Section Key Points Agricultural Plastic Waste Haylage wraps and feed bags are major contributors to agricultural waste. These plastics decompose slowly, leading to environmental damage. Biodegradable Alternatives Biogone's biodegradable plastics decompose in 10-15 years. These options are UV-resistant and do not form microplastics. Recycling Programs Companies like Plastic Forests offer specialized recycling programs. Recycled materials can be used to create sustainable products. Recycling Best Practices Use clear, UV-stable collection bags only. Avoid mixing with other types of plastics. Ensure materials are clean before recycling. Community Engagement Community involvement is crucial for program success. Education and workshops can boost participation. Practical Steps for Farmers Participate in local recycling programs. Adopt biodegradable plastics where possible. Prepare waste properly for recycling. Share practices within the community. Conclusion Recycling efforts reduce environmental footprints. Biodegradable plastics and community action drive sustainability. Exploring Sustainable Solutions for Recycling Haylage Wrap and Feed Bags in Farming Communities The agricultural industry, while crucial to society for food production, unfortunately generates substantial waste in the form of haylage wraps and feed bags. Left unmanaged, these plastics can wreak havoc on the environment, contributing to litter, soil contamination, and the burgeoning heaps of non-biodegradable waste in landfills. This article unveils sustainable solutions for recycling this significant agricultural waste, highlighting innovative methodologies, practical recycling steps, and the impact of community involvement.The Problem of Agricultural Plastic WasteHaylage wraps and feed bags present a substantial environmental challenge. These traditional plastics take centuries to decompose, leading to long-lasting environmental damage. In landfills, they break down exceptionally slowly, exacerbating the plastic waste problem (source).Biodegradable AlternativesOne potential beacon of hope is the development of biodegradable plastics. For instance, Biogone has innovated landfill-biodegradable silage stretch films and hay bale nets, which incorporate a proprietary additive. This additive anchors naturally occurring microorganisms to hasten breakdown in landfills, reducing decomposition time to a mere 1015 years, rather than centuries (source).Advantages of Biodegradable PlasticsThese biodegradable options are UV-resistant and do not disintegrate into microplastics, an existential worry with conventional plastics. Furthermore, they retain integrity without running into shelf-life issues, presenting as a reliable choice for farmers. Recycling Programs for Agricultural PlasticsRecycling plays an indispensable role in managing agricultural plastic waste. Consider companies like Plastic Forests, which provide specialized collection bags and recycling programs designed specifically for silage wrap. These bags, made from clear, UV-stable recycled plastic, include drainage holes to keep materials dry. When used, the silage wrap can be transformed into sustainable products like fence posts and poly sheets (source).Best Practices for Successful RecyclingTo succeed in recycling, farmers need to adhere to certain guidelines: Use designated clear, UV-stable collection bags exclusively. Avoid mixing film and twine together. Shake off dirt and moisture before bagging. Refrain from using black plastic bags or mixing with other types of agricultural plastics (source).Community Engagement and EducationAn engaged community is crucial to the success of recycling programs. Sharing knowledge and experiences within the farming community fosters a culture of sustainability. This can be facilitated through workshops, collaborative initiatives, and local recycling programs.Case Study of Successful Community ProgramsFor example, The Recycling Partnership illustrates how small recycling improvements in communities can dance to significant environmental rhythms. By informing residents about recycling material rules and enhancing drop-off locations, participation rocketed from 26% to an astounding 95% in a New Jersey town (source). Practical Steps for FarmersPresented are pragmatic steps farmers can take in embracing sustainable waste management:Participate in Local Recycling ProgramsHarness local resources; many communities offer collection services or drop-off locations for agricultural waste. Collaborative participation with neighboring farms can amplify results (source).Adopt Biodegradable PlasticsWhere viable, selecting with biodegradable plasticsthose capable of decomposing quicker in landfillsplays a pivotal role in reducing the environmental impact of agricultural plastic waste (source).Proper Waste Preparation for RecyclingHeed the guidance from recycling facilities, assuring proper waste preparation by using the correct collection bags and avoiding contamination (source).Educate and Engage the CommunityEngage with and share best practices within the community. This shared commitment cultivates a wave of broader environmental benefits (source). Conclusion: A Call to ActionIn conclusion, recycling haylage wraps and feed bags stands crucial to minimizing the agricultural industry's environmental footprint. By gravitating toward biodegradable plastics, taking part in specialized recycling programs, and fostering community education, farming communities can make significant strides in sustainable waste management.As we pivot towards a more sustainable future in agriculture, it is imperative to prioritize eco-friendly solutions balancing productivity with environmental stewardship. Through collective community effort and the embrace of innovative technology, we can shepherd farming communities toward a greener tomorrow.```html```

