Section Key Points Overview Gastric ulcers in horses are linked to dietary practices. Daytime forage feeding, or "daytime forage bias," reduces ulcer risk. Understanding Gastric Ulcers Ulcers occur due to food deprivation; continuous grazing keeps stomach pH stable, reducing ulcer risk. The Role of Forage Forage buffers stomach acids and triggers saliva production, both aiding in ulcer prevention. Daytime Forage Bias 80% of forage should be consumed during daylight (7 AM to 7 PM) to align with natural grazing patterns and prevent ulcers. Implementing Daytime Forage Bias Calculate Daily Forage: 1.5%-2% of body weight. Select Appropriate Forage: High-fiber, low-sugar options like alfalfa or timothy hay. Use Slow Feeders: Prolong eating time. Adjust Feeding Schedules: 80% during daylight, 20% overnight. Additional Ulcer Prevention Measures Limit high-starch meals. Monitor exercise for reduced stomach stress. Ensure continuous forage access. Conclusion Daytime forage bias enhances equine health by maintaining a stable stomach environment. Combine with diet and exercise management for best results. Rethinking Ulcer Prevention: The Case for Daytime Forage Feeding for Horses Gastric ulcers present a significant health complication in horses, a concern directly linked to their dietary practices and management strategies. Recent insights emphasize the role of forage, especially when fed during daylight hours, in ulcer prevention. This innovative method, recognized as "daytime forage bias," advocates for daytime forage feeding as a strategy to notably diminish the risk of gastric ulcers in equines. Join us as we delve into the scientific rationale behind this method and its implementation for improved equine well-being. Understanding Gastric Ulcers in Horses Gastric ulcers result from extended periods without food, leading to elevated stomach acidity. Horses have evolved to graze continuously, a behavior that sustains a steady stomach pH and offers protection against ulcers. Despite this evolution, today's domesticated horses often grapple with feeding regimens that deprive them of food for prolonged stretches, notably when stabled or with restricted pasture access. The Role of Forage Forage is pivotal in ulcer prevention, serving as a buffer to stomach acids. Horses that feed steadily throughout the day maintain a stable stomach environment, considerably decreasing the likelihood of ulcer development. Besides buffering, forage also triggers saliva production, providing another layer of protection to the stomach lining. Daytime Forage Bias: A New Approach The "daytime forage bias" proposes that 80% of a horse's daily forage should be consumed during daylight, generally from 7 AM to 7 PM. This strategy is based on studies indicating a heightened ulcer risk during the day if horses are deprived of food. Aligning feeding patterns with natural grazing habits ensures a continuous forage supply, fostering a healthy stomach pH and mitigating ulcer risk. Implementing Daytime Forage Bias To effectively implement this strategy, consider the following: Calculate Daily Forage Needs: Feed your horse 1.5% to 2% of its body weight in forage daily. For a 500 kg horse, this implies feeding 7.5 to 10 kg of forage. Select Appropriate Forage: Opt for high-fiber, low-sugar forages like alfalfa or timothy hay. Alfalfa notably aids due to its high calcium content. Use Slow Feeders: Employ slow feed hay nets to prolong eating time, ensuring the stomach remains filled. Adjust Feeding Schedules: Allocate 80% of daily forage during 7 AM to 7 PM, with the remaining 20% available overnight. Additional Considerations for Ulcer Prevention Beyond daytime forage bias, consider these factors in ulcer prevention: Limit High-Starch Meals: Minimize high-starch, high-sugar diets. Balance these meals with adequate forage to reduce ulcer risk. Exercise Management: Monitor exercise intensity and frequency to alleviate stomach stress. Continuous Forage Access: Ensure horses have access to forage to avoid drastic drops in stomach pH, ideally not leaving them without forage for over four hours. Conclusion The daytime forage bias presents an innovative, efficient method to lower gastric ulcer risk in horses. By aligning with natural grazing behaviors and ensuring a constant forage supply, horse owners can enhance their animal's digestive environment. Pairing this approach with diet and exercise management can dramatically bolster equine health. To explore horse supplements and feeding techniques, visit resources like Mad Barn for deeper insights and expert advice. For a wide variety of high-quality horse riding apparel and equestrian supplies, don't miss the Just Horse Riders. Explore collections such as the Jodhpur Collection, Horse Riding Boot Collection, and other essential riding accessories.

