Two horses in Michigan recently tested positive for strangles. The horses live in Berrien and Washtenaw counties.In Berrien County, a 16-year-old mare was confirmed positive on July 16 after developing clinical signs on July 13, including an abscess, weight loss, and decreased appetite. She is recovering, and three horses are exposed.In Washtenaw County, a 19-year-old Thoroughbred gelding tested positive on July 2 after developing a fever and nasal discharge on June 26. He is recovering.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.

Radiographs should be taken with the penetrating object still in the hoof if possible. | Alexandra Beckstett/The HorseQ:My horse recently suffered a puncture wound through the frog of his foot. Under my veterinarians direction Im bandaging the foot each day to keep the wound dry and prevent infection as it heals. Because I cant really see the wound, how do I know its healing well? Are there any complications that I should be concerned about?A: Puncture wounds of the sole and frog by nails, screws, or other sharp objects are common hoof injuries in horses. The penetrating object might be contaminated with soil, manure, or rust, which can lead to infection. Clinically, puncture wounds can be misleading, because they can appear small and insignificant, and aggressive medical therapy or appropriate surgical treatment might be delayed until signs of infection or lameness occur.Depending on the depth and location of the puncture wound, several hoof structures can be affected. Puncture wounds are critical injuries if anatomical structures such as the coffin (third phalanx) bone, coffin (distal interphalangeal) joint, digital cushion, deep digital flexor tendon, navicular bursa, or navicular bone are involved. Deep puncture wounds of the sole and middle third of the frog are emergencies and should be treated aggressively to prevent infection of bones, joints, and soft tissue structures in the hoof. These cases are challenging to treat and should be referred to an equine hospital for surgical treatment, if needed.Wound management and treatment options are based on the location, depth, and direction of the penetrating wound. Minimally invasive penetrating sole and frog injuries can be managed conservatively with broad-spectrum antibiotics, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), tetanus toxoid, hoof soaking, and bandaging treatments. If the injury appears to penetrate deeper hoof structures, such as the navicular bone or bursa, deep digital flexor tendon or sheath, or coffin joint, then the horse should be promptly referred to an equine hospital for more aggressive treatment, such as surgical curettage and wound lavage. The street nail surgical procedure is used to create a surgical window or fenestration between the frog surface and navicular bursa, thereby promoting adequate wound drainage and allowing for subsequent treatment of the affected area. Surgical management can also involve the use of supportive care, antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory treatments, wound care lavage techniques, sterile bandage changes, and a medicine plate shoe to promote healing.Consult your veterinarian for supervision regarding the clinical care and resolution of penetrating hoof wounds. Their assessment will consider the horses overall condition and time since initial injury, treatment protocol, soundness evaluation, wound healing complications, and diagnostic imaging and laboratory findings. Ongoing clinical evaluation is needed to direct patient management decisions, such as when to adjust the use of antibiotics and anti-inflammatory medications, wound care options, and bandaging. With hoof puncture wounds, some of the complications, such as lameness, swelling, heat, and infection occur when the sound surface hole seals over underlying pathology, restricting draining. Therefore, veterinary care is needed for ongoing supervision and intervention.The prognosis for penetrating wounds of the hoof sole and frog is guarded but generally, those horses that have fewer deep structures involved and receive timely and appropriate treatment experience more favorable outcomes.