These four common horse training mistakes are easier to catch and correct when youre aware of them.Table of ContentsToggle1. Boring Your Horse2. Only Trail Riding or Only Riding in an Arena3. Too Many Programs4. Tack or Equipment Quick FixWhat to Do with the Knowledge of Common Horse Training MistakesMore Horse Training Advice from Jason IrwinAs a clinician, there are a few training mistakes that I see again and again that are pretty easy to avoid once you know to watch out for them. At one point or another, I have fallen into all of these traps myself, and would like to help others avoid them.1. Boring Your HorseThis problem is becoming more common all the time. It usually comes from a good place on the part of the trainer; he or she is trying to be thorough and cover all the necessary training steps, then repeat them until the horse has it down pat.Although repetition is important when it comes to training horses, non-stop repetition is boring, takes away a horses desire to learn, and makes the training uninteresting. Think about the most boring teacher you ever had in school, and you probably get the picture.Non-stop repetition will bore any horse eventually. Try doing arena moves on the trail for a more well-rounded mount. Photo by Bronwyn IrwinStart to think in terms of quality instead of quantity when it comes to training. When youre getting a good response from your horse, move on from that lesson for the day and do something else. Also try mixing in new lessons or putting little twists on old ones to change things up.2. Only Trail Riding or Only Riding in an ArenaIf you always ride in an arena, you stand a pretty good chance of ending up with a horse that knows a lot of maneuvers and handles well in a controlled environment, but hes probably lacking in overall life skills because he hasnt been exposed to much.If you always ride in a straight line on a trail ride, you will likely have a horse that is very quiet and has been exposed to lots of things, but probably doesnt handle very welland he likely steers like a big cruise ship.If you only ride on the trail, your horse probably wont handle easily, and may turn a bit like a cruise ship. Photo by Bronwyn IrwinYou need both types of training. You dont need an actual arena to do what Im going to refer to here as arena-type exercises. To have a well-rounded horse, you should work on improving suppling, steering, leg-yielding, and all the other exercises that you might do in an arena that will get your horse well-trained and handy.You also need to spend time riding your horse on the trails to expose him to the world and to mix things up. Better yet, practice your arena exercises on the trail to make for a really well-rounded horse.3. Too Many ProgramsWith so much horsemanship information available today from so many different sources, its very easy to get swamped with information and overwhelmed. This becomes a problem is when you take all this information and jumble it together, or even worse, constantly change the program youre using.Not all horsemanship programs fit together, and thinking youre going to throw everything into a big bowl and mix it together often isnt that effective. Think of it this way: If you add chocolate chips to a pancake mix, you have a slightly different type of pancake, which is fine. If you add onions, trout, and a bag of chips, its probably not going to be a very good mix, even though all those things are good on their own.As you become more experienced, you can add little parts from different programs, but in the beginning, its usually better to stay the course with the program that youre planning on using.Constantly changing programs can be the most damaging because the horse never gets a chance to succeed. If every lesson is something completely different, he never gets a fair chance to learn anything properly.Pulling from many different training programs can result in your horse feeling confused and overwhelmed. Photo by Mani/Adobe StockThis would be no different than if someone tried to teach you five new languages at the same time; chances are, youre going to be overwhelmed and throw your hands up in frustration. I have seen several people take this approach with their horses, and they often end up with a horse that shuts down because he feels that he never gets a win and has never done anything right. Some horses will take it harder and completely blow up because theyre so exasperated.Im not saying that you cant learn from everyone. But you need to stay the course with your training if its working and make small changes as you go instead of constantly making big changes.If what youre doing isnt working, then you can make some bigger changes as needed. Also, as you get more experienced, youll know what can be added into your program with good results.4. Tack or Equipment Quick FixOf course, you should use good tack and equipment that fits properly and is suitable for the job youre trying to do.What Im referring to here is constantly looking for