Working in-hand with Bailey, a Dutch Warmblood from the Netherlands, Chris Irwin demonstrates how to help a nervous horse relax with well-balanced movement. Photo courtesy Chris IrwinChris Irwin really gets horses.Watch him at workcommunicating with a horseand you can see why Irelands Equestrian magazine boldly stated, Chris Irwin is more horse than human. As a world-renowned horseman, professional trainer, riding coach, and author of the international best-selling books Horses Dont Lie and Dancing With Your Dark Horse, Chris Irwin artfully unravels the complex relationship between horses and humans. And attendees at his U.S. or European clinics leave with a renewed desire to build a more meaningful connection with their own horses.Finding a Real Home Through HorsesIrwin didnt grow up enveloped by the love of family and horses.I dropped out of school and left home at 16, says Irwin. It was an extremely violent, dysfunctional family and I ran away to survive.He played guitar and hitchhiked from Canada to North America, eventually landing in Seattle, Wash. Around the age of 20, he was homeless and living off tips tossed in his guitar case. He heard the racetrack was hiring and decided to check it out.As soon as I walked around to the barns, smelled the horses, heard the horses, I literally froze and every cell in my body was tingling, Irwin recalls. I knew for the first time in my life that I was home.At the end of his first day, the trainer told him he was a natural, gave him a full-time job and a place to staya cot in a stalland Irwin worked his way up from mucking stalls to grooming horses.Later, he worked at dude ranches and enjoyed success in training wild Mustangs. After ten years, Irwin needed a change.I was struggling to earn a living, so I took a six-month break and went back to Canada to ski and do some soul-searching, says Irwin. And at the end of winter, I so missed being with the horses. The horses were my medicine, and I needed to get back to work with them.He took his passion for horses to the next level, transitioning to trainer-for-hire. After moving to Nevada, he had a long waiting list within six monthsstarting young horses, problem-solving with difficult horses. Veterinarians and farriers were amazed at how much gentler the horses were that Irwin worked with.At 37, Irwin moved back to Canadanow as a family with his wife and childand got right to work, reinventing himself as an author, becoming an in-demand clinician, and making videos.I wrote Horses Dont Lie with a good friend, says Irwin. By 2000, Horses Dont Lie was being published in multiple languages and I was getting called to Europe and North America. I was very surprised with how well the book resonated with people because nobody really said anything like that at the time. I wrote a book talking about how Im finding my psycho-spiritual healing through working with horses. It didnt have any practical training tips. It was one of the first books that started leading North American horse culture in the direction of working with horses for personal development. I thought there was a good chance I would become a laughingstock.He was wrong; people appreciated his authentic voice deciphering natural horsemanship and our connection to horses.Helping Horses to Rebuild ConfidenceIrwin travels to clinics worldwide, helping horses regain courage and confidence, profoundly impacting their overall well-beingand each horse has a story.Chris Irwin demonstrates groundwork skills at Equine Affaire Massachusetts 2024. Photo by Xenophon PhotographyTheres a horse I work with now in the Netherlands who was rescued as a bull-fighting horse from Spain, says Irwin. He had brutal training, had been gored by a bull in a fight, and was full of PTSD. Id been looking at him, knew trauma was in him, and I knew how to help him get it out, how to release it. I started working with him last year. And what a breakthrough! He is very near and dear to my hearthe shows a depth of appreciation for the healing that he has gone through.Horses often bring me to tears Ive wept in public because of whats coming out of the horse Theres much more depth in learning what it takes to help horses who have already decided that human beings are evil and dont want anything to do with us. Thats where my focus is.Chris Irwin as the Empathetic ShepherdIrwin wants horses to see us as empathetic shepherds and thus want to be in our presence.Chris demonstrates how to redefine contact when driving to help a gelding relax at an expo in Brussels, Belgium. Photo courtesy Chris IrwinThe premise of everything in my work with horses is that the frame of their body affects the frame of mind. Its physiology, says Irwin. Their body goes into different shapes, different frames A hollow-backed horse with his back collapsed and his neck up high is producing adrenaline. And enough adrenaline on a consistent basis leaves the body full of cortisol.Irwin explains, The goal is to use groundwork and riding where you use your body to shape a