A relaxed horse means a safer experience for horse and farrier. | Christa Lest-LasserreSome horses enjoy farrier visits; they remain calm and relaxed. They lift their limbs eagerly and might even sneak in a few affectionate nuzzles on their farriers head, neck, or back. However, others seem to dread the experience. With flared nostrils, tense jaws, stiff posture, and pinned ears, these horses make the appointment difficult and, in some cases, dangerous.Most horses fall somewhere between. They tolerate the work but fidget, shift, or jerk their legs away. That leaves owners asking: What can I do to help my horse stand better for the farrier?Researchers have shown regular trimming and shoeing helps horses move better and feel more comfortable. So, it seems reasonable farrier visits should be positive experiences. Kate Fenner, PhD (in horse behavior and training), of the University of Sydney, in Australia, says they can be. Its important that they enjoy these visits. A relaxed horse makes the farriers job easier and keeps the horses stress levels down, too.Heres how you can help make your horses farrier visits calm and even enjoyable for him.1. Train the Horse to be Calm Before Farrier VisitsHorses cant enjoy farrier visits unless theyre calmand that calm comes from training and predictability. First and foremost, horses need to learn that its okay to be calm when tied upwhether thats for grooming, saddling, veterinary checkups, or foot care, says Lorenzo Zoppi, a Tuscany-based farrier and behavior scientist.That training must come from the owner. I only see the horse once a month, Zoppi notes. What the owner does beforehand and between times is going to affect how things go when the farrier arrives.Fenner recommends rewarding calm behaviors such as a lowered head and deep exhales. While food rewards can be effective, they can also overstimulate anxious horses, she adds. Instead, try scratching his withers, soft stroking on the neck, or gentle words. Clicker training can also work well, if the horse has been properly conditioned to understand what the clicker means.Horses benefit from learning self-carriage with their feet, Fenner adds, meaning they hold a position until given a cue to change. When I ask a horse to give me his foot, he needs to know theres a signal to pick it up and a signal to put it down again, she says. It reassures him that theres going to be an endpoint.Zoppi says introducing these experiences early in life makes a big difference. They have to learn through gentle conditioning not to be scared of things farriers do, he says. Tapping and scraping a young horses hooves with a pick can create positive associations with the sounds and sensations of farrier work.2. Promote Confidence, Trust, and PredictabilityHorses relax more when they know whats coming and whats expected of them, says Fenner.Standing on three legs makes horses feel vulnerable. They know they have no escape, she adds. So they have to trust us and trust the situation.Zoppi echoes this sentiment. When that horse gives me his foot, he needs to know that everythings going to be okay, he says. Thats a lot of trust!Owners can cultivate that trust by routinely asking for their horses feet. Zoppi says this practice builds both the horses and the handlers confidence. But I see a lot of owners feel insecure about picking up their horses legs, he adds. They need to do it confidently so the horse feels like its okay to trust people when they ask for his legs.3. Know What Youre Teaching Your HorseUnderstanding learning theory helps owners train more effectivelyand avoid reinforcing the wrong behaviors.Zoppi sees many well-meaning owners make timing mistakes. Theyll pick up the horses leg, and the horse moves, and they let go, he says. So what theyre actually telling the horse is they want him to move when they pick up his feet.Similarly, offering treats or praise at the wrong moment, such as when a horse moves around, can reinforce unwanted behavior. You have to really think about your timing, says Zoppi. Ask yourself, What am I telling the horse by giving him that carrot?4. Set the Scene for Farrier Visit SuccessEnvironment matters. Choose quiet, familiar places for farrier work and avoid times of high activity, such as during feeding or deliveries. Get out of the sun, wind, and rain if you can. Dont underestimate how annoying flies can be.Zoppi makes sure all horses he works on wear fly masks and sheets. We dont want horses having to endure flies just because they know theyre not supposed to move, he says.Fenner recommends using insect repellents and, if needed, gently brushing flies away with a hand. You could also use a horsehair fly whisk. If the horse struggles with separation, dont use the farrier visit to work on that; bring a companion horse instead.Playing calm music or nature sounds can help some horses relax. While studies are still ongoing, researchers have reported that horses prefer low-tempo music including country or classicaland seem more stressed by rock and jazz genres.5. Work With Behavior-Savvy FarriersFarriers with a strong understanding of equine behavior can make a big difference during visits, but most farrier programs dont include training in this area. While some professionals seek out additional education, others develop these skills through experience and observation.Ask around, and watch how farriers interact with horses, says Fenner. Look for those with a quiet, gentle way about them.If your farriers methods cause unnecessary stress, its okay to make a change. Its your responsibility to make that call, says Fenner. Dont let your horse go through a terrible experience just because youre embarrassed or youve already paid. Its not worth it. Its never worth it.Take-Home MessageFarrier visits go more smoothly when horses do more than toleratethey feel safe and settled. These tips can benefit every horse, including those that already seem calm. Make the entire experience really peaceful and pleasurable for the horse from start to finish, Fenner says. And as long as theyre standing still, give them all the love and attention they want.

