Equine Recurrent Uveitis (ERU)

by sayo @ Excel Supplements

Sat Jul 11 22:34:10 PDT 2015

I simply love it when our customers cause me to do research in topics I have not had to deal with thankfully. Take a look at what Tish is noticing in her 25 year old rope horse after he has been on ExcelEQ. As I have not dealt with Uveitis or really knew very little… Read More

The post Equine Recurrent Uveitis (ERU) appeared first on Excel Supplements.

Winterizing The Hard Keeper Horse

by Kathy Hartwig @ Equine Challenge Supplements

Fri Nov 03 16:41:59 PDT 2017

November 2017 Newsletter.  If your horse is struggling to keep weight on in the winter, add more WHOLE oats to the evening feeding. How much you ask? If you increase the whole oats and the horse is still losing weight, then it is evident you are not feeding enough. When your horse is maintaining his weight then you know you are feeding the right  amount. Far too many horse owners turn to commercial Senior Feeds to keep weight on their horse. Commercial feeds typically contain a great deal of byproduct waste. This byproduct waste material is what remains of the original whole food which is processed for human consumption. For Example: wheat middlings or wheat millrun, rice bran, beet pulp, soy bean hulls, soy oil, soy meal, Distiller’s Dried Grain solutes, feed grade molasses, ground corn, Distiller’s fermentation solutes, ground cotton seed, almond hulls, … on and on. The processing of these food materials removes the vast majority of the food’s natural qualities such as their antioxidative qualities, the phenolic compounds, dietary fiber, the fats or oils, selenium, the phytoestrogens and more. These foods many times become “dead” foods, especially the foods which have been stabilized to prevent them from going rancid. These are also called hollow calories. This byproduct material is digested very quickly and the glucose is released very quickly into the bloodstream. Another way this phenomenon is described…the glucose index will spike. When this high glucose level is elevated the pancreas will produce more insulin.  The horse who has been grazing for 4 million years for 18 hours a day in its environment, naturally produces insulin 24/7. Insulin triggersthe cell walls of the horse to freely accept glucose or sugar from the bloodstream. Please read those feed labels…if you see that the first 6-7 items are byproduct waste product, that is what you are feeding your horse, per volume. Those vitamins and minerals in a 50 pound bag of feed are not very much volume wise. The vast majority of that bag of processed feed by volume is byproduct waste, wheat middlings or wheat millrun, rice bran, beet pulp, soy meal, soy hulls, soy oil, Distiller’s Dried Grain solutes, feed grade molasses, Distiller’s fermentation solutes, almond hulls, ground corn, etc….. As winter begins to wane and your horse is putting on undesired weight it is time to decrease the feeding of additional whole oats to the level of desired weight. Yes, this may seem more time consuming, it isn’t. Just keep in mind the horse is in a constant state of metabolic flux. Knowing your horse is critical in responsibly managing the day to day stewardship of your horse or horses. As we recommend the feeding of whole oats to horses, remember that whole oats represent 35 – 45% more body heat production than an equal amount of corn.  In the colder snaps of winter weather we recommend feeding the major portion of your whole oats in the evening feeding which will produce more body heat in the morning (1:00 am to 4:00 am) when it is most needed.  If your horses are losing weight given the colder weather, increase your whole oats in the evening feeding.  Also, the fiber level of oats is 10-12% and is therefore less likely to cause laminitis or digestive problems as compared to other grains. For those horses that need a little extra help you can follow the Weepago diet which consists of 8 packed cups of alfalfa fines and 3 cups of WHOLE oats. For those horse owners who struggle with those easy keepers and you struggle daily with keeping your horse’s weight down, winter is the season to get a jump start on those over weight horses. The horse will burn more calories in the winter due to the burning of calories to generate body heat to combat the colder weather. So, knowing this, one can use the colder weather to their metabolic advantage. If you feed your overweight horse less at the night feeding, the horse will need to go to their stored energy, otherwise known as fat, as the energy source to beat the coldness and remain warm, thereby losing weight. Thank you for choosing Equine Challenge Supplements.  If you have any questions, always feel free to call 559-905-7528   Kathy Hartwig   Mackie Hartwig, D.C. “You’re never wrong when you do the right thing”

Women recruited to test boar meat

by admin @ The Western ProducerThe Western Producer

Thu Feb 08 13:48:34 PST 2018

Female consumers across Europe have been asked to assess the taste of boar burgers compared to meat from castrated pigs. The research is designed to evaluate whether boar meat tastes better or worse than regular pork from castrated male pigs. Researchers chose only women for the taste tests because women are said to have a […] Read more

The post Women recruited to test boar meat appeared first on The Western Producer.

In the Big Inning (Beginning)

by admin @ Healthy Horses

Wed Jun 01 21:51:11 PDT 2016

It’s hard to find a place to start, but regardless, whether by hook-or-by-crook, or any other fancy cliches, we’ll start with baseball. I am the man, so this is where I’ll start. You’ve got your players- offense and defense, your field of green (similar to where horses hang-out) and an infield of dirt/shale/gravel (also where Read More ...

Eventing falls will mean elimination for most riders under new British rules

by Horsetalk.co.nz @ Horsetalk.co.nz

Fri Feb 09 12:30:55 PST 2018

Horsetalk.co.nz

Any competitor falling during their dressage test or on course of the show jumping or cross country phase will be eliminated and not allowed to continue on course.

Eventing falls will mean elimination for most riders under new British rules -- Horsetalk.co.nz - equine news, research, and information

What to do for a Sick Horse or Dog?

by cschuknecht @

Mon Jul 10 13:18:06 PDT 2017

Think about it, our animals cannot be sick and healthy at the same time. They can have a cold or … Continue reading →

Natural Flavors Used In Equine Challenge Supplements

by Kathy Hartwig @ Equine Challenge Supplements

Fri Jan 26 16:31:59 PST 2018

Due to customer request, and in an effort to keep Equine Challenge Supplements as natural as possible, I am very pleased to announce that all natural flavoring is now being offered in all of the Equine Challenge Supplements that contain both natural and artificial flavoring (many of the Equine Challenge Supplements only contain natural flavorings…that which comes naturally from the ingredients in the supplement). Artificial flavor is anything that is “man made.”  Natural flavor or natural flavoring means the essential oil, oleoresin, essence or extractive, protein hydrolysate, distillate, or any product of roasting, heating or enzymolysis, which contains the flavoring constituents derived from a spice, fruit or fruit juice, vegetable or vegetable juice, edible yeast, herb, bark, bud, root, leaf or similar plant material or fermentation products thereof, whose significant function in food is flavoring rather than nutritional. The “molasses flavor” which is used in many of the Equine Challenge Supplements comes from a proprietary blend of vanilla notes, botanical extracts and some aroma chemicals (all chemicals are EU approved as they are naturally found in different extracts, plants, etc.).  Aroma chemicals are derived from a form of botanical (plant material) extract. The most common are spices, nuts, herbs, fruits some flowers, cinnamon, cloves, ginger, lemon, nutmeg, orange, peppermint, spearmint, vanilla, violet and wintergreen. The first natural flavor in the line up being offered to our Equine Challenge Supplement customers is our natural “banana” flavor.  In the very near future natural apple and natural cherry will be offered.  Two processes can be used to obtain these flavors.  It can be distilled from actual fruits or created by a yeast or bacterial process.  As isoamylacetate is found in many fruits, it could be derived from any one fruit or many that contain that specific ester. We have tested the new flavors and as usual, horses are loving it and eating it straight from the hand! If you have any questions regarding the new flavor options, please let me know!  

