Draft Horse Hoof Care

Gentle Giants Draft Rescue is a 300-plus acre facility in Mt. Airy, Md., that rehabilitates and re-homes draft horses. They are currently home to more than 150 drafts. Executive Director and founder Christine Hajek says the most common problem seen in draft breeds is hoof neglect.

One misconception about drafts is that due to their size, they wear down their feet on their own. This is not true; as with other horse breeds, drafts require regular hoof trims. However, given their size, “Expect to pay more for the farrier,” she says.

Drafts can have a reputation for being stubborn about picking up and holding up their feet. This is in large part due to their background. Many drafts come from Amish and Mennonite farms, says Hajek. There, feet are trimmed in wooden restraints called stocks, so many drafts haven’t been taught to stand while having their feet held by a person.

However, this can be overcome by patient, consistent training. Staff at Gentle Giants use clicker training to accustom drafts to having their feet handled.

Skin Beneath the Feathers

Along with the beautiful feathers some draft breeds have comes extra work in keeping the skin underneath healthy. Long hair on the lower legs can create an environment that is ideal for bacteria and parasite proliferation. Many drafts that arrive at Gentle Giants have a skin condition called scratches, mite infestations, or both, says Hajek.

Scratches, also called mud fever, is a dermatitis of the pastern and heel. Overgrowth of microorganisms on the skin’s surface results in localized inflammation, causing these areas to appear greasy. The skin will be red, thickened, and scabby, and may be sensitive to touch.

Mange mites, specifically chorioptic mites (Chorioptes species), commonly take up residence along a draft horse’s lower legs. Infestations result in intense itching that can cause a horse to stomp and yank his foot away when held. Some owners may misinterpret this as a behavioral issue; however, when the underlying condition is treated, this issue resolves.

Managing these skin conditions involves a delicate balance between moisture and dryness. Yes, those beautiful feathers will likely have to be shaved off (but they grow back!) in order to expose the mites and dry out any bacteria present. Initially, regular leg bathing will help fight these infections, followed by thorough drying.

Keeping the horse’s legs clean and dry then is key in keeping these skin issues at bay. Work with your veterinarian to determine the best shampoo for your draft and any other medications needed, such as an antiparasitic or antibiotic for severe infections.

Belgians, specifically, are at risk for a different type of condition in the legs called chronic progressive lymphedema, or CPL. Belgians with this condition develop swelling in their lower legs, which can lead to thickened skin and lesions. Not much is currently understood about this disease, but it is progressive and there is no treatment. Anyone interested in a Belgian should carefully inquire about the horse’s background and lineage, if known.

Feeding Fat

Most adult draft horses in little to light work and general good health are relatively easy keepers, meaning they can maintain a good body condition on quality forage, such as hay or pasture. In fact, if fed according to the guidelines on many feed bags based on body weight, owners may accidentally over-feed their draft, leading to obesity and associated metabolic issues, such as insulin resistance and laminitis.

Inappropriate diet is a common issue in many of the draft rescues rehabilitated at Gentle Giants.

“They were fed based on light breed horse guidelines,” Hajek explains.

When a draft horse does require a higher level of nutrition than what simple forage can provide, they may need more fat as opposed to the high starch seen in grain mixes.

“A lot of people don’t realize drafts may need a higher-fat diet,” says Hajek.

If your draft horse requires a high-calorie concentrate in addition to good quality forage, work with your veterinarian or an equine nutritionist to ensure he is getting a balanced diet appropriate for his metabolic needs, age, and workload.

Possible PSSM

One serious nutrition issue common in draft horses is a metabolic disorder called equine polysaccharide storage myopathy (PSSM or EPSM). Horses with PSSM are unable to properly metabolize and store carbohydrates, which becomes an issue when a horse is fed a high-carbohydrate diet (such as grain) and then exercised.

Mild signs of PSSM include muscle weakness, twitches, and gait abnormalities, but severity of the condition varies, and can escalate to colic-like signs, refusal to move, severe muscle cramping, and kidney issues due to muscle cell death.

PSSM is diagnosed via bloodwork, muscle biopsy, and, more recently, genetic testing. While there is no cure, PSSM can be managed successfully by switching to a diet high in fat instead of carbohydrates and a consistent exercise regimen. Careful management should be overseen by a veterinarian.

Neurologic Conditions

Draft horses are also more prone to some neuromuscular disorders than can look like PSSM.

Shivers and stringhalt are two neurologic conditions that typically result in an abnormal gait, most notably in the hind legs. These conditions aren’t lethal, but they can make a horse reluctant to lift his feet for a farrier.

Some horses with shivers or stringhalt can still be ridden or driven. Severity and management of these conditions varies by horse.

Eye Health

Some breeds of drafts with wide white markings on their faces, such as Belgians, Clydesdales and Haflingers, are predisposed to a locally invasive type of cancer in the eye called squamous cell carcinoma (SCC).

SCC can range in severity. A small lesion on the third eyelid can be relatively straightforward to remove. But in extreme cases, removal of the eye may be necessary, or possibly euthanasia if the underlying bone is involved.

Owners of Belgians and any breed with excessive white on the face should regularly monitor their horse’s eyes for any unusual coloration, irregularity, or signs of irritation. If something is abnormal, have your veterinarian conduct a closer examination. The earlier SCC is diagnosed, the better the prognosis.

Heat & Humidity

Due to their larger frames and associated musculature, draft horses can struggle to dissipate heat, which can lead to heat stress. When you add to this the challenges of keeping heavily feathered legs dry in humidity, it can be difficult to keep a draft breed comfortable in the summer.

For this reason, if you live in the southeastern United States, Hajek cautions against getting a draft. At the very least, she advises, avoid getting a draft horse from a northern climate and transporting him south, where he isn’t acclimated to the heat and humidity.

Key Takeaway

At the end of the day, a draft horse is still a horse, with the same training needs, personality quirks, and general care requirements.

“They train the same way [as a lighter breed],” says Hajek. “People tend to treat them like they’re different. The worst stereotype of drafts is that they’re dull and slow. That’s not the case at all.”

With proper care and consistent training, just like their smaller counterparts, draft horses make excellent mounts and companions. There’s just a bit more of them to love.

This article about draft horse health and care appeared in the November/December 2024 issue of Horse Illustrated magazine. Click here to subscribe!

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Get to Know the Cecum

What is the cecum? This large, comma-shaped pouch is located at the junction of the small and large intestines; it takes up a large portion of the right side of a horse’s abdomen.

The organ is a blind pouch, meaning that the entrance and exit to the organ sit dorsally (to the back, nearer the anus); if gastrointestinal motility is in any way compromised, material passing through the intestine may settle to the bottom of the organ instead of being pushed through it, increasing the likelihood of material buildup and an impaction.

Between 4 and 5 feet long, the cecum acts as a storage area; it can hold roughly 8 gallons of material and water. It’s often referred to as part of the large intestine (along with the colon, into which it empties). The cecum assists in three things:

◆ Storage. The cecum stores electrolytes and water.

◆ Digestion. Bacteria in the cecum help ferment food passing into it from the small intestine.

◆ Fermentation. Enzymes in the cecum break down food.

With the ability to hold this much material and liquid, it’s easy to see why any slowdown of material moving through in this area could be significant. While a cecal impaction is not the most common cause of colic in horses, the mortality rate from such an impaction is shockingly high: between 25 and 57 percent.

These deaths are mainly attributed to cecal rupture, which can come on rapidly with minimal signs of onset. A horse’s digestive tract can still function (thought not as effectively) as a cecal impaction builds, so signs of impending impaction are easy to overlook.

Presentation of Cecal Impactions

Like other types of colic, early intervention is key to a favorable outcome. Cecal impactions can be particularly tricky to diagnose, as they often present very mildly. An affected horse may look slightly uncomfortable, trot around, or lie down with minimal fanfare; he may find relief with just a small dose of pain medication.