Sedation can help ensure your horse and his farrier are safe during visits. | iStockFundamental training for every horse includes standing quietly and cooperating during farrier visits, yet many horse owners overlook it. Farriers work in vulnerable positions, beneath and behind your horse, where even a flinch or shift can activate the horses flight response. Kicks, stomps, and bites pose serious injury risks and can easily end a farriers career. Even less-dramatic behaviors, such as fidgeting, refusing to pick up their feet, or snatching them away quickly can make hoof care difficult or dangerous.Because of this, requests for sedation for the farrier come into my office often. While sedation can be a helpful tool in certain cases, it shouldnt be the firstor onlysolution. Used appropriately, it can reduce stress and risk for both horse and farrier. But like any medication, sedatives carry potential side effects and must be used with care.Common Sedatives for Farrier WorkXylazine and detomidine remain the most common sedatives for farrier work. While effective, they should be used only under the guidance of a veterinarian familiar with your horses health. These drugs cause a drop in blood pressure, which can be significant in some horsesespecially seniors or those with underlying heart conditionsand could lead to collapse. Your veterinarian should perform a full physical exam before giving sedation (or prescribing, in the case of oramucosal detomidine). Ideally, practitioners should have reversal agents and emergency medications available in all casesespecially critical for high-risk patients.Decide Why Your Horse Needs SedationRELATED CONTENT | Equine Innovators: Sedation Tools for Safer, Better Horse CareEvery request for sedation should prompt a thoughtful review of the reason behind it. Behavior issues around the farrier usually boil down to poor training or pain. In cases involving rescues or horses with a history of abuse, sedation can be useful during early trust-building, but it should never replace good training, proper handling, and appropriate restraint (for example, a chain over the nose or twitching). Sedation never guarantees a reactive horse wont kick or lash out.If your horse misbehaves because of painsay, they have hock pain and struggle with holding their leg up for the farrierknow that sedation wont relieve it. In these cases work with your veterinarian to identify the source of discomfort and determine the best way to manage it long-term. Addressing the pain wont just help your farrier; itll make the process more comfortable and humane for your horse.Take-Home MessageSedation can support farrier safety, but it shouldnt replace proper training, safe handling, or solid restraint. Farriers work incredibly hard for our horses. If you think your horse might need sedation, start with a conversation with your veterinarian and farrier, and come up with a strategy that works for the whole team.

Help your horse shed his excess pounds safelyPasture pets might get their exercise solely through grazing and play and easily tend toward obesity. | Photo: iStockWhen your horse started shedding this spring, did you discover beneath that long, fuzzy winter coat a hefty horse in serious need of weight loss? Obesity creates health risks for your horse, so stepping in with a weight-loss strategy is the responsible, kind, and caring thing to do. But short of installing a treadmill in your horses stall, what are your options?Generally speaking, consuming fewer calories than the body burns in daily activity results in weight loss. So it follows that if your horse has put on a few too many pounds, you can either feed him less or exercise him more (or both) to bring him back to optimal weight.However, before you slash his ration and/or ride him to kingdom come, take time to assess not only his weight and body condition but also his diet, exercise routine, and health. Then formulate a plan. Contact your veterinarian and an equine nutritionist to be sure your proposed plan is nutritionally sound, given your horses status and underlying health factors. Heres how to get started.1. Measure His WeightThe most accurate way to measure your horses weight-loss progress is to obtain a baseline and track the numbers over time. If you dont have access to a suitable scale (some equine veterinary clinics and feed companies have one available), your tack or feed store likely carries weight tapes that will give you a general idea.Ive found that tapes tend to estimate about 100 pounds light when used on adult horses, but theyre useful to show relative change, says equine nutritionist Kathleen Crandell, PhD, of Kentucky Equine Research, in Versailles. Weight tapes often arent big enough for larger horses such as Warmbloods or Draft Horses, so the equations that have been used to develop weight tapes can be used to estimate weight from a horses measurements. The most common equation is (heart girth)2x (length from tip of shoulder to end of rump)/330.The Horsehas a weight calculator and instructional video available atTheHorse.com/weightcalculator.Body condition scoring (BCS)is also helpful. An up or down movement of one BCS on the 1-to-9 scale, with 9 being obese, involves 35-45 pounds, depending