The international eventing season is underway, and for Harry Meade and Grafennacht, it began with a long journey to Italy in pursuit of a crucial five-star qualification. With limited options available, Montelibretti provided the perfect opportunitythough the three-day trip was no small undertaking. Thankfully, the effort paid off, with Grafennacht securing an impressive CCI4-L victory*, finishing more than 24 penalties ahead of the competition.Our international season started with a long-distance fact-finding trip to Italy with Grafennacht. Formerly ridden by William Fox-Pitt, her owner, Amanda Gould, and William sent her to me last Autumn following Williams retirement from top level competition. However, in order for us to do a five-star together, we first had to run at a four-star long event, the options for which were few and far between if we are to go to a spring five-star our only chance was to go to Portugal or Italy, both of which would take three days to get there. Thankfully the trip was fruitful she won the CCI4*-L at Montelibretti, finishing more than 24 penalties ahead of the rest of the field. It was a long way to go to get a qualification, but it was a useful week in terms of building our partnership and for me to learn a bit more about her. She did a lovely dressage test, then I set out across country just thinking about getting a qualifying result, but ended up letting her stride on as the going was near perfect. Her show jumping has been her achilles heel, and although I had a hypothesis beforehand about how I wanted to approach, it was our first real chance to try out this new approach in competition. She jumped as well as I could have hoped, and she managed to extend her lead even further. Montelibretti was a wonderful event. The organisers were very hospitable and I enjoyed seeing a lot of European faces, catching up with old friends and meeting some new ones. Eric Winter designed the cross-country course, and it was a good test for us. The strangest moment of my week happened while I was riding in an arena alone, when something unexpected trotted through it. I had to do a double take before realising that it really was a huge male wolf! I hadnt thought further than Montelibretti, but now that we have our five-star qualification under our belts it has given us options. In the meantime shell have a quiet week in the field.The post Redpost Rider Harry Meade: Success from Montelibretti first appeared on Redpost Equestrian Blog.

Adjusting your horses turnout and grazing schedule can help improve his metabolic status. | Adobe StockEquine metabolic syndrome (EMS) is a complex condition that involves insulin dysregulation (ID), obesity, and an increased risk of laminitis. Horses with EMS often need a multifaceted management approach to improve their quality of life and prevent serious complications. These five key management changes can help you improve your EMS horses metabolic status and overall well-being.1. Optimize Diet and Forage Selection for EMS HorsesDiet plays a crucial role in managing horses with EMS. Diets high in nonstructural carbohydrates are a risk factor for development of insulin dysregulation, a key component of EMS, says Katie Wilson, DVM, Dipl. ACVIM-LAIM, clinical associate professor of large animal internal medicine at the Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine, in Blacksburg, Virginia.One of the simplest and biggest changes owners can make is actually weighing the amount of concentrate and forage their horses are eating per day to better control caloric intake, says Wilson. Grass hay with an NSC content of less than 10% is ideal for horses with metabolic problems, she adds. If the NSC content is unknown or higher than 10%, soaking the hay for at least 60 minutes (and discarding the soak water) before feeding can make it safer for EMS horses.Avoid feeding your EMS horse concentrates unless absolutely necessary, Wilson says. However, forage-only diets do not provide all the vitamins and minerals (i.e., sodium, chloride, copper, zinc, Vitamin E, and selenium in areas with selenium-deficient soil) horses require, so they need a ration balancer if the diet is forage-based, she adds. Some ration balancers are high in NSC, however, and can induce an exaggerated insulin response after feeding, so ingredients or individual horse response to feeding should be evaluated.2. Implement an Effective Exercise RoutineExercise also plays a crucial role in managing EMS. An effective exercise routine can help horses safely lose weight (if needed) and improves insulin sensitivity. Always work with your veterinarian when creating an exercise plan for horses with a history of laminitis to avoid exacerbating the condition or unknowingly cause pain, says Wilson. Horses recovering from laminitis should only exercise after veterinary clearance.After a laminitic episode and once cleared, Wilson recommends gradually introducing physical activity, such as five minutes of walking followed by 15 minutes of trotting, repeated five times per week. For EMS horses without laminitis, moderate exercise, such as trotting and cantering for at least 30 minutes, five times per week can benefit their insulin sensitivity.3. Monitor EMS Horses Body Condition and Weight RegularlyHorses with EMS often display generalized or regional adiposity, but even horses with a normal body condition can have ID, says Wilson. Regularly assess your horses body condition to ensure he remains a healthy weight. Assessing body condition score every two weeks can help to quantify changes that might not be noticed, she