Researchers are working to better understand EASD in horses. | iStockExercise-associated sudden death (EASD) is defined as the spontaneous death of a closely observed, apparently clinically normal horse that occurs during or within one hour of exercise. This timeline includes active exertion, returning to the barn from racing or training and while the horse is being cooled out or bathed after the activity. These dramatic events occur in the presence of any number of people, including racetrack workers, media professionals and the public. When high profile deaths or clusters of these events occur, scrutiny becomes closer, more directed and sharper. The death of the disqualified Kentucky Derby winner, Medina Spirit, during a morning workout at Santa Anita in 2021 generated a media firestorm. Likewise, during a spate of 12 racehorse deaths at Churchill Downs in the spring of 2023, the exercise-associated sudden deaths of two horses generated controversy, as well as wild speculation. In Kentucky, as in many other racing jurisdictions, horses that succumb to EASD are subject to a rigorous and detailed postmortem examination protocol. In addition to a standard postmortem examination, an extensive visual and microscopic examination of the heart is performed, the spinal column is examined and toxicology testing is performed as indicated by the individual horse history. Despite this extensive testing, a clear diagnosis is reached by the pathologist in fewer than 50% of cases. Exercise-associated sudden deathis divided into two broad categories: those with significant postmortem examination findings and those without, termed autopsy-negative. From March 2017 through December 2024, 55 EASD examinations were performed at the University of Kentucky Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory (UKVDL). A diagnosis was reached in 45% of cases, while 55% were considered autopsy-negative. Autopsy-negative cases are presumed to be of cardiac origin and are termed sudden cardiac deaths (SCD). In 2008, the Jockey Club and industry stakeholders, including racetrack management, trainers, private and regulatory veterinarians and Thoroughbred breeders initiated a coordinated effort to address musculoskeletal injuries in racehorses. Through these and other efforts, the rate of catastrophic musculoskeletal injuries (breakdowns) has decreased by 34%. With the decreased rate of catastrophic musculoskeletal injuries, EASD has gained more prominence as a cause of exercise-associated mortality. As occurred in 2008, a focused approach to EASD and associated risk factors is being undertaken through multi-institutional research groups and regulatory bodies. In October 2023, the Horseracing Integrity and Safety Authority (HISA) founded an EASD working group that includes veterinary professionals from a wide range of disciplines, including regulatory veterinarians, clinicians, diagnosticians and researchers. Current members of the working group represent the University of California-Davis, University of Kentucky, University of Minnesota, University of Pennsylvania, the Virginia Racing Commission and the Minnesota Racing Commission. The goals of this working group include the development of monitoring tools to prospectively identify horses at risk, on-track emergency management plans, analysis of variations in genetics and biomarkers of horses that suffer EASD and the development of standardized postmortem examination protocols. The successful development and implementation of risk mitigation strategies for the prevention of catastrophic musculoskeletal injuries provides a roadmap for the development of mitigation strategies to decrease the prevalence of exercise-associated sudden death. With a concerted effort among owners, trainers, private veterinarians, regulatory bodies, diagnosticians and researchers, and a dedication to the welfare and safety of racehorses, this goal can be achieved. We can do this.Editors note: This is an excerpt fromEquine Disease Quarterly, Vol. 34, Issue 3, funded by underwriters at Lloyds, London, brokers, and their Kentucky agents. It was written by Laura Kennedy, DVM, Dipl. ACVP, veterinary pathologist at the University of Kentucky, in Lexington.

