choosing what is best for your horse quite simple. Speedi-Beet for fibre and maintenance, Fibre-Beet for fibre and conditioning. Remembering always that fibre needs to form the base of all your feeding regimesThink Fibre First!To learn more about the difference between Speedi-Beet and Fibre-Beet watch here:For tailored feeding advice on how you can include Speedi-Beet or Fibre-Beet to your horses diet, please contact the team on 01765 680300The post BHF Nutrition What is the difference between Speedi-Beet and Fibre-Beet? appeared first on British Horse Feeds.

Sponsored by:Equine Osteoarthritis in the Hind LimbEquine osteoarthritis (OA) in the hind limb is a condition found in many horses, particularly as they age. You might notice your horse is a little stiff under saddle. Maybe he feels uneven in the trot or has trouble cantering. It could be a lot of things, but upon closer examination your veterinarian determines osteoarthritisin the hind limb is the cause.

On December 9, a 16-year-old Quarter Horse gelding at a boarding facility in the District of Parry Sound, Ontario, tested positive for strangles. The horse is now recovering, and five additional horses are exposed.EDCC Health Watch is an Equine Network marketing program that utilizes information from the Equine Disease Communication Center (EDCC) to create and disseminate verified equine disease reports. TheEDCCis an independent nonprofit organization that is supported by industry donations in order to provide open access to infectious disease information.About StranglesStranglesin horses is an infection caused byStreptococcus equisubspeciesequiand spread through direct contact with other equids or contaminated surfaces. Horses that arent showing clinical signs can harbor and spread the bacteria, and recovered horses remain contagious for at least six weeks, with the potential to cause outbreaks long-term.Infected horses can exhibit a variety of clinical signs:FeverSwollen and/or abscessed lymph nodesNasal dischargeCoughing or wheezingMuscle swellingDifficulty swallowingVeterinarians diagnose horses using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) testing with either a nasal swab, wash, or an abscess sample, and they treat most cases based on clinical signs, implementing antibiotics for severe cases. Overuse of antibiotics can prevent an infected horse from developing immunity. Most horses make a full recovery in three to four weeks.A vaccine is available but not always effective. Biosecurity measures of quarantining new horses at a facility and maintaining high standards of hygiene and disinfecting surfaces can helplower the risk of outbreakorcontain one when it occurs.

On December 14, a 16-year-old donkey at a boarding facility in Lennox and Addington County, Ontario, tested positive for equine influenza. The donkey is under quarantine and is recovering.EDCC Health Watch is an Equine Network marketing program that utilizes information from the Equine Disease Communication Center (EDCC) to create and disseminate verified equine disease reports. TheEDCCis an independent nonprofit organization that is supported by industry donations in order to provide open access to infectious disease information.About Equine InfluenzaEquine influenzais a highly contagious respiratory disease that infects horses, ponies, and other equids, such as donkeys, mules, and zebras. The virus that causes it is spread via saliva and respiratory secretions from infected horses. Horses are commonly exposed via horse-to-horse contact; aerosol transmission from coughing and sneezing; and contact with humans contaminated hands, shoes, or clothes or contaminated tack, buckets, or other equipment.Clinical signs of equine influenza infection can include a high fever (up to 106F); a dry, hacking cough; depression; weakness; anorexia; serous (watery) nasal discharge; and slightly enlarged lymph nodes. Consider monitoring your horses health at shows by taking his temperature daily, which can help you pick up on signs of infection early and take appropriate measures to reduce disease spread.Vaccinationis an important and inexpensive way to protect your horse. US Equestrian requires proof that horses have had an equine influenza vaccination within the six months prior to attending organization-sanctioned competitions or events. Your veterinarian can help you determine what other vaccines your horse might benefit from.In addition to vaccinating, following strictbiosecurity protocolscan help reduce your horses chance of infection and disease. Such measures include quarantining new equine arrivals at barns, disinfecting buckets and equipment, and preventing nose-to-nose contact between horses.Click hereto read common questions and answers about equine influenza.

