Learn about this common condition from farriers and horse owners who have managed itThe bottom of the horses hoof is a petri dish for thrush, says farrier Mike Isles. | Anne M. Eberhardt/The HorseThrush, an infection of the horses hoof tissue known for the black, necrotic (dead), stinky material it causes, is one of the most common hoof issues horse owners encounter. According to the 2020 American Farriers Journal Farrier Business Practices survey, more than half of farriers see a case of thrush each week during the year. Another 20% see thrush monthly, while 8% only deal with it a few times a year. For some farriers, thrush is only a seasonal concern when rains create persistent muddy conditions.Thrush thrives in dark, damp, warm environments, explains Mike Isles, CF, APF-I, owner of MFI Farrier Service, near Saratoga, New York. The bottom of the horses hoof is a petri dish for thrush.The hoofs underside doesnt get much light because its in constant contact with the ground, which is a natural host for millions of microorganisms. When mud, muck, and manure pack into the hoof and remain there, anaerobic bacteria can flourish, infecting the frog tissue and eating away at it.Unsanitary living conditions and excessive hoof dampness are primarily to blame for thrush, so keeping the hooves clean and giving the hoof time to dry is essential.The biggest thing with thrush is to clean out the horses feet, says Isles. Ideally, once a day, but at least whenever you see your horse, especially if youre using a topical treatment for thrush. Medication needs to get on the tissue, and if the hoof isnt clean, the dirt is just soaking up the treatment.Thrush might sound like a straightforward condition that can be remedied with good horsekeeping skills. But mud, dirt, and manure are not the only culprits.Thrush is a bit of an enigma, says Steve Kraus, CJF, head of farrier services at the Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine, in Ithaca, New York. Its interesting because some horses can live in terrible conditions and never develop it, while horses in good conditions can. So, thrush is not necessarily caused by bad health care or bad conditions but aggravated by it.Horses that have compromised immune systems are susceptible to thrush, says Kraus. Horses with genetically weak hooves or horses that have an inability to absorb key trace minerals such as zinc, which is needed for healthy hoof tissues, might also be more likely to develop thrush, he added.A Deeper Look at ThrushWet, muddy conditions are a primary cause of thrush. | Getty imagesDespite the frogs small size, it plays a critical role in keeping horses sound. A healthy frog absorbs concussion and helps with load bearing. In healthy hooves frog tissue expands and contracts with each step, pushing dirt and debris out of the collateral sulcithe grooves on either side of the frog.Thrush develops in any part of the sulci (the central sulcusthe groove in the center of the frog toward the heelor the collateral sulci) when there is chronic tearing of the frog tissue, which allows anaerobic bacteria to invade, Kraus explains. Uneven hoof loading created by unbalanced conformation damages the frog tissue. A horse with an upright club foot or contracted heels can develop thrush because the deeper sulci collect more debris than those in a hoof with a flatter angle. A steep hoof angle is also likely to develop thrush due to the frog atrophying from lack of stimulation, he adds.I think youre more likely to see thrush in horses with poor conformation, says Kraus. For instance, a horse that toes out lands on the lateral toe and then loads a medial heel, tearing the frog tissue with each step. That leaves an opening for an invasion of microorganisms. A healthy foot that loads the heel properly and stimulates good frog pressure doesnt do that.Kraus also points out that thrush is distinct from another type of hoof infection called canker. While thrush is a destructive, necrotic process (the bacteria kill the tissue), canker is a proliferative process whereby bacteria cause abnormal growth of the horn, the hard, outer layer of the hoof.Treating ThrushThrush can be mild, moderate, or severe. Knowing what to look for and treating at the first signs of infection is critical for preventing it from progressing further.My new farrier was great about showing me what to look for and how to treat it, says New Jersey-based horse owner Heather Wallace. Her gelding battled thrush and white line disease (another type of opportunistic infection, whether bacterial or fungal, of the area just in front of the epidermal laminae, which connect the hoof wall to the coffin bone) for two years despite living in a dry lot with a sand base.Conversely, a hoof with thrush has a gooey look to it with pitting or pockets in the frog. Thrush can also cause a frog to disintegrate and create the unmistakable odor horse owners notice when caring for affected horses feet.In the early stages of thrush, it can be challenging to identify because a pocket of thrush can look like a pocket of mud, dirt or debris, Isles says. In some cases, a horse will be sensitive to the hoof pick, and if the owner is really digging into the hoof, it might bleed.Even if youre unsure about whether your horse has thrush, Isles recommends using a topical thrush treatment product of your choice and pointing out the condition on your next farrier visit.If the frogs appear