explains. Assessing body weight can be helpful as well, by either using an equine scale if one is accessible, or a weight tape.Reducing body condition (if warranted) has been shown to improve insulin sensitivity, and weight reduction can help decrease the forces in the foot that result in sinking or rotation in horses with laminitis, adds Wilson.4. Adjust Turnout and Grazing Practices for EMS HorsesUnrestricted grazing can harm EMS horses because pasture often contains high levels of sugars and NSCs. Free-choice grazing should be restricted in horses with EMS and (a history of or active) laminitis, says Wilson. She suggests turning affected horses out in a dry lot or small paddock with little to no grass or using a grazing muzzle or strip grazing to limit pasture access.If horses need to be reintroduced to grazing after laminitis has resolved, it should be done slowly and blood insulin concentrations should be measured regularly to assess the horses insulin response to the added carbohydrate content of the grass, says Wilson.5. Work Closely With a VeterinarianEquine metabolic syndrome involves many changing factors, so work closely and regularly with your veterinarian to ensure effective management. One common mistake is assuming that a one-time change in management or feeding practices will fix the problem, says Wilson.Regular examinations and blood insulin monitoring can help your veterinarian tailor management strategies to the horses specific needs. Your vet needs to assess your horses insulin levels after dietary changes or modifications to his grazing schedule and at different times of year because season can impact insulin sensitivity, adds Wilson.Equine practitioners also play a crucial role in helping horse owners navigate logistical challenges and develop practical, individualized management plans. Veterinarians understand that there are usually many logistical limitations to implementing the ideal changes recommended for a horse with EMS and are happy to work within the owners restrictions to develop a plan that will work best for an individual horse, says Wilson.Take-Home MessageManaging a horse with EMS takes a proactive, tailored approach that fits the horses specific needs. By making key changes to diet, exercise, body condition monitoring, and turnout strategieswhile increasing veterinary collaborationowners can significantly improve their EMS horses health and well-being. Equine metabolic syndrome has no cure, but consistent monitoring and adjustments can go a long way in preventing laminitis.

Premier Performance provides a cutting-edge line of nutritional formulas for health, maintenance, competition and recovery for the athletic equine. All of their products contain natural ingredients of the highest quality. With the use of Nitric Oxide Pathway technology, their proprietary blends focus on protein, vitamins, amino acids, herbs and mineral supplements.The following blog has been written by Premier Performances in-house vet, Charlotte Batson, to give guidance on identifying dehydration in horses, and how you can assist with hydration all-year round. Water is the most important nutrient for the horse. With an average horse consuming 20-30L per day, ensuring your horse is staying hydrated is one of the key factors in horse husbandry but also one of the most difficult. The famous phrase you can take a horse to water, but you cant make it drink has some truth to it, but this article is aimed to share ways to outsmart this and avoid the detrimental consequences dehydration can cause.Like us, horses rely heavily on water for many physiological and metabolic processes. Water is essential in the circulatory system, the lymphatic system, in digestion and excretion. As well as arguably its most important function in thermoregulation. Horses sweat to maintain their temperature. During this they lose both water, around 5-7L per hour, and electrolytes- predominantly sodium, chloride and potassium. Electrolytes are essential for transmission of nerve impulses, muscle contractions and moving water around the body. But when they are lost in sweat, urine and droppings they need to be replaced in the diet.Dehydration can happen all year round. Less considered times of increased dehydration risk is during cold snaps and travel. Many horses do not like drinking very cold water, combined with a potential lack of turn out during winter reducing the moisture taken from grass and increasing volume of dry hay eaten, this significantly reduces their water intake (hay has a water content of 15% compared to 80% of grass). Similarly travel creates a period of time with a lack of water intake meaning you can arrive at your destination with an already mildly dehydrated horse before you commence any exercise. Dehydration is important to consider during times of ill health- diarrhoea, peritonitis and many other illnesses can cause dehydration as a consequence.Horses have a large volume of water within their digestive tract. During periods of dehydration, this volume reduces first, slowing the movement of the gut contents and increasing risk of an impaction colic. One way to check your horses level of hydration is the classic skin tent test, if you pinch the skin on your horses neck for 2 seconds, release and it quickly returns to normal your horse is well hydrated, if it is delayed or stays dehydration is a big risk. Pressing your horses gums can also give an indication of hydration- if they are dry and tacky, not moist, and when pressed the pink colour takes more than 2 seconds to reappear, your horse may be dehydrated. There