on the horses size, says Crandell, so for larger horses it will be closer to 45. Depending on how you push the horse, expect 60 to 180 days to move down one BCS, she says.2. Assess His DietTo decrease your horses feed intake, you must first know how much he is eating. Hay flakes can vary in size and weight, even within the same bale, so begin by weighing several of his normal meals and calculating the average.You can do this by standing on a scale yourself to get a weight, then standing on it while carrying the hay and calculating the difference. Or, says Crandell, you can hang a bucket or hay bag or net from a dairy or fish scale, being sure to zero out the containers weight before adding the hay. You can also use this method to weigh hay cubes and other feeds.Weight tapes tend to estimate about 100 pounds light when used on adult horses, but theyre useful to show relative change. | Photo: iStockBut weight isnt everything. Different hays contain different amounts of nutrients and calories, so the better the hay quality, the less concentrate and supplements your horse needs to meet his nutrient requirements. For weight loss, you want a quality hay that is not too high-calorie. The best way to determine hay quality is toget samples analyzedby one of several labs around the country. If that isnt practical, however, you can do what people have been doing for centuries: visual assessments.Look at the types of grasses your hay contains, Crandell says. Legume hays such as alfalfa will generally be higher-quality than grass hays, and cool-season perennial grasses such as timothy, orchardgrass, bluegrass, brome grass, and fescue generally make higher-quality hay than warm-season perennials like bahia and coastal Bermuda. Legume hays may be too high in calories for the purpose of weight loss.Crandell also recommends checking your hays leaf-to-stem ratio. If you see more leaf than stem, it will generally be higher in calories.Mid- to late-maturity hay is more appropriate for obese horses than early maturity hays. You can determine maturity a couple of different ways, Crandell says. For example, in timothy hay, a lot of big, tall seedheads indicate its pretty mature.If your horse is on pasture, his nutrient and calorie intake depends on both the quantity he eats and its quality. Mature hay contains fewer calories than early cut hay, but fresh grass is 75-85% water compared to hays 10-12%, so the amount of fresh grass needed to obtain the same amount of dry matter (and, therefore, calories) is going to be much higher, Crandell says.Another difference between hay and grass, she adds, is that a horse eating hay must eat whats in the bale, while a horse grazing on pasture can select for the tastier new growth. So just by nature, theyll get more calories out of the fresh grass because theyre selecting for the quality, she explains.If your overweight horse isnt meeting his nutrient requirements with forage alone, you might want to add a supplementary feed to his diet to cover the shortage(s).Crandell saysration balancers, which walk the line between concentrates and supplements, are her go-to in this scenario. They provide a vitamin, mineral, and protein balance without the extra calories of concentrates, she says.3. Analyze His Exercise RoutineEvaluating a horses exercise level can be complicated. The most accurate measure would involve a heart rate monitor to help calculate the calories burned, and you can find app-based programs that measure these figures. But absent such devices, the general rule of thumb is: The faster the gait or the steeper the incline, the more work expended and calories burned. Workout intensity matters more than workout time.After youve established that your horse needs to lose weight and you know his current diet and exercise level, have your veterinarian check him over for potential issues that could complicate a weight-loss plan.AllergiesHorses that have seasonal or nonseasonalallergiesmay have specific dietary requirements, says Nimet Browne, DVM, MPH, Dipl. ACVIM, of Hagyard Equine Medical Institute, in Lexington, Kentucky. As a result, significantly cutting calories can cause dietary imbalances, she says. These horses need a weight-loss plan tailored by a veterinarian or nutritionist who can closely monitor balances in trace minerals, while keeping in mind the horses specific allergies.Insulin resistanceWeight loss in horses that are insulin resistant can be quite challenging, as this condition may result fromand can perpetuateobesity, says Browne. Carbohydrate intake may be the single most important element to control in these horses.Formulating a dietary plan consists of identifying the horses goal body weight, she says, and adjusting his hay and concentrate intake to meet that goal.Hay analysiscan be extremely important to identify the nonstructural carbohydrate component; our goal would be to feed hay that contains less than 10%, Browne says. Once the carbohydrate content of the hay is adjusted, then the amount of hay should be restricted (to 1.25-1.5% body weight) until the horse reaches his goal weight.Most horses with insulin resistance dont need to be fed concentrate but, when cutting out grain completely, a ration balancer to provide