Charlotte Fry (GBR) and Glamourdale, winners of the FEI Dressage World Cup™ 2024/25 - ’s Hertogenbosch (NED). © FEI/Leanjo de Koster The tension was palpable at the final FEI Dressage World Cup™ Western European League qualifier of the season. In 's-Hertogenbosch, Charlotte Fry (GBR) and Glamourdale emerged victorious once again, securing their ticket to the Final with a...

Riyadh recently hosted 20 global experts for a workshop focused on improving temporary international horse movement in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries, Jordan and Syria. Initiated by the World Organization for Animal Health (WOAH) and the International Horse Sports Confederation (IHSC), the event brought together representatives from veterinary authorities, equestrian federations,...

Georgie Campbell and Speedwell in the 2022 Millstreet International CCI4*-L. Credit: Libby Law Musketeer Event Management is delighted to name the new Georgie Campbell Foundation as its charity of choice for 2025. Set to launch at Barbury later this week, the relationship will run at Musketeer organised events throughout the year, including Barbury (making its return to the BE calendar), the...

Paul Johnston memorial SJ league week 4Due to the very sad loss of our regular judge and friend Paul Johnston we are running this Show Jumping league in his memory very kindly supported by his family....

Purina Animal Nutrition, along with the Land OLakes Foundation, has reopenedits annual scholarship program designed to assist students with experience in livestock production and animal stewardship in pursuing their passions and furthering their education.Undergraduate students and current high school seniors who have experience raising and caring for small or large livestock, equine and/or poultry are eligible to apply for a $5,000 scholarship. Four students will be awarded based on applications that illustrate the impact animal agriculture has had on their lives along with details on academic achievements, leadership skills, community involvement and a clear vision for their future.Scholarship applications will be accepted March 18 through April 17, and awardees will be notified in June. Funds will be distributed for the Fall 2025 semester at their current or anticipated educational institution. The scholarship is open to all high school seniors who plan to enroll in full-time undergraduate study at an accredited two- or four-year college, university or vocational-technical school for the entire upcoming academic semester/term and undergraduate students enrolled in an accredited two- or four-year college, university or vocational-technical school.To learn more about and apply to the Purina Animal Nutrition Scholarship, visithttps://www.purinamills.com/scholarship.

The Horse Sport Ireland Podcast has arrived bringing listeners the stories behind your favourite athletes, horses and equestrian personalities. Coming off the back of the successful Partners in Paris podcasts which centred around the Olympic Games in Paris last summer, the Horse Sport Ireland Podcast will be an in-depth discussion podcast with some of the biggest names and biggest stories from the Irish equestrian world. Hosted by Melanie Young and produced by Dustpod, a team of national radio producers who create award-winning broadcast-quality podcasts for Irish and international brands, the conversational and informative series will air on the first Monday of every month, kicking off on March 10th. Joining Melanie in Episode 1 are Trevor and Caroline Breen, fresh from Trevors incredible double clear round which helped Ireland earn a flawless victory in the Longines League of Nations first leg in Abu Dhabi on February 15th. Unshattered Dreams: The []

Section Details Understanding the EquiSal Tapeworm Test Kit Saliva Collection Swab Storage Tube Transparent Bag with Absorbent Pad Freepost Return Envelope Instructions for Use Free Worming Advice Where to Buy EquiSal Tapeworm Test Kits Veterinary Practices SQP Retailers Online Retailers Popular Online Retailers Westgate Labs Feclab Laboratories Farm Vet Supplies Benefits of Using EquiSal Tapeworm Test Kits Accurate Diagnosis Cost-Effective Regular Monitoring Tips for Using the EquiSal Tapeworm Test Kit Do not deworm at least four months before testing Test every six months Retest three months after treatment if needed Where to Buy EquiSal Tapeworm Test Kits: A Guide for Horse Owners As a horse owner, ensuring the health and well-being of your equine companion is paramount. One common health issue in horses is tapeworm infestation, which can be challenging to detect through traditional methods like faecal egg counts. The EquiSal Tapeworm Test Kit offers a scientifically proven, saliva-based method to accurately diagnose tapeworm burdens in horses. This guide will help you understand where to purchase these kits and how they can benefit your horse's health. Tapeworms