Britains third team riders, Tom McEwen and JL Dublin, have sailed into the lead at halfway stage of dressage day two at the Agria FEI European Eventing Championships.The pair had a blip on the centre and Dubs slipped on a corner, but they recovered well enough to score 26.2 and go ahead of Germanys Malin Malin Hansen-Hotopp, who still lies second at the moment with Carlos Quidditch K on 27.8.Another German pair, Libussa Lubbeke, who is making her senior debut this week, and her homebred mare Caramia 34, remain in third.He [Dubs] loves the dressage, so its just up to me to make sure we get everything polished, said Tom. The trot work was brilliant. Its hard work, especially for these big moving horses, its all so packed and collected and as its a D test, which is meant to be a bit quicker, everythings quick and efficient.In some of the five-star tests, if you make a little mistake you have time to make it back up a little bit later, whereas this is bang, bang, bang. It was a shame to have the obvious mistake on the centre line. We were just trying to get a bit straighter. I could see Sandy [Phillips] judging every bit of it, so I was like, ooh, straight, and then made a little mistake. To have that mistake and then get back and get his [flying] change in, Im really pleased with him and he finished brilliantly.He doesnt come out oftenJL Dublins last run was at Burgham in July, where he won the CCI4*S. He doesnt come out and run too often. Im really pleased with the prep. Weve been hitting the gallops at [champion National Hunt trainer] Nicky Hendersons and now were able to get on the grass gallops at home, so preparation has been good, added Tom.Its awesome to be here at a home championship. To be part of the team and to be on someone as special as Dublin, its a pretty special feeling.The post Britains Tom McEwen takes over the lead on Friday lunchtime appeared first on Your Horse.