essential nutrients and trace minerals is extremely important, she adds.Veterinarians have also used levothyroxine sodium powder to help heavy insulin-resistant horses drop weight.Pituitary pars intermedia dysfunction (PPID, aka equine Cushings disease)Your veterinarian can tailor a nutritional plan for yourPPID horsebased on hisbody conditionand insulin status. Horses with PPID come in many shapes and sizes, says Browne. Some are extremely easy keepers and would benefit from a decrease in concentrates and grass, but others are hard keepers and need to maintain a certain caloric intake to prevent weight loss.LamenessMany horses with soundness issues can be managed more successfully if they arent carrying extra weight, says Browne. Obesity can put additional strain on musculoskeletal structures, exacerbating preexisting issues, as well as sometimes causing new ones, she says.Horses withlaminitispose a unique challenge, Browne says. Ultimately, these horses weight-loss programs should be aimed at understanding the cause of the laminitis and then addressing those concerns, she says, which could include insulin resistance, PPID, obesity, or systemic disease, as well as an injury or limitation in the supporting limb.As all of these situations require unique approaches, these horses should be managed with close adherence to veterinarian and farrier recommendations, Browne adds. Generally, horses with laminitis secondary to insulin resistance and PPID can be managed similarly as described above; however, due to potential stall rest, these horses may require additional (diet) restrictions as they will not be getting exercise.5. Enact Your PlanIf you and your veterinarian and/or equine nutritionist change your horses feed type and ration, Crandell recommends doing it gradually over seven to 14 days, depending on his sensitivity to feed changes. A general rule would be to go by quarters every other day, she says. For example, if you want to switch concentrate feeds, and a horse gets 4 pounds of it a day, start with 1 pound of the new mixed into 3 pounds of the old feed for two days, then 2 pounds of the new mixed into 2 pounds of the old for two days, then 3 pounds of the new mixed into 1 pound of the old for two days. Then you should be ready for 4 pounds of the new alone. For horses with more sensitive guts, either go four days after the changes in quarters or change by eighths every other day.If youre transitioning to aration balancer, cut down the amount of the old feed to the amount of the new feed, then gradually switch over to the balancer. Also make hay changes gradually.Crandell lists ways to increase activity and reduce calorie intake:Limit pasture timeWhile this method can be effective, some horses learn how to adjust their grass intake. In one study, once the ponies learned that they were only going to be turned out for two hours, they were able to consume almost 1% of their body weight in forage in that period, she says. But horses on pasture can also get the benefit of movement, which burns calories.Use slow feedersThese free-standing units or haynets limit the amount a horse can eat.Add a grazing muzzleResearchers have found thatmuzzlescan limit pasture consumption by up to 80%, says Crandell. These are my go-to for horses with metabolic problems andeasy keeperswhere the best thing for them is to be out on grass, but grass can be dangerous for them, she says.Feed a mature hayAs long as its clean and not rained on, dusty, or moldy, horses spend more time chewing and use up more calories eating mature hay than early cut hay.Take advantage of companionshipA horse will follow his buddy around (or spend time avoiding a grumpy companion), increasing calories burned.Spread hay over a large areaMake horses walk for their hay, which mimics grazing. You can also configure a track paddock where you fence an outer and inner perimeter to create a path that encourages horses to wander all day going to the various hay piles.Enlarge his living areaIf hes stalled, turn your horse out in a drylot each day to maximize the energy he expends but prevent grazing.Use your topographyIf you have hills on your horse property, put hay at the top of the hill, water at the bottom, and salt somewhere between so your horse burns calories moving around.Use a feeder ball with high-fiber concentratesAlso called hay replacers and hay extenders, these high-fiber, low-calorie concentrates dribble out of the feeder ball a few pellets at a time as the horse rolls it around. These work well in stalls and drylots and extend the amount of time horses eat, Crandell says.Minimize blanketingIn winter, doing away with blankets for unclipped horses maximizes the calories your horse expends generating body warmth.Take-Home MessageThe phrase calories in/calories out applies when helping your horse lose weight, but you might need to make special considerations for horses with certain conditions to help them trim down safely. Weight control is a balancing act of nutrients and exercise, so assess your horses weight, diet, exercise level, and health, then prepare your plan. Consult your veterinarian and equine nutritionist to be sure your horse receives the nutrients he needs while shedding those extra pounds.

