Key Point Details Layering System Combines base, mid, and outer layers to trap heat, repel moisture, and protect against wind and cold. Base Layer Should be moisture-wicking using materials like synthetic blends or Merino wool for dryness and comfort. Mid-Layer Insulate with fleece or wool for warmth without bulk; a fitted vest or jacket is ideal for easy movement. Outer Layer Choose windproof and waterproof jackets with articulating sleeves or stretch panels for protection and flexibility. Body Protector Compatibility Opt for slim-fit layers that accommodate the shape of protectors to ensure comfort and mobility. Warmth for Extremities Use thermal gloves, hats, helmet liners, and neck gaiters for extremity protection without losing functionality. Thermal Legwear Wear thermal bib tights or windproof breeches for wind protection and pressure distribution. Layering Benefits Controls body temperature and adapts to changes, ensuring warmth and reducing riding discomfort. Facts and Figures Merino wool reduces moisture by 30% more; three-layer systems can increase insulation by 60%. How to Stay Warm While Riding in Winter with a Body Protector As winter approaches, horse riders face the unique challenge of staying warm while maintaining safety with a body protector. Layering is the key to comfort and warmth without sacrificing safety. This guide will explore expert-recommended strategies to help you ride safely and warmly during colder months. Understanding the Layering System The layering system is essential when riding in winter conditions. By using a combination of base, mid, and outer layers, you can trap heat, repel moisture, and keep out wind and cold, all while wearing your body protector. This approach provides flexibility, allowing riders to adapt to varying temperatures and conditions throughout the ride. Start with a Moisture-Wicking Base Layer The base layer is the foundation of your outfit. Choose materials such as synthetic blends or Merino wool. These moisture-wicking fabrics effectively pull sweat away from the skin, keeping you dry and preventing chills. A snug fit ensures comfort and efficiency under your body protector. Add an Insulating Mid-Layer Your mid-layer should be insulating yet breathable. Consider materials like fleece or wool that trap heat without adding bulk. A well-fitted vest or jacket works seamlessly with a body protector, allowing for easy movement during rides. Choose a Protective Outer Layer The outermost layer is crucial for safeguarding against harsh winter elements. Opt for windproof and waterproof jackets that withstand harsh weather. Features like articulating sleeves or stretch panels enhance comfort and flexibility in motion, perfect for horseback riding. Special Considerations for Body Protectors Compatibility with Layers Body protectors can add bulk, making it essential to choose slim-fit layers that don't constrict movement. Look for riding jackets that are designed to accommodate the shape of protectors, ensuring comfort and safety. Extremities: Hands, Head, and Neck Warmth Protecting extremities is just as important as keeping your core warm. Use thermal gloves, a heat-retaining hat, or helmet liner, and a neck gaiter. These accessories are crucial for maintaining warmth without impairing functionality, like grip on the reins. Thermal Legwear For the lower body, thermal bib tights are superior for distributing pressure and offering wind protection. Consider layer-options like windproof breeches for added warmth. They complement the optimal comfort and protection strategy during your rides. Why Layering is the Best Approach Layering helps control body temperature, crucial for changing activity levels and outdoor temperature shifts. A moisture-wicking base ensures dryness, while mid and outer layers trap heat and protect against the weather, reducing risks of discomfort that can impact riding. Key Facts and Figures Moisture-wicking fabrics like Merino wool reduce moisture by up to 30% more than cotton, enhancing warmth on cold days. Three-layer clothing systems can provide up to 60% more insulation than a single garment. Selecting slim, technical fabrics tuned for body protectors reduces bulk, facilitating both mobility and safety. Concluding Thoughts By implementing a smart layering system that includes moisture-wicking, insulating, and protective layers, riders can enjoy winter rides in comfort and safety. Accessories for hands, head, and neck are also vital to complete the configuration. For more options and products tailored to winter riding, check out expert guides and trusted suppliers like Kerrits and The Drill Shed who specialize in performance-driven rider apparel. Get equipped with high-quality rider apparel from Just Horse Riders and embrace winter rides like never before!```html```

