Attention all horse riding enthusiasts! Get ready for an unforgettable Christmas show at Knockagh View. Mark your calendars for Sunday 7th December and saddle up for a day filled with excitement and f...

Attention all equestrian enthusiasts! Are you ready to take on a new challenge this winter? Look no further than Knockagh View's Winter Mid week Show jumping league!Join us every Wednesday from 5t...

Thermal, Calif. Ben Ebeling (USA) and Bellena stole the show in the inaugural US Equestrian Open DressageFinal, hoisting the impressive trophy to conclude the first year of the finals across the three Olympic disciplines. The partnership earned a personal best score of 79.903% for their freestyle composition to a mix of iconic female pop artiststo stand firmly atop the podium. Felicitas Hendricks (GER) and Drombusch OLD took second place on a final score of 78.260%, while Anna Marek (USA) and Fayvel finished in third on 77.830%. The competition this week at Desert International Horse Park also marked the first-ever CDI5* hosted on the West Coast.Ben Ebeling and Bellana celebrate with a victory gallop. Photo by AveryWallace/US EquestrianEvery time I ask this horse to come through for me, she is just so clutch. Shes just an incredible competitor and Im so lucky to have her by my side and in that arena. Weve been working together for a year now and were just continuing to build this synergetic and symbiotic bond, said Ebeling. Im just so proud of her. As Ive said, a rider is nothing without their horse, so really, thank you, Belle.Our freestyle really highlights her personality as a diva mare and is a testament to strong powerful women. The freestyle includes sections of songs from artists like Rihanna, Beyonce, and Gwen Stefani, and honestly, I dont think anyone can do it better than a mare and thats been the inspiration behind this freestyle, said Ebeling of his musical selection.Of the evening and monumental achievement, Ebeling noted the format of the competition and the opportunity to highlight the Grand Prix Freestyle a positive push the sport needs to be able to connect with more people and attract a broader audience.I think its such a great way to capture the hearts and minds of a wider audience. Its an amazing opportunity for our sport and to show that we can make it fun and entertaining, while highlighting the incredible attributes of our horses. Getting to have my name inked on this trophy with other greats, including two Olympians, it just motivates me more to keep going and keep pushing.Ben Ebeling and Bellana. Photo by AveryWallace/US EquestrianWith Drombusch OLD and her own 2011 Oldenburg gelding (Destano x DiMaggio), Felicitas Hendricks (GER) set the tone in the second half of the class, earning a 78.260% to put the pressure on both Ebeling and Marek to deliver. Hendricks, who earned her qualification during the Wellington season in her campaign last spring, competed in the desert for the first time and was thrilled with both her horse and the experience.Ive been with this horse for a long, long time and he just never stops impressing me. I think today was one of the best feelings weve had together, said Hendricks of her ride. Its special when you have been partners for as long as we have and you still feel like youre continuing to grow and develop together getting better with every ride. Im so thankful for him and to be able to experience this together.Marek (Dunnellon, Fla.) and Fayvel, a 2010 KWPN gelding (Zizi Top x Houston) owned by Cynthia Davila, finished their week with a strong third-place finish in the final class of the week, capping an incredibly strong season for the pair, which included their overall series win, alongside their FEI Grand Prix CDI5* win on Friday evening.Whats really fun about showing this horse is that hes uncomplicated to ride. He lets me really ride and not hold back. With Fayvel, I can really go for it and on a night like tonight, when the pressure is on, I know Im going to fight for it and hes going to be right there with me every step of the way and we dont need to hold back, explained Marek. Its been an amazing week here for us in California and Im so grateful for the opportunity to compete here with him.A total of twelve combinations moved forward to contest the FEI Grand Prix Freestyle CDI5* under the lights, with four different combinations earning personal bests, with competitors across the competition representing the U.S., Canada, and Germany.View the full results here. Edited Press Release | Source: US EquestrianThe post Ben Ebeling and Bellena Win Inaugural US Equestrian Open Dressage Final appeared first on Horse Illustrated Magazine.

