A dissected equine jugular vein showing a scar for every IV needle the horse ever received. | Dr. Lori BidwellCompeting horses should not show clinical signs of pain, said Lori Bidwell, DVM, Dipl. ACVAA, CVA, co-owner and founder of East West Equine Sports Medicine, based in Lexington, Kentucky. And a horse needing daily pain medication shouldnt be competing, added Richard Markell, DVM, MRCVS, MBA, owner of IlluminX Consulting, in Encinitas, California.Bidwell and Markell addressed the medical and ethical challenges of managing pain in sport horses during their presentation at the 2024 American Association of Equine Practitioners Convention, held Dec. 7-11 in Orlando, Florida. Balancing Equine Medicine with EthicsManaging pain in performance horses responsibly can be complex. Veterinarians must balance animal welfare with the expectations of owners and trainers in competitive equine sports. First of all, true pain must be differentiated from transient day after the gym soreness, Markell said.Persistent pain often signals underlying issues like musculoskeletal injuries or gastric ulcers, which should be investigated and ruled out rather than masked by pain medication, Bidwell added, underscoring veterinarians responsibility to act as advocates for horses.The Effects and Legalities of Different MedicationsVeterinarians commonly use various pain medications in horses, including the nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) phenylbutazone and flunixin meglumine (Banamine), as well as bisphosphonates to reduce pain and extend the careers of performance horses. Bidwell and Markell warned that overuse and misuse of these medications can lead to significant risks.Markell cautioned against overrelying on medications, pointing out that masking pain can exacerbate injuries. For example, bone edema (fluid within the bone) can progress to fractures if horses live on Banamine while competing, he said.Bisphosphonates are FDA-approved for treating podotrochlosis (navicular disease) in horses, but veterinarians sometimes use them off-label in equine athletes. Bidwell advocates for strict regulation and responsible administration of these drugs, which slow down bone turnover.Alternatives to Pain MedicationBidwell and Markel stressed the importance of using the least amount of medication necessary to keep a horse pain-free. Drug-free alternatives such as acupuncture and homeopathic remedies, though less conventional (and only legal under certain governing bodies in the case of homeopathy), might offer safer ways to manage pain and inflammation in horses. For example, while Traumeel (a homeopathic remedy containing plant and mineral extracts designed to address pain and inflammation) is not considered legal under United States Equestrian Federation (USEF) rules, Zeel and arnica are allowed, said Bidwell.Both veterinarians agreed that extracorporeal shock wave therapy (ESWT) provides valuable benefits, particularly for treating back and sacroiliac pain in horses. However, its ability to mask pain calls for careful oversight. Recent changes to USEF rules now mandate that only veterinarians or their supervised technicians can administer shock wave treatments on show grounds.Regulations to Protect HorsesRegulatory frameworks from organizations such as the Fdration Equestre Internationale (FEI) and USEF help curb unethical pain management practices for sport horses. These regulations notably restrict NSAID use to prevent overmedication and level the playing field. Because misuse of medicationsparticularly in high-stakes environmentssometimes stems from misguided client expectations, Bidwell stressed the need to educate horse owners and young veterinarians to prioritize long-term welfare over immediate results. We must advocate for the horses health, not just its performance, she said.Take-Home MessageTreating pain in performance horses remains a controversial topic. New innovations and improvements in equine medicine extend equine athletes careers. In addition, new regulations from USEF and the FEI aim to protect horses from inappropriate and unethical use of pain-masking medications and modalities at competitions. Bidwell and Markel encouraged equine practitioners to advocate for the horse above all else when faced with ethical dilemmas in pain management.

Two horses in Michigan recently tested positive for strangles. The horses live in Oakland and Kalamazoo counties.In Oakland County, a 21-year-old Arabian cross gelding tested positive on February 27 after becoming ill three weeks prior and developing nasal discharge. The horse is now recovering.In Kalamazoo County, a 13-year-old Quarter Horse gelding tested positive on February 23 after developing nasal discharge on February 11. He is now 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 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.