too soft, or the heels look like they might be thrushy, I hit it hard for a few days (with a topical treatment), Wallace says.There are many topical options from which to choose. An effective one has active ingredients mixed with a stain so it sticks to the tissue, says Kraus. He prefers povidone-iodine products and recommends applying them once or twice a week in mild to moderate cases.It is not uncommon to hear someone suggest using bleach (sodium hypochlorite), but beware because it can do more harm than good.Bleach kills the microorganisms, but it burns the tissue; you can do more damage to the tissue, he explains. However, chlorine dioxide, a stabilized version of chlorine, is a bacterial killer just like bleach but doesnt harm tissue, and that is available under multiple brand names.In moderate to severe thrush cases, farriers might use copper sulfate as a treatment, but they must do it carefully. The Environmental Protection Agency1 and the National Pesticide Information Center2 caution users about health risks associated with the product.Wallace says it took trial and error to find products that worked best for her horse.I use iodine from time to time but found that applying Absorbine Hooflex Thrush Remedy every few days is a great preventative, she says. If the frogs appear too soft, or the heels look like they might be thrushy, Ill use Dry Cow (mastitis treatment ointment) instead and hit it hard for a few days.While Wallaces horse lives in a dry pasture, it has been an extremely wet year that has made even the driest lots muddy, so thrush is rampant, requiring frequent applications of topical treatments. Her efforts are paying off. During a recent visit, her farrier complimented her on her horses progress.Routine has made the biggest difference, she says, but it was a hurdle at first. She hired someone to pick his hooves and apply the treatment when she cant be there. The most frustrating thing is that no matter how hard I work, if I treat the thrush and it goes away, theres always a chance it comes back.When Thrush ProgressesIn most cases a combination of routine farriery and topical treatment based on the individual horses needs can be enough to cure thrush. But in some scenarios it becomes a complicated situation of bacterial infection invading sensitive tissues within the hoof. In these cases working with a veterinarian is necessary.Take-Home Message Luckily, horse owners can manage most cases of thrush with topical treatments and routine farrier care. But in some situations more intervention might be necessary. Owners dealing with thrush in their horses feet should contact a veterinarian if it doesnt clear up easily.References:1. Reregistration Eligibility Decision (RED) for Coppers; U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Office of Prevention, Pesticides and Toxic Substances, Office of Pesticide Programs, U.S. Government Printing Office: Washington, D.C., 2009: 11.2. General Fact Sheet: Copper Sulfate. National Pesticide Information Center, 2012; npic.orst.edu/factsheets/cuso4gen.html.

Irish show jumping is currently riding the crest of a wave, and the latest FEI Longines Jumping Rankings mark another milestone in the career of Cian OConnor. Olympic medal-winner OConnor reached the worlds top 10 for the first time in his illustrious career as the latest rankings were published, leading an incredible seven Irish riders inside the worlds top 50. Indeed, five Irish riders sit inside the worlds top 20 OConnor in tenth, Daniel Coyle in 14th, Conor Swail in 16th, Shane Sweetnam in 17th and Daragh Kenny in 20th. Denis Lynch is also highly ranked, in 26th, with Mikey Pender placed number 45, making up the magnificent seven. OConnor said: Im absolutely delighted to have entered the top 10 in the Longines World Rankings for the first time in my career. I want to pay a huge thanks to everyone who has helped make this rise possible over []

Be sure to test your pastures nutritional content because your horse might get some essential minerals from grass. | iStockHorses need a variety of minerals to support their daily nutritional requirements. These minerals play important roles in the body, from providing antioxidants to comprising key elements of bone. Without the right minerals, horses can develop health issues such as skin and coat problems or lack of muscle development. Ensuring your horses ration adequately provides him the essential minerals in the right amounts is imperative to his health and well-being.How to Know if a Horse is Getting Enough MineralsAccurately evaluating your horses mineral status is important because it can take many months for the health issues that arise from improper supplementation to become apparent. Given that it isnt possible to look at a horse and know whether you are providing the right amount of minerals just based upon the horses appearance until deficiencies or toxicities are pretty severe, the best approach is to know what your horse requires and determine if what you are feeding it meets the requirements, says Brian Nielsen, PhD, MS, PAS, Dipl. ACAN, animal science professor at Michigan State University, in East Lansing.The best way to determine your horses mineral needs is to have a nutritionist complete a full dietary evaluation, says Shannon Pratt-Phillips, MS, PhD, PAS, a professor in the Department of Animal Science at North Carolina State University, in Raleigh. First, obtain a hay