Horse Sport Ireland, on behalf of the Irish Sport Horse Studbook, are delighted to announce the new upgraded 5* Star Rating of the 2009 Irish Sport Horse stallion Sligo Candy Boy, achieved by the performances of his Eventing progeny. Bred and owned by Padraig and Catherine Howley in Sligo West Stud, this son of Balou Du Rouet (OLD) competed with Vincent Howley as a young horse, including qualifying for the RDS Dublin Horse Show as a four-year-old. He later competed up to 1.20m as a five- and six-year-old before retiring to stud. Sligo Candy Boys dam Sligo Candy Girl (ZfdP) by Conley (Holst) is also the dam of Sligo Balou (ISH), a full brother to Sligo Candy Boy, ridden at 1.35m and 1.40m level by Gary Quinn. Sligo Candy Girl is also a half-sister to All You Need (Holst) by Canturo (Holst), who competed at 1.45m level with Christian []

The best way to treat a hunters bump is to prevent it from forming. | Courtesy Duncan PetersNamed after the type of equine athlete it usually affectsthe hunter/jumpera hunters bump is a characteristic upward protrusion at the horses hindquarters over the sacroiliac (SI) region. This bump is often more than just a simple blemish. The cause, impact on performance, and appropriate treatment of a hunters bump varies greatly from rump to rump, so lets take a closer look at this common, but sometimes misunderstood condition.Etiology and CausesWhat exactly is a hunters bump? The possible etiologies and various structures involved contribute to the confusion and myths surrounding the condition, because there are actually several types of hunters bumps, explains Coralie Morauw, DVM, CVSMT, associate veterinarian at Chicago Equine Medical Center, in Wauconda, Illinois, and faculty of Veterinary Spinal Manipulative Therapy (VSMT) at the Healing Oasis Wellness Center, in Sturtevant, Wisconsin.To start with a bit of anatomy, the sacroiliac joint connects the hind limb with the spine where the sacral vertebrae and ilium (pelvis) meet, says Morauw. Its main function is forward propulsion. Tons of important soft tissue structures surround the SI joint, notably the lateral sacroiliac, dorsal sacroiliac, and sacrosciatic ligaments, as well as major muscle groups including the gluteal and iliopsoas muscles.When a hunters bump is not present, both tuber sacralesthe top eminences of the iliumfollow the silhouette of the croup smoothly, without protrusion. In contrast, a hunters bump is a protuberance of one or both tuber sacrales. Such protrusion can be unilateral or bilateral and is generally linked to one of five main causes, says Morauw, which are often interconnected:Conformation. Two big conformation flaws that predispose a horse to a rump bump are a flat rumpone lacking angulationand a straight hind leg. In these cases, the tuber sacrales protrude upward even though there is nothing physiologically wrong with them.Musculature variation. Any asymmetry in the gluteal muscles can result in a hunters bump appearance. A unilateral increase in musculature can cause the opposite side to appear decreased, revealing a protruding tuber sacrale on one side only.Related to cause No. 2, muscle neuropathy from diseases such as equine protozoal myeloencephalitis (EPM) or nerve entrapment can contribute to hind-end muscular asymmetries. Beyond the nefarious effects of the neuropathy itself, the resulting muscle atrophy (wasting) increases the risk of strain and injury to the sacroiliac region, making the horse more vulnerable to hind-end pain and lameness.Altered stance stemming from a pain response. Horses can adjust their posture to reduce pressure in a painful area. This can cause the ilium to shift upward, resulting in the apparition of a hunters bump. Asymmetrical movement due to pain can also lead to asymmetrical muscle development, linking back to cause No. 2. Chronic overuse of the SI joint, muscles, and/or ligaments in the region can all lead to pain and inflammation and create a hunters bump. This bump might appear, for example, when the sacroiliac ligaments are strained.Subluxation or luxation. A subluxation is a partial dislocation, and a luxation is a full dislocation of the SI joint, where the latter is usually traumatic and carries a poor prognosis. Subluxations are common in jumping disciplines and result in hypomotility (reduced range of motion) of the joint. In the case of a hunters bump, the sacroiliac joint is restricted in a fashion that the tuber sacrale is more dorsal (further up toward the head) than normal.Effect on Soundness and PerformanceThe presence of a hunters bump does not always automatically bother a horse, which is good news for concerned owners. Lameness is not pathognomonic to those cases, says Morauw, adding that while the bump itself might not be painful, its nonetheless important to consider its impact on the entire horse. Compensatory changes and abnormal movement (of the sacroiliac region) often causes secondary thoracic and lumbar back pain, says Morauw. In these cases, finding the root cause of the hunters bump is key in determining the course of action. For example, if back pain stems from direct misuse of the sacroiliac region versus from secondary misuse of the hocks due to the chronic hunters bump, there will be different treatment options for the different affected joints.TreatmentMorauw and other veterinarians agree the first-line treatment for a hunters bump is rest and pain medications, usually the non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) phenylbutazone (Bute). Depending on the conditions cause and duration, some cases might require a combination of the following therapies and modalities:Muscle relaxers such as methocarbamol.Chiropractic care.Mesotherapy.Intra-articular therapy.Extracorporeal shock wave therapy.Photobiomodulation therapy.Pulsed electromagnetic (PEMF) therapy.Acupuncture/aquapuncture (acupuncture complemented by vitamin B12 injection).Physical and massage therapy.Here again, we must consider the entire animal when making a plan to address an individual horses hunters bump. In addition to treating secondary muscle or spinal pain, it is essential to rule out any discomfort stemming from the sacroiliac region itself, says Morauw. Remember the affected tissues can vary because joints, bones, muscles, and ligaments all make up the sacroiliac region thats why we dont have a one-size-fits-all treatment for hunters bumps.Spinal manipulation might apply to some horses treatment plans. In my experience, chiropractic care is essential in managing hunters bumps, says Jesslyn Bryk-Lucy, DVM, cAVCA, owner of Leg Up Equine Veterinary Services, and resident veterinarian and an assistant professor of equine science at Centenary University, in Hackettstown, New Jersey. Ive had several cases where I examined a horse with a hunters bump and thought that a return to performance was impossible. While the severe cases never look normal again, I have been surprised every time at how much the hunters bumps had improved with chiropractic adjustments, both in their visual appearance and in the owners reports that the horse felt better under saddle.PreventionThe best treatment for a hunters bump is prevention. Management of horses with a developing hunters bump is a key component in preventing further issues associated with sacroiliac dysfunction, says Bryk-Lucy. Proper conditioning of the hind end is essential for the muscles in the area to stabilize the joint and carry the load. She recommends hill work, cavalettis, and transitions to strengthen the hind end, reminding owners to start with easy exercises and work up slowly to avoid soreness as the horse increases his fitness level.Final ThoughtsIf you notice the characteristic bump forming on your horses rump during your training, dont push him. Give your horse time to rest, and create a plan with your veterinarian to minimize discomfort and maximize the likelihood the bump will resolve without complications.