that one tool thats supposedly going to fix everything with your horse. We all know that person whos always buying a new bit, is constantly changing saddles, and is looking for every new training contraption on the market to fix the problems theyre having with their horse.Switching equipment can help in some cases, but more often than not, the changes are minor. The main problem that I have with this isnt so much that the person is changing equipment, but that theyre putting the focus and effort in the wrong places.Most training problems are caused by the trainer, not a piece of equipment that can quickly be fixed. Photo by Mary CageAssuming your horse is sound and healthy, 99 percent of the time the solution to training issues rests with you, his trainer. I cant begin to tell you the number of times people have told me they were going to buy something new to fix a problem when it couldnt have been more obvious that the person was making a training error.While you shouldnt be opposed to changing equipment if youre having a problem, ask yourself honestly if you could be making a training error that is causing the problem. Its pretty hard to buy the solution to a training problemits likely going to be matter of working on yourself and your horsemanship.What to Do with the Knowledge of Common Horse Training MistakesBy being aware of the mistakes that are frequently made when training horses, you can spot the traps more easily and avoid them. I hope these tips help you in your horsemanship journey.More Horse Training Advice from Jason Irwin Jason and Bronwyn Irwin Horsemanship Website Teach Your Horse to Stand Still While MountingTraining Your Horse to Cross WaterThis article about common horse training mistakes appeared in the October 2023 issue of Horse Illustratedmagazine.Click here to subscribe!The post Common Horse Training Mistakes appeared first on Horse Illustrated Magazine.

Adhering to your veterinarians carefully designed laminitis-care plan is critical to your horses welfare and well-beingLaminitic horses require constant weight monitoring with special diets and limited grazing. | iStockGetting a laminitis diagnosis is a double gut-sinking whammy. Your horse is in severe pain, and youre looking at an intense period of very stringent carewhich is usually followed by a lifetime of cautious management to prevent a relapse.Horses that have suffered a bout of acute laminitis need one week of strict stall rest for every day their feet were sore, says Andrew van Eps, BVSc, PhD, MACVSc, Dipl. ACVIM, professor of equine musculoskeletal research at the University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicines New Bolton Center, in Kennett Square. They also generally need pain medications and anti-inflammatories. And if the laminitis was metabolic in originas most cases arethe horse probably also needs food restriction to control insulin and lose weight without exercise. Once these horses are finally clear to start the progressive path back to exercise, they need constant weight monitoring with special diets, limited grazing, and, if their health allows it, regular workouts.For veterinarians the diagnosis might also be a tough one to make. Giving the bad news is almost always complicated by the fact these medical professionals must then transfer the greatest load of their patients care duty over to their owners. That often means their painstakingly designed laminitis-care plans dont get followed correctly.We recognize the problem, and then we try to manage the problem, and the owner then becomes critical in enacting the plan, van Eps says. But its just very difficult for people to do that.Its not that owners dont want the best for their horses; on the contrary, its often because they want the best for them that they deviate from these highly restrictive plans, says Tamzin Furtado, PhD, of the University of Liverpools Institute of Infection, Veterinary, and Epidemiological Sciences, in the U.K. People are genuinely worried about their horses emotional well-being, she says.Add the fact that managing laminitic and laminitis-prone horses is usually time-consuming, intense, and expensive, and its easy to understand why this often preventable disease keeps recurring, our sources say.The Counterproductive Guilt ComplexThe biggest reason owners dont follow laminitis management plans is they feel sorry for their horses when limiting turnout and grazing, for instance, van Eps and Furtado say. Our sources know exactly what that feels like, because theyre horse and pet owners, too.Weve all been there, and its just so horrible having to do these things, Furtado says. We dont want to be horrible! And the horses look miserable, and so then we feel guilty, and we just dont want to (follow the plan) anymore.As for van Eps, he struggles with guilt over restricting the diet of his easy-keeper dogeven though its vital for managing her arthritic pain. Its difficult when theyre standing there at the food bowl wondering when dinners coming or if thats it, he says.People naturally want to overfeed as an expression of love and care, he explains. Its almost an innate thing we have, isnt it? he says. So with laminitis, we have to work against that, because feedingespecially in the recovery phaseis so important.Calming medications, such as trazodone, can help ease the stress of stall rest and, hence, the owners guilt about it, van Eps adds.Vets are clearly thinking about