The Green Glens Arena in Millstreet, who hope to host the the 2026 FEI Eventing World Championship U25 next yearHorse Sport Ireland is delighted to formally support Millstreets bid to host the 2026 FEI Eventing World Championship U25 at the world-renowned Green Glens Arena and Drishane Castle in Millstreet, Co. Cork.Millstreet has a long and distinguished track record of staging international equestrian events, from European Championships for Ponies, Juniors, and Young Riders to Olympic qualifiers and FEI Nations Cup competitions. Their facilities, expertise, and commitment to excellence ensure that Ireland is uniquely placed to deliver a world-class championship for the next generation of eventing stars.Avalon Everett, Chief Operations Officer of Horse Sport Ireland, said: Ireland is proud of its reputation as a leading equestrian nation, and we are thrilled to endorse Millstreets bid to host the 2026 FEI Eventing World Championship U25. This event represents a vital opportunity to showcase our young athletes on the world stage while highlighting Irelands outstanding equestrian venues, community spirit, and hospitality.Emma Hickey, Championship Director at Millstreet, added: We are delighted to confirm that we have formally submitted a bid to the FEI to host the 2026 U25 World Championships of Eventing. Through this bid we hope to showcase Ireland on the world stage as a true eventing stronghold. Ireland has a proud tradition of producing world-class riders and horses, and this championship would provide a unique opportunity to celebrate and build on that legacy. We would be honoured to welcome the world to Millstreet for the very first edition of this exciting new championship. Having successfully hosted youth championships in the past, we are confident that we can deliver a world-class event worthy of the occasion.Hosting the Championship in Ireland would:Provide a world-class platform for the development of talented young riders.Showcase Irelands position as a premier destination for international equestrian sport.Engage local communities and inspire the next generation of equestrians.Strengthen Irelands legacy of delivering top-level international events.Horse Sport Ireland looks forward to working closely with Millstreet and all partners to ensure the success of this exciting bid and to continue building Irelands reputation as a global leader in equestrian sport.The post Horse Sport Ireland proud to support Millstreets bid for 2026 FEI Eventing World Championship U25 appeared first on .

Do you enjoy cosplay? Or dressing up as a superhero in your every day life?Boy, do I have the right thing for you!Equestrians on social media have been puzzling over the latest clothing launch from Maximilian Equestrian: a one piece riding suit. The shirt and the pants are one. They have been joined. It looks exactly like a catsuit from a superhero movie, plus some grips on the leg.Photo by PeopleByOwen: With the direction riding clothes have been going, its actually not surprising that they decided to launch this. A lot of riding clothes coming out today are clingy, skin tight, workout-inspired items. It wasnt too far of a stretch to throw in a jumpsuit, which some women work out in.I dont wear them at all, by the way, I want to make that very clear. I think jumpsuits are weird and uncomfortable, and bring up the age old question: How do you pee?I once saw a video mocking that question, where the creator pulls off the jumpsuit from the top to demonstrate, as though the rest of us are dumb for realizing it. Maybe we just phrased the question wrong the real question/problem is that we dont want to strip naked and have our clothes dragging on the floor while we pee (or having to navigate awkwardly holding up the clothing). Is that clear enough?Other issues riding makes us sweaty. I feel like trying to pull a jumpsuit on and off while we are damp is something like trying to put on a wet swimsuit. Likely worse, because a swimsuit is like a scrap of fabric. This jumpsuit has an entire long sleeve shirt. Its going to be like putting panty hose on your arms.Then theres sizing its already hard to get clothes that fit just right, and now youre dealing with something that may or may not fit the different parts of your body. It might end up too tight on your shoulders, but everywhere else is loose. It might pull on your crotch because youre taller than it intended. Theres just a lot that could go wrong with the sizing.ALSO, I dont know if Im the only one who does this, but I find I can usually wear breeches more than once. Shirts, however, get really nasty and gross so I change them immediately. So having them connected is going to make it so I have to wash it every single time. That is not practical at all.Photo by Antonio Friedemann: The jumpsuit just launched, but its too soon to see if people are buying it. I foresee some influencers wearing these for the novelty of it, or just to do a photoshoot in, but I dont see the reach going much further than that. I just dont understand who they are making this for. Maybe it was just a marketing ploy to bring attention to their other products. In a sense, it worked, because I went and looked. I saw their clothing is out of the range that I like to spend on my clothes, so I wont be buying any. The riding jumpsuit is $279. And it comes in white. I cant imagine wearing an completely white outfit to the barn. It makes me think people who do more than just show up to a completely tacked up horse and ride probably arent going to want it.I once heard youll get way more uses out of something plain, because youll wear it more. The unique pieces end up being shoved to the back of your closet, because you either want to save it for special occasions, or you just dont people to notice you wearing the same thing a lot. This piece is very unique, so how many uses would you get out of it?Would you wear a jumpsuit to ride in?The post The Riding Jumpsuit appeared first on An Equestrian Life.

On Aug. 26, a 3-year-old Standardbred gelding in Carroll County, Maryland, tested positive for West Nile virus (WNV). The gelding, who is unvaccinated, developed neurologic deficits on Aug. 20. He 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.

