Wilmington, Ohio September 24, 2025 To streamline the verification and tracking of horse health records, World Equestrian Center Wilmington (WEC) has partnered withEquiTrace EventPass, the Official Verified Horse Health Records provider of US Equestrian (USEF), for all USEF-rated horse shows. BeginningDecember 1, 2025, all exhibitors must have their required health documents uploaded and verified in EventPass before arriving on the grounds. Competitors will[...]Read MoreThe post World Equestrian Center Wilmington Partners with EquiTrace EventPass appeared first on World Equestrian Center.

Among those punching their tickets to Your Horse Live at the latest qualifying competition at Arena UK were a combination who are battling back from injury, a swimming teacher, and a rider who is no stranger to success in theSEIB Search for a Star Championships.Bumper entries of over 250 competitors flocked to the Lincolnshire venue last month to attempt to qualify for Your Horse Live, which will take place at Stoneleigh Park on Friday 7 Sunday 9 November 2025.Alongside hosting the SEIB Search for a Star Championships, British dressage starBecky Moody will also be giving demonstrations,Oliver Townend and Geoff Billingtonwill entertain the crowdsand renowned horse trainerEmma Massingale will bring her team of Connemaras and Shetland poniesto show her training methods.Tickets for Your Horse Live are on sale now.Mountain and MoorlandHayley Dolby and Pendancer Mickey Bricks triumphed in the Mountain and Moorland class.Hayley Dolby and her 16-year-old Welsh Section D gelding, Pendancer Mickey Bricks, who are both on the comeback trail from injury, won the Mountain and Moorland class.Mickey went nicely today, he had an injury and is just getting back to being right again, said Hayley, who has owned Mickey since he was a just weaned foal.Ive been off too and have just recovered from a spinal injury so all weve been doing is hacking its ages since we went to a show.Hayley works in IT learning and development.Deborah Spencer and the Fell pony Bracklinn Avenger took the runner-up spot.British Riding ClubsCharlotte Chorley and Castle Warrior won the British Riding Clubs class.Swimming teacher Charlotte Clorley piloted Castle Warrior, a Connemara pony known at home as Cliff, to first place in the British Riding Clubs class.We mainly compete in showing and riding club activities. He is such a good boy and my eight-year-old niece even rides him, said Charlotte.We also qualified for STARS in the show hunter pony class. Ive owned Cliff for nine years. He came from the Barrowby Stud and we are members of the Macclesfield & District Riding Club.I fit Cliff in around my work as a swimming teacher. I teach everyone from three-year-old up to adults to swim.In-hand Mountain and Moorland Claire Crerand and Acresdale Major won the in-hand Mountain and Moorland class.Claire Crerand is no stranger to success at Your Horse Live having won the in-hand plaited pony title last year with Tambrook Prayer in C. This time she qualified the Shetland pony, Acresdale Major, in the in-hand Mountain and Moorland class.Ive owned Acresdale Major since he was two weeks old, said Claire.Hes always been a little baby although hes four now and has been backed this year. Well find a lead-rein jockey for him and Ill ride him in open classes. He came to me as a companion and Im so excited hes now off to Your Horse Live.Open ridden veteranVictoria Littlewood piloted Moss Town Marz to top spot in the open veteran class.Victoria Littlewood and the 29-year-old Moss Town Marz had a successful day after they triumphed in both the open ridden veteran and the amateur in-hand veteran.I cant believe weve gone and done the double whammy, said Victoria, who has owned Marz since he was six years old.Hes amazing. The last 18 months hes battled both laminitis and colic and weve fought to get back riding. I got his heart checked by the vet before coming here today as you cant be too careful, but he is absolutely fine.Weve done so much over the years. Weve hunted for 10 seasons with the bloodhounds and shown in small hunter classes winning locally and a county level and in the SSADL veteran series. Marz is the most faithful friend anyone could have.Occupying the runner-up spot in the open veteran class was Charlotte Cooper with Kildromin Star, a grey 17-year-old Connemara who she has owned for 13 years.Pony Club openFirst place in the Pony Club open class was awarded to Francesca Dance and Coral Colour.Victory in the Pony Club open was awarded to Francesca Dance and the piebald mare, Coral Colour, who is known at home as Tilly.She originally came from Dublin and then had been with a pony club family in