On April 25, a 15-year-old Thoroughbred mare at a training facility in St. Croix County, Wisconsin, tested positive for equine herpesvirus-1 (EHV-1) after developing neurologic signs on April 21. The mare 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.EHV 101Herpesvirus is highly contagious among horses and can cause a variety of ailments in equids, including rhinopneumonitis (a respiratory disease usually found in young horses), abortion in broodmares, and EHM.In many horses, the first or only sign of EHV-1 infection is fever, which can go undetected.In addition to fever, other common signs of EHV-1 infection in young horses include cough, decreased appetite, depression, and a nasal discharge. Pregnant mares typically show no signs of infection before they abort, and abortions usually occur late in gestation (around eight months) but can be earlier. Abortions can occur anywhere from two weeks to several months following infection with EHV-1.Horses with EHM usually have a fever at the onset of the disease and might show signs of a respiratory infection. A few days later, neurologic signs such as ataxia (incoordination), weakness or paralysis of the fore- and hind limbs, urine retention and dribbling, loss of tail tone, and recumbency (inability to rise) develop.Herpesvirus is easily spread by nose-to-nose or close contact with an infectious horse; sharing contaminated equipment including bits, buckets, and towels; or clothing, hands, or equipment of people who have recently had contact with an infectious horse.Routine biosecurity measures, including hygiene and basic cleaning and disinfection practices, should be in place at all times to help prevent disease spread.Current EHV-1 vaccines might reduce viral shedding but are not protective against the neurologic form of the disease. Implementing routine biosecurity practices is the best way to minimize viral spread, and the best method of disease control is disease prevention.

A 7-year-old mare in MRC Les Collines-de-lOutaouais, Quebec, recently tested positive for equine influenza after developing a fever, cough, and nasal discharge. She is under voluntary 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 Equine InfluenzaEquine influenzais a highly contagious respiratory disease that infects horses, ponies, and other equids, such as donkeys, mules, and zebras. The virus that causes it is spread via saliva and respiratory secretions from infected horses. Horses are commonly exposed via horse-to-horse contact; aerosol transmission from coughing and sneezing; and contact with humans contaminated hands, shoes, or clothes or contaminated tack, buckets, or other equipment.Clinical signs of equine influenza infection can include a high fever (up to 106F); a dry, hacking cough; depression; weakness; anorexia; serous (watery) nasal discharge; and slightly enlarged lymph nodes. Consider monitoring your horses health at shows by taking his temperature daily, which can help you pick up on signs of infection early and take appropriate measures to reduce disease spread.Vaccinationis an important and inexpensive way to protect your horse. US Equestrian requires proof that horses have had an equine influenza vaccination within the six months prior to attending organization-sanctioned competitions or events. Your veterinarian can help you determine what other vaccines your horse might benefit from.In addition to vaccinating, following strictbiosecurity protocolscan help reduce your horses chance of infection and disease. Such measures include quarantining new equine arrivals at barns, disinfecting buckets and equipment, and preventing nose-to-nose contact between horses.