are limitations to these tests so other signs of dehydration to be vigilant for are:WeaknessDepressionSunken eyeballsDry mucus membranesSlow capillary refill timeDark urineHorses need around 5-7% of their bodyweight in water per day plus more to account for losses from urine, exercise and temperature regulation on top. Water is unable to be stored in the body for times of dehydration as it is continuously used for homeostasis, so it is essential we maintain their intake daily. We should always try to match water loss with intake. Some easy ways to help ensure your horse stays hydrated:Ensure water sources are cleanSoak hay to add extra moistureFeed soaked feed e.g. mashesAdd hot water to buckets during winter months to make the water tepid and encourage drinkingAllow time for rehydration when arriving after travelProvide shade and shelterUse a bucket not an automatic drinker to monitor intake levelsMonitor herd dynamics to ensure dominant horses are not resource guarding and preventing others from drinkingWe all know how notoriously hard it is to make a horse drink, which why diet is such an important tool we can use to assist hydration. Sloppy feeds and mashes are perfect Premier Performance Fibre Hydration Mash can be fed as sloppy as soup and can carry multiple times itself in water content. It also has the added benefit of electrolyte content to replenish those your horse may have lost during any strenuous exercise or sweating. As well as added gut support for extra protection, it is the perfect addition to your post travel, post ride or everyday routine.Ensuring your horses hydration is essential for maintaining their health and performance. Be aware to monitor hydration and intake year round, not just in the summer months. At Redpost Equestrian, we stock a wide range of Premier Performance products, including their popular Calming Cookies for both horses and humans. For further guidance, speak to one of our knowledgable team members by visiting our Totnes Store, phoning 01803 812040 or emailing info@redpostequestrian.co.uk. Shop all Premier Performance The post Premier Performance: The Importance of Hydration in Horses first appeared on Redpost Equestrian Blog.

Photo: iStockEquine orthobiologics broadly defines an array of innovative medical therapies that can help a horses body repair, replace, restore, and regenerate cells and tissues that have been damaged by injuries and conditions such as osteoarthritis. In this excerpt from Ask TheHorse Live, Katie Ellis, DVM, MS, Dipl. ACVSMR, of the University of Georgia, in Athens, describes the pros and cons of using orthobiologics to manage joint disease in horses.This podcast is an excerpt of our Ask TheHorse Live Q&A, What You Need to Know About Equine Degenerative Joint Disease. Listen to the full recording here.About the ExpertsKatie Ellis, DVM, MS, Dipl. ACVSMRKatie Ellis, DVM, MS, Dipl. ACVSMR, is a clinical assistant professor and section head of field services at the University of Georgias College of Veterinary Medicine, in Athens. Her research interests include equine rehabilitation and musculoskeletal imaging.

Giving some form of alfalfa before riding a horse with an empty stomach will likely have a positive impact and could reduce your horses risk of developing gastric ulcers. | Photo: Kevin Thompson/The HorseQ. I feed my ulcer-prone horse alfalfa before riding, because Ive heard the calcium in alfalfa works like a big Tums antacid to keep my horses stomach from hurting during exercise. I was recently told that alfalfa pellets dont work and that I should use alfalfa hay or chop instead, because the alfalfa needs to create a hay mat in the stomach to keep acid from splashing up into a horses esophagus (basically, causing horse heartburn). Is it true that I need to feed alfalfa hay or chop instead of pellets?A. You are correct. Alfalfa is typically high in calcium, which researchers have shown reduces stomach acidity due to its buffering capacity. In a study at Texas A&M University, 12 horses were assigned to one of two groups: a 1:1 ratio by weight of Bermuda hay and a concentrate feed or of alfalfa hay and the same concentrate feed.Treatment periods lasted 28 days before horses switched to the other diet with a 21-day washout period between treatments. At the start of the study each horse went through a gastroscopy to determine whether they had gastric ulcers and, if so, their severity. Horses were rescoped after the 28-day treatment periods to determine whether any existing ulcers had improved or worsened or new ulcers had appeared.The researchers found that ulcer severity scores were significantly lower when horses ate alfalfa hay compared to Bermuda hay. Feeding alfalfa prevented ulcer formation in 11 of 12 horses that did not have ulcers initially, whereas only three of the 12 horses that did not have ulcers stayed ulcer-free when fed Bermuda. The team attributed these results to alfalfas higher calcium and protein content providing greater buffering capacity. The complex carbohydrate fractions found in alfalfas cell walls have also been shown to provide better buffering than those found in grass hays.Its clear that alfalfa does a good job of buffering theacid in the equine stomach. The question therefore becomes, does it matter what form the alfalfa is in? Long-stem hay requires a good amount of chewing before being swallowed, and chewing results in saliva. Equine saliva contains a good amount of sodium bicarbonate, which will also buffer stomach acid. Pellets take less chewing so result in less saliva and lower buffering from the