Horses being treated for cellulitis with NSAIDs and antibiotics might benefit from digestive support. | The Horse StaffQ. My horse gets frequent bouts of cellulitis. I work closely with my vet to treat and prevent this medically, but is there anything I can do to support our efforts through his diet?A. Cellulitis is a bacterial infection that involves both the connective tissue and the fat tissue, most frequently presenting in the lower limb of the horse, and can be a challenging health issue. There are multiple causes of the condition; however, the infection normally enters the body through small (often undetectable) microtraumas on the skin surface.Medical management is critical to resolving these cases, so it is great that you are working closely with your veterinarian. For treatment, the goal is to reduce the inflammation, eliminate the infection, and reduce the likelihood of the infection recurring.A Balanced Diet for Horses With CellulitisAlthough nutritional management is not a cure for cellulitis, there are some dietary changes you can make to support your medical efforts. A balanced diet is imperative to maintaining both skin health and the immune system. Providing your horse with a feed or ration balancer (fed at the manufacturers recommended amount) is an important factor. Inadequate protein (amino acids), vitamin deficiencies, and unbalanced minerals can all negatively impact the health of a horses skin and hair coat, so pursuing a balanced diet for your horse with appropriate levels of vitamins, minerals, protein, and energy is important to promote optimal health.Vitamin E & Omega-3s to Reduce Inflammation in HorsesWhen inflammatory issues are present, adding vitamin E and a source of omega-3 fatty acids is also a common recommendation. For your horse, if he is on a balanced diet, I recommend having his vitamin E levels tested via blood serum. If the levels are adequate, then there is no need for additional supplementation but, if he has a deficiency, supplementing with a natural source of vitamin E can help support your efforts to prevent cellulitis.When adding omega-3s, opt for a fat source that is greater in omega-3 content than omega-6 content (while one omega-6 type has been studied for its beneficial effects, omega-6s are generally considered to have pro- rather than anti-inflammatory properties; the ratio of the two seems to be whats important). Oils such as flax or camelina are good options and can be fed at a rate of 1-2 oz per day to start and increased to 2-4 oz per day if your horse needs additional fat. Adding fat to the diet can help your horse maintain the protective barrier of sebum on his coat. This is especially important if your horse has dry skin and is prone to cellulitis. If your horse is not overweight, adding an omega-3-rich fat source to his daily ration can be a good way to support the prevention of cellulitis.Digestive Support for CellulitisBecause the cellulitis episodes are frequent, you could try a digestive support supplement for your horse. Regular administration of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and/or antibiotics can disrupt his gastrointestinal tract. Of course, a balanced forage-based diet will be a key factor in maintaining your horses gut health, but adding a pH control supplement for the gut could provide extra support. When choosing a supplement, evaluate the research on the product to ensure what you are investing in will support for your horse.Take-Home MessageWhen cellulitis bouts occur, seeking medical management and guidance on optimal treatment from your veterinarian should be the first step. However, there are some nutritional considerations that can support your horse in addition to the medical efforts. A balanced diet that provides your horse adequate nutrients is imperative to his overall health. Adding a fat source that is rich in omega-3s and investigating digestive support supplements to use when your horse is on NSAIDs or antibiotics could reduce the negative effects these medications might have on his digestive system.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

Key Points Details Pain Memory in Horses Retention of a painful experience in the horses nervous system, leading to behaviors such as fear and anxiety, which can complicate rehabilitation. Importance in Rehabilitation Not just physical healing, but teaching the nervous system to react normally to avoid counterproductive habits. Identification of Pain Memory Signs include behavioral changes, guarding or stiffness, compensatory movements, sensitivity, and struggles in rehabilitation stages. Managing Pain Memory Involves managing pain responsibly, retraining movement, desensitization and counter-conditioning, gradual exercise progression, and a holistic approach. Facts and Figures Correct pain management accelerates healing. 