Ocala, FL The second-to-last Hunter Derby Friday of the 2025 Summer Series took over the WEC Stadium, giving top hunter pairs a valuable opportunity to prepare for the upcoming Platinum Performance/USHJA Green Hunter Incentive and International Hunter Derby Championships. Course designer Joe Carnicom set beautifully designed tracks for the three competitive derbies: the $12,500 Golden Ocala 36-39 Hunter Derby, the $10,000 UF Veterinary Hospital[...]Read MoreThe post Lauren Patterson and FPF Idefix Shine in the $12,500 Golden Ocala 36-39 Hunter Derby appeared first on World Equestrian Center.

Horses with a BCS of 3 or lower need a refeeding protocol. | iStockBringing malnourished or starved horses back to a healthy state and an appropriate body condition score (BCS) calls for careful management and close collaboration with a veterinarian. Horses with a BCS of 3 or lower or a history of inadequate feeding need a structured refeeding protocol.Refeeding Syndrome in HorsesSudden overfeeding of a severely malnourished horse triggers a condition called refeeding syndrome, which leads to metabolic disturbances that can have deadly effects.If you have a starved horse, and you throw a bunch of feed at it because you know it needs to gain weight, their body basically goes into shock because they cannot handle all of the extra nutrients, says Carey Williams, PhD, extension specialist and professor at Rutgers University, in New Brunswick, New Jersey.When calories are inadequate, the horses metabolism breaks down their own protein for survival, adds Stephanie Whalen, DVM, a veterinarian at Troy Equine Services, in Ontario, Canada. Refeeding syndrome can occur if they are quickly refed, particularly with carbohydrates. The switch to carbohydrate metabolism changes how the body uses electrolytes. This leads to electrolyte imbalances which impact nerve and muscle function, including the gastrointestinal tract, heart, and breathing muscles. The medical complications are numerous and could result in death.Causes of Malnutrition in HorsesA horse might need a refeeding protocol for a variety of reasons. Inadequate calorie intake over a prolonged period, or the total absence of calories over a short period of time, can set the stage, says Williams. Dental disease, chronic illnesses such as pituitary pars intermedia dysfunction (PPID, previously known as equine Cushings disease), severe asthma, chronic pain, internal abscesses, or pneumonia can also cause malnutrition in horses, she adds.When to Implement Refeeding in HorsesOwners and caretakers managing a severely underfed horse must understand the concept of refeeding and the importance of gradually increasing feed, says Williamsnot introducing large amounts of food quickly, which might be tempting when faced with a skinny horse.When to follow a refeeding protocol depends on the unique situation, says Williams. Both the body condition of the horse and what they have been consuming should be taken into consideration. Williams said most horses at a BCS of 3 or below will likely need a refeeding protocol.Veterinary Oversight When Refeeding HorsesVeterinarians provide critical oversight during the refeeding process, monitoring health status and addressing any underlying issues contributing to the horses malnourished state. We normally want to check a biochemistry profile that includes electrolytes as well as kidney values, says Whalen. A dental exam is important, as well as a fecal sample to evaluate parasite load.Keep in mind a horse may not be stable enough to undergo dental exams and floating at the very beginning of the rehab process, she adds.Because it can take a few days for electrolyte imbalances to occur when refeeding horses, initial bloodwork might not show abnormalities. Veterinarians should regularly recheck bloodwork during the first weeks, she adds.During the refeeding period caretakers should monitor the horse closely. Watch the animals energy level and demeanor for weakness or decline, says Whalen. Monitor for signs of gastrointestinal upset such as diarrhea and colic. Track water intake and manure output closely.Any concerning changes might indicate a setback in the refeeding process and should prompt immediate veterinary attention.Refeeding Protocol in HorsesRefeeding protocols prioritize high-nutrient feeds provided in small quantities. The focus is not that youre feeding poor-quality feed products, says Williams. Rather, youre feeding high nutrient value but just limiting the amount as to not have massive blood insulin rises So, things like alfalfa are okay, but it must be limited.For the horses with dental issue, feeding small amounts of soaked forage products, such as alfalfa cubes or beet pulp mashes, can help.The refeeding protocol veterinarians commonly follow was published by Carolyn Stull, PhD, and Christine Witham, DVM, in 1998. It includes:Days 13: Feed 50% of total energy needs over six meals (one meal every four hours).Days 45: Feed 75% of total energy needs over four meals (one every six hours).Days 610: Feed 100% of total energy needs over four meals (one every six hours).Days 1030: Feed 100% of total energy needs with free-choice hay, replenished every eight hours.After Day 30: Once the horse reaches ideal body weight, continue free-choice hay, replenished twice daily.Selecting feeds with a low glycemic index avoids spikes in blood glucose and insulin. We say glycemic index, which means low-starch feeds, says Williams. Something with more digestible fibers in it is what we are looking for. Beet pulp is a rapidly fermentable fiber and without molasses it can be a good choice as it has a low glycemic index.Take-Home MessageHorses recovering from neglect or medical conditions causing loss of body condition often need a structured refeeding program. This involves using high-quality forage in small amounts, which supports healthy weight gain while minimizing the risk of refeeding syndrome. Owners should partner with a veterinarian to ensure safe, effective rehabilitation of starved horses during refeeding.Editors Note: Feeding schedule adapted from: Witham CL, Stull CL. Metabolic responses of chronically starved horses to refeeding with three isoenergetic diets. J Am Vet Med Assoc. 1998;212(5):691696.