Transition your horse to pasture by hand-grazing him in 15-minute increments, adding time each day. | iStock.comQ. This spring, I moved my horse to a new barn with grass turnout. My horse hasnt been on pasture since I got him, and Im unsure how to make this transition. I know it needs to be gradual, but how gradual, and how do I make it work?A. Im sure your horse will appreciate the opportunity to be turned out and have pasture access. But you are correct: Sudden dietary changes, whether its the introduction of grain, a hay change, or a move to pasture, can lead to colic and laminitis if done abruptly, whereas a gradual transition allows the digestive tract to adapt. The types and amounts of enzymes the horses digestive system secretes are diet-specific. This is also true of the bacteria composing the horses hindgut microbiome.When equine diets change suddenly, feed components that should be digested and absorbed in the small intestine might not be. They might instead reach the hindgut, disrupting the microbiome microbial population. This can result in gas production, hindgut pH reductions (becoming more acidic), as well as die-offs of certain bacterial populations, causing toxin release. All of this can contribute to colic and laminitis.Early spring pasture contains a lot of moisture, protein, and nonstructural carbohydrates (NSC). NSC includes sugar and starch, as well as more complex fructan sugars. High-NSC diets have two problems:A sudden transition to a diet high in NSC can cause the hindgut disruption already mentioned, because sugar and starch that should be removed in the small intestine are not; andFor horses with metabolic issues such as insulin dysregulation and equine metabolic syndrome, NSCs can induce laminitis and founder.To minimize hindgut disruption, a slow introduction to pasture is necessary, especially for sensitive horses with metabolic conditions. Understanding that these individuals might not be good candidates for any pasture is important. Before you embark on this project, make sure your horse is a good candidate for pasture.If the barn manager expects pasture to provide real nutritional benefits, fields must be well-established before introducing horses. Putting horses on new pasture too early and before the plants are well-established can be tempting. Wait until the pasture has at least 6 inches of grass before grazing. A safe rule of thumb is that the bottom 4 inches always belong to the plant. If pastures are grazed below that height, you start to rob the plant of its ability to maintain itself, and ultimately your pastures will become overgrazed and plants will die, leaving bare patches and opportunity for weeds to take hold.Assuming you have the minimum 6 inches of growth, introduce your horse to the pasture initially for just 15 minutes. This might require hand-grazing, because not all horses are going to want to come back inside after only 15 minutes on such a delicacy as spring grass! Then increase the grazing time by about 15 minutes every day until your horse is grazing for about four hours total. Stay at four hours per day for at least a week before granting unlimited access.Clearly this process is labor-intensive, so it can be helpful to get creative about how you pull it off. The initial 15-30-minute periods can be fairly easily achieved before or after a ride. Allowing 15 minutes before a ride is a great way to get some forage in the stomach. If time is short, do your grooming while your horse grazes, or just hang out and enjoy his company. Then add some time after your ride as a reward. Schedule grazing so longer turnout periods happen on weekends or when you have more time. Ask a friend at the barn to help you out. With some teamwork and creativity, you can transition your horse to pasture safely.

Forage quality is also important for weanlings because they have less capacity and ability to digest hay and pasture than an adult horse. | Anne M. Eberhardt/The HorseQ: What are the best feeding practices to ensure a smooth weaning transition for the foal?A: Suckling foals grow rapidly, with most reaching 30-40% of their mature weight by weaning. Development at this rate requires a steady supply of good nutrition. Mares milk primarily supplies a foals nutrition until weaning, after which the diet transitions to some combination of feed, supplements, and hay or pasture. You can make this transition easier by introducing appropriate feeding practices prior to weaning. What and how you feed the suckling foal will impact not only his overall growth and well-being but also how well he handles weaning.Feeding Suckling FoalsSuckling foals show interest in eating within the first weeks of life. A foal feed should be formulated with high-quality protein to supply essential amino acids and be adequately fortified with the proper balance of vitamins and minerals. The goal of supplemental feeding for suckling foals is to bridge the gap between what the mares milk provides and what the foal needs to grow and develop to his full genetic potential. Feeding 1 pound of a well-formulated foal feed per month of age daily will help accomplish this. For example, a 2-month-old foal should eat 2 pounds of feed per day, or roughly 1 pound of feed per 100 pounds of body weight.Feeding mares and foals individuallynot