However, as the impaction grows, so does the horse’s pain. A horse with a cecal impaction may exhibit the following signs, but not necessarily over a consistent time period:

◆ Reduced manure output

◆ Pawing

◆ Pacing, rolling or stretching out

◆ Reduced intestinal sounds

◆ Increased heart rate

◆ Pale gums

◆ Sweating

It’s important to also remember that none of these signs may be pronounced.

“A lot of owners see ‘colic’ and think [the horse] has twisted his intestine,” explains Ann Andrews, DVM, of Park Equine Hospital in Lexington, Ky. “Then when they see their horse acting a bit more normal, if uncomfortable, they think they’re in the clear—but they may not be. Owners expect a violent, thrashing colic, but a cecal impaction may appear very mild.”

These mild signs in and of themselves don’t mean the issue isn’t important or doesn’t necessitate follow-up attention.

Cause: Dehydration

“A few things can cause a cecal impaction, but the most common is dehydration,” says Andrews.

Horses that live in hot, humid environments are more susceptible to this condition as they sweat, sometimes profusely, to cool themselves down. The ability to get out of direct sunlight, whether that means in a stall under fans, in a run-in shed, or in shade from trees, will prevent the horse from experiencing a spike in body temperature and an overabundance of sweat production, which could deplete his body’s store of electrolytes.

Additionally, it’s critical that you ensure your horse has fresh water, and that the water he has access to isn’t hot, says Andrews. This may mean extra work filling and refilling buckets and troughs, or making sure there are multiple areas from which your horse can drink (an automatic waterer and a trough, for example).

The even bigger part of having access to water is ensuring that the horse is actually drinking, Andrews says, though she notes that this can be hard if he lives in a herd.

The majority a horse’s water absorption (98 percent!) occurs in the cecum and distal colon, according to Andrews. This means that if a horse is dehydrated, his body tries to remove even more water from the material that is in the large intestine, causing the fecal matter to dry out and get firmer, making it difficult for it to pass around the pelvic flexure. She notes that this area is often where horses end up getting impactions.

Cause: Parasites

A horse with a heavy worm burden may also be susceptible to a cecal impaction. Tapeworms in particular appear to put horses at risk, as they tend to gather around the narrow junction between the large and small intestine, blocking the passage of food into the cecum. Tapeworm attachment at this junction can also irritate the intestine, leading to spasmodic colic.

Routine fecal egg counts, usually performed by your veterinarian, can help identify which parasites are affecting your horse and how heavy of a load he’s carrying. A deworming strategy created in conjunction with your vet can ensure that your horse is not negatively affected by a high worm load.

Cause: Age-Related Issues

Older horses with cancerous polyps in their gastrointestinal tracts may have slowed motility in the large intestine.

“Food and matter that sits in the cecum encourages the body to keep trying to pull out water,” says Andrews. At some point, there is no more water to pull.

Additionally, older horses with poor dentition, either from lack of routine care or because they no longer have teeth to chew their food well, are also candidates for cecal impactions.

“Their feed is not as broken up as it should be, and these larger balls of feed and matter can fluff up in the intestine,” she cautions.

Older horses may benefit from feed that is soaked or from a less-coarse feed that is more readily broken down in the digestive tract. Ongoing, quality dental care is critical during a horse’s golden years.

Treatment of a Cecal Impaction

There is no specific age or breed of horse that is most at-risk of a cecal impaction.

“I have seen cecal impactions across the board,” says Andrews. “They occur in a variety of ages [of horse], for a variety of reasons.” Early detection is key to the horse’s health.

Like other types of colic, cecal impactions can be treated medically or surgically based on the horse’s clinical signs, results of a physical exam, rectal palpation, health history, bloodwork results, and the horse’s response to medical management. Andrews will often ultrasound a horse’s abdomen to help determine if the horse is experiencing a cecal impaction.

Administration of fluids, both intravenously and orally, is the first line of defense to try to soften the mass in the horse’s cecum. Laxatives and pain relievers may also be administered.

Surgery, or euthanasia if surgery is not an option, must be considered if the impaction remains unchanged or enlarges, or if pain escalates, as this indicates that rupture is often imminent. Once the horse’s cecum ruptures, he may briefly appear more comfortable as he bleeds internally, which eventually causes death from blood loss or septicemia.

Because of this possible outcome, it’s important to know if surgery is an option—for a cecal impaction or other problem—long before the need arises, according to Andrews.

“If I can’t manage a cecal impaction medically, I don’t waste a lot of time before getting them on the table if surgery is an option, mainly so I can try to preserve the integrity of the GI tract,” she says.

Owners who know their horses well are cherished by their horse’s care team and offer solid ground for the veterinarian-client-patient relationship to flourish.

“I value the owners who look at their horses every day,” says Andrews. “When they say, ‘Something’s not right,’ I know that something truly isn’t right. Long-term, I know their horses as well as they do, and it helps me catch things really early and begin treatment.”

This article about cecal impaction colic appeared in the October 2024 issue of Horse Illustrated magazine. Click here to subscribe!

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Still, his show ring career wasn’t over. From there, we transitioned to a successful second career in dressage. After several good years, it was time to let this career go, too. By then in his early 30s but still not content to be fully retired, his final job was as a leadline mount for my then-young daughter. His full retirement, when it finally came a few years later, was something I felt we were both happy and comfortable with.

On the other hand, my half-Arabian mare, Sally, was an example of a difficult early retirement. A highly versatile horse, just one of her many talents was her performance in the hunter ring.

However, despite my best efforts, she has never truly been a healthy horse. Some of her health conditions we have been able to name and treat. Though these issues may have limited her, they never took her completely out of the game.

Other conditions have been mysterious and less well-managed due to their undefined nature; her treatments have been a roller coaster of successes and failures. Numerous tests have led to dead ends leading to more significant restrictions.

Though still in her early 20s, her most recent job change has been from a semi-retired trail horse to pasture-sound companion horse. By outward appearances, she looks amazing, but she is unable to tolerate a rider.

Soundness and Injuries

With so many possible retirement scenarios, what is considered an average age for retirement? What is considered an early retirement?

The decision to retire a horse is based on several different factors, according to Jud Easterwood, DVM, of Easterwood Equine Hospital in Calera, Ala.

“Most of these factors are health or soundness related,” he says. “I don’t think there is an average age. We have some horses that are able to perform well into their 20s. Other horses have had significant injuries that lead to chronic lameness or issues with pain. These horses have to retire much earlier.”

Easterwood says that he considers “early” retirement one that occurs before the age of 20. In his experience, these unfortunate early retirement scenarios are usually centered around tendon or suspensory ligament injuries. He says they can also be brought on by conditions such as arthritis or ringbone.

“Any serious injury could result in these conditions that a horse can’t overcome to get back into high-level performance work,” he says.

Metabolic & Back Problems

Sometimes, conditions such as PPID and the insulin resistance that sometimes accompanies it can necessitate early retirement, especially when it leads to other conditions, such as chronic laminitis and potentially founder. Easterwood says that while these issues are typically seen in horses over the age of 20, they do occasionally occur in younger horses, too.

Over the years, because imaging has improved, he notes that horses being diagnosed with back problems have also become much more common. Rather than undiagnosed pain, he says we are now able to pinpoint kissing spines and neck arthritis.

“These may not stand out to you like leg lameness, but they create an overall sour behavior or back soreness,” says Easterwood. Depending on their severity, these may also require retirement.

Signs That It’s Time to Retire

What are the signs that your horse may be ready to retire?

“Any sort of chronic lameness or pain issues would be the No. 1 condition that leads to retirement,” says Easterwood. “No. 2 is when the horse doesn’t enjoy his job anymore and has become sour.”

He also lists conditions such as liver disease; inflammatory bowel disease that leads to chronic diarrhea and weight loss; neurological diseases that cause ataxia, such as EPM or (less commonly) West Nile virus; or any condition that is difficult to treat and that leads to performance problems.