Welcome to Horse Illustrateds weekly installment of the Right Horse Adoptable Horse of the Week, offered in partnership with the ASPCAs Right Horse program. This weeks adoptable horse is FA Sunday Rose! Check back weekly for a new featured horse so you can find your Right Horse.Photo courtesy Owner 2 Owner Program (Maryland Equine Transition Service)Adoptable Horse: FA Sunday Rose, a 14-year-old, 15.1hh Arabian/American Saddlebred cross mareOrganization: Owner 2 Owner Program (Maryland Equine Transition Service), Woodbine, Md.Get to Know Adoptable Horse FA Sunday RoseFA Sunday Rose, lovingly called Rosie, is a beautiful 2011, 15.2hh registered Arabian/Saddlebred cross mare seeking a home with an owner looking to enjoy their time with her. Originally trained in dressage and shown extensively, Rosie has spent the last year and a half learning to enjoy the slower pace of the pleasure/trail horse life. She really has the potential to go in any direction, but would do best with someone willing to work at her pace without expectation or high demand.Rosies current owner has spent a great deal of time helping her relax and enjoy her time with people over the last year and a half that shes had her. She has been ridden at home and on the trail with her current owner. She is capable of going out for long, extensive trail rides and truly does seem to enjoy it. She does still have moments of nervousness where she will give a spook, but comes back well. She would do best with a rider who is capable of giving her the confidence she lacks to support her through those occasional scary moments.During her time with her current owner, Rosie has gone from an anxious mare unable to relax to an in-your-pocket, curious personality. She enjoys closely supervising projects getting done around the farm, even those involving chainsaws! She can be a bit anxious when tacking up, but someone with experience and patience would do fine with her. Rosie would love to find someone not only hoping to ride, but also wanting to work with her on the ground and form a good, strong bond with her. She absolutely thrives on daily interaction and may make a great candidate for liberty or trick training. She enjoys games, like bobbing for apples in a baby pool, and absolutely loves the occasional sunflower as a treat.Upon her owner observing that she had difficulty shedding out in the summer, she was diagnosed with Cushings. The only maintenance she currently requires is daily Prascend and body clipping during the warmer months. She does require front shoes if being ridden on rocky terrain. She stands well for the vet and farrier, ties, bathes, clips, sprays and stalls. She is up to date on everything and will come with the remaining supply of her Prascend.This girl is super special, gorgeous, and just waiting for the right person to come along.Contact the Owner 2 Owner Program (Maryland Equine Transition Service)today about ASPCA Right Horse Adoptable Horse of the Week, FA Sunday Rose!Photo courtesy Owner 2 Owner Program (Maryland Equine Transition Service)ASPCA Right HorseASPCA Right Horse is the online adoption platform of The Right Horse Initiative, a collection of equine industry and welfare professionals and advocates working together to improve the lives of horses in transition. A program of the ASPCA, their goal is to massively increase horse adoption in the United States. To find more adoptable horses and foster horses, visit www.myrighthorse.org. To learn more about The Right Horse, a program of the ASPCA, visit www.aspcarighthorse.org.The post ASPCA Right Horse Adoptable Horse of the Week: FA Sunday Rose appeared first on Horse Illustrated Magazine.