the well-being of the horse, Furtado says. Whats important is for vets and owners to have a good conversation about the horses emotional well-being and to view things more holistically.Understanding the Seriousness of LaminitisLaminitis is generally a preventable diseaseand so are its flare-ups in chronic casesbut owners often inadvertently avoid taking the management steps that would prevent occurrences of the painful, life-threatening condition, says van Eps.The brutal truth is that the reason a large number of horses and ponies have laminitis is because of the way we manage them, he says. Its not some act of God or mystery. Its because theyre fed too much carbohydrate-rich food, and they dont get enough exercise. People think that if theyre fat, theyre happy. They think overfeeding them is doing them a favor, when its the opposite.Weve been incorrectly programmed through social and commercial media to view plump, round horses as ideal. | Getty imagesLaminitis often creeps up as horses put on weight gradually, and owners tend to overlook the subtle warning signs, he explains. Similar to humans who smoke for decades and suddenly get lung cancer, overweight horses face a silently approaching killer.Its an incrementally building, slow-simmering problem thats additive over time, and then a straw breaks the camels back, van Eps says. And then its too late to return them to their previous level (of) activity and, in some cases, its too late to get them back to a point where theyre ever going to have a good quality of life.I think people dont always realize the gravity of the situation, he adds. With laminitis, you err on the side of caution, because once the damage is done, its done. So its really important to weigh up the long-term good versus the short-term frustration.Time and Money ChallengesManaging a laminitic or laminitis-prone horse requires significant time and financial resources. During an acute flare-up horses need frequent care, attention, and supervision while on stall rest. Over the long term they need as much exercise as they can get, along with regular body condition monitoring, low-carb forage, grazing restrictions, and therapeutic foot care.These challenges alone can lead owners to stray from the management plan, says Furtado. All these things take time and money, and sometimes people really get bogged down even just trying to make the right hay choices, she says.Busy owners can try recruiting help from fellow horse people or barn staff willing to pitch in on a volunteer or pay basis, she says. Once the horse can exercise again, owners can share the horse with another rider or hire a professional to keep up a regular exercise routine.People can also think outside the box for solutions, she adds. Im a big fan of creative ideas that are fun for the horse and the rider, she says. For example, Furtado takes one of her ponies on a lead when she goes running. But the biggest time saver that people can do is set up their fields in ways that the horses exercise themselves, like track systems, she says. Thats a really good way of managing weight.As for stall rest, Furtado suggests owners try to multitask, setting up a place to read or work in or next to the stall. This keeps the horse company and offers horse-human bonding opportunities, she says.Media, Social Media, and Peer PressureAnother reason some owners dont follow their veterinarians laminitis treatment plan is because theyre getting pressure from other people, our sources say. Whether they fear judgment or find themselves influenced by nonveterinary experts, owners can make dangerous decisions based on misguided beliefs.Its a massive, massive issue, Furtado says. I mean you literally cant do anything right for doing things wrong.To start, both social and commercial media promote unhealthy body condition for horses, says van Eps. Just as advertisers have been criticized for portraying unhealthily thin or Photoshopped human models in their print and online ads, the horse world tends to present plump, round horses as ideal.These desirable traits can really play into horses health, he says. As a 2-year-old, this animal may be fantastic and look fantastic, and its not until its a 10-year-old that its a train wreck, he says.Owners already dealing with laminitis might receive online criticism from people accusing them of letting their horses get too thin or compromising their welfare by keeping them confinedeven though these owners are following proper veterinary advice, Furtado says.People think that if they can see the horses ribs, theyll be judged for not feeding their animal, van Eps says. But really, they should be congratulated for keeping the animal in a condition thats healthy.On the flip side, owners might get shunned when their horses develop laminitis in the first placewhich is also counterproductive, Furtado says.Van Eps says he encourages the media, individuals and groups active on social media, equestrian associations, and judges to promote healthier equine body condition to horse owners and to accept responsibility for their roles as influencers. Vets are definitely already on board, he adds. I havent come across one vet who doesnt already feel strongly about this.As for owners of laminitic and laminitis-prone horses, they can enjoy the positive aspects of their horses care, such as bonding time and providing enrichment, Furtado says. Its a really nice way of showing