are one of the most elusive parasites in horses, often leaving subtle signs that can easily go unnoticed. While regular use of faecal egg counts helps in identifying other parasitic worms, tapeworms can remain undiscovered due to their unique life cycle. Hence, directed methods like the EquiSal test become essential. Understanding the EquiSal Tapeworm Test Kit Key Components of the Kit Saliva Collection Swab: Allows for easy collection of saliva samples from your horse. Storage Tube: For storing the collected saliva sample. Transparent Bag with Absorbent Pad: Helps in transporting the sample safely. Freepost Return Envelope: Conveniently return the sample to the lab for analysis. Instructions for Use: Clear guidelines on how to collect and send the sample. Free Worming Advice: Many providers offer free worming advice based on the test results. The EquiSal Tapeworm Test measures tapeworm-specific IgG(T) antibodies in horse saliva, providing a high-accuracy diagnosis of tapeworm burdens. Unlike faecal egg counts, which may not always detect tapeworms due to their shedding patterns, the EquiSal test offers targeted identification. Where to Buy EquiSal Tapeworm Test Kits Purchase Options EquiSal Tapeworm Test Kits are widely available through various channels: Veterinary Practices: Purchase these kits directly from your local veterinary practice, ensuring professional advice is readily available. Suitably Qualified Person (SQP) Retailers: SQPs are trained professionals who can provide guidance on worm control and sell these kits. Online Retailers: Several online stores like Westgate Labs and Feclab Laboratories offer these kits with competitive pricing and convenient delivery options. Popular Online Retailers Westgate Labs: Offers kits for 1-9 horses at 25.50 per horse and for 10+ horses at 24.00 per horse. They include return postage and email results within a week. Feclab Laboratories: Provides kits with prepaid return postage and free worming advice if needed. They recommend contacting them for bulk orders. Farm Vet Supplies: Though they dont keep these kits in stock, they can order them as required and offer discounts for bulk purchases. Benefits of Using EquiSal Tapeworm Test Kits Accurate Diagnosis: The kits provide a reliable method to detect tapeworm burdens, which is crucial for targeted worming strategies. Cost-Effective: By identifying which horses need treatment, you can avoid unnecessary deworming, saving money and reducing the risk of wormer resistance. Regular Monitoring: Recommended to test twice a year, ideally during spring and autumn, to ensure effective worm control. Tips for Using the EquiSal Tapeworm Test Kit Ensure your horse has not been dewormed for at least four months before testing to get accurate results. Testing every six months is recommended to monitor tapeworm burdens effectively. Only deworm if the test indicates a need for treatment, and retest three months after treatment if necessary. By incorporating the EquiSal Tapeworm Test Kit into your horse's health routine, you can ensure targeted and effective worm control, contributing to better overall health and reducing the risk of wormer resistance. To find a stockist near you, visit the EquiSal website for a list of over 500 stockists throughout the UK.

Type of fracture, diagnosis, and treatment dictate a horses chances of recoveryVeterinarians can use digital radiograph units to diagnose fractures right away on the farm. | Photo: Anne M. Eberhardt/The HorseFinding a horse unable to bear weight on a limb can be a nightmare. And when your veterinarian says the word fracture, you might immediately anticipate the worst-case scenario: euthanasia. But dont jump to conclusions.With all the advancements in modern veterinary medicine, fractures are no longer death sentences for horses. Veterinarians can repair and rehab many limb fractures, and the horse might even be able to return to work.Dean Richardson, DVM, Dipl. ACVS, former head of surgery at the George D. Widener Hospital for Large Animals at the University of Pennsylvanias New Bolton Center, in Kennett Square, says the biggest horse owner misconception is that you cant treat a fracture.You need to get every case evaluated separately, says Richardson. Just because somebody has experience with a fracture that couldnt be repaired doesnt mean that the one youre looking at cant be repaired. Some of them have a terrible prognosis, and some have an excellent prognosis. Also, not every fracture in the horse needs surgery.Lets look at types of limb fractures and how to handle them.Horse Limb Fracture DiagnosisThe first thing to understand about fractures is that they encompass a wide range of bone injuries, from small chips to large fragments called slab fractures. Common types include:Simple Only one crack in the bone.Comminuted Splintered or having many pieces of separated bone.Incomplete A fracture on only one