On March 7, a 3-year-old filly in Clinton County, Michigan, recently tested positive for strangles. The filly developed clinical signs on March 6, including nasal discharge, lethargy, and inappetence. She is under quarantine, and 11 horses are exposed.EDCC Health Watch is an Equine Network marketing program that utilizes information from the Equine Disease Communication Center (EDCC) to create and disseminate verified equine disease reports. TheEDCCis an independent nonprofit organization that is supported by industry donations in order to provide open access to infectious disease information.About StranglesStranglesin horses is an infection caused byStreptococcus equisubspeciesequiand spread through direct contact with other equids or contaminated surfaces. Horses that arent showing clinical signs can harbor and spread the bacteria, and recovered horses remain contagious for at least six weeks, with the potential to cause outbreaks long-term.Infected horses can exhibit a variety of clinical signs:FeverSwollen and/or abscessed lymph nodesNasal dischargeCoughing or wheezingMuscle swellingDifficulty swallowingVeterinarians diagnose horses using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) testing with either a nasal swab, wash, or an abscess sample, and they treat most cases based on clinical signs, implementing antibiotics for severe cases. Overuse of antibiotics can prevent an infected horse from developing immunity. Most horses make a full recovery in three to four weeks.A vaccine is available but not always effective. Biosecurity measures of quarantining new horses at a facility and maintaining high standards of hygiene and disinfecting surfaces can helplower the risk of outbreakorcontain one when it occurs.

On February 7, 16 horses in Meadow Lake No. 588, Saskatchewan, tested positive for equine infectious anemia (EIA). The horses had been tested by the Canadian Food Inspection Agency as part of an ongoing disease investigation, and no clinical signs of disease were noted at the time of sampling.The infected horses have a history of commingling with free-roaming horses in an area where the disease is endemic.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 EIAEquine infectious anemiais a viral disease that attacks horses immune systems. The virus is transmitted through the exchange of body fluids from an infected to an uninfected animal, often by blood-feeding insects such as horseflies. It can also be transmitted through the use of blood-contaminated instruments or needles.ACoggins test screens horses blood for antibodiesthat are indicative of the presence of the EIA virus. Most U.S. states require horses to have proof of a negative Coggins test to travel across state lines.Once an animal is infected with EIA, it is infected for life and can be a reservoir for the spread of disease. Not all horses show signs of disease,but those that do can exhibit:Progressive body condition loss;Muscle weakness;Poor stamina;Fever;Depression; andAnemia.EIA has no vaccine and no cure. A horse diagnosed with the disease dies, is euthanized, or must be placed under extremely strict quarantine conditions (at least 200 yards away from unaffected equids) for the rest of his life.

What a successful weekend at Marlton Stud in Wicklow Despite the early start, 15-year-old Molly Byrne dominated her first ever Dressage Ireland show and took home first place in her prelim class with an impressive score of 68%. riding Rostrevor Ard R. Shannon Magee, who also had a fantastic ride at the registered elementary level on VSH Wannabe, placing 5th and earning a qualifying score for the National Winter Finals. We couldn't be prouder of our riders and their hard work paid off. A big thank you to Eastern Region for putting on such a great show! #NarrowWaterEquestrian #DressageChampions #ProudTrainers