70-75% of tendon injuries demand monitored rehabilitation. Trotting impacts are twice that of walking, highlighting need for gradual exercise. Conclusion A strategic rehabilitation approach addressing pain memory leads to optimal health and performance. This includes pain management, movement retraining, emotional support, and exercise progression. Understanding Pain Memory in Horses: How to Identify and Address This Learned Behavior in Equine Rehabilitation When it comes to equine rehabilitation, one often overlooked aspect is the phenomenon of pain memory in horses. Much like humans, horses develop ways of coping with previous painful experiences which can impede their recovery process. Understanding and addressing pain memory can make a world of difference in successfully rehabilitating equines. What Is Pain Memory in Horses? Pain memory in horses refers to the retention of a painful experience in a horses nervous system, even after the physical cause of pain has healed. As a result, horses might exhibit behaviors like fear, anxiety, or altered movement patterns to avoid re-experiencing that pain, leading to potential complications in rehabilitation. Why Pain Memory Matters in Rehabilitation Addressing the learned behavior of pain memory is crucial for effective equine rehabilitation. Its not just about healing a physical injury. It's also essential to teach the horses brain and nervous system to react normally once more, helping them avoid counterproductive habits that hinder recovery. How to Identify Pain Memory in Horses Identifying pain memory can seem daunting but keeping a lookout for certain signs makes it easier: Behavioral changes such as reluctance to move, sudden resistance, or anxiety around specific activities. Persistent guarding or stiffness in a previously injured area even after healing. Compensatory movements using other muscle groups or joints excessively. Sensitivity to touch on a healed injury site. Struggles in rehabilitation stages or returning to past performance levels. Both static and dynamic evaluations by trained professionals can reveal abnormal muscle recruitment and behavioral patterns indicating pain memory (source). Addressing Pain Memory in Equine Rehabilitation Manage Pain Effectively but Responsibly While completely eliminating pain can remove useful protective signals, unmanaged pain delays healing. A balanced approach ensuring minimal pain while managing suffering can enhance healing outcomes. Postural and Movement Retraining Introducing activation exercises to retrain affected muscles and correct compensatory patterns is essential. This involves both static and dynamic exercises to regain natural movements. Desensitization and Counter-Conditioning Fears and anxieties stemming from past pain experiences should be addressed through desensitization techniques. As the horse becomes more at ease, its willingness to partake in rehabilitation activities improves. Gradual Progression of Exercise Starting with prolonged hand-walking while avoiding sudden increases in load helps prevent reinjury. Gradually incorporating more demanding exercises, such as trotting, supports safe nervous system adaptation. Holistic Approach: Mind, Body, and Spirit Complete recovery depends on acknowledging both physical healing and mental well-being. Addressing underlying issues like hoof balance and riding techniques promotes fuller recovery (source). Facts and Figures Supporting Pain Memory Awareness Research indicates that correct pain management accelerates healing and ensures a better recovery for your equine friend (source). Furthermore, approximately 70-75% of tendon injuries in horses happen gradually, demanding months of closely monitored rehabilitation (Equitopia). Did you know trotting affects horse forelimbs with twice the force of walking? It underscores the critical nature of gradual exercise intensity to prevent setbacks (source). Conclusion Incorporating a strategic rehabilitation approach that addresses pain memory is pivotal in aiding horses back to optimal health and performance. By combining pain management, movement retraining, emotional support, and gradually progressing exercises, horse caregivers can efficiently overcome pain memory barriers. With a holistic approach, every horse may enjoy a faster and fuller recovery, resulting in a happier equine partner. Explore our range of products to support your horses rehabilitation journey with our selection of comfortable stable rugs and accessories like gloves and socks.

On April 8, a 2-year-old Quarter Horse filly in Garvin County, Oklahoma, tested positive for equine infectious anemia (EIA). The filly was not displaying clinical signs and was tested due to a trace from an off-premises exposure. She was euthanized, and 12 exposed horses on the premises are under quarantine.EDCC Health Watch is an Equine Network marketing program that utilizes information from the Equine Disease Communication Center (EDCC) to create and disseminate verified equine disease reports. TheEDCCis an independent nonprofit organization that is supported by industry donations in order to provide open access to infectious disease information.About EIAEquine infectious anemiais a viral disease that attacks horses immune systems. The virus is transmitted through the exchange of body fluids from an infected to an uninfected animal, often by blood-feeding insects such as horseflies. It can also be transmitted through the use of blood-contaminated instruments or needles.ACoggins test screens horses blood for antibodiesthat are indicative of the presence of the EIA virus. Most U.S. states require horses to have proof of a negative Coggins test to travel across state lines.Once an animal is infected with EIA, it is infected for life and can be a reservoir for the spread of disease. Not all horses show signs of disease,but those that do can exhibit:Progressive body condition loss;Muscle weakness;Poor stamina;Fever;Depression; andAnemia.EIA has no vaccine and no cure. A horse diagnosed with the disease dies, is euthanized, or must be placed under extremely strict quarantine conditions (at least 200 yards away from unaffected equids) for the rest of his life.