side of the bone.Complete A full break that results in separated bone fragments.Displaced When bone fragments have moved out of their original position.Stress Small, incomplete fractures.Star Multiple cracks radiating from a central area.Articular A fracture involving a joint.Closed Without a wound.Open With a wound.A fracture can produce localized heat, pain, and swellingeither alone or in combination with lameness. These are typically the first clinical signs youll notice, especially if you did not see the injury occur.The presence of a wound can throw some owners off as to the underlying cause of a horses pain or lameness, says Laurie Goodrich, DVM, PhD, Dipl. ACVS, professor of surgery and lameness at Colorado State Universitys Equine Hospital and Orthopaedic Research Center, in Fort Collins.Sometimes they assume that the wound is the primary scenario that is causing the soreness, but its important for them to be aware that the bone underneath it can be affected, she says.While lameness is the most relevant clinical finding, not every lame horse has a fracture. You can imagine how many horses have come in over the years to any hospital with an owner convinced the horse has broken his leg, when in fact what it has is a hoof abscess, says Richardson. The thing we always teach veterinary students is that if you have a severely lame horse, there are two differentials (conditions to consider that cause similar clinical signs): a fracture or an infection.An accurate diagnosis is important so the veterinarian can stabilize the limb properly to prevent further damage. Diagnostics have come a long way due to most vets having digital radiograph (X ray) units, allowing them to detect fractures in the field, says Goodrich.Because it can be more difficult to get a good radiograph as you move up the limb, due to the additional muscle tissue, Goodrich says some veterinarians might opt to perform an ultrasound.Locking plates and screws allow surgeons to compress and stabilize fractures, improving horses prognoses significantly. | Photo: Courtesy Dr. Laurie GoodrichHealing and Prognosis for Horse Limb FracturesBone healing in adult horses typically takes at least four months, whereas foals heal faster. Veterinarians might recommend rehabilitation exercises (e.g., mobilization, swimming, water treadmills) to restore mobility to joints and rebuild muscle function.Some equine limb fractures have better outcomes than others. Prognosis can depend on many factors, says Richardson, including the horses expected use, age, size, whether the fracture restricts mobility, if the fracture is displaced, etc. One of the biggest factors affecting prognosis, however, is the fractures location.Fractures that typically have good prognoses include:Those of the ulnas olecranon process, which is the point of the elbow. Richardson estimates that 90% of horses survive this common fracture, with many returning to full athletic function.Chip fractures, which surgeons can remove arthroscopically. You can have a very high expectation that the horse goes back to full athletic soundness for many, many types of those, Richardson says.Fractures repaired surgically using lag screw fixation to compress fragments together. In most cases the hardware remains in the horse for his lifetime. These horses can return to full function.Simple fractures with simple repairs.RELATED CONTENT | 12 Fracture Repair Take-Homes from a Top Equine SurgeonFractures with poorer prognoses include:Displaced radius (the forearm bone extending down from the elbow) fractures, which Richardson says are expensive and very difficult to repair.Moderate or severe articular fractures requiring surgery to fuse the affected joint to reconstruct it. The horse can live a good life but might never return to full athletic function, says Richardson.Open fractures. When you place implants to stabilize a fracture thats contaminated, then the likelihood of having an infection is almost guaranteed, says Goodrich.Complex fractures with complicated repairs.One of Richardsons most important reminders to owners is to get radiographs for any horse kicked above the knee thats not sound. With a correct diagnosis and stall rest, horses with incomplete fractures of the radius can recover and go back to full work with no problems.But if you take that same horse and think, Oh, thats nothing, and turn it out, thats a horse that can come in with its radius completely separated and displaced or catastrophically fractured, and then youve got a $15,000 to $20,000 (procedure) with a poor expectation of a good outcome, he says.Take-Home MessageFracture repair in horses has come a long way. Having a veterinarian splint the injury properly in the field before transporting him to an emergency clinic is critical to success, our sources say. With advancements in treatment, many horses with fractures either return to partial or complete athletic function or can be used as breeding stock. This can provide horse owners with hope they can save their horses and give them functional, happy, and comfortable lives.[/et_pb_text]

