On Aug. 22, a 2-year-old Quarter Horse filly in Holmes County, Florida, tested positive for Eastern equine encephalitis (EEE) after becoming ataxic. The filly was under-vaccinated and has since been euthanized.This is Floridas eighth confirmed case of EEE in 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.EEE 101Eastern equine encephalomyelitis is caused by the Eastern equine encephalitis virus, for which wild birds are a natural reservoir. Mosquitoes that feed on EEE-infected birds can transmit the virus to humans, horses, and other birds. Horses do not develop high enough levels of these viruses in their blood to be contagious to other animals or humans. Because of the high mortality rate in horses and humans, EEE is regarded as one of the most serious mosquito-borne diseases in the United States.Tips for preventing mosquito-borne diseases include:Avoid mosquito bites: Use insect repellent when outdoors, especially from dusk to dawn.Look for EPA-labeled products containing active ingredients such as DEET, picaridin (KBR3023), or oil of lemon eucalyptus (p-menthane 3,8-diol).Apply more repellent, according to label instructions, if mosquitoes start to bite.Mosquito-proof homes: Fix or install window and door screens, and cover or eliminate empty containers with standing water where mosquitoes can lay eggs.Protect your horses: Veterinarians recommend commercially available licensedvaccines against EEE for all horses in the U.S. Horses should be vaccinated at least annually (recommendations vary in high-risk areas). Its not too late this year to vaccinate your horses.Use approved insect repellents to protect horses.If possible, put horses in stables, stalls, or barns during the prime mosquito exposure hours of dusk and dawn.Eliminate standing water, drain water troughs, and empty buckets at least weekly.Stock water tanks with fish that consume mosquito larvae (contact your local mosquito control for assistance), or use mosquito dunks (soliddonuts ofBacillus thuringiensis israelensis, which are nontoxic to horses) available at hardware stores.

Three horses in Maryland recently tested positive for strangles. In Calvert County, a 5-year-old warmblood gelding at a boarding facility tested positive on Aug. 21. In St. Marys County, two horses at a private facility are positive, including a suckling Hanoverian colt. The horses are under official quarantine.EDCC Health Watch is an Equine Network marketing program that utilizes information from the Equine Disease Communication Center (EDCC) to create and disseminate verified equine disease reports. TheEDCCis an independent nonprofit organization that is supported by industry donations in order to provide open access to infectious disease information.About StranglesStranglesin horses is an infection caused byStreptococcus equisubspeciesequiand spread through direct contact with other equids or contaminated surfaces. Horses that arent showing clinical signs can harbor and spread the bacteria, and recovered horses remain contagious for at least six weeks, with the potential to cause outbreaks long-term.Infected horses can exhibit a variety of clinical signs:FeverSwollen and/or abscessed lymph nodesNasal dischargeCoughing or wheezingMuscle swellingDifficulty swallowingVeterinarians diagnose horses using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) testing with either a nasal swab, wash, or an abscess sample, and they treat most cases based on clinical signs, implementing antibiotics for severe cases. Overuse of antibiotics can prevent an infected horse from developing immunity. Most horses make a full recovery in three to four weeks.A vaccine is available but not always effective. Biosecurity measures of quarantining new horses at a facility and maintaining high standards of hygiene and disinfecting surfaces can helplower the risk of outbreakorcontain one when it occurs.

A 12-year-old Quarter Horse mare in Franklin County, Idaho, recently tested positive for West Nile virus (WNV). The mare, who is unvaccinated, developed neurologic signs on Aug. 20. She is still alive.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.WNV 101West Nile virusis transmitted to horses via bites from infected mosquitoes. Not all infected horses show clinical signs, but those that do can exhibit:Flulike signs, where the horse seems mildly anorexic and depressed;Fine and coarse muscle and skin fasciculation (involuntary twitching);Hyperesthesia (hypersensitivity to touch and sound);Changes in mentation (mental activity), when horses look like theyre daydreaming or just not with it;Occasional drowsiness;Propulsive walking (driving or pushing forward, often without control); andSpinal signs, including asymmetrical weakness; andAsymmetrical or symmetrical ataxia.West Nile virus has no cure. However, some horses can recover with supportive care. Equine mortality rates can reach 30-40%.Studies have shown thatvaccines can be effective WNV prevention tools. Horses vaccinated in past years need an annual booster shot, but veterinarians might recommend two boosters annuallyone in the spring and another in the fallin areas with prolonged mosquito seasons. In contrast, previously unvaccinated horses require a two-shot vaccination series in a three- to six-week period. It takes several weeks for horses to develop protection against the disease following complete vaccination or booster administration.In addition to vaccinations, owners should work to reduce mosquito population and breeding areas and limit horses mosquito exposure by:Removing stagnant water sources;Dumping, cleaning, and refilling water buckets and troughs regularly;Keeping animals inside during insect feeding times (typically early in the morning and evening); andApplying mosquito repellents approved for equine use.

