Key Points Understanding the Risk: Horse yards are targets due to high-value horses & equipment. Security measures must minimize opportunities for theft. Security Challenges: Remote locations, high value, and open access pose challenges; sophisticated criminals may require advanced security solutions. Proven Preventive Strategies: Secure horses with permanent ID like microchipping or branding. Design facilities away from public view & ensure they're difficult to access. Manage pastures by avoiding easy access and regular gate checks. Lock and identify tack/equipment with engravings. Secure trailers with locks and park them out of view. Use motion-sensor lights & alarm systems for added security. Encourage community vigilance and cooperation. Challenges in Theft Prevention: Remote properties provide thieves with opportunities. Horses and equipment are valuable and easy to move. Absence of owners could delay theft discovery. Balancing fire safety and security (e.g., locked gates). Sophisticated thieves may bypass basic security. Conclusion: Vigilance, planning, and community engagement are key to deterring horse theft, despite inherent challenges. Preventing Theft in Horse Yards: Strategies and Challenges Horse theft and equipment theft pose significant risks for horse owners, impacting not only financial investment but also animal welfare and personal security. Understanding effective preventive measures and challenges is crucial for maintaining a safe horse yard environment. This blog outlines practical strategies to reduce theft risks, supported by expert recommendations and verified facts. Understanding the Risk of Theft in Horse Yards Horse properties are attractive targets for thieves due to the high value of horses, tack, trailers, and equipment. Theft can occur in barns, pastures, and even at horse shows, often resulting in severe emotional and financial hardship for owners. Thieves exploit vulnerabilities such as easy access, unsecured equipment, and predictable routines. To combat this, owners must implement comprehensive security measures that reduce the opportunity and temptation for theft. Security Challenges Despite investing in security, horse yards face unique challenges. Remoteness, the high value of livestock, and the necessity for open access can complicate theft prevention strategies. Moreover, sophisticated criminals may bypass basic security measures, necessitating advanced and layered defenses. Proven Strategies to Prevent Theft 1. Secure Your Horses with Permanent Identification One of the foundational strategies is permanently marking horses to deter theft and aid recovery if stolen. Methods can include microchipping, freeze branding, or tattooing. Keeping up-to-date photographs of each horse is also essential for identification and recovery efforts. For more details, refer to the Horse & Rider Magazine. 2. Thoughtful Yard and Facility Design Locating barns and corrals away from roads and public view can significantly reduce theft risk. Facilities positioned beyond the house or behind other structures increase difficulty for thieves to access or escape unnoticed. More insights are available in the The Horse Magazine. 3. Manage Pastured Horses to Avoid Easy Capture Simple management techniques can make horse theft more difficult: Never leave halters on pasture horses to avoid easy catching. Avoid feeding horses near gates or roads, as this encourages them to congregate where thieves can easily grab them. Keep pasture gates securely locked and check on your horses regularly, varying the times to avoid predictability. Learn more about minimizing risks by visiting the University Extension. 4. Secure Tack and Equipment Expensive tack such as saddles and bridles should be permanently identified (for example, engraving drivers license numbers) and locked away in secure rooms. Halters and lead ropes should never be left hanging visibly on stall fronts or gates. Locking tack rooms increases the time a thief must spend on the property, acting as a deterrent. Consider exploring the Jodhpur Collection for securely storing your attire. 5. Protect Trailers and Vehicles Horse and livestock trailers are common theft targets. Making trailers inaccessible and out of direct view reduces risk. Owners should keep records of vehicle identification numbers (VIN), license plate numbers, and take photographs. Using commercial locks on trailer hitches and parking trailers inside barns or concealed areas helps further deter thieves. For prime horse travel experiences, visit the Horse Riding Boot Collection. 6. Employ Lighting and Alarm Systems Installing motion-sensor lights around the yard deters nighttime intruders by illuminating suspicious activity. Outdoor alarms designed for stables, preferably with door contacts to minimize false alarms, can alert owners quickly while discouraging theft attempts. Protect against the elements with Stable Rugs or Turnout Rugs. 7. Promote Community Vigilance Establishing horse owner watch groups in your area can add an extra layer of surveillance. Such programs facilitate neighbors checking on each others horses and property, especially when owners are away. Posting No Trespassing, security system, and farm association signs signals that the property is actively monitored and protected. Enjoy camaraderie and camaraderie-strengthening services with Horse Riding Gloves and Socks. Challenges in Preventing Theft Despite these strategies, horse yard theft remains a challenge due to: Remote Locations: Many horse properties are rural and isolated, which creates opportunities for thieves to act unnoticed. Value and Portability: Horses and equipment are valuable and relatively portable, making them attractive targets. Owner Absence: Owners may be away for extended periods, delaying discovery of theft. Fire Safety vs Security: Locking gates for security must be balanced with emergency access in case of fire. Sophisticated Thieves: Some thefts are committed by organized groups with knowledge and tools to bypass security systems. Overcoming these challenges requires a layered security approach that combines physical deterrents, technological tools, and community cooperation. Conclusion Preventing theft in horse yards demands vigilance, strategic planning, and proactive measures. By permanently identifying horses, designing secure yards, managing pastures carefully, locking up tack and trailers, installing lighting and alarms, and fostering community watch programs, horse owners can significantly reduce the risk of theft. While challenges persist due to the nature of horse properties and the value involved, these strategies collectively strengthen defenses. Staying informed, prepared, and connected within the horse-owning community is the best safeguard against theft. References for Further Reading 15 Steps to Minimizing Theft of Horses and Equipment (University Extension) Horse Theft: How to Prevent It (World Horse Welfare) Protecting Your Horse Property From Theft (The Horse Magazine) 10 Steps to Reduce the Risk of Horse Theft (Horse & Rider Magazine)

