Since its debut in February 1998 in Wichita, the Kansas Horse Council has proudly produced EquiFest of Kansas, the state’s premier equine expo. EquiFest of Kansas is more than an event—it’s the primary fundraiser for the Kansas Horse Council, which works to provide the Kansas equine industry with leadership and direction through education, promotion and public policy advocacy.

EquiFest of Kansas is proud to unveil an unforgettable 2026 lineup, celebrating the rich tapestry of Western heritage, horsemanship and cultural storytelling. This year’s program cover art was created by talented local Native American artist Isaiah Stewart, known for his striking work with country music talents and influencers. His artwork sets the tone for a year filled with meaningful “firsts” and dynamic entertainment.

EquiFest 2026 marks a milestone as Kansas once again promotes live horse racing, highlighted by a special appearance from 2009 Kentucky Derby winner Mine That Bird and owners Mark and Tawnya Allen. Their presence brings national racing history directly to Kansas fans.

Friday night features a brand-new theatrical storytelling production, blending music, lights, and live performance. Audiences will experience a sweeping narrative that introduces Vaqueros, a Chilean huaso, Native American horsemen, early American traveling shows, and modern-day cowboys. The fast-moving production includes guitar and singing on horseback, dancing, dressage-style maneuvers, trick riding, Roman riding, aerial artistry, and reining.

Photo courtesy EquiFest of Kansas

Saturday night brings the adrenaline with Bulls, Broncs & Bravehearts, featuring nine bucking bulls, nine freestyle bull fights (a parkour-style showcase of athleticism and courage), saddle broncs, and bareback riding. When the dust settles, the arena transforms for a concert and Dancing in the Dirt with regional favorite Tris Munsick & The Innocents.

Sunday closes with a matinée performance of the beloved EquiFest Ranch Rodeo, showcasing authentic ranch skills and teamwork.

EquiFest 2026 will also welcome a diverse lineup of celebrities and special guests, including:

• Dougie Hall, Native American influencer and actor on Landman
• Caleb Martin, musician and actor (1923, Landman)
• Ron McDaniel, cowboy poet and storyteller
• Liberty Cunningham, 15-year-old PRCA trick rider and aerial artist
• Dania Wahwasuck, Miss Indian Nation
• Chief Phillip Whiteman, Jr, former champion bronc rider
• Dennis Rogers, Native American historian
• Joe Merrick, owner of legendary Quarter Horse Easy Jet

Hispanic heritage will be represented by Charro Jerry Diaz & family and Chilean horseman Marcelo Guzman.

EquiFest continues its commitment to education with clinicians such as Craig Cameron, Cole Cameron, Chris Cox, Geno Middleton, Sally Batton, Marcelo Guzman and Daniel Dauphin, offering demonstrations and workshops for all ages.

Photo courtesy Amanda Overton Photography/EquiFest of Kansas

Competitions return in full force, including BreyerMidwest, the Kids’ Coloring Contest, KS State Parks Photo Contest, 4-H Judging, Extreme Cowboy obstacles, Cowboy Mounted Shooting, Bulls, Broncs & Bravehearts, and the EquiFest Ranch Rodeo.

“These are just a few of the many experiences awaiting guests at EquiFest 2026,” organizers said. “This year’s event is shaping up to be one of the most diverse, exciting, and culturally rich celebrations we’ve ever produced.”

Learn more about attending EquiFest of Kansas 2026 at www.equifestofks.com.

The post EquiFest of Kansas 2026 Features an Exciting New Lineup, Cultural Showcases, and More appeared first on Horse Illustrated Magazine.

Karen Davison, Ph.D., director of equine technical sales for Purina Animal Nutrition.

Holly Caccamise: We’re starting to really get into the colder months. Do you recommend a change to the diet, or is it better to keep it consistent all year?  

Dr. Davison: It depends a bit on how cold it gets, the ambient temperature stress, and the individual horse. A good general rule of thumb is that all animals, including horses, have what we call a lower critical temperature (LCT). Above that, they manage quite well. And for a horse that’s in good condition and has grown a winter coat, people may be surprised to know that the LCT is 15 degrees Fahrenheit—as long as it’s not wet and too windy (that changes it quite a bit). 

A horse in lower body condition where their ribs can be seen or one that doesn’t have a winter hair coat, and especially if he’s older, can begin to have more trouble with thermal regulation and more trouble managing body condition. The general rule of thumb is for every 10 degrees it is below that LCT, the horse’s energy requirements go up 10 to 20 percent. But for a horse that’s thinner, younger, or older, or doesn’t have a winter hair coat, the LCT can be 40 degrees Fahrenheit or higher.  

When cold weather comes in, extra hay helps horses produce a little internal furnace. The heat of digestion of hay builds heat to help them through those colder days and nights. But when horses eat more hay, they have to drink more water, so make sure that the water is clean and not frozen, and that horses can drink adequately. A tablespoon of salt [in the feed] will help encourage additional drinking.  

As far as maintaining weight, the Henneke body condition scoring system is an excellent management tool. You can Google Henneke body condition scoring, or we have it on the PurinaMills.com website. But the short version is that if you can see your horse’s ribs at all, he’s going to struggle more in the winter to maintain body temperature than horses with rib cover. Coming into winter, get those ribs covered and get your horse in a good body condition score of 5 or 6 (out of 9).  

Some of us who show through the winter want to keep those coats slick. Those horses need to have more support than a horse who’s grown winter hair.  

Some people like to feed a mash. At Purina, we have our RepleniMash®. It has Outlast® Gastric Support Supplement, electrolytes, and is very tasty. You can mix it with warm water to give them additional water.  

