Three horses at a boarding facility in Marion County, Florida, recently tested positive for strangles. The affected horses are under quarantine, and 50 additional horses are 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.

On May 22, a 4-year-old Thoroughbred gelding at a boarding facility in Montgomery County, Pennsylvania, tested positive for strangles. The horse developed clinical signs on May 19, including fever and nasal discharge. He is under quarantine, and 39 horses are 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.

On May 22, a 20-year-old Quarter Horse mare in Cumberland County, Pennsylvania, tested positive for Potomac horse fever. The horse, who is vaccinated, developed clinical signs on May 18, including fever and colic signs which progressed to liquid diarrhea. She was referred to a hospital in Virginia, where she is responding to medical management.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 Potomac Horse FeverPotomac horse fever is caused byNeorickettsia risticii, an organism found in parasites, called flukes (flatworms), that infects aquatic snails and insects. Horses can be infected by ingesting insects carrying Potomac horse fever or by drinking water containingN. risticii. Additionally, horses can get Potomac horse fever by inadvertently consuming infected insects or parasites in feed, water, or on pasture.The incubation period for Potomac horse fever is between one and three weeks, and the mortality rate is up to 30%. Whilevaccines against Potomac horse feverare not 100% effective, vaccinated horses tend to have fewer and less severe clinical signs.Most Potomac horse fever cases are reported in July through September, and outbreaks tend to be seasonal.Horse owners and caretakers, especially those who keep their horses near creeks and rivers, shouldwatch for signs including:DiarrheaColicLoss of appetiteLethargyToxic shockDehydrationAbortion in pregnant maresLaminitisMild to severe fever.

The Donkey Sanctuary and the National Equine Welfare Council (NEWC) have combined with several other equine charities to secure the future of a group of donkeys and horses who were set to lose their home following the closure of Tettenhall Horse Sanctuary.Tettenhall Horse Sanctuary in Wolverhampton was founded by Billy Wilson in 1979 and has been closed in part due to financial pressures, as well as the founders ill health.It was home to 20 equines 10 donkeys, one mule and nine ponies and horses.Billys daughter Verity had been managing the care of the equines on her own for some time following her fathers declining health. This, coupled with financial pressures, led to the family deciding to close the charity and so Verity contacted The Donkey Sanctuarys welfare team for help and advice.We no longer have the resourcesUnfortunately, we no longer have the resources and so weve had to make the very sad and difficult decision to close, said Verity. Its a great comfort to have had the support of The Donkey Sanctuary and other charities and to know we are acting in the best interests of the animals my father cared so much about.Our vets at Severn Edge have been wonderful in advising us and ensuring all the necessary steps were taken so our equines could leave happy and healthy, she continued. Hannah [Bryer, head of welfare at The Donkey Sanctuary and director of NEWC]and her team have also been so kind and supportive in helping me make these very difficult decisions.Charities offer supportSeveral equine welfare charities stepped forward to offer sanctuary and support for the animals andthe equines were transported to their new homes by staff from The Donkey Sanctuary.The equines were moved to the following charities:Margaret Green Animal Rescue in Dorset rehomed Bracken and PoppyBransby Horses in Lincolnshire rehomed Cindy, Augustus and SpikeThornberry Animal Sanctuary in South Yorkshire rehomed Buttons, Jose and DottyFerne Animal Sanctuary in Somerset rehomed Jemima and BertieBlue Cross in Oxfordshire rehomed Pedro and PercyHorse Rescue Fund in Norfolk rehomed Ted and FuzzThe Donkey Sanctuary in Devon rehomed Lottie and GerryTwo put to sleepTwo horses, Tilly and Benny, were peacefully put to sleep at Tettenhall following veterinary advice. It was also deemed that due to ongoing health issues, a move to a new location would not have been in the best interests of two further horses, Shadow and Pop, and so they will remain at Tettenhall. According to a statement sent to Your Horse, the pair will be peacefully put to sleep at a later date.Our priority was to work closely with Verity to ensure positive welfare outcomes for the equines in their care and to identify sustainable, long-term solutions that would continue to meet their needs, said Hannah.The closure of Tettenhall Horse Sanctuary highlights the real and significant challenges currently facing charities across the UK. Equine welfare organisations are battling rising costs, limited resources, and increasing demand for support.Team effort Tettenhall Horse Sanctuary covered all costs related to the assessment and care of the horses. Redwings provided support through vet-to-vet discussions regarding the suitability of the horses and ponies for rehoming. The British Horse Society provided practical support by assisting with the preparation of passports and offered a charitable rate for their processing.This was a true team effort, added Hannah. Across our welfare, veterinary, and transport teams and with the incredible support of fellow equine charities we ensured that every animal found the best possible outcome. Its a powerful reminder of what we can achieve when we work together.Related contentAt our wits end: budget changes and cost of living crisis big concern for equine charitiesResearch paints worrying picture for horse owners due to cost of living crisisRescue donkeys help create ideal habitat for rare fungi, flora and faunaNew enrichment paddock for some of The Donkey Sanctuarys smallest residentsThe post Future secured for rescued equines after their sanctuary closes its doors for good appeared first on Your Horse.