Construction continues on G3 grain network

by Robin Booker @ The Western ProducerThe Western Producer

Fri Feb 09 12:52:22 PST 2018

G3’s dream of building a coast-to-coast grain-handling network in Canada is moving closer to reality, with key elements under construction and additional facilities likely to be announced in the future. Brett Malkoske, G3’s vice-president of business development and communications, said construction of G3’s new high-throughput export terminal in North Vancouver is ahead of schedule with […] Read more

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Typical Differences in Your Horse’s Hay

by Dr. Kelsey J. Nonella Ph.D., P.A.S. @ Horse Guard

Thu Dec 14 16:31:43 PST 2017

When it comes to feeding your horse, you have a lot of different options in terms of types of hay. Different types of hay have different nutrients contents. There is Read More

The post Typical Differences in Your Horse’s Hay appeared first on Horse Guard.

Human medicine to help get to the guts of equine disease

by Contributor @ Horsetalk.co.nz

Wed Feb 07 12:50:26 PST 2018

Horsetalk.co.nz

Studies in humans can often help researchers identify new areas of investigation in horses.

Human medicine to help get to the guts of equine disease -- Horsetalk.co.nz - equine news, research, and information

Study finds no firm glyphosate-cancer link

by robert @ The Western ProducerThe Western Producer

Thu Nov 09 10:02:08 PST 2017

A long-term study of pesticide applicators in the United States has found that glyphosate exposure is not associated with cancer. The Agricultural Health Study, published in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute, looked at the cancer incidence in 54,251 farmers and ag workers in Iowa and North Carolina. Of that group, 44,932 had used […] Read more

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Improving Stallion Fertility through Nutrition

by Rebecca @ Summit Equine Nutrition :: Dr. Clair Thunes – Independent Equine Nutritionist located in Northern California

Wed Feb 03 20:10:54 PST 2016

As long as your stallion is in good weight and is receiving a balanced diet, supplementing additional vitamins and minerals above requirement has not been conclusively proven to have any positive effect on fertility.  However, there is a nutrient that stands out as having a...

The post Improving Stallion Fertility through Nutrition appeared first on Summit Equine Nutrition :: Dr. Clair Thunes - Independent Equine Nutritionist located in Northern California.

What’s not to like about ranching in Hawaii?

by admin @ The Western ProducerThe Western Producer

Thu Feb 08 14:03:17 PST 2018

Purebred Charolais and Angus cows were calving in January on the Parker Ranch in Hawaii. Winter temperatures in the high 20s C contrasted sharply with what was going on back home in Manitoba the day we toured the Hawaii ranch. Family members were calving out cows in -30 C weather, making sure calves were born […] Read more

The post What’s not to like about ranching in Hawaii? appeared first on The Western Producer.

US endurance body to consider withholding approval to compete in Middle East

by Horsetalk.co.nz @ Horsetalk.co.nz

Wed Feb 07 15:56:38 PST 2018

Horsetalk.co.nz

AERC director believes withdrawal of approval can be justified under the Ted Stevens Act.

US endurance body to consider withholding approval to compete in Middle East -- Horsetalk.co.nz - equine news, research, and information

Purebred cattle cornerstone of Alta. ranch

by admin @ The Western ProducerThe Western Producer

Thu Feb 08 14:07:08 PST 2018

CRAIGMYLE, Alta. — Blake Morton and Darcy Olesky are dedicated to their art. The art in this case is the pair’s dedication to producing quality purebred cattle at Shiloh Cattle Company in southeastern Alberta. The fourth-generation ranch was established in 1909 by Blake’s great-grandfather, Kingsley Morton. It evolved over time from a commercial spread to […] Read more

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2018 Conference Speaker Carrie Eastman

by Pam Reece @ Dynamite Specialty Products

Wed Jan 10 11:26:55 PST 2018

Dynamite 2018 Conference Speaker Profile: CARRIE EASTMAN Carrie brings a very unique mix of experience and training to the wellness business with more than 40 years of experience with bodywork and energy healing. In addition, Carrie has 30 years of hunt seat, dressage and conscious horsemanship experience and has been working professionally on animals and people…

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Probiotics For Diarrhea

by NOVA Probiotics @ NOVA Probiotics

Tue Sep 02 11:52:58 PDT 2014

  Probiotics to save you from the discomfort and embarrassment of diarrhea   Diarrhea is an extremely common illness, and everyone usually gets it about once a year. Diarrhea can be caused by many different things, the main one being intestinal imbalance. When the bacteria inside your intestines that digest your food are unbalanced, meaning...

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Why Should You Care About The Frog?

by Scott Cieslar @ Mad Barn – Nutrition and Supplements for Horses

Mon Mar 21 17:47:31 PDT 2016

If you’ve read my previous blog, you now have a better understanding of hoof biomechanics. Having a healthy frog is a key component of proper biomechanics and one of the secrets to being able to perform well barefoot. Is poor frog health responsible for lameness? According to the American Farriers Association, 80% of horses would […]

U.S. Military Dogs – We Honor You Today!

by jess @

Mon May 29 08:21:24 PDT 2017

Our last blog featured a horse that had a major role in the U.S. Military, and so today we wanted … Continue reading →

Children’s Most Common Illnesses: Colic, Colds & Flu.

by NOVA Probiotics @ NOVA Probiotics

Tue Oct 07 09:01:34 PDT 2014

Colic: Colic refers to a very common condition in infants and a great source of stress for parents. Young children with colic may cry for episodes of three hours or more, at least three days in a week. During these fits, the child will be perfectly healthy, he will not be hungry, need changing or want...

The post Children’s Most Common Illnesses: Colic, Colds & Flu. appeared first on NOVA Probiotics.

Lonely Horse Eats Sand

by rivhorse @ Rivas Remedies

Wed Mar 02 09:30:44 PST 2016

Paige is a 12 year old mustang living in California. Her case was brought to me for an assessment on her general health and wellness. She had quite a good health history except for one episode of sand colic in July 2015 after arriving at the retirement ranch. But she had no other episodes after ...

Healing Leaky Gut Syndrome With Probiotics

by NOVA Probiotics @ NOVA Probiotics

Thu Oct 30 13:04:03 PDT 2014

  The intestinal lining is responsible for this common gastrointestinal disorder. Leaky Gut happens when the intestinal lining is more porous than normal, when large spaces appear in the gut wall allowing substances to leak out of the gut and into the blood stream. In such cases, substances like bacteria, fungi, parasites and partially digested molecules might dissipate through...

The post Healing Leaky Gut Syndrome With Probiotics appeared first on NOVA Probiotics.