horses body so that its internal chemistry produces oxytocin and endorphins, not adrenaline. Thats why its feasible for a horse to walk away from the feed and other horses and meet you at the gate, because he knows this is going to feel good. When I ride a horse, its like giving them a day at the spa. My seat is a chiropractor. My legs are massage therapists. My contact is like osteopathy. Horses love it when they feel better with you than without you. Thats how they know youre the shepherd.Horses Test Your Awareness Through Body LanguagePurposeful groundwork with a physical connection can be complex; some riders mistakenly underestimate its value.Groundwork is competing in body language with the horseto earn respect, trust, and acceptance of your leadership, says Irwin. When you walk in to meet a horse youve never met before, it doesnt automatically respect you. Even the nicest horses in the world if you are a strangerwill test you very subtly with body language.At a horse expo in the Netherlands, Chris rides a mare he had never met before, helping her transform from high-stress into beautifully relaxed and soft. Photo courtesy Chris IrwinYour body language can cause a horse to feel safe with you, allowing them to relax and view you as the shepherd.The horse knows if you have profound situational awareness, Irwin explains. Hes tested you. And your response when challenged makes them feel good.Tapping Into Chris Irwins InsightsIrwin explains his riding approach as physio from the saddlehelping the horse to relax in his body. The softer and more supple we can get the horse in their bodies, the more relaxed they will become in their minds.Eager to share his experience, Irwin created the series of hugely popular online courses, Mind Your Horse and the Irwin Insights: Horse Sense Redefined Skills Certificates and Masters Certification courses.The courses are a combination of evolved equestrian insights, cutting-edge production quality, and use of graphics and illustrations as learning aids, says Irwin. And I have a completely different approachdue to the depth of minutia of awareness.Citing an example, Irwin says, The single greatest, unspoken dysfunction in the horse world is defining inside and outside as direction instead of flexion. And when you ride a horse according to flexion instead of direction, it melts. It gets so soft. And whether its five or fifteen minutes later, now you are riding straight down the long side and you are getting true bends in the corners because you warmed up working with the horse and not against it.Spoken like a true shepherd.To learn more about Chris Irwin, horsemanship, and clinics visit chrisirwin.com and Ray of Light Farm, a nonprofit animal rescue center and riding school in East Haddam, Conn., where he serves as a clinic director.This article about Chris Irwin is a web exclusive for Horse Illustratedmagazine.Click here to subscribe!The post Chris Irwin: The Master of Awareness appeared first on Horse Illustrated Magazine.

Key Point Description Provide Adequate Shelter and Windbreaks Ensure access to proper shelter or windbreaks to mitigate temperature fluctuations and protect from cold stress and frostbite, especially for fully clipped horses. Adjust Feeding and Turnout Practices Adjust forage intake in cold weather; monitor pasture turnout and grazing during hot weather to prevent heat stress. Ensure Proper Hydration Maintain hydration with fresh, cool water in hot weather and lukewarm water in cold weather. Consider electrolyte supplements. Monitor Health and Behavior Be vigilant for signs of discomfort or health issues, such as altered eating habits or lethargy, and intervene early. Manage Heat and Cold Stress Provide shade and airflow in hot weather; use blankets and shelters for clipped horses in cold conditions. Consider the Impact of Climate Change Adapt to more extreme and unpredictable weather by retrofitting properties and ensuring consistent water and hoof care. Be Proactive and Plan Ahead Create a seasonal horse care checklist to adjust feeding, turnout practices, and health monitoring accordingly. Understand Equine Adaptation to Weather Changes Facilitate gradual acclimation to new climates to avoid stress and ensure proper body heat regulation. Special Considerations for Vulnerable Horses Provide extra care for foals, weanlings, and elderly horses, focusing on hydration, temperature monitoring, and proper environments. Regular Hoof Care and Health Maintenance Maintain a year-round hoof care schedule to manage effects from wet and drought conditions. Coping Strategies for Equine Enthusiasts Facing Seasonal Challenges in Unpredictable Weather ConditionsManaging a horse's health and well-being in the face of unpredictable weather is a top priority for any equine enthusiast. Whether you're enduring the scorching summer heat or the biting winter cold, addressing your horse's specific needs during these times is crucial. In this blog, well explore effective coping strategies that help navigate weather-induced