Northamptonshire, said Francescas mum Sarah Dance. I was on my way up to the Midlands for a meeting which was cancelled so I decided to re-route and pop in to see Tilly and bought her on the spot. Francesca and Tilly are in the Vine Pony Club and they also do lots of riding club things too including plenty of dressage, Francesca, who is 15, and Tilly came second in the open ridden veteran class in the qualifier at Stoneleigh earlier this year.In-hand plaited horse and hogged show cobHannah Brown and We Ride At Dawn came out on top in the in-hand plaited horse and hogged show cob class.First place in the in-hand plaited horse and hogged show cob was presented to Hannah Brown and the Selle Francais gelding We Ride At Dawn.We came second at Greenlands last time out so I was hoping wed do well today, said Hannah who works for the NHS.I bought We Ride At Dawn when he was five months old with the intention of him being a companion to another horse and maybe to hack about.My other horse was kicked though and is having to have the summer off so we have got going with We Ride At Dawn.Weve also done STARS in-hand and been to Aintree.Were aiming to compete in ridden novice hunter classes in 2026 and we thought Search for a Star would be a good step up on our way.In-hand plaited ponyThe in-hand plaited pony class was won by Lilly Stewart and Firecracker Charlie.Lilly Stewart and the 12-year-old Firecracker Charlie came out on top in the in-hand plaited pony.You never know what the judge will like and there are always beautiful ponies forward, said Lillys mum, Sharon Barth.Lilly and Charlie came second in it last year at Arena UK, so to win this year was fantastic.Weve owned Charlie for six years now, he came to us as a blank canvass. He had been broken in 18 months prior but had been turned away. We had to start again with him.He was very nervous and Lilly has worked so hard with him to gain his trust and the bond they have is beautiful.Lilly and Charlie also do flat ridden classes and have done a bit of dressage in the past. Charlie much prefers to do in-hand as he adores Lilly being next to him as she is his comfort blanket. He gets quite anxious.Lilly is really hands on and very good at seeing to Charlie. She gets up before school to see to him and ride if we are short on time.The only thing she doesnt do for him is plait him up as she hasnt learned how to do that job yet.In-hand rare, native and traditional breeds Kimberley Morton and Braithewaite Countryman qualified in the in-hand rare, native and traditional breeds class.Kimberley Morton and the Cleveland Bay, Braithewaite Countryman triumphed in the in-hand rare, native and traditional breeds class.We do a bit of showing when we can I wasnt expecting to win on the day at all but Im delighted that well be off to Your Horse Live, said Kimberley who works as a careers advisor.I take Disco, as we call him, out in-hand to support the breed, its great to take the opportunities when you can.My main focus with Disco is to get out under saddle. Weve been having quite a good year so far. At Equifest we got through to one of the ridden evening performances in the hunter classes and we took second to the Kings horse at Royal Windsor. He also won the in-hand class at the Great Yorkshire this season.I bought Disco when he was six months old. I went to buy a four-year-old small hunter, my mum said to get a part-bred Cleveland Bay and I bought a six-month-old purebred who is more of a heavyweight hunter.In-hand rescue horse and ponyClare Castle and Minnie triumphed in the in-hand rescue horse and pony class.Clare Castle and the traditional cob, Minnie, emerged victorious in the in-hand rescue horse and pony class.We originally fostered Minnie for six months from the RSPCA. When we first got her we went to the place where she was, there were two ponies there and they ran to the back of the stable, explained Clares mum, Lynda.I turned my back to avoid eye contact and not be a threat to the ponies. Minnie was the one that came and sniffed my hand so we knew she was the one coming back with us. After wed had Minnie for six months, the RSPCA put her up for adoption and me and my daughter knew we had to keep her. She wont ever be going anywhere.Over the six years weve had Minnie, her confidence has improved lots, she can sometimes still be nervous around other horses, particularly black and white stallions. I dont think shell ever completely get over this.She loves the showring though and is placed every time out at county shows and even Hickstead! Its great to see her doing so well she especially enjoys the atmosphere at indoor shows.This is the first year the Search for a Star Rescue class has run so we decided