Boehringer Ingelheim is now accepting proposals for the 2025 Advancement in Equine Research Awards for equine infectious disease research.Boehringer is committed to collaborating with the community of researchers, veterinarians, and diagnosticians who dedicate their time and energy to improving the lives of horses through research, said Steve Grubbs, DVM, PhD, Dipl. ACVIM, equine technical manager for Boehringer. The Equine Research Awards program has been invaluable in advancing what we know about infectious disease.Public and private researchers in the United States, Canada, and Mexico are eligible to submit proposals for research programs that help advance the diagnosis, treatment, and understanding of equine infectious respiratory disease. Boehringer will present five $15,000 awards.Proposals must be submitted by Sept. 15, 2025, and will be reviewed by an independent board consisting of renowned equine industry professionals, including practicing veterinarians and researchers. The board will peer review and select proposals based on probability of successfully completing the project, potential for impact to the equine industry, originality, and scientific quality. The award recipients will be announced at the 71st annual American Association of Equine Practitioners Convention, taking place Dec. 6-10, 2025, in Denver, Colorado.Again this year, Boehringer will accept electronic copies of the proposals in lieu of hard copies. To participate in the 2025 awards program, submit an e-copy proposal, cover letter, and curriculum vitae to Dr. Joe Lyman at joseph.lyman@boehringer-ingelheim.com.The Boehringer Advancement in Equine Research Awards program was launched in 2011 to support veterinary research that results in practical applications for insights into important equine infectious and noninfectious diseases. Nearly $900,000 has been awarded to date for emerging science in equine research.For more information and complete submission instructions, please visit https://bi-animalhealth.com/equine/initiatives/equine-research-awards .

Horses with fecal water syndrome were more likely to have concurrent health issuesspecifically, pituitary pars intermedia dysfunction (PPID) was six times more common in affected horses than in controls. | Adobe Stock PhotoHorses that pass nearly normal manure but with a volume of liquid before or after it might have fecal water syndrome (FWS). This condition can cause discomfort in horses and often leaves horse owners feeling confused and frustrated. A team of researchers recently studied commonalities between horses with FWS to help veterinarians better understand why the condition arises.Fecal water syndrome is not considered interchangeable with diarrhea and is prevalent amongst many ages, breeds and disciplines, said Allison Boehm, DVM, a second-year resident in equine internal medicine at Colorado State Universitys (CSU) College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences, in Fort Collins, while presenting her results at the American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine (ACVIM) Forum, held June 19-21, in Louisville, Kentucky.Additionally, unlike diarrhea, fecal water syndrome is not considered life-threatening, but the water phase that is expelled during defecation dirties the hindquarters of the horse, causing potential for scalding, irritation, infection, or even lameness in severe cases, she said. In addition, the tails of these affected horses are constantly wet, putting them at risk for frostbite in the winter and attracting more flies in the summer.Historically, researchers have not identified a definitive cause, and results obtained have either been inconsistent or nonreproducible. So, Boehm said her team set out to identify management factors that might predispose horses to FWS and determine the shedding prevalence of certain pathogens (disease-causing bacteria, viruses, and parasites), namely Salmonella enterica, Clostridium difficile, equine coronavirus, Neorickettsia risticii, Lawsonia intracellularis, Cryptosporidium spp and Giardia.She conducted a case-control study, collecting fecal samples from 25 horses with FWS and 25 unaffected horses to analyze via PCR and immunofluorescent antibody testing (IFAT) to determine shedding frequencies in horses within 50 miles of CSU and New York City. Also, 117 owners72 with FWS horses as well as 45 healthy control horses kept on the same propertiescompleted a 60-question survey. Questions centered around the horses diets, housing, access to pasture, social interactions and rank in the social hierarchy, and personality traits. Owners also provided details about any travel history or interactions their horses might have had with other animals. Additionally, they revealed the horses preventive care history and previous medical issues, such as GI disease besides FWS, disease unrelated to the GI tract, and musculoskeletal problems. Finally, they answered questions about how FWS appeared in their horses, including duration, frequency of fecal water passage, diagnostics, and treatments.Boehm said the data revealed:Horses with FWS were more likely dealing with simultaneous health conditions, referred to as comorbidities, than the controls. Specifically, she found that pituitary pars intermedia dysfunction (PPID) was six times more likely in the