challenges. From adequate shelter and feeding adjustments to hydration and heat stress management, find out how to ensure your horse thrives year-round.Provide Adequate Shelter and WindbreaksThough horses are remarkably adaptable, they still require protection from extreme weather. Essential to this is ensuring access to proper shelter or windbreaks. These can be natural, like a line of trees or a hedge, or man-made, such as an open-faced shed. In colder months, a windbreak helps mitigate temperature fluctuations, reducing the risk of cold stress and frostbite. A shelter becomes particularly vital for fully clipped horses rugs collection that need extra warmth [2].Adjust Feeding and Turnout PracticesChanging weather may significantly alter your horse's nutritional needs. During cold spells, increased forage intake can help generate body heat. On the other hand, adjust pasture turnout to cooler parts of the day during hot weather to prevent heat stress. Monitoring grass quality and modulating grazing time is also essential [1].Ensure Proper HydrationHydration is critical, no matter the season. In hot weather, provide fresh, cool water, whereas, in cold weather, offering lukewarm water can encourage regular drinking, preventing dehydration. Supplements like electrolytes are beneficial in supporting hydration levels and replenishing electrolytes lost during sweating [1].Monitor Health and BehaviorUnpredictable weather can stress horses, leading to various health issues. Watch for signs of discomfort or problems such as altered eating habits, lethargy, depression, or unusual behavior. Early detection and intervention can stop minor issues from becoming significant health concerns [1].Manage Heat and Cold StressHorses handle cold better than heat and humidity, but both extremes call for careful management. Providing shade and airflow in hot weather helps in promoting sweat evaporation and keeping your horse cool. Ventilated barns and strategic use of insulation can significantly benefit them. Conversely, in cold conditions, horses with a good winter coat can handle severe weather, but others, like clipped horses, need additional protection with blankets or turnout rugs and shelter [2].Consider the Impact of Climate ChangeClimate change has led to more extreme and unpredictable weather patterns, significantly impacting horse health. Retrofitting properties for irregular weather events, such as planting trees for shade or managing pasture weeds for overgrazing prevention is critical. Maintaining consistent access to fresh water and implementing good hoof care are paramount adaptations [4].Be Proactive and Plan AheadCreating a seasonal horse care checklist assists in staying on top of your horses changing needs. This checklist should cover regular feeding adjustments, turnout practices, and health monitoring. By planning and gradually altering routines, horses can adjust smoothly to seasonal changes and erratic weather conditions [1].Understand Equine Adaptation to Weather ChangesWhile horses are generally adaptable to shifts in temperature, abrupt and severe changes can be stressful. When moving horses between drastically different climates, it's crucial to ensure they acclimate properly. Their body heat regulation mechanisms need time to adjust, and a gradual transition is key in avoiding stress [2].Special Considerations for Vulnerable HorsesCertain horses, including foals, weanlings, and the elderly, are more susceptible to weather-induced health issues. Extra care, such as closer monitoring of hydration levels and body temperature, and ensuring access to appropriate environments, becomes necessary [5].Regular Hoof Care and Health MaintenanceChanging weather can dramatically affect a horse's hooves. Drought conditions can dry them out, whereas wet weather can increase growth and susceptibility to diseases. Therefore, a regular, year-round hoof care schedule in collaboration with a knowledgeable farrier is crucial for maintaining hoof health [4].ConclusionEnsuring your horse remains healthy and comfortable throughout fluctuating weather conditions calls for a blend of proactive planning, vigilant observation, and timely care adjustments. By providing adequate shelter, adjusting feeding and turnout practices, maintaining proper hydration, and closely monitoring health, you can ensure your horse stays happy and thriving all through the seasons.Remember, every horse is unique, and learning their individual needs for adapting care strategies is vital. By staying informed about climate changes and its effects on equine health, and making necessary adjustments, you'll safeguard your horse's well-being. Be prepared, proactive, and invest in reliable horse riding apparel and supplements to further enhance your care regimen.

IGNITE for Equine Athletes welcomes the USEA Foundations Poggio Horsemanship Fund as the newest sponsor of the 2nd Annual Sport Science for the Olympic Disciplines Seminar in Ocala, Jan. 12-13, 2025. Established in 2020, the...