to come along and support it and now were really looking forward to Your Horse Live.Taking second place in this class were Kerry Whiteman and her own Welsh Section A pony, Coedbach Ivan, who was rehomed from Bransby Horses.Relaxed atmosphereThere was such a relaxed atmosphere all day at Arena UK with plenty of happy horses and ponies and their riders and handlers, said SEIB Search for a Star organiser, Nicolina MacKenzie.Thanks as always to our fabulous team of judges and stewards who give so much back through offering guidance, support and kindness to all our competitors.Images Jordan Brooking Photography.Related contentA pony bought for 50, a scaffolder and an aspiring jockey secure their tickets to Your Horse LiveOlympian Becky Moody to make her Your Horse Live debutTrakehner given 5% chance of surviving colic surgery qualifies for Your Horse LiveLook whos back! Oliver Townend and Geoff Billington confirmed for this years showPony found in shipping container qualifies for YHLThe post A horse and rider on their way back from injury, a swimming teacher and a former champion secure Your Horse Live qualification appeared first on Your Horse.

Feature Why It Matters Recommended Options & Notes Motor Power Thick coats need strong, reliable motors to prevent stalling Liveryman Arena and Harmony models noted for power Corded vs. Cordless Cordless offer maneuverability, but check battery life Heiniger Xplorer (cordless, powerful but pricier), Liveryman Black Beauty with battery pack options Blade Type and Adjustability Adjustable blades help manage thick coat and sensitive areas Adjustable blades (e.g., Andis adjustable blades 00000-000) allow custom cut lengths; finer blades give smooth finish on legs Noise Level Horses can be sensitive to loud clippers, especially on legs Liveryman Classic trimmers are quieter and have blade adjustments but may be slower; generally, quieter clippers reduce stress Durability & Build Quality Professional-grade clippers last longer with heavy use Metal comb guides (e.g., Masterclip brand) more robust for repeated grooming Ease of Use & Maintenance Prefer clamps or blades that dont require frequent tensioning Some brands offer no-tension clippers; Heiniger models reputed for ease of maintenance Choosing the Best Clippers for Hairy Native Cobs: A Buyer's Guide When it comes to maintaining the coat of a hairy native cob, selecting the right clippers becomes essential for achieving a clean, comfortable clip while ensuring the horses well-being. Native cobs are known for their thick, dense, and sometimes woolly coats, especially during the colder months, making clipping a challenging yet crucial task. Selecting clippers designed for this breeds unique hair characteristics can make the job faster, easier, and much less stressful for both horse and groomer. Understanding the Challenges of Clipping Hairy Native Cobs Native cobs have thick feathering on their lower legs and a dense summer/winter coat that demands high-powered clipper performance. This dense hair can easily clog lower-powered trimmers and cause blades to overheat, frustrating both horse and handler. Horses can also be sensitive around their legs, especially if they have sore spots, so quieter clippers or beginning with trimmers set to a slower cut depth might be necessary [source]. The Ideal Clipper Should Be: Powerful enough to cut through thick, woolly coats and heavy feathering without bogging down or overheating. Durable and well made for regular use on hardy horses. Equipped with adjustable or multiple blade options to customize the finish on different parts of the horses body. Quiet enough to reduce anxiety in skittish horses, especially near sensitive legs. Preferably cordless for easier handling and to avoid tripping hazards during clipping. Key Features to Look for in Clippers for Native Cobs Feature Why It Matters Recommended Options & Notes Motor Power Thick coats need strong, reliable motors to prevent stalling Liveryman Arena and Harmony models noted for power [source] Corded vs. Cordless Cordless offer maneuverability, but check battery life Heiniger Xplorer (cordless, powerful but pricier), Liveryman Black Beauty with battery pack options [source] Blade Type and Adjustability Adjustable blades help manage thick coat and sensitive areas Adjustable blades (e.g., Andis adjustable blades 00000-000) allow custom cut lengths [source]; finer blades give smooth finish on legs [source] Noise Level Horses can be sensitive to loud clippers, especially on legs Liveryman Classic trimmers are quieter and have blade adjustments but may be slower; generally, quieter clippers reduce stress Durability & Build Quality Professional-grade clippers last