T he 4/5 yo Pony Championship at in Ireland always highlights the future top track ponies. Its the class that throws up the medal winners of the future.The clear winner this year was Pearl Minka. A bay mare by DiaradoAbly ridden by Ciara Cash.purchased from us as a 3yo by Ken Bolton .,#bshgraduate

Ocala, FL The All for the Horses Expo, an all-equine industry expo, is set to return for a fourth year at World Equestrian Center Ocala February 13-15. The 2026 expo will be held in Indoor Arena 5 on Friday, February 13 and Saturday, February 14 from 9am to 4pm, and Sunday, February 15 from 9am to 2pm. The All for the Horses Expo[...]Read MoreThe post Save the Date: All For The Horses Expo Returns to World Equestrian Center Ocala February 13-15, 2026 appeared first on World Equestrian Center.

A Shetland pony for 950 sounds like a bargain and this little fellow would be very cheap to keep, with no livery fees and no feed, vet or farriery costs.But before you get out the trailer, there is a downside. He or she is stuffed. This veteran chestnut, named Paul by the antiques dealer, is on sale through Hemswell Antique Centres in Gainsborough, Lincolnshire, and has attracted quite a lot of attention.Laura Hill, of Hemswell, said: The dealer [selling Paul] told me it is approximately 25 years old. The person who they bought it from said it was in a museum that closed down, so they acquired it from there.Paul comes with a cub saddle and white numnah and a rather eclectic array of other tack that doesnt appear to fit particularly well, including a neck strap and bridle. He measures 101cms to his poll so our guesstimate is that hes around 6hh.Paul has a bit of damage to his nose but otherwise he is in good if rather thin condition.We have had a lot of interest, said Laura. A customer who lived in New Zealand wanted to ship it over there, but after some research and due to regulations and customs this proved to be quite difficult, so they are going to investigate arranging shipping themselves.We have had another customer who is interested in this item and shipping it to the USA.This is not the first taxidermy pony to be sold through Hemswell, said Laura, and they have had some other weird and wonderful items to sell over the years.We do get some strange taxidermy items, said Laura. We once had a giraffe, which brought a few transportation issues.Contact Hemswell Antiques Centres on 01427 668 389 for more details.Images supplied by Hemswell Antique Centres/Laura HillRelated contentUnwrap a chocolate pony: meet Marks & Spencers Shaggy the ShetlandAbandoned Shetland pony wins competition to become cover starShetland loses 30 kilos after weigh in at BHS Horse Health DayHow to tell if a horse is happyThe post Taxidermy Shetland pony up for sale at antiques centre appeared first on Your Horse.