Section Key Points Introduction Understanding the causes and solutions for equine lethargy during coat changes. Causes of Lethargy Energy Expenditure: Coat growth requires substantial energy. Nutritional Demands: Importance of B vitamins. Hormonal Changes: Impact of melatonin production. Environmental Factors: Effects of temperature and daylight. Underlying Health Issues: Possible health problems like Equine Cushing's disease. Recognizing Signs of Lethargy Reduced activity, decreased appetite, dull appearance, prolonged shedding. Solutions and Support Nutritional Support: Essential nutrients like B vitamins and zinc. Reduce Stress and Workload: Lower stress during coat changes. Regular Grooming: Enhances skin health, mitigates discomfort. Monitor Health: Watch for persistent lethargy. Consult a Veterinarian: Crucial if lethargy continues. Conclusion Importance of addressing equine lethargy and providing proper care. Understanding Equine Lethargy During Coat Changes: As seasons shift, horses experience energetic demands associated with coat changes. This article delves into the causes of lethargy during this period and offers practical solutions to support your horse's wellness. Causes of Lethargy During Coat Changes Energy Expenditure Coat growth is a metabolic process requiring substantial energy, often leading to lethargy as resources are diverted from physical activity (source: Mad Barn). Nutritional Demands The development of a new coat relies on nutrients, especially B vitamins, crucial for energy metabolism. Deficiency in these nutrients can result in reduced vitality (source). Hormonal Changes The pineal gland regulates melatonin production with daylight changes, influencing energy levels and metabolism (source: Equistro). Environmental Factors Extreme temperatures and daylight changes create metabolic stress on horses, complicating the coat change process. Underlying Health Issues Lethargy may indicate health problems like Equine Cushing's disease, a condition affecting hair growth and shedding (source). Recognizing Signs of Lethargy Reduced Activity Levels Decreased Appetite General Dull Appearance Prolonged Shedding or Hair Loss Solutions and Support Nutritional Support Ensure your horse's diet includes essential nutrients like B vitamins and zinc for health and energy. Consider exploring our Everyday Horse Vitamins & Supplements to meet dietary needs. Reduce Stress and Workload During coat changes, lower stress by reducing strenuous activities and rescheduling non-essential routines (Equistro). Regular Grooming Consistent grooming enhances skin health and mitigates shedding discomfort. Check out our Stable Rugs collection for additional comfort. Monitor Health Observe for persistent lethargy, keeping watch for conditions requiring veterinary attention (source). Consult a Veterinarian If lethargy continues, it's crucial to consult a veterinarian to exclude or treat serious health concerns. Conclusion Tackling equine lethargy during coat changes involves understanding the underlying causes and providing appropriate care. By addressing these aspects, you can help your horse journey through this transitional phase with ease. Explore our collections for essential items, including our Jodhpur Collection, Boots, and more to enhance your equestrian pursuits.```html```

Please find below the squads for the 2025 High Performance Senior Dressage Programme, along with information on the programme structure, code of conduct, social media policy, and anti-doping guidelines. HSI High Performance Senior Dressage Programme Squads 2025 HP Senior Programme Structure 2025 HSI Code of Conduct for Athletes Social Media Policy Medication and Anti-Doping Control Declaration