The equestrian community will come together for a two-minute silence this weekend to remember Sarah Yorke, the event rider who tragically died following a fall at Aston-le-Walls Horse Trials on Friday (8 August).British Eventing (BE) is asking its members and supporters, whether out competing or at home, to come together in quiet reflection at 12 noon on Saturday 16 August.As a community, we will take a moment this weekend to stand together in quiet reflection for Sarah, said BE in a Facebook post.We ask members and supporters, whether attending an event or at home, to join us at 12 noon on Saturday 16th August in pausing for two minutes to remember her life and to send thoughts and prayers for her family and friends.Fatal fallSarah, 37, suffered a fatal fall at fence three while competing in the BE100 class.Medical professionals attended immediately, but she could not be saved.Her horse,MGH HERA, was assessed by the on-site vets, walked back to the stable, and is uninjured.A full review of the incident will now be undertaken by British Eventing.Chief executive Rosie Williams said: On behalf of everyone at British Eventing, I would like to express our deepest condolences to Sarahs family and friends. The thoughts of the entire eventing community are with them at this incredibly difficult time.A committed event riderIn todays Facebook post, British Eventing described Sarah as a committed and passionate event rider whose dedication to her horses and the sport was clear to all who knew her.Her warmth, determination, and love for eventing earned her the respect and friendship of many within the eventing community.The tragic loss has brought great sorrow to all who had the privilege of knowing her, and our heartfelt thoughts remain with her family and friends at this incredibly difficult time.HelplineTheBritish Eventing Support Trust Helplineis available 24/7 on07780 008877for anyone who has been affected by this tragedy. The dedicated line connects callers with a trained mental health professional to ensure appropriate support is provided. You can also get in touch by emailing support@sportingchanceclinic.com.Main image of a memorial candle ShutterstockThe post Two minute silence for event rider Sarah Yorke to take place this weekend appeared first on Your Horse.

The capsule in the squamous region of the stomach. | Dr. Evelyn HodgsonEquine gastric ulcer syndrome (EGUS) often causes lesions in the squamous (upper) or glandular (lower) regions of the horses stomach. Researchers have long linked gastric acidity and gastric ulceration, making acid suppression the primary treatment to raise intragastric pH. Monitoring pH levels could help veterinarians assess treatment effectiveness. Researchers in Australia recently identified a minimally invasive technique to measure stomach pH continuously and accurately without repeated gastroscopy or invasive procedures.Measuring Gastric pH Levels in HorsesCurrently, veterinarians often use aspiration to collect gastric fluid during gastroscopy to measure pH, but this provides only a single time point, and the fasting and sedation necessary for the procedure could affect results.Indwelling nasogastric pH probes allow continuous monitoring but can shift or break, and users cant pinpoint their exact positionan issue because pH varies by regions of the horses stomach, saidEvelyn Hodgson, BVSC, MSc, MANZCVS, an internal medicine resident at the University of Queensland, in Gatton, Australia. More invasive options, such as percutaneous endoscopic gastrotomy (PEG) tubes or gastric cannulas, also allow continuous monitoring but require placing a tube or cannula directly into the stomach through the abdominal wall, she added.We wanted to figure out if it was possible to measure the pH of a horses stomach wirelessly and, if so, to describe the method we developed, said Stephanie Bond, PhD, also from the University of Queensland.We also wanted to determine how long we could continuously record the pH using this technique.A Noninvasive Way to Study Gastric Ulcers in HorsesThe researchers adapted wireless pH capsules designed for esophageal pH monitoring in humans to the mucosa (lining) of the horses stomach using endoscopic clips. They attached a total of 18 capsules to either the squamous mucosa (which lacks protection from gastric acid) or glandular mucosa (lined with a protective mucus-bicarbonate layer) across 11 horses. Additionally, they attached a wireless recorder to each horse via a surcingle to allow continuous pH data collection. Before this gastroscopy the researchers withheld food from the horses for 16 hours and water for two hours.The wireless signal from the capsules was strong enough that we were able to continuously record the pH in all capsules, both when the horses were fasted and when they were fed, said Bond. The researchers reported that capsule attachment time varied among horses, with 53% remaining attached for at least 24 hours and squamous capsules lasting significantly longer.The capsule in the glandular region of the stomach. | Dr. Evelyn HodgsonThe researchers reported that all study horses tolerated the capsule-clip attachments well and without any complications or adverse effects. Retention of capsules improved with technique refinement, and theuse of more clips increased the attachment duration, said Bond.Importantly, there was no substantial damage to the lining of the stomach due to capsule attachment. They identified only mild focal lesions at capsule attachment sites in six horses, which was clinically insignificant.Aspiration of a gastric fluid sample only provides a single-point-in-time measurement and can only be performed when the horse is fasted to allow for a clear view of the stomach lining, said Bond. In contrast, our method allows the measurement of gastric pH continuously, including when the horse is eating.Hodgson said the capsules fixed electrode location and noninvasive placement make them a promising tool for studying EGUS treatments, including new acid-suppressive medications, said Hodgson.It might also help veterinarians in the field identify and manage horses not responding to standard ulcer treatment.Take-Home MessageVeterinarians can apply his novel technique to measure intragastric pH in horses at a known, fixed location in the stomach in both fasting and fed states, using commercially available equipment. The approach offers a viable noninvasive alternative model to reliance on invasive, single-point pH measurements for research and clinical scenarios and can be used in a field setting.The study, A novel placement method of a calibrationfree pH capsule for continuous wireless measurement of intragastric pH in horses, appeared in the Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine in December 2024.

