Table of ContentsToggleThe Basics of Good Arena FootingSand and Fiber FootingA Vets ViewConsequences of Poor Arena FootingThe Best PreventionIf youre considering building, improving or fixing a riding arena, its easy to become confused by all of the natural and man-made options. The first step, however, is to learn what makes good arena footing versus poor arena footing in order to prevent injuries to your horse. These are not only costly in terms of vet bills, but also require rehabilitation time that keeps you out of the saddle and the show ring.Photo by Video_StockOrg/Adobe StockThe Basics of Good Arena FootingThe ideal footing needs to:Have tractionHave no dustHave cushioningDeter injuriesBoost performanceProvide stabilityProvide rebound energy (the responsiveness and resiliency of the footing surface to return it its original form by returning energy back to the horse)Factors that make footing poor quality include: Too deepToo hardToo unevenToo looseToo dustyNon-drainingSlipperyFooting that doesnt drain quickly or properly can become problematic. Photo by Laura Boynton JobsonThere are three primary layers to arenas: the top footing, the sub-surface, and the base.Sand is the most popular surface used across the world, both with and without synthetic fibers added. Others include wood chips/sawdust, rubber chips, grass, and dirt. The sub-surface has many options: a drainage layer, grid-mats, compacted stone, sand, or another manufactured material. Most bases are made out of clay, stone dust, and the natural native soil of the property.Synthetic fiber blends are popular for new arena builds. It tends to be more uniform and low-dust than pure sand. Photo courtesy GGT-FootingWhat the arena is made of, how much traffic goes through it, precipitation and temperature all play a part in keeping an arena safe. Different arenas have different requirements to keep them in peak performance, but most require the following:Watering regularlyRegular dragging and groomingRemoval of manure, urine and other organic materialAdding new sandRaking upkeepPicking out weeds, rocks and other debrisRegular watering, dragging, manure removal and adding sand as needed are important parts of maintaining safe footing. Photo by Christiane SlawikSand and Fiber FootingCynthia Brewster Keating is the national director of sales and marketing director for GGT-Footing. For more than 25 years, Polysols, the parent company of GGT-Footing, has been producing innovative equestrian footing products for riding arenas.The arena footing products are repurposed remnant virgin material thats used to make various fibers and textile blends, says Keating. The focus is on developing the best combination of synthetic chopped non-woven material and combining it with the highest-quality sands from quarries across the county.The different disciplines require a different amount of tightness in the sand, she adds. The pleasure blend has minimal fiber and is designed to keep the sand fluffy. The dressage blend has 15 percent fiber and is designed to provide variations according to how it is groomed and maintained. The jumper blend has 30 percent fiber, designed to offer concussion, relief, and stability as well as rebound energy.The percentage of fiber to sand is higher in footing used by hunter/jumpers, who need more rebound energy. Photo by Laura Boynton JobsonKeating has found that the quality of the sand is not as good as it used to be in the United States due to amount of fracking and the oil industry. Because of this, we have found that its important to use more fiber, regardless of what your discipline is, says Keating. Ninety percent of our sales are blend. We use our competition blend at high-end horse shows, which is 50 percent geotextile and 50 percent fiber. [These shows] require the most support and concussion relief, especially in the Grand Prix dressage and jumper arenas.Nowadays, its recommended that you hire a consultant that can test the sand that you are thinking of using, she adds. Many professional arena builders are now using mixtures of variable grades of sand to achieve the best results. Keating says anyone building arenas should assess the level of riding and how many horses go through their arena each day.Across the country, there are a varying products available for base, so its best to work with a contractor who is familiar with your specific property and ground, she says.A Vets ViewPoor footing can be a big contributor to lameness, according to Rob van Wessum, DVM, M.S., who practices at Equine All-Sports Medicine Center in Mason, Mich. Hes also a Grand Prix dressage rider who holds a diplomate from the American College of Equine Veterinary Sports Medicine and Rehabilitation (ACVSMR).He says that close to 50 percent of his case load of lame horses is due to improper footing and improper training techniques in inadequate footing. He mostly sees tendon or ligament injuries related to both these factors.Dr. van Wessum says that close to 50 percent of his case load of lame horses is due to improper footing. Pictured: deep, dry, uneven footing.In deep footing with lack of stability, the horse