Sweetnam and Swail earn podium finishes in Florida The Underwriting Exchange Irish Show Jumping team began their EEF Series campaign with a podium performance in the Belgian city of Lier on Friday. Michael Blakes team of Billy Twomey, from Cork, with Jumping Jack van de Kaleva, Kilkenny rider Seamus Hughes Kennedy with ESI Rocky (ISH), Tyrone pilot Niamh McEvoy with Jargon DN and the managers fellow Clareman, Eoin McMahon with Cornest, performed excellently to land yet another podium, with all four team members jumping clear rounds. A final total of eight faults meant the Irish were only beaten for second on time, giving way to Britain, with Portugal landing the spoils on a perfect score. Blakes team were well in touch at the break on a score of four faults and only one more pole down in the second round meant it was a fine effort that delivered the podium []

Caroline Pamukcu (USA) takes 4 Top 10 Places in the CCIs in Ocala on Irish bred horses. Great to see lots of new names in these results as Irish breeders produce more and more of the eventers that are in such demand. See below the up-to-date results for this week unverified results will be added to next weeks results. Ocala International Festival of Eventing (USA) 17th 20th April 2025 CCI 4* Short 4th Direct Advance (ISH) 2011 gelding by Night Cruise (ISH)[TIH] out of Herbst Jennie B (ISH) by Concorde (KWPN). Breeder: Noel Good (Tyrone). Rider: Zachary Brandt (USA) 36.8, 0, 18.4 = 55.2 6th HSH Tolan King (ISH) 2015 gelding by Tolan R (KWPN) out of Kilmolash Clover Rhodes (ISH)[TIH] by Porter Rhodes (TB). Breeder: William OBrien. Rider: Caroline Pamukcu (USA) 36.0, 10, 21.6 = 67.6. CCI 3* Long 1st Fernhill Quite Frankly (ISH) []

To prevent feed degradation, mold growth, or contamination, owners should obtain and preserve the safest productStore grain in secure containers and avoid leaving bags open or unsealed to prevent vermin from coming in contact with horses feed. | Photo: Alexandra Beckstett/The HorsePoised on a Peruvian hillside sits a cavelike construction that once held a cache of food to supply an entire village. The steady cool temperature and darkness preserved it from rapid decompositiona practice of storing food that developed over millennia. But in todays world, on a moments whim, we find what we need at the supermarket, the farmers market, or in our backyard garden, with little need to keep substantial quantities of food on hand. When it comes to stocking up on feedstuffs for our horses, however, we still rely on storage and preservation lessons learned through history and science.Ideally, owners should obtain the safest product and preserve it for feeding throughout the year, preventing feed degradation, mold growth, or contamination that could harm their horses.Hay StorageIn much of the United States hay only grows during temperate months. The best quality is obtained and the best prices achieved by putting up a supply that will last until the next harvest. To keep stored hay as fresh and palatable as possible, focus on preventing mold development, heat buildup and combustion, and nutrient deterioration.Proper hay harvesting and drying is important to control respiration, a naturally occurring process that produces heat and bacterial growth. Michael Collins, PhD, former professor of agronomy at the University of Kentucky, describes some of the science behind hay production: Hay crops generally contain around 80% moisture at the time of cutting; field curing reduces moisture to levels (at which hay) can be safely stored. Hay cured to less than 16-20% moisture stores well with minimal problems of heating or mold growth. However, if baled with too much moisture (25-35%), microbial activity generates significant amounts of heat. In extreme cases, hay can reach spontaneous combustion temperatures. Hay heated to 150-175F has the potential to burst into flames, posing great danger to a horse facility.In the initial weeks following baling, moisture and heat combine to maximize combustion risk. Thus, Kathleen Crandell, PhD, of Kentucky Equine Research, advises horse owners to monitor moisture levels (keeping them below 14%) and heat for two weeks after stacking new hay. They can achieve this by inserting an electronic probe (Delmhorst, for example, to measure moisture) and a temperature probe into bales to ensure temperatures remain below 120F. If you come across hotter bales, remove them from the stack and spread them out in an area protected from rain to allow drying.After buying properly cured hay, store it in a building separate from the barn with a leak-free roof. And, to thwart wicking of ground moisture into bales, Collins says to place bales on a layer of loose straw, crushed gravel, or wooden pallets. Otherwise, condensation forming beneath bales sitting directly on dirt or concrete can lead to mold growth and spoilage.Crandell recommends stacking hay so air can circulate freely to evaporate moisture. Stack square bales on edge, leaving narrow gaps between rows, alternating bale orientation in each layer and stacking no more than four or five bales high, she suggests.More horse farms are using round bales as an economical, less labor-intensive way to feed hay. Crandell suggests these bales be well-dried before stacking, as well.Ventilation and air circulation also are essential in lofts, where hay is particularly prone to hazards of heat and spontaneous combustion. Follow Crandells recommended stacking regimen, refraining