Section Key Points Introduction Explores how ear plugs and acoustic ears improve dressage horse performance by enhancing focus and tranquility. Importance Horses have sensitive hearing; ear plugs help reduce distractions and anxiety from loud sounds at competitions. Research-Backed Benefits Ear plugs reduce stress, lower heart rates, and decrease stress behaviors, providing physiological benefits. Types of Ear Protection Foam ear plugs (block sounds) and acoustic ear covers (reduce sound and protect from wind and debris). Introducing Ear Plugs Introduce gradually in a comfortable setting; ensure proper fit to avoid irritation and behavioral issues. Regulations USEF rules limit ear plugs to prize-giving, maintaining competition fairness without auditory aids. Balancing Sensitivity Consider when to use ear plugs based on horse's reaction and competition rules for optimal performance. Practical Benefits Useful beyond competition for training, during storms, and travels, also providing protection against wind and insects. Conclusion Ear plugs enhance horse performance by reducing stress and improving focus, aiding in training and competitions. Exploring the Use of Ear Plugs and Acoustic Ears for Horses in Dressage Dive into the fascinating world of dressage horse care as we explore how ear plugs and acoustic ears can significantly improve a horses performance in dressage. This comprehensive guide provides insights into the benefits, types, and usage of these tools, ensuring both you and your horse are equipped for success. Why Consider Ear Plugs or Acoustic Ear Covers for Dressage Horses? Horses possess ears that are not just cute but highly sensitive, making them susceptible to anxiety and distraction from loud noises at competitions. Ear plugs or noise-dampening ear covers are clever tools that muffle loud sounds, allowing horses to remain focused and composed amidst chaotic environments, thus enhancing their performance. Research-Backed Benefits Ear plugs have been shown to reduce stress and enhance concentration by minimizing distractions. An animal behavior study in 2023 highlighted that certain noise-damping ear covers significantly lowered heart rates and reduced stress behaviors, implying physiological benefits in highly stressful environments. This tool is a boon for horses with sensitive hearing, providing them the peace they need to perform at their best.[1] Types of Ear Protection for Horses Primarily, two types of ear protection are used in dressage: Foam ear plugs: These are soft, reusable, often washable, and fit snugly into the ear canal to block sounds directly. Acoustic ear covers (ear bonnets): These fit over the ears and provide sound reduction through their padding, also protecting against wind, debris, and insects.[2] Introducing Ear Plugs to Your Horse Patience plays a key role when introducing ear plugs to your horse. Start in a familiar environment like their stall, initially for brief periods, and gradually increase the duration. Ensuring that ear plugs fit comfortably is crucial to avoid irritation and prevent behavioral issues.[5] Dressage Regulatory Considerations According to the United States Equestrian Federation (USEF) rules, the use of ear plugs is generally fenced in to prize-giving occasions only. During competition, horse performances should not be augmented artificially with auditory aids, safeguarding the integrity of the sport. Balancing Noise Sensitivity and Performance While ear plugs are beneficial against adverse noise, applause and familiar sounds sometimes signal excitement and readiness, potentially boosting performance. Riders should weigh carefully when to use them, considering the competition rules and their horse's unique responses. Practical Benefits Beyond Dressage Outside of competition, ear plugs prove incredibly useful during training in loud environments, stormy weather, or trips. Their protective properties extend beyond mere sound reductionguarding against wind, dust, and pesky insects.[2] Conclusion: Enhancing Equestrian Experiences with Ear Plugs In summary, ear plugs and acoustic ear covers are potent tools for minimizing stress and improving concentration in dressage horses, contributing to better performance during training and certain competitive scenarios. Their judicious use, coupled with sensitive acclimatization to individual horse needs, maximizes their effectiveness. Explore more on horse care, including our superb collections like the Jodhpur Collection, Horse Riding Boot Collection, and Gloves Collection.```html```