2018 Conference Speaker Chris Huppe

by Pam Reece @ Dynamite Specialty Products

Tue Jan 09 10:01:43 PST 2018

  Dynamite 2018 Conference Speaker Profile: CHRIS HUPPE, BS, RN, DAEP Chris Huppe, DAEP, is the founder and primary practitioner at The Horse’s Foot, an allied health practice with the mission of helping horses live healthy and happy in domestication. She believes that there are two primary systems that account for health and happiness in…

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Ten Ways To Help Your Easy Keeper

by rivhorse @ Rivas Remedies

Wed Mar 22 13:43:12 PDT 2017

All horses need regular exercise and you cannot rely on them to exercise themselves. Exercise is the single biggest strategy to prevent weight gain and metabolic problems. It also relieves boredom and depression. Always use slow feeders to regulate their intake of hay. We prefer non-rope vinyl which is durable, easy on the mouth and easy ...

Hacked By Shade

by novanimal @ NOVAnimal Probiotics

Tue May 20 14:13:27 PDT 2014

Hacked By Shade Hacked By Shade   GreetZ : Prosox & Sxtz Hacked By Shade <3

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What Conformation Strengths Should I Look for in an OTTB?

by Jennifer Whittle @ The Horse

Fri Feb 09 12:57:17 PST 2018

Dr. Janik Gasiorowski and Steuart Pittman share what they look for when evaluating an OTTB prospect's conformation.

The post What Conformation Strengths Should I Look for in an OTTB? appeared first on The Horse.

Charcoal Could Help Horses At Risk for Atypical Myopathy

by Christa Lesté-Lasserre, MA @ The Horse

Mon Feb 12 12:23:44 PST 2018

Activated charcoal administered via a nasogastric tube might help stop the intoxication process that leads to death.

The post Charcoal Could Help Horses At Risk for Atypical Myopathy appeared first on The Horse.

Sugar Levels In Fall & Spring Pasture Grasses

by Kathy Hartwig @ Equine Challenge Supplements

Sun Oct 08 17:15:33 PDT 2017

It has been said “Your cheapest feed is right under your horse’s hooves.” Grass is approximately 85% water, which helps your horse stay hydrated. Grass is high in protein and has large amounts of Vitamin E and Magnesium. Studies show that horses eat faster in the Spring. They will eat more per day in pounds of grass than in the summer. Sugar levels of Spring grasses are higher than in any time of the year EXCEPT in early Fall “frost grass”, which tastes better due to its sweetness. Certain breeds will put their head down and not pick it up until Summer when on Spring grass. Some of the easy keeper horses, if on Spring grass too long, will get laminitis or founder. Other breeds can be on pasture 24/7 and never miss a step. For those of you that have horses that are overweight, insulin resistant, or Cushing’s, you are probably very familiar with keeping them off of grasses in the Spring. The non-structural carbohydrate (NSC) content is too high for free-choice grazing to be safe, which increases the risk for laminitis and founder.  Many people think their horses are safe once Spring is over. It is true that Summer is safer, but when Fall temps get down below 40 degrees for the most of the night, the dangerous carbohydrates once again increase. Grass accumulates NSC (sugars and starch) as it is exposed to sunlight and levels reach a peak in the late afternoon. During the dark hours of the night, the grass uses this fuel for itself, so by morning the levels are at their lowest. Because cold nights prevent grass from using as much NSC, the results are a higher NSC concentration during the day. Many people are lulled into a false sense of security by the golden grass in the late Fall. If you go out and examine it, you may find green at the base, which is high in sugar and starch. If it hasn’t rained in a while, your grass will look dried out, but be mindful, dry grass can actually have a higher NSC percentage than long, lush green grass. Some Helpful Solutions: Slow introduction to pasture. For horses with a laminitis history, 15 minutes a day for a week, then 30 minutes a day for week, increasing each week until 4 hours a day is reached.  For horses not prone to laminitis, 30 minutes a day for a week, 60 minutes a day for a week, etc…  At 4 hours a day if needed, test Insulin numbers to see if they’re holding in the normal range. Grazing Muzzles – studies show intake decreases by 50%, which means a lower intake of carbohydrate = less Insulin surging and less hind gut    problems. Feed hay prior to turnout. Continual hay lowers Insulin, protects hooves. Turn horses out in the early morning (5:00-8:00 am) in the gradual steps when sugar levels in grass are lowest. Avoid afternoon turnout when      sunlight raises carbohydrates in the grass. Daily exercise! Exercise lowers Insulin levels and increases circulation, this is a must! Keep pastures mowed to 6-8 inches which keeps weeds down and keeps sugar levels in grass lower. Turn horses out at night. Night turnout allows your horse more time in the pasture. Night has lower sugars in the grass than in the afternoon. Change pastures if grass being eaten is lower than 4 inches. Shorter grass has more sugars. In the Spring, do not turn out onto new “little nibblet” grass. It’s sugar content is high. Consider additional prebiotics during Spring to support the hindgut. Always provide fresh water. Water moves food through the gut quicker, which helps in Insulin control. Weedy pastures are a problem. Weeds concentrate iron from the soil in much greater quantities than grass. If eaten, these weeds can create iron surging in the horse, leading to elevated Insulin. Some types of weeds are very high in sugar, which, when eaten, can also lead to Insulin surging. In situations such as drought, excessive heat, or an overnight freeze, grasses will not have converted the sugar they synthesize during the day into fiber for growth overnight, and remain relatively high in sugar in the morning.  Understanding this can help horse owners make decisions based on the weather. Grasses may not grow in a drought, yet the sun still beats down on them and they still accumulate sugar. The short grass in a pasture that didn’t  get watered (and didn’t grow much) will be full of sugar. Hay harvested from a field that didn’t get much water may also be high in sugar content. The sugar keeps accumulating because the grass can’t use it up.” Understanding how grass grows, and how sugars are used and available in grass can help you better manage your overweight, easy keeper and at-risk horses.  High sugars in grass and hay can be dangerous for horses prone to certain problems, so keep an eye on the weather, grass growth, and the weight of the horse.  If after all these precautions your horse does suffer from laminitis or founder, please consider helping the recovery of your horse with Laminae 911 herbal support.   By Kathy Hartwig,     Copyright © Kathy Hartwig  All rights Reserved

Recently identified horse parvovirus capable of causing serious liver disease

by Horsetalk.co.nz @ Horsetalk.co.nz

Thu Feb 08 11:43:45 PST 2018

Horsetalk.co.nz

Evidence suggests the virus can be spread through contaminated horse serum products. Infected horses do not always develop disease.

Recently identified horse parvovirus capable of causing serious liver disease -- Horsetalk.co.nz - equine news, research, and information

Racing performance unaffected by Hendra vaccine, Australian study finds

by Horsetalk.co.nz @ Horsetalk.co.nz

Wed Feb 07 11:45:38 PST 2018

Horsetalk.co.nz

Researchers checked race performance of hundreds of horses in south-eastern Queensland.