from stacking bales tightly or all the way to the ceiling. Lofts also tend to accumulate dust, which can build up on hay and cause respiratory problems for horses.Protect hay stacks stored outdoors with well-secured waterproof tarps or other coverings that will withstand wind, rain, sun, and snow. Canvas tarps are superior to plastic covers, which are prone to punctures and leaks. Exposure to air (causing oxidation), sunlight, and weather extremes also subjects hay to nutrient loss. Vitamin deterioration is inevitable, beginning the minute forage is cut in the field, says Crandell. As much as 75% of carotenes (vitamin A) diminish in the first 24 hours. Even under ideal storage conditions, more than 5% of vitamins are lost each month, possibly necessitating supplementation with a vitamin/mineral mix, ration balancer, or commercial concentrate. Perform a hay and/or pasture nutrient analysis to determine supplement needs.Stored Forage-Related Health Concerns It is also important to consider potential dangers lurking in the hay and other stored forages themselves. Consuming as few as three to six blister beetles in legume hay (such as alfalfa or clover) can kill a horse. These insects often reside in hayfields and can be killed and baled during harvest. (Owners are) less likely to encounter blister beetle problems in spring or early summer first-cutting hay since they are attracted to flowering plants that often coincide with late summer cuts of alfalfa, says Collins. Pre-bloom cut hay is less likely to be infested.Blister beetles might be more prevalent during years with bumper crops of grasshoppers, since they also feed on grasshopper larvae.Hay poses another health threat: Horses might ingest spores of the botulism bacterium, Clostridium botulinum. While not as common in hay as with ensiled feeds (i.e., haylage), botulism is usually associated with the presence of dead animals caught up in hay during baling, explains Crandell. It also occurs from ingestion of contaminated soil baled with trampled forage. An environment conducive to C. botulinum also promotes mold growth, yet another reason not to feed moldy hay.Haylage is high-moisture hay that has been compressed and encased in plastic within hours of harvesting. This processing environment couples high moisture and anaerobic (not requiring oxygen) fermentation, which can encourage proliferation of C. botulinum. Moldy or discolored haylage should not be fed, says Crandell.She recommends inspecting hay and haylage carefully before feeding and disposing of suspect material. Inspection can be difficult with round bales, but with availability of adequate forage, horses tend to eat around bad hay due to poor palatability, she says.Grain and Supplement StorageMoisture is the enemy when storing forage or grain-based feeds, as well. To decrease the risks of decomposition and mold development, Crandell counsels owners to keep feed in cool, dry environments, with containers tightly closed to seal out moisture, insects, or rodents. Just as with forage, oxidation affects short-lived vitamins, particularly B-vitamins such as biotin.Exposing cereal grains (oats, barley, and corn, for example) to high humidity or moisture can lead to mycotoxin production, which can have dangerous health consequences for horses. Various mycotoxins are produced from fungi present at grain harvest that proliferate in the presence of moisture or humidity during storage, Crandell explains. Very small amounts of mycotoxins wont usually affect a horse. A recent survey found these present in over 80% of grains. With (consumption of) significant mycotoxin levels, reduction in feed intake may be the first sign of a problem.Often, fungi are neither visible to the eye nor with a black light. Some describe a pinkish, reddish hue to some corn kernels, Crandell adds. The only way to accurately test is to submit the sample to a lab. Moldy-looking feed may or may not be contaminated (with mycotoxins) but should not be fed to horses under any circumstance.A horse consuming moldy corn is at risk of developing liver failure and a serious neurologic condition called equine leukoencephalomalacia (ELEM, or moldy corn poisoning) caused by the mycotoxin fumonisin. Conditions that favor fumonisin growth on corn include a humid climate and a dry summer, followed by wet weather at harvest time. During years of questionable corn harvests, explains Crandell, safe recommendations limit corn concentrations (in feed recipes) to less than 20% along with heating of corn through steaming, pelleting, or extrusion.All grainsnot just cornare subject to mold and mycotoxin development. Crandell reports that Aspergillus fungi produce alfatoxins in cereal grains; at high levels, these too are detrimental to horse health.Stored Grain LongevityCrandell explains that feed companies generally designate expiration dates within 30 to 60 days after grain product manufacture. If owners maintain feed under ideal circumstances, it might remain safe for four to six months, with straight whole grains (unprocessed, uncrimped) potentially lasting years, she says. Feed should contain few broken kernels, be kept in low-moisture (less than 13%) conditions, and safeguarded from insects and rodents. Humidity and temperature of storage facilities, degree of rodent or insect infestation, and exposure to air impact shelf life. Store bags on pallets and try not to stack them more than five high, especially in humid climates, says Crandell. Sealed bags last longer than open bags. Once a bag is open, the clock starts ticking with quality of feed subject to degradation from exposure to air, humidity, and heat.She notes that adding molasses and/or oil to grain mixes increases moisture levels and can also affect shelf life. And high-fat feeds are more prone to rapid spoilage from the oxidation that degrades fats and fat-soluble vitamins (and causes them to go rancid). Manufacturers add preservatives to slow oxidation, mold, and bacterial growth, but this doesnt prevent deterioration, which is determined by storage conditions, Crandell says. With rising temperatures and humidity during summer months, a feeds shelf life decreases. Thus, Crandell advises keeping on hand only as much grain as can be fed within three to six weeks, or, if