analysis; because forage is the base of your horses diet, evaluating the quality of his hay will allow you to fill in the remaining mineral gaps with a concentrate or high-quality ration balancer. Unfortunately, other tests, like hair or blood, are not very useful for measuring mineral status in the horse, so analyzing the full diet is the best way to ensure that your horse is meeting its needs, she says.Ideal Mineral Ratios in Horse DietsAmounts of minerals are important when meeting your horses nutrient requirements, but dont forget to consider mineral interactions. When one mineral can affect the absorption of another mineral, we might need to establish a ratio to ensure that a particular mineral is not fed in amounts that might inhibit the absorption of another, even if the other mineral is fed in the correct amounts, says Pratt-Phillips.The most frequently discussed mineral ratio in equine nutrition is calcium (Ca) to phosphorus (P). While many horse owners are taught that a ratio of 2:1 (2 parts Ca to 1 part P) or 1.5:1 is the ratio for which we should strive, it really isnt critical that it is precisely that ratio, says Nielsen. As long as there is more available calcium in the diet than there is available phosphorus, there are typically no concerns.By contrast, a ratio of 1 part calcium to 1.2 parts phosphorus would be a real concern.A skewed ratio can cause the body to sense a calcium deficiency, even if the amount in the diet is adequate. When there is a perceived calcium deficiency, there is a release of parathyroid hormone, says Nielsen. The result is calcium being released from bone in order to maintain blood calcium. Doing so can result in the condition known as nutritional secondary hyperparathyroidism (also known as big head disease) in which the bone is weakened.In addition to calcium and phosphorus, zinc (Zn) to copper (Cu) and iron (Fe) to copper to zinc to manganese (Mn) are important ratios to consider. There is no published scientific research that supports the claims for Zn:Cu or Fe:Cu:Zn:Mn. Rather, it is just important that you are meeting the requirements, and it is also wise to avoid over supplementing minerals, says Nielsen.I would be very wary of increasing other minerals simply to try to achieve some kind of ratiofor example, if iron is too high, we shouldnt try to feed more copper or zinc to accommodate for that, says Pratt-Phillips. Research has shown that over supplementing minerals winds up in waste and, ultimately, in groundwater, and could be bad for the environment.Knowing When to Add Minerals to Your Horses DietThe National Research Councils (NRC) Nutrient Requirements of Horses, published in 2007, provides recommended intake levels of the necessary minerals based on your horses body weight and workload. It is important to know the nutrient composition of what your horse is eating from all parts of their dietthat includes from forage, concentrates, and supplements, says Nielsen. It is easy to have hay analyzed for nutrient composition, and that is the only way to know what it provides.Many horse owners who receive different hay regularly might not invest in the analysis. I would argue for even that one point in time, it is worth investing the extra $20-40 to get the hay analyzed to check the mineral status in the hay, says Pratt-Phillips.If your horses diet is primarily hay with an additional concentrate and/or supplements, again, a complete hay analysis will provide quality information for your nutritionist to help you develop a balanced diet for your horse. If you horse consumes pasture, evaluating the mineral content can be a bit more challenging. Nielsen suggests consulting with a local extension agent to find out if there are any known soil deficiencies in the area (such as selenium).By calculating the total amount of minerals your horse consumes and comparing it to what the Nutrient Requirements say he needs, you can determine if your horses diet is sufficient.Available Mineral Sources for HorsesMinerals included in your horses diet can be offered in organic or inorganic form. Technically, in chemistry, organic refers to being carbon-based, this meaning carbon is part of the molecule, says Nielsen. However, in popular culture, organic is often used to signify natural and is a term that is widely used when marketing, as people believe it is betterrarely is there any evidence that such is the case. Ironically, with minerals, the inorganic tends to be natural, and the organic minerals tend to be synthesized or manufactured.A horses mineral requirements are based on his ability to digest and absorb them, so it is important to understand the differences in bioavailability between sources. Organic sources of minerals are likely more bioavailable, so the horse may actually need less of them, says Pratt-Phillips. A good nutritionist will be able to pick out some of these ingredients in feed tags, and this could affect how you interpret a dietary analysis.Take-Home MessageEnsuring your horse receives appropriate amounts and types of minerals is a key consideration when developing a balanced diet for your horse. Both over- and undersupplementing certain nutrients can cause serious health problems, but clinical signs might not show up for months. Analyzing hay and consulting a qualified equine nutritionist to review your horses mineral intake can help you ensure your horse receives the correct nutrition from his diet.