Key Point Description Equine Napping A form of communication indicating potential discomfort or distress in horses. Napping Behavior Refusal to move forward, spinning, or reversing as a result of discomfort, fear, or anxiety. Common Behaviors Hesitation, tail swishing, head turning, bucking, or rearing when ignored. Pain and Discomfort Poor saddle fit, dental issues, or musculoskeletal problems causing napping. Musculoskeletal Problems Stress from poor saddle fit or incorrect riding techniques can cause pain. Training Issues Over-expectation and punishment exacerbate fears and anxiety in horses. Fear and Anxiety Horses may become overwhelmed by certain situations, affecting their behavior. Identifying the Cause Determine pain, assess training methods, and address fear and anxiety to resolve napping. Strategies for Overcoming Napping Identify cause and employ strategies to address napping behavior. Building Confidence Controlled exposure and positive reinforcement to foster calm behavior. Improved Training Practices Using positive reinforcement tailored to horse's fitness and experience levels. Managing Separation Anxiety Consistent routines and increasing independence to alleviate anxiety. Conclusion Understand napping as communication, tailor strategies based on identified causes. Addressing Equine Napping: Is Your Horse Trying to Tell You Something? Equine napping is more than just a frustrating halt in motion; it is a crucial form of communication pointing toward potential discomfort or distress in your horse. At Just Horse Riders, we understand these intricacies and are here to provide insights to recognize, understand, and address the root causes of napping in your equine friend. Understanding Napping Behavior When a horse refuses to move forward, spins, or reverses, it's an indication of napping behavior. Understanding that this behavior stems from discomfort, fear, or anxiety allows us to address the issues with the compassion they deserve. Common Behaviors Associated with Napping Subtle signals such as hesitation, tail swishing, or a simple head turn can often go unnoticed. When these signals escalate into more pronounced behaviors like bucking or rearing, it signifies that their earlier subtle cues have been ignored. Causes of Napping Pain and Discomfort It's essential to recognize that pain or discomfort is often a key factor in napping. A poorly fitting saddle, dental issues, or musculoskeletal problems can cause significant discomfort. Consulting a veterinarian, saddle fitter, or equine dental technician is crucial. Musculoskeletal Problems The stress from a poorly fitted saddle or improper riding techniques can cause pain. Regular check-ups can preemptively address these problems.[1][3] Training Issues Over-expectation from a horse, especially young, inexperienced, or unfit ones, can lead to napping. Using punishment as a corrective measure can exacerbate the problem, causing fear or anxiety in the horse rather than resolving the underlying issue. Fear and Anxiety Some horses may feel overwhelmed when exposed to certain situations, whether due to other horses, traffic, or a lack of rider confidence. Addressing this involves building a supportive environment and a positive reinforcement strategy to build confidence[1][3]. Identifying the Cause Identifying the root cause of napping can save time and prevent worsening behaviors. Here's how you can determine the root of the problem: Rule Out Pain Initial steps involve ruling out any physical discomfort by consulting with a veterinarian and ensuring equipment like saddles and bridles are properly fitted[1][3]. Assess Training Methods Review your training approach. Avoid overburdening your horse and ensure the use of positive reinforcement instead of negative forms of correction, which build anxiety and fear[1]. Address Fear and Anxiety Gradual exposure, training, and positive reinforcement can alleviate fear and anxiety-related napping, giving your horse confidence in the situations that initially caused distress[1][5]. Strategies for Overcoming Napping Once the underlying cause has been identified, specific strategies can be employed to address the napping behavior. Building Confidence Using controlled gradual exposure can strengthen your horse's confidence. Rewarding them with treats and praise for calm behavior helps in reinforcing positive experiences[5]. Gradual Introduction Start by introducing feared scenarios incrementally. Slow introductions can be less daunting and more manageable for your horse. Improved Training Practices Adopt training sessions that match your horse's fitness level, experience, and age capabilities. The focus should always be on positive reinforcement, building a bond of trust and confidence between horse and rider[1]. Managing Separation Anxiety Some horses nap due to being too closely bonded to another, or from suffering past stresses. By employing consistent routines and gradually increasing independence, you can ease these anxieties. Consistent Daily Routines Providing a consistent routine adds to your horse's feeling of security. From feeding to exercise, maintaining predictability reinforces their environment as safe and comforting. Conclusion Addressing equine napping begins with understanding it as a form of communication rather than defiance. Identifying whether the cause is pain, fear, or inadequacies in training allows you to tailor strategies to your horses individual needs. By taking steps outlined here, youll be equipped to improve your horses sense of security and enhance the bond between horse and rider, ensuring harmonious, enjoyable rides. Explore more about Jodhpur Collection, find out which Stable Rugs suit your horse best, or gift them Horse Treats And Gifts for their improvement. Visit [Just Horse Riders](https://www.justhorseriders.co.uk/) to discover more.

Di Arbuthnot, the chief executive of the Retraining of Racehorses (RoR) for over 20 years, was presented with the Sir Colin Spedding Award by HRH The Princess Royal at the National Equine Forum last week.Di received the award in recognition of her dedication to racehorse welfare. During her leadership of RoR, Di helped to create a range of equestrian events and competitions aimed at giving retired racehorses the chance of a second career. These initiatives have secured the future of thousands of ex-racehorses who previously faced an uncertain outlook once they stepped away from the track.I am thrilled to receive this prestigious award, and I would like to thank the National Equine Forum, said Di.It was a privilege, 25 years ago, to become part of a charity that has helped many thoroughbreds have another career.Looking at Thoroughbreds differentlyBringing awareness of their adaptability and their successes has helped change the way those both inside and outside of the industry look at the life of a Thoroughbred.It would not have been possible without the commitment and foresight of the chairmen and trustees of RoR, particularly in those early days, as well as the dedication and hard work of a small team; I am delighted to accept this award on their behalf.Sir Colin Spedding was the founding chairman of the NEF and chaired the event for 20 years until his death in 2012. He ensured that representatives of all areas of the equine sphere were made welcome to the Forum, and that topics of general interest and concern could be discussed openly and amicably.The award was introduced in 2013, in his memory. It is presented annually to an exceptional unsung hero or heroine of the equestrian world. Any individual or organisation from any equestrian field in the UK is eligible, as long as their outstanding qualities have not been formally acknowledged elsewhere prior to the closing date of nominations.Last years joint winners were the Great Yorkshire Shows Amanda Stoddart-West and RSPCA case officer Kirsty Withnall.Image Shai Dolev Photography.Further readingSwap birch for padded hurdles in interest of racehorse welfare, say researchersNew scheme will provide expert tuition to riders on former racehorsesNew mum rides to glory in SEIB Racehorse to Riding Horse final at HOYSRiding on the gallops: expert advice to suit every type of horseUse this fitness plan to prepare your horse for the season aheadThe post Award for unsung hero who helped secure the future of thousands of ex-racehorses appeared first on Your Horse.