purchasing large volumes at one time, installing air conditioning in storage rooms.Pelleted feeds shelf life might be longer not only because of lower moisture content but also due to heat treatment associated with pelleting. Textured feeds usually include pellets containing the loose particles (protein source, minerals, vitamins, yeast), Crandell observes. While pellets generally last longer, other ingredients in a feed mix can shorten the shelf life. Pellets are mixed with grains, beet pulp, and molassesmoisture differences and quality of all constituents affect shelf life, she says.Pest Protection Fewer moisture-related problems arise when storing feed in breathable paper bags or wooden bins; however, these are not necessarily pest proof. Metal or hard plastic containers with secure lids reduce losses and spoilage, as well as prevent contamination with pathogens that pests can introduce such as Sarcocystis neurona (which causes equine protozoal myeloencephalitis, or EPM) or leptospires (causing leptospirosis). Horses can develop EPM from ingesting feed containing opossum feces. They contract leptospirosis by ingesting feed contaminated with infected mammals urine. Discard forage or grain that has been soiled with pest urine or feces. The best prevention is to store feed where rodents or other varmints cant access it.Plug rodent-sized holes in a feed room with steel wool or mesh to discourage mice; scattering sheets of fabric softener around the area also can achieve this. Use a feed storage container made of a material that rodents cant chew their way into, and seal it securely with a lid that raccoons and other dexterous critters cant open. Galvanized metal trash cans effectively deter rodents, says Crandell. Since warm air hitting cold metal causes condensation inside that increases the chance of mold, these work best when kept in a temperature-controlled room. She notes that metal-lined wood bins might also prevent rodent damage; however, wood does little to discourage insect intrusion or prevent spoilage from air exposure.Moisture encourages not only mold growth but also insect proliferation within grain kernels. Insects (weevils, grain mites, or beetles) eat grain from the inside out, removing nutrients, says Crandell. As with broken grain kernels, insect breakdown opens up grains to oxidation and mold growth, leading to a stale smell and significant decrease in palatability.Pest protection isnt the only critical element of animal-proof feed storage: It is important to secure grain and supplement containers in a locked room or bin that cant be accessed by a horse that has escaped from his stall or paddock. Unhindered access to feed can mean a very sick horse. Also to that end, on horse farms with small animals, chickens, ducks, or other livestock, take additional precautions to lock their feed supplies away from horse access.Take-Home MessageStoring forage and grain properly helps maintain nutrient content and feed palatability. Critical aspects of safe storage include keeping feed in cool, dry locations to avoid moisture accumulation. Also remember that starting with a quality feed contributes to your feed stores longevity and nutritional impact.

Two horses in Colorado recently tested positive for equine infectious anemia (EIA). The cases are located in Jefferson and Douglas counties.In Jefferson County, an 8-year-old Quarter Horse gelding used for roping tested positive on April 15. The horse did not have clinical signs. He was euthanized.In Douglas County, a 14-year-old Quarter Horse mare used for breeding tested positive on April 10 after iatrogenic exposure. She is 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.

Signs of pneumonia in foals include fever, lethargy, and coughing. | Getty imagesSelective treatment strategies can combat antimicrobial resistance while protecting foals from R. equiRhodococcus equi is a hardy bacterium that lives in the soil and horse feces. It replicates in horse manure, so on densely stocked farms such as breeding operations, the environment can become heavily contaminated. When the bacterium becomes aerosolizedprimarily due to environmental factors such as wind, dry conditions, and soil disturbancesfoals can inhale it, potentially becoming infected.Two forms of the bacterium exist: an avirulent form that is essentially benign for foals and another that is a virulent form. The virulent, disease-causing form has a specific genetic element called a plasmid with a gene that codes for a protein called the virulence-associated protein or VapA.The VapA protein enables R. equi to replicate inside immune cells in the lungs of foals, alveolar macrophages, leading to abscesses forming in the lung. This disease process is similar to what happens in tuberculosis, where the bacterium known as Mycobacterium tuberculosis is able to replicate in alveolar macrophages of humans to cause pneumonia, explains Noah Cohen, VMD, MPH, PhD, Dipl. ACVIM, of Texas A&M Universitys College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences, in College Station. Cohen is professor of equine internal medicine, Glenn Blodgett Chair in Equine Studies, and associate department head for research and graduate studies in the colleges Department of Large Animal Clinical Sciences.Foals living on endemic farms are exposed to virulent R. equi from birth and can become infected at a very young age. But most foals dont exhibit clinical signs of pneumonia until they are 1 to 3 months old or older. Signs in foals resemble what we would see in a child: fever, lethargy, and coughing.Experts say R. equi pneumonia poses significant challenges for the equineindustry due to a number of different factors, including:The high costs of prevention/treatment;The economic losses associated with foal mortality in severe cases; andThe reduced athletic potential of recovered foals as adults.Further, antimicrobial resistance to medications often used to treat this condition adds to the complexity of managing R. equi.In this article well review some important facts about diagnosing and treating R. equi pneumonia, address issues related to antimicrobial resistance, and describe the work underway to create a not-so-secret weapon to fight this historically indomitable bacterium: a vaccine.Fact