Table of contents for July 2016 in Equus

New research from Korea suggests that exercise reduces stress in horses, just as it does in people. Researchers at the Jeju National University divided 61 horses into three groups: those who gave tourists rides, those who served as lesson horses and those not ridden at all. They collected saliva samples from each horse four times a day—in the early morning and then three times throughout the day. In the working group, the samples were taken after each exercise session; the same schedule was followed for the resting group. The saliva samples were then tested for levels of cortisol, a hormone associated with stress. In all of the horses—even those in the resting group—cortisol levels were the lowest in the third daily samples. As a percentage of the early morning cortisol…

A long summer dry spell may make you want to leave the riding ring and head for the trails, but keep in mind that drought conditions can make for dangerously hard ground. The lack of moisture in the soil, combined with a die-off in ground cover, can make the footing on trails and other natural terrain so unforgiving that horses become more susceptible to hoof bruises and other concussive injuries. In addition, conditions like arthritis can be aggravated. If you know the ground is hard, stick to a walk on unimproved footing. If you’re unsure, listen to your horse’s footfalls: Unforgiving ground will “ring” loudly under each beat, particularly at faster gaits, rather than producing the more muffled “clop” you’ll hear from softer, safer footing. When rains return and ringing…

Definition: infection of the lungs as well as the pleural lining between the lungs and the chest wall Signs: fever, depression, lethargy, loss of appetite and evidence of pain in the chest area, which may include shallow respiration, guarding and flinching when the area is touched, short strides, reluctance to move or lie down, and an anxious expression. Nasal discharge may be present. Causes: Pleuropneumonia is a bacterial infection that can develop when a horse inhales any of a number of different species, including Streptococcus equi zooepidemicus, Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus. The disease can be a secondary infection that sets in after a viral respiratory disease; pleuropneumonia can also develop after other factors inhibit the lung’s defenses, such as strenuous exercise, general anesthesia or long-distance trailering while the horse…

Volunteering at a rescue is a great way to spend time with horses. But it’s not all brushing ponies on sunny afternoons. I have volunteered at Trusting Spirit Horse Rescue in Orondo, Washington, for more than a year now. The work has been dirty, hard—and fun. Here are five things I learned: • The work is physically demanding. The daily maintenance of the horses and the grounds involves wheelbarrows, shovels, rakes and exertion. It is a workout. • The horses pose behavioral challenges you might never have seen before. Rescue horses may have histories you do not understand. Any horse can be unpredictable, and those at the rescue come from many backgrounds, often troubled ones. Sometimes, what you might consider normal behavior around horses might trigger a frightened or aggressive…

EQUUS welcomes freelance submissions for practically any section of the magazine. We prefer to receive manuscripts via email; send to EQLetters@aimmedia.com. We will also consider typed hard-copy manuscripts, but please note: If you would like your materials returned, a self-addressed, stamped envelope needs to be included with your submission. We do not review or accept simultaneous submissions. Here are a few guidelines for prospective contributors: • Features generally run from 1,600 to 3,000 words. • Medical Front (200- to 400-word items)—Brief articles about the latest research, technological advances, treatments and other veterinary topics pertinent to horse owners. • Hands On (100- to 400-word items)—Short items offering practical advice and useful reminders on everyday horse care issues, ranging from feeding and hoof care to training and breeding. • True Tales (700…

New research from the University of California–Davis confirms that alfalfa hay can induce primary photosensitive reactions in horses, but the exact mechanism remains unknown. Primary photosensitive reactions occur when phototoxic compounds are ingested by a horse and accumulate under his skin. (In secondary photosensitivity, a horse’s liver cannot properly excrete phylloerythrin, a byproduct of chlorophyll degradation.) When exposed to sunlight through pink skin, the compounds cause painful blistering, crusting and inflammation. St. John’s wort, buckwheat and several other plants have been found to contain compounds that can cause photosensitive reactions. Similar reactions have been linked to alfalfa hay anecdotally but it has not been found to contain the phototoxic substances. To investigate further, the Davis researchers performed a series of case studies, examining samples of alfalfa hay associated with seven…

They may sound alarming, but periodic pops or clicks coming from the joints of a comfortable, sound horse are nothing to fret about. Noisy joints in horses are caused by the same physiological process that allows you to “crack” your knuckles: Stretching of the joint capsule releases gas within the fluid rapidly. After a period of time, the gases return and you can crack the same joint again. The equine joints you are most likely to hear crack are the highly mobile ones closest to your perch in the saddle: knees, hocks and stifles. Occasionally you may hear a pop from a joint in the back or neck. Regardless of its location, cracking does not mean a joint is “tight,” “loose” or in any way misaligned. In fact, if your…

A puncture wound—any wound that is deeper than it is wide—can be bad news for a horse. At the surface, the wound may appear minor, and it can heal over quickly. But bacteria or other contaminants trapped inside the wound can cause infections that affect joints, tendons, bones or other structures. Puncture wounds in the sole of the hoof can be especially serious. Without prompt treatment, the infection can easily spread into the interior structures of the foot and even become life-threatening before it is detected. For all of these reasons, it’s wise to call in your veterinarian for any puncture wound. CALL YOUR VETERINARIAN IF • You find your horse with an object protruding from any wound. • You witness your horse impaling himself on an object, even if…