Holly: What defines a senior horse? Is it necessary to change the diet of a senior horse? 

Dr. Davison: Just like us, horses all age differently. There’s genetics, and how well they’ve been managed and taken care of over their life. They live longer and healthier lives now than they did years ago. We just tell people to start paying attention when their horse gets into his mid-teens.  

Nowadays you have 18- or 19-year-old horses completing the Kentucky Three-Day Event at the highest level of eventing. Horses in their 20s are competing at the National Finals Rodeo. So horses still competing at top levels in all disciplines are what we used to consider to be really old horses. Horses are no longer automatically considered to be “old” and retired at 18 and 19 years old anymore. Winter is a good time to pay attention, because there will be some point in time when you’ll begin to see your horse isn’t maintaining good body condition on the same diet he did OK on last year, or that his younger peers in the barn are doing fine on.  

Every year at Purina we get calls in to our 800 number in March or April where somebody says, “All of a sudden my old horse lost 300 pounds,” but they didn’t really lose 300 pounds overnight. A lot of times what happens is they put a blanket on when it got cold and then take the blanket off when it got warm again and didn’t realize that the hay that was keeping all the younger horses in good condition was not working for that older horse anymore.  

So that’s one of the biggest signs of aging—when you think their teeth are in good shape and they can still chew hay they’re OK, but the aging digestive tract begins to struggle with extracting nutrition out of hay as well as they did when they were younger.  

That’s when it’s important to use something like Purina’s original Equine Senior® horse feed in the red bag. It’s a complete feed that has hay built in, and needs to be fed in amounts recommended to replace hay when horses can’t properly chew or digest hay anymore.  

There are also senior horses who can still adequately chew and digest hay but are still facing the aging process.   

We know from research that aging horses have a reduced immune response to vaccine and an increase in systemic inflammation. The ACTH test for PPID (Cushing’s) is not recommended to be done in the fall because values tend to elevate seasonally. ActiveAge® technology, a unique yeast-derived prebiotic included in many of Purina’s senior formulations, helps aging horses maintain proper immune function as they age. Some horse owners might say, “I’m going to be proactive, and I know my horse is getting older, so I’m going to feed as much technology as I can that helps senior horses through the aging process.” That’s where the Purina Senior feeds can be helpful. You can’t make them stop aging, but you can help them age more gracefully.  

For example, as they get older, they produce less saliva, especially if they’re not chewing hay as well. (Equine saliva contains sodium bicarbonate that helps buffer stomach pH.) Then you start looking at gastric health and want something in the feed to support gastric pH, such as Purina’s Outlast Gastric Support Supplement. 

Holly: What can we do to give horses’ joints a little extra TLC in the winter when cold can mean extra stiffness and reduced mobility? 

Dr. Davison: Older performance horses start to get wear and tear on their joints, and working with your veterinarian to help preserve those joints as long as possible will help keep that horse comfortable so he can continue to perform at a high level. And your veterinarian is the best resource to advise a plan for your horse.  

From a nutritional standpoint, there are some things that we know have joint comfort benefits, such as specific omega-3 fatty acids. Purina’s ActiveAge technology has been shown to support mobility in aging horses. 

Holly: Speaking of ingredients, what makes senior formulas important for aging horses? Can you explain what and how ingredients in feed support senior horses? 

Dr. Davison: Over 30 years ago, the research was the basis for the formula of original Equine Senior. And back then, it was finding ways to replace those long-stem fibers that horses could no longer digest, and having the right types of fibers that can replace hay and function like hay in the digestive tract, but that are easier to digest and utilize.  

High-quality, highly digestible fibers are important, but you still need to have the right amount of indigestible residue to actually replace hay. On the other hand, older horses can become sensitive to hay quality and develop loose stools when hay is more mature and less digestible. 

High-quality protein is also important. One of the things you see with age is a loss of muscle mass. Being able to support that muscle for as long as you can requires a high-quality protein. This isn’t just about protein percentage, it is about the amino acid makeup of the protein. Amino acids are the building blocks for protein, and having high-quality amino acids in the diet is important to help maintain muscle mass in older horses. 

We weren’t as up to date on insulin resistance and metabolic syndrome 35 years ago when we started doing this research, but in that early data, we saw that older horses had higher blood glucose levels than younger horses. And since that time, there have been several studies to show that regardless of what the calorie source is in the diet, older horses will tend to have a higher insulin response.  

It’s important to work with your veterinarian on these health issues as these horses get older. Not all Cushing’s horses are insulin resistant. And I’ve seen some cases where people were so concerned that their horse had Cushing’s that they restricted the starch and sugar so much that they were also restricting other nutrients. And essentially, these horses aren’t getting nutritionally supported.  

I’m a big fan of diagnostics. You don’t just look at your horse and think, “That looks like a Cushing’s horse.” Get your veterinarian involved and let them do the appropriate diagnostics because it really affects how we recommend nutrition for those horses. I don’t think anybody wants to be out soaking hay in the winter if their horse isn’t insulin resistant after all.  

Aging is ultimately a medical process on some levels, and having a team that includes your veterinarian and a nutritionist can help you and your horse navigate better.  

Holly: If you and your vet or nutritionist decide it’s time for a change to your horse’s diet, how do you recommend transitioning horses onto senior feed safely and effectively? 

Dr. Davison: Always make changes slowly. Horses are creatures of habit. They thrive with consistency. Most horse owners know not to change feed overnight; do it gradually and blend new and old.  

Usually that change can be made over four or five days.     