Merck Animal Health, known as MSD Animal Health outside of the United States and Canada, a division of Merck & Co., Inc., Rahway, N.J., USA (NYSE:MRK), today announced the results of a new study on PROTAZIL, its pelleted treatment for equine protozoal myeloencephalitis (EPM), which is a neurological disease in horses. The study shows the active ingredient, diclazuril, reaches effective levels, known as the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC), againstSarcocystis neurona, the primary protozoa to cause EPM, in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) within just 12 hours of one oral dose.With a progressive neurological disease like EPM, time is of the essence, says Phil van Harreveld, DVM, MS, DACVS-LA, senior equine professional services veterinarian for Merck Animal Health. Prior to this study, we didnt have clear data on how quickly diclazuril reaches a concentration level in the cerebrospinal fluid known to inhibit this parasite. We can now definitively state that PROTAZIL rapidly reaches therapeutic levels in the CSF after just one dose, offering veterinarians and horse owners reassurance in their treatment of this devastating disease.EPM is a debilitating neurological disease caused by protozoal infection of the central nervous system, leading to symptoms such as incoordination, muscle weakness, and gait abnormalities in affected horses. Up to 90% of the U.S. horse population has been exposed toS. neurona;fortunately, not all infected horses will develop clinical disease. For those that progress to disease, 60 to 70% of horses show clinical improvement with early treatment.1Key study findingsThe North Carolina State University study involved six healthy adult horses that were neurologically normal and negative for EPM. Diclazuril levels in both plasma (blood) and CSF were measured at several time points following a single oral dose administered at the labeled dose of 1 mg/kg top-dressed on sweet feed. Highlights include:Diclazuril concentrations in the CSF surpassed the MIC forS. neurona(1 ng/mL) in all horses by 12 hours post-administration.The CSF concentrations peaked at 24 hours, while plasma concentrations peaked later, at 48 hours. A horse with active EPM carries the parasite in its nervous system, which is why its helpful to know CSF concentrations and not just blood levels of the drug.Not only did diclazuril reach the MIC quickly, but it also remained well above the MIC for eight days, suggesting a sustained therapeutic effect.References1Reed SM, et al. Equine Protozoal Myeloencephalitis: An Updated Consensus Statement with a Focus on Parasite Biology, Diagnosis, Treatment and Prevention.J Vet Intern Med2016;30:491-502.Our most significant finding from the research is the speed at which diclazuril reached the MIC for S. neurona in the horses CSF, says Kate Hepworth-Warren, DVM, DACVIM-LAIM, lead researcher and assistant professor of equine internal medicine at the NC State College of Veterinary Medicine. This is especially critical in acute cases where the clock is ticking. Initiating diclazuril therapy early can give the horse the best possible head start against aggressive disease progression.This research was presented at the 2025 International Veterinary Emergency & Critical Care Society Meeting.Horse owners are encouraged to speak with their veterinarian to determine whether PROTAZIL is the right treatment for their horse.Learn more about EPM here.Please see Prescribing Information for PROTAZILHERE.IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION:PROTAZILis contraindicated in horses with known hypersensitivity to diclazuril. The safety of PROTAZILin horses used for breeding purposes, during pregnancy, or in lactating mares, and use with concomitant therapies in horses has not been evaluated. Do not use in horses intended for human consumption. Not for human use. For complete safety information, refer to the product label.