The MARS Badminton Horse Trials will be the launchpad for The Georgie Campbell Foundations new Georgie Jewellery lines, just ahead of the first anniversary of Georgies death.The Foundation was set up by people who love and miss Georgie, who died as the result of a cross-country fall. They include older sister Jo Williams and husband, New Zealand rider Jesse Campbell, who is contesting this years MARS Badminton Horse Trials riding Cooley Lafitte, running at number 16. This partnership completed Burghley last autumn, jumping double clear.Eight new Hiho Silver Twig Collection pieces are being launched, including a Twig stock pin, pendant necklace and bracelet, plus a friendship bracelet and a leather bolo bracelet in purple and white Georgies cross-country colours. The collection was inspired by Georgies Patterdale-cross terrier, Twig, and the design was based on a hornbeam twig from a tree on Georgies family home in Kent. The entire collection can be viewed on the Hiho Silver stand, number 186, on the Deer Park Drive.Also supporting The Foundation is Coco & Jane Loves, which is launching a pearl collection with purple accents. It includes a freshwater pearl bracelet and necklace and an anklet and phone charm, available to order online.The Foundation will support young riders who are establishing their eventing businesses, with the introduction of good practice, horse welfare and safety skills early in a young eventers career, providing bursary support and education resources. It is also involved in promoting cross-country safety with a focus on fence design.Spotting purple, white, and Twig shaped mementos on wrists and necks means so much, said Jo Williams, a trustee. We are hugely thankful to the staggering volume of people who have purchased pieces of Georgie jewellery so far and hope people love the new items to help the Foundation give back to the sport Georgie loved.

Section Details Common Causes Suprascapular Neuropathy (Sweeney) Bicipital Bursitis Soft Tissue Injuries Nerve Damage Beyond Sweeney Symptoms Muscle atrophy Lameness or shortened stride Stumbling or tripping Resistance to movement Swelling or heat in the shoulder Behavioral changes Diagnosis Physical palpation and imaging techniques (ultrasound, X-ray, scintigraphy) Treatment Solutions Rest and controlled exercise Anti-inflammatory and intra-articular therapies Physical therapies (acupuncture, massage) Surgery Prognosis and Recovery Time Soft tissue injuries: weeks to months Bicipital bursitis: over six months Suprascapular neuropathy: varies by nerve damage Understanding Equine Shoulder Pain: Causes, Symptoms, and SolutionsEquine shoulder pain is a significant concern for horse owners, trainers, and veterinarians. It's a condition that can severely impact a horse's performance and overall well-being. Recognizing the causes, symptoms, and treatments available can make a world of difference in ensuring your horse leads a comfortable, pain-free life.Common Causes of Equine Shoulder Pain1. Suprascapular Neuropathy (Sweeney)Suprascapular neuropathy, or Sweeney, is the most prevalent abnormality of the equine shoulder. It typically arises from damage to the suprascapular nerve, leading to muscle atrophy and a visibly sunken shoulder. This condition often results from direct trauma or chronic compression, impacting the supraspinatus and infraspinatus muscles. The atrophy and instability can become severe without intervention [source].2. Bicipital BursitisBicipital bursitis entails inflammation of the bursa located between the biceps tendon and the bicipital groove of the humerus. Causes include direct trauma and infections, leading to lameness characterized by a shortened stride. Recovery requires prolonged rest, possibly exceeding six months, with anti-inflammatory treatment [source].3. Soft Tissue InjuriesSoft tissue injuries involve damage to muscles, tendons, or ligaments. They result from repetitive strain or trauma, and prompt reduction of inflammation is critical. Commonly observed signs include swelling and altered gait [source].4. Nerve Damage Beyond SweeneyAdditional nerve injuries, like brachial plexus damage, also contribute to shoulder pain. These can cause muscle weakness and abnormal limb use, complicating the horse's mobility and comfort.Recognizing Symptoms of Shoulder Pain in HorsesHorses with shoulder pain might show several signs: Muscle atrophy in key shoulder muscles. Lameness or a shortened stride, especially in the forelimb. Frequent stumbling or tripping. Resistance to movement. Swelling or heat around the shoulder area. Behavioral changes such as resistance to work.Veterinary assessments often involve physical palpation along with imaging techniques such as ultrasound, X-ray, or scintigraphy to identify underlying causes and plan suitable treatments [source].Effective Solutions and TreatmentsRest and Controlled ExerciseMost shoulder injuries benefit from rest and rehabilitation exercises. The rest period can be several months, depending on the nature of the injury, allowing tissues to heal adequately.Anti-inflammatory and Intra-articular TherapiesNon-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are crucial for managing pain. In some cases, intra-articular injections with corticosteroids or hyaluronic acid can accelerate recovery and reduce inflammation.Physical TherapiesPhysical therapies, including acupuncture and massage, are