Have a question about your horse’s health, care or training? Our experts offer solutions for a range of equine-management problems. Write to EQUUS Consultants, 656 Quince Orchard Road, #600, Gaithersburg, MD 20878; email: EQLetters@aimmedia.com. Send photos when helpful. BEHAVIOR Help for a stall kicker Q:We have a mare at the barn who spends most of her time out in the pasture with her Miniature Horse friend. She is put in her stall next to her buddy at feeding time and only for a short period while the other horses are fed. She kicks the boards of her stall walls and door very hard if any horse gets anywhere near her stall or if she can even see them. While she is loose, she will even kick the barn at horses…

analgesic—any drug that temporarily relieves pain without causing unconsciousness. antigen—substance, often a protein, that the body’s immune system recognizes as foreign and reacts to by producing an antibody. ataxia—incoordination of the muscles, which results in shaky, irregular movements; may also be accompanied by weakness and loss of proprioception. Banamine—trade name of flunixin meglumine, a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug used to control inflammation and pain primarily associated with colic and muscle injuries. bursa—sac or cavity filled with fluid, located at a joint or other area where friction is likely to occur. It provides lubrication between ligaments, tendons and the bones over which they run. corticosteroids—analogs of the hormone cortisol produced primarily by the adrenal glands; they may be natural or synthetically produced for injection. cortisol (hydrocortisone)—adrenal hormone regulating fat and water metabolism,…

Independence Day fireworks may enthrall your community, but for the horses nearby the celebration can be extremely stressful. A recent study from New Zealand showed that nearly 80 percent of horses in the vicinity of a fireworks show exhibited signs of anxiety, despite attempts to manage the situation. “Fireworks are sold [in New Zealand] for the three days leading up to Guy Fawkes Day in November, and the majority are probably set off in the weeks following,” says Gabriella Gronqvist, PhD, with Massey University. Each year, she adds, there are media reports of injuries or deaths in horses who were spooked by the pyrotechnics. Public backlash to fireworks also occurs annually, Gronqvist says. “Almost yearly, petitions float around lobbying for a ban on fireworks in New Zealand, partly due to…

A simple surgical procedure can reduce a horse’s risk of developing a common type of colic, according to a new study from the University of Pennsylvania’s New Bolton Center. Nephrosplenic entrapment occurs when a horse’s colon shifts from its normal position in the abdomen and settles over the nephrosplenic ligament, which connects the left kidney to the spleen. When this occurs, the colon’s contents cannot move, causing distention and pain seen as colic. Approximately 9 percent of colic cases seen at referral clinics are caused by nephrosplenic entrapment. “We don’t know for sure why some horses are more prone to nephrosplenic entrapment,” says Megan Burke, DVM. “All horses have this space, yet not all are prone to this problem.” Factors such as large abdomen size, the shape of the nephrosplenic…

A full-scale safety check of your tack before each ride is ideal, but it’s not always possible. At a minimum, take a good look at the following locations as you tack up. If you find any significant problems, swap out equipment or postpone your ride until the issue is fixed. • Straps and billets that secure cinches and girths. Cracked leather or stretched holes are an indication of weakness that could lead to failure and possible catastrophe during a ride. • Stirrup leathers. Worn, stretched or otherwise damaged leathers are at risk of giving way. • Locations where metal and leather meet. Places where buckles and bits connect with leather tend to wear quickly. Any significant damage is cause for concern. • Hook studs and Chicago screws. Just like buckles,…

Until last year, I’d only ever had one encounter with shipping fever. When I was a kid, a big draft mare arrived at our farm with a cough. My Dad told me she had shipping fever. The mare spent two weeks isolated in a makeshift box stall in the heated workshop, coughing and sputtering mucus. She got better, just as my Dad said she would, and—to a kid like me, at least—it didn’t seem like such a big deal. Now I know better. In late spring of 2015, my Quarter Horse gelding, Page Martin Parker, came down with a case of shipping fever after I made a series of misguided decisions while traveling home from an event. He quickly developed pleuropneumonia that nearly killed him. He needed weeks of care,…

“O! for a horse with wings!” —William Shakespeare, Cymbeline With a textured “animal” pattern to add exotic flair, the No Fault Show Shirt (suggested retail, $79), from Kerrits, is designed to keep you cool and comfortable. It has mesh inserts under the arms and at the center of the back, and just enough stretch to allow freedom of movement. A quarter-length snap placket and collar provides a show-ring look, while a contrast-patterned inner lining adds color when the collar is open. Available in white, seafoam or blue dawn, in XS to XL. Call 509-493-4187 or visit www.kerrits.com. Dublin Tina Show Shirt (suggested retail, $34.99), from Dublin Clothing, is made with a cooling mesh fabric that is lightweight but not see-through. Other features include a quarter zip front with a stand-up…

As I gently stroked Sebastian’s muzzle, I felt like jumping with joy. But that would have been the wrong thing to do. He is skittish and uncomfortable with people. Even this brief moment of contact is a tremendous victory. Sebastian was born at the Trusting Spirit Horse Rescue in Orondo, Washington, and he has spent all of his eight years here. Unfortunately, his mother had been mistreated and didn’t trust people. Even though Sebastian has always been handled with care, his mother taught him the rule he still lives by: human—run. I’m not sure how Sebastian warmed up to me. Maybe because I stayed calm and quiet, allowing him to come closer on his own. I didn’t try to touch or even look at him; I just hung around the…

Two of my favorite things are horses and reading, which is why I feel so fortunate to have contributed to EQUUS for the past 15 years. Most days you can find me either at the library or the barn. For the past four years, however, my reading/riding balance has been a little out of whack as I researched a book about the 1918 Kentucky Derby winner Exterminator. Yet in exchange for lost time in the saddle, I had the privilege of immersing myself in an era when horses featured much more in everyday life than they do today. In the first decades of the 20th century, horse racing ranked with boxing and baseball among the most popular American sports, and every major newspaper employed at least one turf writer, a…