moves the footing material too much, which means less rebound of ground-reaction forces into the horse, causing tendon injuries, especially suspensory ligament injuries, says van Wessum. The horse loses energy with every stride, moving footing instead of himself. That puts a lot of strain on muscles to deliver more energy. A horse is built for rebound energy stored in tendons, so a lot of kinetic energy is stored as elastic energy during the air phase and then used in the next stance phase. With deep footing, there is far less rebound energy.When muscles get fatigued due to excess work in deep footing for too long in the same kind of work, a horse cant stabilize his core anymore, which will cause damage to the connective tissue as result, he continues. Connective tissue is often ligament, fascia or tendon. You can find it in the limbs but also in the back, neck, and pelvis region. Damage to all those regions is diagnosed daily in our practice.Consequences of Poor Arena FootingFooting that is so deep the coronary band disappears is one of the most common kinds of bad footing.The opposite of too deep is too hard, which can damage to the bone structures due to concussive forces, says van Wessum.He explains that footing that has too much grip, like when too much fiber is added, can cause damage to the collateral ligaments of the coffin, pastern, and fetlock joint. This is due to rotational forces when riding in small circles, lateral gaits, or landing and turning after jumpsany time the foot gets stuck on the footing while the upper part of the limb turns. He also sees this with too-deep footing when it is muddy or clay-like and sucks the hooves in.Footing that is too slippery due to rain or over-watering causes many injuries, such as ligament and tendon injuries in the lower limb, but also spinal ligament injuries in the neck, back and pelvis, says van Wessum.One of the worst kinds of footings van Wessum sees is when the same arena has different areas within it, like harder, softer and then deeper areas.When the quality of the footing suddenly changes, a misstep and strain or distortion of joint or ligament is the result, he says.Van Wessum stresses that there is no general rule for quality footing materials.It depends on what the arena is used for, where its located geographically, the traffic through the arena (one or two horses a day versus 60), and the quality of the maintenance, he explains.The Best Prevention What are the best steps a rider can take to protect their horse? Incorporate proper training and exercise to adapt to the quality of footing, according to van Wessum.When the footing is deeper, shorter bouts of more intense work, alternating with walking, helps the horse recover and avoid fatigue, he says. Proper shoeing and timely reshoeing so the angles dont change too much is extremely important.Van Wessum does not see any advantage to boots or leg protection when it comes to preventing injury due to bad footing.His client horses receive regular soundness exams (approximately every six months) to monitor any small changes in performance and sensitivity of tendons and ligaments before they become a bigger issue.We saw horses from the same facility showing tenderness in the suspensory ligament, says van Wessum. After looking at the footing, we could see that it was getting too deep because of less watering in dry times.Its smart to take a walk in any new footing with your horse before riding, exercising or competing. Pay attention to the depth, consistency and condition of the arena.Whats under your horses feet will affect his overall soundness, confidence and performance. Knowing how horses react to different surfaces will help you determine the best type of footing to ride in. With patience and proper training, you can help your horse travel on many surfaces safely and without injury. This article about arena footing appeared in the September 2024 issue of Horse Illustratedmagazine.Click here to subscribe!The post Arena Footing 101 appeared first on Horse Illustrated Magazine.

More time in turnout is typically beneficial for senior horses with osteoarthritis. | Anne M. Eberhardt/The HorseOsteoarthritis poses a threat to soundness and athletic longevity in any horse but especially senior horses. The condition can affect horses in obvious ways, such as lameness, but sometimes the signs of arthritis are subtle.Because horses are prey animals, they are adept at hiding pain, which can make it challenging to identify these more subtle signs of discomfort.Subtle signs of osteoarthritis in senior horses can include alterations in their everyday activities, says Kara Brown, VMD, Dipl. ACVSMR, assistant professor of equine sports medicine and rehabilitation at the University of Pennsylvanias New Bolton Center, in Kennett Square. For instance, a horse may be slower to come in from the field, have difficulty getting down to roll, or standing up from lying down.In rare cases, horses can even begin showing signs of sleep deprivation because they arent able to lie down and rest, resulting in periods of collapse due to exhaustion. Under saddle, these horses might