The forage, though, is more important. I hear a lot of times, “I have hay from the same supplier, from the same field. It’s the same hay.” But it’s not. Hay grown in the same field will be different from cutting to cutting, depending on how Mother Nature cooperated and how you harvest that hay. So changing hay is a bigger part of changing the horse’s diet. Depending on the horse, it’s somewhere between 80 and 100 percent of the diet. So when you change hay, it really should be gradual. Plan ahead. 

There was a study done back in the ‘80s at Texas A&M where they looked at risk factors for colic, and changing hay increased the risk of colic by 9 times whereas a change in feed increased the risk of colic by 2.5 times. If you’re replacing hay with Equine Senior® horse feed, you may want to take it slower, maybe a week to 10 days to gradually replace both the hay and feed. 

Holly: What types of feed does Purina offer for the senior horse?  

We have devoted research to senior horses for over 35 years. It’s not a one size fits all, so we have Equine Senior® Horse Feed for horses who can’t chew and digest hay properly. We have Equine Senior® Active Horse Feed for horses who can chew hay but need a little more help maintaining condition.  

A couple of years ago, we came out with our Enrich Plus® Senior Ration Balancing Horse Feed, which is for those really easy-keeper older horses who can stay in good condition eating hay or pasture and don’t need significant additional calories. Over the years, Equine Senior® horse feed got used incorrectly as much as any product out there. People sometimes feed only a pound or two a day, and it was not designed to be fed that way—it has the forage built in, so it needs to be fed in higher volume. So, one pound of Enrich Plus® Senior does a really nice job on those horses who can stay fat enough on hay or pasture.  

And then most recently, our newest product is Ultium® Senior Horse Feed, which is designed for that higher-performance senior horse and that harder-keeper senior horse. It’s got the highest calories of any senior feed we have, but keep in mind, Ultium® Senior is intended to be fed with hay or pasture, whereas Equine Senior® can be fed without hay or pasture since it has the fibers that can replace hay built in.  

The Purina Senior feeds with Outlast® Gastric Support Supplement and ActiveAge Prebiotic technology are designed to provide the best support we know to help horses manage through the aging process. Our website at PurinaMills.com is a good place to go—just click on Senior Horses and it shows you all the options.  

At our website, you can also search for our retailers in your area, who can help you with the choices. They can also put you in touch with your local Purina rep who can help you make some of these decisions.  

The post Winter Feeding Tips for Senior Horses  appeared first on Horse Illustrated Magazine.

As horse owners, you know it’s time for that stinky, white crumbly grossness that comes with thrush – and even better, the hard-to-clean mess you make on yourself and in your barn with the typical treatment methods.

Except, what if we told you that there’s a new smarter, mess-free method for treating thrush?

“As horse owners ourselves, we understand how challenging managing thrush can be,” said Dan Buttrick, Equine Brand Manager for Absorbine. “We’re excited to offer riders a new option with Silver Honey® Thrush Foam – an effective solution powered by Manuka Honey and MicroSilver BG®, without relying on caustic chemicals and without leaving behind mess or staining. Our goal is to make caring for hooves easier and help improve the daily lives of both horses and riders.”

Since thrush is one of the most common issues horse owners face, it’s only right that there should be an easy-to-use treatment option that actually works – even without all the extra chemicals.

Silver Honey® Rapid Hoof Care Thrush Foam is the first and only thrush treatment to combine Manuka Honey and MicroSilver® BG, delivering powerful, natural antimicrobial action in an innovative expanding foam. Designed to treat and prevent even the most stubborn thrush, the foam fills deep cracks and hoof crevices for thorough, long-lasting coverage. It works without creating any mess or causing staining. The precision straw applicator allows easy, targeted application under pads, around shoes, or on barefoot hooves. Tough on bacteria and fungi but gentle enough for daily use, it’s a smarter, more effective solution for total hoof health.

This fast-acting formula delivers rapid results for both acute treatment and daily prevention, stopping thrush in its tracks before it can take over. The unique foam application allows the treatment to stay in place to actively fight infection, with the straw applicator ensuring precise, mess-free application in tight, hard-to-reach areas without running off or getting all over you or your barn.

With Silver Honey® Rapid Hoof Care Thrush Foam, thrush doesn’t stand a chance.

The post Thrush Season Is Upon Us. appeared first on Horse Illustrated Magazine.

Imagine a dream team. A group of people who always support you and your horse. It likely includes fellow riders who celebrate and commiserate with you. A trainer may be on the roster as someone who walks alongside you every step of the way. You also can’t do without a farrier to keep your horse well shod and a veterinarian to help maintain your horse’s health and wellness.
Each plays a crucial role in your horse’s soundness, especially when it comes to managing degenerative joint disease (DJD). Also called arthritis, DJD causes up to 60% of lameness in horses.1 It can affect horses of any age or breed, which is why proactive collaboration between your team of trainers, farriers and veterinarians is essential to keeping you and your horse moving together.

All for one
The horse is at the center of this joint care team. With all eyes on the horse, everyone can watch for these common signs of DJD:1
• Swelling due to inflammation
• Lameness that can preclude comfort and athleticism
• Decreased range of motion
• Stiffness when emerging from the stall or starting work
• Deformation caused by bony changes
• Crepitus—the popping, grinding, and crackling sound and sensation in an affected joint.
Catching the signs early means that management can begin as early as possible. This is crucial to help slow the effects of DJD.

