Equine Foundation Pledges Donation to Support Fundraising Initiative for Veterans with PTSD
“The study will look at how the interactions between the horses and humans, sometimes referred to as a “horse/human bond” affect one another,” said Ellen Rankins, Ph.D. Candidate and project lead. “Not only will data be collected during the trial period, we will also follow up with the participants to observe how long these changes are sustained over time.”
Around the first month of lactation, the energy demand on the mare is at its highest. During this time, it is crucial that the mare is provided with a high enough energy intake to meet her new requirements (nearly double that of a maintenance horse!) and that she receives an appropriate balance of minerals to encourage proper development of the foal. Pasture access is a huge advantage during this time, as it will help keep gut fill problems to a minimum and should naturally provide her with a good vitamin and mineral assortment.
Continue reading …Nutritional Options for Boosting Your Horse’s Immune System
November 10, 2020 Comments Off on Nutritional Options for Boosting Your Horse’s Immune System
The immune system is behind all health issues. A healthy immune system reacts to the environment in appropriate ways, while an unhealthy immune system either overreacts or underreacts. Supplementation to improve or support immune function can stimulate or help regulate the immune reactions.
Continue reading …Equine Best Management Practices Survey
November 9, 2020 Comments Off on Equine Best Management Practices Survey
The Rutgers University Department of Animal Science and cooperating faculty members are working on a project to better understand how equine operations in New Jersey make decisions about things that affect the environment, such as managing animal waste and maintaining pastures.
Continue reading …Breeding Season Prep- Estrous Cycle Regulation
November 9, 2020 Comments Off on Breeding Season Prep- Estrous Cycle Regulation
Horses are known as “long-day breeders,” meaning that they will naturally go into heat for breeding when the days get longer in the spring and summer (at least, in the Northern hemisphere). They are also “seasonally polyestrous,” meaning that they will go through multiple estrous cycles during their breeding season. During the winter months or “short days,” the mare will not cycle. This period is known as anestrous. Changes in lighting as the days get longer induce hormonal changes which bring the mare into heat (estrus). As the mare periodically comes out of heat, this bout of reproductive inactivity during the breeding season is known as diestrus.
Continue reading …Research Study on Diagnostics For Equine Osteoarthritis of the Neck
November 7, 2020 Comments Off on Research Study on Diagnostics For Equine Osteoarthritis of the Neck
“Osteoarthritis is common in any athlete,” explains Koenig, “especially as they get older.” The development of bone spurs can cause the facets to become enlarged. Inflammation around the cervical facet joints can affect the soft tissues and nerve roots.
Continue reading …Defining Horse Jargon Terms- Movement
November 6, 2020 Comments Off on Defining Horse Jargon Terms- Movement
Similar to its meaning in music, cadence refers to the rhythm of a horse’s hoof beats. Each gait that a horse performs (walk, trot, canter, etc.) will have a specific footfall pattern. No matter the discipline or gait, you want a horse to have a consistent, even cadence. Not only will this be an indicator of athleticism and soundness, but also level of training and focus. A horse with a steady cadence will likely also maintain a more consistent pace and be more pleasurable to ride.
Continue reading …Free Fecal Water Syndrome in Horses
November 5, 2020 Comments Off on Free Fecal Water Syndrome in Horses
It’s as unappealing as it sounds. The horse has normally formed manure, but passes extra brown water along with it, staining the tail and hindquarters. This is different from diarrhea, where the frequency of passing manure is increased and/or the consistency of the manure itself is more liquid.
Continue reading …Ask the Equine Experts LIVE, Tonight
November 5, 2020 Comments Off on Ask the Equine Experts LIVE, Tonight
Join us for the first ever “Ask The Experts Live!” On November 5th, we will give everyone the chance to ask their equine related questions to a panel of five equine experts during this very special webinar.
Continue reading …UK Gluck Equine Research Center Launches National Survey on Horses Aged 15 Years and Older
November 4, 2020 Comments Off on UK Gluck Equine Research Center Launches National Survey on Horses Aged 15 Years and Older
By: Alisa Herbst While horses aged 15 years and over make up a significant portion of the U.S. equine population, surprisingly little is currently known about their management and health status. In response, the University of Kentucky Gluck Equine Research Center is launching a survey to better understand the special needs of this age group. […]
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