bicarbonate. So long-stem hay would be preferable from that perspective. But what about the fiber mat?The equine stomach is not completely full of acid. Large feed particles float on top of the acid, helping prevent it from splashing into the upper portion of the stomach where most ulcers occur. Pellets have a much smaller particle size than long-stem fiber, so alfalfa hay is more likely to make a better mat than pellets. Keep in mind that any forage in hay formnot just alfalfawill form a good mat and cause saliva production. So if your horse has eaten hay within the few hours prior to your ride, he likely already has a good mat.The calcium in pellets might buffer more quickly than hay due to the smaller particle size, but the smaller particles might also cause the calcium to move out of the stomach faster than larger particles would. So the question becomes: Which is more important, the hay mat or the buffering? If the stomachs acidity is low, it wont matter as much if the acid splashes into the stomachs unprotected upper region. A hay mat is less important when the stomach acid is less acidic, and depending on when your horse last ate hay, a mat might already exist.If youre arriving to ride your horse and he has an empty stomach, and you give him alfalfa while youre grooming, he might not have time to consume much alfalfa hay, because it requires more chewing. You might get greater buffering capacity more quickly by feeding pellets, although you wont get a great mat. Most stomach buffers are relatively short-lived, lasting at most a couple of hours. Research has shown that some commercial buffers on the market buffer effectively and more quickly than alfalfa. These can be great options when given before exercise, if you need buffering capacity quickly.Alfalfas ability to help reduce ulcers, and in which form you should use it, depends on a combination of complex interactions. The best solution for each horse might not be completely clear, but what we do know is that giving some form of alfalfa before riding a horse with an empty stomach will likely have a positive impact and could reduce your horses risk of developing gastric ulcers.

Check off all the items on this list to be ready for a healthy, successful riding seasonSpring is a great time to schedule your horses annual physical exam. | Taylor Pence PhotographySpringtimea season we look forward to as equestrians. Riding arenas emerge from their snowy blankets. The sun shines longer and brighter every day. Much-awaited shows and competitions are right around the corner, and were eager to shift things into the next gear.Full of potential, the spring months set the tone for the rest of the year. The key with transitioning from winter to spring is to have a plan in place to tackle your horses various seasonal needs. You should think about vaccinating and deworming, of course, but also about rebuilding your equine athletes fitness after a winter hiatus.Theres a lot to accomplish transitioning into spring, so lets get organized with a checklist:Physical exam;Bloodwork (if recommended by your veterinarian);Dental exam;Fecal egg count;Deworming;Spring vaccinescore and risk-based;Body clipping (if applicable);Sheath cleaning;Blanket and tack maintenance/repair;Saddle fit evaluation;Diet evaluation;Spring cleaning and sanitizing;Coggins test; andHealth certificate (aka certificate of veterinary inspection, or CVI) if your horse travels.The EssentialsPhysical and dental exam Springtime is a great time to get your equine partner all checked out and ready to roll for the summer, says Sarah Cohen, DVM, owner of Equity Performance Equine, an ambulatory veterinary practice based in Wellington, Florida. During a routine annual physical exam, your veterinarian can look for any unnoticed issues in your horses heart, eyes, feet, or gastrointestinal tract. This is also an excellent time to perform an oral exam to assess the need for teeth floating as well as identify any fractured teeth or other oral health issues.Vaccines Spring vaccines are a routine part of wellness exams. All horses in the United States should receive the four core vaccinesrabies, tetanus, West Nile virus (WNV), and Eastern/Western equine encephalomyelitis (EEE/WEE)and then get boosted annually. These boosters are generally given in the spring to maximize protection against WNV/EEE/WEE when mosquitoes, which spread these diseases, emerge in early summer.Beyond these four, different geographical areas present different equine infectious disease challenges and, therefore, require different immunization protocols. Veterinary practitioners in your specific areas will know best how to advise you regarding risk-based vaccines and guide you with respect to the needed frequency of vaccination, Cohen says.Regions with year-round hot and humid climatesCohens Florida being a prime examplehave the added challenge of persisting mosquito populations, warranting biannual vaccination against WNV and EEE/WEE.In addition to geographic risks, you must consider farm-specific risks. Facilities housing broodmares or frequently traveling show horses, for example, need to provide their horses additional protection (immunization) against influenza and equine herpesvirus (EHV).Parting words from Cohen about vaccines: They are safe and inexpensive. Treating a vaccine-preventable disease is both costly and heartbreaking.Parasite control RELATED CONTENT | Equine Parasite Control: Deworming and BeyondInternal parasites can damage your horses internal organs, especially those of the digestive tract. Equine parasitic burdens vary based