everybody, Actually, I am doing the best thing for my horse, and Im working with professionals in their best interest, she says.Monitoring Programs: A Helpful Solution?Veterinarians might have more success getting owners to follow laminitis prevention and care programs if it were easier to monitor and visually assess signs of the disease, says van Eps.When horses have soft tissue injuries, for example, owners tend to respect the rehabilitation programoften because those injuries and their healing progress are easy to follow through imaging.Weve got a good handle on tendon and ligament damage because we can image that tissue in a way where we can come up with very specific recommendations, he says. With the lamellae of the foot, its not that simple.Veterinarians cant, for example, ultrasound the foot to determine whether its healed enough for exercise. Were still guessing a little bit, he says.That lack of certainty might lead to a weaker message from the veterinarian about the importance of restricting movement. Positron emission tomography (PET scanning), however, is showing promise in revealing the functional status of laminitic tissue. I think thats going to give us a better handle on when that tissue is ready to be strained again, he says.Positron emission tomography, seen here scanning structures above the foot, shows promise in revealing the functional status of laminitic tissue in the hoof. | Courtesy UC Davis School of Veterinary MedicineVeterinarians can also use laboratory tests to pinpoint high-risk horses, says van Eps. Taking insulin and leptin levels can reveal insulin dysregulation and fatness, respectively. Some labssuch as his own at Penn Vetcan also measure adiponectin, which is a marker produced by fat cells. Animals with metabolic syndrome usually have low adiponectin.Adiponectin is a measure not just of fatness, but bad fatness, van Eps says. So its probably the most useful marker of metabolic health and laminitis risk in horses and ponies.Combined with body condition scoring, veterinarians could incorporate these tests into annual or biannual wellness checks to bring numbers into metabolic health that provide a more concrete way for owners to recognize the issue and the need to change management, says van Eps. That might inspire people to have some sense of accountability and feel like theyve got goals to aim for at the next checkup, he says.Collaboration, Not ComplianceThe problem of owner compliance might be linked to the term itself, Furtado explains.This phrase always makes me cringe slightly because it suggests owners are just being lazy or ignorant or that they cant be bothered, she says. Of course, that is sometimes the case. But more often, its a tricky situation and we need to be supportive in helping people find management options which fulfill horses needs (while) keeping both the horse and the human happy.In human medicine, researchers have determined patients follow medical plans better when they feel like theyre based on collaborative decision-making rather than just being told what to do, Furtado says. This sets a good example for equine veterinary medicine as well. While veterinarians have expert health knowledge that owners do not, owners know their horses in ways the veterinarians do not.Clinicians need to take into account the individual situations of owners and whats important to them in order to find solutions that work for both, Furtado says. The two together, working out what the best way to move forward is.Take-Home Message Laminitis and its subsequent flare-ups are usually preventable, but prevention requires management programs that go against many owners preferences, resources, and social influences. As a result these owners often stray from veterinarians management plansand their horses end up having laminitic episodes despite their best intentions. To remedy these frustrating situations, veterinarians can provide concrete veterinary analyses and risk assessments, and they can look for customized solutions for each case through collaborative decision-making with the owner.

Adobe stockPasture makes up a large portion of the forage in many horses diets, but how can owners calculate exactly how much their horse eats when he is grazing? Kelly Vineyard, PhD, of Purina Animal Nutrition explains the best way to estimate how much grass your horse eats during turnout, and how to factor that into his daily forage ration.This podcast is an excerpt of our Ask TheHorse Live Q&A, Managing Your Horses Weight Through Thick and Thin. Listen to the full recording here.About the ExpertKelly Vineyard, MS, PhDKelly Vineyard, MS, PhD, is a senior nutritionist in equine technical solutions with Purina Animal Nutrition. She consults with veterinarians, professional riders, and horse owners across the United States and is directly involved with new product innovation, research, and technical support at Purina. Vineyard earned her BS in animal and dairy sciences from Auburn University and her MS and PhD in animal sciences from the University of Florida. Her doctorate research focused on the effects of omega-3 fatty acid supplementation on immune function in horses. Vineyard is a frequent lecturer on equine nutrition topics, with expertise in omega-3 fatty acids, immune function, and performance horse nutrition. She is an avid dressage rider and is proud to have earned her USDF bronze and silver medals on an off-track Thoroughbred.