Key Points Details Impact on Riding Schedules - Increased evening daylight during DST boosts cycling. - 3% increase in bicycle traffic during DST. - Decreased cycling during Standard Time (ST) due to earlier sunsets. Effects on Safety - Pedestrians and cyclists have fewer accidents under DST due to better visibility. - Motorists may experience more crashes post-DST due to sleep disruptions. Causes Behind Safety Changes - More daylight improves visibility reducing accidents. - Circadian rhythm disruption leads to driver fatigue and accidents. Recommendations for Riders - Use reflective clothing and bright bike lights. - Maintain a good bedtime routine, especially post-spring DST. - Adjust schedule for daylight riding times. Broader Implications - Permanent DST could prevent over 900 crashes over five years. - Risk of fatigued drivers remains if sleep disturbances persist. Conclusion - Balance between increased daylight and better sleep can improve safety. - Consider joining the conversation around DST impacts. How Does Daylight Savings Affect Riding Schedules and Safety? When the clocks change for Daylight Savings Time (DST), it impacts more than just your sleep schedule; it also affects riding schedules and safety for cyclists and motorists alike. This phenomenon alters daylight exposure and interacts with human circadian rhythms, influencing how and when people choose to ride. Impact on Riding Schedules During Daylight Savings Time, clocks "spring forward" in spring and "fall back" in autumn. This alters daylight availability during key commuting times. The impact can be significant: **Increased evening daylight during DST encourages more cycling than other times of the year.** A 2022 study highlights that with permanent DST, evening daylight is extended, boosting bicycle traffic by over 3%, particularly for return commutes from work. This spike is noted especially in recreational cycling (source). Conversely, **during Standard Time (ST), earlier sunsets contribute to decreased cycling**, as the reduced visibility and increased safety concerns prompt people to forego evening rides. (source). Effects on Safety The impact of DST on safety varies considerably between pedestrians, cyclists, and motorists: **Pedestrians and cyclists benefit from heightened visibility during morning and evening commutes under DST,** generally resulting in fewer fatal accidents involving these groups. (source). **Motorists, unfortunately, may experience an uptick in vehicle accidents post-DST starts.** Data suggests there are 29 more fatal vehicle occupant crashes during these times due to sleep disruption, leading to drowsy or distracted driving. (source). After the spring shift, average accident rates increase by about 6%, punctuating a noteworthy short-term risk for drivers. (source). Causes Behind Safety Changes Two significant factors contribute to the changes in safety during DST transitions: **Light conditions:** More daylight equals improved visibility for non-motorized travelers, decreasing accidents. (source). **Circadian rhythm disruption:** Without enough sleep, driver alertness suffers, upping the likelihood of crashes. This loss is pronounced post-DST change but less so or even reversed in the fall when an extra hour of sleep is gained. (source). Recommendations for Riders Given these impacts, riders should consider the following adjustments to better align with DST changes: Opt for reflective clothing and bright bike lights during dim commuting hours under ST. Glove collections at Just Horse Riders have just what you need! Invest in a good bedtime routine,especially post-spring DST. More rest helps fend off the fatigue that contributes to accidents. Consider rejigging your schedule to enjoy daylight riding times. Broader Implications Some research advocates for making DST permanent to improve pedestrian and cyclist safety. Extending DST could prevent over 900 fatal crashes over five years. (source). However, this could keep fatigued drivers at risk if sleep pattern disturbances continue. Decision-makers and Riders: Improving Safe Travels The conversation around DST impacts is raising important questions about how best to support safe and enjoyable travel. The balance between increased daylight and better sleep could spell safer commutes for many. Until universal changes occur, consider upping your game on those dark routes! For fans of a smooth ride, why not explore Just Horse Riders' season offerings? Their jodhpur collection, horse riding boot collection, and horse riding socks come rain, wind, or (better yet) shine! From entrusting your outfit to equipping your equine friend with stable rugs or turnout rugs, Just Horse Riders keeps you prepared this timezone transition and beyond. Exploring innovative ways to improve riding schedules and advocate for better sleep can both contribute to safety and result in an enhanced riding experience. This information is as valuable for casual cyclists as it is for policymakers deliberating the effects of time changes on transport safety. ```html```