Your Horses #FitNotFat is brought to you in partnership with Dengie Horse FeedsAs the seasons change, inevitably a hot, dry summer gives way to a wetter autumn which can result in another seasonal flush of grass. Whilst for those with poor doers who struggle to maintain their weight this can be very welcome, for those of us with good doers that are also laminitis prone it can be of real concern.The main cause of laminitis is hyperinsulinemia associated laminitis (HAL), which is associated with the endocrine disorders Equine Metabolic Syndrome (EMS) and Pituitary Pars Intermedia Dysfunction (PPID or Cushings disease). EMS is a metabolic problem characterised by insulin dysregulation (ID), abnormal adipose (fat) distribution (e.g. cresty neck and fatty pads) and altered levels of adipokines or fat hormones. PPID is a degenerative endocrine disorder that disrupts the control of hormones produced in the pituitary gland and commonly affects older horses and ponies. Individuals can have EMS, PPID or both conditions at the same time.Insulin dysregulationDiet has a key role to play in managing insulin dysregulation. The key things we can do to manage laminitis risk in our susceptible horses are:Aim to keep your horse at a healthy weight and encourage weight loss if overweight.Manage the intake of non-structural carbohydrates (NSC), as those with underlying insulin dysregulation have an abnormal response to the intake of NSC. These equines produce more insulin and insulin levels remain raised for longer. This is significant as it is these higher circulating levels of insulin that are thought to link to laminitis risk.Manage the rate of intake of forage and feed, as a slower rate of intake helps to reduce the insulin response to eating.A flush of grass in autumn increases an overweight horses risk of laminitis. Credit: ShutterstockWhy laminitis risk increases in autumnThere are several reasons why susceptible horses may be at an increased risk of laminitis in the autumn months, including: More grassWith the seasonal flush of grass there can be more grass to eat, which can result in rapid weight gain.Sunny days Sunny days can still result in higher levels of non-structural carbohydrates in the grass. Because there is more grass to eat, your horse will therefore consume higher levels of non-structural carbohydrates.Colder nightsLate autumn in to winter we may start to see sunny days and frosty nights, which means the grass accumulates non-structural carbohydrates during the day, but cant use it to grow overnight as it is too cold. This means non-structural carbohydrate levels in the grass become even higher again.Seasonal hormonal changes There are hormonal changes at this time of year, which mean that those equines that were previously not known to be at risk of laminitis may now be at risk. Adrenocorticotrophic hormone (ACTH) can be measured in the horses blood and is used to identify the incidence of PPID. Naturally, ACTH levels rise in all horses in the autumn, but for those with PPID, the levels are particularly high. Testing in the autumn using seasonally-adjusted reference ranges is therefore recommended as a good time to identify PPID. Those testing positive should also be tested for insulin dysregulation, as those with PPID and insulin dysregulation together are at the greatest risk of laminitis.Managing grass intakeIf your horse is laminitis prone, the autumn months mean that you still need to monitor them regularly and manage their grass intake accordingly. Strip grazing and grazing muzzles can be used to manage grass intake to help to keep your horse at a healthy weight. However, if they are particularly susceptible to laminitis, it may be more appropriate to remove them to a grass free area for a greater control over whats going in.Suitable forageWhen a horse is removed from grass, their reliance on conserved forage increases. As such it is also important that the conserved forage used provides an appropriate amount of energy to help keep your horse at a healthy weight and is also low in non-structural carbohydrates to help manage laminitis risk.The general consensus when selecting forages is to aim for less than 10%-12% non-structural carbohydrates on a dry matter basis, although some individuals severely affected by insulin dysregulation may require even less. Non-structural carbohydratesNon-structural carbohydrates (NSC) is an analytical term. It is the sum of water soluble carbohydrate (WSC) and starch added together. Water soluble carbohydrate is a measure of simple sugar plus fructan.The NSC of forage can be highly variable according to environmental conditions during growth and at the time of harvest. For example, hay thats cut on a cloudier day or earlier in the morning is likely to be lower NSC compared to hay thats cut in the afternoon on a sunny day. The only way to know how much NSC your forage contains is to get it tested.If testing your hay isnt practical, as your supply changes regularly, then soaking your hay can reduce the level of WSC and therefore NSC. Results can be highly variable and so soaking shouldnt be relied upon to make a hay that is high in NSC safe. Generally, though, the greater the volume of water, the longer the soak time, and the warmer the water, the greater the losses of WSC will be.However, it is important to remember that as we head into the colder winter months, soaking hay may not continue to be practical as taps and water buckets freeze, and the yard becomes like an ice rink when you try to dispose of the used water.Soaking hay will reduce your horses intake of non-structural carbohydrates. Credit: DengieFeeding strawProviding your horse has normal dentition, and providing it is introduced gradually to allow time for the digestive system to adapt, it can be useful to think ahead and start to blend straw into your horses usual forage ration in the autumn, just in case you cant soak your hay through the winter. Not only can it help to reduce your horses calorie intake if they are a good doer or need to lose weight, but it can also help to reduce your horses NSC intake as straw is lower in NSC than grass. Additionally, mixing straw though the usual forage ration has the added advantage of slowing the rate of intake of the entire forage meal. This is particularly beneficial for those with insulin dysregulation, as the slow rate of intake reduces the insulin response to eating. Energy value in forageUp to 50% of your horses usual forage ration can be replaced by straw. When using typical energy values for straw and average hay, replacing 50% of hay with straw can reduce energy intake by around 25%. If straw replaces even higher energy value forages like haylage, the reduction in energy intake can be even greater.Straw isnt always readily available or practical to store on the yard. Very dry conditions in the spring and into summer mean that in some areas forage yields were much lower and this will mean our forage choice could be more limited this autumn and winter.Main image supplied by DengieHave you heard about Your Horses#FitNotFatcampaign, in partnership with Dengie Horse Feeds? Equine obesity is an enormous welfare problem and were on a mission to provide owners and riders with the knowledge, skills and information you need to keep your horse in tip-top health. It could be life saving! FindoutmoreRelated contentLaminitis in horses: essential guide for every ownerVet nurse explains what insulin resistance is in horses and poniesVet explains why equine metabolic syndrome is a serious risk to every horses healthEverything you need to know about Cushings disease in horsesThe post Beware autumn laminitis: expert advice to keep your horse safe this season appeared first on Your Horse.

On Sept. 17, a yearling Quarter Horse filly in Twin Falls County, Idaho, tested positive for West Nile virus (WNV). The under-vaccinated horse developed clinical signs on Sept. 15, including acute ataxia. 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.

On Sept. 15, a 24-year-old Thoroughbred gelding at a boarding facility in Montgomery County, Maryland, tested positive for strangles after developing clinical signs on Sept. 11. The horse is isolated, and three horses have been 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.