present with poor performance, such as being unable to complete a flying lead change, or lack of impulsion.Noticing these early subtle signs of arthritis before they progress is crucial, says Kyla Ortved, DVM, PhD, Dipl. ACVS, Dipl. ACVSMR, associate professor of large animal surgery at New Bolton Center. Our goal with osteoarthritis is early recognition of joint injuries and inflammation. That way, we can limit the progression of arthritis and keep the joint as healthy as possible as the horse ages.Working The Arthritic HorseSimilar to humans, becoming sedentary is the kiss of the death for a horse with arthritis, says Ortved. Horses do better when they are allowed to, and encouraged to, move around and engage in controlled exercise.With regular maintenance, many horses continue working and competing into their senior years. Regular exercise, a healthy diet that is not too high in protein (although each horses needs vary depending on their metabolic status) and making sure that the horses body condition remains as ideal as possible can make a huge difference in these senior horses, says Jose Garcia-Lopez, VMD, Dipl. ACVS, Dipl. ACVSMR, associate professor of large animal surgery at New Bolton. If a senior horse develops pain or unsoundness due to osteoarthritis, they will tend to move around less and begin using their bodies in an incorrect fashion which results in loss of muscle tone and conditioning.Implementing regular carrot stretches for 10-15 minutes prior to exercise can help a senior horses body warm up to help combat loss of muscle and reduce stiffness.Some horses might benefit from 10 minutes of longe work (at the walk and trot) prior to working under saddle to allow them time to warm up without a rider. Walking and trotting over ground poles and cavaletti can also help senior horses maintain their muscle tone, said Garcia-Lopez. After exercise, topical therapies, such as liniment or ice boots can be used to reduce inflammation, pain, and stiffness.Supplements, Medications, and Other Ways to Manage Arthritis in HorsesIf your horse has been diagnosed with osteoarthritis, feed-through supplements might be used to slow its progression or reduce pain levels.There are numerous studies being performed and published evaluating the effects of other supplements, such as omega-3 fatty acids, glucosamine, chondroitin sulfate, and others, says Brown. Unfortunately, some label claims for supplements are not supported by good-quality clinical trials, and I would encourage anyone considering oral supplements to evaluate the evidence behind their use and consult your veterinarian about any potential risks with use in your horse.Instead, veterinarians agree that managing body weight has a more significant effect on senior horses with arthritis, especially in those that are overweight. Increased weight and fatty tissue can not only increase the amount of load on the limbs but also result in more pain and lameness in horses with osteoarthritis, says Brown. Osteoarthritis can make weight management challenging for horse owners because it can lead to reduced movement, lack of calorie output, and, therefore, more weight gain. Be sure to monitor your senior horses weight and body condition score regularly to prevent him from losing muscle condition and gaining weight.Veterinarians might prescribe oral medications for pain management in senior horses with osteoarthritis, including phenylbutazone, firocoxib, acetaminophen, and pregabalin. Most practitioners recommend monitoring your horse periodically using blood work to ensure hes maintaining normal organ function on these medications.Our sources agree that intra-articular therapies can help decrease inflammation within the joint. Veterinarians base their injectable joint therapy selections primarily on your horses specific needs, such as which joint is affected, the severity of the arthritis, and potential side effects of the medication.While there is currently no injectable medication that completely regenerates damaged cartilage, treating joints with osteoarthritis early in the disease processbased on clinical signscan decrease inflammation, slow the diseases progression, and reduce clinical signs. I prefer to use joint injections on an as-needed basis rather than just keeping horses on a specific maintenance schedule, says Ortved.In addition to the interventions described, work closely with your farrier and veterinarian team to ensure the biomechanics of the hoof are optimized to improve your horses comfort. Many horses can be managed very well barefoot with timely trimming; however, some horses do seem more comfortable with the additional support of shoes, Ortved adds. Take-Home MessageIf your senior horse has been diagnosed with osteoarthritis, watch for subtle signs of pain, continually monitor your horses comfort levels, and maintain a good working relationship with your veterinarian so you can be ready to make changes to your horses treatments and management strategies when needed. Warming your horse up well before exercise and maintaining them at a healthy weight can also help reduce the stress placed on their joints.