Semi or Full Retirement?

Regardless of age, when you decide to retire your horse, you’ll need to consider partial or full retirement. Easterwood says that he likes to use the words “serviceably sound” with owners considering partial retirement for their horses.

“You may have a horse that is not 100 percent sound and is no longer suitable for show jumping, barrel racing, or other types of intense performance sports,” he says. “But [semi-retirement is an option] if the horse is still able to get around fine and enjoy doing activities such as trail riding, flat work, ground work, or being ridden in lessons.”

He says some horses can do these things well and maintain a good exercise regimen, even though they are stepping back from their previous high-intensity careers.

However, there is one important caveat that Easterwood advises for owners considering semi-retirement. If you’re considering having a child take over the ride on your horse, he advises having the horse evaluated by a veterinarian to determine whether there are any issues the horse may have with tripping and falling in order to prevent potentially devastating accidents.

Whether or not semi or full retirement is a happy occasion for your horse depends on several factors.

Easterwood’s first recommendation for keeping retirees engaged is to exercise as tolerated. Keeping horses stabled or pastured near high-activity areas can also help keep retirees engaged, while stall or pasture toys can provide further enrichment.

Prolonging Soundness

While retirement may be inevitable for most horses, there are some steps you can take to extend your horse’s working career. Easterwood says that good veterinary care is a staple to keeping horses sound and happy in their job.

“It doesn’t have to be frequent,” he says. “I recommend annual to biannual X-rays and lameness evaluations to make sure you are keeping up with any changes to previous injuries and to make sure that nothing new has developed.”

If conditions such as arthritis, degenerative joint disease, or joint injuries exist, he recommends the use of prescription intramuscular injections for their treatment. He says that veterinarians also sometimes use intra-articular injections to relieve pain and keep horses comfortable.

Even if your horse is free of any condition requiring injections, Easterwood says that oral supplements can work to reduce wear and tear. He also says that therapies such as chiropractic adjustments, massage, acupuncture, and PEMF treatments can augment traditional veterinary care to the benefit of your horse.

Easterwood also advises screening for metabolic diseases as the horse ages, but also if your horse exhibits any signs any signs that warrant it.

Though no guarantee, the above steps, along with maintaining a good diet and exercise plan—as well as updated vaccinations, deworming, and dental care—can go a long way toward ensuring that your horse enjoys a long career.

By and large, the decision to retire your horse can be one of the more difficult decisions that horse owners face. By watching for indications and taking the appropriate steps, you can rest assured that you are making the best decisions for your horse’s future.

This article about when to retire your horse appeared in the October 2024 issue of Horse Illustrated magazine. Click here to subscribe!

The post When Is It Time to Retire Your Horse? appeared first on Horse Illustrated Magazine.

A classy bay gelding stares out of his stall. He stamps his feet, then pricks his ears when he sees anyone walk by. Normally by this time of day, he’d be working under saddle or kicking up his heels in the pasture, but today he’s been sidelined due to a minor injury. Now he is getting frustrated and anxious. He might be thinking, “What happened here? Where did everyone go? What am I missing? I’m bored, bored, bored!”

By nature, horses are nomadic herd animals. In the wild, they’re almost always on the move together—grazing and walking, grazing and walking—with short periods of rest in between.

Yet domesticated horses are often stalled, at the very least a few hours each day. They spend even more time in a stall when an injury dictates rest, or in show-circuit situations where turnout may be limited. While in most cases more time outside makes for a happier, healthier horse, there are times when keeping them in is unavoidable.

The challenge is safely maintaining and entertaining a stalled horse to support his mental and physical well-being. This breaks down into four categories: creating a calm environment; adjusting nutrition to meet his current needs; fighting dehydration; and planning activities for the horse to combat boredom.

Think Like A Horse

Carefully think through what your horse needs and wants to be happy, then try to provide that within the confines of a stall. Food, water and attention are top of the list. If the horse is injured or recovering from surgery, then of course medication and physical therapy are probably on the itinerary too. Providing all of these things interspersed throughout the day will help break up the monotony.

“Don’t use a human’s thought process as perception for a horse,” advises Kirsten Johnson, founder and owner of Kentucky Equine Sports Medicine and Rehabilitation Center (KESMARC) in Versailles, Ky. “Think like a horse. They like to eat. They like their humans—some of them like their humans more than others. Give them a quiet, comfortable environment where they are getting the needed nutrition and grooming.”

Stall Placement & Set Up

Johnson says a horse relegated to stall rest for healing should be moved to a quieter part of the barn; a change of venue to a rehab barn may be an even better idea. She stresses that it’s important for humans working with horses on stall rest to maintain a calm, low-key demeanor, too. Be mindful of any factors that may disrupt the peace. 

“Avoid exposing the horse in full stall rest to over-stimulating situations, including other horses being turned out or ridden,” she says. “A horse on stall rest gets very anxious when he thinks he’s been left behind or isn’t doing his normal riding activity. Sometimes the worst place for a stall-bound horse is in a training barn, or whatever his normal setting is.”

One of her pet peeves is a stall with little or no bedding.

“If a horse has to be in a stall, then give him a proper bed, and make it nice and cushy,” she says. “In most cases, I prefer shavings over straw because there are fewer allergens in it. I find the cleanest, most dust-free shavings I can. But if the horse has severe allergies, then shredded paper is best. I use straw for horses with open wounds. If I have a horse with a fracture, then I want the bedding banked around the sides of the stall.”

Though it may be tempting to introduce a companion animal for the horse on stall rest, Johnson advises against that, citing experiences where it backfired. It might be OK if the horse already has an animal buddy living with him, but don’t add a new animal to the mix.

Feeding Strategies

“Feed smaller meals more frequently” headlines the advice from Tania Cubitt, Ph.D., an equine nutrition consultant based out of Virginia for Performance Horse Nutrition. These are words to live by not only for horses on stall rest, but for any horse. This helps prevent an unhealthy overload on the horse’s digestive system and offers a good distraction to reduce boredom.

Cubitt specializes in feeding strategies for special-needs horses. She says the mantra “forage first” is important. Feed a palatable, dust-free, and mold-free hay suited for the horse’s age and body condition, then augment that with concentrate (equine-specific bagged grain, fat/fiber feed, or ration balancer), depending on the individual horse’s requirements.

“Provide plenty of forage and make it available all the time to mimic grazing,” she says. “Feed hay first to slow down the rate of intake of grain.”

Cubitt says that many people don’t realize that an injured horse has similar nutritional needs to those of a horse in light work because he needs to rebuild his body. Therefore it may not be correct to cut out all concentrates in the stall-bound horse’s diet, although starches and sugars should be replaced by fats and fiber to reduce excitability.

She also recommends the following:

◆ Instead of the full portion of grain that the horse might receive when in work, pelleted ration balancers, which meet protein, vitamin and mineral requirements, may be fed along with hay to a horse on layup.

◆ Feeding treats is fine, but “everything in moderation.” She recommends forage-based or forage-only horse treats for idle horses. And, yes, the occasional carrot is fine too.

◆ Use slow feeders for hay and grain to reduce intake rate. Cubitt prefers the those that rest on the ground rather than hanging ones.

Hydration

Monitoring water intake of horses on stall rest is critical. They may back off on water consumption since their activity level is lower; this can result in dehydration and increase the risk of colic, among other serious ailments.

Cubitt advises giving wet feed, if tolerated by the horse, to increase hydration, and says feeding soaked beet pulp is one good way to do this. Johnson agrees and is a big proponent of soaking hay before feeding, too.

Activities & Hand-Walking

There are many options for in-stall activities to break up the long hours for a horse on layup. Grooming sessions are great bonding time for horse and handler and contribute to the horse’s overall health and relaxation.

You can also try carrot stretches, clicker training and other exercises. Hide treats around the stall. See if the horse responds well to soothing music. Get creative, but also keep safety and maintaining a calm environment in mind.