Unveiling what EMS and ID really look likePonies with a cresty neck (seen here) and regional adiposity at the tail head are truly the face of EMS. Current estimates suggest 22-27% of ponies are hyperinsulinemic. | Getty imagesEquine metabolic syndrome (EMS) is not a single disease, say members of the Equine Endocrinology Group in their most up-to-date guidelines and authors of the ECEIM consensus statement. Rather, EMS is a collection of risk factors for endocrinopathic laminitisthe leading cause of laminitis in horses caused by hyperinsulinemia (elevated circulating insulin levels). The most consistent feature of EMS is insulin dysregulation (ID), which veterinarians can measure relatively easily in horses. Another feature they commonly see in EMS cases is increased generalized or regional adiposityfat deposits all over the horse or in certain spots.EMS results from an interaction between genetic and environmental factors, and the risk of laminitis in the individual animal therefore depends on the cumulative effects of these influences, states the Equine Endocrinology Group in the guidelines.This means genetically high-risk horses can develop EMS with only minimal environmental (e.g., dietary) influences, whereas other horses that have a lower genetic risk might develop EMS with improper environments, such as diets high in nonstructural carbohydrates (NSCs).In this article well describe horses and ponies with a higher genetic risk for EMS followed by some examples of other animals with lower genetic risk for EMS that might still benefit from EMS (ID) testing.Recognizing EMS in horses other than the ones we expect, the overconditioned equine population, is important because even nonobese and athletic horses are at risk of career- and life-threatening endocrinopathic laminitis if not recognized and treated, says Teresa Burns, DVM, PhD, Dipl. ACVIM, an associate professor of equine internal medicine at The Ohio State University, in Columbus.The True Face of EMS: Obese PoniesThe overconditioned population with regional adiposity at the tail head as well as a cresty neck is truly the face of EMS, especially ponies. Current estimates suggest 22-27% of ponies are hyperinsulinemic (Durham et al., 2019).If there ever were a poster child for anything, overconditioned ponies are it for EMS, says Burns.Ponies come by their EMS risk honestly, it seems, she adds. But as we are all increasingly aware, there are many other breeds at elevated risk, includingbut definitely not limited toAmerican Saddlebreds, Morgans, Tennessee Walking Horses, Paso Finos, and Arabians.We need to look for not only generalized obesity but also regional adiposity.Recent work in certain smaller populations failed to identify body condition score more generally as a risk factor for certain components of EMS (like hyperinsulinemia), Burns explains. Instead, regional adiposity of the nuchal ligament (in the neck) and tailhead remains predictive.For more specific information Burns recommends referring to studies by Fitzgerald et al., 2019; Barnab et al., 2023; and Lykkjen et al., 2023.Its also probably not an accident that when EMS-affected animals lose weight, some of the very last adipose tissue to be mobilized is in those high-risk depots, she adds. Lean animals often retain these fat depots, especially members of those high-risk breeds. The biological behavior of this fat appears different (more inflammatory, more insulin-resistant) and, in that respect, yes, it may be more important in the setting of monitoring and managing EMS.In a recent study a Nigerian research group (Akinniyi et al., 2023) examined the occurrence of EMS in two separate populations of horses: one group of polo ponies residing in Igabi (60 horses) and a second group of companion horses owned by emirates in Zaria (56 horses). In total, 67.8% of the companion horses were diagnosed with EMS, and the prevalence of EMS in obese horses was 92.86%. Obese horses were more than 10 times more likely to have EMS than underconditioned (a body condition score of less than 4.5 on the Henneke 9-point scale) horses, and horses with a cresty neck were nine times more likely have EMS than horses with normal neck crests.Breeds Resistant to Insulin DysregulationAny horse that is overconditioned to the point of obesity can develop EMS, so no breed is completely immune, says Burns.Amanda Adams, PhD, an assistant professor at the University of Kentucky Gluck Equine Research Center agrees, adding, But even a resistant breed, if they are pushed with diet/management in the wrong direction, can become EMS/ID.Breeds that seem more resistant to ID include Thoroughbreds, Standardbreds, and Quarter Horses, Burns says.But we have seen members of virtually all breeds within