Rider’s role
You are the manager of your horse’s joint care team. You know your horse better than anyone else, so freely share any concerns and observations about how your horse moves with everyone on your horse’s care team.
Pay attention to your horse’s movements and behaviors, taking note of when they’re not what you’d normally expect. Notice what is different, as well as when the differences take place. Then let your veterinarian know, because the more time-based information you provide, the better the veterinarian can determine what may be happening.
Remember, lameness may not always present with obvious limping. In early stages of DJD, subtle changes in gait, performance or willingness to work may be the only indication.1

Trainer’s role
Trainers know you and your horse well, which may allow them to notice signs of lameness, including DJD, even earlier than you or your veterinarian. Their insights and observations can help prepare you to engage in a more insightful conversation with your veterinarian about the joint care your horse needs.
As coaches, trainers also will help you decide whether your horse’s joints could use a rest or adjusted exercise or work. For example, an extended warm-up or cooldown may be in order to help your horse move more easily.

Farrier’s role
Your farrier may notice some early signs of arthritis that could warrant a conversation with your veterinarian. For example, your horse may resist when your farrier tries to pick up a hoof, or your farrier may see hoof or shoe wear patterns that could indicate stumbling or may notice swelling or sensitivity around the joints that might not jump out at you on an average day. To be most effective in managing joint issues, shoeing should be based on a veterinarian’s recommendation when possible. It has been recommended that the average performance horse have a twice-a-year soundness exam with podiatry films used to advise the horse’s farrier.
Veterinarian’s role In addition to guiding the farrier, regular soundness exams allow your veterinarian to better diagnose an issue if it arises. They also help guide the treatment plan if DJD is diagnosed.
To help keep an arthritic horse moving comfortably, veterinarians may recommend a combination of therapies and medications. The ideal situation is to help reduce the symptoms of DJD, such as lameness, while also slowing the disease progression.
Adequan® i.m. (polysulfated glycosaminoglycan) can help. As the only FDA-approved polysulfated glycosaminoglycan (PSGAG) for DJD, Adequan® i.m. helps treat DJD in multiple ways.2,3 With no generic equivalent, Adequan® i.m. is the only product proven to:2,3
• Reduce inflammation
• Restore synovial joint lubrication
• Repair joint cartilage
• Reverse the disease process
Please see Brief Summary Information for Adequan® i.m. below.
With the right treatments and team members, your horse can enjoy more mobility over a lifetime. Not unlike horse riding, managing joint health and DJD takes some practice. That’s why surrounding your horse with an all-star team is so important. What are you waiting for? Start recruiting your horse’s dream team. And if you already have a great team in place, consider your horse’s joint health to be in the winner’s circle.

How conformation affects joints
Conformation can greatly influence the degree of wear and tear that a joint undergoes. Conformational abnormalities alter forces applied to a joint and can lead to instability, injury and DJD. Address conformational abnormalities as early as possible through proper nutrition, balanced farriery, adequate training and muscle development and, in some cases, surgical intervention.

BRIEF SUMMARY: Prior to use please consult the product insert, a summary of which follows: CAUTION: Federal law restricts this drug to use by or on the order of a licensed veterinarian. INDICATIONS: Adequan® i.m. (polysulfated glycosaminoglycan) is recommended for the intramuscular treatment of non-infectious degenerative and/or traumatic joint dysfunction and associated lameness of the carpal and hock joints in horses. CONTRAINDICATIONS: There are no known contraindications to the use of intramuscular Polysulfated Glycosaminoglycan. WARNINGS: Do not use in horses intended for human consumption. Not for use in humans. Keep this and all medications out of the reach of children. PRECAUTIONS: The safe use of Adequan® i.m. in horses used for breeding purposes, during pregnancy, or in lactating mares has not been evaluated. For customer care, or to obtain product information, visit www.adequan.com. To report an adverse event, please contact American Regent Animal Health, Inc. at 1-888-354-4857 or email pv@americanregent.com.

1. McIlwraith CW, Frisbie DD, Kawcak CE. The horse as a model of naturally occurring osteoarthritis. Bone Joint Res 2012;1:297-309.
2. Adequan® i.m. (polysulfated glycosaminoglycan), Package Insert. American Regent, Inc.
3. Burba DJ, Collier MA, DeBault LE, Hanson-Painton O, Thompson HC, Holder CL: In vivo kinetic study on uptake anddistribution of intramuscular tritium-labeled polysulfated glycosaminoglycan in equine body fluid compartments and articularcartilage in an osteochondral defect model. J Equine Vet Sci 1993; 13: 696-703.

All trademarks are the property of their respective owners. © 2023, American Regent, Inc.

PP-AI-US-0867

The post Team approach to joint health appeared first on Horse Illustrated Magazine.

Photo courtesy Arabian Horse Association of Arizona

First held in 1955—a year after the Arizona Arabian Horse Association was formed—the Scottsdale Arabian Horse Show offers a variety of classes, including Dressage, English, Western Pleasure, Trail, Native Costume, Liberty, and Halter, where exquisite Arabian horses show their grace and beauty. Winning at this show is prestigious; a win at Scottsdale can mean big money in the breeding barns.

Photo courtesy Arabian Horse Association of Arizona

The excitement of the Scottsdale Arabian Horse Shows extends beyond just the exhibitors. The event is family friendly, with free admission for those under the age of 17. In addition to viewing the variety of exciting classes at the show, spectators have the chance to meet an Arabian horse, attend an interactive ambassador horse experience, enjoy behind-the-scenes barn tours, paint a pony, and attend seminars and demonstrations—all free with admission. Plus, there is no shortage of dining and shopping; the Shopping Expo features more than 200 vendor booths, offering everything from lavish jewelry, clothing, works of art, and more.

In addition to the competition, the event serves as a fundraiser for a number of charities that support equine therapy, medical research, youth programs, and more.