Visual and hands-on assessment of the horse can provide important clues and help guide the need for diagnostic imaging. | Stephanie L. ChurchLameness arising in the front feet accounts for most soundness issues in horses. However, it has been and continues to be difficult for veterinarians to diagnose a specific injury or source of pain within the foot because the structures can be tough to capture with imaging equipment. Over time, as medical knowledge has expanded, radiography has improved, andMRIhas been incorporated into equine practice, weve learned a lot about the hoof capsules complex anatomy and physiology. The more we understand, the more injuries we can identify. This knowledge has opened doors to many treatment options in the veterinarians toolbox. With an accurate diagnosis, the veterinarian can formulate a proper treatment plan and provide an accurate forecast on the horses prognosis.In spite of these advances, its still important for veterinarians to complete a thorough clinical exam. Visual and hands-on assessment of the horse can provide important clues as to the problem. This information often yields a wealth of knowledge that will help guide the need for diagnostic imaging.History and SignalmentKnowing the horses age, breed, and use, as well as the duration of lameness and how quickly it came on, can help the veterinarian formulate a list of possible correlating problems. For example, a 6-year-old Warmblood show jumper coming up lame following a recent class might be dealing with a soft-tissue injury. Alternatively, a 17-year-old Quarter Horse used for team roping with intermittent forelimb lameness over several months might be dealing with a joint or bone-related injury.Lameness Exam FindingsA veterinarian can learn much and narrow down possible problems simply by completing a thorough clinical exam. Clues that can help include:How the horse moves and travels on different surfaces (packed dirt vs. loose sand);How the foot lands and takes off from the ground during travel;The lead on which the lameness is most pronounced;Response to hoof testers; andResponse to flexion tests.Additionally, veterinarians can learn a lot by evaluating hoof capsule conformation and health. Distortions in growth, weakness of the hoof walls, contraction of the heels, and uneven wear of the wall or shoe can result from pain or injury in different parts of the foot, how the horse compensates, and predisposing factors to specific injuries.Finally, they might be able to determine the cause of lameness with specific diagnostic nerve blocks. Using a local anesthetic drug, the veterinarian can desensitize different parts of the foot to detect the location of pain within the hoof capsule. For example, the commonly used palmar digital nerve block desensitizes the sole and back third of the foot, whereas a navicular bursa block generally targets that structurewhich cushions the bone from the deep digital flexor tendonalone. Following a nerve block, the vet assesses the horse to see if he travels differently.Based on these exam findings, the veterinarian can use digital radiography to assess suspected bony problems, then pursue more advanced imaging if necessary.High-Tech DiagnosticsMagnetic resonance imaging has been labeled the gold standard for veterinarians to image the horses foot. It can provide detailed information about soft tissue, bone, and fluid within the hoof capsule. It can often help veterinarians identify abnormalities they may not otherwise recognize using other diagnostics. Evaluating the horses foot using MRI is noninvasive, safe, and can be done with good accuracy either in a standing sedated horse or a horse lying down under general anesthesia. Though MRI is a great option, it does pose some limitations. Its expensive, and in some parts of the country MRI unit availability is limited. Additionally, MRI imaging requires interpretation by a trained professional and often reveals more than one abnormality. For this reason veterinarians often look for other clues to help pinpoint a horses problem before pursuing an MRI exam or, later, to help determine the significance of the MRI findings.Take-Home MessageIn summary, front foot lameness is common and continues to frustrate horse owners and challenge veterinarians. Fortunately, owner-provided information and a thorough lameness exam can help practitioners start meaningful investigations. MRI has improved our understanding of the horses foot and serves as a valuable tool but is not an absolute necessity.