One horse at a boarding facility in Hamilton County, Ohio, recently tested positive for equine herpesvirus-1 (EHV-1). The horse was euthanized. Sixty additional horses are exposed and under 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.In 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.

One horse at a private facility in King County, Washington, recently tested positive for equine influenza. According to the reporting veterinarian, other horses on the property have been coughing. No additional details are currently available.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.

No matter who they are or what they do for us, often our animals need our support too, and that is why we have developed 4CYTE Epiitalis Forte. Made with our world-exclusive patented ingredientEpiitalis, 4CYTE is scientifically proven to enhance joint health in horses.What is Epiitalis? A natural, sustainably sourced, and derived from a plant seed oil high in unique fatty acids, Epiitalis is our exclusive, patented active ingredient that is supported by world-class research and is making a big impact on the joint health industry. Epiitalis is easily digestible and readily absorbed into the body.How 4CYTE Epiitalis Forte supports your horse:Supports normal joint function, mobility, and flexibilityHelps maintain the health and resiliency of joints and connective tissueSupports normal recovery capacity post-workHelps maintain healthy cartilage developmentMight help address occasional gait irregularity and unwillingness to travel forwardSupports normal movement patternsHelps maintain career longevity and competitive edgeEases joint stiffness due to normal daily exercise and activitySupports ability to meet performance demandsAn innovative approach to joint health made possible through research, dedication, and continued improvement; innovation, integrity, leadership, and a genuine care for our customersthese are the drivers behind what we do at 4CYTE. Interpath Global (the creators of 4CYTE) is a research and development company committed to pioneering joint health research and exploration in our field, leading us to create innovative products that drive change within our industry.Since 2008, 4CYTE and Epiitalis have undergone rigorous assessments to evaluate their safety and efficacy in laboratory, in vivo, and clinical trials across multiple species including dogs, horses, and humans. Many of these studies have been peer-reviewed and published in leading international journals.One study led by Dr. Wayne McIlwraith reported a world-first, scientific breakthroughread the study at https://www.epiq-ah.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Published-Paper-Horse.pdf.You can use 4CYTE preventatively or for maintenance for joint care. It is safe in ponies over the age of six months, and there have been no reports of negative side effects from long-term use. It is palatable and easy to administer and has a 100% money-back guarantee for palatability. The horse formula, which is delivered orally, tastes like apples. The flavor makes resistance less likely.Depending on the severity of the condition of the horse, clinical results can typically be seen in seven to 14 days. The dosage varies by weight, but an average cost per day is under $2.00 per horse.To ensure they reach their full potential, your animals deserve this innovative approach to joint care that is unlike anything else on the market.

This common pasture grass is good for grazing but bad for broodmaresPregnant mares grazing endophyte-infected fescue can experience problems ranging from prolonged gestation to lack of milk production. | Getty imagesIf you look out over your pasture and see bunch grass with course-textured, flat, and ribbed-surface leaf blades, you are probably looking at tall fescue. Tall fescue, a productive, well-adapted, and persistent cool-season grass is one of the most abundant and heavily utilized forages in the United States. This grass occupies more than 10% of the U.S. land areaapproximately 37 million acreswith an estimated 700,000 horses grazing or fed tall fescue.From a historical perspective, says Kyle McLeod, PhD, associate ruminant nutrition professor at the University of Kentucky, in Lexington, tall fescue (Festuca arundinacea Schreb.) was thought to have been introduced into the United States as a contaminant in the meadow fescue seeds imported from England until the late 1880s. It was recognized for its ability to thrive and was cited for its superior growth; tolerance of extreme conditions, disease, and insects; and ability to withstand heavy hoof traffic and grazing. By the 1940s two cultivars were released: Alta and Kentucky-31 (KY-31). Alta was selected for its winter hardiness, persistence, and ability to remain green even during drought conditions. This cultivar was planted throughout the Pacific Northwest and intermountain regions of the western U.S. The Kentucky-31 cultivar was noted for its adaptability to a wide range of soil types and ability to provide grazing throughout much of the year. The southern U.S. experienced a wide planting of KY-31 for forage, soil conservation, and roadside coverage. To date, tall fescue ranges from Florida to Canada.Because of its nutrient composition and agronomic traits, tall fescue is the forage base of most livestock enterprises, particularly