For more information, visit www.scottsdaleshow.com.

The post Scottsdale Arabian Horse Show Set to Celebrate 71st Year in 2026 appeared first on Horse Illustrated Magazine.

No one knows your horse better than you. The bond you share allows you to see when they’re at their best, when they’re at their worst and even when something is slightly off. Subtle things like changes in stride, reluctance to collect, or hesitation before familiar jumps are things you notice.

These quiet signals of potential lameness speak volumes to an attentive and informed rider. As your horse’s trusted partner, you’re in the perfect position to notice the earliest signs of a form of arthritis called degenerative joint disease (DJD), a condition responsible for 60% of equine lameness cases.¹ Your ability to recognize these quiet warnings, before they become serious problems, creates the opportunity for early intervention that can help preserve your horse’s athletic ability and comfort for years to come.

Your watchful eye matters

The close relationship you have with your horse puts you in the best position to notice things that even a veterinarian might not pick up on. Your horse might be telling you something’s wrong, but not in the way you expect. Poor performance, unwillingness to respond to commands, or even an uncharacteristically bad attitude could all be early warning signs of arthritis.

When you’re familiar with the common signs of joint disease, you can take action at the first hint of trouble. Watch for:

• Swelling and/or heat in a limb
• Limping or reduced performance
• Decreased range of motion
• Stiffness when leaving the stall or beginning work
• Subtle changes in overall demeanor

Catching these signs early means you can take action promptly, which is important to help slow the effects of arthritis. Your observations could mean the difference between managing a minor issue and dealing with a career-limiting condition.

The power of regular soundness exams

Veterinarians agree that regular soundness examinations are one of the best ways to identify problems before they significantly impact your horse. Regular examinations with your veterinarian, paired with your observations, help establish your horse’s “normal,” making it easier to identify changes that might indicate developing joint problems. During these checkups, your veterinarian will conduct specialized assessments that can reveal joint sensitivity that may not be apparent during normal movement.

When communicating with your veterinarian about your horse’s joint health, be specific about when you noticed changes, what activities cause discomfort, and any recent adjustments to your horse’s routine. This detailed information helps your veterinarian arrive at an accurate diagnosis and devise an effective treatment plan. Be prepared to discuss:

• Your horse’s regular exercise regimen
• Diet and supplement use
• Changes in housing or environment
• Other therapies your horse is receiving
• Any past lameness issues

This information supports the diagnostic procedures your veterinarian may recommend, which could include radiographs, nerve blocks, ultrasounds and more.

Every horse deserves protection

One truth every horse owner needs to understand? Arthritis doesn’t discriminate. It can happen to any horse despite their age, breed or discipline. They are all vulnerable, but proactive joint health management can make all the difference.

While elite athletes certainly face intense joint demands, your trail horse or pasture companion is just as susceptible to joint deterioration. Every collected canter or simple trot across the pasture generates forces that, over time, can affect joint health.

Similarly, arthritis isn’t just a concern for aging horses—the process often begins silently in younger years, long before obvious symptoms appear. When arthritis is identified early, you have a better chance to effectively manage the condition and maintain your horse’s mobility.

The best way to help prevent joint disease? Take precautions and help your horse live a healthy lifestyle through:

• Healthy weight management
• Regular movement and exercise
• Providing a balanced diet
• Allowing time for a proper cool down after exercise
• Understanding the signs of potential joint problems
• Regular soundness exams
• Working with your veterinarian to diagnose and treat joint disease early

What do I do if my horse is diagnosed with arthritis?

Don’t panic—an arthritis diagnosis isn’t always career-ending and in some cases doesn’t have to be life-changing. It’s all about working with your veterinarian to find the right treatment plan for your horse. Managing joint disease effectively requires collaboration with your veterinarian to find the right multimodal approach, and communication with your trainer to adjust training schedules and intensity accordingly. Your veterinarian’s expertise is key when designing a plan that addresses joint health from multiple angles, giving your horse the best chance for comfort and continued performance.

When creating a management protocol for your horse’s arthritis, ask about treatment options that target the disease itself rather than just addressing the signs. Adequan i.m.® (polysulfated glycosaminoglycan) stands out as the only FDA-approved PSGAG that treats the disease itself as well as the symptoms, working at the molecular level to interrupt the cycle of joint deterioration.^2-4

Adequan i.m. complements other management practices by addressing several aspects of joint health simultaneously. It reduces inflammation, inhibits cartilage-damaging enzymes, stimulates repair of joint components, and improves synovial fluid viscosity for better cushioning.⁴  This multifaceted action makes it a valuable part of your horse’s complete arthritis care. See below for Indications and a Brief Summary of Important Safety Information for Adequan i.m.

Safety should always be a top priority for any arthritis treatment you and your veterinarian choose. With millions of doses administered and an established safety profile, Adequan i.m. has earned the trust of veterinarians and horse owners. For over 30 years, veterinarians have given Adequan i.m. to help horses of every discipline and activity level enjoy greater mobility over their lifetimes.^2-4

It’s suitable for horses of various ages and activity levels, offering practical flexibility for your arthritis management plan. The safe use of Adequan i.m. in horses used for breeding purposes, during pregnancy or in lactating mares has not been evaluated. Competition horses benefit from treatment continuity, and Adequan i.m. can sometimes be used during competition periods. This allows your horse to receive necessary care without disrupting their performance schedule—an important consideration that helps maintain both joint health and competitive readiness.

Early intervention with the right treatment approach gives your horse the best chance of maintaining joint function and slowing disease progression. Open, detailed discussions with your veterinarian about your horse’s symptoms, history and lifestyle can help when designing an effective treatment plan. Your vet can help determine if Adequan i.e. is appropriate for your horse’s specific condition and how it fits within a complete management strategy.