Cribbing is a self-soothing behavior that involves a horse grasping a solid object, such as a fence rail, with his incisor teeth, arching his neck, and contracting his lower neck muscles while sucking in air with a grunt.Photo by CLIX/Shawn HamiltonCribbing is considered a vice, as it can be destructive to property, wear down the horses incisors, develop undesirable under-neck muscles, and reduce the value of your horse.Cribbing is often mitigated by collars, sprays, electric fence wires, and sometimes by reducing stomach acid. Collars may need to be so tight to work that they potentially cause damage to the skin, nerves and airflow.Many owners use cribbing collars to curb their horses habit, but find they have to keep tightening them to the point of rubbing off hair and causing damage. Photo by Carolina09/Adobe StockReducing stomach acid may temporarily decrease cribbing, but it may also be contrary to the needs of some horses.Common causes of cribbing are understood to be boredom, stress, anxiety, diet and habit. Below well bring to light another cause, and a remedy for it.Three Cribbers, Two Solutions Over a couple of decades, I have had three cribbersall off-track Thoroughbreds (OTTBs). The first two horses completely stopped cribbing with diet and lifestyle changes that effectively removed the physical, mental, and emotional discomforts that caused their anxiety and addressed boredom. (Those specific changes are highlighted later in this article.)A third cribber presented a greater challenge. The diet and lifestyle changes that worked for the others were not quite enough to address his issues of discomfort. I noticed that certain foods and treats caused immediate cribbing, so I eliminated some of the triggers. Basically, any treats (apples, carrots, cookies, et cetera), complete feeds, and ration balancers all caused immediate cribbing.Wrong AnswersI begrudgingly put a collar on him. The collar worked initiallyuntil it didnt. I tightened it. It worked a little longer and then it didnt. I tightened it once more with the same result.When swelling under the horses jaw began, I removed the collar and let him crib at will. Electric fence was used in places to avoid him self-soothing in those locations.It was clear this horse was cribbing to seek comfort. The question was, why?I tried reducing his stomach acid by using Omeprazole, a proton pump inhibitor (PPI). It reduced the cribbing to some degree, but is not a good long-term solution for physiological and financial reasons.Light Bulb MomentOne day, my sister was talking about her heartburn and how her throat was on fire and that sucking air in helped cool it, if only for a moment.I immediately thought, My horse has GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease) and is trying to alleviate a burning in his throat.There may be a link between GERD (acid reflux) and cribbing for some horses that exhibit the behavior. Photo by Christiane SlawikHeartburn, or GERD, is the result of stomach acid ascending into the esophagus, resulting in pain or a burning feeling. Heartburn usually occurs after eating. If your horse always cribs during and/or after eating, this may be his problem, too.Stomach acid gets up into the esophagus because the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) does not close properly. The common cause of this malfunction is low stomach acid. Therefore PPIs like Omeprazole or antacids like Tums and even baking soda being given to lower stomach acid may contribute to cribbing or windsucking. Long-term use of stomach acid suppressors may make it more challenging to recover proper function of the LES.While some publications found online will indicate PPIs as appropriate for the treatment of GERD, other online articles and videos implicate low stomach acid in reflux. The latter anecdotally proved true in my barn.The SolutionMy horses cribbing has been reduced by well over 90 percent by addressing the discomfort he was experiencing with GERD, along with the diet and lifestyle changes that resulted in stopping the other two other horses cribbing.The GERD discomfort was mitigated by adding three dietary ingredients mixed into his feed to coat his throat and esophagus. Those ingredients (listed below) were all organic; however, non-organic might work as well. Initially, this was done twice per day, and eventually added to just one feeding per day.NOTE: Competitive riders should check with their sports governing bodies to ensure all things ingested by their horse are permitted, or if a period of withdrawal is needed for any single ingredient.These are the dietary and lifestyle changes that helped conquer cribbing in my barn.Dietary Changes for CribbingFirst, I provided three kinds of quality hay, as horses eat more with variety. Each horse always has access to hay and/or grass. Hay kept on hand usually consists of one first cutting and two second-cutting grass hays.Next, I cut sugars and other unwanted ingredients proven to trigger cribbing from the horses diets. Thus far, I have only found one feed (Cavalor Strucomix Senior) that doesnt induce cribbing, and unfortunately its cost prohibitive. So, I am still mixing my own feed daily. Of course, trial and error of individual ingredients for cribbing reactions followed by formulating and mixing feeds to ensure a diet complete in all nutrients is time consuming and not feasible for most people.Finally, I began adding 1 teaspoon each of licorice root powder, marshmallow root powder, and slippery elm bark powder mixed into feed. (This step is likely only effective for some horses that crib during and/or directly after feeding.)Lifestyle Changes for CribbingAs mentioned before, lifestyle changes alone were enough to stop cribbing in two of the three horses. Here are the changes I made to their management:1. Ensure as much freedom and movement as possible. All are afforded freedom to walk out of their stalls at any time and into paddocks as weather permits. The only time they choose to stay inside is during bug season.2. Maximize turnout with at least one well-suited pasture mate. Having horses across the fence during turnout will not suffice for some horses.Turnout, a variety of different types of hay, and freedom of movement all seem to help some horses who crib. Photo by Ella/Adobe StockNot every horse owner will be able to implement all the changes outlined here due to their facilities or other constraints. Not every horse will need them all. And still others may have an unknown discomfort that needs to be addressed.If your cribber is most active during and/or after eating, that may be a clue of discomfort caused by GERD. Addressing physical, mental, and emotional discomfort and boredom may eliminate cribbing or at least greatly reduce it.This article about cribbing appeared in the June 2024 issue of Horse Illustratedmagazine.Click here to subscribe!The post Solutions for Cribbing appeared first on Horse Illustrated Magazine.