in a groupoffers the most precise method to feed the foal. However, many farms dont have the staff or the facilities to do this. Creep feeders are an option but must be monitored to make sure mares cannot get the feed and to prevent injuries around the equipment. Creep-fed foals should be grouped and fed amounts appropriate for their age. If allowed free-choice feed, foals often overeat and gain weight too fast, putting undue stress on immature bones and joints.Mares and foals are often fed together, which can work well. As the foal gets older and needs more supplemental feed, the mares nutritional demands for lactation begin to decline. When feeding mares and foals together, place feeders at a height the foal can comfortably access and be sure to allow plenty of space.Feeding Foals After WeaningFollowing weaning, feed foals the same concentrate they were eating prior to weaning, but increase the feeding rate to 1.251.75 pounds per 100 pounds of body weight to replace the mares milk. If possible, divide the daily ration into smaller, more frequent meals to help with the transition from having free-choice access to the mares milk and nursing over 70 times a day. Weanlings have small digestive tract capacity and benefit from smaller meals.Forage quality is also important for weanlings because they have less capacity and ability to digest hay and pasture than an adult horse. If weanlings have free-choice access to excellent pasture or hay and would become overweight eating the recommended amount of the foal feed, you might need to transition them to a ration balancer.A ration balancer is designed to be fed to foals as well as adult horses and will provide appropriate nutrition to support lean tissue development without unnecessary calories. Routinely assess your weanlings body condition and adjust the amount of feed offered or transition to a ration balancer if needed to support moderate body condition. This will help ensure the nutritional requirements for growth and development are met without the youngster becoming overly fat.Take-Home MessageSuckling foals grow rapidly and need a carefully managed feed program to support healthy development and ease the transition to weaning. While the mares milk is the primary nutrient source early in life, introducing high-quality foal feed helps fill nutritional gaps and prepares foals for weaning. After weaning, increase feed amounts as appropriate and offer frequent meals to ease the transition from nursing, support continued growth, and improve digestive health. Monitor your weanlings body condition and adjust his diet as needed to help him grow correctly without becoming overweight.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

By J.L. Doyle, S. Egan, D.P. Berry Graphics: Horse Sport Ireland Full article title: Imputation of single nucleotide polymorphism genotypes in ungenotyped sport horses from the genotypes of their progeny Many sport horse studbooks are still using microsatellite markers for parentage verification. Transitioning to single nucleotide polymorphism-based parentage verification would support the implementation of genomic []The post Imputation of SNP genotypes in sport horses appeared first on Breeding News for Sport Horses.

The World Health Organization has passed the first legally binding treaty to recognise animal and environmental health in preventing pandemics.The Action for Animal Health (A4AH), led by working animal charity Brooke, have been the driving force behind integrating One Health, a unifying approach which recognises the interconnected health of humans, animals and the planet, into the treaty which is entitled the Pandemic Agreement.The COVID-19 pandemic drew the worlds attention to the growing threat of zoonotic diseases. It is believed that 75% of human infectious diseases have animal origins and have been transmitted through direct contact, bites, contaminated food or water or through vectors such as ticks and mosquitoes.We are delighted to see our recommendations on One Health, animal health and prevention at source in this landmark agreement, said Esme Wheeler, global affairs advisor at Brooke.This marks the first inclusion of One Health in a legally binding global treaty, and provides a framework for integrating animal and environmental health to prevent, prepare for and respond to pandemics.We hope this will provide a foundation from which we, as a global community, can start to address some of the most appalling human-led behaviours and practices towards animals and the environment and build a healthier future for all.Call to actionBrooke and A4AH are calling on governments, donors and international agencies to invest in animal health systems to build a healthier future for both animals and people.The charity recognises that working animals are an essential part of many communities around the world and without them many people would be unable to earn a living, provide food for their families and send their children to school.Brooke works with communities, local health providers and policy makers to create a better life for working animals and their owners.Image Shutterstock.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 First treaty to recognise animal and environment in pandemic prevention passed appeared first on Your Horse.