longer with heavy use Metal comb guides (e.g., Masterclip brand) more robust for repeated grooming Ease of Use & Maintenance Prefer clamps or blades that dont require frequent tensioning Some brands offer no-tension clippers; Heiniger models reputed for ease of maintenance [source] Recommended Clippers for Hairy Native Cobs Liveryman Arena This model offers high power suited for thick coats and is known to handle hairy native cobs well. Some owners mention noise but emphasize effective cutting. It is corded, powerful, and widely recommended for native breeds. Liveryman Black Beauty Available with a battery pack, making it nearly cordless, this clipper has a strong cutting ability, preferred for cobs by many experienced owners. It provides a good balance between power and portability. Heiniger Xplorer This cordless model is quieter than many other professional clippers, albeit at a higher cost. Its excellent build and power quality make it easy to handle for sensitive or frightened horses. Andis Equine Clippers With a range of adjustable blades for multiple cut lengths, these clippers are durable and reliable for livestock and horses. They predominantly come in corded options but are made to last.[source] Practical Clipping Tips for Hairy Native Cobs Start with trimming rather than clipping if the horses legs are sensitive or sore. Use trimmers with adjustable blades set to around 2mm for gentle initial hair removal. Clip upward from the coronet band to get a smooth finish, especially on legs. Use coarse blades for initial heavy clipping, then follow up with finer blades to smooth out and maintain the legs, creating a neat summer coat look. Employ snap-on comb guides or metal comb guides to control cutting depth and prevent accidental nicks, especially helpful for beginners. Keep clippers clean and well-oiled to avoid overheating and dull blades struggling with thick coats. Plan clipping in stages over several days if the cob is nervous, to prevent stress and leg snatching during clipping. Why Investing in Quality Clippers Matters Opting for professional-grade clippers designed for heavy coats avoids the frustration of poor performance and potential stress on your horse. A good set of clippers can last years, thus saving time and money. Moreover, the right clippers minimize discomfort, reduce clipping time by functioning smoothly on thick hair, and help achieve a professional-looking finish that benefits your cobs health and comfort. Additional Resources & Where to Buy For detailed information on clipper blade options and care: Andis Large Animal Clippers. For trimmers suited to sensitive legs and feathering: Clippersharp Ltds detailed guide on clipping hairy legs and heels. For real-world user reviews and recommendations on clipper models for cobs: Horse and Hound Forums. By carefully considering these aspects and selecting the right tool for your hairy native cob, clipping becomes a safer, more efficient, and more comfortable experience for both groomer and horse. Always prioritize power, blade adjustability, noise level, and durability to meet the unique needs of this charming and robust breed. For additional accessories and protective wear, explore our Jodhpur Collection, Horse Riding Boot Collection, and Horse Riding Gloves Collection. Enhance the well-being of your horse with our Everyday Horse Vitamins & Supplements. Explore further insights on stable management through proper Stable Rugs and Horse Fly Protection.```html```

Here, two trainers provide their under-saddle communication tips for a better horse-rider relationship.Table of ContentsToggleChanneling CompassionFear & ConfidenceAcknowledgement & PresenceTone & BehaviorHave you ever wondered if your actions could be influencing your horses progress? Subtle changes can help promote the best possible partnership with your horse.Kim Walnes is one such expert on the subjectyou may remember her name as individual and team bronze medal winner at the 1982 World Three-Day Event Championships in Germany and the Rolex Kentucky Three-Day Event winner the same year.But even more so, shes known for her incredible bond with her mount, The Gray Goose, during their banner years from 1980 to 1986 as members of the United States Equestrian Team.Kim Walnes and The Gray Goose had a bond that made history in the horse world. Photo by Mary PhelpsYou might assume their star-studded career began as a walk in the park, but thats not the case.When I started riding Gray, he already had a bad reputation. He bit, kicked, and threw people off. He also bolted. I could see in his eyes and in his attitude toward life that, in his mind, the best defense was a good offense, recalls Walnes, who also is a