Tubberbride was host to the third leg of the Foal Championships on Tuesday 26th August. Judges Paul Duffy and Richard Bourns were on duty for the day. The first class of the day was pony eventing, won by David Whites Lillybrook Rolex (CP), by Lough Melvin Gurteen (CP), out of Branchfield Tulip (CP), by Glencarrig Oscar (CP).Lillybrook Rolex (CP), Sire: Lough Melvin Gurteen (CP), Dam: Branchfield Tulip (CP), Damsire: Glencarrig Oscar (CP), Breeder: David White.The second class of the day was the pony showjumping sections, won by another Connemara pony, CFS Seoda (CP), by Manniard Able (CP), out of Branchfield Jewel (CP), by Glencarrig Oscar (CP), owned by Aisling McGreal.CFS Seoda (CP), Sire: Manniard Able (CP), Dam: Branchfield Jewel (CP), Damsire: Glencarrig Oscar (CP), Breeder: Aisling McGrealThe day continued with horse eventing. This was championed by Liz Murphys filly foal Cappulcorragh Time to Dance (ISH), sired by Galileo Dance (TB) out of Cappulcorragh Quality Time (ISH) by OBOS Quality (OS). In second place and top scoring TIH was Linda Thompsons colt foal Grand Will Power (ISH)[TIH], by Carrick Diamond Royale (ISH)[TIH], out of TB Watermill Rae (ISH)[TIH], by Watermill Swatch (TB). Cappulcorragh Time to Dance (ISH), Sire: Galileo Dance (TB), Dam: Cappulcorragh Quality Time (ISH), Damsire: OBOS Quality (OS), Breeder: Liz MurphyGrand Will Power (ISH)[TIH], Sire: Carrick Diamond Royale (ISH)[TIH], Dam: TB Watermill Rae (ISH)[TIH], Damsire: Watermill Swatch (TB), Breeder: Linda ThompsonThe day moved onto the last section, the horse showjumping. Michael Dohertys colt foal Nova Eden QF (ISH), took the win here, with Aisling McGreals CFS Cartalido (ISH) coming in second place. Nova Eden QF (ISH) is by Drummer 2000 TN Z (ZANG), out of Conthaletta (OS), by Conthargos (OS). CFS Cartalido (ISH) is by Cartier VDL (KWPN), out of Kimono Sash (ISH), by Vivaldo (BWP).Nova Eden QF (ISH), Sire: Drummer 2000 TN Z (ZANG), Dam: Conthaletta (OS), Damsire: Conthargos (OS), Breeder: Michael DohertyThe winning foals of each section will join us at the Grand Final in Emerald Equestrian on 2nd October, along with the final of the 3 & 4 Year Old filly loose jumping. All spectators welcome!The next leg of the foal championships moves down south to Wexford, click HERE to join us.The Foal Championships is funded by the DAFM under National Breeding ServicesThe post Foal Championships Results: Leg 3 appeared first on .

Table of ContentsToggleTo Soak Or Not To SoakSupplement the SoakNon-Bucket OptionsPoultice PowerPoultice AlternativesWrappingKey TakeawayThe panic sets in as soon as you see it: Your horse is hopping around, dead lame. You breathe a sigh of relief when your vet gets out the hoof testers and tells you its just an abscess. But what treatment can you use to get a hoof abscess to heal as quickly as possible?Hoof abscesses are caused by bacteria entering the hoof through a sole bruise/puncture or a diseased white line. White blood cells build up to combat the bacteria, creating painful pressure around a pocket of fluid. Treatment involves encouraging the abscess to pop, then keeping the area clean while the abscesss track through the hoof heals.After an abscess ruptures, its vital to keep the hoof clean and draining until it heals. Photo by Sarah E. ColemanIf youve ever dealt with an abscess, you may still have nightmares about toting hot water to the barn in winter and asking your fidgety horse to please stand in a bucket for just a few minutes longer. But you can banish abscess apprehension using tools you may already own.To Soak Or Not To SoakSoaking a horses foot is one of the oldest remedies to draw out an abscess; many people swear that soaking the hoof in water will soften the hoof, offering a path of least resistance to the pocket of pus looking for a way out of the hoof capsule. However, getting a horse to standquietlyin a 5-gallon bucket of warm water for up to 30 minutes can be nearly an act of Congress. If the abscess is trending toward the sole of the hoof, standing the horse in a shallow rubber feed pan may workand make him less fidgety, since he has more room to place his foot on the bottom of the pan. If the abscess needs to work its way out through the coronary band, however, a shallow pan wont be an option, as it will be impossible to get the water up high enough to cover the area.For an abscess at the bottom of the sole, soaking a shallow rubber feed pan can be the simplest method. Photo by Sarah E. ColemanSupplement the Soak While water alone will soften the hoof to encourage an abscess to burst, there are additives that can be used to offer even more drawing power. These can include: Epsom salts: Easily purchased at the local grocery store, Epsom salts (magnesium sulfate) offer both inflammation relief and antimicrobial benefits. Adding a cup to the soaking water will help draw out the infection in the horses hoof. Bleach: Youd be hard pressed to find a household without at least one gallon of bleach, and there are plenty of equine- and farm-related applications for it. Best for abscesses is the 5.25 percent household bleach, which destroys bacteria, viruses and mold. Apple cider vinegar: Adding a cup of vinegar to 1 gallon of warm water will allow the acidity in the apple cider vinegar to draw out infection. Baking soda: Adding 1 to 2 tablespoons of baking soda (sodium bicarbonate) per quart/liter of warm water has also been known to draw out an abscess. With disinfectant, antibacterial