Day one of the 2025 Defender Kentucky Three-Day Event CCI5*-L kicked off today at the Kentucky Horse Park in picturesque Lexington, Ky. with the first day of dressage tests. Under mostly cloudy skiesapart from a handful of short-lived, light rain showersmany of the top horses and riders in the world took to Rolex Stadium for the first phase of the event.A Defender Kentucky Three-Day Event dressage record was broken when reigning Paris 2024 Olympic gold medalists Michael Jung (GER) and FischerChipmunk FRH effortlessly danced across the ring to score a remarkably low 18.6. In doing so, Jung eclipsed his own standing record from 2022.Im very happy to be here again, Jung said. I really love this place, this show. . . I had a great feeling with FischerChipmunk. Everything went well; Im super happy.Michael Jung and FischerChimpunk FRH break Jungs own record. Photo by Mary CageNew Zealand riders rounded out the rest of the top four. Tied for second after the first dressage session are Clarke Johnstone (NZL) aboard Menlo Park, and Tim Price (NZL) aboard Jarillo. Both scored a 28.4.Its been a very long time that I was here at the World Championships in 2010 and Ive really wanted to come back, Johnstone said. Its really the most beautiful setting and people are all so welcoming and wonderful. Its great to be back here after all these years.Clarke Johnstone and Menlo Park. Photo by Mary CagePrice, currently second in the world, also sits fourth with 13-year-old KWPN gelding Happy Boy. One of the last horses to go Thursday, Happy Boy and Price landed a 29.1 to give Price two horses in the top four so far.It was a good day with my two horses, Price said. Happy Boy tried really hard; same for [Jarillo]. We really want them to come and do their best and show what theyre capable of doing. 1 of 2 Tim Price and Jarillo. Photo by Mary Cage Tim Price and Happy Boy. Photo by Mary Cage 2025 Defender Kentucky Three-Day Event CCI5*-L Standings After Dressage Day One1. Michael Jung (GER) and FischerChipmunk FRH (18.6)=2. Clarke Johnstone (NZL) and Menlo Park (28.4)=2. Tim Price (NZL) and Jarillo (28.4)4. Tim Price (NZL) and Happy Boy (29.1)5. Boyd Martin (USA) and Fedarman B (29.8)6. Jonelle Price (NZL) and Hiarado (30.0)7. Calvin Bckmann (GER) and Phantom of the Opera (30.2)8. Sharon White (USA) and Claus 63 (32.3)9. Jennie Brannigan (USA) and FE Lifestyle (34.0)10. Harry Meade (GBR) and Et Hop du Matz (34.2)2025 Cosequin Lexington 4*-S Standings After Dressage Day OneDuring the first half of the day, Cosequin Lexington 4*-S competitors took to the dressage ring under beautiful, sunny morning skies. The competitive field of horses and riders, featuring several Olympians, did not disappoint. After the first day of dressage, these are the current standings in the Cosequin Lexington 4*-S:1. Phillip Dutton (USA) and Denim (25.6)2. Molly Duda (USA) and Disco Traveler (27.7)3. Caroline Pamukcu (USA) and HSH Blake (27.9)4. William Coleman (USA) and Very Dignified (28.0)5. Robin Walker (USA) and SBT Barolo (29.8)6. Alexandra Knowles (USA) and Morswood (30.3)7. Bruce (Buck) Davidson Jr (USA) and Cooley Candyman (31.3)8. Hannah Sue Hollberg (USA) and Carsonstown (31.7)=9. Allison Springer (USA) and No May Moon (32.8)=9. Olivia Dutton (USA) and Sea of Clouds (32.8) 1 of 3 Phillip Dutton and Denim. Photo by Allen MacMillan/MacMillan Molly Duda and Disco Traveler. Photo by Allen MacMillan/MacMillan Photography Caroline Pamukcu and HSH Blake. Photo by Allen MacMillan/MacMillan Photography Find all of our coverageon our2025 Defender Kentucky Three-Day Event landing page.Thanks toCareCredit for our 2025 Defender Kentucky Three-Day Event coverage.The post 2025 Defender Kentucky Three-Day Event: Dressage Day One appeared first on Horse Illustrated Magazine.