beef cattle. Jim Henning, PhD, former extension forage professor at the University of Kentucky, says well-managed fescue produces a high-quality forage with crude protein (CP) and digestible energy (DE) concentrations from vegetative (the period of growth between germination and flowering) to boot (the reproductive stage when the seedhead is enclosed within the sheath of the flag leaf) to mature stages of growth, ranging from 11% to 16% CP and approximately 60 to 68% DE (mature to vegetative).Tall Fescues Side EffectsDespite all its positive traits, tall fescue is not without shortcomings. By the 1950s, says McLeod, fescue had gained a reputation for causing poor performance in livestockprimarily cattle but also small ruminants and horsesconsuming the grass. Cattle often developed a chronic, unthrifty condition, especially during the summer. Some occasionally developed lameness and lost portions of their feet and tails during fall and winter. Other perceived side effects included failure to shed winter coats, and, thus, heat intolerance, and reduced conception rates. Mares on tall fescue appeared to have higher foal mortality and agalactia (absence of milk production).Scientists began studying the cause of these signs, says McLeod, and by the mid-1970s USDA researchers discovered an endophytic fungus that infects the fescue plant. Endo (within) plus phyte (plant) means a plant that lives within another plant. In this case the host is the fescue plant, and the toxic endophyte is a fungus identified as Epichloe coenophialum. Two characteristics of the endophyte have great practical importance. First, the organism does not affect either the growth or the appearance of the grass, and it requires a laboratory analysis to detect its presence. Second, it is transmitted solely by seed. So, the endophyte is beneficial to the plant but toxic to grazing livestock.Krista Lea, MS, horse pasture evaluation program coordinator in the Department of Plant and Soil Sciences at the University of Kentucky, says the toxic endophyte produces several ergot (fungus) alkaloids (nitrogen-containing metabolites of the plant), including ergovaline, ergotamine, ergocristine, and lysergic acid, with ergovaline being the most prevalent (84-97% of the total ergot alkaloids produced). Although all classes of horses can experience endophyte-related issues, pregnant mares develop the most pronounced problems.Lea says pregnant mares grazing endophyte-infected fescue might carry their foals several weeks past their due date, resulting in dystocia (difficult birth) because of the increased size of the foal. Thickened and/or retained placentas are common for mares grazing endophyte-infected fescue. Frequently, the foal arrives normally but is encased in a tough and thickened chorioallantois (membrane surrounding the foal in the placenta), which he cannot break through. Consequently, he might suffocate unless someone cuts open the chorioallantois immediately. Premature placental separations (commonly referred to as red bag deliveries) are also common in mares grazing toxic endophyte-infected fescue.Further, says Bob Coleman, PhD, PAS, associate equine extension professor at the University of Kentucky, mares grazing endophyte-infected fescue produce reduced amounts of or no milk and colostrum (antibody-rich first milk). Colostrum might contain lower concentrations of the antibody immunoglobulin G (IgG) and, in some cases, IgG absorption is lower in foals born to mares grazing toxic endophyte-infected fescue.Scientists dont know the exact mechanisms that cause these reproductive problems in mares; however, they do know the ergot alkaloids are agonistic to dopamine (D2) receptors, meaning they cause excess dopamine production. Research conducted in 2000 by now-retired Marc Freeman, PhD, and colleagues in the Department of Biological Sciences at Florida State University, in Tallahassee, revealed a significant reduction in circulating and releasable prolactin (a hormone essential to the final stages of birth) from the anterior pituitary gland and agalactia in mares grazing endophyte-infected fescue. Another contributing factor to prolonged gestation is suppression of the hormone progesterone. Progesterone levels should increase about two weeks before parturition (foaling), but mares consuming endophyte-infected fescue have reduced progesterone levels.Grazing endophyte-infected tall fescue does not appear to have as much impact on other classes of horses, says Coleman. In one study conducted at Auburn University, researchers looked at the growth and development of yearlings grazing endophyte-infected fescue pasture. In another study a team at the University of Georgia considered the growth and development of yearlings eating endophyte-infected tall fescue hay. Neither research group found significant differences on average daily gains or wither heights of horses consuming fescue compared to controls.A team from Missouri State University evaluated performance horses fed endophyte-infected fescue seed mixed in their grain ration and found no significant impact of the infected fescue on the parameters measured. Lea says researchers at the University of Kentucky have tested ergot alkaloids vasoactivity (ability to cause blood vessels to contract or dilate). While they documented vasoconstriction, with ergovaline being