Advertisement featureWhen a senior horse is diagnosed with Pituitary Pars Intermedia Dysfunction (PPID) more commonly known as Cushings syndrome it can be worrying for owners. Rest assured, by making informed decisions and adapting their management, they can still thrive.Over 20% of horses aged above 15 years (and 25% of those over the age of 20) may have PPID, and it can affect all breeds. Although it may seem more common in ponies, this may just be because they tend to have longer lifespans.What is PPID?PPID is an endocrine (hormonal) disorder affecting the pituitary gland, a small organ found at the base of the brain which regulates, produces and stores hormones. In short, horses with PPID over produce some hormones, including adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH). How this increase in hormones leads to the clinical signs of PPID is still not fully understood, but its clear PPID can have a significant impact on a horses overall health and appearance.Clinical signs of PPIDSeverity of signs will vary between individuals, and some equines may only show mild signs of Cushings. Common clinical signs of PPID are listed below:Excessive coat growth (Hypertrichosis)Coats being slow (or failing) to shedMuscle wastageWeight lossExcessive sweatingIncreased drinking and urinationLethargy and poor performanceBehavioural changesPot-bellied appearanceAbnormal fat distributionDelayed wound healing and increased infectionsIncreased susceptibility to parasitesDiagnosing PPIDDiagnosing PPID involves a veterinary examination of the clinical signs. A blood test will be carried out to measure the concentration of ACTH in the horses blood elevated levels indicate PPID. Test results maybe ambiguous, and your vet may suggest a more refined thyrotropin-releasing hormone (TRH) stimulation test to confirm diagnosis.Managing a senior horse with PPIDEquines suffering with PPID may be under or overweight, retired with multiple age-related issues, or active in good condition. The following are key strategies for managing a horses symptoms and will help them to stay as healthy as possible.Regular vet checksRegular blood tests (for ACTH and insulin status) help track any progression of Cushings, allowing you to make necessary adjustments to your horses management. Body condition, muscle tone, and dental health should also be assessed regularly.Maintain a healthy weightCarefully monitoring body condition is essential. Use a body condition scoring system to help you assess your horses condition objectively just casting an eye over your horse isnt accurate. However, some horses and ponies may have large regional fat deposits, such as a cresty neck or fat pads over the loins, despite being thin overall. In these situations, body condition scoring systems need to be used with care. Regular weigh taping is a helpful tracker.Managing the laminitis riskIf horses or ponies are also insulin dysregulated, theyre at increased risk of developing laminitis. Maintaining a healthy body condition and limiting total starch and sugar intake are priorities. Exercise helps maintain muscle tone and may improve insulin sensitivity, which could help to reduce the laminitis risk. Tailor the intensity of exercise to the horses capability even light activity may be helpful.Feeding forageIdeally, forage should be the cornerstone of all horses diets. It helps healthy digestive function, encourages chewing and provides the bulk of calories (energy). If possible, provide unlimited access to forage. Book regular dental checks, as even mild teeth discomfort can prevent a horse from eating enough forage to maintain a healthy weight.Forage qualitySoaking hay helps reduce its water-soluble carbohydrate (WSC) or sugar content. Results are variable, so best practise is to have your hay analysed (for WSC using the wet chemistry method) to assess its suitability. Forage replacers maybe required for those with severe insulin dysregulation or dental issues.Managing grassRestrict sugar intake by limiting access to grazing. Grazing muzzles, strip grazing and track systems may be useful. Avoid turning out on sunny frosty mornings or during grass flushes. Higher risk horses and ponies may even require grass-free turnout.Bucket feedsForage alone doesnt guarantee a fully balanced diet, especially once soaked. Bucket feeds should provide essential nutrients, without high levels of starch and sugar.Bear in the mind the following:Feed balancers are ideal for horses who maintain weight on forage alone, providing essential vitamins and minerals and protein, without excess calories.Fibre-based feeds, low in starch and sugar, are appropriate for PPID horses where more calories are required. Higher oil feeds can be used for underweight horses.Consider feeding more small meals throughout the day.If unsure, contact a nutritional advisor who can ensure your PPID horses diet provides everything they need.Monitor their temperatureSenior horses may have difficulty regulating their body temperature and this may be exacerbated in those with PPID, so you will need to change/remove their rugs more often. Thick coats could need clipping all year round. Those prone to heavy sweating may also require extra electrolytes in their diet, while vitamin C supplementation may benefit those prone to respiratory infections.Looking to the futurePlenty of senior PPID horses continue to live fun active lives. By adapting their management, diet and exercise, and staying vigilant, you can help your horse continue to thrive whether ridden or retired, despite the challenges they face. Compassionate care, combined with scientific understanding, is the key to supporting your horse.If you would like tailored advice for your horse or pony, please contact the SPILLERS Care-Line here. For further advice and information about how best to care for your super senior horse and to join the SPILLERS Super Seniors Clubclick here.Main image of Sandy, a senior horse with PPID. SpillersRelated contentProtect a senior horse from the added risks of obesityWeight monitoring: this is the new Body Condition Index for equinesHow to provide a balanced diet for your horse while watching their weight11 surprising facts you might not know about the grass your horse eatsThe post How to help a senior horse with Cushings disease live a happy, active life *Promotion* appeared first on Your Horse.