affected group than the unaffected group.Horses with FWS were more likely receiving three or more oral supplements.They have a history of recent non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug use (in the past year versus over a year ago) and prior antibiotic use.Horses in the FWS and control groups had no apparent differences in the prevalence of infectious disease agent shedding.While we cannot determine cause and effect of these findings, we suspect that the diagnosis of PPID and use of multiple supplements may be an effect of the type of owner that owns these horses and their preferred management style, rather than a potential cause of fecal water syndrome, she said. Many of the horses in the affected group had multiple diagnostic tests run and were (receiving) up to seven or eight supplements. This, combined with the lengthy questionnaire responses, suggested owners of affected horses were proactive and more likely to pursue testing and treatment whenever possible.The positive association between NSAID use in the past year or the use of antibiotics at all with FWS could potentially contribute to clinical signs, Boehm added, but further exploration would be needed to draw a definitive conclusion.Unlike previous studies, our group did not find a difference in social interactions between the two groups of horses, and we did not find any difference in breed or sex, she said, and while there was no difference found in infectious agent shedding between the groups, serial testing may reveal otherwise.Boehm acknowledged a small sample size, owner self-reporting, an ambiguous definition of FWS, and wordy and imprecise questionnaire responses as limitations to the study. Veterinarians in attendance asked about metronidazolean antibiotic that many FWS horses have received at some pointand noted the drug remains on the list of factors to examine more closely.Take-Home MessageBoehms results suggested veterinarians might encounter FWS more often in horses managed a certain way. While she didnt find any differences in pathogen shedding between affected and unaffected horses, repeated testing might be needed to detect intermittent shedding potentially linked to FWS.

See how mares have become champions at the highest levels of dressage, show jumping, and 3-day eventingTSF Dalera BB and Jessica Von Bredow-Werndl showed the world what a good mare can do by winning four gold medals in consecutive Olympic Games. | Photo: FEI/Benjamin ClarkIn 2024 the Trakehner mare TSF Dalera BB and Jessica Von Bredow-Werndl won both the individual gold medal and team gold medal (for Germany) at the Paris Olympics. Just three years earlier they achieved the same feat in the Tokyo Olympics.There was a time not so long ago that mares were rarely seen winning at the highest levels of dressage, show jumping, and eventing. That seems to be changing, with mares becoming more competitive against geldings and stallions. But what has made these mares so successful? Is it the breeding? The training? The care and management? Experts shed some light on why mares can be such successful partners.Early Show Jumping Successes by MaresPrior to 2000 a mare as an Olympic champion was scarce. The first notable standout was a Standardbred-cross named Halla, ridden by Hans Gnter Winkler of Germany. At the 1956 Olympics in Stockholm, the pair won both individual and team gold medals in show jumping. Four years later in Rome, they were part of the German gold medal show jumping team. Halla remains the only horse to win three Olympic gold medals in show jumping.The diminutive Thoroughbred mare Touch Of Class gained more widespread recognition. Under the name Stillaspill, she went unplaced in six starts on the racetrack. Her fame came as a U.S. show jumper when she and rider Joe Fargis cleared 90 out of 91 jumps in all the show jumping rounds en route to winning individual and team gold medals at the 1984 Olympics in Los Angeles.Whether due to training, limited opportunities for mares to compete, or other factors, mares simply didnt appear among the winners at the highest levels.Physiological Differences Between the Equine SexesThe major difference is of course related to hormonal levels, says Tim Worden, PhD, an equestrian sport scientist located in Toronto, Ontario. Stallions will have much higher levels of systemic testosterone than mares, while testosterone is quite limited in geldings. In mares, estrogen and progesterone play a major role in reproductive health in addition to some secondary functions. It is fair to assume that these hormonal differences will impact how each horses body will respond to athletic training to some extent.Researchers studying Thoroughbreds have also demonstrated a difference in heart size between sexes, with male horses tending to have larger hearts than females (even when correcting for body size). Scientists have hypothesized that the difference could lead to a higher VO2max (the maximum amount of oxygen a horse can utilize during intense exercise), he says, which could improve performance.It is important to note that the physiological differences between stallions, geldings, and mares seem to result in far smaller performance differences as compared to humans, Worden says. In racing Quarter Horses, for example, researchers have found males to be significantly faster than