the most vasoactive ergot alkaloid, the horses did not appear to be outwardly affected.A microscopic endophytic fungus infects the fescue plant; its beneficial to the fescue but toxic to grazing livestock. | Getty imagesMeasuring Endophyte LevelsSo, what can breeders do from a management perspective to avoid tall fescue toxicity in broodmares? Lea and Coleman agree that pasture management is the ideal option.The first step is to know for certain the pasture is infected and at what level. For specific sampling procedures, costs, and shipping requirements, contact your local county Cooperative Extension office. However, here are some general sample collection guidelines:When to sample. Samples must be collected when the plant has been actively growing for at least a month; this provides the best opportunity to find any endophyte present.Collection. Gather tiller (stem) samples of the plant that are at least 1/8-inch thick. Cut with a razor or sharp knife at the soil surface, avoiding stems that have seedheads. Take at least 10 to 20 random tillers per five acres to get a representative sample of the pasture.Storage. Place samples with a cold pack in a sturdy, plastic-lined box to take to a county extension office or overnight express to a testing laboratory. Refrigerate samples to ensure sample quality.Results. The report you receive will indicate the percentage of submitted tillers that were infected with the endophyte. Some U.S. laboratories also determine ergovaline concentrations.Lea says ergovaline concentrations vary seasonally and closely follow the tall fescues cool-season growth curve, with spikes occurring in spring and fall. However, some farms do not test for ergovaline concentrations. Based on data collected over the past 15 years through the University of Kentuckys Horse Pasture Evaluation program, Leas team has developed a relative (ergovaline was not tested or tested outside of the normal months) risk scale to help breeders manage late-term mares grazing. Here is an excerpt from the table:Tall Fescue Pasture CompositionRisk Level<10%Very small risk to late-term mares10-25%Risk to late-term mares is small, but safe pregnancy is not guaranteed25-50%Risk to late-term mares is significant, especially during grass stress periods50-75%Risk to late-term mares is high75-100%Risk to late-term mares is very highBecause the ergovaline produced by the endophyte is what causes problems in broodmares, knowing how much ergovaline the mare is ingesting will provide you with more detailed information to guide your management practices. Researchers have shown that signs of fescue toxicity appear in pregnant mares consuming fescue testing greater than 300 parts per billion (ppb) of ergovaline. However, most extension publications suggest using 200 ppb as the threshold value. The University of Kentucky team has established risk levels for late-term pregnant mares based on ergovaline concentrations in the total diet (see table below).Ergovaline in Total Diet (PPB)Recommendation for Late-Term Mares<200Low risk201-500Moderate Risk>500High riskMost pastures are not 100% tall fescue, says Lea. Pastures contain other grasses and legumes mares prefer to eat, thus diluting the actual amount of ergovaline in the pasture. You can calculate the amount of ergovaline in the pasture based on the estimated percentage of other grasses or legumes in the field, using this formula:% tall fescue_________________(% tall fescue + % grass A + % grass B) x ergovaline (ppb)=ergovaline in available forageFrom this calculation you can determine your mares risk level for grazing a pasture.Management StrategiesRemove pregnant mares from any pasture (or hay) containing endophyte-infected tall fescue 60 to 90 days pre-foaling, says Coleman. You might move mares to a drylot area where you can meet their nutrient requirements with hay and concentrate or to a pasture with forage species other than endophyte-infected tall fescue. Agronomists and researchers consider this the most conservative way to avoid toxicity problems.For mares in the moderate to high-risk category, you can administer domperidone, a drug that stimulates normal prolactin and progesterone production, to avoid agalactia and dystocia. Domperidone should be administered daily for 30 days prior to foaling. Grazing and/or mowing the pasture will keep the fescue plants young and in the vegetative state. Coleman stresses the importance of not overgrazing the pasture, because the endophyte is in the basal part of the plant in addition to the seedheads. Dont let the horses graze the grass below 3 inches, says Lea.You can also dilute endophyte-infected tall fescue in a pasture by incorporating other grasses and legumes. Because tall fescue is not the most palatable grass, mares will choose not to eat it if something more desirable is available. With this strategy you will also benefit from improved pasture quality and production.Although an expensive option, the final management strategy might be to kill infected stands and replant. Lea says there are essentially three types of tall fescue:The toxic endophyte, naturally occurring Kentucky-31. This is a very hardy and persistent grass and is the one causing the toxicity problemsits the type you are trying to get rid of in your pastures.Endophyte-free tall fescue (e.g., Teton II, Select, Tower, Bronson). This