coach and clinician with The Way of the Horse.Channeling CompassionHorses are excellent teachers. Before Walnes acquired the legendary Gray, she had a 3/4 Arabian named Hunraff (Raffy). Raffy taught her to recognize the signs of fear in a horse. Due to early life experiences, both Raffy and Gray started out distrustful of humans. I stopped trying to control [Grays] behavior and began letting him know I was a safe space to be around, says Walnes. Channeling earlier learnings from Raffy, she understood that aggression can come from a base of fear. I was compassionate toward [Gray], and everything shifted. The cool thing with horses is they forgive us once we understand.Listening ensures understanding, Walnes continues. What I see a lot is, My horse has to be disciplined. He cant stop when he says he needs toits one more lap. When we listen to the horse and say, Sure, I understand how you might be more tired than I thought, lets stop here, they will start working with us.Walnes and Gray. She explains that horses pick up on any sign of fear from their rider, so you need to provide a sense of safety in order to be successful. Photo by Mary PhelpsFear & Confidence If youre anxious in any way, for any reason, all the horse will feel is fear, says Walnes. Safety is his No. 1 priority. Were supposed to be their leaders and protecting them, and if they feel fear from us, they will be looking for whats wrong in their environment. The horse picks up on your emotions immediately.Walnes recommends taking a moment to ground yourself with reassurance.Try these steps:1. Calm your nervous system by putting a hand on your heart or stomach.2. Observe your surroundings to confirm there is no danger.3. Reassure yourself by voicing, In this moment, were safe.4. Express your desire to work together when approaching your horse. Voice your anxiety and request mutual patience.Explaining things to a horse is like a miracle, says Walnes. Because theyre like, Oh, OK. Horses are highly intelligent, sentient beings; we just dont speak their language. In order for your horse to trust you, he must know you trust yourself.Acknowledgement & Presence Try to be aware of common under-saddle errors, says Esther Kuhlmann, coach at Northland Equine Lessons and Training just outside Kansas City, Mo.Esther Kuhlmann coaching students during a cross-country schooling day. Photo courtesy Esther KuhlmannA horse is a flight animal, explains Kuhlmann, who was part of the Danish Team as a young rider. The more you pull on the reins, the more the horse pulls against you. And when he goes faster, you [grip with] your knees because you are nervousthat is just human reflex. If you come forward in your shoulders and you hang on your knees, then the horse is just gone. You have to remember to let go.To help, Kuhlmann suggests groundwork and longe line lessons. Longe lessons help you concentrate on your riding form. She also recommends a lesson on a schoolmaster to teach you how the horse is supposed to feel.To help overcome nerves, Kuhlmann suggests lessons on the longe line. Photo by XtravaganT/Adobe StockRiding with tension can contribute to a horses stiffness and tension.I always go to the horse first to make sure there is nothing wrong with him, says Kuhlmann. Ninety-nine percent of the time, it is the rider.For a more fluid connection with your horse, she recommends practicing yoga and Pilates.Riding with clarity is important for horses, rather than going out vaguely and riding circles, says Walnes.Training is like playing hotter or colder, she continues. Its helpful to have a clear yes/no signal with the horse. You need to give the horse signals that he is on the right track, such as using a word like good or a rolled R sound, rather than the old paradigm that no punishment means hes doing great.Tone & BehaviorHorses understand us and what we say, says Walnes. They pick up the thoughts behind your words. When we label them or call them demeaning names, they feel the same as a human would feel in that situation. They tend to live up to expectations, and it builds resentment.Do your best to speak kindly and to be mindful of your emotions and bad days, such as an off day at work. On such days, Kuhlmann asks that students opt for a trail ride or longeing instead of a lesson.Otherwise, the horse feels it immediately, she says. Horses are sensitive and can read your heartbeat from 5 feet away.Consider this guidance when looking to improve the bond with your horse. This article about under-saddle communication appeared in the October 2024 issue of Horse Illustratedmagazine.Click here to subscribe!The post Improving Under-Saddle Communication appeared first on Horse Illustrated Magazine.