beneficial in treating nerve-related conditions like Sweeney. They enhance circulation, reduce pain, and foster muscle recovery.SurgeryIn advanced cases, surgical intervention might be the only solution, particularly for cases unresponsive to conventional therapies.Prognosis and Recovery TimeRecovery time varies by injury severity: Soft tissue injuries generally heal within weeks to months. Bicipital bursitis can need over six months of rest. Suprascapular neuropathy outcomes depend heavily on nerve damage.Riding Apparel and Supplements at Just Horse RidersFor optimal comfort and enhanced performance during recovery, consider the Jodhpur or Gloves collections for superior riding apparel.ConclusionUnderstanding equine shoulder pain is crucial in supporting your horse's health. Prompt identification and intervention can lead to a smoother recovery process and a return to normal activities. Pay attention to the early signs, consult your veterinarian promptly, and explore therapeutic options thoughtfully.For supplements that aid in recovery and enhance overall health, check out Everyday Horse Vitamins & Supplements at Just Horse Riders.To explore more on keeping your equine companions comfortable, feel free to visit the Stable Rugs collection or choose Fly Protection gear.```html```

On May 5, two horses in St. Clair County, Michigana 5-year-old Paint gelding and a 5-year-old warmblood geldingtested positive for strangles. Both horses developed clinical signs on April 24, including fever and nasal discharge. They are under quarantine.EDCC Health Watch is an Equine Network marketing program that utilizes information from the Equine Disease Communication Center (EDCC) to create and disseminate verified equine disease reports. TheEDCCis an independent nonprofit organization that is supported by industry donations in order to provide open access to infectious disease information.About StranglesStranglesin horses is an infection caused byStreptococcus equisubspeciesequiand spread through direct contact with other equids or contaminated surfaces. Horses that arent showing clinical signs can harbor and spread the bacteria, and recovered horses remain contagious for at least six weeks, with the potential to cause outbreaks long-term.Infected horses can exhibit a variety of clinical signs:FeverSwollen and/or abscessed lymph nodesNasal dischargeCoughing or wheezingMuscle swellingDifficulty swallowingVeterinarians diagnose horses using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) testing with either a nasal swab, wash, or an abscess sample, and they treat most cases based on clinical signs, implementing antibiotics for severe cases. Overuse of antibiotics can prevent an infected horse from developing immunity. Most horses make a full recovery in three to four weeks.A vaccine is available but not always effective. Biosecurity measures of quarantining new horses at a facility and maintaining high standards of hygiene and disinfecting surfaces can helplower the risk of outbreakorcontain one when it occurs.

Shes back! Were thrilled to announce that This Esme is returning to Redpost Equestrian on Saturday 23rd August 2025 for an unforgettable day of fun and meet & greets! This year, its bigger and better with three relaxed Meet & Greet sessions throughout the day AND a special fun-filled event giving you the chance to spend time with Esme in a more exciting and interactive way! Morning Meet & Greet: 10:00 12:30 Early Afternoon: 13:00 14:30 Late Afternoon: 15:00 17:00 No booking needed just show up at the time that suits you!The post The Wait Is Over This Esme Is Returning to Redpost Equestrian! first appeared on Redpost Equestrian Blog.

Two horses in Marylandone in Carroll County and one in Cecil Countyrecently tested positive for strangles. In addition to the two confirmed cases, 20 horses in Carroll County and 50 horses in Cecil County are potentially exposed.EDCC Health Watch is an Equine Network marketing program that utilizes information from the Equine Disease Communication Center (EDCC) to create and disseminate verified equine disease reports. TheEDCCis an independent nonprofit organization that is supported by industry donations in order to provide open access to infectious disease information.About StranglesStranglesin horses is an infection caused byStreptococcus equisubspeciesequiand spread through direct contact with other equids or contaminated surfaces. Horses that arent showing clinical signs can harbor and spread the bacteria, and recovered horses remain contagious for at least six weeks, with the potential to cause outbreaks long-term.Infected horses can exhibit a variety of clinical signs:FeverSwollen and/or abscessed lymph nodesNasal dischargeCoughing or wheezingMuscle swellingDifficulty swallowingVeterinarians diagnose horses using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) testing with either a nasal swab, wash, or an abscess sample, and they treat most cases based on clinical signs, implementing antibiotics for severe cases. Overuse of antibiotics can prevent an infected horse from developing immunity. Most horses make a full recovery in three to four weeks.A vaccine is available but not always effective. Biosecurity measures of quarantining new horses at a facility and maintaining high standards of hygiene and disinfecting surfaces can helplower the risk of outbreakorcontain one when it occurs.