Horse Sport Ireland (HSI), the national governing body for equestrian sport in Ireland, has opened a public consultation as it initiates the development of a new Strategic Plan.This strategic plan will set out HSIs priorities, goals, and key actions, shaping the organisations direction for the years ahead.HSI is seeking input from all stakeholders, including riders, breeders, affiliates, service users, and members of the public.HSI has begun the process of developing a new Strategic Plan to guide the future of the organisation. This plan will set out our priorities, goals, and actions for the coming years, said HSI Chief Executive, Denis Duggan.The voice of all those who avail of HSI services, stakeholders, and everyone with an interest in the Irish sport horse sector will be central to the creation of this plan.We are inviting all suggestions, concerns, and insights in order to ensure we build the best possible strategy for the coming years to strengthen governance and professionalism, support athlete development, enhance horse welfare, grow participation, and help to ensure a sustainable future for Irish horse sport.As part of the consultation process, HSI will host a series of in-person workshops in September through its Advisory Forums, working closely with affiliates and other industry stakeholders.It is vital that there is positive, proactive engagement from all those associated with the forums in order to create the best possible strategic plan for the years to come, concluded Mr Duggan.Horse Sport Ireland has a DEDICATED STRATEGIC PLAN on our website where there is a survey link.Submissions can also be made via email to strategicplan@horsesportireland.ie or sent in writing to: Strategic Plan Team, Horse Sport Ireland, 1st Floor, Beech House, Millennium Park, Naas, Co. Kildare W91 TK7N.The deadline for submissions is Friday 10th October 2025.The post Horse Sport Ireland opens public consultation on Strategic Plan appeared first on .

The finishing touches are being applied in Ermelo as the Irish Para Dressage team prepare for the European Championships this week.Horses and riders have touched down in The Netherlands, have settled in and veterinary inspections passed. Excitement and nervous anticipation is building but the Irish are confident of doing themselves justice.Simone Hessions team of Paralympian Jess McKenna and Angela Lyons, as well as teenagers Katie Reilly and Clodagh Walsh, have taken everything in their stride as they build towards day one of action tomorrow all thats left to do now is compete.There is a positive mood in the camp, said Horse Sport Ireland High Performance Para Dressage Manager, Hession.We started travelling over the weekend and arrived safely here in Ermelo yesterday (Monday). The horses have settled in and are in great form, and the girls are all excited to get going.Trot-up went very well this morning we had no issues so its all systems go for tomorrow. A huge amount of credit must go to Seamus McSorley for the preparartion he did with the athletes and their horses. This ensured that everything went perfectly this morning.Clodagh and Chantal will compete in the Grade I category, with Jess and D.C.I Cerrutti, and Katie with Keystone Dawn Chorus in Grade III and Angela with Woodcroft Santa Cruz in Grade IV.Off the back of an impressive season to date, hopes will be high in the camp that Irelands combinations can make an impressive both individually and in team competition.While Hession is not making any medal predictions just yet, she is hopeful of some high scores.Thats what were here for to put our best foot forward and achieve the highest possible position. We have a very young squad, though, and we must remember that.Katie and Clodagh have been performing brilliantly and thats refelected in their Under-18 world ranking, where theyre number one and two in the world.Angela has a depth of experience, having been in the sport for so many years, and Jess knows what it means to be in a major championship having competed in Paris last year, but the main thing is that they all stay relaxed, give themselves every opportunity to do their best, and enjoy it!Walsh, Reilly and McKenna will compete tomorrow afternoon in the Para Grand Prix A Individual Final and First Individual Qualifier for the Grand Prix Freestyle, while Lyons is in the arena on Thursday for her first outing of the week.The competetion will be broadcast live on FEI TV and we will keep Irish fans updated across our social media channels as it happens.The post Excitment in Ermelo as Para Dressage team gets set for the European Championships appeared first on .