No. 1: R. equi infection often leads to a self-resolving subclinical (without obvious clinical signs) pneumonia that typically does not need to be treated.Veterinarians first started using thoracic ultrasonography in 2001 to screen foals for the presence of abscesses within the lungs suggestive of R. equi pneumonia.Studies conducted in 2005 and 2008 indicate that thoracic ultrasound screening and treatment of subclinical cases decreased the incidence of pneumonia and decreased the number of hospitalized foals, says Angela Bordin, MS, PhD, assistant professor in the Department of Large Animal Clinical Sciences at Texas A&M.This led to the widespread adoption of a screen-and-treat approach, where veterinarians began treating foals with evidence of pulmonary abscesses, even if the foals showed no clinical signs of pneumonia.In additional studies researchers discovered the following:Fact No 2: Thoracic ultrasound exams at farms with endemic R. equi show that often more than 50% of foals are subclinically infected.Fact No. 3: An estimated 70-85% of subclinically infected foals heal over time without treatment.This information led to the realization that not all foals with lung abscesses attributed to R. equi need to be treated, explains Cohen.But it was too late.The Screen-and-Treat FalloutThoracic ultrasound allows us to identify foals that have a lesion/abscess in their lungs before they have clinical disease, says Bordin. These lesions can progress to a severe pneumonia. Given there is no vaccine available, and the variability associated with Re-HIP administration (that of R.-equi-specific hyperimmune plasma), it is understandable that thoracic ultrasound seemed an attractive way to detect and treat foals with subclinical pneumonia.Avoiding R. equi infection is important because of the economic and welfare implications for farms and their horses.But the screen-and-treat strategy came with a price, she continues. Antimicrobial resistance in clinical isolates of R. equi from foals was rare before 2001, but it increased significantly after thoracic ultrasound screening. To exemplify, one study documented a higher prevalence of multidrug-resistant R. equi from 2007 to 2017 compared to 1999 to 2006 (Huber, 2018). In another study multidrug-resistant R. equi were isolated from soil samples of 76 out of 100 horse-breeding farms (Huber, 2019).Cohen concurs, adding, As a result of the widespread, unnecessary use of antibiotics in foals without clinical signs of pneumonia, strains of R. equi resistant to the class of antibiotics most effective for treatment of rhodococcal pneumonia in foals began to emerge.A Closer Look at Antimicrobial Resistance to R. equiAntimicrobial resistance in R. equi is primarily driven by the acquisition of plasmids, which carry resistance genes for multiple antibiotics, including macrolides, aminoglycosides, and tetracyclines, says Laura Huber, DVM, MSc, PhD, Dipl. ACVPM, assistant professor at the College of Veterinary Medicine, Auburn University, in Alabama. These plasmids enable horizontal gene transfer between bacteria, allowing R. equi to rapidly acquire and spread resistance within microbial communities.Huber explains that the accumulation of antimicrobial residues from past antibiotic use can persist in the environment for many years, creating ongoing selective pressure that helps sustain antimicrobial resistance even after antibiotic use ends. In other words, the lingering antibiotics allow bacteria possessing resistant genes to survive and reproduce while killing off susceptible bacteria, leading to a population dominated by resistant strains over time.Our team is investigating the potential impact of antibiotic treatments in foals on the contamination of horse farm soil with antimicrobial residues, says Huber. Were specifically studying how long these residues persist in the soil and how they contribute to the maintenance and spread of antimicrobial resistance, focusing on the long-term environmental effects of antibiotic use in animal care.And antimicrobial resistance can spread between different bacteria and species, creating a significant risk to other animals and humans.Rhodococcus equi is an ideal model for the One Health concept, as it links human, animal, and environmental health, explains Huber. The bacterium can be transmitted from the soil to both animals and humans, illustrating the interconnectedness of environmental, animal, and human health in the spread of infectious diseases and antimicrobial resistance.Treat for R. equi When NeededDespite the bleak picture as far as R. equi antimicrobial resistance, Cohen stresses the importance of recognizing sick foals.Fact No. 4: Foals diagnosed with R. equi pneumonia should be treated.The challenging part for veterinarians is that we do not yet know which foals will self-cure and which will require treatment, says Cohen.He and other experts say vets can make an R. equi pneumonia diagnosis based on:Farm history of R. equi pneumonia;Foals 1 to 6 six months old on the farm;The presence of appropriate clinical signs;Thoracic ultrasound or X rays showing lung abscesses or consolidation (areas filled with a substance besides air);Blood work showing a high white cell count and elevated concentration of inflammation-associated proteins such as fibrinogen or serum amyloid A; andCulture and microscopic examination (cytology) of a sterilely collected aspirate from the upper respiratory tract (trachea/bronchioles) to isolate and visualize bacteria and, ideally, identification of the VapA gene by polymerase chain reaction test (PCR).Fact No. 5: Vets should not rely solely on thoracic ultrasonography to decide which foals to treat.Further, veterinarians should not rely solely on blood work, such as a complete blood cell count, to diagnose R. equi; its better to also have cytologic or PCR evidence.Fact No. 6: Foals infected with resistant strains of R. equi have a significantly lower survival rate compared to those infected with antimicrobial-susceptible strains.When treating foals, experts have long recommended using a combination of rifampin and the macrolides azithromycin, clarithromycin, or tulathromycin. When resistance to rifampin exists, veterinarians can use the tetracycline antibiotic doxycycline as a substitute. But