Advertisement featureMashes are everywhere these days. Whether youre looking for something to help your horse with hydration, want to provide extra digestive support or to simply offer your horse a comforting winter warmer, they have many useful applications.With dental health front of mind when it comes to choosing feeds for our senior equines, a mash is perhaps even more useful, so lets look in more detail into what marvellous mashes have to offer.Mashes for horses with poor teethTheir soft, porridge like consistency makes mashes ideal for horses with poor teeth. Not only can they make up some or all of the bucket feeds, but some can also be used as forage replacers. If your horse needs a forage replacer and can no longer manage short-chop fibre, a mash will be essential.Some seniors can be suspicious of soaked feeds if theyve never needed them before and prefer their feeds to have something to crunch. Mixing in some high fibre cubes or chaff can be a good way of meeting them in the middle.SPILLERS mashes have a delicious apple aromaMashes for hydrationAny feed that requires soaking will help increase water intake. When soaked as directed, feeding 3kg of a SPILLERS mash will result in the horse consuming around 5 litres of water. Feeding a mash may also encourage some horses to drink more water too. Some seniors with more sensitive teeth can be put off by drinking cold water and so mashes may help them take on more fluids. We always suggest soaking them with warm water for those who are reluctant to drink cold water in winter.Mashes for a low starch dietMany (but not all) mashes are high in fibre and low in starch and sugar, providing an alternative to traditional cereal-based feeds which are unsuitable for those prone to clinical conditions such as Cushings/PPID. Like mixes and cubes, mashes can be low, medium and high in energy (calories).Mashes for tempting fussy eatersFeeding fussy eaters can be challenging in more ways than one, but adding a small amount of a tasty mash to the horses current feed may tempt them to tuck in, especially if it includes added flavours, herbs or aromas.They can also be a great way of mixing in supplements and can help disguise medications.Did you know that all SPILLERS mashes contain a delicious apple aroma? While we cant promise to win over every horse, weve had lots of feedback from owners telling us that our mashes have helped to tempt even the fussiest of eaters.Feeding a mash will increase a horses water intakeCanon EOS R5 f/4 1/800s 75mm ISO1600Mashes for bulking out the bucketNot all seniors are underweight. In fact, many will still be very good doers. A cupful of mash will add very few calories to a horses diet, especially the low-calorie options. By adding extra water (than whats suggested on the bag), the mash will provide a larger volume of feed after soaking, helping to bulk out the bucket without compromising a good doers waistline. It is important to note here that you should never use less water than whats specified on the bag when preparing a mash.Tips for choosing a mashVits and minsCheckwhether your chosen mash contains added vitamins and minerals. If it doesnt, you will need to feed it alongside the recommended amount of an appropriate compound feed, balancer or broad-spectrum vitamin and mineral supplement to provide a balanced diet.Hay replacersNot all mashes are suitable for feeding as a hay replacer and some may only be suitable for feeding as a partial hay replacer. Seek advice from the manufacturer or a nutritional specialist if youre unsure.Competition horsesIf you are competing the horse, make sure the mash you choose (and any other feeds, supplements and treats) is BETA NOPS approved.MolassesFeeds containing molasses are not automatically high in sugar, but many companies now offer molasses-free options for those who prefer to avoid molasses completely.Saving timeQuick-soaking mashes are a convenient option. Some take less than five minutes to soak, even if using cold water.Advice for preparing and feeding a mashAlways weigh your mash before soaking to make sure youre feeding the right amount.Always follow manufacturers instructions regarding soaking time and the amount of water needed. Be sure to check the consistency is suitable for your individual horse before feeding. If necessary, increase the amount of water and/or soaking time.Soaked feeds can start to ferment quickly in hot weather so avoid soaking in advance as the weather warms up quick-soaking varieties are ideal in this situation.Using warm (not boiling) water can help to speed up the soaking time if needed and may encourage eating, especially in older horses with sensitive teeth.If you choose a mash with a longer soaking time, keep it covered and in warm weather, try to leave it in a cool, dark place.Find out more about SPILLERS Mash productsIf you would like any nutritional advice for your senior horse or pony, the SPILLERS nutrition team are on hand. You can contact them by phone on 01908 226626 or complete a Care-Line form here and one of the team will be in touch.Related contentImportant research helping veterans stay healthy for longer *Promotion*When would a senior horse benefit from a feed supplement? *Promotion*Help for senior horses with ageing joints *Promotion*Advice for feeding senior horses with dental issues *Promotion*The post This is why feeding a mash will do wonders for a senior horses health *Promotion* appeared first on Your Horse.