Racing performance unaffected by Hendra vaccine, Australian study finds -- Horsetalk.co.nz - equine news, research, and information

Using The Best

by khinkson @ Techna Vet

Mon Jun 27 21:46:55 PDT 2016

Galozyme® Equine Sport I was fortunate enough to run across this product three years ago while showing in Canada. I've been using it on all my horses from foals to grand prix horses with great success. Galozyme® sets apart from other probiotics. It's satisfying to know I'm using the best product for my horses. Karen Cudmore Heartland Farms

Gearing Up For The New Season With Endurance and Speed Work

by Rebecca @ Summit Equine Nutrition :: Dr. Clair Thunes – Independent Equine Nutritionist located in Northern California

Sat Mar 19 18:49:23 PDT 2016

Now that we are moving into spring, competition season is upon us!Prepare your horse or keep up their fitness by incorporating some endurance and speed work into their training schedule. Once your horse has a good foundation in long slow work, training may proceed to...

The post Gearing Up For The New Season With Endurance and Speed Work appeared first on Summit Equine Nutrition :: Dr. Clair Thunes - Independent Equine Nutritionist located in Northern California.

Type One Wounds (First Intention Healing)

by David Ramey @ David Ramey, DVM

Mon Jan 22 07:08:13 PST 2018

They say that there are two kinds of people in life – lumpers and splitters.*  Lumpers like to put everything into one box.  So, to a lumper, any time that a horse opens his skin, it is just a cut, a wound, a laceration, or a boo-boo, or something like that. Splitters like to break […]

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Managing Horses With PPID

by The Horse Staff @ The Horse

Fri Feb 09 07:10:57 PST 2018

Learn up-to-date, research-based information about early diagnosis and how to help care for your horse with Cushing’s disease.

The post Managing Horses With PPID appeared first on The Horse.

To Blanket or Not to Blanket Your Horse??

by Emma Edgren @ Horse Guard

Thu Nov 09 11:00:14 PST 2017

Do you start blanketing your horse when temperatures drop below forty degrees, or do you hold off until the cold below freezing temperatures hit, or do you blanket your horse Read More

The post To Blanket or Not to Blanket Your Horse?? appeared first on Horse Guard.

Rewilding the Herd – Last Night on Earth

by Kesia @ Listen To Your Horse

Mon Nov 06 22:30:26 PST 2017

I wish I could tell you everything – about how a year on the land came and went, about what it’s taken out of and from us all to make it this far, about what the horses have been upRead More

Fall Red Maple Leaves and Your Horse Don’t Mix

by Dr. Kelsey J. Nonella Ph.D., P.A.S. @ Horse Guard

Thu Oct 19 13:14:44 PDT 2017

As the leaves turn orange, yellow and red in the fall, they make for beautiful scenery across pastures. However, there are some trees that you should be aware that are Read More

The post Fall Red Maple Leaves and Your Horse Don’t Mix appeared first on Horse Guard.

Insulin Resistance in Horses and Selenium Deficiency

by Dr. Kelsey J. Nonella Ph.D., P.A.S. @ Horse Guard

Thu Dec 28 16:35:32 PST 2017

Insulin Resistance Insulin resistance (IR) in horses has become fairly common. Most horse owners have heard of insulin resistance. However, do you know exactly what insulin resistance is? It occurs Read More

The post Insulin Resistance in Horses and Selenium Deficiency appeared first on Horse Guard.

Treating horse digestive diseases with probiotics debated

by admin @ The Western ProducerTreating horse digestive diseases with probiotics debated – The Western Producer

Thu Jan 14 07:21:42 PST 2016

Horses rely on a community of micro-organisms to digest their high fibre diets. Food passes through their stomach and small intestine before reaching the expansive chambers of the cecum and colon, where fermentation occurs. During fermentation, a delicate interaction exists between bacterial strains and their mixing vessel. An optimum balance of various micro-organisms, water content […] Read more

The post Treating horse digestive diseases with probiotics debated appeared first on The Western Producer.

What it’s like to train an NFR horse

by Silver Lining Herbs @

Wed Dec 13 14:22:52 PST 2017

We caught up with Ashley Schafer and Kelsey Lutjen to find out what it has been like having horses they … Continue reading →

Probiotics for Healthy Skin

by NOVA Probiotics @ NOVA Probiotics

Mon Jan 19 10:40:02 PST 2015

Get a clear complexion with probiotics! Eczema is an inflammatory skin disorder, it appears by forming blisters of crust like chunks or patch-like scaly rashes that itch. Thickened and dry or red skin, scaling, and blisters are among the common symptoms. There is no cure yet, but luckily, symptoms come and go. Probiotics can help reduce...

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What is the Best Overall Feed/Supplement?

by Dr. Kelsey J. Nonella Ph.D., P.A.S. @ Horse Guard

Thu Jan 04 11:03:51 PST 2018

Customer: “As I read it the Simplete contains all of the same things as the Trifecta is that correct? I am trying to find the best overall feed/supplement in just Read More

The post What is the Best Overall Feed/Supplement? appeared first on Horse Guard.

“No hoof, no horse”: The farrier’s three basics of equine foot care

by Horsetalk.co.nz @ Horsetalk.co.nz

Sun Feb 11 11:40:24 PST 2018

Horsetalk.co.nz

Attention to the trim, center of rotation, and the heels are the basics of hoof care.

“No hoof, no horse”: The farrier’s three basics of equine foot care -- Horsetalk.co.nz - equine news, research, and information

Feeding Your Horse for the First-Time Horse Owner

by Dr. Kelsey J. Nonella Ph.D., P.A.S. @ Horse Guard

Thu Nov 30 16:32:20 PST 2017

Whether you are a 12-year-old girl that finally got her parents convinced to get her a horse or an adult to who was finally able to fulfill their own childhood Read More

The post Feeding Your Horse for the First-Time Horse Owner appeared first on Horse Guard.

Equioxx®/Previcox®/Firocoxcib

by David Ramey @ David Ramey, DVM

Mon Jan 29 07:32:57 PST 2018

Medicine is always on the search for, “New and Improved.”  I only bring this up because there’s a relatively new player in the, “Easy to give pain reliever” market for horses.  The generic name of the drug is firocoxcib, but it’s sold – in a paste or a pill – by the trade name of […]

The post Equioxx®/Previcox®/Firocoxcib appeared first on David Ramey, DVM.

2018 Conference Speaker Regan Golob

by Pam Reece @ Dynamite Specialty Products

Tue Jan 09 11:44:27 PST 2018

Dynamite 2018 Conference Speaker Profile: DR. REGAN GOLOB   Dynamite’s own Gold Executive Director, Dr. Regan Golob, is a lifelong horseman who grew up on a cattle ranch in the Yakima Valley of Washington state. His horse experience includes working ranch horses and breeding and training race horses. He currently owns thoroughbreds and warmbloods for…

The post 2018 Conference Speaker Regan Golob appeared first on Dynamite Specialty Products.

Barn Chores: Hay Delivery

by Jini @ Listen To Your Horse

Tue Oct 31 01:09:24 PDT 2017

I was going to send this privately to the two gals who help me out with my barn chores, but then I thought: We have a lot of newbies on this blog. People who have boarded their horse for aRead More

Sad loss of talented eventer Consensus at US event

by Horsetalk.co.nz @ Horsetalk.co.nz

Mon Feb 12 11:55:30 PST 2018

Horsetalk.co.nz

Aortic rupture claims the life of 18-year-old eventer during Florida event.