By working closely with your veterinarian to implement a multimodal approach that includes treatments like Adequan i.e. when appropriate, you’re acting as your horse’s joint health champion. Schedule regular check-ins with your vet to monitor progress and adjust treatments as needed—because this ongoing partnership is key to your horse’s long-term joint health. See below for Indications and a Brief Summary of Important Safety Information for Adequan i.e.

Talk to your veterinarian about Adequan i.e. and how it can be part of your horse’s joint health management plan. For more information, visit www.adequan.com.

BRIEF SUMMARY: Prior to use please consult the product insert, a summary of which follows: CAUTION: Federal law restricts this drug to use by or on the order of a licensed veterinarian. INDICATIONS: Adequan® i.m. is recommended for the intramuscular treatment of non-infectious degenerative and/or traumatic joint dysfunction and associated lameness of the carpal and hock joints in horses. CONTRAINDICATIONS: There are no known contraindications to the use of intramuscular Polysulfated Glycosaminoglycan. WARNINGS: Do not use in horses intended for human consumption. Not for use in humans. Keep this and all medications out of the reach of children. PRECAUTIONS: The safe use of Adequan® i.m. in horses used for breeding purposes, during pregnancy, or in lactating mares has not been evaluated. For customer care, or to obtain product information, visit www.adequan.com. To report an adverse event please contact American Regent, Inc. at 1-888-354-4857 or email pv@americanregent.com.

[references]

1. McIlwraith CW, Frisbie DD, Kawcak CE, van Weeren PR. Joint Disease in the Horse. St. Louis, MO: Elsevier, 2016;33-48.
2. Kim DY, Taylor HW, Moore RM, Paulsen DB, Cho DY. Articular chondrocyte apoptosis in equine osteoarthritis. The Veterinary Journal 2003; 166: 52-57.
3. Burba DJ, Collier MA, DeBault LE, Hanson-Painton O, Thompson HC, Holder CL: In vivo kinetic study on uptake and distribution of intramuscular tritium-labeled polysulfated glycosaminoglycan in equine body fluid compartments and articular cartilage in an osteochondral defect model. Journal of Equine Veterinary Science 1993; 13: 696-703.
4. Adequan^® i.m. (polysulfated glycosaminoglycan), Package Insert. American Regent, Inc.

[copyright and disclaimers]

All trademarks are the property of American Regent, Inc.

© 2025, American Regent, Inc.

PP-AI-US-1220

The post Be Your Horse’s Joint Health Champion appeared first on Horse Illustrated Magazine.

For nearly a century, Dr. Naylor’s animal healthcare products have been trusted by horse owners to keep their equine partners in top condition. Whether you’re treating a wound, protecting against fungus, or maintaining healthy hooves, these four must-have products deserve a place in your tack room.

Blu-Kote: The Go-To Antiseptic for Wounds and Fungus

Who hasn’t found their horse with an unexpected cut, scratch, or scrape? Or maybe your horse has battled rain rot or ringworm? Dr. Naylor’s Blu-Kote is a tried-and-true solution for treating superficial wounds, fungus infections, and pus-producing bacteria. The antiseptic formula sprays on wet yet dries quickly, helping to create a protective barrier against contaminants and insects.

This horse owner used Blu-Kote to help heal this intense hoof/coronet wound.

Blu-Kote’s signature blue color serves a dual purpose: it provides easy visual confirmation of coverage and discourages flies from landing on the treated area. Just be mindful—it stains wet or dry, so apply with care! Horse owners across the globe rely on Blu-Kote as a staple in their first aid kits.

Udder Balm: The Multi-Purpose Protector

Horse owners love a good multi-use product, and Dr. Naylor’s Udder Balm fits the bill. Originally formulated to protect and soothe delicate skin, this rich emollient is a lifesaver in the barn. How can it help your horse?

◆ Bug Barrier: Lightly coat your horse’s ears to keep gnats and flies away during summer months.

◆ Saddle Sore Relief: Apply to potential chafing areas to prevent or soothe irritation after long rides.

◆ Jumping Protection: If you’re a jumper, slather it on your horse’s chest to minimize friction and scuffs from jumps or breastplate abrasions.

◆ Leather Conditioner: A hidden gem—use it to soften and preserve leather bridles, reins, harnesses, and boots.

From soothing skin to maintaining tack, Udder Balm is a versatile essential for every horse owner.

Hoof N’ Heel: Happy Hooves, Happy Horse

A strong, healthy hoof is the foundation of a sound horse. Whether you’re dealing with thrush, white line disease, or just want to maintain hoof hygiene, Dr. Naylor’s Hoof N’ Heel is a powerful yet gentle solution. Our proprietary formula treats hoof rot and can be used as a preventative when applied in a hoof boot.

Unlike harsh treatments that can dry and harden the hoof, Hoof N’ Heel keeps hooves clean without brittleness or discoloration. It also helps soften tough soles, making it ideal for horses transitioning to barefoot or dealing with tender feet. Think of it as a spa treatment for your horse’s hooves—because happy feet equal a happy horse!

Red-Kote: Advanced Wound Healing

Not all wounds heal the same way. Some need extra protection and moisture to encourage healthy tissue growth while minimizing scarring. That’s where Dr. Naylor’s Red-Kote comes in.

This customer used Red-Kote to help heal his horse after it was attacked by a cougar.