grass does not contain an endophyte, so it is safe for horses to graze. Its downside is its not very hardy and cannot tolerate heavy grazing. If you plant this tall fescue, be ready to reseed repeatedly.Novel endophyte tall fescue (e.g., Jesup MaxQ, Tower Protek, Kora Protek, BarOptima PLUS E34, Estancia ArkShield, Martin 2 Protek, Lacefield MaxQII). The endophyte contained within this plant still provides it with hardiness but does not produce the toxic compounds; therefore, horses can graze this fescue safely. Consult your local herbicide dealer to determine the best option for renovating your pasture.Take-Home Message Because tall fescue is a popular and well-established grass across pastures in the U.S., eliminating the risk of toxicosis in broodmares is nearly impossible. The only way to avoid fescue toxicosis is to understand the nature of the plants in your pasture. Know when ergovaline levels will be high, and choose the most beneficial management options to reduce the risk to broodmares

Building a good working relationship with a veterinarian you trust ensures emergency veterinary care will be available and that she is familiar with your horse and his unique needs.| Courtesy Megan KentWe may be in the thick of winter at press time, but spring will be here before we know itand with it the traditional spring vaccines. You might have noticed some equine vaccines are available over the counter for anyone to purchase and administer. However, when a veterinarian is not involved, this approach to preventive care can be seriously detrimental to the overall health of the horse for several important reasons.First and foremost, the relationship between an equine owner and her veterinarian is an important bond and one that should be established on a routine basis, not in an emergency. Equine veterinarians are becoming few and far between, meaning that those who are still in practice might not be able to take on new clients during emergency hours. Building a good working relationship with a veterinarian you trust ensures that emergency care is available and that the practitioner is familiar with your horse and his unique medical needs and history.Annual Wellness ExamsSecond, vaccinations are only part of your veterinarians annual visit. Just like annual exams for children, complete physical examinations at these visits can help the practitioner pick up on changes in your horses health, such as new heart murmurs, hair and coat changes, weight gain or loss, or the development of or change in abnormal lumps or bumps. Problems are easier to manage or treat when identified early, as opposed to waiting until they are an emergency. This visit is the perfect time to discuss concerns you have, including diet, exercise, and temperament, follow up on previous emergency or sick visits, or clear up rumors youve heard floating around on social media. This is where you, your horse, and your veterinarian build camaraderieagain, the relationship necessary for quality emergency care from a friendly face when you need it!Parasite ControlThird, annual visits from your veterinarian allow discussion and completion of other components of preventive care. Our understanding of parasites has changed the way we approach dewormingfecal egg counts enable us to give more specific recommendations for parasite control programs for individual horses and herd situations. Traditional rotational deworming and other programs have fallen out of favor, and veterinarians are the most knowledgeable on this topic.Dental CareAt the other end of the horse, its important to have a veterinarian perform dental care; it is otherwise illegal in many states (Google your states stance on licensed dental care professionals and veterinarian supervision). Proper speculum examinations allow a veterinarian to evaluate the entire mouth and carry out any procedures they find necessary at that time, such as floating or extractions. Your practitioner might recommend specific sedation, local anesthesia, or antibiotics that are safe for your specific horse based on the physical exam.VaccinationsFinally, veterinarians can indeed administer vaccines. But, more importantly, they can recommend a specific vaccine program that is appropriate for your horse in your area. Not every horse needs every vaccine. For example, horses that travel need more vaccines than ones that stay at home. Maybe there is an outbreak of a disease in the area. Some horses react poorly or inefficiently to specific vaccinations and need medication ahead of time or afterward. No one knows the medical needs of your horse and your herd better than your veterinarian not the feed store cashier.Additionally, many vaccine companies are confident enough in their products that they offer financial support for diagnosis and/or treatment in the case of a vaccine failure. However, they will only provide this if a veterinarian administered the vaccine. This is to ensure proper handling (youd be surprised how many expired vaccinesor vaccines stored at incorrect temperaturesIve found) and administration. So, while youre huddled under a blanket with your calendar planning your spring riding activities, I encourage you to consider the benefits of including veterinarians in your horses preventive care. Theyd really like to see you during daylight hours when your horse isnt sick!

