Section Key Points Introduction Exploration of equine DNA testing to reveal ancestry, characteristics, and health of horses. Why Test Your Horses DNA? Benefits include parentage confirmation, breed ancestry, color and health insights, and unique identification. How Equine DNA Testing Works Uses mane, tail hairs, blood, or tissue for analysis; involves parentage, breed ancestry, and trait testing. What DNA Tests Canand CantTell You DNA tests are accurate for verifying parentage, identifying traits, but breed ancestry is probabilistic. Real Stories and Surprises Unexpected results can occur, like discovering unlikely breeds in a mustang's DNA. Choosing the Right DNA Test Consider goals, lab reputation, reference panels' diversity, and intended use of results. Practical Takeaways for Horse Owners DNA tests useful for identification; breed ancestry results require broader database for reliability. The Future of Equine DNA Testing Technological advancements promise enhanced scope and accuracy in DNA testing. Conclusion DNA testing provides insights on parentage, breed, and health; accuracy varies across different aspects. Unraveling Rocky's Mystery: A Journey into the World of Equine DNA Testing Have you ever wondered about the stories hidden in your horse's genes? The world of equine DNA testing might be the key to uncovering mysteries about your horse's ancestry, characteristics, and health. This blog will explore the ins and outs of DNA testing for horses, providing you with insights and guidance on how to navigate this fascinating field. Why Test Your Horses DNA? Equine DNA testing is gaining traction among breeders and horse owners alike. It offers invaluable insights into: Parentage: Confirming a foal's parents with remarkable accuracy. Breed Ancestry: Shedding light on your horse's breed composition, which is particularly useful for registration and sport. Color and Health: Identifying coat color genes and potential genetic disorders, crucial for informed breeding decisions. Identification: Creating a unique genetic fingerprint, essential in cases of loss or theft. Understanding the strengths and limitations of these tests will help you make the most of your horse's genetic information. How Equine DNA Testing Works DNA samples are usually collected from your horse's mane, tail hairs, blood, or tissue. Using internationally accepted standards, laboratories analyze the genetic markers to provide reliable identification results. Parentage Testing Parentage tests are extremely accurate when both parents' samples are available, achieving over 99.99% accuracy. Even with a single parent, accuracy stays high but may dip slightly in closely related populations. Breed Ancestry Testing This testing is less straightforward due to shared genetic markers among breeds. Laboratories compare DNA to reference panels for potential breed matches. Accuracy depends on the size and diversity of these panels. Complex ancestry can present additional challenges. Coat Color and Trait Testing These tests predict base coat colors and dilution factors, helping owners make informed decisions about potential offspring. What DNA Tests Canand CantTell You DNA tests offer remarkable tools for verifying parentage and identifying genetic traits. They are invaluable in helping owners predict physical traits as well. Limitations and Challenges While breed ancestry results provide insights, they are probabilistic and should be interpreted with caution. Certain breeds may not be well-represented in databases, leading to potential misidentifications. Real Stories and Surprises Imagine a mustang's DNA analysis indicating unlikely breeds like Selle Franais or Holsteiner. While surprising, this underscores the genetic similarities and unexpected results possible in DNA testing. Choosing the Right DNA Test for Your Horse Before opting for DNA testing, consider: Your goals: parentage, breed, color, or health. The lab's reputation: Select those adhering to ISAG standards. Diversity of reference panels: Critical for accurate breed ancestry. Sample collection and processing guidelines. The end use of the results. If results are unexpected, consider a second test from another lab. Practical Takeaways for Horse Owners DNA tests are potent tools, especially for identification and parentage verification. However, keep in mind the probabilistic nature of breed ancestry results. For more reliable predictions and outcomes, a broader reference database is advantageous. Always interpret results within the context of genetic similarities. The Future of Equine DNA Testing As technological advancements continue, the scope and accuracy of equine DNA testing will expand. New genetic markers and more extensive databases promise deeper insights into your horse's