Irish bred horses give a great showing from a Pony club event to 5 Star this week. The wide spread of breeders makes it difficult to find names doubling up but some like Glyn, Rothwell and Powell stand out and Sean Kelly bred Brookfield Quality to come 5th in the 5 Star. See below the up-to-date results for this week unverified results will be added to next weeks results. Cirencester Park One Day Event (GBR) 25th 27th April 2025 Advanced Sec T 2nd Cooley Snapchat (ISH)[was Primo Arkan] 2014 gelding by Kannan (KWPN) out of Anabee Arkansas (ISH) by VDL Arkansas (KWPN). Breeder: Alan Wheeler (Limerick). Rider: Selina Milnes (GBR) 31.3, 0, 0.0 = 31.3 3rd Cooley Mosstown (ISH)[was Mosstown CH] 2016 gelding by Celtic Hero B Z (ZANG) out of Rabaila (HOLST) by Riverman (HOLST). Breeder: David Harrison. Rider: Caroline Harris (GBR) 30.5, 0, 0.0 []

Key Point Details Understanding Horse's Anatomy Recognize important aspects such as withers and lumbar region, which are essential for saddle fitting. General Saddle Fit Guidelines Wither Clearance: Pommel should clear the withers by about three fingers. Panel Conformity: Panels should distribute weight evenly. Girth System: Correct positioning for secure fit and comfort. Specific Needs of Cobs Cobs require attention to saddle length and width due to their unique conformation needs. Saddle Length and Width Saddle length should suit shorter back, while the width should accommodate a broader back. Shimming for Better Fit Use shims to address pressure points, especially on shoulders and spine. Balancing the Saddle Saddle should be balanced with pommel and cantle at the same height. Challenges and Solutions Explore different saddle types or seek professional advice for fitting issues. Tips for Riders and Owners Consult a Saddle Fitter for insights. Experiment with different saddles. Monitor fit regularly due to shape changes. Accessorizing for Comfort Consider complementary jodhpurs, boots, and gloves for enhanced comfort. Conclusion Find a comfortable saddle by considering factors like wither clearance and using tools like shims. Saddle Fitting Essentials: Finding Comfort for Wide and Short-backed Cobs Finding the perfect saddle for a wide and short-backed cob is not just a task; its an art. This task requires attention to detail, a dash of patience, and sometimes a sprinkle of humor. In this guide, well navigate the journey to the ideal saddle for your trusty cob, a journey designed to improve your riding experience and your horse's comfort. Understanding the Horse's Anatomy and Saddle Fit The key to successfully fitting a saddle is understanding the anatomy of your horse. Recognize important aspects such as the withers and the lumbar region. The former is particularly sensitive, while the latter denotes the back length. For cobs, this anatomy can be distinctly different from other horse breeds. General Saddle Fit Guidelines Approaching saddle fitting can be less daunting with these guidelines: Wither Clearance: Ensure the pommel clears the withers by about three fingers.[source] Panel Conformity: The panels should conform to distribute weight evenly.[source] Girth System: Ensure it is correctly positioned to secure the fit while maintaining comfort.[source] Specific Needs of Wide and Short-backed Cobs Cobs often pose unique challenges in saddle fitting due to their specific conformation needs. Saddle Length and Width The length of the saddle should suit the shorter back of these horses. It's important that the saddle doesnt interfere with their movement. In contrast, the width should cater to their broader back often necessitating larger saddles crafted by British makers renowned for their expertise.[source] Shimming for Better Fit Using shims can address pressure points ensuring better comfort. Shimming particularly assists with pressure relief on shoulders and prevents undue friction on the spine. The shims should go inside the saddle pad for best results.[source][source] Balancing the Saddle The saddle must be balanced, with the pommel and cantle at the same height. An ill-fitting saddle may either be low at the front, when too wide, or high when too narrow.