For the 2025 breeding season so far, HSI has received 4086 applications and issued 1385 completed applications.3866 pedigree applications have had their foal kit sent to the applicant, with the remainder issued imminently.It is important to note that, to date, 1419 foal kits have not been yet returned from breeders to HSI for pedigree applications, which is 37 per cent of all applications.Of the 2447 applications who have returned their foal kits to HSI, 1385 have been completed and the passport issued and 132 are currently undergoing quality control checks, while the remaining applications DNA samples are currently with the laboratory for analysis.Of the 1517 passport applications, where the DNA samples have been returned to HSI from the laboratory, 1385 are complete.The post Passport figures for foals born in 2025 (Horse Source applications) 29th August, 2025 appeared first on .

A 7-year-old Quarter Horse gelding in Cache County, Utah, recently tested positive for West Nile virus (WNV). The horse developed clinical signs on Aug. 20, including weakness, muscle fasciculations, and neurologic behavior. He is now 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.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.

Britains trio of riders finished just outside the individual medals in the Special at the FEI European Dressage Championships today (29 August).Becky Moody, who is gearing up to make her Your Horse Live masterclass debut in November, pulled off the best result for fifth aboard Jagerbomb, while Carl Hester piloted Fame into sixth and Lottie Fry scored ninth place with Glamourdale.Belgiums Justin Verboomen made history when steering Zonik Plus to individual gold. This was the first medal of any colour that this nation has ever won at a major dressage competition, either in a team or individual competition. Yesterday Belgium finished fourth in the team competition, behind Germany, Great Britain and Denmark. I still cannot believe what just happened, said the 38-year-old Belgian rider who has owned this nine-year-old black stallion since he was two and has produced him himself. I felt so much pressure yesterday and today, also pressure that I put on myself. That was hard to handle. Zonik is still so young and I feel like we have so much to learn together. I am speechless.Justin Verboomen and Zonik Plus win individual gold, a first for BelgiumIm super proudCathrine Laudrup-Dufour pulled off the best team test of the competition aboard Mount St John Freestyle in the Grand Prix to top that leaderboard and she surpassed that score (80.823%) by 0.864% in the Special.Their test today was a joy, but a big mistake in the one-tempi changes, which saw the marks drop to as low as 3.7, proved costly, yet still good enough for silver.She felt absolutely wonderful. She was so soft, I really could present her in the most supple way, said Cathrine of the 16-year-old bay mare.Aiming for gold is hard with such an amazing group of riders. Im super proud of Freestyle. The scores of the other combinations motivate me to get better. On Sunday we will give it everything.Germans impressGermanys Isabell Werth added individual bronze to yesterdays team gold, her test aboard Wendy De Fontaine just missing the 80% barrier by 0.973%. The most decorated equestrian athlete in history rode for gold, but mistakes crept into the one-tempi changes in the canter tour.We started this season quite late and I can feel we are not yet at peak form, said Isabell. It was a challenge to reach the podium, but there were many things that pleased me today. In the Freestyle I want to take more risk I will go for it! Her teammate, Katharina Hemmer, piloted Denoix PCH into fourth. The chestnut gelding showed relaxation, uphill movement and a harmonious, classical picture and there was not a single mistake to earn 78.678%, which kept them at the top of the leaderboard for a long time.I am so amazed, said Katharina. It doesnt often happen that you can truly enjoy your test while riding it, but today was one of those days. Denoix wanted to do everything right, he really gave it all.A point to proveAfter a disappointing ride in the Grand Prix, Lottie had been determined to fight back and took risks in the trot tour. The result was a test with energy, power and courage, and the highlights were the extensions, one-tempi changes and lateral work. However, some of the transitions werent quite up to their usual standard and a less consistent piaffe held the score to 75.289%. This was enough for an early lead, but it was only temporary.Becky Moody and Jagerbomb, who is owned by the rider and Jo Cooper, were also looking to make amends after mistakes in the Grand Prix and they pulled off a textbook test for 77.796%.Carl once again gave a masterclass in classical riding with Fame, who is owned by himself, Fiona Bigwood and Mette Dahl, but some tension in the walk left him just short of teammate Beckys score.View the final standings in fullView the team results in fullAhead to the FreestyleTomorrow is a rest day and no competition will take place.The top 18 from todays Special have qualified for the Freestyle on Sunday (31 August), when the final set of individual medals will be decided. Images FEI/Leanjo de KosterThe post Historic gold for Belgium as British riders finish just outside the medals appeared first on Your Horse.