Johnson says not many rehabbing horses need complete stall rest for the duration of their healing, so if the horse is cleared for hand-walking around the barn or arena, that will help beat the boredom. Just know the horse and be prepared so hand-walking remains as safe as possible for horse and human.

Stall Toys & Treat Dispensers

A wide variety of fun horse treat dispensers and stall toys are available, not only for rehabbing horses; they can be great time-fillers for any horse in a stall or paddock.

There are stall balls and tug toys for the horse to grab and bounce around, hanging toys to nose and swing, rolling balls and puzzle boxes with holes that dispense treats as the horse moves the toy, hanging lickable treat dispensers and entertaining “lollypops” for horses. There are also scratch pads to mount on stall walls that allow horses to reach their itchy spots.

Recent studies in the United Kingdom¹ and the U.S.² included the use of some stall toys and treat dispensers. Both reported a reduction in stereotypical behaviors (also called barn vices, which researchers now believe are initiated by stress) in the studied horses.

Regardless of the enrichment items you choose, make sure that the toy and any mounting hardware are sturdy enough to withstand abuse from an overenthusiastic equine. Johnson cautions that some horses may overdo it with toys, annihilating the object and possibly injuring themselves in the fray, so read all directions and be cautious when introducing new playthings.

Treatment & Physiotherapy

Make sure to include an injured horse’s entire care team during the rehab process. Consult veterinarians, physiotherapists, farriers and nutritionists, as well as grooms and trainers, to create a plan. Prescribed veterinary treatment, massage, and other physiotherapy modalities will help heal the horse while also occupying its mind.

Even with a well thought-out plan to break up the boredom, Johnson says some horses on stall rest may need herbal quieting remedies or long-term sedation for their own safety if they become overly exuberant. Don’t be shy about speaking with a veterinarian if these options are necessary.

About the Experts Tania A. Cubitt, Ph.D., is an equine nutrition consultant with Performance Horse Nutrition who specializes in feeding broodmares and senior horses as well as those afflicted with gastric ulcers, metabolic syndrome, and developmental orthopedic disease. Kirsten Johnson is the founder and owner of Kentucky Equine Sports Medicine and Rehabilitation Center (KESMARC) in Versailles, Ky. KESMARC offers a wide variety of treatment options, including a hyperbaric oxygen chamber, a swimming pool, cold therapy, pulsed electromagnetic field (PEMF), Theraplate, and more.

¹ “The effect of a stable toy, ‘The Boredom Breaker,’ on the behaviour and welfare of stabled horses”; Ball, M.; School of Veterinary Science, University of Bristol

² “Effects of environmental factors on cribbing activity by horses”; Whishera, L. et al.; 2011; Applied Animal Behavior Science 

This article about solutions for stall boredom appeared in the September 2024 issue of Horse Illustrated magazine. Click here to subscribe!

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The threat of communicable disease in horses is very real. To name just a few examples, it’s not uncommon to use public water troughs on trail rides or to share one rag to wipe the nose of every horse from one barn before they walk into the show ring.

Though “routine,” each of these practices—and many others—invite the spread of disease, potentially between hundreds of horses.

Though horses are often in the company of others and don’t become ill, what happens when a horse comes down with an infectious disease? How are horse owners alerted, especially if their horse may have been in contact with the sick horse? How do they know what information is real and what has been blown out of proportion? Most importantly, how do owners learn how to keep their horses safe?

These questions and others were the impetus behind the creation of the Equine Disease Communication Center (EDCC). Similar to how the Weather Channel broadcasts weather alerts, the EDCC alerts horse owners to infectious diseases that are reported in North America.

The Cutting Show in Utah

In 2011, a cutting horse show in Ogden, Utah, experienced a significant equine herpesvirus (EHV-1) outbreak. With no means of organized information dissemination, rumors about the situation escalated rapidly, causing a state of near panic in some owners.

In total, over 2,000 horses were potentially exposed to the disease on 242 premises in 19 states. At the outbreak’s conclusion, 90 horses tested positive for the EHV-1 or equine herpesvirus myeloencephalopathy (EHM), another name for the neurologic disease associated with an EHV infection. Fifty-four of the 90 had been at the Ogden event. Thirteen horses died or were euthanized.

During the outbreak, Facebook and X (then called Twitter) lit up with rumors, causing heightened anxiety over horse health and spurring the cancellation of equine events across the country, even though most events had no connection with any horses that attended the Ogden event.

Seventeen of the confirmed EHV-1 and EHM cases were in California; show organizers opted to cancel 142 of the 530 sanctioned shows that were to be held in the state that year. The economic impact of those cancellations was significant and would be felt for years.

Creating the Equine Disease Communications Center

It became clear that a unified industry response plan to disease outbreaks was needed—one that not only allowed for the dissemination of legitimate data, but that also provided vetted information on how to prevent disease transmission and how to handle disease outbreaks.

The American Horse Council, the American Association of Equine Practitioners (AAEP), and the United States Equestrian Federation (USEF) all collaborated to fundraise and launch the Equine Disease Communications Center, which went live in 2015.

Nathaniel “Nat” White, DVM, DACVS, professor emeritus of equine surgery at the Marion duPont Scott Equine Medical Center in Leesburg, Va., and director of the EDCC, organized the working model and gave the EDCC its moniker. In 2023, White won the Equine Industry Vision Award for this work at the American Horse Publications Equine Media Conference in Tempe, Ariz.

According to White, it was anything but a one-man show. State veterinarians, veterinary practices, horse-owner organizations (like breed and discipline associations), and individual donors helped—and continue to do so.

“Similar to the CDC [Centers for Disease Control and Prevention], the EDCC seeks information about disease outbreaks, posts messages, and informs the equine industry about confirmed diseases, their location, and if there are potential risks to other horses,” White explains.

How It Works

Unlike a phone number or website where anyone can submit leads on suspected illness, the EDCC allows only specific people to report disease: an attending veterinarian or a state or federal official.

The veterinarian or official submits a confirmed or suspected disease through the EDCC website, which records the information in the database. The database then generates an alert, which is posted to the EDCC website and Facebook page.

Anyone who has become an alert subscriber via the EDCC website is also emailed. The reported disease is linked to an EDCC disease page, which has information describing the disease, the diagnosis and the treatment, says White. Downloadable disease fact sheets are also available.

All information regarding disease outbreak mitigation and how to handle an affected horse is reviewed for accuracy by the AAEP Infectious Disease Committee, which is populated by subject matter experts.

Reportable Diseases

Though the veterinarian or official can report a confirmed case of any equine disease to the EDCC, reporting of infectious diseases is of the most importance, says Katie Flynn, BVMS, the U.S. Equestrian Federation’s senior staff veterinarian. A confirmed “reportable” disease is submitted to the EDCC by the state veterinarian, who is made aware of a confirmed diagnosis by the testing laboratory.

A reportable disease is one that is deemed to have a potential for significant impact on the equine industry, both on the health of the United States equine population and economically. When a reportable disease is diagnosed, the veterinarian or laboratory employee is required to report the disease to state or national veterinary health officials.

The list of reportable disease varies by state and may include:

◆ Equine Herpesvirus-1 neurologic (Equine Herpesvirus Myeloencephalopathy)

◆ Equine Herpesvirus -1 abortion

◆ Equine influenza, Streptococcus equi (strangles)

◆ Western Equine Encephalitis (WEE) and Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE)

◆ West Nile virus (WNV)

◆ Equine infectious anemia (EIA)

◆ Equine piroplasmosis (EP)

◆ Equine viral arteritis (EVA)

◆ Rabies

◆ Vesicular stomatitis (VS)

Many veterinarians, state horse councils and other horse-health organizations rely on the EDCC to inform horse owners of disease outbreaks. The alerts are posted in real time—the same day they are reported.