genetic story. Conclusion DNA testing opens a window into your horse's past, hinting at parentage, breed, color, and health. While certain aspects of these tests are astonishingly accurate, such as identity and parentage, breed ancestry requires a nuanced approach. For further understanding of equine DNA testing, explore resources from expert laboratories and publications. Whether you're a breeder, owner, or just a fan of a good mystery, theres an entire genetic journey awaiting your exploration. Explore our Jodhpur Collection, Horse Riding Boots, Riding Gloves, and more at Just Horse Riders. For questions about DNA testing, consult resources from Texas A&M University, EasyDNA, and UC Davis Veterinary Genetics Laboratory. ```html```

Extended recovery time is a common sign of equine asthma. | iStockAsthma isnt just a condition in peopleit affects horses too. In fact, equine asthma is one of the most common chronic respiratory problems veterinarians see. It can impact any horse, from backyard companions to elite athletes, and ranges from subtle performance issues to severe breathing difficulties. The good news is that, with awareness and proper management, most horses with asthma can live comfortable, useful lives.What Is Equine Asthma?Equine asthma is an umbrella term used to describe chronic, noninfectious airway inflammation in horses. You may have heard older terms such as heaves, recurrent airway obstruction or inflammatory airway disease. Today, veterinarians group these conditions under equine asthma, which better reflects their similarity to human asthma.There are two main forms.Mild to moderate asthma: Seen commonly in younger horses, especially those in training or competing (80% of Thoroughbred racehorses have mild asthma). Signs can be subtle occasional coughing, nasal discharge or decreased performancewhile the horse otherwise appears healthy. Frequently, horses show no overt signs of mild asthma.Severe asthma: Typically affects mature to older horses. Signs include frequent coughing, labored breathing at rest, flared nostrils and reduced tolerance for exercise. Horses usually show signs seasonally, typically during winter when fed hay, but others show signs during summer pasture turnout.What Causes Equine Asthma?The key trigger is exposure to dust and airborne irritants (allergens). Horses are exposed to millions of microscopic particles every day, especially when kept in stables. Common culprits include:Hay dust and molds: Even good-quality hay contains microscopic mold spores capable of triggering asthma. Round bales and hay nets/racks result in the highest exposure to dust.Straw bedding : Produces more respirable dust than low-dust options like shavings or paper.Poor ventilation: Traps dust and ammonia inside barns.Seasonal allergens: Molds and pollens outdoors can trigger pasture-associated asthma during summer. Other factors, such as genetics, immune sensitivity and possibly bacteria or viruses, may contribute, but dust and mold exposure remain the biggest drivers.Recognizing the Signs of Equine AsthmaAsthma may develop gradually, and many early signs are subtle. Watch for:Coughing, especially during exercise (not all horses with asthma cough).Slower recovery after work or reduced performance.Increased respiratory effort including flared nostrils, abdominal heave line or breathing difficulty at rest in severe cases.Because these signs can mimic infections or other conditions, a veterinarians evaluation is important.How Is Equine Asthma Diagnosed?Veterinarians diagnose equine asthma using a combination of history, physical examination and sometimes additional tests. Endoscopy can reveal excess mucus in the airways, while a bronchoalveolar lavage a wash sample from the airways in the lungs helps identify airway inflammation. Lung function testing is available at specialized centers.Managing Equine AsthmaMost horses with mild to moderate asthma will recover with proper management. While there is no cure for severe asthma, management can greatly improve the quality of life. The most effective approach combines environmental changes with, when necessary, medical treatment.Environmental StrategiesSince dust and molds are the main triggers, reducing exposure is key:Turnout: Pasture living is often the best environment, as it dramatically lowers dust exposure. However, horses with summer-pasture asthma do better in the barn when outdoor allergens are high.Feed adjustments: Replace dry hay with haylage, hay cubes/ pellets, steamed hay or soaked hay.Bedding: Avoid straw; use low-dust options such as wood shavings, paper or specialized dust-free products.Barn ventilation: Keep windows and doors open when possible; avoid sweeping or feeding hay from hay nets/racks.These changes can make a big