Flax oil can be used to increase coat shine and add calories, but there are other considerations to make before adding it to your horses diet. | ThinkstockQ: My trainer suggested I add oil to my horses diet to help with her weight and coat. Does it matter what type of oil I choose? Are there certain benefits to feeding corn oil versus canola or vegetable oils?A:Adding fat to a horses diet is a common choice when owners want to improve coat quality or weight gain because fatty acids coat the hair shaft, making it reflect light better so hair shines more and becomes more pliable. Fat also provides 2.25 times more calories to the diet than an equal weight of carbohydrates, which enables you to get more calories into the ration without having to greatly increase feed intake. The other benefit of using fat for weight gain is it is widely considered to be a cooler source of energy and less likely to make horses excitable than using higher-starch options.On face value, the answer to the question of does it matter what type of fat/oil is used to improve coat quality or for weight gain, the answer is no. Corn, canola, vegetable, flax oil, etc., will all increase shine and add calories for weight gain. But there are some additional considerations to make because outside of their abilities to improve coat and increase condition, these fats have other effects within your horses body.The composition of these fatty acids varies, with some containing more omega-6 fats while others contain more omega-3 fats. These differences are important to understand because these two types of polyunsaturated fats play key roles in cell membrane structure, inflammation, and other physiological processes.The fat in a horses natural diet of fresh grass tends to be quite high in omega-3 fatty acids. However, these fats are not heat-stable, so much of the omega fat is lost when grass is dried to make hay. Many of the other common equine feed ingredients tend to be higher in omega-6 fats. This is especially true of high-fat ingredients such as rice bran and the vegetable oils used in feeds. This can result in a diet that provides more omega-6 than -3 fatty acids.Both omega-3 and -6 fats are essential, meaning horses cannot generate them and, thus, must consume them in their diet. Because the level of omega-3 fats tends to be lower when horses do not have access to good-quality pasture, it is ideal to provide supplemental fats that are higher in omega-3 fats when trying to improve coat quality and body condition. This will not only improve coat quality and body condition but also help the horse better regulate inflammatory response.Although corn oil is relatively cheap, it has no omega-3 fat, so I typically do not utilize it. Other oils often used for weight gain, where you may need to feed up to two cups a day, are soybean oil and canola oil because while these are both high in omega-6 fats, they do contain some omega-3. Better still, and my choices for coat-quality improvement, are flax or camelina oil because these have more omega-3 than -6. Coat quality might improve with as little as 2 fluid ounces a day. Their high cost could make them a more challenging option when larger amounts are needed for weight gain but, if cost is not a constraint, they would be a great choice for weight gain, as well.Other good oil options are ahiflower oil, which is also high in omega-3 fatty acids including stearidonic acid. Hemp oil also contains stearidonic acid, in addition to an unusual omega-6 fatty acid, gamma-linolenic acid, which behaves like an omega-3.Feeding any one of these oils will likely have a positive impact on coat quality and, if fed in enough quantity, weight gain, as well. Selecting an oil with higher omega-3 content might also have other added systemic benefits by regulating inflammation, which can help with joint health, respiratory function, immune function, and a number of other conditions.