Do you ever feel like everythings going really well in a schooling session, until you ask your horse to change the pace and they start hollowing in transitions?Sometimes you switch gaits and it feels like all your hard work is undone. I know because Ive been there and myriad other riders have too.However, you can train your horse and yourself out of hollowing in transitions.A horse hollows or, in simple terms, lifts their head and falls onto the forehand when they are not connected to the bridle, explainsinternational dressage rider Emile Faurie, who has represented Great Britain at the Olympics and World and European Championships. This is commonly seen in transitions when balance is lost and your horse drops back, shifts their weight to their shoulders and lifts their neck.The best way to tackle hollowing in transitions is going back to basics and working on having them on the bit and connected into the rein.If your horse is pushing through from their hindquarters, working over their back and giving the feeling that theyre pushing into the bridle then, theoretically, they shouldnt hollow, says Emile.Thankfully, there are a number of exercises you can try to help harness this feeling, which Emile explains below.Exercise 1 Ride a progressive downward transitionWhen a downward transition is technically correct, the horse seeks the bridle and wont come above the bit, says Emile. Making the transition progressive will help you achieve this.Learn to do this using the following exercise:Begin with trot-walk transitions.To prepare for the downward transition, slow your horses trot steps with your rise and encourage them to drop their neck with gentle rein aids.Once your horse is taking much smaller and slower steps, encourage a forward walk transition with your lower leg on their sides. Slowing the horse progressively helps you maintain your balance and lower leg position, which in turn helps the horse keep their core engaged and back lifted, explains Emile. You can use this exercise to perfect trot-halt transitions too.Exercise 2 Spiral in to a downward transitionAccording to Emile, a common cause of hollowing in transitions is the horse losing softness and submission as they make a downward change in pace. To improve this, incorporate the following exercise in your regular training sessions:Begin trotting on a 20m circle, remembering you barely need your horse to bend their neck to the inside too much and they will fall out through the outside shoulder.Focus instead on using your rein aids with a supportive leg to establish inside poll flexion and suppleness, and security in the outside rein. This will create a correct bend through the horses body to make a circle.Spiral in to a 10m circle while keeping that feeling of outside rein connection and flexion rather than bend. A 10m circle is naturally collecting for a horse, so you will need to ride forward to maintain your horses frame and rhythm. Then, keeping soft in your position with your leg supporting, ask for the downward transition to walk.Exercise 3 Improve your trot-canter transitionsPerhaps you find hollowing is a particular issue when asking your horse to pick up canter. As in the previous exercise, begin trotting on a 20m circle and spiralling into a 10m circle. Then, maintaining inside flexion, place your inside leg behind the girth as you ask your horse to leg-yield back onto a 20m circle.This will encourage the horse to lift their back and further establish your outside rein connection. explains Emile. Then, as you ask for canter on reaching 20m, make your outside leg aid much clearer.Exercise 4 Solve any resistance to a contactEvery transition even a downward one is a forward movement in which a horse must remain connected. Dont think of it as slowing down to walk, as this is a backwards movement. Say (and think) forward to walk instead.When a horse hollows, a common rider error is tightening through the forearm and locking the hands, Emile says. Your hands should never be static and there should always be a sense of elasticity in the reins. Stay relaxed and give with the hands as your horse moves forward through a transition, just as you do when trotting up the long side of an arena.Exercise 5 Get your horse is working forwardHollowing in transitions is a sign that your horse isnt forward, so teach them that moving off your leg is enjoyable especially if theyre a stuffier sort.After picking up canter, give the horse a strong leg aid and get out of the saddle for a few strides. As you do this, soften your hand to praise them, advises Emile, a list two British Dressage judge who founded The Emile Faurie Foundation to introduce disadvantaged children to horses and riding in 2006.Sit back down and, when the horse comes back to you, get off their back again and send them forward. The horse will soon find the fun in moving off your leg.Emiles top tip for riding transitionsIf hollowing in transitions is a problem for you and your horse, then you need to focus on establishing and maintaining a good elastic contact first.Aim to feel your horse pushing into the reins, but think of it as pressing into the browband, says Emile. This is a truer reflection of working on the bit and helps to avoid burying the horses poll which in turn leads to them leaning on the hand.Main image (stock) Your Horse Library/Kelsey MediaRelated contentWhat is give-and-retake in dressage and how do I ride it?Four exercises to stop your horse falling on the forehandHow to improve your halt on the centre lineThree exercises to help your horse be sharper off the aidsThe post Stop a horse hollowing in transitions with this advice from Emile Faurie appeared first on Your Horse.