are these substitutions as effective as the rifampin/azithromycin combination once was?There needs to be more research on that, Bordin says.Preventive Strategies: The Elusive Vaccine and Re-HIP TherapyFact No. 7: Preventing disease is preferrable to overtreating. The goal of a prevention program is to reduce clinical pneumonia cases, thereby decreasing antimicrobial use and the subsequent development of antimicrobial resistance.VaccinationFor many infectious diseases, vaccination has proven to be an effective preventive measure, decreasing the incidence and severity of diseases. But R. equi has proven a difficult pathogen for vaccine creation.Various factors contribute to the challenge of developing a vaccine for R. equi. For example, this is an intracellular pathogen, and we lack a clear understanding of the immunity that protects against it.Foals are exposed to R. equi from birth and are most susceptible to infection when they are very young, Cohen explains. Their immune systems are naive and immature such that many foals cant mount effective immune responses. But we know that giving foals the virulent organism in large numbers by stomach tube provides protection against infection, so we know that they can mount protective immune responses within the first few weeks of life.In his most recent attempt at creating a vaccine, Cohen, together with his research team, created a messenger RNA (mRNA) vaccine that encodes the VapA protein. After deliveryinjection, in this casethe vaccine produces VapA in small amounts, which stimulates the foals immune system to mount immune responses to virulent R. equi strains. These immune responses are innate, meaning a general defense that happens immediately, and adaptive, which is a more specific response that occurs later.The vaccine did not work very well when delivered via nebulization directly to the lungs, he notes. When we gave it intramuscularly, that seemed to stimulate immune responses.Cohen says additional studies are needed to further determine if this mRNA vaccine is indeed worth pursuing in foals, or if efforts should return to producing an mRNA (or other) vaccine administered to pregnant mares instead.Vaccinating the mares may result in the production of antibodies against VapA that can be transferred to their foals through the colostrum and milk to protect the foal during the highly vulnerable period in the first weeks of life, says Cohen.R. equi-Specific Hyperimmune Plasma (Re-HIP) Most farms with endemic R. equi rely on Re-HIP for preventing infection in young foals. These plasma products are produced from mares vaccinated against R. equi using a product designed for adult horses. Foals receive Re-HIP intravenously shortly after birth, but the mechanism of action is unclear.Although the approach was once considered controversial as far as its efficacy, Cohen says, The bulk of the evidence indicates protective effects of transfusing hyperimmune plasma to foals, but the protective effects are not complete and vary among plasma products, farms, and individual foals. While we need better evidence in the form of well-controlled trials to get clearer evidence, current knowledge indicates that Re-HIP is the best prevention that we have available at this time.Fact No. 8: Experts recommend administering 2 liters of Re-HIP that has high activity against VapA to foals within the first day of life.This conclusion is based largely on studies conducted by Cohens team, including a pinnacle study by Susanne Khan in 2019 published in Equine Veterinary Education.I think at most endemic farms, it makes sense both medically and financially to transfuse with anti-rhodococcal plasma because there is no effective alternative for controlling R. equi pneumonia, says Cohen.However, he notes that the advantages of Re-HIP are not as apparent on nonendemic horse farms.The decision as to whether to use Re-HIP needs to be made by the farm veterinarian, farm manager, and owners of the foals to assess both the risk of the disease and their levels of risk aversion, Cohen says. At nonendemic farms it is less clear whether costs and risks of Re-HIP outweigh the potential benefits of preventing something that may not be present.Future Directions in R. equi ResearchVeterinarians gained valuable insights into R. equi through routine treatment following thoracic ultrasound screening in the early 2000s (based on the work of Steeve Gigure, DVM, PhD, Dipl. ACVIM, and others). However, our sources say much more research is necessary to get ahead of this economically draining disease. Specifically, vets need effective and efficient preventive strategies, ideally in the form of a vaccine, to prevent neonatal morbidity and mortality.Because of limited availability of research funding, it will take years for researchers to test their ideas surrounding mare and foal vaccines, says Cohen. But we are nothing if not persistent and will continue to work hard to try to investigate an approach to protect foals.On the antibiotic-resistance front, Huber adds, Responsible antibiotic use can slow the spread of antimicrobial resistance.She says veterinarians should use ultrasound to detect R. equi early and institute more targeted management, rather than relying on the screen-and-treat program. This approach would help reduce unnecessary antibiotic use. Developing clear guidelines that combine ultrasound findings with clinical signs is crucial to avoid overuse of antimicrobials and ensuring that antibiotics are only administered when truly necessary, says Huber. While these approaches can help manage antimicrobial resistance, fully reversing the damage will require broader strategies, including improved (antimicrobial) stewardship and environmental control.This article is from the Spring 2025 issue ofThe Horse: Your Guide to Equine Health Care. We at The Horse work to provide you with the latest and most reliable news and information on equine health, care, management, and welfare through our magazine and TheHorse.com. Your subscription helps The Horse continue to offer this vital resource to horse owners of all breeds, disciplines, and experience levels. To access current issues included in your subscription, please sign in to theAppleorGoogleapps ORclick herefor the desktop version.