Sad loss of talented eventer Consensus at US event -- Horsetalk.co.nz - equine news, research, and information

A New Method for Deworming Horses

by Rebecca @ Summit Equine Nutrition :: Dr. Clair Thunes – Independent Equine Nutritionist located in Northern California

Wed Mar 30 13:07:59 PDT 2016

Every 3 months, you find yourself  staring at a shelf full of dewormers with more questions than answers. More often than not, you grab for a familiar-sounding wormer such as an ivermectin like Zimectrin®, a fenbendazole like Panacure®, or a moxidectin like Quest®. Although each...

The post A New Method for Deworming Horses appeared first on Summit Equine Nutrition :: Dr. Clair Thunes - Independent Equine Nutritionist located in Northern California.

Trailering Tips For Your Spring Season

by Rebecca @ Summit Equine Nutrition :: Dr. Clair Thunes – Independent Equine Nutritionist located in Northern California

Fri Apr 08 13:24:31 PDT 2016

Competition season is upon us which means transporting your horses long distances to shows. As tough as trailering can be on horses, there are a few things you can do to make their time in the little box more enjoyable. Preparation  Wrapping your horse for...

The post Trailering Tips For Your Spring Season appeared first on Summit Equine Nutrition :: Dr. Clair Thunes - Independent Equine Nutritionist located in Northern California.

Man. carbon tax not certain to work

by admin @ The Western ProducerThe Western Producer

Thu Feb 08 14:09:55 PST 2018

Unfortunately for taxpayers, Manitoba Premier Brian Pallister’s carbon tax doesn’t come with a money-back guarantee if it doesn’t deliver promised results. We know Pallister’s carbon tax is costly. He’s proposing a tax of $25 per tonne of carbon next year, much higher than the initial federal requirement of $10 per tonne. That means Manitobans will […] Read more

The post Man. carbon tax not certain to work appeared first on The Western Producer.

Loss of eventing horse LV Hat Trick at NZ event

by Horsetalk.co.nz @ Horsetalk.co.nz

Thu Feb 08 11:33:29 PST 2018

Horsetalk.co.nz

Mishap between jumps claims life of thoroughbred gelding.

Loss of eventing horse LV Hat Trick at NZ event -- Horsetalk.co.nz - equine news, research, and information

What if Everyone Could Talk to Animals?

by Jini @ Listen To Your Horse

Fri Nov 24 21:06:52 PST 2017

Animal communicator Pea Horsley asks an important question: How would our world change if everyone could communicate with animals? If you find yourself skeptical, or wondering if you could possibly learn to communicate telepathically with animals, or even if youRead More

Fall Transition Colic, Winter Hard Keepers, Feed Tag Labels

by Kathy Hartwig @ Equine Challenge Supplements

Tue Sep 01 17:35:21 PDT 2015

August/September 2015 Newsletter.  Fall Transition Colic, Winter Hard Keepers, Reading Feed Tag Labels, Natural & Artificial Flavoring Fall is in the air!  That being said……many horses will colic or find themselves in a Pre-colic situation in the Fall Transition. Prevention…Colic can be caused by many different factors.  During Fall and Winter, weather plays a major role. As the temperature swings can result in frozen or ice-covered water. This can result in horses drinking less water. At this time of year some horses are also shifting from a high moisture diet (grass) to  a low moisture diet (dried hay). Make sure your horses have water available as sometimes the water may freeze during the night and not melt until late morning. Also alway keep a  white salt block close by the water buckets to encourage water consumption. Paying attention now will help you prevent impaction colic  from developing as a result of diet and weather changes and  the lack of water intake. Many horses in the colder regions have problems holding their weight during the colder months.  If you own a “hard keeper” keep the following in mind. Horses need whole nutrition! Feeding hollow calories or food which is digested very quickly such as processed food which is generally byproduct waste is NOT a good thing! Processed food is digested very quickly and the horse must deal metabolically with all the carbs or sugar very quickly, RIGHT now! Whole nutrition is digested much slower and will not be completely digested, the horse now has time to metabolically adjust to the nutritional onslaught especially where sugar or carbs are concerned. Fatty acids and soluble fiber will slow the release of glucose into the horse’s blood stream. Feed that has been stabilized in order to keep it from going rancid is a “DEAD” food. All the natural enzymes have been destroyed and will cause more organ stress than natural whole foods. Please visit Equinechallengeir to read on processed feeds and byproduct waste. If you have a horse in need of weight gain, please visit the Weepago Diet page for help in putting and keeping weight on your hard keepers. ​Each horse is an individual and should be treated as such, and I encourage all our Equine Challenge™ customers to contact me if one of their horses is not doing as well as another of their horses doing exactly the same thing. How to read and Discern a Feed Tag. Most of the time these feed tags are designed to be confusing and virtually impossible to decipher with great intention. Let’s make it a bit easier to figure out. The first ingredient is the most by volume and the last is the least by volume. So, if the first 5-7 ingredients are byproduct waste, ignore the clever text and pretty colors on the bag and just Walk Away. \ If the minerals are in the Oxide form, know oxides are the cheapest form of minerals the least bio-available to your horse. So, if your goal is not to produce a mineral fortified urine and manure, then just Walk Away! If the clever text on the bag tells you that this particular feed contains Probiotics for the thriving gut of your horse, and the tag indicates that most all the probiotic are Extracts, know that Extracts can not reproduce themselves, can not manufacture B-Vitamins, produce Antibodies or Co-factors and more, just Walk Away. If the Probiotics are reported as Viable but the feed is in pellet form, recognize the viable probiotic were killed while being extruded into a pellet due to heat, so if it is not your goal to feed dead probiotic to your horse, just Walk Away! If you see any Soy bean byproducts in our horse’s feed, do not just Walk Away…in this case, Run Away! If you see the use of processed oils, remember oils are needed especially if it is a loose feed to keep the dust factor down and mineral oil is used to minimize the possibility of impaction. Why does your DVM use mineral oil if your horse has a potential gut problem? If you can not think of a reason why horses can not find a fountain of processed oil (corn, flax, canola, mineral, soy, vegetable) in all of horsedom, then just ….Walk away. If you can buy a 50 pound bag of feed which reports to be a “Complete” feed and it costs $8.00, it is obviously too good to be true, just Walk Away, you should not be thinking “WOW, What a great deal!” Know that every one along the line has made a profit on this product except your horse. Someone must ship in all this byproduct waste, the bag must be manufactured, the printing be put on the bag, the cheap and virtually worthless, vitamins, minerals, and feed grade molasses have to be added, it may have been put through a pelletizing machine, the bags must be shipped to the warehouse, then to the feed store, and you get this great deal for only $8.00………………..”Please just Walk Away. If you can buy a 50 pound bag of feed for $25 – $35 dollars the same forementioned “Complete feed” will apply but there are greater over head considerations at hand. The bag is glossy, the text is much more clever, the advertising and marketing of this feed on RFD, the glossy horse magazines, the banners at the horse shows and the high money endorsing horse legends,  the shipping and storing of this product, the Company Reps who show up and put on a horse and pony show…….all of this costs a bit more and of course the profit margin needs to be a bit higher…..just Walk Away. Walk over and spend $10 – $13 for the 50 pound bag of Whole oats, your horse will thank you. This feed tag will be so very easy to read ……….”Recleaned Whole Oats”. Keep it Simple! We from time to time we are asked to define what is meant by the terms Natural and Artificial Flavoring. We are also from time to time asked why the need to use artifical flavoring in Equine Challenge. First I will address Natural flavoring because it is the easiest. Natural flavoring