and antifungal properties, baking soda can be used in conjunction with Epsom salts in soaking water. Povidone-iodine (Betadine): Adding 2 ounces of povidone-iodine, possibly in conjunction with 1 cup of Epsom salts, to water that reaches just over the horses coronary band can help draw out an abscess. Non-Bucket OptionsIf you cant seem to get your horse to stand in a 5-gallon bucket, but would still like to soak his hoof, there are other options. Muck tubs: Some horses are more likely to stand with both their feet in a larger bucket, like a muck tub. Hoof soaking boots: Made of nylon, hoof soaking boots go on over your horses hoof like a sock and contain an interior bag you can change out to keep everything hygenic. A foam pad at the bottom offers support and protects the bag from being worn through by the horses hoof. Fill the bag with water and any additive you choose, place the horses leg in the boot, and close it with the straps provided.Soaking boots made for abscess care replace the easily knocked-over bucket. Photo by Sarah E. Coleman Ice boots: Often used after strenuous exercise, these tall, up-to-the-knee boots can also be used to soak abscesses. Plastic bags: If youd rather repurpose something you already have on hand, try using a heavy plastic bag (like the kind some supplements come in) or some IV bags (ask your vet to save a few for you if you have none on hand). Applying a soaking bag to the horses foot allows him to move around instead of having to stand still while soaking. Duct tape on top of the bag around the ankle will keep it secure, and you can cut the whole thing off with bandage scissors when done.A word of caution: If youre strapping anything around your horses leg, its worthwhile to get him used to having something on his foot before adding water.Poultice PowerWhether you choose to soak or not, all horses with abscesses benefit from a pack or poultice applied to the affected hoof to act as a longer-term drawing agent.Commercial pads that already contain drawing agents can be a timesaver. One of the most popular is Animalintex, a cotton wool pad that contains tragacanth gum and boric acid; its available in both sheets and hoof-shaped pads. You can wet it with hot or cold water, apply to the hoof, and wrap the whole thing with Vetrap followed by duct tape. Poultice AlternativesYou can also use cotton 44 pads, cotton wool, gauze or diapers to pack the hoof if no poultice pads are handy. The following are often added to the packing material and placed against the sole of the hoof to act as drawing agents before securing on the hoof.Ichthammol, Epsom salts, bleach and other solutions are all popular methods for cleaning and drawing out abscesses during a soak. Photo by Sarah E. Coleman Baking soda: Add water to baking soda to make a paste and slather the sole of the hoof with the mixture; some people choose to add Epsom salts to the mixture as well. Linseed: Damp, warm cooked linseeds that are boiled and made into a mash can be packed into the hoof and wrapped. Epsom salts and Vaseline: Combine both ingredients to make a gel that sticks to the bottom of the hoof. Manuka honey: the antibacterial properties of honey are well documented; it draws out toxins, as well as cleans and prevents infection and encourages healing once the abscess track is open. Sugardine: Combine cup sugar with 3 tablespoons of povidone-iodine solution until it makes a thick, granular paste to slather on the bottom of the hoof. Sugar absorbs the moisture in which bacteria thrives; the povidone-iodine helps kill any bacteria that is present.Sugardine is a combo of sugar and Betadine made into a paste. The sugar draws out moisture while povidone-iodine kills bacteria. Photo by Sarah E. Coleman Ichthammol: Stinky and incredibly sticky, this old-school remedy for drawing an abscess is still one of the best. Cabbage leaves: Cabbage leaves boiled in Epsom salt water to make them pliable is a lesser-used home remedy that draws out infection and eases pain. The leaves can also be chopped, boiled and packed into the hoof sole. Sauerkraut: No time to boil your own cabbage leaves? Packing the hoof with sauerkraut has also been said to work; the sauerkrauts acidity makes it hard for bacteria to survive.WrappingOnce youve picked your drawing agent and slathered it on, you can create your own wrapping using heavy-duty plastic bags (like the ones some supplements come in), Vetrap, and duct tape, or you can purchase a pre-made boot to hold the dressing in place.These boots offer a variety of fasteners depending on the brand; they may have zippers or Velcro straps. The best boot for your horse will be one that is easy to get on and stays onsome horses are Houdinis about removing things.Key TakeawayAbscesses can be painful for the horse and frustrating for his owner, but with perseverance and a bit of ingenuity, they will (hopefully) resolve rapidly. If at any time youre concerned that the abscess is not resolving or that your horses pain is unmanageable, reach out to your vet for guidance. This article about hoof abscess treatment options appeared in the September 2024 issue of Horse Illustratedmagazine.Click here to subscribe!The post Hoof Abscess Treatment Options appeared first on Horse Illustrated Magazine.