Horses with metabolic problems often need little or no grazing time on pasture. | iStockQ: I have a 20-year-old Arabian/Paint gelding that Ive had since he was 3 months old. He was always an easy keeper and I realized when he was around age 4 or 5 that he had equine metabolic syndrome (EMS).From that day on, hes consumed low-nonstructural-carbohydrate (NSC) hay and grain. Because he is an air fern, Im always careful about what he eats and severely limit his grazing time; I keep him on a dry lot most of the time. At age 14 he developed pituitary pars intermedia dysfunction (PPID, formerly called equine Cushings disease). My veterinarian put him on 1.5 Prascend (pergolide) pills per day, which I administer in addition to Thyro-L (levothyroxine sodium).Somewhere during all of this, my gelding started losing weight. He had a mild gastric ulcer attack a few years ago, so my veterinarian prescribed ranitidine, which she later replaced with cimetidine. Recently, he had another ulcer attack and currently has omeprazole added to his diet. My question is, how do you feed PPID, EMS, and ulcer-prone horses that need to gain weight? I already feed every four to five hours. Consuming oils never helped him, but soaked beet pulp has helped some.A: Hello, I am sorry youre having to handle these difficult issues. The first thing I recommend is having a good discussion with your veterinarian about your horses conditions to determine whether the current medications should stay the same or be adjusted. Veterinarians often prescribe Thyro-L to help horses regulate glucose and insulin and treat EMS. They also commonly prescribe Prascend, which you also mentioned, for horses with PPID. Both medications can cause weight lossa side effect that usually benefits horses with EMS and PPID. However, your veterinarian might want to monitor the dosage and make adjustments if needed.I am glad to hear your horse receives omeprazole for his ulcers. Currently it is the only FDA-approved medication for treatment and prevention of gastric ulcers in horses. I recommend talking with your veterinarian about whether you can discontinue this medication or reduce the dosage once management strategies help get the condition under control.I would like to address feeding management of the three distinct disorders you mentionEMS, PPID, and gastric ulcers. Fortunately, some of the recommendations for managing these conditions overlap, which can make caring for your horse easier.EMSHorses with EMS tend to be easy keepers and carry extra weight, but you need to make sure you arent starving them to get them to an ideal weight. Forages low in NSCs should be the base of their diet. Typically, they should have only hay with little to no access to pasture, especially in fall and spring when pasture NSC levels tend to be higher. On a per-pound basis youll want to avoid feeding less than 1.5% of a horses body weight in hay. A low-calorie/low-sugar ration balancer can help you make sure you meet all his nutritional requirements. To help keep glucose and insulin levels steady, provide small, frequent meals and/or use a grazing muzzle to slow down feed intake.PPIDPituitary pars intermedia dysfunction cannot be managed with diet alone (hence, giving pergolide), but it can help. Overweight horses should receive a lower-calorie diet to promote weight loss, and horses with insulin resistance or insulin dysregulation (often referred to together as EMS), need a diet low in NSCs. If a horse with PPID has not been diagnosed with EMS, you can generally feed a balanced diet of forage and concentrates or a ration balancer, while monitoring weight to prevent excessive gain.Gastric UlcersFor horses prone to gastric ulcers, feeding recommendations try to decrease acidity (low pH) in the stomach. Horses are designed to be continuous feeders; some type of feed is in the stomach almost constantly. We can mimic this by providing horses with multiple small meals throughout the day and allowing free-choice access to forages. Nutritionists also recommend reducing the amount of concentrate a horse receives to address gastric pH. Higher-fat feeds tend to slow gastric emptying rate and are not as acidic as more traditional concentrates. Experts also suggest offering some feeds on the market that contain more complex carbohydrates. Adding a forage higher in calcium might also be beneficial, because it works as a natural antacid.With both PPID and EMS the goal is to keep insulin levels regulated and maintain a horses body weight at a level that wont predispose him to bouts of laminitis. I recommend you feed a good-quality mostly grass hay with an NSC level of less than 10%. If you cant find hay with NSC levels below 10%, soak the lowest-NSC hay you can find for about 30 minutes prior to feeding to help reduce the sugar and starch content. Remember that you should not give your horses access to the soaking water because it will have all those undesirable carbohydrates in it. You should feed your horse about 2% of his body weight in forage dailyso about 20 pounds of hay for the average 1,000-pound horse.I would also recommend a ration balancer if your horse maintains his weight on forage alone. Essentially, manufacturers design balancers to work as a vitamin and mineral supplement to ensure your horse gets the correct levels he needs. Make sure it is low in soluble carbohydrates. If he cannot maintain his weight on forage alone, then I recommend one of the higher-fiber feeds available. You mentioned your horse has consumed beet pulp, and it helped, whereas fats did not. Fortunately, many of these feeds have a beet-pulp base. These recommendations also work for the ulcer-prone horse, so they might help there as well.It sounds like you are already taking many of the right steps for managing a horse with these three issues. Keep feeding meals more frequently and make sure youre using low-NSC forages and feeds to maintain an appropriate body weight for your horse. I would be interested to hear what your veterinarian recommends related to the medications, and I wish you the best of luck.Do you have an equine nutrition question? Do you have an equine nutrition question? The Horses editors want to hear from you! Submit your question via the form below. Name(Required) First Last Email(Required) Submit your equine nutrition below!(Required)CAPTCHA

Industry experts and professionals are being invited to design and submit scientific posters into a competition with prizes worth 1,000 going to the winner.Twelve posters will be shortlisted and displayed at the 2026 Horses Inside Out Conference (21-23 February). The winner will receive 1000 worth of on-demand training from Horses Inside Out, a day with an equestrian legend, and articles and publicity for their poster and the information it contains. The deadline for entries is 31 July, 2025.The competition will be judged by two experts from Hartpury University: Professor Meriel Moore-Colyer, professor of equine science, and Dr Kathryn Nankervis, director of the Equine Therapy Centre.Scientific posters have been a part of the Horses Inside Out conference for several years, but this time the team is calling on more professionals to submit posters, to help further understanding, showcase work, and connect with other professionals, said a statement.Historically, many people have seen this competition as something just for those in formal education, but thats not the case.The team is encouraging professionals such as coaches, nutritionists, physiotherapists, farriers and many more to get involved.Shortlisted posters will be shown at the next Horses Inside Out conferenceUnderstanding leads to changeA free webinar will take place on Wednesday 21 May with one of the competitions judges, Professor Meriel Moore-Colyer, to help entrants understand whats involved and how to master the art of the scientific poster.We love this part of the Horses Inside Out Conference and cant wait to see the posters at the next one, in 2026, said Gillian Higgins of Horses Inside Out. Education, and how to share that information in a way that people can grasp and utilise, is at the heart of everything we do. We believe that understanding leads to change, and that leads to improvements in welfare and performance too. Being able to showcase the work of others that are as passionate as we are about horses and science is a real honour.To book a place on the free webinar, click here.The winner will receive prizes worth 1,000Related contentHow to tell if a horse is lameSigns your horse is happyThis is how a horse should move in trot *Video*Scales of training in dressage explainedThe post Calls for equestrian professionals to enter scientific poster competition worth 1,000 appeared first on Your Horse.