An 11-year-old gelding at a boarding facility in Red Deer County, Alberta, has tested positive for equine herpesvirus-1 (EHV-1). The gelding developed acute neurologic signs on Nov. 8 and was unable to pass manure or urine. He is currently 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.EHV 101Herpesvirus is highly contagious among horses and can cause a variety of ailments in equids, including rhinopneumonitis (a respiratory disease usually found in young horses), abortion in broodmares, and EHM.In many horses, the first or only sign of EHV-1 infection is fever, which can go undetected.In addition to fever, other common signs of EHV-1 infection in young horses include cough, decreased appetite, depression, and a nasal discharge. Pregnant mares typically show no signs of infection before they abort, and abortions usually occur late in gestation (around eight months) but can be earlier. Abortions can occur anywhere from two weeks to several months following infection with EHV-1.Horses with EHM usually have a fever at the onset of the disease and might show signs of a respiratory infection. A few days later, neurologic signs such as ataxia (incoordination), weakness or paralysis of the fore- and hind limbs, urine retention and dribbling, loss of tail tone, and recumbency (inability to rise) develop.Herpesvirus is easily spread by nose-to-nose or close contact with an infectious horse; sharing contaminated equipment including bits, buckets, and towels; or clothing, hands, or equipment of people who have recently had contact with an infectious horse.Routine biosecurity measures, including hygiene and basic cleaning and disinfection practices, should be in place at all times to help prevent disease spread.Current EHV-1 vaccines might reduce viral shedding but are not protective against the neurologic form of the disease. Implementing routine biosecurity practices is the best way to minimize viral spread, and the best method of disease control is disease prevention.

Mules tend to be metabolically efficient, which can make managing their diet challenging. | Getty imagesQ: I am new to owning equids, and I recently purchased a mule for trail riding. My veterinarian recommended I add a ration balancer to her diet because she is overweight but not receiving her essential nutrient requirements. How do I choose a high-quality ration balancer? How can I ensure it wont further contribute to her being overweight?A: Congratulations on your mule! It is incredibly exciting to own your own equid, and its fantastic you are considering her nutritional management carefully. Even with an overweight equid, forage only will not meet their nutrient requirements. This is why equine nutritionists recommend adding a ration balancer to her diet.Ration balancers provide a concentrated source of vitamins, minerals, and protein without significantly contributing to calorie intake. The manufacturers recommended feeding rate for a ration balancer is normally about 1-2 pounds per day, depending on age, weight, and workload.Mules (a cross between a male donkey and a female horse), tend to be metabolically efficient, similar to donkeys. This can make managing their nutrition more challenging, especially if they are housed with horses that need more calories to maintain a healthy body condition.Choosing Ration Balancers for MulesAlthough ration balancers serve as a great option for feeding mules, they do add a small number of calories to the diet. The gold standard would be to have your hay tested to ensure the protein content meets your mules dietary requirements (nutritionists recommend about 10% crude protein for equids in light work). If the hay supplies adequate protein, then you can use a vitamin/mineral premix instead of a ration balancer.These premix products deliver vitamins and minerals only, offered in pelleted and powdered forms. Because they do not include protein, you feed far lessusually 4-8 ounces.Whether you use a ration balancer or a vitamin/mineral premix, follow the feeding guidelines listed on the product label. Quality products have been formulated by an equine nutritionist and designed to meet the equids nutrient requirements when fed at the specified feeding rate. If you feed below that rate, the product will not meet your mules nutrient requirements.Choosing a High-Quality Ration BalancerWhen shopping for a ration balancer or vitamin/mineral premix for your mule, carefully consider both the ingredients and guaranteed analysis listed on the label. Look for high-quality ingredients such as chelated or organic forms of trace minerals (i.e., zinc proteinate, copper chelate). If you choose a product that supplies protein, it should include high-quality protein sources such as soybean meal or alfalfa meal. Product labels that list guaranteed amounts of essential amino acids (lysine, methionine and threonine), tend to be higher quality.When you read the guaranteed analysis, also check for a calcium-to-phosphorus ratio of 2:1. The product, when fed at the recommended rate, should provide 100% of daily requirements for most vitamins and minerals.Take-Home MessageEven though your mule is overweight, she still needs a balanced diet. You can meet those needs with a ration balancer or, if hay testing shows adequate protein, a vitamin/mineral premix. Taking the time to review the ingredient list and guaranteed analysis will help you select a high-quality product suited to your mule.Do you have an equine nutrition question? Do you have an equine nutrition question? The Horses editors want to hear from you! Submit your question via the form below. Name(Required) First Last Email(Required) Submit your equine nutrition question below!(Required)CAPTCHA