The Donkey Sanctuary has combined with Emirates to help stop the trafficking of donkey skins in air cargo.The international animal welfare charity and the worlds largest international airline have joined forces to create a set of operational guidelines to provide the wider aviation industry with greater knowledge and understanding of the fight against the donkey skin trade.The Aviation Risk and The Threat Assessment operational guidelines explain the biosecurity risk of smuggling inadequately processed donkey skins alongside legitimate cargo such as leather or textiles.They also highlight concealment methods and crime convergence, where networks involved in the donkey skin trade may also be linked to organised crime such as wildlife and drug trafficking.It is hoped that by highlighting the risks associated with the donkey skin trade and offering practical advice, other airlines will be equipped with a better understanding of this trafficking and be better equipped to stop the perpetrators.Welcome stepThis is another welcome step in the battle against the illegal trade in donkey skins within the transportation sector, said Marianne Steele, ceo of The Donkey Sanctuary.We are proud to work alongside Emirates, which is setting new standards with its support for our work and the tightening of its own trafficking polices. We hope that others in the aviation industry will follow suit and join us in cracking down on this cruel and unstainable trade.All measures that shine a light on the inhumane trade in donkey skins are to be applauded, especially given its links to illegal wildlife trafficking and organised crime as well as the threat to human health for everyone involved at every stage in the process.The Donkey Sanctuary estimates that six million donkeys are killed for their skins each year with the bulk of these executions taking place in Africa.The skins are then transported globally by ship and by air before being used to make traditional medicine and remedies.We are proud to bring our expertise in both air logistics and the fight against illegal wildlife trafficking to the preparation of these guidelines, said Robert Fordree, senior vice president of Cargo Operations Worldwide, Emirates SkyCargo.In close collaboration with The Donkey Sanctuary, we have highlighted some of the ways bad actors can exploit the logistics network to transport illicit goods, while also suggesting operational initiatives that can be implemented across the aviation ecosystem to stop trafficking in its tracks.Our hope is that by working with likeminded partners, we can protect the worlds biodiversity for generations to come.Main image credit: The Donkey SanctuaryFurther 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 The Donkey Sanctuary and Emirates join forces to combat donkey skin trafficking appeared first on Your Horse.