Section Key Points Training Purpose - Enhance comfort and focus - Prevent bucking and fidgeting - Develop rider-pony trust Predictive Routine - Designate a relaxation area - Use a verbal cue - Immediate reward post-relief - Schedule routines after meals/rest Groundwork for Relaxation - Poll Pressure Technique - Bend-and-Yield Drills - Flag Desensitization Hydration and Diet - Ensure adequate water intake - Provide a fiber-rich diet - Avoid heavy meals before rides In-Saddle Exercises - Rein Softening - Leg Yield in Halt Challenges & Solutions - Mixing bedding for stall relief issues - Dismounting for ride-time relief - Consult a vet for persistent issues Key Takeaways - Be consistent with routines - Show patience - Consult professionals if needed Training Your Pony to Relieve Before Riding: Tips and Techniques Welcome to the ultimate guide on training your pony to relieve before riding! At Just Horse Riders, we understand the importance of equestrian comfort and safety. Teaching your pony to alleviate themselves on command can significantly enhance their comfort and focus, making your rides both enjoyable and safe. Pony in a pasture, relaxed and focused. Why It Matters Understanding the reasons behind this training can help refine your approach. Ponies, like humans, prefer to relieve themselves in familiar settings. If a pony feels uncomfortable because of a full bladder or bowel, it might lead to behaviors such as bucking or fidgeting. Here are some compelling reasons to teach your pony this behavior: Comfort: Much like us, ponies prefer to relieve in a comfortable environment[^1]. Focus: An unburdened pony is more attentive and responsive. Trust: Consistent routines help build a strong rider-pony trust relationship. Step 1: Establish a Predictive Routine Routines are essential for ponies as they thrive in structured environments. To train them to relieve on command, employ these key steps: Designate a relief area: Choose a quiet corner of the pasture or paddock. Verbal Cue: Use a consistent cue like "Go potty" when the pony begins to relieve naturally. Immediate Reward: Offer praise or a treat to positively reinforce the behavior. Creating a designated relief area. Expert Tip: Scheduling grounding routines after eating or rest periods significantly increases success rates. Ponies are more inclined to relieve themselves at these times. Step 2: Incorporate Groundwork for Relaxation Groundwork not only enhances the ponys relaxation but also reinforces the environment's safety, fostering comfort: Poll Pressure Technique Gentle pressure on the poll promotes a relaxation response. Release and reward once they lower their head[^1]. This technique activates the parasympathetic system, inducing relaxation. Bend-and-Yield Drills Incorporate lateral movement exercises. These help the pony become more supple and redirect nervous energy[^1]. Flag Desensitization Introduce gentle movements around the hindquarters using a training flag. Reward calm responses to promote desensitization[^4]. Groundwork exercises for your pony. Step 3: Monitor Hydration and Diet The pony's diet can directly influence their relieving habits: Water Intake: Adequate hydration increases urination frequency. Fiber-rich Diet: Hay and pasture aid steady bowel movements. Avoid Heavy Meals: Avoid feeding heavy meals at least one hour before rides to prevent digestive discomfort. Step 4: Use In-Saddle Softness Exercises If your pony is still reluctant, try these exercises: Rein Softening: Apply gentle rein pressure and release once the pony relaxes, teaching them to associate pressure with rewards[^5]. Leg Yield in Halt: Encourage lateral movement without forward motion. This helps the pony engage without discomfort[^5]. Common Challenges & Solutions Addressing specific challenges can enhance results: If your pony only relieves in their stall, mix bedding materials to disassociate the habit from comfort zones. Should your pony prefer to relieve only during rides, consider dismounting immediately. Reward the behavior post-relief, reinforcing positive association. Handling training challenges effectively. Key Takeaways Be Consistent: Establish and maintain routines with cues and rewards. Show Patience: Habits are formed over time and require regular practice. If persistent issues occur, consult a veterinary professional. Infections or digestive issues might be the underlying cause. By integrating these techniques, maximize your pony's comfort and attentiveness, ensuring safer, more fulfilling rides for both rider and pony. Helpful Resources Poll Pressure and Bend-Yield Drills - Excellent for reducing tension. Diet and Hydration Management - A pivotal aspect for horse regularity. In-Saddle Softness Methods - Alleviate pressure responses. Exploring our specialized collections can elevate your equestrian experience further: check out our Jodhpur Collection, Horse Riding Boot Collection, and more! Bring home the advantage with quality equipment from Just Horse Riders.```html```

Horse Sport Ireland (HSI) has now issued 6125 foal passports to breeders through the Horse Source online passporting system. Through the week ending April 11th; from the 6125 completed foal passports, 5631 are pedigree applications. This comes from a total of 7229 applications, which also includes non-pedigree applications. The number of non-pedigree applications completed is now 494. It is important to note that, to date, 611 foal kits have not been returned from breeders to HSI for pedigree applications, with the 5631 pedigree foal passports issued to breeders equating to 94% of pedigree applications having passports issued, where DNA has been provided by customers. 9% of DNA Kits have notbeen returned to HSI from breeders. Once these are received, they can be sent to the laboratory and the applications processed and completed. HSI has processed 99% of applications that have DNA results back from the laboratory and the remainder []