However, this doesn’t mean that the alert comes out the day the horse becomes ill; the alert is posted the day the veterinarian receives positive confirmation that the horse is ill with a specific disease.

The alert system can provide information about disease risk to horses at a specific location or at the location where the horses intend to travel, like to a horse show or trail ride.

“As the Equine Health and Biosecurity Veterinarian for the USEF, I encourage all horse show managers to visit this site frequently to keep informed of disease occurrences in the area,” says Flynn. “[This way] they can be prepared to implement stricter biosecurity measures, such as requiring shorter-dated health certificates or mandating temperature-taking for horses at their event.”

The EDCC alert system isn’t just for equine event managers or those who travel with their horses.

“This is also a beneficial tool for boarding facility managers,” says Flynn. “If a disease is detected in the geographic area of their facility, they can implement enhanced biosecurity measures, such as requiring every horse to have its temperature taken twice daily to quickly identify and isolate any potential sick horses to protect the rest of the herd.”

But Is It Working?

Though the EDCC is working as intended (as a warning system that can help prevent the spread of infectious equine diseases), more reporting of diseases is necessary. Submission of any disease to the EDCC is voluntary—whether it’s considered reportable or not.

“Reporting to the EDCC is voluntary, but strongly encouraged as a means for increasing awareness of equine infection diseases in the U.S.,” says Flynn. “Horse owners want to know if there is disease in the area that could put their horse at risk, so it’s important for horse owners to support and encourage reporting of equine infectious diseases cases by their veterinarian to the EDCC.”

The EDCC is a unique resource that serves to protect horses and the horse industry. All horse owners should sign up for EDCC alerts so they can be informed and aware of possible infectious disease in their area.

“Vigilance is necessary to ensure we’re adequately prepared for the storm—horse health, weather, or otherwise,” says White.

You can do your part by promoting the EDCC “as the trusted, accurate and verified disease alerts and biosecurity information,” says Flynn.

There is no fee associated with the use of the EDCC. However, donations to keep the service going are welcomed—and necessary.

Learn more at equinediseasecc.org.

This article about the Equine Disease Communications Center appeared in the September 2024 issue of Horse Illustrated magazine. Click here to subscribe!

The post How the Equine Disease Communications Center is Changing the Game appeared first on Horse Illustrated Magazine.

Hoof abscesses are caused by bacteria entering the hoof through a sole bruise/puncture or a diseased white line. White blood cells build up to combat the bacteria, creating painful pressure around a pocket of fluid.

Treatment involves encouraging the abscess to pop, then keeping the area clean while the abscess’s track through the hoof heals.

If you’ve ever dealt with an abscess, you may still have nightmares about toting hot water to the barn in winter and asking your fidgety horse to please stand in a bucket for just a few minutes longer. But you can banish abscess apprehension using tools you may already own.

To Soak Or Not To Soak

Soaking a horse’s foot is one of the oldest remedies to draw out an abscess; many people swear that soaking the hoof in water will soften the hoof, offering a path of least resistance to the pocket of pus looking for a way out of the hoof capsule. However, getting a horse to stand—quietly—in a 5-gallon bucket of warm water for up to 30 minutes can be nearly an act of Congress.

If the abscess is trending toward the sole of the hoof, standing the horse in a shallow rubber feed pan may work—and make him less fidgety, since he has more room to place his foot on the bottom of the pan. If the abscess needs to work its way out through the coronary band, however, a shallow pan won’t be an option, as it will be impossible to get the water up high enough to cover the area.

Supplement the Soak

While water alone will soften the hoof to encourage an abscess to burst, there are additives that can be used to offer even more drawing power. These can include:

◆ Epsom salts: Easily purchased at the local grocery store, Epsom salts (magnesium sulfate) offer both inflammation relief and antimicrobial benefits. Adding a cup to the soaking water will help draw out the infection in the horse’s hoof.

◆ Bleach: You’d be hard pressed to find a household without at least one gallon of bleach, and there are plenty of equine- and farm-related applications for it. Best for abscesses is the 5.25 percent household bleach, which destroys bacteria, viruses and mold.

◆ Apple cider vinegar: Adding a ¼ cup of vinegar to 1 gallon of warm water will allow the acidity in the apple cider vinegar to draw out infection.

◆ Baking soda: Adding 1 to 2 tablespoons of baking soda (sodium bicarbonate) per quart/liter of warm water has also been known to draw out an abscess. With disinfectant, antibacterial and antifungal properties, baking soda can be used in conjunction with Epsom salts in soaking water.

◆ Povidone-iodine (Betadine): Adding 2 ounces of povidone-iodine, possibly in conjunction with 1 cup of Epsom salts, to water that reaches just over the horse’s coronary band can help draw out an abscess.

Non-Bucket Options

If you can’t seem to get your horse to stand in a 5-gallon bucket, but would still like to soak his hoof, there are other options.

◆ Muck tubs: Some horses are more likely to stand with both their feet in a larger bucket, like a muck tub.

◆ Hoof soaking boots: Made of nylon, hoof soaking boots go on over your horse’s hoof like a sock and contain an interior bag you can change out to keep everything hygenic. A foam pad at the bottom offers support and protects the bag from being worn through by the horse’s hoof. Fill the bag with water and any additive you choose, place the horse’s leg in the boot, and close it with the straps provided.

◆ Ice boots: Often used after strenuous exercise, these tall, up-to-the-knee boots can also be used to soak abscesses.

◆ Plastic bags: If you’d rather repurpose something you already have on hand, try using a heavy plastic bag (like the kind some supplements come in) or some IV bags (ask your vet to save a few for you if you have none on hand). Applying a soaking bag to the horse’s foot allows him to move around instead of having to stand still while soaking. Duct tape on top of the bag around the ankle will keep it secure, and you can cut the whole thing off with bandage scissors when done.

A word of caution: If you’re strapping anything around your horse’s leg, it’s worthwhile to get him used to having something on his foot before adding water.

Poultice Power

Whether you choose to soak or not, all horses with abscesses benefit from a pack or poultice applied to the affected hoof to act as a longer-term drawing agent.

Commercial pads that already contain drawing agents can be a timesaver. One of the most popular is Animalintex, a cotton wool pad that contains tragacanth gum and boric acid; it’s available in both sheets and hoof-shaped pads. You can wet it with hot or cold water, apply to the hoof, and wrap the whole thing with Vetrap followed by duct tape.

Poultice Alternatives

You can also use cotton 4×4 pads, cotton wool, gauze or diapers to pack the hoof if no poultice pads are handy. The following are often added to the packing material and placed against the sole of the hoof to act as drawing agents before securing on the hoof.

◆ Baking soda: Add water to baking soda to make a paste and slather the sole of the hoof with the mixture; some people choose to add Epsom salts to the mixture as well.

◆ Linseed: Damp, warm cooked linseeds that are boiled and made into a mash can be packed into the hoof and wrapped.

◆ Epsom salts and Vaseline: Combine both ingredients to make a gel that sticks to the bottom of the hoof.

◆ Manuka honey: the antibacterial properties of honey are well documented; it draws out toxins, as well as cleans and prevents infection and encourages healing once the abscess track is open.

◆ Sugardine: Combine ¼ cup sugar with 3 tablespoons of povidone-iodine solution until it makes a thick, granular paste to slather on the bottom of the hoof. Sugar absorbs the moisture in which bacteria thrives; the povidone-iodine helps kill any bacteria that is present.

◆ Ichthammol: Stinky and incredibly sticky, this old-school remedy for drawing an abscess is still one of the best.

◆ Cabbage leaves: Cabbage leaves boiled in Epsom salt water to make them pliable is a lesser-used home remedy that draws out infection and eases pain. The leaves can also be chopped, boiled and packed into the hoof sole.

◆ Sauerkraut: No time to boil your own cabbage leaves? Packing the hoof with sauerkraut has also been said to work; the sauerkraut’s acidity makes it hard for bacteria to survive.