Topic Description Health Concerns Refusal may indicate illness or discomfort such as dental issues, gastrointestinal distress, or systemic illness. Dietary Restrictions or Sensitivities Special diets may limit sugar; carrots have 6-7.5% sugar/starch content, affecting horses with metabolic issues. Change in Taste or Palatability Horses may reject carrots due to changes in freshness, texture, or contamination with dirt or mold. Behavioral Factors Stress, boredom, or environmental changes can cause refusal, reflecting discomfort or anxiety. Veterinary Check-Up Seek advice if refusal is sudden with other symptoms for diagnosis and treatment. Evaluate Diet and Treats Review diet with an equine nutritionist and consider low-sugar alternatives for sensitive horses. Carrot Preparation Cut carrots to reduce choking risk and increase appeal; ensure freshness and cleanliness. Observation and Environment Assess and restructure the environment to provide comfort and reduce stress. Moderation Treats should be occasional to prevent imbalanced feeding and health risks. Conclusion Understanding refusal involves health, diet, and behavior. Observation and professional consultation are key. Why Won't My Horse Eat Carrots? Uncovering the MysteryUnderstanding why a horse suddenly refuses to eat carrots involves exploring several potential causes ranging from health issues to dietary sensitivities and behavioral factors. While carrots are generally a favored treat for horses, refusal can signal underlying problems that merit attention to ensure your horse's well-being.Health ConcernsA horses sudden refusal of a usual treat like carrots might indicate illness or discomfort. According to equine health experts, loss of appetite can be an early sign of conditions such as dental problems, gastrointestinal distress, or systemic illness (fever, elevated heart rate) that warrant veterinary evaluation. For example, ponies with a history of laminitis might become more selective with treats, especially those containing sugars.Dietary Restrictions or SensitivitiesSome horses are on special diets that limit sugar and starch intake due to metabolic issues or allergies. Carrots have approximately 6-7.5% combined sugar and starch on a fresh weight basis, which is higher than some alternative feeds and can affect sensitive horses, such as those prone to laminitis or insulin dysregulation[1][2]. Facilities managing therapy or adaptive riding horses may enforce low-starch or no-treat protocols for dietary control and digestive health.Change in Taste or PalatabilityHorses have keen senses and may reject food that smells, tastes, or feels different. Changes in carrot freshness, texture, or contamination with dirt or mold can deter a horse. Similarly, feed changes affecting other parts of their diet could influence their treat preferences[4].Behavioral FactorsA horses refusal could stem from behavioral issues such as stress, boredom, or a reaction to environmental changes. A horse walking away from a handler or behaving unusually may also reflect discomfort or anxiety rather than simple treat rejection.Potential Solutions and Best PracticesVeterinary Check-UpIf refusal is sudden and accompanied by other symptoms (lethargy, changes in stool, or dental issues), seek veterinary advice promptly for diagnosis and treatment. A prompt check-up can help rule out significant health issues and provide peace of mind for the horse owner.Evaluate Diet and TreatsReview the horses diet with an equine nutritionist to ensure treats like carrots fit safely into their nutritional needs. For sensitive horses, consider low-sugar alternatives such as certain commercial low-starch treatsa href="https://www.laminitis.site/" target="_blank">[1][2], especially if under veterinary or program-specific dietary restrictions.Carrot PreparationCut carrots into appropriate sizes to reduce choking risk and increase appeal. Offering fresh, clean carrots without spoilage maintains palatability. Taking such precautions ensures treats remain a joy and not a hazard.Observation and EnvironmentAssess your horses environment and stress levels; changes at the barn or in routine can affect feeding behavior. Restructure their surroundings to provide comfort and familiarity, which can ease issues related to eating.ModerationTreats should remain an occasional complement, not a dietary staple, to prevent imbalanced feeding and health risks such as weight gain and laminitis. Moderation in treating ensures maintaining a well-rounded and structured diet for your equine companion.ConclusionUnderstanding why your horse might refuse to eat carrots can involve a few different factors, from health concerns and dietary restrictions to behavioral cues. Observing your horse's habits and consulting with professionals can guide you in offering the best care. To explore more about equine nutrition or find suitable horse treats, visit Just Horse Riders.```html```

On Aug. 29, the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Agribusiness confirmed that a 12-year-old Quarter Horse mare in the District of Rainy River tested positive for strangles. The attending veterinarian initially examined the mare for esophageal obstruction (choke) after she began showing signs of purulent (pus-like) nasal discharge and swollen lymph nodes in the throatlatch area. PCR testing came back positive for Streptococcus equi, the causative agent of strangles.No new horses had arrived on the farm recently, though two resident horses have been exposed. The farm is under voluntary quarantine, and the mare 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.

According to the Kentucky Department of Agriculture, an unvaccinated yearling Thoroughbred colt in Jessamine County, Kentucky, was confirmed positive for West Nile virus (WNV) on Aug. 29. He developed a gait deficiency on Aug. 21 that progressively worsened to become ataxia (incoordination) with muscle fasciculations (twitching). As of Aug. 30, the colt is alive and continuing to improve.This is the fifth confirmed case of equine West Nile virus in Kentucky this year.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.

On Sept. 2, the California Department of Food and Agriculture confirmed the states first case of equine West Nile virus (WNV) in 2025. An undervaccinated 5-year-old Quarter Horse mare in Santa Barbara County began showing signs of fever, lethargy, hypermetria (exaggerated front limb movements), ataxia (incoordination), muscle fasciculations (head, muzzle, neck, back twitching), and hyperreactivity on Aug. 20. She was confirmed positive for WNV on Aug. 29 and is currently alive and 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.