Extra-label clodronate use warrants caution, especially in young horses. | iStockIntra-articular inflammation contributes to joint health in vital and complex ways. In the short term, it stimulates cartilage degradation as part of the healing process. However, sustained inflammation furthers joint disease progression, directly impacting horses long-term athletic potential. Inflammation-induced lameness leads to lapses in training and reduced effectiveness of exercise programs, said James George, PhD student at Tarleton State University, in Stephenville, Texas. During his presentation at the 2025 Equine Science Society Symposium, held June 3-6, in Fort Collins, Colorado, George described his research on the effects of bisphosphonates on young horse joint health.Bisphosphonates inhibit bone resorption, and the FDA has approved two for use in horses 4 years and older to control clinical signs of podotrochlosis (aka navicular syndrome). While equine veterinarians commonly use drugs extra-label, researchers continue to examine the implications of this practice with bisphosphonates.Despite the approved indication, one of the drugs, clodronate, has been used extra-label in young horses due to anecdotal assertions that it exerts anti-inflammatory and chondroprotective effects on the articulating joint, said George. With his study he aimed to evaluate the synovial (joint) metabolic profiles of juvenile exercising horses treated with the bisphosphonate clodronate.George and his research colleagues split 16 Quarter Horse yearlings into two groups: one treated with intramuscular clodronate and a control group. They used a progressive exercise program, working the yearlings up to five days per week with a free panel exerciser to mimic sale preparation.On Day 126 the researchers injected the yearlings carpal (knee) joints with lipopolysaccharide (LPS), an endotoxin derived from Escherichia coli, to elicit transient yet pronounced synovitis (inflammation), simulating an insult to the joint. By comparing treatment and control limbs, his team would evaluate the effects of clodronate on the synovial metabolome (the complete set of small molecules present in the joint environment) following inflammation onset.We collected synovial fluid at preinjection and six, 12, 24, and 336 hours post LPS injection, said George. After extracting metabolites from joint fluid, he and his team found certain metabolites appeared at significantly higher concentrations in the treatment group than in the controls, regardless of time or LPS exposure.Metabolite diversity indicates that clodronate affects multiple metabolic pathways, said George.Future Research DirectionsResearchers now know clodronates impact extends across several metabolic pathways in the joint. George said researchers on future studies could target specific metabolites to better understand the drugs influence. Of particular interest are amino acids involved in joint repair and growth, he explained, as well as pro- and anti-inflammatory prostaglandins and other lipids.Take-Home MessageGeorge emphasized that he and his colleagues did not identify a single mechanism to support the anecdotal belief that clodronate is anti-inflammatory or chondroprotective. However, they did confirm clodronate influences multiple biological processes. Whether these effects prove beneficial, neutral, or harmful remains unclear. These findings highlight the need for further research to fully understand how clodronate interacts with joint health, he said. Until then, extra-label clodronate use merits caution, especially in young horses.