On Sept. 19, a 5-year-old warmblood gelding at a boarding facility in Montgomery County, Maryland, tested positive for strangles. The horse is now quarantined.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.

Zoetis Inc. has announced novel research findings that investigated the effects of pituitary pars intermedia disorder (PPID, formerly called equine Cushings disease) on the cytokine profiles of autologous conditioned serum (IRAP, ACS) and autologous protein solution (Pro-Stride APS). The research indicates that the end output solution produced by Pro-Stride or IRAP when obtained from horses with PPID remains similar to that of normal horses.This study adds to a critical knowledge gap and will help inform treatment decisions in PPID horses with osteoarthritis. Middle-aged to older horses are commonly affected by joint disease, making them good candidates for modern orthobiologic treatments like Pro-Stride APS. However, there is a high prevalence of PPID and other endocrine disorders in these horses, and it was previously unknown whether their metabolic status would negatively impact the end output quality of these products.Researchers from the University of Georgias College of Veterinary Medicine, in partnership with the Gluck Research Center at the University of Kentucky, looked at concentrations of pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines, including IL-1, IL-1Ra, IL-4, IL-6, IL-10, TNF-, TGF-, IGF-1, from 12 horses, six with PPID and six normal controls after being processed with the Pro-Stride APS device and IRAP (ACS) device. Findings showed: No significant differences in cytokine profiles between PPID and normal horses for both ACS and Pro-Stride APS In both metabolically normal and PPID horses, Pro-Stride APS had higher levels of TGF-1 than ACS; this is a protein that is important for cartilage maintenance and repair4,5These findings indicate devices like Pro-Stride APS remain an effective treatment choice in older, PPID-afflicted horses and may be a safer alternative compared to corticosteroids.2While many equine veterinarians have been already using orthobiologics in horses with endocrine disease, such as PPID, these results support the use of products such as Pro-Stride APS and IRAP (ACS) to manage joint disease in this group of horses, said Valerie Moorman, DVM, PhD, Dipl. ACVS-LA, ACVSMR, of the University of Georgia.Contact your local Zoetis Equine specialist or call 1-888-ZOETIS1 with questions.References1. Moorman VJ, Hart KA, Gordon J, et al. Cytokine profiles of autologous conditioned serum (ACS) and autologous protein solution (APS) from horses with pituitary pars intermedia dysfunction (PPID) and unaffected controls. VCOT Open. 2024;7(SO1):1-12. doi: 10.1055/s-0044-17862152. Page AE, Johnson M, Parker JL et al. The effects of intra-articular triamcinolone and autologous protein solution on metabolic parameters in horses. Animals. 2024 Aug 2;14(15):2250.3. Blaney Davidson EN, van der Kraan PM, van den Berg WB. TGF-beta and osteoarthritis. Osteoarthritis Cartilage. 2007 Jun;15(6):597-604. doi: 10.1016/j.joca.2007.02.005. Epub 2007 Mar 27. PMID: 17391995.4. Kim JG, Rim YA, and Ju JH. The role of transforming growth factor beta in joint homeostasis and cartilage regeneration. TERMIS 2022 Blume 28 number 10. pp 570-587.All trademarks are the property of Zoetis Services LLC or a related company or a licensor unless otherwise noted. 2025 Zoetis Services LLC. All rights reserved.PRS-00108

Key Points Description Understanding the Challenges Young horses face distractions from unfamiliar sights and sounds that can hinder concentration. Respect Individual Learning Pace Allow horses to develop confidence with short, consistent sessions to avoid stress and enhance focus. Pressure and Release Technique Build trust and focus through gentle pressure cues and releases, improving focus in distractions. Natural, Low-Stress Conditioning Utilize low-stress training methods, avoid mechanical methods, and introduce new objects gradually. Gradual Exposure to Stimuli Gradually introduce distractions, allowing horses to habituate and maintain focus. Monitoring Stress Indicators Utilize heart rate monitors to adjust training based on stress indicators to prevent fatigue. Building Emotional and Physical Fitness Incorporate tailored exercises into training to improve focus and stress responses. Avoid Overexertion Engage in