Broadcaster Alastair Stewart and comedian Rory Bremner joined actress Annette Badland and Olympic event riders Jane Holderness-Roddam and Gemma Stevens at horse and donkey charity Brookes Christmas carol service last week.The service was held at the Royal Military Chapel (also known as the Guards Chapel) in Westminster on Thursday 12 December and marked the charitys 90thanniversary.Donkeys Pixie and Kiska greeted the guests as they entered the chapel.As well as reading from the special guests, the service also included a performance from the Guards; Chapel Choir.We (Brooke supporters) support Brooke because we care passionately about working animals, said Alastair, who is Brookes patron.Theprogress we (Brooke) have made globally on the evil donkey skin trade is a fantastic example of how we as human beings can really work together to benefit these animals.Celebrating 90 years of BrookeBrooke is the worlds largest working equine welfare organisation and improves the lives of working horses, donkeys and mules across Africa, Asia and Latin America.Its founder, Dorothy Brooke, saw the fate that former war horses were enduring in Egypt following the war.Within three years she had purchased 5,000 former war horses and in 1934 she established the Old War Memorial Hospital in Cairo with the promise of free veterinary care for all the citys working horses and donkeys.This very special evening commemorated the 90thanniversary of Brookes commitment to ending the suffering of working horses, donkeys and mules across the world, said Chris Wainwright, ceo of Brooke.The performance from the Guards Chapel Choir was phenomenal, and we are so grateful to all that attended to give their support.Brookes 90thanniversary events are sponsored by The Sir Peter OSullevan Charitable Trustwho have donated more than 1 million to the charity to date.Image credits: BrookeMore 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 Alastair Stewart and Rory Bremner among well-known faces to at Brookes Christmas carol service appeared first on Your Horse.

Topic Details Importance of Joint Health in Horses - Essential for mobility and comfort. - Prevents degenerative joint diseases. - Supplements provide building blocks for cartilage and synovial fluid. Glucosamine - Building block for cartilage and joint fluid. - Stimulates cartilage production. - Inhibits enzymes that break down cartilage. Chondroitin Sulfate - Believed to stop inflammation and tissue destruction. - Effectiveness in horses is less clear. - Low absorption rate in animals. Methylsulfonylmethane (MSM) - Source of sulfur, crucial for glucosamine and collagen. - Believed to have anti-inflammatory effects, not fully proven. Hyaluronic Acid - Benefits known via injection. - Oral effectiveness less clear. - Some supplements include it for synergistic benefits. Minerals - Sulfur, manganese, zinc, and copper are vital. - Support biosynthesis of glucosamine, collagen, and chondroitin sulfate. Other Beneficial Ingredients - ASU enhances cartilage protection. - Collagen supports cartilage health. - Resveratrol and green tea extract as antioxidants. - Silica and boron for connective tissue support. Evaluating Joint Supplements - Look for guaranteed analysis and complete ingredient list. - Choose research-backed ingredients. - Select reputable manufacturers and avoid bold claims. Conclusion - Supplements like glucosamine, chondroitin sulfate, MSM, and minerals are beneficial. - Additional ingredients like ASU, collagen can help. - Consult with a veterinarian before starting a new supplement. Understanding Equine Joint Supplements: Which Ingredients Matter Most? When it comes to maintaining the health and well-being of your horse, joint health is a critical aspect that cannot be overlooked. Equine joint supplements have become a popular way to support joint health, but with so many ingredients and products available, it can be confusing to determine which ones are truly beneficial. The Importance of Joint Health in Horses Joint health is essential for the mobility, comfort, and overall quality of life of your horse. Degenerative joint diseases, such as osteoarthritis, can cause significant pain and lameness, impacting your horse's performance and well-being. Joint supplements aim to provide the necessary building blocks for cartilage and synovial fluid, reduce inflammation, and prevent cartilage breakdown. Key Ingredients in Equine Joint Supplements Glucosamine Glucosamine is