females, but only by 0.7%. Similarly, in (Thoroughbred racehorses), stallions were faster than mares by 0.7%, but mares and geldings were not different. In Standardbreds researchers saw a speed difference between pacing stallions and mares of 1.5% but none between stallions, geldings, and mares in trotters. In contrast, elite human male athletes are approximately 10% faster than female athletes in running events.From an evolutionary point of view, physiological differences between male and female humans would make sense. Humans were hunter gatherers, with males and females having different roles in those societies. Conversely, as prey animals, horses needed to evolve to maximize running speed and athleticism to evade predators, and both sexes would need to be highly capable in these abilities, says Worden.What About Muscle Mass?Worden says with factors such as age, performance level, and breed being equal, researchers have found stallions have more muscle than mares. However, some muscles might vary significantly in size, while others show no difference. He also points out that muscle size and force-generating potential represent just one aspect of athletic ability.Muscle mass and maximal force generation are not what limit performance in todays Olympic disciplines, he says. A horses ability to accurately perceive relevant information from the environment, properly respond to the riders cues, and efficiently execute the movements required are all vital to success.Are Mares More Difficult to Train?Whether deserved or not, some people will not acquire or ride a mare because they feel mares are too difficult. Ive had the chance to speak with a lot of leading trainers and riders about this topic and their experience with different horses, says Worden. If I can summarize their views, mares are not necessarily more difficult, but they do require a different approach. They tend to be more reactive than geldings and may give a strong, resistive response when feeling threatened. He stresses the importance of not pushing them too quickly and understanding when mares say no.If mares are resisting completing an action, they will continue to avoid until the negative stimulus is removed, he explains. To counter this in training, regardless of sex, Worden stresses a thoughtful approach that builds trust in the handler or rider. Many small wins put together over time build confident and capable horses, he says.Von Bredow-Werndl agrees. Mares are often known for their sensitivity and work ethic, qualities that are necessary for the development of horses in dressage.Worden also reflects on the history of training horses. When you read through the old training textbooks and manuals, much of that style of training originated in military settings, he says. And in these military settings geldings were often the preferred mounts . For a long time, the prevailing training philosophies were optimized to match the developmental timeline and behavioral nuances of geldings (and stallions), while mares were an afterthought.As horsemen and -women passed these training methods on to the next generation of riders and trainers, those approaches might not have worked as well when applied to mares, hence the notion that mares could be challenging to train.In the last 20 years training has become much more personalized for horsesthe top programs prioritize listening to the horses and being flexible in their training approaches, depending on what each horse needs, says Worden. Everyone involved with the horses, from grooms to riders to trainers, closely observes them for signs of soreness, shifts in behavior, and changes in appetite. Thus, I think we are finally starting to learn how to train mares (and all horses) better.Also, if you look at how sports are evolving, we are maybe seeing a shift that can favor the skills and physique that mares possess, he adds. In show jumping, as courses become more technical and faster, mares are well suited for these demands due to their slightly smaller stature, reactive personality traits, and explosiveness.Von Bredow-Werndl adds, Training methods that emphasize understanding the horses individual nature have also contributed. We prioritize their mental and physical well-being to help them develop as healthy and happy athletes, supported by proper management and care that allow them to perform at their best.Establishing a consistent and structured training routine can help mares feel more secure and condent, says Gail Hoff, PhD, USEF S dressage judge, R dressage sport horse breeding judge, and R Western dressage judge based at Los Alamos Dressage Center, in Ojai, California. She suggests regular sessions where the rider or trainer has clear objectives and expectations. This can improve a mares focus and responsiveness. Incorporating a variety of training exercises and activities can keep them engaged and interested in the training process, she adds.Using positive reinforcement such as a well timed scratch on the neck or verbal praise can reinforce desired behaviors, motivate mares to engage in training activities, and help build trust between horse and rider, she adds.Hoff also recommends providing clear and consistent signals using light aids and clear body language to effectively communicate with mares.What About Breeding?Most internationally competitive