A university student is asking members of the equine community to participate in a research study with the aim of gaining a deeper understanding of horse rugging practices.Emma Best, a mature student in the final year of a BSc (Hons) equine bio-veterinary science degree at Anglia Ruskin University, Writtle,has created the anonymous survey to explore the reasons that influence why, when and how owners choose to rug their horses.The study aims to collect detailed information on how decisions are influenced by factors such as weather conditions, individual horse characteristics and owner perceptions or experiences.Difficult decisionCaring for my own horses, Bluebell and Misty, has inspired me to focus my dissertation research on rugging practices a topic I always find myself debating, especially during the winter months, said Emma.This survey explores how, when, and why we rug our horses, aiming to better understand owners approaches and equine thermoregulation.Im excited to hear from fellow horse owners, whose responses will help paint a clearer picture of these practices.Survey infoThe survey consists primarily of multiple-choice questions, with a small number of optional open-text responses, and takes approximately five minutes to complete.It is open to participants aged 18 and over, and no identifiable personal data is collected.All responses will be treated confidentially and used solely for academic research.The survey is open until Wednesday 31 December. The results will be revealed in January/February next year.To complete the survey, click here. Main image ShutterstockRelated contentToo hot, too cold, or just right? Experts explain when to put a rug on a horse (and when not to)Layering rugs significantly decreases a horses stride length, study findsTherapy rugs tried and tested to find which really workWhen do horses feel cold? Dr David Marlin explainsExperts explain when to put a rug on a horse (and when not to)The post Take part: survey explores horse owners rugging practices appeared first on Your Horse.

Legal Aspect Description Horse Neglect and Starvation Laws Criminal offense in all 50 states with penalties varying by jurisdiction. Involves failure to provide essential care. Examples include Texas and New York laws. Criminal Penalties Includes prison sentences (up to five years for repeat offenses in Texas) and financial penalties (fines up to $1,000 or more). Animal Forfeiture Courts can order permanent forfeiture of neglected animals, impacting ownership rights. Real-World Cases Examples include Montgomery County seizure (200+ horses), Verona Stable and Center Brook Farm cases, and California Equine Retirement Foundation settlement. Civil Seizure and Emergency Removal Authorities can seize animals under duress swiftly. Bonding requirements may apply for cost coverage during proceedings. Federal Protections (Horse Protection Act) Administered by APHIS, imposes civil penalties up to $2,000 per violation, can disqualify offenders from horse ownership. Enforcement Importance Involves prosecutors, law enforcement, and citizens to curb horse mistreatment, ensuring justice. Key Takeaways for Horse Owners Ensure adequate care, maintain care records, and foster community awareness to prevent neglect and its severe consequences. Conclusion Severe penalties reflect societal emphasis on livestock protection. Understanding legal duties prevents legal and financial repercussions. What Are the Legal Consequences for Neglecting and Starving Horses? Imagine coming across a field where horses stand emaciated, bones jutting like mournful sculptures, under the uncaring sun. As tragic as it is, horse neglect and starvation are alarming issues that carry severe legal consequences across the United States. Understanding the legal frameworks that support equine welfare is crucial for any horse owner or caretaker. From hefty fines and prison sentences to animal forfeiture, the penalties are designed to hold individuals accountable and deter future mistreatment. This comprehensive guide will walk you through the ramifications and real-world cases that demonstrate these laws in action. Understanding Horse Neglect and Starvation Laws Horse neglect is a criminal offense in all 50 states, with varied penalties depending on jurisdiction. Neglect generally involves the failure to provide essential food, water, shelter, or veterinary care to a horse under ones ownership or custody. For instance, Texas law states that a person commits an offense if they fail unreasonably to provide necessary food, water, or care for a livestock animal. This "unreasonable" deprivation of care means that even minimal provision falling below essential nourishment can lead to criminal charges. Examples of State Laws Texas and New York serve as examples where specific laws articulate the standard for animal care. In New York, aggravated animal cruelty is a felony under Section 353-a of the Agriculture & Markets Law. Learn more about protective