Wrapping

Once you’ve picked your drawing agent and slathered it on, you can create your own wrapping using heavy-duty plastic bags (like the ones some supplements come in), Vetrap, and duct tape, or you can purchase a pre-made boot to hold the dressing in place.

These boots offer a variety of fasteners depending on the brand; they may have zippers or Velcro straps. The best boot for your horse will be one that is easy to get on and stays on—some horses are Houdinis about removing things.

Key Takeaway

Abscesses can be painful for the horse and frustrating for his owner, but with perseverance and a bit of ingenuity, they will (hopefully) resolve rapidly. If at any time you’re concerned that the abscess is not resolving or that your horse’s pain is unmanageable, reach out to your vet for guidance.

This article about hoof abscess treatment options appeared in the September 2024 issue of Horse Illustrated magazine. Click here to subscribe!

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It’s essential to look closely at the specifics involved during every life stage to determine how proper nutrition helps support a horse’s development.  

A Foal’s Immediate Needs

Feeding for the developing horse needs to start as soon as the mare becomes pregnant, but the nutritional demands accelerate significantly in the final trimester. At that point, the foal is growing rapidly, and the mare’s energy requirements rise sharply. 

“That final third of gestation is a critical point to make sure you’re providing adequate protein, vitamins, minerals and the calorie content to maintain that broodmare in at least a body condition score of five. For a lot of broodmares, you want to see a body condition score of six as they go into foaling,” said Dr. Randel Raub, Sentinel® director of research and nutrition. 

After foaling, the work begins to build a foundation for a healthy, well-developed adult horse. As a foal goes from relying entirely on the mare’s milk to consuming solid feed, consider the type of feed based on the type of hay or forage they also are eating. Typically, feeds for growing foals are higher in protein.  

“You want to target a diet that’s relatively lower in starches and sugars,” Dr. Raub said. “If you’re growing an equine athlete for a long, healthy, lameness-free, productive career, try to avoid any rapid changes in growth rate where you put the foal in a stress condition, usually around weaning.” 

Up through 8 weeks of age, foals will begin to nibble on hay and grain; at this point, you should gradually introduce the foal to high-quality feed to support digestive development.  

• Creep feeding: A specially formulated creep feed helps foals get essential nutrients without competition from the mare. 

• Protein: High-quality sources such as soybean meal or alfalfa support muscle and tissue growth. 

• Calcium and phosphorus: Proper ratios are essential for developing strong bones. 

• Digestive health: Prebiotics and probiotics can aid gut health and development. 

Feeding Goals Grow with the Horse

As a horse matures into adulthood, access to water and forage remains essential, but feed ingredients and specific nutritional needs will change. Start assessing his needs by considering the horse’s activity level.  

A horse that exercises a lot will need more protein, fat and fiber than other horses that have moderate levels of activity. Equine nutritionists such as Dr. Raub and Jeanne Van Der Veen, Sentinel equine and specialty nutritionist, recommend trying a higher-fat horse feed with an active horse. Higher-fat feed sources allow the horse to get extra calories needed for more intensive exercise without increasing grain intake. 

“A balanced diet isn’t just about feeding more or less,” Van Der Veen said. “It’s about ensuring the right nutrients are delivered at the right levels to support optimal growth, performance or recovery.” 

When planning a horse’s diet, no matter what his activity level, it is important to consider body condition score (BCS). Getting the right amounts and ratios of nutrients helps support a horse’s overall health and body condition.  

Some things to consider if a horse is being fed below the suggested rate or struggling to maintain a healthy body condition: 

• Start by getting the horse up to his suggested feeding rate 

• Consider a high-fat supplement or higher-fat feed. 

• Provide a protein, vitamin and mineral supplement 

• Additional protein can be especially helpful if a horse isn’t getting enough from forage to maintain a healthy body condition 

“The path to optimal health is a journey, not a quick fix,” Van Der Veen said. “Regular assessments and small adjustments can make a big difference over time.” 

Balancing the Needs of Breeding Horses

Prior to breeding, a balanced feed with moderate protein and fat levels, along with quality forage, helps support increased nutritional demands. For a mare, adequate vitamins and minerals are essential for reproduction. 

The mare’s nutritional requirements skyrocket during the final trimester because of the rapid growth rate of the foal. In addition to energy and protein, pregnant mares need calcium, phosphorus and other minerals to allow for proper bone and tissue development in the foal.  

“When that foal hits the ground, the energy demands of the lactating mare are as high as the absolute hardest-working horse you can imagine,” Dr. Raub said. “It’s just phenomenal. They mostly double their nutrient requirements during lactation compared to their maintenance requirements.” 

Once again, look to the body condition score for helpful guidance on how to approach feeding a mare. 

“We want to see a score of five or six in the gestating mare,” Dr. Raub said. “You don’t want them in an obese situation because that can hurt rebreeding efficiency, and you don’t want an obese mare going through the foaling process. You compromise that mare’s ability to deliver the tremendous nutrient content that lactation requires.” 

“They’re already in a negative nutrient balance if you have them at a condition score of four or less, and you put them in a compromised position during lactation—and especially if you’re looking at rebreeding opportunities,” Dr. Raub said. 

For example, if a gestating mare has a body condition score of four or lower, then that horse will have a negative nutrient balance. This can put the horse in a compromised position during lactation, Dr. Raub said, especially concerning rebreeding opportunities.  

Addressing a Horse’s Needs in His Later Years

Though there is no set definition, horses aged 15 or older are typically considered in their senior years. While forage is still the foundation of their diet, senior horses may require adjustments for dental and digestive needs. 

Some things to look for in an older horse: 

• Reduced digestive efficiency 

• Dental problems 
  • Trouble chewing 
  • Feed falling out while chewing 

• Weight loss 

• Joint stiffness 

• Weakened immune system 

• Changes in body condition 

If these changes are apparent, equine nutritionists recommend a highly digestible, easily chewed feed, such as extruded, which can help alleviate them. Extruded feed is pressure cooked and combines moisture, heat and pressure to produce a light and airy nugget. This consistency makes it easier for senior horses to chew and is more easily digestible than typical pelleted feed, allowing for better nutrient absorption. Additionally, they can be soaked for a much shorter time than pelleted feeds, which enables a horse to break them down readily. 

“We use extruded feed as a preventative measure, particularly for older horses that have poor dentition or a history of choke,” said Dr. Abby Geick, equine veterinarian at the New England Equine Medical & Surgical Center. “Extruded feed breaks down nicely in a mash, and it also contains adequate vitamins and nutrients, which really is key for older horses.” 

Helping Horses Through a Lifetime of Wellness

Finding the right nutritional balance is essential whether feeding during the intense, high-energy demands of a mare’s final trimester through lactation, preparing a horse for performance or helping a senior horse thrive in his later years. Thoughtful nutrition planning and knowing how to best serve a horse at every age will provide benefits, year after year.   

This article is a web exclusive for Horse Illustrated magazine. Click here to subscribe!

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As herd animals who are also prey animals, horses instinctively feel safer in a group setting with room to flee from danger.

Of course, many domestic horses don’t live in such an environment.

Some are turned out on pasture or even a dirt lot with other horses, but many spend most of their time alone in a stall or corral. These arrangements may be a necessary part of life, but that doesn’t change the fact that it’s not natural for the horse.

Even though horses can adapt, many common management practices can unintentionally ramp up their stress level. Ongoing stress can end up causing health problems, which are often seen in the form of gastric disturbances, including colic and stomach ulcers.

Are you making your horse’s life stressful without realizing it? Take an honest look at your daily routine while considering these common causes of stress. Then take a look at how you can make changes for the better.

1. Inconsistency

“If you watch horses in a field, they have a routine,” says Kathleen Crandell, Ph.D., an equine nutritionist who works with Kentucky Equine Research. “They often graze in certain parts of the pasture at certain times of day, and rest at certain times. When we become their provider, it’s helpful to them if we put them on a routine because then they know what to expect.”