on the age of the individual, geographical region, and herd immunity, says Constance Gorman, DVMhence the importance of consulting your veterinarian when formulating a parasite control plan. Gorman is a field care associate at Hagyard Equine Medical Institute, in Lexington, Kentucky, and an FEI treating veterinarian.The first step in parasite prevention is performing a fecal egg count (FEC) in the spring and fall to see what types of parasites might be living inside your horse, our sources say. When possible, Gorman does an FEC before deworming and again two weeks later to measure the dewormers efficacy, a process known as a fecal egg count reduction test.Identifying and quantifying your horses internal parasitic loadrather than deworming willy-nillyis key to slowing the dewormer resistance problem caused by indiscriminate administration of anthelmintics over several decades. Individual FEC also allows more informed and more targeted deworming, thus increasing the effectiveness of each treatment, says Cohen.The FEC is not foolproof, however. Tapeworm eggs can be difficult to find, so I recommend deworming every horse at least annually with praziquantel regardless of FEC results, says Gorman.Springtime ChallengesSkin issues April showers bring May pastern sores. When snow melts into mud, many horse owners find themselves dealing with scruffy skin. Damp conditions and long haircoats can leave skin, especially on the legs, at the mercy of trapped bacteria and fungi.Dermatophilosis (aka rain rot) is a common diagnosis. When caught early, you can usually resolve this skin infection with a couple of thorough scrubby baths, says Cohen, mixing a small amount of dilute povidone-iodine with the shampoo. In some rare cases of severe dermatophilosis, antibiotics may be prescribed to combat the infection, she adds.With dermatophilosis and similar conditions, daily nursing care is often necessary, says Cohen. Otherwise, recurrent skin issues can result in painful sores or even lameness.She and Gorman share tips for protecting your horses legs from mud and the skin issues it can cause:Keep the hair around the pastern clean and dry by brushing or toweling off dirt.Dry and groom your horse after heavy rain to reduce bacteria and fungus buildup on the skin.Apply ointments only if recommended by your vet, as gooey substances can trap bacteria near the skin.Pick your horses feet daily to remove rocks packed in with the mud and to check for and manage signs of thrush.Hoof issues Thrush is caused and exacerbated by damp environments common during the spring season and sometimes also by poor hoof hygiene, Cohen says. If meticulous hoof care and over-the-counter treatments dont work or if your horse is footsore or lame, its time to call your veterinarian.Additionally, during the spring season hoof growth increases, so farrier upkeep is more important than ever, Gorman says. If the hoof has had a chance to overgrow and there are some cracks or separation along the white line area, this gives bacteria a chance to invade the foot and cause painful hoof abscesses.Spring grass and diet With lush spring grass, keep two things in mind: disease prevention and grazing in moderation. Spring is a precarious time for equids prone to obesity, metabolic dysregulation, and the hoof disease laminitis.As your veterinarian will tell you, limiting metabolically challenged horses nonstructural carbohydrate (NSC) intake is essential. Grass consumption can aggravate conditions such as insulin dysregulation, equine metabolic syndrome, and pituitary pars intermedia dysfunction (PPID, formerly equine Cushings disease). Thats mainly because fresh grass contains large amounts of the NSCs starch and sugar.Grasses, which are naturally high in sugar, generally have an even higher sugar content in the spring and fall, Cohen says. And the sugar content in grass actually increases through the day, so the safest time to graze at-risk animals is in the early morning hours.Unfortunately, with certain horses, being selective about timing isnt enough. For at-risk individuals, its safest to stay off the grass entirely, Cohen says. If thats not an option, she recommends using a grazing muzzle when putting vulnerable equids on pasture. Research shows that properly fitted grazing muzzles reduce grass intake by 78-83% (Longland et al., 2012), making them safe and effective grazing moderation tools. You can also feed hay, of course, but recognize it contains NSCs that you might need to soak away before feeding.Prioritize prevention, and dont wait for the arrival of spring grass to take the steps necessary to keep your horse safe. Starting in late winter, Cohen recommends asking your veterinarian to pull blood and check on your horses metabolic status. The goal is to determine if you need to adjust medication, diet, and/or management tactics.On the topic of nutrition, spring is a good time to consider whether your horses diet is still meeting his needs. If his workload has fluctuated over the past few months and/or if his weight or energy levels have changed, take a fresh look at what goes in his feed bucket. Steady increase in proper caloric intake may be necessary as your horse begins to work in higher intensity during the spring, Gorman says. Your veterinarian or nutritionist can advise you when reevaluating feeding plans for horses in your barn.Haircoat and body clipping With both ambient temperatures and riding time on the rise during spring, we sometimes find ourselves sliding off sweat-soaked mounts that take hours to dry. Shaving away that bothersome winter coat is