our hospital population affected, including those listed above as well as draft horses, she adds. That said, its pretty uncommon to see members of those breeds affected if they arent first very overweight. They dont seem to have the same degree of underlying genetic predisposition as do some of the high-risk breeds.So, why are certain breeds more resistant, yet not immune to ID and EMS?These more resistant breeds more than likely have a genetic factor that is protective, and we have yet to identify the genes responsible for this protective factor, says Adams.Research is ongoing in this area to unravel these questions, but this is not straightforward, she adds. And as we know, even if you identify the protective or susceptible genes of being ID, there is epigenetics in which diet/environment can turn these genes off/on to be over-/underexpressed, which can then influence phenotype (the observable characteristics) of the animal. This is why diet and management are critical regardless of genetic makeup in how we manage our horses to prevent them from becoming ID/EMS.Akinniyi et al. also reported that even nonobese horses have ID/EMS. Specifically, nine of the 16 horses (56%) that were underconditioned and 18 out of 61 (29%) horses with a moderate body condition were diagnosed with EMS. The researchers suggested EMS could be related to internal fat or a genetic predisposition. Or, obesity might not be the primary cause and other as-yet-unidentified underlying causes of EMS could exist.Its not a one-size-fits-all category, says Adams. There are multiple phenotypes of EMS, including the lean-type EMS horses, which is why diagnostic testing for ID is so important.Equine Athletes Can Be Affected by ID/EMS, TooEven athletic horses can have ID and should not be ignored simply because they compete and are presumptively extremely healthy. Part of this is because many equine athletes are, in fact, overweight.As Burns points out, this is particularly true in certain disciplines.In a study published in a 2023 edition of the Journal of Equine Veterinary Science, Shannon Pratt-Phillips, MSc, PhD, and her group at North Carolina State University, in Raleigh, highlighted the fact that in elite hunter competition, ponies are often overweight or obese by conventional metrics.7RELATED CONTENT: Study: Judges Favor Fat Ponies Over Lean OnesJudges of conformation and appearance appear to reward this, notices Burns. Conformation and hunter disciplines seem to favor individuals with higher body condition scores.These findings show that elite competition ponies are dangerously overweight and that adiposity may influence performance in a judged event, state Pratt-Phillips et al. in the study. This is of grave concern to the horse industry and needs to be addressed.Horses involved in athletic competition, however, do have one advantage over their sedentary counterparts: Exercise has a beneficial effect on insulin regulation. Because certain ponies, such as Shetlands, arent exercised as frequently as equids of other breeds, this could play a role in why ponies are at a higher risk of developing EMS/ID.1In the Nigerian study Akinniyi reported that 67% of the leisure horses rarely exercised had EMS. However, 20% of the polo ponies that were exercised were still diagnosed with EMS.Eyeing Healthy Horses for Early EMS SignsWhile obesity, regional adiposity, and cresty necks certainly tip our radar in the direction of EMS, prompting diagnostics, the at-risk breeds can be affected even while lean and young, says Burns.Adams notes that early signs of EMS/ID are not always easy for people to see, leading owners to believe their horses are healthy.Early signs of EMS, such as cresty neck and regional adiposity, including fatty accumulation over the shoulders, ribs, above the eyes, and the rump, can be easily missed by owners if they see the horse daily, she says. This is why its important to consider ID testing as part of a yearly veterinary examination as a preventative measure.This will allow veterinarians to give unbiased evaluation of the animal.Its always better to do the testing rather than guessing, Adams says.Horses With Concurrent PPIDIf a horse has pituitary pars intermedia dysfunction (PPID, aka equine Cushings disease), its always a good idea to also test for ID in horses showing clinical signs, says Adams.Burns adds, About 30-40% of horses with PPID also have ID.But PPID doesnt necessarily need to be considered in all horses with ID.Testing for ID may happen when an animal is on the younger spectrum of age scale, and we know that PPID is more prevalent in older horses, Adams notes. I also think testing for both conditions when the horse starts to reach about 15 years of age is a good idea.Burns agrees, adding, As testing strategies for both conditions are refined over time, the prospect of screening populations at risk before any clinical signs of disease are present (and intervening appropriately) is becoming more feasible.While researchers are still developing concrete recommendations, Burns says many equine veterinary practices are already adding screening tests to their wellness plans for certain demographics, such as annual measurement of endogenous adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH, a hormone thats elevated in horses with PPID, measured at rest) concentration in the fall for individuals over 15 years of age and annual oral sugar testing in the spring for individuals of breeds predisposed to EMS over 4 or 5 years old.Again, such screening protocols for either condition in asymptomatic patients havent been validated or formally endorsed, but that capability is a shared goal of several research groups that are active in the field currently, she adds.After the Unveiling: Control HyperinsulinemiaAfter veterinarians diagnose EMS/ID (see TheHorse.com/1116972), their main treatment goal is to rapidly decrease circulating insulin levels to prevent/quickly resolve laminitis. The Equine Endocrinology Groups first line of attack on EMS is diet. If you own an animal with EMS, restrict his grazing to little or no grass and stop providing treats and grain (concentrate feed). Here are some other recommendations: Feed to achieve or maintain a body condition score of 5, offering only grass hay low in NSC. (Have the hay tested for NSC content and/or soak the hay to reduce NSCs.) Be certain to offer a low-intake ration balancer with a low sugar content (soaking can leach nutrients from the hay). If laminitis does not preclude exercise, incorporate an exercise program into the horses routine. Researchers say even low-intensity exercise involving 30 minutes of unridden fast trot or canter to achieve heart rates of 130-150 beats per minute three times weekly is likely beneficial for these horses.Its important to feed less than 12% NSC hay, adds Adams. This is the current guideline; however, my research group is working very hard to put science behind this recommendation. This will better help determine what the safest percent NSC in hay is to reduce insulin responses postprandially (after a meal).For more information refer to Macon et al., 2022 and 2023.8-10Adams also points out that owners not only need to feed low-NSC hay but also restrict the amount of hay they offer to 1.5% of the horses body weight per day.For animals not responding to diet and exercise or in cases of severe laminitis, practitioners might need to rapidly correct ID using medications such as metformin, levothyroxine, and the sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitors. These medications are not labeled for horses and must be used under the direct supervision of a veterinarian.Take-Home MessageAdiposity is a key clinical feature of EMS. Given a preponderance of ponies and horses are overweight, veterinarians and horse owners should consider EMS in many of those animals, particularly if they are at-risk breeds. Still, do not discount EMS in breeds at lower risk, athletic horses, and even other apparently healthy horses. We should now be actively looking outside of the fluffy pony paradigm for equids at risk for EMS, says Burns. It can truly affect any of them.References:1. Frank N, Bailey S, Bertin F-R, et al. Recommendations for the diagnosis and management of equine metabolic syndrome. 2022. tinyurl.com/cz2wy8kt2. Durham AE, Frank N, McGowan CM. ECEIM consensus statement on equine metabolic syndrome. J Vet Intern Med 2019;33(2):335349.3. Fitzgerald DM, Anderson ST, Sillence MN, de Laat MA. The cresty neck score is an independent predictor of insulin dysregulation in ponies. PLoS ONE 2019;14(7):e0220203.4. Barnab MA, Elliott J, Harris PA, Menzies-Gow NJ. Relationships between total adiponectin concentrations and obesity in native-breed ponies in England. Equine Vet J. 2023. In Press.5. Lykkjen S, Stenbakk LK, Holmy IH. Prevalence and risk factors for laminitis within the Norwegian pony breed Nordlandshest/Lyngshest. Acta Vet Scand. 2023;65:22.6. Akinniyi OO, Sackey AKB, Ochube GE, et al. Occurrence of equine metabolic syndrome, clinical manifestations, and associated risk factors in Nigeria. J Equine Sci 2023;34(2):2935.7. Pratt-Phillips S, Munjizun A, Janicki K. Visual assessment of adiposity in elite hunter ponies. J Equine Vet Sci. 2023;121:104199.8. Macon EL, Harris P, McClendon M, Perron B, Adams A. Insulin dysregulated horses metabolic responses to forage pellets. J Equine Vet Sci. 2023;133:104991.9. Macon EL, Harris P, Bailey S, Caldwell Barker A, Adams A. Identifying possible thresholds for nonstructural carbohydrates in the insulin dysregulated horse. Equine Vet J. 2023;55(6):10691077.10. Macon EL, Harris P, Bailey S, Barker VD, Adams A. Postprandial insulin responses to various feedstuffs differ in insulin dysregulated horses compared with non-insulin dysregulated controls. Equine Vet J. 2022;54: 574583.