Tennessee Equine Hospital (TEH) is expanding its ownership team as it continues to strengthen its position as the premier equine referral center in the Southeast. Veterinarians Dr. Christine Cocquyt Montgomery and Dr. Colton McInturff have been named co-owners of the hospital groups Thompsons Station location, joining a leadership group that includes founding veterinarian and president Dr. Monty McInturff and Dr. Matthew DeLisle.Cocquyt Montgomery and McInturff have played key roles in TEHs continued growth, advancing the hospitals ability to care for equine patients across multiple states. Home to one of the largest specialty teams in the Southeast, TEH delivers expert care in internal medicine, surgery and sports performance.The strength of any hospital lies in the people who lead it, said Dr. Monty McInturff. Both Dr. Christine and Dr. Colton lead by example and care deeply about horses and people. Bringing them into ownership is a natural next step.Dr. Cocquyt Montgomery, DVM, Dipl. ACVIM, is a board-certified equine internal medicine specialist and serves as hospital director at Tennessee Equine Hospital. She earned her DVM from Kansas State University, completed a rotating internship at Blue Ridge Equine Clinic and pursued a residency in large animal internal medicine at the University of Tennessee. She became a Diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine in 2015. Her professional interests include neonatology, gastrointestinal and respiratory disease and the use of advanced diagnostic imaging in complex medical cases.Dr. McInturff, DVM, specializes in equine sports medicine and performance horse care. He graduated from the University of Tennessee College of Veterinary Medicine in 2017 before completing a yearlong internship in advanced musculoskeletal imaging and residency training in equine sports medicine and rehabilitation at Colorado State University. His clinical interests include lameness evaluation, treatment and rehabilitation, with a particular emphasis on orthobiologic therapies, intra-articular treatments and a multimodal approach to managing athletic injuries.Tennessee Equine Hospital operates five hospitals across Tennessee and Alabama, with its Thompsons Station location serving as the central hub for surgical and specialty care. The hospitals referral team collaborates closely with veterinarians and horse owners throughout the region, offering 24/7 emergency services and innovative treatment options. To learn more, visit tnequinehospital.com.About Tennessee Equine Hospital: Tennessee Equine Hospital provides exceptional medical and surgical care with a talented team of doctors and technicians focused on patient care. They are industry leaders and have established a legacy of compassionate care in the local and regional horse community.

Ocala, FL The penultimate grand prix of the 2025 Summer Series drew a packed house of spectators and exhibitors for the weeks main event: the $65,000 GGT Footing Grand Prix CSI2*. Thirty-three top horse-and-rider combinations representing 17 nations came ready to compete, each aiming for a share of the prize money. In the end, it was Australias Lauren Balcomb who once again proved unbeatable[...]Read MoreThe post Lauren Balcomb and Verdini Dhoutveld Z Prove Unbeatable in $65,000 GGT Footing Grand Prix CSI2* appeared first on World Equestrian Center.

Equine bedding company Bedmax has announced it will be collaborating with the Society of Equestrian Artists (SEA) at the inaugural Scone Palace International Horse Trials.Bedmax, who are the official bedding partner for Scotlands new horse trials, will have members of the SEA painting on its tradestand throughout the event, which takes place from 21-24 August. The initiative will allow visitors to the horse trials to watch acclaimed equestrian artists at work and speak to them about their inspiration, techniques and love of horses.We are delighted to be able to showcase our members art in association with Bedmax, who we know share our passion for the horse, said Anthea Wood, chair of the Society of Equestrian Artists, who is one of the members who will be painting at Scone Palace Horse Trials.It is particularly exciting to be part of the Bedmax 25-year celebrations.Anthea Wood, chair of the Society of Equestrian Artists.New experienceThe SEA was founded in 1979 but has seen renewed momentum in recent years and has welcomed a new generation of artists.Anthea will be joined on Bedmaxs stand by fellow SEA member, Georgia Finnis.This year, were especially excited to bring something different to our presence at Scone. We believe its the first-time artists have painted live on a bedding manufacturers stand, and its a brilliant way to bring people even closer to the horses we all care so deeply about. Its a celebration of both horse welfare and the artistic talent inspired by these remarkable animals, said Tim Smalley, managing director of Bedmax.Scotland has always held a special place in Bedmaxs journey, and were delighted to support what promises to be one of the countrys standout equestrian events.Images Society of Equestrian Artists.Further readingScone Palace to host new international horse trials in ScotlandThe countdown is on! 50 days to go until the European Eventing Championships at BlenheimLaura Collett leads Britain to Nations Cup victory at BictonRide confidently in and out of the startbox with this advice from Emily KingThe post Equine bedding company to showcase equestrian art at new Scottish horse trials appeared first on Your Horse.