an appealing solution, albeit a controversial one.RELATED CONTENT: Common Types of Body Clips Many factors will affect whether body clipping is the best thing for you and your horse, Gorman says. Location and weatherespecially humiditybreed of horse, discipline, and level of work are all important elements to consider.If a horse is in an intense training program, she says she has no qualms about body clipping if the owner is aware of the precautions they must take during inclement weather. I would not, however, body clip past February or March because that could affect your horses summer coat that is coming in as he sheds, Gorman says. Thats of course excluding horses with PPID, for which clipping year-round may be necessary to maintain comfort.The main point is the choice to body clip will depend on individual circumstances affecting you and your horse.Bringing Your Horse Back Into WorkWith bitter weather and limited daylight during winter, many of us opt to take a break from riding. If youre one of those riders, you certainly know bringing horses back into work from a period of rest requires preparation and patience.Gorman walks us through her protocol: If an equine athlete is starting back from several months off, I do recommend having your veterinarian perform a basic flexion exam. Ensuring that tendons, ligaments, and joints havent sustained any damage before starting work again will set you up for a successful comeback.She and other experts agree that taking things slowly when working back up to previous athletic ability is a must. Walk and trot large circles, she says. Ride up hills. Do five to 10 minutes of supple walking and bending between trot intervals. Ride in shorter trot/canter intervals for the first few weeks as your horse is regaining both cardiovascular and musculoskeletal fitness. And dont forget to give him breaks. Recovery is just as important for muscle conditioning as is the actual work.As fitness increases, so does muscle mass. Bulkier muscles could translate to altered saddle fit, so reach out to a professional saddle fitter if your horse shows signs of discomfort through his back as you return him to fitness.Final Step: Spring CleaningNow that youve checked all the horse care items off your list, its time to prepare your horses living environment for the new season ahead. The past two years spent navigating life through a pandemic have taught us more than most care to know about sanitation and biosecurity.As warmer weather rolls around, take the time to perform a deep spring cleaning of your barn and equipment. Run blankets through the washer, soak your grooming brushes in disinfectant, and scrub that muck off the stall walls. Whether were talking about thrush or EHV, good hygiene is a key part of disease prevention.Take-Home MessageYour horse has individual needs. To keep him protected and healthy, you must provide him with the right care at the appropriate times. Full of changes and challenges, spring is an important season to stick to the preventive health care plan devised with your veterinarian. By being diligent about vaccinations, deworming, diet, and other routine necessities, you can do your part to ensure your horse has a long and productive life.

On March 26, a 6-year-old Quarter Horse gelding in Miami-Dade County, Florida, was confirmed positive for rabies. The horse was unvaccinated and died.This is Floridas first confirmed case of rabies in livestock in 2025.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 RabiesRabiesa zoonotic disease that can be spread from animals to humansis caused by a lyssavirus that affects the neurologic system and salivary glands. Horses are usually exposed through the bite of another rabid animal.In horses, clinical signs of rabies are variable and can take up to 12 weeks to appear after the initial infection. Although affected horses are sometimes asymptomatic, an infected horse can show behavioral changes such as drowsiness, depression, fear, or aggression. Once clinical signs appear, there are no treatment options.Rabies can only be diagnosed postmortem by submitting the horses head to a local public health laboratory to identify the rabies virus using a test called fluorescence antibody. Thus, ruling out all other potential diseases first is very important in these cases to avoid potentially unnecessary euthanasia.Because rabies threatens both horses and the humans who handle them, the American Association of Equine Practitioners recommends rabies as acore vaccine every U.S. horse should receive. The AAEPs vaccination guidelines recommend that adult horses receive an initial single dose, then a booster vaccination annually; foals born to vaccinated mares should receive a first vaccine dose no earlier than six months of age and a second dose four to six weeks later followed by annual vaccination; and foals of unvaccinated mares should receive a first vaccine dose at three or four months of age and should be revaccinated annually.

Six horses at a boarding facility in Erie County, New York, recently tested positive for strangles. One additional case is suspected, and 27 horses are exposed. The affected horses are under official quarantine.EDCC Health Watch is an Equine Network marketing program that utilizes information from the Equine Disease Communication Center (EDCC) to create and disseminate verified equine disease reports. TheEDCCis an independent nonprofit organization that is supported by industry donations in order to provide open access to infectious disease information.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.