Free choice salt is often not enough to meet a horses requirements especially when he is sweating. | The Horse StaffQ: I live in the southern U.S., where it gets extremely hot during summer. Ive been adding a tablespoon of plain salt to my horses feed once per day. My three horses drink nearly 100 gallons of water dailythough some days its less. When adding salt to my horses feed, is it better to use iodized or plain salt? Do I need to buy salt from a feed store, or is grocery store salt acceptable for horses? How much salt should I add per feeding?A: Horses should always have free-choice access to salt (sodium chloride), along with added salt in their daily concentrate ration to meet their sodium requirements. An average 500-kilogram (1,100-pound) horse at maintenance needs about 2 U.S. tablespoons of salt daily to meet baseline sodium needs. That requirement increases with exercise and in hot weather and can vary based on body weight and sweat loss.The amount of salt required increases as both sodium and chloride, along with other minerals such as potassium, magnesium and calcium, are lost in sweat. When a horse is sweating, electrolytes should be supplemented in addition to their daily salt intake.Sodium and chloride are electrolytes as they are minerals that carry an electrical charge when dissolved in fluid. However, electrolyte supplements differ from regular salt because they are designed to replace what is lost in sweat. A quality performance electrolyte will contain sodium, chloride, potassium, magnesium, and calcium. Equine nutritionists recommend adding electrolytes to replenish what your horse is losing in their sweat.When choosing salt for your horse, you have several options: blocks, licks, loose table salt, sea salt, and Himalayan salt. Salt blocks or licks offer convenient free-choice access, but horses often dont consume enough of these forms to meet their needs. Adding loose salt directly to their feed helps prevent sodium deficiency.When selecting loose salt for meals, equine nutritionists generally recommend iodized saltthe added iodine helps balance the horses overall ration. You can purchase this salt at the feed or grocery store. If your horse prefers the taste of sea salt or Himalayan salt, those serve as acceptable substitutes for iodized salt. However, if you are not feeding iodized salt, it is recommended to check the guaranteed analysis on your horses concentrate to ensure iodine is listed.However, if your horse receives a kelp-based supplement, avoid iodized salt. Kelp typically provides more than enough iodine on its own.Keep in mind that mineralized saltsthe brown blocks or loose salt containing trace mineralsdo not provide minerals in high enough amounts to meaningfully impact your horses nutrition requirements. Therefore, they can be offered as a salt source but should not be relied on to meet your horses trace mineral requirements.Take-Home MessageFor horses at maintenance, feed a minimum of 2 U.S. tablespoons of loose salt daily in the feed ration alongside a free-choice salt source. In hot climates or when working, horses salt requirements increase. The exact amount depends on factors such as body weight, workload, and sweat loss. In general, if its hot enough for your horse to sweat, you should also provide supplemental electrolytes in addition to their daily salt.Do you have an equine nutrition question? Do you have an equine nutrition question? The Horses editors want to hear from you! Submit your question via the form below. Name(Required) First Last Email(Required) Submit your equine nutrition below!(Required)CAPTCHA