A 7-year-old Quarter Horse gelding used for racing in San Joaquin County, California, recently tested positive for equine infectious anemia (EIA).Twenty-eight potentially exposed horses on the home premises have also been tested for EIA with results pending; they are 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.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.

Help Us Win BETA Retailer of the Year! At Redpost Equestrian, were passionate about providing top-quality products, expert advice, and outstanding customer service to the equestrian community. Whether you visit us in-store or shop online, we strive to make every experience with us exceptional.Now, we need your help! The BETA Retailer of the Year Awards celebrate the very best in the industry, and if you love shopping with us, wed be incredibly grateful for your nomination. Your support ongoing support means the world to us, and we would appreciate any nominations you think we have earned!Find out how to nominate us below and help Redpost Equestrian shine below!Zebra Products Retailer of the Year Award 2025 Online / Mail Nominate us for Online / Mail category HERE Absorbine Retailer of the Year Equestrian store category Nominate us for Equestrian store category HERE The post BETA Retailer of the Year Award 2025 Nominations are OPEN! first appeared on Redpost Equestrian Blog.

On March 13, a 3-year-old Thoroughbred stallion in Barn 31 at the Laurel Park Racetrack in Prince Georges County, Maryland, tested positive for equine herpesvirus-1 (EHV-1). The horse developed clinical signs on March 7, including fever and hind limb cellulitis. He is currently still alive.An Animal and Facility Hold Order has been placed on Barn 31.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.

As winter transitions to spring, horse owners and barn managers should be on alert for equine influenza (EIV), a highly contagious respiratory disease that has historically surged during this time of year (see Figure 1). Recent biosurveillance data underscores this seasonal pattern, reinforcing the need for proactive disease prevention and biosecurity measures.The latest annual analysis (JanuaryDecember 2024) from the Equine Biosurveillance Program, an ongoing national surveillance study managed by Merck Animal Health in partnership with the University of California, Davis, Equine Infectious Disease Research Laboratory, reveals that equine influenza remains one of the most frequently diagnosed respiratory diseases alongside equine herpesvirus type 4 (EHV-4) and Streptococcus equi subspecies equi (strangles). This trend aligns with the programs cumulative findings spanning 17 years, which show EIV consistently ranks among the big three respiratory pathogens affecting horses (see Figure 2).Every year, we see an uptick in equine influenza cases as horses begin traveling for competitions and training in the spring, explains Duane E. Chappell, DVM, of Merck Animal Health. The virus spreads rapidly through direct horse-to-horse contact, shared equipment, and even human handlers who inadvertently carry the virus between horses.Who is Most At Risk?Analysis of recent equine flu cases confirms horses traveling for events and competitions are at increased risk. According to the latest Biosurveillance Program update, 58% of horses diagnosed with EIV had a recent history of travel.1 Show horses were the most commonly affected group, accounting for 42% of reported cases.Young horses, those under stress from travel, and those in high-density environments like showgrounds are particularly vulnerable to equine influenza, says Chappell. Vaccination remains the best line of defense against severe illness.Symptoms of equine flu can appear suddenly and might include:Fever (often exceeding 102F)Harsh, dry coughNasal dischargeLethargyLoss of appetiteIf you suspect equine flu, immediate isolation of the horse is crucial. Its essential to separate symptomatic horses from the rest of the herd and implement strict biosecurity protocols, says Chappell. Many upper respiratory diseases can present with similar clinical signs, so owners should contact their veterinarian for diagnostic testing and supportive care recommendations.How to Prevent Spring OutbreaksGiven the seasonal rise in cases, veterinarians urge horse owners to take proactive steps to protect their animals. Key prevention measures include:Vaccination Ensure horses are up to date on their influenza vaccinations, particularly those that travel frequently. Consider extending vaccination to resident horses that could encounter horses that come and go, including senior horses that may experience declining immune response.Biosecurity Limit direct contact with unfamiliar horses and avoid sharing tack, water buckets, or grooming tools.Monitoring and quarantine New arrivals or horses returning from events should be monitored for at least two weeks before full herd integration. Daily temperature checks during travel can help identify early signs of infectious disease.Hygiene practices Handlers should wash hands (or use hand sanitizer) and disinfect equipment regularly.Influenza is a serious yet preventable disease, says Chappell. By staying vigilant with vaccination and biosecurity, owners can significantly reduce the risk of outbreaks and keep their horses healthy this season.Horse owners are urged to talk to their veterinarian about individualized vaccination recommendations. Get more equine flu facts, and learn more about the Equine Respiratory Biosurveillance Program and regional disease threats with the new equine disease outbreak map.Figure 1Figure 2 Merck Animal Health and University of California, Davis (Nicola Pusterla). Infectious Upper Respiratory Disease Surveillance Program. Ongoing research 2008present.