Welcome to Horse Illustrateds weekly installment of the Right Horse Adoptable Horse of the Week, offered in partnership with the ASPCAs Right Horse program. This weeks adoptable horse is Brew!Check back weekly for a new featured horse so you can find your Right Horse.Photo courtesy MSPCA at Nevins FarmAdoptable Horse: Brew, a 17-year-old, 13.3hh grade geldingOrganization: MSPCA at Nevins Farm, Methuen, Mass.Get to Know Adoptable Horse BrewIf you ever wanted a horse-sized Bulldog, Brew is your guy! This stocky gentleman is looking for his new digs. Due to his conformation, Brew is adoptable as companion only and should not be ridden. His legs are quite short for his body and his front fetlock joints are both dropped. This does not stop this boy from kicking up his heels while out in the paddock, though! After reviewing with MSPCAs vets, they have determined he is not painful and has most likely been this way his whole life. Upon ultrasound, we were able to rule out Degenerative Suspensory Ligament Disease (DSLD), as his ligaments looked quite healthy.Brew is a pretty easygoing guy and is able to turn out with both mares and geldings. He leads well, though sometimes thinks he is a bulldozer and needs a quick little reminder that he is, in fact, attached to a human. He is very responsive and very sweet; he just needs a little tune-up. Brew is up to date on all vet and farrier care and is a pretty easy keeper, maintaining on just a bit of balancer and first-cut hay.If you are looking for a big hunk of a gelding to love on, or if your current horse is lonely, please submit an adoption inquiry for ASPCA Right Horse Adoptable Horse of the Week Brew and a staff member from MSPCA at Nevins Farm will be in touch.Photo courtesy MSPCA at Nevins FarmASPCA Right HorseASPCA Right Horse is the online adoption platform of The Right Horse Initiative, a collection of equine industry and welfare professionals and advocates working together to improve the lives of horses in transition. A program of the ASPCA, their goal is to massively increase horse adoption in the United States. To find more adoptable horses and foster horses, visit www.myrighthorse.org. To learn more about The Right Horse, a program of the ASPCA, visit www.aspcarighthorse.org.The post ASPCA Right Horse Adoptable Horse of the Week: Brew appeared first on Horse Illustrated Magazine.

Organisers of Royal Windsor Horse Show – which takes place in the private grounds of Windsor Castle from 15–18 May – are delighted to announce details of the Show’s Shopping Village for 2025. One of the key reasons that visitors attend the Show is to enjoy the Shopping Village which blends equestrian excellence with country lifestyle elegance. Carefully curated, this...

Cathrine Laudrup-Dufour (DEN) and Mount St John Freestyle, new leaders of the FEI Dressage World Ranking – Athletes and FEI Dressage World Ranking - Horses, during the Paris 2024 Olympic Games – © FEI / Ben Clark The FEI oversees around 70 Rankings and Standings across all the disciplines, from World Rankings calculated on a monthly basis for Athletes, Horses and/or...