difference, but it may take five to six weeks to see the results.Medical TreatmentWhen environmental management alone is not enough, or to hasten recovery, veterinarians may prescribe medication:Corticosteroids: Reduce airway inflammation. These may be given orally, by injection or as an inhaled therapy. Inhaled steroids are increasingly preferred because they deliver the drug directly to the lungs with fewer side effects.Bronchodilators: Relax airway muscles to ease breathing. These provide relief but are best used alongside steroids, since they dont control inflammation.Other therapies: Supplements such as omega-3 fatty acids greatly benefit some forms of asthma (neutrophilic), especially when combined with a reduction in dust exposure. The most effective omega-3 supplements are from marine sources (e.g., algae and fish oil).Living With a Horse with AsthmaAsthma is a common condition, but horses can do very well with proper management. Many continue to train and compete successfully. The key is recognizing early signs, minimizing dust exposure and working closely with your veterinarian to tailor a management plan. Owners often find that once they understand asthmas triggers, they can prevent many flare-ups and reduce the need for long-term medication. Recent research showed that wearable dust monitors help identify sources of dust exposure. Hopefully, commercially available devices will soon help owners and veterinarians better manage asthma.Editors note: This is an excerpt from Equine Disease Quarterly, Vol. 34, Issue 4, funded by underwriters at Lloyds, London, brokers, and their Kentucky agents. It was written by Laurent Couetil, DVM, PhD, Dipl. ACVIM-LAIM professor, large animal internal medicine section head, large animal internal medicine director, equine research programs director, at Purdue Universitys College of Veterinary Medicine, in West Lafayette, Indiana.

On Oct. 31, the National Veterinary Services Laboratories confirmed findings of vesicular stomatitis New Jersey virus (VSNJV) in horses on two separate premises in Cochise County, Arizona.At one property, a 21-year-old grade mare has tested positive. There are an additional 52 horses and 120 cattle on the premises that are not clinically affected.At the second property, an 8-year-old Quarter Horse gelding has tested positive. There are an additional six horses and 60 cattle on the premises that are not clinically affected.These horses are the 2025 VSV index cases in the United States. The last outbreak of VSV in the U.S. occurred from May 2023 through January 2024, affecting 319 premises across California, Nevada, and Texas. VSV circulates annually between livestock and insect vectors in southern Mexico and only occasionally results in incursion to the U.S.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 Vesicular StomatitisVesicular stomatitis is a viral disease of horses, donkeys, mules, cattle, swine and New World camelids that occurs in the Western Hemisphere. It is named for the characteristic vesicular lesions it causes in the form of blisters, crusts and ulceration of the lips, muzzle, nose, tongue, ears, sheath, teats and/or coronary band. The virus is transmitted by biting midges and therefore is seasonal.Clinical Signs for vesicular stomatitis include:Vesicle formation leading to ulcerative lesions on the lips, muzzle, nostrils and tongue. The tongue is often the most severely affected area.Ulceration of the inner surface of the lips.Crusting of the muzzle, nostrils, and/or inside the ears.Excessive salivation secondary to the oral lesions.Difficulty picking up and chewing feed.Lameness due to painful erosions on the coronary band.Lesions can occur on the udder, sheath and inside of the ear.Lesions can develop secondary infections resulting in slow-to-heal wounds.Animals on pastures are at increased risk of vesicular stomatitis.Initial diagnosis is based on recognition of characteristic vesicular lesions. Infection is confirmed via laboratory testing for serum antibodies and/or virus identification in fluid samples from active lesions. Veterinarians are required to report suspected cases to state/federal animal health officials who will direct sample submission to an approved regulatory laboratory for diagnostic testing.There is no specific treatment for vesicular stomatitis. Best practices include implementing good biosecurity and treating affected horses with pain relievers, anti-inflammatories and supportive care as recommended by a veterinarian.Isolating all affected animals and placing the premise on immediate quarantine is required until all horses have fully recovered and no active lesions are present. The State Veterinarian will work with the local veterinarian to determine and implement necessary quarantine procedures.