She notes that without a routine, horses may develop stereotypies, such as cribbing, stall walking, and pawing.

“Horses are creatures of habit and do a lot better with a schedule, [where] you’re feeding and turning out at the same time every day,” says Sam Crosby, DVM, an equine veterinarian since 1994 who maintains his own practice, Crosby Veterinary Services, in Arcadia, Okla.

Crosby often finds that when he examines a horse that is losing body condition and weight, or has gastric ulcers, that horse has not been on a consistent routine.

2. Confinement

Confinement is an ongoing stress that constantly triggers the nervous system. When your horse lives in a stall or in a small corral, regular exercise and/or daily turnout is vital. Making sure other horses are visible also reduces stress.

Whether your horse is stalled or in a dirt lot, hay should be available most of the day and night. Use of a small-hole hay net or slow feeder makes it last longer, so the stomach doesn’t have a long period without forage.

Ideally, a horse should eat at least 1.5 to 2 percent of his body weight in forage daily.

3. Herd Dynamics

If you’re fortunate to have your horse in a pasture setting, keep him in a compatible group. In boarding situations where horses come and go, this can be challenging.

“Horses have a natural pecking order and have to establish that, but if one horse is a bully, you have to separate them,” says Crosby.

Once you have an established group that gets along well, it’s best not to change it.

Changing herd dynamics, such as moving from one pasture to another and being with different horses can be enough to trigger ulcer development.

Feeding in a group setting is also asking for trouble. It puts horses lower in the pecking order at risk of not getting their share of feed or even getting injured. The safest option is always to separate horses at feeding time and then turn them back out together. If this is not possible, spacing hay piles or grain feeders quite far apart with one more pile/feeder than horses is the next best option.

4. Lengthy Periods Between Meals

“The gut pays the price for stress,” says Crosby. “When the GI system reacts to stress, it lowers the immune system and puts the horse more at risk of contracting respiratory disease and other illnesses.”

One of the biggest stresses to the GI tract is going without forage for hours at a time.

“If your feed routine is first thing in morning and then early afternoon, you’ve got 8 hours between the first feedings, but 16 hours until the next one,” says Crandell. “The longer the stomach is empty, the more acidic it becomes and the more likely the horse is to develop ulcers.”

Because horses are hind gut fermenters, their GI system functions best when fed small amounts of forage throughout the day.

Crandell points out that in the 1500s to late 1800s, when horses were used for work and transportation, it was unheard of to feed less than four to six times a day. Horses were routinely given breaks to graze or eat hay.

Space out feedings evenly so you aren’t feeding large amounts of grain at once or going long periods with no forage intake. This may mean feeding three to four times a day instead of twice.

5. Changing Hay and Feed

Buying whatever hay or feed is on sale and frequently making changes is stressful on the horse’s digestive system.

“Abrupt changes in feed can cause serious changes in the gut,” says Crandell. “If the gut is healthy, the immune system functions optimally; 70 percent of the immune system is in the gut. It’s all about the balance of the microbiome.”

Beneficial bacteria create a mucous layer in the small and large intestine, offering protection from digestive juices and large molecules.

“The beneficial bacteria maintain this mucous lining, but if you disrupt the good bacteria, the mucous layer breaks down, and this is what allows pathogenic bacteria to get through the gut lining and into the blood stream,” she adds.

Changing feed abruptly imbalances the microbial population and can result in damage to this protective mucous lining, making the horse more susceptible to gastric upset and leaky gut.

Always allow a week to make feed changes by adding one-quarter of the new feed or hay to three-quarters of the old. Then gradually add more of the new while tapering out the old. This allows the gut microbes to gradually adjust to the new source.

6. Travel

Transporting horses is common, but travel is a high source of stress, so take practical steps to reduce its impact.

Keep hay in front of horses during travel so they don’t have long periods with an empty stomach.

Don’t tie so short that horses can’t drop their heads at all.

When traveling longer than five or six hours, plan for stops of at least 15 to 20 minutes to encourage horses to drink and urinate, as many won’t do so while the trailer is in motion. On longer trips, schedule overnight stops, or at the very least unload long enough that horses can walk, stretch their legs, and lower their heads, which is important for clearing the airways.

Both Crosby and Crandell recommend supplementing with probiotics for overall gastric health, particularly during travel and competition.

To help prevent ulcers, it’s also beneficial to use a proven medication, such as UlcerGard, two days before, during, and right after travel.

7. Weather Extremes

Living in tornado alley, Crosby has treated many horses after being injured in tornadoes. He’s found that extreme weather can do more than cause physical injury.

“When a horse has been through a big event like a tornado, it has a lasting effect on the psyche,” says Crosby. “These horses will generally be spookier afterward and have problems coping. It’s a common happening and is like PTSD in humans.”

Although major weather events are totally out of your control, be aware that they can cause significant stress in horses.

If you live in an area with extreme weather, such as tornadoes or hurricanes, have plans in place so your horse is in the safest possible situation. This may mean evacuating ahead of a storm or turning out in a large field instead of keeping the horse inside a barn.

8. Barn Atmosphere

The atmosphere in and around the barn either contributes to stress or reduces it. This includes feed, exercise, and training routines, how horses are handled, human personalities, and even the noise level.

“Your barn should be calm; if it’s not peaceful, the horses will feel it,” says Crosby, who often treats horses whose stress and anxiety is directly related to their daily environment, routine, and how they’re handled.

Do everything you can to promote a stress-free barn atmosphere. On occasion, this may mean moving to a different boarding facility, but if it makes your horse’s life less stressful, it’s worth it.

This article about causes of stress in horses appeared in the August 2024 issue of Horse Illustrated magazine. Click here to subscribe!

The post 8 Causes of Stress in Horses appeared first on Horse Illustrated Magazine.

Mild and Severe

Working in the show horse mecca of Wellington, Fla., Meg Miller Turpin, DVM, DACIVM, of Rood & Riddle Equine Hospital, routinely treats horses with equine asthma.

Miller Turpin explains that mild to moderate equine asthma is also referred to as inflammatory airway disease (IAD), while severe asthma is best described as recurrent airway obstruction (RAO).

“Mild and moderate [IAD] are the earlier forms of the disease, which we tend to see in young and middle-aged horses,” she explains. “If caught early, it can be reversible. When aggressive treatment and essential management changes are applied to these reactive horses, then many will completely recover. In the sport horse world, we’ve improved our early diagnostic measures, which allows treatment before the condition becomes severe and irreversible.

“Unfortunately, when the disease progresses to severe [RAO], there are lung changes that are irreversible, so then we must rely on figuring out the best way to manage the symptoms,” Miller Turpin adds.

In the past, this airway condition was known as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) or “heaves.” Many horse owners still refer to such respiratory conditions as heaves.

“The terms are often used interchangeably, but they all mean basically the same thing: mucous plugs in a hypersensitive airway,” explains Miller Turpin.

Clinical Signs of Equine Asthma

Signs of equine asthma can include:

• Coughing
• Nasal discharge
• Wheezing
• Flared nostrils when breathing normally
• Increased respiratory effort/heavy breathing
• Increased respiratory rate, even at rest
• Poor performance
• Resistance to work
• Exercise intolerance
• Anhidrosis (partial or total inability to sweat)
• Elevated heart rate during exercise or recovery
• Prolonged recovery after exercise

“We see a lot of horses with anhidrosis in Florida,” says Miller Turpin. “I’ve found that many horses with mild or moderate asthma [IAD] stop sweating, so that’s a double whammy. Sometimes you can get them to start sweating again once you get the airway issues under control.”

She finds that horses suffering from equine asthma can take much longer to recover from exercise—as long as 30 to 60 minutes to start breathing normally.