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Feed Choices*What types of feed do you give your horse routinely?Forage (hay, cubes, etc.)Concentrate (grain, etc.)Supplements (Liquid or powder supplements, etc.)How many different types of Forage do you feed?*12How many different types of Concentrates do you feed?*12How many different types of Supplements do you feed?*1234 Forage #1Forage #1 Cost*How much does a bale of hay/bag of cubes/other feed cost per unit?Forage #1 Weight in Pounds*How much does a single bale or bag weigh in pounds?Forage #1 Cost Per PoundTotal Pounds of Forage #1 Per Day*How many pounds of feed do you feed your horse each day?This field is hidden when viewing the formTotal Forage #1 Cost Per DayThis field is hidden when viewing the formTotal Forage #1 Cost Per WeekThis field is hidden when viewing the formTotal Forage #1 Cost Per MonthThis field is hidden when viewing the formTotal Forage #1 Cost Per YearForage #2Forage #2 Cost*How much does a bale of hay/bag of cubes/other feed cost per unit?Forage #2 Weight 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Supplement #1 Per Day*How many pounds of this supplement do you feed your horse each day?Total Ounces of Supplement #1 Per Day*How many ounces of Supplement #1 do you feed your horse each day?This field is hidden when viewing the formTotal Supplement #1 Cost Per DayThis field is hidden when viewing the formTotal Supplement #1 Cost Per WeekThis field is hidden when viewing the formTotal Supplement #1 Cost Per MonthThis field is hidden when viewing the formTotal Supplement #1 Cost Per YearSupplement #2Supplement #2 Cost*How much does the supplement cost per unit?Supplement #2 Unit of Measurement*PoundsOuncesSupplement #2 Weight in Pounds*How much does this supplement weigh in pounds?Supplement #2 Weight in Ounces*How much does this supplement weigh in ounces?Supplement #2 Cost Per PoundSupplement #2 Cost Per OunceTotal Pounds of Supplement #2 Per Day*How many pounds of this supplement do you feed your horse each day?Total Ounces of Supplement #2 Per Day*How many ounces of this supplement do you feed your horse each day?This field is hidden when viewing the formTotal Supplement #2 Cost Per DayThis field is hidden when viewing the formTotal Supplement #2 Cost Per WeekThis field is hidden when viewing the formTotal Supplement #2 Cost Per MonthThis field is hidden when viewing the formTotal Supplement #2 Cost Per YearSupplement #3Supplement #3 Cost*How much does the supplement cost per unit?Supplement #3 Unit of Measurement*PoundsOuncesSupplement #3 Weight in Pounds*How much does this supplement weigh in pounds?Supplement #3 Weight in Ounces*How much does this supplement weigh in ounces?Supplement #3 Cost Per PoundSupplement #3 Cost Per OunceTotal Pounds of Supplement #3 Per Day*How many pounds of this supplement do you feed your horse each day?Total Ounces of Supplement #3 Per Day*How many ounces of this supplement do you feed your horse each day?This field is hidden when viewing the formTotal Supplement #3 Cost Per DayThis field is hidden when viewing the formTotal Supplement #3 Cost Per WeekThis field is hidden when viewing the formTotal Supplement #3 Cost Per MonthThis field is hidden when viewing the formTotal Supplement #3 Cost Per YearSupplement #4Supplement #4 Cost*How much does the supplement cost per unit?Supplement #4 Unit of Measurement*PoundsOuncesSupplement #4 Weight in Pounds*How much does this supplement weigh in pounds?Supplement #4 Weight in Ounces*How much does this supplement weigh in ounces?Supplement #4 Cost Per PoundSupplement #4 Cost Per OunceTotal Pounds of Supplement #4 Per Day*How many pounds of this supplement do you feed your horse each day?Total Ounces of Supplement #4 Per Day*How many ounces of this supplement do you feed your horse each day?This field is hidden when viewing the formTotal Supplement #4 Cost Per DayThis field is hidden when viewing the formTotal Supplement #4 Cost Per WeekThis field is hidden when viewing the formTotal Supplement #4 Cost Per MonthThis field is hidden when viewing the formTotal Supplement #4 Cost Per Year Forage Cost OverviewTotal Forage Cost Per DayTotal Forage Cost Per WeekTotal Forage Cost Per MonthTotal Forage Cost Per YearConcentrate Cost OverviewTotal Concentrate Cost Per DayTotal Concentrate Cost Per WeekTotal Concentrate Cost Per MonthTotal Concentrate Cost Per YearSupplement Cost OverviewTotal Supplement Cost Per DayTotal Supplement Cost Per WeekTotal Supplement Cost Per MonthTotal Supplement Cost Per YearTotal Supplement Cost Per YearTotal Feed CostTotal Feed Cost Per DayTotal Feed Cost Per WeekTotal Feed Cost Per MonthTotal Feed Cost Per YearCAPTCHA