Key Aspect Details Proper Feeding Miniature horses require 1.5% to 2.5% of their body weight in forage daily. Balancing Day and Night Provide 10 to 12 hours of hay overnight; ensure they don't go more than 4 hours without eating. Mimicking Natural Grazing Offer hay in small, frequent feedings or use slow feeders to extend feeding time. Tools of the Trade Use slow feeders or hay nets to regulate intake and prevent fast eating. Dental Health and Hay Type Older horses may need softer hay; alternatives include soaked hay cubes or pellets. Adjusting Based on Consumption Track hay consumption; excessive intake can lead to health issues and weight gain. Continuous Feeding Maintain access to forage to prevent going more than four hours without food. Case Study: Daisy Implemented slow feeders, resulting in slower hay consumption and prevention of hunger. Conclusion Provide balanced hay portions for optimal health, much like choosing perfect riding gear. Mastering Overnight Hay Portions for Miniature Horses Managing hay portions properly for miniature horses overnight is as essential as finding that perfect pair of jodhpurs. With careful balance, you ensure your equine friend remains happy, healthy, and free of digestive issues. The Importance of Proper Feeding Just like humans, miniature horses benefit from a diet that suits their size and lifestyle. They typically require about 1.5% to 2.5% of their body weight in forage daily. Splitting this into frequent meals keeps their gut health in check and reduces risks like colic. According to Mad Barn's feeding guide, a miniature horse weighing 150 kg (about 330 lbs) would need around 3 kg (6.6 lbs) of hay per day. Balancing Day and Night Adjusting hay portions for overnight feeding requires knowing how much daytime grazing occurs. Typically, overnight leads to the need for around 10 to 12 hours of hay provision, ensuring they don't go more than 4 hours without eating. Mimicking Natural Grazing Horses are adapted to grazing up to 18 hours daily. To mimic this, offering hay in small, frequent feedings or using slow feeders, like hay nets, extends feeding time overnight. This helps in reducing boredom and digestive issues. Tools of the Trade: Slow Feeders Miniature horses can be little piggies when it comes to hay! They tend to wolf down food quickly, especially when stabled overnight. Using slow feeders or hay nets can regulate their intake, ensuring it doesn't resemble a scene from a pie-eating contest. Considering Grazing Patterns If your miniature horse has daytime access to pasture, you might need less hay overnight. Conversely, if they're stabled in a dry lot, you'll need to provide a full complement of hay during those precious nod-off hours. Dental Health and Hay Type Older horses or those with dental concerns might require softer, less fibrous hay. In such cases, alternate forage forms like soaked hay cubes or pellets can prevent choking and promote safe chewing. Adjusting Based on Consumption Being the attentive horse owner you are, track how much your miniature equine is actually consuming. Some report horses devouring 6 to 9 kg of hay overnight, but anything more could cause health issues and an unwanted increase in waistline! Continuous Feeding for Digestive Health One of the biggest no-no's is letting your horse go more than four hours without forage. Ensure that overnight feedings provide continuous access or nibbling opportunities for optimal health. Case Study and Real-Life Example Let's consider Daisy, the spirited miniature horse. Her owner, after reading insights from Miniature Horse Talk, started incorporating slow feeders. The result? Daisy now gracefully savors her hay overnight, munching slowly and preventing morning-time growls. Conclusion: A Perfect Balance Providing balanced hay portions overnight is crucial for maintaining your horses health and happiness. Just like you wouldn't settle for less than perfect riding gloves, settle for nothing less than optimal feeding. Final Thoughts and Recommendations Remember, each horse is unique! Be sure to adjust hay portions based on their specific needs and conditions, much like how youd choose the perfect riding boots to match your style and comfort level. Happy feeding and riding from all of us at Just Horse Riders! For further exploration of how to keep your equines at their best, explore our collection of supplements to complement their diet perfectly.```html```