Key Point Details The Source of Moral Distress Moral distress arises when veterinarians cannot act according to their ethical beliefs due to external constraints, causing mental health issues like burnout and anxiety. Conflicts of Interest Veterinarians face the challenge of balancing horse health and owner demands, often compromising welfare for quick competition readiness. The Psychological Impact High stress and moral distress are prevalent among veterinarians, exacerbated by lack of ethical training, requiring comprehensive support. Public Perception Equestrian sports' social acceptability is questioned due to horse abuse concerns, risking the industry's social license to operate. Misinterpretation of Horse Behavior Stakeholders often misattribute behavioral issues to character flaws instead of welfare problems, neglecting horses' mental state. Equipment and Training Practices Ethical concerns arise from invasive equipment like bits, leading to dilemmas for veterinarians regarding horse treatment. Coping Strategies and Support Networks Effective strategies such as exercise and support networks are vital for managing ethical and psychological challenges faced by veterinarians. Exploring Ethical Dilemmas Faced by Equine Veterinarians in the Modern Horse Sport Industry The exciting and competitive world of horse sports is a spectacle for many, but it presents numerous ethical complexities that are often hidden from the public eye. At the forefront of navigating these challenges are equine veterinarians who must balance the welfare of horses against competing demands. This blog delves into the ethical dilemmas veterinarians face, highlighting the critical aspects that affect their decisions. The Source of Moral Distress Moral distress is a significant ethical dilemma for equine veterinarians as it arises when they are unable to do what they believe is right due to external constraints. This issue leads to mental health problems such as burnout, anger, depression, and anxiety. Common cases that cause moral distress include laminitis and conflicts with horse owners over decision-making. Conflicts of Interest: Balancing Owner Demands and Animal Welfare One of the fundamental ethical challenges in equine sports medicine is the tension between prioritizing a horse's health and meeting the demands of owners. Veterinarians often feel compelled to compromise on animal welfare to enable horses to compete quickly, which can jeopardize their long-term well-being. The Psychological Impact on Veterinarians The ethical dilemmas faced by equine veterinarians have a profound psychological impact. Veterinary professionals often experience high stress and moral distress levels, compounded by inadequate ethical decision-making training. Comprehensive ethical training and support are needed to alleviate these burdens. Public Perception and Social License to Operate Equestrian sports face scrutiny regarding their social acceptability, with incidents of horse abuse and scholarly criticism contributing to this view. The industry's social license to operate is at risk due to these negative perceptions, underlining the need for more ethical treatment of animals. Misinterpretation of Horse Behavior Equestrian stakeholders often neglect the mental state and behavioral needs of horses, leading to misinterpretations of behaviors like aggression. These "problem" behaviors are sometimes wrongly attributed to character flaws rather than welfare issues. The Impact of Equipment and Training Practices The use of certain equipment and training practices in horse sports raises ethical concerns. For instance, the use of bits in horse riding has been criticized for being invasive and causing pain to horses, leading to ethical dilemmas for veterinarians who treat these horses. Coping Strategies and Support Networks Given the ethical and psychological challenges, developing effective coping strategies is crucial for veterinarians. These can include physical exercise, spending time with family, or engaging in hobbies. Establishing a support network within veterinary practices is also vital. Conclusion Equine veterinarians face multifaceted and complex ethical dilemmas in the modern horse sport industry, requiring a balance of animal welfare, client expectations, and professional obligations. By improving regulatory oversight and providing comprehensive support, the integrity of the veterinary profession can be maintained. Additional Resources Explore our Jodhpur Collection. Check out our Horse Riding Boot Collection. For comfort, see our Horse Riding Gloves Collection. Keep warm with our Horse Riding Socks Collection. Surprise your horse with a treat from our Treats And Gifts range. Want a healthy horse? Try our Everyday Horse Supplements. Keep your horse cozy with our Stable Rugs Collection. Prepare for any weather with our Turnout Rugs. Ensure your horse is free from pests with our Horse Fly Protection. ```html```

Have you checked out the new-and-improved Sport Horse Nation lately? ENs longtime classifieds sister site recently received a big makeover to help make it the best eventers-only matchmaking service in the land. Two-hundred sixty listings...

On January 6, a yearling filly in Green Lake County, Wisconsin, tested positive for EHV-1 after developing hind limb ataxia on December 29. The horse is currently affected and alive, and five additional horses at the private facility are exposed. They are under official quarantine.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.EHV 101Herpesvirus is highly contagious among horses and can cause a variety of ailments in equids, including rhinopneumonitis (a respiratory disease usually found in young horses), abortion in broodmares, and EHM.RELATED CONTENT: Everything You Need to Know About EHV-1In many horses, the first or only sign of EHV-1 infection is fever, which can go undetected.In addition to fever, other common signs of EHV-1 infection in young horses include cough, decreased appetite, depression, and a nasal discharge. Pregnant mares typically show no signs of infection before they abort, and abortions usually occur late in gestation (around eight months) but can be earlier. Abortions can occur anywhere from two weeks to several months following infection with EHV-1.Horses with EHM usually have a fever at the onset of the disease and might show signs of a respiratory infection. A few days later, neurologic signs such as ataxia (incoordination), weakness or paralysis of the fore- and hind limbs, urine retention and dribbling, loss of tail tone, and recumbency (inability to rise) develop.Herpesvirus is easily spread by nose-to-nose or close contact with an infectious horse; sharing contaminated equipment including bits, buckets, and towels; or clothing, hands, or equipment of people who have recently had contact with an infectious horse.Routine biosecurity measures, including hygiene and basic cleaning and disinfection practices, should be in place at all times to help prevent disease spread.Current EHV-1 vaccines might reduce viral shedding but are not protective against the neurologic form of the disease. Implementing routine biosecurity practices is the best way to minimize viral spread, and the best method of disease control is disease prevention.