Category Key Points Common Causes of Discomfort Musculoskeletal Issues: Kissing spines, bone cysts, lameness. Digestive Disorders: Colic, gastric ulceration, sand impaction. Stress and Behavioral Factors: Relocation stress, behavior changes. Environmental Changes: Diet shifts, hydration levels. Effective Solutions Pre-Purchase Exams: Thorough veterinary evaluations. Dietary Adjustments: Gradual diet changes, probiotics. Deworming: Vet-approved program, fecal egg counts. Stress Reduction: Routine consistency, calming supplements. Farrier and Saddle Fit: Regular visits, proper saddle fit. Close Monitoring: Post-purchase observation, vet consultations. Conclusion Prepare thoroughly and care attentively for smoother horse transitions. Ensuring Comfort for Your Newly Purchased Horse Purchasing a new horse can be a thrilling journey, but it also brings certain challenges, particularly when regarding the comfort and wellbeing of your new four-legged friend. Understanding the common causes of discomfort in new horses and implementing effective solutions can ensure a smooth transition for your equine companion. Common Causes of Discomfort in Newly Purchased Horses Musculoskeletal Issues and Pain One significant cause of discomfort can stem from musculoskeletal issues. Problem areas may include kissing spines or bone cysts that often lead to lameness. These conditions can be alleviated by regular assessments from a veterinarian to ensure early detection and management. Digestive Disorders and Colic Newly acquired horses are particularly susceptible to digestive distress such as colic, often aggravated by changes in diet and transportation. Conditions like gastric ulceration or sand impaction are commonly cited issues. Using supplements like psyllium helps in managing these risks effectively. Stress and Behavioral Factors Relocation stress can alter a horses appetite and digestive health. stress can thin the gut lining and expose it to gastric acid, resulting in ulcers or colic. Changes in behavior often indicate discomfort, so monitoring and addressing these issues early can be beneficial. Environmental and Management Changes Adjustments to changes in forage and feeding routines are essential for new horses. Sudden shifts in diet can cause temporary discomfort like soft feces, which typically resolves as your horse acclimates. Pay careful attention to their hydration levels and dietary needs. Effective Solutions to Address Discomfort Pre-Purchase and Early Veterinary Exams A thorough veterinary examination prior or just after purchase, including radiographs and lameness evaluations, can identify any underlying issues. Early intervention is key to preventing worsening conditions. Dietary Management Adjustments Introducing a gradual change in your horses diet reduces the likelihood of digestive upsets. Consider incorporating probiotics to maintain gut health. Routine Deworming and Parasite Control Implementing a vet-approved deworming program based on fecal egg counts can significantly lower discomfort arising from intestinal parasites. Stress Reduction Techniques Maintaining consistency in routine and minimizing separation from other horses eases the adjustment period. Calming supplements can also assist in acclimating horses to new environments. Farrier and Saddle Fit Care Regular farrier visits and ensuring proper saddle fit are essential. These measures help relieve stress linked to musculoskeletal issues and prevent discomfort. Close Monitoring After Purchase Monitoring your horse closely post-purchase and consulting with a vet upon detection of any pain, colic, or behavioral changes ensures proactive health management. Conclusion Transitioning a horse into a new home can be challenging, but with the right preparations and care, it can be a rewarding experience. Thorough examinations and an understanding of potential discomfort causes facilitate smoother transitions. For continual care, explore collections like the Jodhpur Collection or Stable Rugs that cater to both rider and horse comfort from Just Horse Riders.```html```

Two horses in Florida recently tested positive for strangles. The horses live in Marion and Alachua counties.In Marion County, a 2-year-old draft cross gelding tested positive for strangles on Aug. 19 after developing clinical signs on Aug. 11, including fever, nasal discharge, and lymph node abscess. He is recovering, and 10 horses at the facility have been exposed.In Alachua County, a Quarter Horse mare tested positive on Sept. 15 after developing clinical signs on Aug. 31, including fever, nasal discharge, and lymph node swelling. She is recovering, and 15 horses at the facility have been 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.