horses are European Warmbloods. The registries require horses to be approved to be included in their respective registries. Frozen semen from leading stallions helps breeders select stallions that complement their mares qualities, says Hoff. These programs have dramatically improved the quality and abilities of sport horses.When breeders allow youngsters to grow up as horses (i.e., with ample turnout and not managed intensively) while still interacting with people, they tend to be healthier and more relaxed, says Worden.Competitive Mares Reaching International SuccessIn the past 25 years more mares have won at the highest levels. Two notable horses in dressage include Brentina, a 1991 Hanoverian mare ridden by Debbie McDonald and part of the U.S. bronze medal winning team at the 2004 Athens Olympics, and Isabell Werths mount Weihegold OLD from Germany. The Oldenburg mare won three straight FEI Dressage World CupTM Finals as well as team gold and individual silver at the Rio Olympics in 2016.United States show jumping rider McLain Ward has found great success with two mares. The first, Sapphire, a 1995 Belgian Warmblood, was part of the U.S. team that took home gold in the 2008 Beijing Olympics. He and his next standout mare, HH Azur, a 2006 Belgian Sport Horse, were part of the silver-medal-winning team in Rio. They also won the Rolex CSI5* grand prix at Geneva and Rolex CSI5* grand prix at the Dutch Masters before Ward retired HH Azur in the summer of 2023.The sport of eventing challenges horses and riders on every level. From Australia, the mare Headley Britannia, ridden by Lucinda Fredericks, earned a team silver medal at the 2008 Beijing Olympics, but that isnt her major claim to fame. The 15.3-hand Thoroughbred/Irish Draught cross is the only mare in history to win all three competitions included in the one-time Rolex Grand Slam of eventingBurghley (2006), Badminton (2007), and Kentucky (2009). Many in the eventing discipline consider these competitions to be the most challenging in the world.Another accomplished eventing mare, On Cue, a 2006 mare registered in the Anglo European Studbook, finished fourth in the 2021 Kentucky 3-Day Event CCI5*-L and followed that up with a win in the inaugural Maryland CCI5*-L. She finished 10th at Burghley in 2023 before her retirement.Keeping Mares Happy in WorkWhile these mares and more have reached international success, they all have challenges to overcome. I think we have found a nice balance of listening to horses more in training and putting them in environments where they can excel, but there are still mares that may experience pain or behavioral issues when they are in heat, or other issues that may arise at different times during the reproductive cycle, says Worden.Hoff agrees, saying that hormonal cycles barely bother some mares, but others become too sensitive and resistant to leg aids.Vets and horse owners can use medications to control heat cycles. Meanwhile, embryo transfer allows top mares to reproduce and compete simultaneously. Consequently some breeders are more willing to allow their best mares to be trained and to compete while also producing offspring, says Hoff.Even with medication and management some mares still struggle. If thats the case, Worden believes they cant go to the top. In this group of mares, it becomes impossible to plan and work around these issues, he says.Horses are individuals, and every mare is different. It is up to the caregivers to learn what allows them to relax and be content and to reinforce those aspects, notes Worden. He says he believes riders need to be more flexible in their training and adjust it to match what the horses can do.Ensuring the mares physical and emotional needs are met is crucial for her overall well-being and trainability, says Hoff. Providing proper nutrition, regular exercise, social interaction, and mental stimulation can contribute to a mares readiness and willingness to learn.Worden says if a mare seems unhappy or uncomfortable, the owner or trainer should track the behaviors in detailed notes and discuss with the veterinarian what options could improve the situation.Take-Home MessageIn recent decades, as our understanding of behavior, advancements in supportive management, and attention to horses as individuals have increased, so have mares successes in elite competitions.When such a bond (between horse and rider) is formed, a mare will try her best to do what is asked of her, and she will often outshine her competition, says Hoff. Von Bredow-Werndl says she believes this trend will continue. Riders recognize the unique strengths mares possess, she says. With continued focus on their needs and well-being through training and care, Im certain they will keep achieving remarkable success on the international stage.This article is from the Summer 2025 issue ofThe Horse: Your Guide to Equine Health Care. We at The Horse work to provide you with the latest and most reliable news and information on equine health, care, management, and welfare through our magazine and TheHorse.com. Your subscription helps The Horse continue to offer this vital resource to horse owners of all breeds, disciplines, and experience levels. To access current issues included in your subscription, please sign in to theAppleorGoogleapps ORclick herefor the desktop version.