Challenge Solution Responsibility and Time Commitment Create a routine, enlist help from family/friends, and select a yard with basic services like pasture management. Facility and Resource Availability Assess facilities to ensure they meet your horse's needs, like exercise areas if required. Bedding and Manure Management Choose low-dust bedding if needed and plan efficient manure removal and disposal. Insurance and Running Costs Include all running costs in a business plan and consult with professionals for cost management. Legal and Tax Implications Seek advice from tax professionals to structure services for optimal tax relief. Challenges and Solutions in Finding the Perfect DIY Livery for Horses When it comes to caring for your horse, finding the right livery arrangement is crucial. For many horse owners, DIY (Do-It-Yourself) livery is an attractive option due to its cost-effectiveness and the opportunity to be heavily involved in the day-to-day care of their horses. However, this type of livery also comes with its own set of challenges. Here, we will explore these challenges and provide practical solutions to help you find the perfect DIY livery for your horse. Understanding DIY Livery DIY livery is the most basic and cost-effective type of livery, where the owner is responsible for all aspects of day-to-day horse care. This includes providing a stable, grazing, and managing all the necessary care tasks such as feeding, grooming, and health checks[2]. Challenges in DIY Livery 1. Responsibility and Time Commitment One of the primary challenges of DIY livery is the significant time and effort required from the horse owner. This includes tasks such as "poo-picking" the fields, providing water, administering worming programs, and daily health and fitness checks of the horses[1]. Solution: To manage this time commitment effectively, it is essential to create a routine and possibly enlist the help of family or friends. Additionally, ensuring that the livery yard provides some basic services, such as pasture management and risk management, can help alleviate some of the burden. 2. Facility and Resource Availability DIY livery yards may vary widely in the facilities and resources they offer. Some may provide minimalistic packages with just stabling and grazing, while others may offer more extensive facilities like a mange or horse walker[2]. Solution: When selecting a DIY livery yard, it is crucial to assess the available facilities and ensure they meet your horse's needs. For example, if your horse requires regular exercise, a yard with a mange or turnout facilities would be more suitable. 3. Bedding and Manure Management Choosing the right bedding material and managing manure effectively are critical aspects of horse care. Different bedding materials have their pros and cons; for instance, wood shavings are more absorbent and less dusty than sawdust but can be more expensive and harder to dispose of[3]. Solution: Consider the specific needs of your horse when selecting bedding. For example, if your horse has respiratory issues, larger flake wood shavings or peat moss might be better options due to their lower dust content. Additionally, planning for efficient manure removal and disposal is essential to maintain a clean and healthy environment. 4. Insurance and Running Costs Setting up or choosing a DIY livery yard involves considering various costs, including insurance, fencing and yard repairs, rates, and water bills. These costs can add up quickly and need to be factored into your budget[4]. Solution: Create a comprehensive business plan or budget that includes all running costs. Consulting with experienced professionals can provide valuable insights into managing these expenses effectively. 5. Legal and Tax Implications DIY livery yards also have legal and tax implications that need to be considered. For instance, the services provided by the livery yard can affect its eligibility for Business Property Relief (BPR) and Agricultural Property Relief (APR)[1]. Solution: It is important to seek proactive advice from tax professionals to ensure that the services provided by the livery yard are structured in a way that maximizes tax relief. Solutions for Finding the Perfect DIY Livery 1. Assess Your Horses Needs Before selecting a DIY livery yard, it is crucial to assess your horses specific needs. This includes considering the type of facilities required, the level of care needed, and any special requirements such as specific bedding or turnout arrangements. 2. Evaluate the Facilities Visit potential livery yards to evaluate the facilities and resources available. Look for yards that offer the necessary amenities and ensure they are well-maintained. 3. Check Services and Support While DIY livery means you are responsible for most care tasks, some yards may offer additional services or support. Look for yards that provide services like pasture management, risk management, and ad-hoc advice from experienced staff[1]. 4. Consider the Community The community at the livery yard can be a significant factor. A supportive and knowledgeable community can provide valuable advice and assistance when needed. 5. Plan for the Future Ensure that the livery yard you choose has the potential for future development and can adapt to changing needs. This includes considering the land's development potential and any "hope value" it may hold[1]. Conclusion Finding the perfect DIY livery for your horse involves careful consideration of several factors, including the level of responsibility and time commitment, facility and resource availability, bedding and manure management, insurance and running costs, and legal and tax implications. By understanding these challenges and implementing the suggested solutions, you can ensure that your horse receives the best possible care while also managing your own time and resources effectively. For more detailed information on livery packages and what to expect, you can refer to resources like Horsemart's guide on livery packages. When it comes to specific aspects of horse care like bedding, Mad Barn's guide on horse bedding offers comprehensive insights into different materials and their benefits.