Your Horses #Hack1000Miles is unique because its the only challenge of its kind for equestrians who love to hack, drive, or walk their horse in-hand in the great outdoors. For anyone signing up (its free to do so!) theres a raft of prizes to be won, and contenders can aim to break the 1,000-mile barrier or complete a shorter distance.There are only two rules: only hacking counts (this includes fun riders) and you must have fun!About the prizes*To one of the elite band who passes the 1,000-mile** mark, longstanding #Hack1000Miles sponsor Wintec is offering a fantastic saddle of their choice.And this winner really will be spoilt for choice! Wintec saddles come in a wide range from general purpose and endurance to dressage and jumping but perhaps two that will appeal to hack enthusiasts are:The Wintec 2000 All PurposeThe rider will sink into the super-soft deep seat of the Wintec 2000 All Purpose and experience total luxury, no matter how many miles they complete in this top-of-the-range model. The 2000 All Purpose is designed so that the riders leg will easily find a natural groove, improving communication between them and their equine partner.Wintec 2000The Wintec Pro EnduranceThe Wintec Pro Endurance is built tough for any terrain, but its super-soft seat also brings immediate comfort, as does the moveable stirrup bar. This saddle enables the riders leg to find a natural groove, helping to reduce fatigue over long distances. Additionally, the super-soft panels mould around the horses muscles, remaining protective whatever countryside hes crossing.Wintec Pro EnduranceA past winner says#Hack1000Miles challenger Pip Mead, who lives on the beautiful North York Moors, where she regularly rides, was last years winner of a Wintec saddle.I chose the Pro Endurance for my prize as it seemed exactly right for hacking 1,000 miles, she says.I completed my miles on Roandale Archie, a Dales pony, and my saddle fitter, Sarah Rymer, came out and fitted the Pro Endurance. Both she and I were very impressed with it. Its a really comfy saddle for both Archie and I would recommend it to anybody.Wintec prizes for the best storiesEach month (between April and October) the Your Horse team will select a winner for the best hacking story. All you have to do is share your stories and photos with fellow challengers in the Hack 1000 Miles Facebook group. Winners will be chosen from there.The winner will choose between a Wintec girth or a pair of Wintec stirrup straps.Stirrup straps include the Wintec Pro Webbers, Wintec Webbers, Wintec Pro Stirrup Straps, Wintec Slimline Stirrup Straps, Wintec Slimline Heavy Duty Stirrup Straps, or Wintec Pro Stock Stirrup Straps.Wintec Pro Stirrup StrapsGirths include the Wintec Anatomic, Wintec Pro Chafeless Elastic, Wintec Chafeless Elastic, or Wintec Elastic.Wintec anatomic girthPrizes for best picturesPhotos shared in the Hack 1000 Miles Facebook group will also be in the running for the title of best hacking photo. A winner will be chosen by theYour Horse team every month (April to March 2026).Prizes include hat silks from LeMieux (in slate grey and ink blue) and Masta GP Saddle Pads (in white or black and in large size only).How to sign upEveryone can join in with #Hack1000Miles, whether they are diehard hack enthusiasts who set their sights on the major 1,000-mile mark, or those with time constraints who are aiming for 100 miles or maybe 250.Remember, only hacking, or driving, or leading in-hand miles count so a horse must be involved at all times!#Hack1000Miles is open to riders who head out solo, as well as those who prefer group outings, those who live in the UK or anyone who lives overseas, from Calgary to Copenhagen in fact.Sign up here Once youve signed up youll be able to record your hacking miles on our digital leaderboard. Keep this up to date if you want to be in the running for our great prizes.#Hack1000Miles newsletterTo stay up to date with all the latest #Hack1000Miles news and to see if youve been featured in our Wall of Fame, remember to opt in to receive the Hack 1,000 Miles newsletter when you sign up for the digital leaderboard.By opting in, you will also receive a celebratory email from our editor, Aimi, every time you pass a key milestone on your #Hack1000Miles journey.All thats left to say is Happy hacking!*Prizes are available for UK-based challengers only.**Challengers must log their miles on the digital leaderboard to be eligible.The post #Hack1000Miles: about the prizes appeared first on Your Horse.