[source] Real-Life Challenges and Solutions Common challenges include saddles being too narrow or long. It's crucial to explore different saddle types or seek professional advice to resolve these fitting issues effectively. Tips for Riders and Owners Consult a Saddle Fitter: Professional assistance can offer invaluable insights, especially for young and developing horses. Experiment with Different Saddles: Trying various styles can lead to discovering the most comfortable options within your budget. Monitor Fit Regularly: Horses change shape due to age or condition, so a regular fit check can prevent discomfort and injury. Accessorizing for Improved Comfort Besides finding the right saddle, consider adding complementary jodhpurs, boots, and gloves for enhanced riding comfort and style. Conclusion Finding a comfortable saddle for your wide and short-backed cob is indeed a journey worth embarking upon. By considering factors like wither clearance and panel conformity while utilizing practical tools like shims, you ensure a harmonious riding experience. For more detailed advice on specific saddle fits or solutions, refer to resources like SmartPak's Saddle Fitting Guide. And remember, every cob, like every treat or supplement you choose, is unique and special. Embracing their uniqueness with a well-fitted saddle can greatly enhance both your adventures and your relationship.```html```

The Eric Winter-designed CCI5* cross-country course has been revealed for this years MARS Badminton Horse Trials. All 32 fences are available to view now.Sir Mark Todd, a four-time winner of the Gloucestershire five-star, who assessed the course for CrossCountry app, deemed it a very fair track.Of course, you have to add in the Badminton factor, which makes it different to anywhere else, and be prepared for the unexpected, but it looks to have a nice flow to it and I think [it] will be both enjoyable to ride and produce a great competition, he said.The trackAs usual, the course runs in the reverse direction of last year, taking riders in a clockwise direction around Badminton estate.Eric Winter said that fence 2 Bloomfields Horseboxes Keepers Table is probably one of the largest second fences on any course.The first combination is at fence 4abc Savills Staircase and the famous MARS Lake comes early at fences 8, 9 and 10abc (pictured above).Water levels are currently low in the Lake due to a very dry spring, and the team are working on a solution. This is as serious a question as ever for horses and riders to answer. The direct route involves two very large roll tops on a one stride distance, with a 2m drop from the second taking horses into the Lake.Four strides later is a narrow brush in the water, before turning right up a steep bank to tackle another narrow brush.Optimum timeThe Lake is followed by the familiar intense loop out to the far end of the estate via the INEOS Sunken Road at 12ab, the new accuracy-demanding LeMieux Eyelash Brushes at 19abc, and the Mayston Equestrian Sunken Road at 21ab.Riders will then gallop in front of Badminton House to the familiar historic landmarks of the Equidry Huntsmans Close (26ab) and the HorseQuest Quarry (28abc).The start and finish are in the main arena and the optimum time, although to be confirmed at this stage, is likely to be around 11 minutes 45 seconds.Its a very international field which often happens in a post-Olympic year when youve got top riders bringing their horses from the past Games and others hoping to begin the cycle leading up to the next one, said Eric Winter. He took over as course-designer in 2017 and confessed that it always makes the hair on the back of my neck stand on end when watching the first horse of the day set off on cross-country day. Eric added that a dry, sunny spring has provided the perfect conditions in which to prepare the course and that irrigation has been taking place.Mark Lucey [a retired vet and ground specialist] came and tested the going and said that it was perfect, confirmed Eric.View the fences and watch Sir Mark Todd walk the course here.Main image Badminton Horse TrialsRelated contentBe a Badminton dressage judge! Event app relaunches with exciting new featuresOlympic stars head strong Badminton entry listLeMieux unveils exclusive Badminton collection in cherry pinkWiliam Fox-Pitt champions Badmintons new charity of the yearBest of Badminton: stand out moments from 2024The post Badminton unveils CCI5* cross-country course for 2025 appeared first on Your Horse.