Ocala, FL A Sudden Impulse continued into day three with a strong roster of competition and an exciting schedule of featured classes, including the $25,000 NSBA 3-Year-Old & Over $2,500 Limited Horse Open & Limited Open Western Pleasure, $10,000 NSBA Senior Open Trail & Limited Senior Trail, $10,000 NSBA 3-Year-Old Open & Limited Open Western Pleasure, $5,000 NSBA Open Hunter Derby, $2,000 NSBA Non-Pro[...]Read MoreThe post A Sudden Impulse; Thursday, April 24 Featured Class Highlights appeared first on World Equestrian Center.

Al Shiraaa has extended its sponsorship of the Hickstead Derby Meeting by a further five years and has also become the new sponsor of the King George V Gold Cup as well as the British Young Horse Championships.The UAE horse breeders, who have bases in Abu Dhabi, the UK and Germany, first began sponsoring the Hickstead Derby in 2017 as a way of promoting Al Shiraaa Stables and its stallions andencouraging riders to take part in the Al Shiraaa International Horse Show in Abu Dhabi.As a historical sponsor of the Hickstead Derby, I am delighted to extend our partnership for a further five years and support the King George V Cup, such an important legacy of British showjumping at the highest level, said Her Highness Sheikha Fatima bint Hazza bin Zayed Al Nahyan, founder of Al Shiraaa.Since Al Shiraaa began sponsoring the Hickstead Derby, showjumping in the UAE has flourished and the country qualified for the Olympics for the first time in Paris last year.We would like to express our gratitude to Her Highness Sheikha Fatima bint Hazza bin Zayed Al Nahyan,and to the entire team at Al Shiraaa for their ongoing support of Hickstead, said show director Lizzie Bunn.Established partnershipAl Shiraaa is now one of our longest-standing sponsors, and we are delighted that this partnership has been expanded.The Sheikha has shown unwavering commitment to the sport and its development over the past decade, culminating in success at both the Paris Olympics and the recent World Cup Final, and we are delighted to be welcoming a team from the UAE to compete in the Nations Cup for the very first time.Sheikha Fatima first became involved at Hickstead as a rider herself, and she is now one of the biggest supporters of equestrian sport in Britain and internationally.This years Hickstead Derby Meeting will take place on 19-22 June while the British Young Horse Championships will be hosted by the Sussex venue for the second successive year on 14-17 August.A great passion[The British Young Horse Championships] is a very important show for British breeders, myself being one, whereby we have a Lanaken qualifier at the Al Shiraaa Hickstead Young Horse Championships. The development of young horses is a great passion of mine, breeding and producing is something I take much pride in as an owner.I remain as committed to the development of international showjumping as ever, as highlighted in our multiple partnerships for 2025 across the globe which include Montefalco, Hamburg, Bolesworth, Munster and Lanaken with other exciting shows on the horizon, added Sheikha Fatima.Supporting youth and the development of our next generation of riders remains at the forefront of my vision a vision that began over a decade ago. My mission is to bring the sport to the people and I look forward to seeing what we can achieve collectively this year and beyond.Related contentHow to tell if a horse is happyUK bans live export of horses for slaughterPetition set up with the aim of updating the Dangerous Dogs Act to better protect horsesPublic attitudes towards horse sport on the right track but there is still more to doLearn to read your horses body language with this expert adviceThe post Sponsorship boost for Hickstead Derby Meeting appeared first on Your Horse.