gear for horse riders with our Jodhpur Collection. Criminal Penalties for Horse Neglect Prison Sentences The consequences for horse neglect often include potential prison time alongside rigid financial penalties. For instance, under Texas law, a first-time offense might result in 30 days to two years in jail, while a second offense increases the likelihood of prison time up to five years. Fines and Financial Penalties Financial penalties are designed to be prohibitive. In Texas, convicted individuals can pay fines up to $1,000, excluding additional charges in severe cases. The infamous Montgomery County case in Texas saw the owners facing over $122,000 in financial costs for neglecting 207 horses, highlighting the intensive financial and emotional burdens these legal proceedings can generate. Forfeiture of Animals A conviction for neglect risks more than just freedom or finances. Courts can order the permanent forfeiture of animals found in a state of neglect, severely impacting individuals ability to ever reclaim ownership. This penalty reinforces accountability in large-scale neglect instances, forcing owners to recognize the gravity of their actions. Real-World Cases: The Legal System in Action The Montgomery County Seizure One dramatic instance involved the seizure of over 200 horses in Montgomery County, Texas. Convicted for cruel treatment, the owners had to bear the costs of care incurred by the Houston SPCA, demonstrating that large-scale neglect faces aggressive prosecution and significant liability. The Verona Stable Case This headline-grabbing case saw a stable owner plead guilty to aggravated animal cruelty, serving as a strong reminder of the legal system's commitment to ensuring animal welfare and oversight at private facilities. The charges underscored the substantial legal ramifications for failing to uphold basic care standards. Center Brook Farm: 177 Horses The case at Center Brook Farm illustrates the importance of prompt intervention; years after initial reports, 177 horses were found in distress based on news alerts regarding neglected horses being shipped for slaughter. Due to delayed action, many animals were unfortunately beyond help, further emphasizing the need for timely measures. For high-quality horse boots, check out our Horse Riding Boot Collection. California Equine Retirement Foundation Settlement Even organizations with a mission to save horses can fall short. The California Equine Retirement Foundation faced lawsuits after managing properties poorly, leading to the removal of 44 horses to uphold welfare standards. Legal actions like these ensure rescue entities remain accountable under animal protection laws. Civil Seizure and Emergency Removal of Animals How Seizure Works Beyond criminal charges, authorities can undertake civil seizures of horses already under duress. This process often operates swiftly to save animals before trials conclude. Upon probable cause of cruelty, search warrants authorize these actions, preventing further suffering within owner facilities. Bonding Requirements After seizure, those charged might have to post bonds covering the cost of care while criminal proceedings unfold. Failing to post this bond heightens the chance of permanent animal forfeiture. The financial barrier, as seen in the Montgomery case, limits many from reclaiming their equines. Learn more about equine protection with our Horse Fly Protection gear. Federal Protections: The Horse Protection Act Federal support for equine welfare further underscores this commitment through the Horse Protection Act, ensuring oversight on a national level. Administered by APHIS, this act imposes civil penalties up to $2,000 per violation and could disqualify offenders from owning or handling horses henceforth. Why Enforcement Matters The enforcement of equine protection laws is vital because horses themselves cannot advocate for their rights. Prosecutors, law enforcement, and vigilant citizens collectively shoulder responsibility to curb such abuses. As one legal expert noted, persistent and caring officials, coupled with civilians ready to report mistreatment, are essential to ensuring justice. Key Takeaways for Horse Owners If you are a horse caretaker, staying cognizant of the legal landscape is crucial. Ensure adequate food, water, and shelter are consistently available, and always manage necessary veterinary care attentively. Additionally, maintaining comprehensible records of care can offer protection should your practices ever be examined. Strong community awareness and intervention signal wrongful behavior, which could prevent worse consequences later. Users need commitment to providing horses with owed humanitarian rights. Conclusion The punishments for neglect and starvation can be severe, reflecting the societal emphasis on protecting livestock and maintaining ethical standards of care. For those managing stables or private facilities, the need to abide by these standards is paramount, ensuring readiness and proficiency in equine care.\n By understanding these legal duties, horse owners preserve the safety of their animals as well as protect themselves from substantial legal and financial repercussions. Visit Just Horse Riders for more information on equine apparel and products supporting a healthy and comfortable life for your horses.```html```