Pros of Importing Young Irish Horses Cons of Importing Young Irish Horses Quality and Breed Characteristics: Irish horses have athletic demeanors and calm temperaments, suited for show jumping, eventing, and hunting. Experience and Training: Young Irish horses are often "green" and may require extra training, posing challenges for novice riders. Market and Availability: Rich population of horses in Ireland offers a wide selection to meet diverse needs and preferences. Importation Costs and Logistics: Additional expenses beyond purchase include transportation and veterinary concerns. Transaction Process: Professional and seamless purchasing process with expert sellers and agents in Ireland. Risk for Novice Riders: Young horses may pose risks for inexperienced handlers, requiring readiness or professional guidance. Future Growth Potential: Long-term investment with potential for skill enhancement and growth in equestrian sports. Adjustment Period: Horses require time to acclimate to new climates and management styles, needing patience and understanding. The Pros and Cons of Importing Young Irish Horses for Riding EnthusiastsLove horses? Us too. Whether its the thrill of a great leap or simply the serene feeling of a countryside ride, horses hold a special place in many enthusiasts' hearts. One trend thats gaining traction is the importation of young Irish horses. With exceptional qualities embedded in their breed, these horses captivate the interest of riders globally. But is importing one the right choice? Lets explore the many aspects both sweet and sour surrounding this captivating equestrian adventure.Pros of Importing Young Irish HorsesQuality and Breed CharacteristicsFrom their athletic demeanors to their calm temperaments, the charm Irish horse breeds bring is undeniable. Breeds like the Irish Sports Horse (ISH) and Irish Draught are renowned for their unmatched qualities. Developed with versatility in mind, these breeds excel in disciplines like show jumping, eventing, and hunting. A horse that can jump, trot, and canter into your heart!Market and AvailabilityIf youre hunting for that perfect horse, Ireland might just be your treasure trove. The country boasts a rich population of horses within its borders, offering a cornucopia of choices to meet individual needs and preferences. This vast selection increases the likelihood of finding your dream companion in an Irish pasture.Transaction ProcessEntering the equestrian industry in Ireland can feel like stepping into a well-oiled machine. With expert sellers and agents guiding the way, many buyers find the process seamless and professional. The professionalism ensures that every transaction is highly efficient; youre in good hands. Isnt it such a delight when a purchase feels like an art more than a chore?Future Growth PotentialImagine investing in a young, energetic partner as you both grow and explore the thrilling world of equestrian sports together. Its a long-term investment worth every stride. With time, training, and love, the bond grows strong, the skill enhances, and the journey becomes a story of growth for horse and rider alike. It's a partnership, not just an ownership.Cons of Importing Young Irish HorsesExperience and TrainingHere's the hard truth: many of these adorable young Irish horses are "green." It means they lack refined training and may require additional attention and experience. For novice riders, this could spell a recipe for trouble without sufficient guidance. Are you up for the challenge when chances of unforeseen issues unfold?Importation Costs and LogisticsPrice tags can be daunting. Beyond the appealing price tag of the horse's purchase cost lies a string of investments. Importing a horse from Ireland incurs extra expenses, transportation, and veterinary concerns. That cited $5,000 to $10,000 range is no secret. Also, prepare to weather the storm of paperwork and regulations.Risk for Novice RidersYoung horses are a joy but also a mystery, sometimes suitable only for more seasoned riders. Their unseasoned nature may pose risks, making accidents or behavioral problems more likely with inexperienced handlers. Always ensure your readiness or seek professional guidance before embarking on this journey.Adjustment PeriodCultural shock is not just a human thing! Imported horses undergo an adjustment phase to acclimate themselves to different climates and management styles. Patience and understanding are key ingredients here, as nurturing the transition ultimately begets a seamless integration into their new environment, maximizing potential.Browse our splendid Jodhpur Collection to add a flair of comfort and style to your rides.ConclusionEngaging in the delightful pursuit of importing young Irish horses can undeniably uncover exceptional opportunities filled with high potential and enjoyment. Yet, it demands thorough consideration of experience, financial capacity, and readiness to nurture a young and promising partner. The joy of growing together and sharing unparalleled adventures in equestrian sports is often a shared reward for those prepared to surmount the challenges. Are you ready to take the reins?For horse enthusiasts, Just Horse Riders offers a comprehensive range of equestrian products to enrich your journey! Discover everyday vitamins & supplements, perfect for maintaining your steed's health, or indulge in our extensive selection of horse treats and gifts for the perfect reward.```html```