On January 3, a 13-year-old Quarter Horse gelding in the City of Hamilton, Ontario, tested positive for strangles after developing significant nasal discharge on December 29. Two other horses on the property have also developed clinical signs.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.

Extruded feeds are made by finely grinding ingredients used in horse feeds, then adding moisture, heat, and pressure to cook the ingredients. | Getty imagesOver the years, horse feeds that were once mixes of whole grains have evolved to textured, pelleted, and extruded forms to meet equine nutritional needs. Feed form impacts a horses overall health, with extruded feed designed to be more digestible.Randel Raub, PhD, director of research and nutrition for the Kent Nutrition Group, headquartered in Muscatine, Iowa, said he believes extruded feeds are a superior form of horse feed. My message is not subtle because I have a firm conviction that extruded feeds differentiate themselves from pelleted and textured feeds, Raub said during his presentation at the 2024 EquiSummit, held virtually Dec. 3-4.What Are Extruded Horse Feeds?Mills produce extruded feeds by finely grinding ingredients used in horse feeds, then adding moisture, heat, and pressure to essentially cook the ingredients. This creates a doughlike mixture that is forced through an extruder to produce pieces in an array of shapes, sizes, and densities depending on the die used in the extruder.Grinding the ingredients effectively increases the surface area of the feed, making it more digestible, he explained. The cooking process facilitates a pre-digestion process.For example, starch and sugar are gelatinized, which make them more easily digested in the small intestine, said Raub. In addition, proteins are broken down into individual amino acids, which typically occurs in the horses small intestine.Manufacturers apply ingredients sensitive to temperature and pressure (such as some vitamins and other specialized ingredients) post-extrusion. This ensures the horse receives a balanced diet, and the final product meets the nutrient guarantees on the tag or label.Benefits of Extruded FeedsExtruded feed is puffier, bulkier, and less dense than pelleted feed, giving it a greater volume. Being a larger volume, the horse is going to take longer to consume that feed, and getting horses to slow down the consumption of the concentrate portion of the diet is good, Raub explained.Extruded feed also requires 50% less pressure (pounds per square inch) for horses to chew, making it easier to break down and form a food bolus that can be swallowed. This can be particularly important in senior horses with dentition problems.Many pellets in a pelleted feed are not thoroughly crushed by the horses molars, said Raub, which can lead to choking. In contrast, extruded feeds quickly turn into a mash when mixed with saliva, allowing horses to swallow easily and the esophagus to move it smoothly to the stomach.In addition to reducing choke, extruded feeds:Reduce pathogens that could be inherent in some feed ingredients because of the heating process.Have longer consumption times per pound of feed, which might be beneficial in reducing the incidence and severity of gastric ulcers. More chewing produces more saliva, which is a natural buffer for the acidic environment in the stomach, Raub said.Improve ingredient digestibility because the fine grind and precooking predigests the feed. Improved pre-cecal (before it reaches the cecumthe first part of the hindgut, which also consists of the large and small colon) digestibility might help decrease cecal upset and colic by ensuring the feed ingredients starch and sugar components digest in the small intestine before reaching the hindgut.Although extruded particles break more easily under pressure, these particles are less prone to creating dust than pellets, making it beneficial for a horses respiratory health. Even though the vast majority of dust in the horses environment is from bedding and hay, anytime we can eliminate dust is good, said Raub.Take-Home MessageGood nutrition lies not only in the ingredients but also the form in which the horse eats those ingredients. Extruded feeds offer a multitude of health benefits, including easier digestibility, longer consumption times, and reduced dust and pathogens, said Raub.When transitioning your horse to an extruded feed, proceed slowly over five to seven days. Monitor your horses body condition for any changes.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by USEF Eventing (@usefeventing) Florida training sessions are well underway for the USEF Eventing Development 25 riders who have the opportunity to learn from Developing coach Leslie...