On Oct. 29, a yearling Standardbred at a fairground in Darke County, Ohio, tested positive for equine influenza after developing a cough, intermittent fever, and bilateral mucopurulent nasal discharge. Six additional horses are suspected to be positive, and 30 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 Equine InfluenzaEquine influenzais a highly contagious respiratory disease that infects horses, ponies, and other equids, such as donkeys, mules, and zebras. The virus that causes it is spread via saliva and respiratory secretions from infected horses. Horses are commonly exposed via horse-to-horse contact; aerosol transmission from coughing and sneezing; and contact with humans contaminated hands, shoes, or clothes or contaminated tack, buckets, or other equipment.Clinical signs of equine influenza infection can include a high fever (up to 106F); a dry, hacking cough; depression; weakness; anorexia; serous (watery) nasal discharge; and slightly enlarged lymph nodes. Consider monitoring your horses health at shows by taking his temperature daily, which can help you pick up on signs of infection early and take appropriate measures to reduce disease spread.Vaccinationis an important and inexpensive way to protect your horse. US Equestrian requires proof that horses have had an equine influenza vaccination within the six months prior to attending organization-sanctioned competitions or events. Your veterinarian can help you determine what other vaccines your horse might benefit from.In addition to vaccinating, following strictbiosecurity protocolscan help reduce your horses chance of infection and disease. Such measures include quarantining new equine arrivals at barns, disinfecting buckets and equipment, and preventing nose-to-nose contact between horses.

On Oct. 27, a 17-year-old Quarter Horse gelding in Ada County, Idaho, tested positive for pigeon fever. The horse developed clinical signs on Oct. 19, including draining abscesses in his left pectoral muscle and ventral abdomen. He is now recovering.An 8-year-old Quarter Horse gelding at the facility is suspected to also have pigeon fever. This horse developed a draining abscess on his ventral abdomen on Oct. 20 and is now recovering.EDCC Health Watch is an Equine Network marketing program that utilizes information from the Equine Disease Communication Center (EDCC) to create and disseminate verified equine disease reports. TheEDCCis an independent nonprofit organization that is supported by industry donations in order to provide open access to infectious disease information.About Pigeon FeverPigeon fever is a bacterial infection that affects cattle and horses. It can cause large abscesses, most commonly on the chest and under the belly. Horses become infected when bacteria enters through broken skin, such as small scrapes or wounds. Peak season for infection is late summer through fall.Good horse health safety practices are key to limiting the spread of pigeon fever. These practices include:Fly control;Not sharing water buckets or equipment; andAvoiding tying horses in high-traffic areas.If a horse owner suspects that their animal is affected, they should contact their veterinarian.

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Bereaved mother Emma Webb has announced that she has launched a Community Interest Company (CIC) in memory of her daughter, Brodie, who lost her life to suicide in 2020.Brodie was a talented and passionate showjumper who tragically took her own life aged just 16.The aim of the CIC, which is called DoItForBrodie, is to deliver mental health and wellbeing programmes for young people byraising awareness and providing real, compassionate support.Inspired by Brodies love of horses and the outdoors, DoItForBrodie offers therapy pony sessions with miniature Shetlands Belle and Miles, lived-experience public speaking and horseshoes of hope, a creative project combining decorated horseshoes with mental health resources.After losing my beautiful girl I realised that I had two choices; to lie down and admit defeat, or to stand up, carry on and fight to help others raising awareness to help prevent the loss of more young lives, said Emma.FundraisingDoItForBrodie has raised nearly 100,000 so far from three endurance challenges.In 2021, Emma raised more than 10,500 by walking 285 miles a mile for each life lost to suicide in Wales in 2020, including her daughters.Two years later,Emma pulled Miles, an 80kg life-size resin horse on wheels, from the David Broome Event Centre in Chepstow to the ExCel London. She completed the 160-mile journey in time for the start of the London International Horse Show.She garnered much media attention when Prince William joined her for a small portion of the walk, helping her to pull Miles for around 25 minutes.At the end of September 2024,Emma walked 140 miles from Newport in South Wales to Birmingham while pulling Miles in a challenge entitled Hack to HOYS.Emma hopes that by formally registering the CIC she will be able to upscale the work they have been doing and help more young people across the UK.More from Your HorseJoe Stockdales tips for success when jumping a horse indoorsManage a spooked horse with these exercises from Richard MaxwellHow do horses sleep? Experts explain10 golden feeding rules for horses, according to an equine nutritionistThe post DoItForBrodie launches as Community Interest Company to support young peoples mental wellbeing appeared first on Your Horse.