one of the most widely recognized and researched ingredients in joint supplements. It serves as a building block for cartilage and joint fluid, stimulating cartilage production and inhibiting the enzymes that break down cartilage. Glucosamine has been shown to be a valid therapeutic approach for managing degenerative joint disease in horses, offering an alternative to costly, injectable therapies [1][2]. Chondroitin Sulfate Chondroitin sulfate (CS) is another common ingredient, although its effectiveness in horses is less clear. While CS is believed to stop inflammation and tissue destruction, studies have not conclusively shown its usefulness in horses. Additionally, the absorption rate of CS in animals is relatively low, similar to what is observed in humans, dogs, and rats [1][5]. Methylsulfonylmethane (MSM) MSM is a source of sulfur, which is crucial for the biosynthesis of glucosamine and collagen. It is believed to have anti-inflammatory effects, although these have not been fully proven. MSM is often included in joint supplements to support joint health and reduce inflammation [1][2]. Hyaluronic Acid Hyaluronic acid is known for its benefits when administered via injection, but its effectiveness when given orally is less clear. There is limited evidence that oral hyaluronic acid is absorbed intact through the equine intestines or reaches the joints. However, some supplements still include it, hoping for synergistic benefits with other ingredients [2][5]. Minerals Minerals play a vital role in joint health. Sulfur, manganese, zinc, and copper are essential for various processes: Sulfur is involved in the biosynthesis of glucosamine and collagen. Manganese is key to the synthesis of chondroitin sulfate. Zinc supports collagen production in cartilage. Copper is involved in collagen production [1]. Other Beneficial Ingredients Avocado/Soybean Unsaponifiables (ASU) ASU is a vegetable extract made from avocado and soybean oils. It helps protect cartilage and works synergistically with glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate to provide additional joint support [2]. Collagen Collagen, particularly hydrolyzed collagen or gelatin, supports joint health by addressing cartilage deterioration, reducing inflammation, and managing discomfort associated with exercise. It is the primary structural protein in connective tissue throughout your horses body [2]. Resveratrol and Green Tea Extract Resveratrol and green tea extract are antioxidants that help protect the horses body from free radicals, which can damage joint structures during times of stress, injury, or activity [2]. Silica and Boron Silica and boron are sometimes included in joint supplements for their potential to support connective tissue health. Silica is believed to enhance the strength and elasticity of connective tissue, while boron may help regulate calcium, magnesium, and phosphorus metabolism, which is important for bone health [4]. Evaluating Joint Supplements When selecting a joint supplement for your horse, it is crucial to evaluate the product carefully: Look for a Guaranteed Analysis: Ensure the product provides a minimum amount of each nutrient. Complete Ingredient List: Choose products that list all their ingredients on the label. Research-Backed Ingredients: Opt for products that include ingredients supported by scientific studies. Reputable Manufacturer: Select companies with a good reputation and transparent practices. Avoid Bold Claims: Be wary of products that claim to cure or treat diseases, as these are often misleading [2]. Conclusion Equine joint supplements can be a valuable addition to your horses health regimen, but it is essential to understand the ingredients and their functions. Glucosamine, chondroitin sulfate, MSM, and various minerals are the core ingredients that support joint health. Other ingredients like ASU, collagen, resveratrol, and green tea extract can provide additional benefits. Always consult with your veterinarian before starting any new supplement to ensure it aligns with your horses specific needs and health status. By choosing a well-researched and reputable supplement, you can help maintain your horses joint health and overall well-being. For more equestrian supplements, check out our Everyday Horse Vitamins & Supplements. If youre looking for new gear, explore our extensive Jodhpur Collection and Horse Riding Boot Collection.

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