Wry Not is doing well after her first corrective procedures and should be able to lead a relatively normal life. | Kyla Ortved, DVM, PhD, Dipl. ACVS, ACVSMRWry Not, a 2023 Standardbred filly, made headlines last year after a surgical team at New Bolton Center at The University of Pennsylvania, in Kennett Square successfully repaired her severe wry nose. Kyla Ortved, DVM, PhD, Dipl. ACVS, ACVSMR, associate professor of large animal surgery and Jose Garcia-Lopez, VMD, Dipl. ACVS, ACVSMR, associate professor of large animal surgery collaborated on what they both describe as the worst case of wry nose they have seen. They used advanced diagnostics and surgical techniques to straighten out this fillys nose.What is Wry Nose in Horses?Veterinarians believe wry nose is a congenital condition, meaning it is present at birth and arises during the developmental stages of the fetus. It can affect a foals overall health and performance. Affected animals have a deviation of the nasal septum, which gives the nose an asymmetrical appearance. While wry nose is relatively rare, it requires prompt attention from horse owners, breeders, and veterinarians to ensure the foal gets the necessary treatment.Causes of Wry Nose in FoalsThere is a wide spectrum of severity of this condition, explains Ortved. Several factors contribute to the occurrence of wry nose, and while the exact cause is not always clear, genetics, nutritional imbalances, and environmental factors are commonly associated with it.Genetics: Genetic predisposition plays a significant role in the development of wry nose. If one or both of the foals parents have a history of wry nose or skeletal abnormalities, there is an increased likelihood of the foal inheriting the condition. Responsible breeding practices, such as avoiding crossing horses with a known history of wry nose, can help reduce the foals risk.Nutritional Imbalances: Deficiencies in essential nutrients in the mares diet such as vitamins and minerals, particularly during early gestation, can impact a foals skeletal structure formation and might contribute to the development of wry nose. Adequate prenatal nutrition is crucial for the overall health of the foal.Environmental Factors: The mares environment during pregnancy can influence her foals development. Exposure to certain toxins, infectious agents, or stress might contribute to the occurrence of wry nose. Ensuring a healthy and stress-free environment for pregnant mares can help minimize the risk.Identifying Wry Nose in FoalsOwners must recognize a wry nose in foals to allow early intervention and proper management. Most owners will identify the abnormal skeletal structure immediately but more mild cases may require a more detailed examination, says Garcia-Lopez. Common signs include:Asymmetry: The most apparent sign of wry nose is asymmetry of the foals nose. Again, the degree of deviation can range from mild to severe.Difficulty Breathing: Foals with wry nose might have trouble breathing due to their altered nasal structure. This can lead to respiratory issues and impact foals overall health.Difficulty Nursing: Foals with wry nose might struggle with nursing because the deformity can affect their ability to latch onto the teat. This can result in reduced milk intake and potential nutritional deficiencies. Its particularly important that foals nurse in the immediate postpartum period, when they must ingest colostrum. Although a foal might be able to nurse, an incorrect latch or swallow can lead to aspiration pneumonia, says Garcia-Lopez.Failure to Thrive: In severe cases foals with wry nose might grow and develop poorly. The physical challenges associated with the condition and the foals nursing issues can lead to failure to thrive.Managing and Treating Wry NoseWhile wry nose cannot be entirely corrected, several management strategies can help improve the foals quality of life and minimize potential complications.A veterinarian should examine foals within the first 24 hours because, again, diagnosing wry nose early is essential for effective treatment and minimizing secondary disease. These cases are usually noticed right after foaling; if somehow it goes unnoticed, the big issue is inability to nurse or aspiration pneumonia, says Garcia-Lopez.Affected foals that cannot nurse appropriately need nutritional support and colostrum supplementation. The foals veterinarian will check their IgG levels and administer plasma to be sure they receive proper immunity transfer. Some foals might need to be fed via nasogastric tube until repair.In mild cases, foals can generally nurse and breathe without too much issue so (it) can be managed conservatively, says Ortved. In the mildest cases veterinarians might recommend using nasal splints to help support the foals nasal structure and promote more symmetrical growth. They will typically apply splints during the early stages of the foals life and adjust them periodically as the foal grows.In severe cases where conservative measures are insufficient, veterinarians might consider surgical intervention to correct the deviation of the nasal septum and create a more normal nasal structure. Surgery is often reserved for extreme cases and requires a significant commitment from both the veterinarian and owner. Foals are unable to nurse, so (they) either require surgery or euthanasia, says Ortved.Owners should schedule regular veterinary checkups to monitor the foals progress and adjust management strategies as needed. Close observation allows for timely intervention in case of complications or changes in the foals condition.Long-Term Prognosis for Wry Nose FoalsThe foals prognosis for life and performance depends on the severity of the wry nose. In mild cases foals can adapt to their unique abnormality and live a full and healthy life, but more severely affected foals will not survive (without intervention) because of restricted airflow and the inability to nurse. Managing abnormal dental occlusionshow the tooth surfaces meet and their ability to chewwith a regular schedule of veterinary care is vital to these horses quality of life and wellness going forward.The athletic prognosis for foals with wry nose often depends on the severity of the condition and the owners discipline of choice. It depends on which athletic activity we are looking at; as a racehorse the prognosis is guarded; in nonracehorses the prognosis is better, says Garcia-Lopez. Racehorses typically need a nasal septum resection, he adds, to allow the airflow necessary for the sport.Take-Home MessageWry nose in foals is a challenging condition to handle; it takes careful management and attention from horse owners, breeders, and veterinarians to ensure affected animals thrive. Advancements in veterinary care and a proactive care approach can significantly improve the quality of life for affected foals. Ongoing research and collaboration within the equine community will continue to contribute to veterinarians understanding of wry nose and aid in the development of more effective management strategies.As for Wry Not, Ortved reports that while she and her colleagues will continue follow-up corrections, the filly is doing well so far: The foal will never be normal but hopefully will be able to lead a relatively happy and healthy life.

On Sept. 16, a 6-year-old Standardbred gelding in LaGrange County, Indiana, tested positive for Eastern equine encephalitis (EEE). The unvaccinated gelding developed clinical signs on Sept. 10, including recumbency and fever. He was euthanized.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.