Ocala, FL It was Nicola Philippaerts of Belgium who claimed victory in the $63,000 Lugano Grand Prix Qualifier CSIO5*-LLN on opening day of the Longines League of Nations Ocala event at World Equestrian Center Ocala (WEC) on Wednesday, March 19, in Ocala, FL. Ocala serves as the second stop on the prestigious Longines League of Nations series and is the only event held[...]Read MoreThe post Nicola Philippaerts Wins on Opening Day of Longines League of Nations Ocala appeared first on World Equestrian Center.

Event organisers Musketeer Event Management have named the Georgie Campbell Foundation as their charity of the year for 2025.The Georgie Campbell Foundation was set up in memory of five-star event rider Georgie Campbell, who waskilled in a cross-country fall while competing at Bicton International Horse Trials in May 2024, with the aim of supporting young event riders in establishing and running their eventing businesses.The Foundation will provide bursary support and mentoring in areas, including financial management and attracting and retaining staff, owners and sponsors.Georgie was a beautiful human inside and out, saidJenny Meiklejohn, event organiser for Musketeer Event Management.We want to do whatever we can to keep her legacy alive and we look forward to working with the fabulous team at the Foundation to do our bit.Purple jumpsMusketeer Event Management, an event management company who organise British Eventing (BE) horse trials at Barbury Castle, Cirencester Park and Burnham Market as well as several unaffiliated events, will support the Georgie Campbell Foundation through financial donations as well as raising the profile of the charity.I am on my way to pick up a good supply of purple paint (Georgies cross-country colours), which we will be making starring appearances at Barbury and Burnham Market, continued Jenny.Hopefully as people ride over the special fences, or enjoy sitting and spectating at them, they will be reminded of Georgie and raise a smile on her behalf.Jewellery collection Jewellery inspired by Georgies competition colours purple and white and her beloved dog, a Patterdale-cross called Twig (pictured above with Georgie) were launched last year by Hiho Silver and Coco & Jane Loves to benefit the foundation.The Hiho Silver collection includes a sterling silver twig necklace and matching sterling silver twig cufflinks while enamel bracelet designer Coco & Jane Loves have handmade purple and white zig-zag bracelets. A donation from each sale of jewellery goes to the Foundation. Eventing will return to Barbury Castle later this week as the Wiltshire venue makes a welcome return to the BE calendar. Barburywill offer a range of national classes from novice to intermediate as well as young horse qualifiers across three days from Friday 21 to Sunday 23 March.Further readingSave the date for Your Horse Live!This is what a horses ear positions tell you about how theyre feelingHow to tell if a horse is happyHorse owners guide to equine health insurance and vet fees coverThe post Musketeer Event Management reveal their charity of the year appeared first on Your Horse.