A balanced diet with appropriate levels of protein, trace minerals, and vitamins supports healthy skin and coat. For greatest effect you should make sure that all dietary requirements are met before shedding starts. | Photo: iStockQ. My horse is starting to shed his winter coat, and Im wondering whether there is anything I can do nutritionally to speed up the process and that will also ensure a good-quality summer coat?A. While most of us look forward to the longer days and warmer weather of spring, shedding horses can leave the barn looking like a yak thanks to shedding winter coats. I dont blame you for wanting it over as quickly as possible!Some anecdotal reports suggest that feeding flax or black oil sunflower seeds can help horses shed out more quickly. This is likely due to the oil these feeds contain. However, I have found no scientific evidence to support this assertion. The best way to speed up the removal of old coat is rigorous grooming before and after exercise using a rubber curry comb or similar grooming tool. If the weather is warm enough, a bath will often help loosen hair. So will a good roll in a sandy arena.Dont be fooled into thinking that blanketing your horse will help them shed faster. Day length is what triggers hair loss, not body temperature.Fat and Horse Hair Coat QualityWhile feeding fat to speed up shedding might be no more than placebo effect, adding more fat to the diet might help improve the new coats quality. The hair shaft is coated in cuticle cells that contain a substantial amount of fat that helps retain moisture. These cells should lay flat, and when theyre flat they reflect light beautifully. However, if damaged, moisture is lost from the hair shaft, and the hair becomes dry and no longer reflects light with the same brilliance. Additionally, pores in the skin release sebum, which is an oily substance that coats the hair shaft and helps maintain shine. Diets that dont provide adequate amounts of fatty acids could result in a dry hair coat thats more susceptible to damage and a dull appearance.Take caution before supplementing fat to ensure it is appropriate for the individual horse based on body condition. However, even relatively small amounts of fat should have a positive impact on coat quality. Try to use fat sources that provide essential omega fatty acids especially those that supply greater quantities of omega-3 than omega-6. Flax and camelina oil are good options, and you only need to feed about 2 to 4 ounces per day for an average-sized horse. If feeding flax seed, either whole or ground, feed about 4 to 6 ounces by weight, which is about 1 cup by volume.Supplementing oil also supports supple, healthy skin and reduces dandruff and flakiness.VitaminsVitamin A is a key nutrient that plays a role in skin health, and while the equine dietary deficiencies are rare, they can occur if youre feeding older hay. While the precursor to vitamin A, beta-carotene, is abundant in fresh forages, it is lost from hay at a rate of almost 10% per month. Therefore, by late winter/early spring hay might have lost 50% of its beta-carotene, and by the time hay is a year old its likely horses will need an additional vitamin A source to meet their basic dietary requirements.Protein and Amino AcidsThe hair shaft is made up mostly of the protein keratin. Diets that provide inadequate protein or that lack essential amino acids could result in reduced hair growth. This, in turn, could slow down shedding. Look at the quality of the forage youre feeding. Very stemmy hay, the result of cutting plants when they are mature, might need to be supplemented with feeds that provide quality protein, such as soybean meal.Copper and Zincs RoleEnsuring horses dietary copper and zinc requirements are met will also help support coat color. Both these minerals impact melanin, the protein in hair that is responsible for pigmentation. If the hair contains inadequate amounts of melanin, it is unable to resist damage from ultraviolet light. This leads to oxidative damage and fading.Copper is also needed by the enzyme lysyl oxidase, which is necessary for the maintenance of the cross-bridges in collagen within skin. Without adequate copper these cross linkages are weakened and the skin loses structural integrity.Take-Home MessageA balanced diet with appropriate levels of protein, trace minerals, and vitamins supports healthy skin and coat. For greatest effect you should make sure that all dietary requirements are met before shedding starts. That way the new coat will be fully supported from the very beginning of its growth. Combine this with rigorous grooming sessions and you will have a fabulous summer coat before you know it.