Animal Communication: HOW Do I Listen to My Horses?

by Jini @ Listen To Your Horse

Fri Nov 17 14:39:58 PST 2017

We talk a lot about ‘listening to your horse’ but what does that actually look/feel like, in real life? How do you know you’re actually hearing your horse, and not just making stuff up? And what happens to our horsesRead More

What To Give a Horse in the Fall?

by cschuknecht @

Fri Oct 06 10:59:14 PDT 2017

The first hard frost is the unofficial national holiday of horses and horse people everywhere!  It’s so good to say … Continue reading →

Expert panel urges caution over using antibiotics to treat strangles in horses

by Horsetalk.co.nz @ Horsetalk.co.nz

Fri Feb 09 14:44:48 PST 2018

Horsetalk.co.nz

"Overuse of antibiotics promotes resistance, provides a false sense of security, and convalescent immune responses may not be induced."

Expert panel urges caution over using antibiotics to treat strangles in horses -- Horsetalk.co.nz - equine news, research, and information

New Bolton Center Lifts EHV Quarantine, Resumes Normal Operations

by Edited Press Release @ The Horse

Fri Feb 09 12:12:40 PST 2018

Penn Vet's clinic has resumed normal operations and is admitting equine elective and emergency patients with minimal restrictions.

The post New Bolton Center Lifts EHV Quarantine, Resumes Normal Operations appeared first on The Horse.

Gear Up For The New Season With Long Slow Work

by Rebecca @ Summit Equine Nutrition :: Dr. Clair Thunes – Independent Equine Nutritionist located in Northern California

Wed Jan 20 20:23:02 PST 2016

This time of year can make for some miserable riding. Whether it is freezing cold or pouring rain it can seem that there isn’t much opportunity to do much more than walking and trotting, often around an indoor arena. It can be hard to imagine...

The post Gear Up For The New Season With Long Slow Work appeared first on Summit Equine Nutrition :: Dr. Clair Thunes - Independent Equine Nutritionist located in Northern California.

The Colic Pump – Palpation, Massage Technique for Equine Colic

by Jini @ Listen To Your Horse

Fri Feb 02 23:45:42 PST 2018

I have used this Colic Pump technique effectively on four different horses at various stages of colic. I first came up with this technique when my friend’s horse had a rock hard belly, no gas sounds, not eating or pooping,Read More

We really appreciated the product

by khinkson @ Techna Vet

Wed Jul 26 12:46:44 PDT 2017

Galozyme® Equine Sport Essai de TechnaVet Galozyme Nous avons recu le Galozyme en début mai 2017 et avons utilisé ce produit sur une pouliche Pure Race Espagnole de 5 ans qui est chétive et a des problèmes de dermatite équine persistante. Suite à un mois d’essai de ce produit, nous avons pu voir des différences sur la pouliche. Sa dermatite...

Gaining the Trust of an Abused Horse

by Jini @ Listen To Your Horse

Sat Dec 02 08:24:00 PST 2017

What can you do to gain the precious trust of a previously abused horse – without using manipulation, pressure/release, or other forms of coercion? I recently received this question from one of our fellow Horse Listeners: “Hello. First thing IRead More

Cal Middleton

by sayo @ Excel Supplements

Thu Nov 05 20:42:30 PST 2015

Cal Middleton is an NRHA carded judge and horse trainer located in Kansas City, KS. Cal was a 2012 NRBC Level 1 Open Finalist as well as the 2009 Reserve World Champion in spb Open Reining at the APHA World Show in Ft Worth, TX. Cal has been top 5 in the world in Jr… Read More

The post Cal Middleton appeared first on Excel Supplements.

Constipation in Dogs and Cats

by novanimal @ NOVAnimal Probiotics

Mon Oct 06 17:30:18 PDT 2014

  Treating pet constipation with probiotics:   Many pet owners are faced more often with their pet’s diarrhea than constipation. Constipation is rare in dogs and cats, but it can happen, it is more painful and dangerous for him than diarrhea. So how can you tell when you pet is constipated? The first and major...

The post Constipation in Dogs and Cats appeared first on NOVAnimal Probiotics.

Canola subsidies lucrative in N.D.

by admin @ The Western ProducerThe Western Producer

Thu Feb 08 14:12:17 PST 2018

Canola growers in North Dakota don’t have to worry much about price. Since 2014, a U.S. Department of Agriculture program has guaranteed them a price of US$10.075 per bushel. That equates to C$12.60 per bu., assuming the loonie is valued at US80 cents. The price of canola in North Dakota was below $10.075 per bu. […] Read more

The post Canola subsidies lucrative in N.D. appeared first on The Western Producer.

Sean Mayfield

by sayo @ Excel Supplements

Tue Aug 18 22:01:47 PDT 2015

  For the past 15 years I have been raising and training performance prospects! We have a small training operation outside Waurika, Oklahoma! We train and show reined cow horses, and a few reining horses, and coach several non pros! Although we show in NRCHA, NRHA, and AQHA, the core of our business, is specialized… Read More

The post Sean Mayfield appeared first on Excel Supplements.

The Love Between a Girl and her First Horse

by Lindsey Reynolds @ Horse Guard

Thu Nov 16 04:00:25 PST 2017

We all hear, “Girls, and their horses”. Well, that statement couldn’t ring more true. Beginning at a young age I had horse fever. I was raised in a family where Read More

The post The Love Between a Girl and her First Horse appeared first on Horse Guard.

Stretch your imagination, not your horse

by Jean Luc Cornille @ Horsetalk.co.nz

Mon Feb 12 12:44:46 PST 2018

Horsetalk.co.nz

Concepts of stretching, relaxing and releasing muscles, are simplistic and even, in some instances damaging.

Stretch your imagination, not your horse -- Horsetalk.co.nz - equine news, research, and information

2018 Conference Speaker Joyce Jackson

by Pam Reece @ Dynamite Specialty Products

Tue Jan 09 14:51:07 PST 2018

Dynamite 2018 Conference Speaker Profile: JOYCE JACKSON Joyce’s love for horses started as a young child. She owned her first horse at twelve and went on to become an NFR (National Finals Rodeo) Qualifier in the Women’s Professional Rodeo Association. She was introduced to the therapeutic aspects of equine health care by caring for her…

The post 2018 Conference Speaker Joyce Jackson appeared first on Dynamite Specialty Products.

Welcome to the new TheHorse.com!

by The Horse Staff @ The Horse

Mon Feb 12 15:36:35 PST 2018

All of the horse health resources on TheHorse.com are now mobile-friendly and easy to access.