This wound dressing forms a protective, flexible coating that shields injuries from contaminants while stimulating new skin growth. It’s particularly useful for surface cuts, rope burns, and wire injuries. The scarlet-red oil is a powerful tool for preventing proud flesh in horses, and many owners swear by it for helping wounds heal with minimal white hair regrowth.

A Tradition of Trust

Since 1926, Dr. Naylor has been a trusted name in animal health care, helping horse owners keep their equine companions in peak condition. Whether you’re tending to a minor scrape, keeping hooves strong, or preventing saddle sores, these four products are designed to make your horse care routine easier and more effective.

Ready to stock your tack room? You can find Dr. Naylor’s products at Tractor Supply stores, Blain’s Farm & Fleet, online at Chewy, and other major pet and farm outlets. Visit our website at www.drnaylor.com to learn more about how our products can help you care for your horse.

When it comes to equine health, be prepared—because a well-cared-for horse is a happy, healthy horse!

The post Practical Horse Care: Four Must-Have Products for Every Equine Owner appeared first on Horse Illustrated Magazine.

Exciting New Additions
This year, EquiFest is adding a special treat for collectors and model horse enthusiasts—the Breyer Midwest event! A show within a show, this new feature is sure to delight attendees of all ages.

Competitions & Clinics

Love competition? EquiFest has it all, including mounted shooting, draft races, team challenges, youth horse judging, a silversmith contest, and a farrier contest. Educational clinics and demos will cover everything from colt starting and trick riding to working equitation and mulemanship. Plus, don’t miss a special performance by the Fort Riley Commanding General’s Mounted Color Guard.

World-Class Lineup

EquiFest 2025 is bringing in Tik Maynard (winner of last year’s Road to the Horse), Ty Evans, Jay & Gena Henson, Liberty Cunningham, Daniel Dauphin, and Ifa Simmonds, who is offering personal fitness training for equestrians. Live cowboy music, interviews, and panel discussions will round out the entertainment.

Workshops & More
Workshops will feature bits & bitting, trail riding strategies, saddle club leadership tips, and advanced equine therapies from the Veterinary Health Center at Kansas State University. And for a meaningful close to the weekend, enjoy Cowboy Church, free coffee and donuts on Sunday morning.

Get Involved!

Want to experience the event from behind the scenes? Volunteer for a 3-4 hour shift and earn a free day of admission, a t-shirt, and EquiBucks rewards!

Doors open daily at 9 AM at the Saline County Expo Center and Tony’s Pizza Events Center in Salina, KS. Tickets are $25/day or $60 for a three day pass, with kids 12 & under free. For more details, visit www.equifestofks.com or follow EquiFest of KS on Facebook and Instagram.

Mark your calendars—this is an equine event you won’t want to miss!

The post EquiFest of Kansas: A Must-See Event for Horse Lovers appeared first on Horse Illustrated Magazine.

Imagine a dream team. A group of people who always support you and your horse. It likely includes fellow riders who celebrate and commiserate with you. A trainer may be on the roster as someone who walks alongside you every step of the way. You also can’t do without a farrier to keep your horse well shod and a veterinarian to help maintain your horse’s health and wellness.

Each plays a crucial role in your horse’s soundness, especially when it comes to managing degenerative joint disease (DJD). Also called arthritis, DJD causes up to 60% of lameness in horses.¹ It can affect horses of any age or breed, which is why proactive collaboration between your team of trainers, farriers and veterinarians is essential to keeping you and your horse moving together.

All for One
The horse is at the center of this joint care team. With all eyes on the horse, everyone can watch for these common signs of DJD:¹
• Swelling due to inflammation
• Lameness that can preclude comfort and athleticism
• Decreased range of motion
• Stiffness when emerging from the stall or starting work
• Deformation caused by bony changes
• Crepitus—the popping, grinding, and crackling sound and sensation in an affected joint.

Catching the signs early means that management can begin as early as possible. This is crucial to help slow the effects of DJD.

Rider’s Role

You are the manager of your horse’s joint care team. You know your horse better than anyone else, so freely share any concerns and observations about how your horse moves with everyone on your horse’s care team.

Pay attention to your horse’s movements and behaviors, taking note of when they’re not what you’d normally expect. Notice what is different, as well as when the differences take place. Then let your veterinarian know, because the more time-based information you provide, the better the veterinarian can determine what may be happening.

Remember, lameness may not always present with obvious limping. In early stages of DJD, subtle changes in gait, performance or willingness to work may be the only indication.¹

Trainer’s Role

Trainers know you and your horse well, which may allow them to notice signs of lameness, including DJD, even earlier than you or your veterinarian. Their insights and observations can help prepare you to engage in a more insightful conversation with your veterinarian about the joint care your horse needs.

As coaches, trainers also will help you decide whether your horse’s joints could use a rest or adjusted exercise or work. For example, an extended warm-up or cooldown may be in order to help your horse move more easily.

Farrier’s Role

Your farrier may notice some early signs of arthritis that could warrant a conversation with your veterinarian. For example, your horse may resist when your farrier tries to pick up a hoof, or your farrier may see hoof or shoe wear patterns that could indicate stumbling or may notice swelling or sensitivity around the joints that might not jump out at you on an average day. To be most effective in managing joint issues, shoeing should be based on a veterinarian’s recommendation when possible. It has been recommended that the average performance horse have a twice-a-year soundness exam with podiatry films used to advise the horse’s farrier.

Veterinarian’s Role

In addition to guiding the farrier, regular soundness exams allow your veterinarian to better diagnose an issue if it arises. They also help guide the treatment plan if DJD is diagnosed.