Topic Key Points Equine Ligament Injuries Prevalent in sports horses, involve slow healing and high re-injury rates, particularly affecting the suspensory ligament. Introduction to Laser Therapy High-power laser therapy (HPLT) promotes healing and reduces pain by enhancing blood supply, reducing inflammation, and stimulating collagen production. Efficacy of Laser Therapy Studies show significant reduction in ligament lesion size and signal, increased Doppler signal indicating healing, and smaller cross-sectional areas. Benefits of Laser Therapy Enhanced healing, pain relief, reduced rehabilitation time, low risk of complications. Conclusion Laser therapy is a valuable tool in equine rehabilitation, promoting healing and reducing recovery times. Exploring the Efficacy of Laser Treatment for Equine Ligament Injuries: A Game-Changer or Just a Trend? Ligament injuries in horses can be a nightmare for equestrians, particularly for those involved in competitive sports. Traditional treatments often involve lengthy rehabilitation periods, with a frustratingly high risk of re-injury. Enter laser therapy. This method has emerged as a promising treatment option, grabbing the attention of veterinarians and horse owners alike. But is laser treatment the game-changer it promises to be, or is it just another trend destined for the history books? Let's delve into the latest research and findings to understand its actual efficacy. Understanding Equine Ligament Injuries Equine ligament injuries, especially those affecting the suspensory ligament, are prevalent among sports horses. These injuries can be career-ending due to their slow healing process and high re-injury rates. The suspensory ligament plays a crucial role in absorbing shock during exercise, making it prone to overload and injury. Understanding Equine Ligament Injuries Introduction to Laser Therapy Laser therapy, particularly high-power laser therapy (HPLT), has long been a staple in human medicine for promoting healing and reducing pain. This involves directing a high-intensity beam of light into injured tissues, enhancing blood supply, reducing inflammation, and stimulating collagen production. This technology is increasingly being adopted in veterinary medicine, showing promising results in treating equine musculoskeletal injuries. Introduction to Laser Therapy Efficacy of Laser Therapy in Equine Ligament Injuries Recent studies have highlighted the potential benefits of high-power laser therapy in improving the healing of equine ligament injuries. A 2020 study involving 12 Warmblood horses demonstrated that multi-frequency high-power laser therapy significantly reduced the size and signal of suspensory branch ligament lesions, as observed through ultrasound and MRI. The treated lesions reported a significantly increased Doppler signal, indicating active healing, and a smaller cross-sectional area compared to untreated controls. Benefits of Laser Therapy Enhanced Healing Laser therapy promotes faster and more effective healing by stimulating collagen production and improving tissue oxygenation. Pain Relief It offers analgesic effects, reducing pain and swelling in affected areas, making it a less stressful experience for the horse. Reduced Rehabilitation Time Studies suggest that laser therapy can shorten the rehabilitation period, allowing horses to return to their previous performance levels much sooner. Low Risk of Complications Laser therapy is generally well-tolerated with few side effects, making it a safe treatment option. Benefits of Laser Therapy Is Laser Therapy a Game-Changer? While laser therapy shows significant promise in the treatment of equine ligament injuries, it should be considered as part of a comprehensive treatment plan. The current evidence supports its efficacy in enhancing healing, reducing pain, and potentially shortening rehabilitation times. However, more research is needed to fully understand its long-term benefits and how it compares to other treatment modalities. Conclusion In conclusion, laser therapy, specifically high-power laser therapy, is not just a trend; it is a valuable tool in the treatment of equine ligament injuries. With its ability to promote healing, reduce pain, and shorten rehabilitation times, it offers a promising alternative or adjunct to traditional treatments. As research continues to evolve, laser therapy may become an integral part of equine rehabilitation protocols, helping to improve outcomes for horses with ligament injuries and perhaps preventing them from ending up prematurely in the pasture. Laser Therapy on Equine Rehabilitation To learn more about horse care and riding gear, check out our Jodhpur Collection, Horse Riding Boot Collection, and Horse Riding Gloves Collection. Enhance your horse's health with our Everyday Horse Vitamins & Supplements, and keep them comfortable all year round with our Stable Rugs and Turnout Rugs. Don't forget to pamper your equine friend with our delightful Horse Treats And Gifts. ```html```