The post Welcome to the new TheHorse.com! appeared first on The Horse.

Fall Transition & Chronic Colic Tips

by Kathy Hartwig @ Equine Challenge Supplements

Wed Nov 08 09:21:51 PST 2017

Many horses will colic or find themselves in a Pre-colic situation in the Fall Transition, especially horses prone to “chronic colic.” Prevention…Colic can be caused by many different factors.  During Fall and Winter, weather plays a major role. As the temperature swings can result in frozen or ice-covered water. This can result in horses drinking less water. At this time of year some horses are also shifting from a high moisture diet (grass) to a low moisture diet (dried hay).  Make sure your horses have water available as sometimes the water may freeze during the night and not melt until late morning. Also alway keep a white salt block close by the water buckets to encourage water consumption. Paying attention now will help you prevent impaction colic from developing as a result of diet and weather changes and  the lack of water intake. What to feed…Roughage! Your goal sthe closer a colic-prone horse’s diet is to 100-percent forage (hay, grass), the better. Try to stay away from commercial feeds.  If you must feed a commercial feed try to find one that uses a fat-based energy sources over carbohydrates.  Commercial feeds typically contain a great deal of byproduct waste. The processing of these food materials removes the vast majority of the food’s natural qualities such as their antioxidative qualities, the phenolic compounds, dietary fiber, the fats or oils, selenium, the phytoestrogens and more. Please read those feed labels…if you see that the first 6-7 items are byproduct waste product, that is what you are feeding your horse, per volume. Feeding schedule…Provide multiple small meals rather than one or two large meals.  Horses stomachs empty every 3 hours.  Stick to a regular schedule! Don’t feed directly on the dirt.  Feed off of mats, tubs, hay feeders, etc… Make any diet changes gradually over seven. Whenever your horse travels, make sure at least some of his current hay and other feed go along with him to allow for a transition.  Also while traveling feed additional probiotics! Exercise & Movement…If your horse is not getting daily exercise then being out in pasture or large turn outs with other horses is best horses. Watch your horse…Keep an eye on your colic prone horse during the fall transition or any time the weather changes. Also be watchful after worming, vaccinations, medications, traveling or during any times of stressful situations. These are all times to be adding additional probiotics to your horses diet. Following these guidelines will help reduce the risk of colic with any horse, but especially with horses known to be prone to colic.   Kathy Hartwig

Supplementing Your Broodmare and Foal

by Dr. Kelsey J. Nonella Ph.D., P.A.S. @ Horse Guard

Wed Nov 22 13:14:19 PST 2017

When thinking about the nutrition of broodmares and foals, most people understand the importance of the macro minerals calcium, phosphorus, and magnesium, which is needed for the rapid bone growth Read More

The post Supplementing Your Broodmare and Foal appeared first on Horse Guard.

by w4l3XzY3

by novanimal @ NOVAnimal Probiotics

Tue May 20 15:23:14 PDT 2014

by w4l3XzY3

The post by w4l3XzY3 appeared first on NOVAnimal Probiotics.

Managing Hoof Abscesses

by Rebecca @ Summit Equine Nutrition :: Dr. Clair Thunes – Independent Equine Nutritionist located in Northern California

Wed Jan 27 20:39:16 PST 2016

At the barn where my daughter rides we seem to be in the thick of abscess season. I have a few clients whose horses are suffering the same affliction too.  Abscesses are one of the most common causes of acute lameness in horses, especially during...

The post Managing Hoof Abscesses appeared first on Summit Equine Nutrition :: Dr. Clair Thunes - Independent Equine Nutritionist located in Northern California.

Large mustard estimate tough on bids

by admin @ The Western ProducerThe Western Producer

Thu Feb 08 14:16:59 PST 2018

There is a huge discrepancy in mustard acre projections for the 2018-19 crop year. Agriculture Canada believes the upcoming crop will be a similar size to last year’s crop at 371,000 acres. Chuck Penner, analyst with LeftField Commodity Research, recently told a CropSphere audience that he expects 500,000 to 550,000 acres. It doesn’t sound like […] Read more

The post Large mustard estimate tough on bids appeared first on The Western Producer.

Sask. family says goodbye to original farmstead well

by admin @ The Western ProducerThe Western Producer

Thu Feb 08 13:58:29 PST 2018

For the last 50 years, members of the Horne family have been avoiding going near the 100-year-old blacksmith shop that housed the original well on their farm near Swift Current in southwestern Saskatchewan. The earth in one corner of the shop had collapsed over the years, exposing the wellhead and leaving the family wondering about […] Read more

The post Sask. family says goodbye to original farmstead well appeared first on The Western Producer.

Study Shows Racehorse Performance Not Affected by Hendra Vaccine

by Edited Press Release @ The Horse

Fri Feb 09 13:01:26 PST 2018

Researchers evaluated 1,154 Thoroughbreds’ Timeform ratings and performance before and after vaccination and detected no difference in form.

The post Study Shows Racehorse Performance Not Affected by Hendra Vaccine appeared first on The Horse.

NOVA Probiotics, Now Available In 7 Pure Integrative Pharmacy Locations In Vancouver.

by NOVA Probiotics @ NOVA Probiotics

Thu Aug 07 19:37:34 PDT 2014

    Across Greater Vancouver and Victoria, Pure Integrative Pharmacy is probably the best place to find your prescription drugs, vitamins and supplements, your favorite personal care products and last, but not least, to get good advice from highly qualified employees working there. Like the founder and owner, Bob Mehr, said few weeks ago in...

The post NOVA Probiotics, Now Available In 7 Pure Integrative Pharmacy Locations In Vancouver. appeared first on NOVA Probiotics.

BOOK REVIEW: Equus Lost?

by Kesia @ Listen To Your Horse

Fri Dec 22 22:11:21 PST 2017

In a reciprocal relationship, there is no need for leadership. – from Equus Lost I believe the biggest, brightest truths are already within us, born in the folds of our brains and the flesh of our hearts and left thereRead More

Nothing to smile about: Dental issues common in horses, survey shows

by Horsetalk.co.nz @ Horsetalk.co.nz

Wed Feb 07 16:27:05 PST 2018

Horsetalk.co.nz

It’s crucial to identify problems early, preferably before symptoms occur, to minimise discomfort and maximise chances of successful treatment.

Nothing to smile about: Dental issues common in horses, survey shows -- Horsetalk.co.nz - equine news, research, and information

Vitamin D for horses in the Northwest

by Lindsey Reynolds @ Horse Guard

Tue Nov 28 10:54:10 PST 2017

Customer: “I am currently supplementing all of my horses (10) with Mega Dose which supplies 8000 IU of Vitamin D3.  I live on the coast of Oregon where our horses Read More

The post Vitamin D for horses in the Northwest appeared first on Horse Guard.

Do Pectin and Lecithins Help Equine Gastric Health?

by Clair Thunes, PhD @ The Horse

Mon Feb 12 12:24:55 PST 2018

Many gastric-support supplements include pectin and lecithins. Find out how they might help horses with EGUS.

The post Do Pectin and Lecithins Help Equine Gastric Health? appeared first on The Horse.