One horse at a private facility in Pierce County, Washington, recently tested positive for strangles. The horse was purchased out of state two weeks ago. He is under veterinary care.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 July 30, a 3-year-old Miniature Horse gelding in Shenandoah County, Virginia, tested positive for Potomac horse fever (PHF). The gelding developed clinical signs on July 28, including fever and watery diarrhea. He is now recovering.The previous week, another horse on the property was treated on the farm for fever and diarrhea with oxytetracycline and supportive care. That horse is also recovering. Both horses were vaccinated against PHF in April 2025.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.

On July 28, a 24-year-old Quarter Horse gelding in Garrard County, Kentucky, tested positive for rabies. The gelding, who was unvaccinated, developed clinical signs on July 23, including head pressing, biting inanimate objects, agitation, aggression, and neurologic signs. He was euthanized. Two additional horses were 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 RabiesRabiesa zoonotic disease that can be spread from animals to humansis caused by a lyssavirus that affects the neurologic system and salivary glands. Horses are usually exposed through the bite of another rabid animal.In horses, clinical signs of rabies are variable and can take up to 12 weeks to appear after the initial infection. Although affected horses are sometimes asymptomatic, an infected horse can show behavioral changes such as drowsiness, depression, fear, or aggression. Once clinical signs appear, there are no treatment options.Rabies can only be diagnosed postmortem by submitting the horses head to a local public health laboratory to identify the rabies virus using a test called fluorescence antibody. Thus, ruling out all other potential diseases first is very important in these cases to avoid potentially unnecessary euthanasia.Because rabies threatens both horses and the humans who handle them, the American Association of Equine Practitioners recommends rabies as acore vaccine every U.S. horse should receive. The AAEPs vaccination guidelines recommend that adult horses receive an initial single dose, then a booster vaccination annually; foals born to vaccinated mares should receive a first vaccine dose no earlier than six months of age and a second dose four to six weeks later followed by annual vaccination; and foals of unvaccinated mares should receive a first vaccine dose at three or four months of age and should be revaccinated annually.

Photo: Anne M. Eberhardt/The HorseHaving your horses health records easily accessible can help you retrieve them quickly in case of emergency. Owners should store copies of their horses veterinary records, Coggins tests, vaccination history, and identification photos in a waterproof binder or folder where theyre easy to find. Digital backups can also help ensure vital information is quickly available in emergencies. Stacey Cordivano, DVM, IVCA, of Clay Creek Equine Veterinary Services, in Chester County, Pennsylvania, describes the best way to store your horses health and identification records in this excerpt from Ask TheHorse Live.This podcast is an excerpt of ourAsk TheHorse Live Q&A, Planning for Equine Emergencies. Listen to thefull recording here.About the Expert: Stacey Cordivano, DVM, IVCAStacey Cordivano, DVM, ICVA, is the co-owner of Clay Creek Equine Veterinary Services, in Chester County, Pennsylvania, and host of The Whole Veterinarian Podcast. She also co-founded the Sustainability in Equine Practice Seminar series and is a managing partner of Decade One. Both organizations focus on making a positive impact in the equine veterinary community. Cordivano is active in the AAEP as a speaker and committee member. She lives in Pennsylvania with her husband, two sons, and a farm full of animals. Connect with her on Instagram @thewholeveterinarian.