To help keep an arthritic horse moving comfortably, veterinarians may recommend a combination of therapies and medications. The ideal situation is to help reduce the symptoms of DJD, such as lameness, while also slowing the disease progression.

Adequan® i.m. (polysulfated glycosaminoglycan) can help. As the only FDA-approved polysulfated glycosaminoglycan (PSGAG) for DJD, Adequan® i.m. helps treat DJD in multiple ways.^2,3 With no generic equivalent, Adequan® i.m. is the only product proven to:^2,3
• Reduce inflammation
• Restore synovial joint lubrication
• Repair joint cartilage
• Reverse the disease process

Please see Brief Summary Information for Adequan® i.m. below.

With the right treatments and team members, your horse can enjoy more mobility over a lifetime. Not unlike horse riding, managing joint health and DJD takes some practice. That’s why surrounding your horse with an all-star team is so important. What are you waiting for? Start recruiting your horse’s dream team. And if you already have a great team in place, consider your horse’s joint health to be in the winner’s circle.

How conformation affects joints

Conformation can greatly influence the degree of wear and tear that a joint undergoes. Conformational abnormalities alter forces applied to a joint and can lead to instability, injury and DJD. Address conformational abnormalities as early as possible through proper nutrition, balanced farriery, adequate training and muscle development and, in some cases, surgical intervention.

BRIEF SUMMARY: Prior to use please consult the product insert, a summary of which follows: CAUTION: Federal law restricts this drug to use by or on the order of a licensed veterinarian. INDICATIONS: Adequan® i.m. (polysulfated glycosaminoglycan) is recommended for the intramuscular treatment of non-infectious degenerative and/or traumatic joint dysfunction and associated lameness of the carpal and hock joints in horses. CONTRAINDICATIONS: There are no known contraindications to the use of intramuscular Polysulfated Glycosaminoglycan. WARNINGS: Do not use in horses intended for human consumption. Not for use in humans. Keep this and all medications out of the reach of children. PRECAUTIONS: The safe use of Adequan® i.m. in horses used for breeding purposes, during pregnancy, or in lactating mares has not been evaluated. For customer care, or to obtain product information, visit www.adequan.com. To report an adverse event, please contact American Regent Animal Health, Inc. at 1-888-354-4857  or email pv@americanregent.com.

The post Team Approach to Joint Health appeared first on Horse Illustrated Magazine.

LENNOX, S.D. — Every great innovation begins with a moment of clarity, and for ZahnTech’s founder, Avery Zahn, it came in the most unexpected way. As Avery looked out his window one afternoon, he watched his horse stubbornly push against a corral built with railroad tie fences. Frustrated by their inadequacy, he had an epiphany: “I should build a better fencepost.”

The idea, however, had deeper roots. Avery had previously owned a plastic lining company for PVC pipes. His late father, George Zahn, often encouraged Avery to find a better use for leftover PVC material, a suggestion that lingered in the back of his mind. Years later, this vision became a reality with ZahnTech, a company now transforming plastic waste into durable, eco-friendly fencing solutions.

“At ZahnTech, we’re not just recycling; we’re reimagining the possibilities of waste,” said Dan Elliott, head of marketing and sales, and the creator of the company’s motto: “Give it better than it was given, and leave it better than it was left.” This guiding principle, adopted last spring, encapsulates ZahnTech’s commitment to innovation and sustainability.

Farming and Building Expertise Shapes the Vision

Joining Avery in leading ZahnTech is Vice President Billy Pollema, who brings a wealth of experience from his background in farming and construction building. “Billy’s practical knowledge has been a cornerstone of our product development,” Elliott explained. “He
understands the structural demands and real-world challenges, ensuring our products meet and exceed expectations.”

What began as an experiment with leftover plastic quickly evolved into a groundbreaking
process. ZahnTech now accepts all types of plastics — items most recyclers won’t touch, from lick tanks to barrels and drums — and transforms them into high-performance fenceposts. Each 4″x4″x8′ post repurposes about 1,600 water bottles or 680 milk jugs, while a larger 6″x8′ round post contains 3,600 bottles or 1,125 jugs.

The manufacturing process is both straightforward and transformative. Plastic waste is ground into pieces, heated, and molded into sturdy posts that are 10 times stronger than wood and 20 times more durable. The posts are pest-resistant, water-proof, and can even be drilled into directly for electric fences.

A Perfect Fit for Horse Owners and Hobby Farms

ZahnTech’s products are designed with the needs of horse owners and hobby farmers in mind. Strong enough to keep horses secure yet requiring little to no maintenance, the posts are an ideal solution for those looking to upgrade their fencing. They also offer a sustainable option for equestrians who value eco-friendly practices.

The company’s commitment to education and sustainability is evident through their Waste:
ReImagined initiative. In partnership with students at Black Hills State University, ZahnTech is promoting awareness about sustainable recycling and encouraging schools, governments, and businesses to rethink waste management.

ZahnTech’s model also provides a zero-cost disposal option for businesses. “We don’t pay for plastic, but companies save on landfill fees,” Elliott explained. “Our process turns waste into something both practical and lasting.”

A Legacy of Innovation

ZahnTech’s fenceposts are already proving their worth across the U.S. Hobby farmers and horse owners alike appreciate their durability, eco-friendliness, and long-term value.

Reflecting on the journey, Avery Zahn shared: “We’re not just building a product; we’re creating a legacy. This is about reimagining what waste can become — transforming it into something meaningful and lasting.”

To learn more about ZahnTech, visit www.zahntech.com or call (605) 202-5192.

The post Waste: ReImagined – ZahnTech Repurposes Waste for a Permanent Fencing Solution appeared first on Horse Illustrated Magazine.