4 changes since my horses and I became hooked on Silver Lining Herbs

by jess @

Wed Jan 17 06:32:53 PST 2018

I’m a newcomer to Silver Lining Herbs (SLH). Many of you have been using herbs for your horses and dogs … Continue reading →

Fighting the Good Fight: The Battle for Health

by jess @

Wed Aug 16 11:37:12 PDT 2017

It seems like recently there have been more sick horses than healthy. Horses with infections; horses coming up lame; horses … Continue reading →

Common Hoof Problems…Signs, Symptoms & Treatment

by Kathy Hartwig @ Equine Challenge Supplements

Sat Nov 01 08:36:37 PDT 2014

November 2014 Newsletter.  Common Hoof Problems…Signs, Symptoms and Treament. Fall is here and with it comes a few good things and sometimes a few things which are not so good. In this months Newsletter we are going to address some common hoof problems. With the wet months upon us, the likelihood of horse hoof problems is greater. Here are some common problems and what to look out for… Abscess Symptoms: Abscesses in the hoof are typically characterized by sudden-onset, severe lameness. In some cases, the horse may refuse to put any weight at all on the affected hoof. The horse will be sensitive in the area of the abscess and may have an increased digital pulse and swelling in the lower leg.  If left untreated the abscess may erupt on its own through the sole of the hoof or at the coronary band. Causes: A hoof abscess is a pocket of infection in the laminae. It can start with a puncture wound caused by the horse stepping on a sharp object, or many other causes. The hole allows bacteria to enter the hoof, where it thrives in the warm, dark environment. While the bacteria eat away at the hoof tissue, the horse’s immune system attacks. The resulting pocket of bacteria, white blood cells, and dead hoof tissue puts pressure on the sensitive structures of the horse’s hoof, causing the pain response. Treatment: If the abscess is easily located and drained, the key is to keep the area clean to avoid reinfection. The hoof should be soaked in a solution of Epsom salts in warm water to help draw out any remaining infection or to draw out an abscess that is not easily located. The hoof should be kept bandaged until it has healed. An anti-inflammatory may be needed, to manage the horse’s pain and Equine Challenge™ Laminae 911 is highly recommended. The recovery period can be week to ten days, but this can vary widely depending on the severity of the abscess and the owner’s ability to prevent reinfection. Bruises Symptoms: A horse with a bruised hoof can show varying degrees of lameness. Some will only be off only on uneven or rocky surfaces while others may be consistently lame. A sole bruise may show up as a visible mark, but a horse will usually show lameness or sensitivity before the bruise actually appears. Causes: Bruises on the hoof and frog are very common. The most common cause is when the horse steps on a rock or hard, uneven ground. Crusty, icy snow can also lead to bruises. Regular work on arena footing that is too hard can also cause bruising, as can taking a horse that is primarily ridden on soft footing and working him on hard ground. Improper farrier work can also lead to bruising. Some horses have thinner soles or flatter feet than others. This can predispose a horse to bruises. Left untreated, a simple bruise can become an abscess as more blood pools in the affected area. Treatment: If your horse is showing signs of bruising, soak the affected hoof in ice water. This will prevent the rapid blood flow to the area that causes bruising. In more severe cases, you may need to treat with an anti-inflammatory and again, Equine Challenge™Laminae 911 is recommended. For thin soled horses I recommend Equine Challenge™Hoof Propel. You can reduce the risk of bruises by being diligent about picking your horse’s feet daily and before and after every ride to remove any rocks that may be stuck in his hoof. Keeping his feet clean and dry will also help, as wet soles may be more prone to bruising. Another option is hoof boots that cover the entire hoof when competing on long rides or over especially rough terrain. These boots can prevent bruises and other hoof injury while giving the horse some extra traction. Laminitis Symptoms: The coffin bone of the interior of a horse’s hoof is attached to the inner hoof wall with Velcro-like structures called laminae. When the sensitive inner laminae become inflamed, the horse is suffering from laminitis. If the inflammation is left untreated, the sensitive laminae are weakened, leading to potential separation of the coffin bone and the hoof wall, which can lead to rotation of the coffin bone known as founder. Laminitis causes varying degrees of pain. It can affect one or two or even all four feet. A laminitic horse may shift his weight back and forth or stand with both front feet stretched out (often referred to as the sawhorse stance) in an attempt to take weight off of his hooves. The affected hooves will be notably warm or hot and the digital pulse will usually be elevated. If made to walk, the horse may move in a hesitant manner. Causes: There are numerous causes for laminitis. A common scenario is one where the horse is let out into a lush, spring pasture and gorges himself on rich grass. The high-carbohydrate, easily digestible spring grass is broken down rapidly by the bacteria in the horse’s gut. This fast digestion causes a byproduct which is absorbed into the horse’s bloodstream where it become a sort of toxin, causing inflammation in the laminae. This same scenario can play out in situations where the horse has broken into the feed bin and gorged himself on grain. Other causes include heavy concussion (such as a horse that gallops or is worked at a high-stepping gait on a hard surface), or a hard workout without appropriate cool down. Exposure to environmental toxins such as black walnut can lead to laminitis. Obese or cresty horses are more prone to laminitis than fit and thin horses, but any horse can be affected. Laminitis can also become a secondary issue if a horse is compensating for an injury on one leg by putting most of his weight on another. Treatment: If laminitis is caught early, standing the affected hooves in ice water can slow the progression of the disease. Equine Challenge™ Laminae 911 is HIGHLY recommended! As hard as

Therapeutic riding programs help troubled veterans, study finds

by Horsetalk.co.nz @ Horsetalk.co.nz

Sat Feb 10 12:49:18 PST 2018

Horsetalk.co.nz

It may be important for health care systems to support therapeutic horse-riding as a viable complimentary therapy, the lead researcher says.

Therapeutic riding programs help troubled veterans, study finds -- Horsetalk.co.nz - equine news, research, and information

Trailer Play – Session #2

by Jini @ Listen To Your Horse

Tue Oct 31 01:50:00 PDT 2017

Join us out in the field for the next installment of trailer play (not training!) where we have no agenda and we simply let the horses be in charge of everything! In fact, my real agenda is to help theRead More

100 Miles in Twenty Four Hours

by noreply@blogger.com (Patti Woodbury-Kuvik) @ Desert Equine Balance

Tue Jul 23 10:47:00 PDT 2013

What does it take to go one hundred miles in twenty four hours or less, with temperatures above 100 - and then be judged "fit to continue"?

Dedication, training, conditioning, good hoof care and a great foundation diet!

The top endurance horses in the U.S. go on and on. We see them year after year - healthy, sound whether barefoot and booted or shod, with lots of reserve.  What they were fed three or six months ago can make the difference between winning the Tevis or Haggin cups or not making those tough last few miles.

Congratulations to Take A Break and rider Rusty Toth on their first place Tevis win.  Haggin cup winner Julioslastchance, ridden by Suzanne Hedgecock, was deemed the Top Ten horse "in the most superior physical condition" following the race.

Watch these two amazing horses in action and consider what the right diet, great hoof care and a consistent conditioning program could do for your horse.

2013 TEVIS & HAGGIN CUP WINNERS Gold Country Videos