balanced training with short, intense sessions to prevent fatigue and burnout. Practical Tips for Focus Utilize quiet groundwork, reward calm behavior, and maintain consistent communication. Importance of Focus Focused horses learn rapidly, develop safer habits, and experience long-term performance benefits. Conclusion Implement evidence-based practices to help horses succeed in distracting environments. How to Keep Your Young Horse Focused in a Distracting Environment Training a young horse in a distracting environment can be challenging yet rewarding. Equipping your horse with the ability to stay focused amid distractions not only enhances its learning capabilities but also supports its long-term welfare and performance. In this article, we'll explore effective strategies to keep your young horse focused, offering practical tips and insights supported by scientific research. Understanding the Challenges for Young Horses Training young horses presents unique challenges. From unfamiliar sights and sounds to other animals and crowds, these distractions can hinder a horse's ability to concentrate. The following strategies will help you manage and alleviate these distractions. Respect the Individual Pace of Learning Your young horse is like a student who matures at its own pace. Forcing it through training too quickly can lead to stress, reducing its ability to focus. Instead, allow your horse to build confidence with short and consistent sessions. Studies show that spaced training sessions lead to better performance outcomes compared to intensive, massed training. The Pressure and Release Technique Teach your horse to respond to cues by using the pressure and release technique. Apply gentle pressure, and then release it once your horse gives the correct response. This fosters trust and helps it focus better in distracting environments. The NorCordia article further explains this method. Implement Natural, Low-Stress Conditioning Focusing on low-stress training methods such as groundwork in round pens can reduce stress, enhancing your horse's learning. Research indicates that avoiding mechanical methods and gradually introducing new objects helps young horses, particularly colts, adapt better to their environment with lower stress levels. Gradual Exposure to Distracting Stimuli Control the environment to gradually introduce distractions so your horse can process them without stress. This step-by-step approach provides time for your horse to habituate to stimuli, enhancing its ability to maintain focus rather than react nervously. Monitoring Physiological Stress Indicators Utilize heart rate monitors to assess when your horse is becoming overstressed. Signs like recovery time and heart rate variability indicate mental and physical stress levels. Adjusting training loads based on these indicators prevents fatigue and enhances sustained focus [source]. Building Emotional and Physical Fitness Design training programs that concurrently build emotional and physical fitness by incorporating tailored exercises. This enhances your young horse's ability to perform under pressure, improving focus and stress responses. Regular, moderate exercise is key to fostering better concentration and stress management. Avoid Overexertion and Overtraining Young horses are particularly vulnerable to fatigue and mental burnout. Studies suggest that engaging in balanced training with short yet intense sessions helps improve bone strength and stamina while reducing unnecessary stress. For more guidance, check out our Jodhpur collection for suitable training attire. Practical Tips for Maintaining Focus Start sessions with quiet groundwork to warm up focus. Reward calm behavior with treats from our Horse Treats And Gifts collection. Ensure clear and consistent communication to enhance cooperation. Why Focus Matters A young horse with good focus not only learns more rapidly but also develops safer habits. Proper management of distractions during training leads to long-term performance benefits and improves your horses overall well-being. Conclusion By embracing these evidence-based practices, you'll help your young horse navigate distracting environments with poise, setting it on a path towards success and happiness. Visit Just Horse Riders for all your equestrian needs, from horse supplements to riding boots, and start making strides in your horse's training journey today!```html```