We know good nutrition starts with a healthy gut. Understanding how your horse digests feed can help you make better choices for their health, behaviour and performance. Heres a breakdown of how the horses digestive system works and how the right feeding approach can make a real differenceThe Foregut - Starting Digestion the Right WayThe foregut is made up of the stomach and small intestine and is the starting point of digestion. The stomach produces acid and digestive enzymes to break down food before it moves into the small intestine, which is divided into the duodenum, jejunum, and ileum. Here, proteins, fats and some carbohydrates are digested and absorbed.The challenge? The horses stomach is relatively small and continuously produces acid. Large meals or high starch feeds can cause imbalances, leading to digestive upsets or even gastric ulcersHow British Horse Feeds Can Help:Feeds such as Speedi-Beet, Fibre-Beet and Cooked Linseed are ideal for supporting foregut and hindgut health. They are low in starch and sugar, easy to digest and gentle on the stomach, helping maintain a steady release of energyThe Hindgut - Powering the Horse Through FibreOnce feed reaches the hindgut, digestion shifts from enzymes to microbes. The large colon and small colon house trillions of beneficial microbes collectively known as the microbiome. These microbes ferment fibre, producing valuable energy in the form of volatile fatty acids (VFAs) and short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs).A balanced hindgut microbiome is essential for fibre digestion, energy production and overall health. Disruptions caused by stress, abrupt feed changes or low fibre diets can lead to digestive problems like colic and poor performanceHow British Horse Feeds Can Help:Products like Fibre-Beet and Speedi-Beet provide a highly digestible, soaked fibre mash to promote a healthy hindgut environment. These feeds help fuel the good bacteria and support stable energy levels without excess starch, keeping the hindgut in optimal condition.Feeding your horse a prebiotic can support fibre digestibility and gut health in the hindgut. Speedi-Beet which contains a natural prebiotic is 25% more digestible than other fibres such as hay and lucerne. This is because beet pulp is rich in pectin, is a soluble fibre and as Speedi-Beet is micronized, this increases fermentation in the hind gutThe Gut-Brain Connection - A Calmer, Happier HorseDid you know the gut can influence your horses behaviour? Stress and poor gut health can alter the balance of microbes reducing beneficial bacteria and increasing harmful strains. This can lead to anxiety, heightened flight responses and even reduced focus on the rider or handlerHow British Horse Feeds Can Help:Feeding a fibre-first diet with products like Fibre-Beet and Speedi-Beet encourages a healthier, more balanced microbiome. This supports calmer behaviour and helps to reduce the risk of digestive stress during exercise, competition or travelFeeding for Performance, Recovery, and WellbeingWhether your horse is in hard work, recovering from illness, or a happy hacker, digestive health is the foundation for well-being. Choosing feeds that are gentle on the stomach and supportive of hindgut health can help improve performance and behaviour. We recommend feeding vitamins and minerals or a quality balancer alongside Speedi-Beet or Fibre-Beet to ensure your horses feed is nutritionally balanced.British Horse Feeds has options suitable for horses in varying levels of work, from high-performance athletes to leisure companions. Our focus on fibre ensures your horses gut stays healthy, energy levels stay consistent and behavioural balance is maintained.Discover our full range of feeds here.The post Understanding the Horses Digestive System: Why Gut Health Matters appeared first on British Horse Feeds.

Two horses in Maryland recently tested positive for strangles. The horses live in Montgomery and Anne Arundel counties.In Montgomery County, one mare at a boarding facility was confirmed positive for strangles on Aug. 7. The mare is under quarantine, and it is unknown if other horses are exposed.In Anne Arundel County, a 21-year-old Thoroughbred mare at a boarding facility tested positive on Aug. 7. The mare is under quarantine, and it is unknown if other 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.