When a horse’s heart rate is much higher than it should be for the rate at which he’s working, this can indicate a lung problem is preventing the heart from getting enough oxygen to pump to the rest of the body, including muscles required for action.

Affected horses can have elevated respiratory rates as high as 50 to 90 (or more!) breaths per minute. Keep in mind, normal respiration for an adult horse is 8 to 20 breaths per minute.

Dramatically high respiratory rates combined with hot weather can be life threatening.

Causes and Triggers of Equine Asthma

Equine asthma is typically related to inhaled allergens and irritants. These can be year-round, such as dust, mold and fungal spores found in hay, straw and poorly ventilated or closed-up barns.

Other horses may only be susceptible to seasonal allergens, such as pollen encountered during specific times of year, typically spring and summer, or sometimes fall. Seasonal allergies can be easier to manage because you know when to expect a problem.

Miller Turpin finds that if horses have had a respiratory virus or a bacterial infection of the airway, this can make them more vulnerable to irritants that act as triggers.

It is believed that some horses may have a genetic predisposition to developing asthma, and when faced with environmental triggers, like dust, they will develop clinical signs.

Sensitive horses that often get hives and are very reactive to topical products and/or vaccines may be more likely to develop equine asthma.

“Horses that are stalled in cold climates in the winter with windows closed are set up for even more reactions to dust and molds,” says Turpin Miller. “Ammonia levels from urine in the stall can be toxic to the airways in a closed environments with poor ventilation. In tropical Florida, we have all this growth, bloom and mold, so even if horses receive additional turnout, there are still triggers in different grasses [and the] hay that is delivered from different areas of the United States and Canada.”

Those inhaled allergens and irritants cause inflammation, which leads to airway constriction as the tissue lining the small airways in the lungs narrows and becomes thickened. The smooth muscle surrounding these airways also constricts and tightens. Thick, sticky mucous accumulates in the airways, which also obstructs breathing.

As a result, inhaling and expelling air from the lungs becomes an effort for the horse. When the condition goes untreated, lung tissue can suffer permanent damage, resulting in irreversible loss of lung function.

Over time, horses can develop what is known as a “heave line” along the bottom of the rib cage on both sides as the abdominal muscles enlarge due to the continued effort of exhaling.

Diagnosing Equine Asthma

When a horse exhibits clinical signs that point to equine asthma, the veterinarian should do a thorough physical exam, including ultrasound of the lungs and a resting airway scope of the upper respiratory tract.

The veterinarian may also wish to perform a scope while the horse is exercising to rule out a mechanical cause, such as a displaced palate or abnormal epiglottis.

Should the horse’s heart rate be abnormally elevated, the veterinarian may use an exercise EKG to evaluate the horse under exercise.

Skin allergy testing may also be used to determine specific allergens that might be associated with inflammatory airway disease.

When equine asthma seems likely after these exams, the veterinarian will likely use a procedure known as bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) to better define the diagnosis.

The BAL can be done without taking the horse to a clinic. While the horse is sedated, a special tube is passed through the nostril into the trachea and down into part of the lung. Sterile saline is flushed in and suctioned back out, drawing cells and mucous out with the fluid. These samples are then submitted for cytological analysis to pinpoint the most effective treatment.

Treatment Protocol

The traditional medical approach is to address inflammation with corticosteroids and, if necessary, open the airways with a bronchodilator.

The duration and amount of medication used is tailored to the specific horse.

Although systemic steroids have been the gold standard to relieve inflammation and asthma signs, these drugs can suppress the immune system and carry risks, such as laminitis.

Administering steroids via nebulizer or inhaler, instead of orally or by injection, may reduce the risk of side effects by targeting the steroids directly to the lungs.

“With competition horses, you also have to consider competition regulations and withdrawal times,” says Miller Turpin.

Some regenerative medicines are being used with promise, including stem cells. Another innovative treatment uses a patented process to filter alpha-2-macroglobulin (A2M) from the horse’s own blood. This protein has powerful anti-inflammatory properties and can be administered via a nebulizer. (Studies are still necessary to prove the efficacy of these medications.)

Supplements may also help. Miller Turpin notes that both high doses of Vitamin C and omega-3 fatty acids have lung health benefits.

It also appears that acupuncture can help breathing function in some horses with equine asthma.

The Importance of Management

Owners need to be very aware of their horse’s environment and any individual triggers. For the horse to experience ongoing relief, management changes are a crucial part of treatment protocol.

“You can treat aggressively with medications in the early stages and the horses may respond well, but if you don’t take away the triggers causing the allergy or reactive airway, then as soon as you stop the medication, the symptoms will come back, and often they will be exacerbated,” cautions Miller Turpin.

Depending on which allergens/irritants are to blame, your horse may do better when kept outside as much as possible. On the other hand, horses battling seasonal allergens may have less exposure if they’re not turned out as much that time of year.

Air quality is key. Eliminate dust and mold as much as possible. Reduce allergen/irritant exposure by:

• Using the stall with the most airflow (usually an end stall).
• Reconsider bedding (straw is often the worst choice; peat moss or cardboard may be better).
• Remove the affected horse from the barn whenever cleaning stalls, sweeping, or using a blower.

Forage Considerations

Obviously, forage is the main part of the equine diet. For asthmatic horses, however, hay can be a primary source of allergens and irritants.

Some owners find that dampening or steaming hay helps. Dry hay is not recommended, and round bales are an absolute no-no due to their high levels of dust, fungal and mold spores.

“These horses do better when you replace hay with chopped forage, pellets or complete feed,” says Miller Turpin.

Case History

The first indication Natalie Pai’s Oldenburg stallion, Mister-C, had respiratory issues was a hacking cough at the beginning of his workouts.

After Pai imported the stallion to Florida, she found he was also very sensitive to topical products, often breaking out in hives.

Miller Turpin examined Mister-C and did a series of skin allergy tests, which showed he was reactive to a wide array of allergens. She also performed airway endoscopy and a BAL. He was diagnosed with equine asthma due to severe allergies.

A2M and steroid/bronchodilator treatments through a nebulizer are part of his routine. He also gets allergy shots administered subcutaneously every two weeks. His hay is steamed to remove any dust.

“His breathing is very well managed now,” says Pai, who understands the frustration of breathing problems since she herself has allergy-induced asthma.

Key Takeaway

When a horse has breathing abnormalities, especially combined with skin sensitivities, have your veterinarian conduct an exam for possible equine asthma. Being proactive with early treatment and management changes may keep the condition from becoming severe and irreversible.

Further Reading
◆ Horse Respiratory Issues: Management of Asthma and Other Disorders
◆ Horse Allergies: Symptoms, Treatment, and Prevention

This article about equine asthma appeared in the July 2024 issue of Horse Illustrated magazine. Click here to subscribe!

The post What is Equine Asthma? appeared first on Horse Illustrated Magazine.

Below, we’ll examine what heat stress looks like, the warning signs, what to do if your horse overheats, and how to prevent dehydration from heat stress.

What Causes Heat Stress in Horses?

Horses primarily create heat while digesting their feed and during any activity that requires their muscles to work. Even light activity in extremely hot, humid weather could cause your horse to overheat.

You may notice that your horse’s blood vessels appear larger and distended when it’s hot outside. This reaction is normal, as it shunts the blood to the skin to rid the body of excess heat; however, this doesn’t provide adequate cooling if the air temperature is warmer than the horse’s body temperature.

Other than humans, horses are the only mammals that sweat. During hotter conditions, they primarily use this mechanism to wet the body and allow cooling via evaporation. The problem occurs when the sweat doesn’t evaporate to allow adequate cooling, potentially leading to heat stress.

“Horses are pretty efficient at dissipating heat compared to species that don’t sweat,” says Kris Hiney, Ph.D., associate professor and Equine Extension Specialist at Oklahoma State University. “But they can still get heat stress [during] prolonged periods of high temperatures or working in high temperatures. Very young or infirm horses are more likely to suffer from heat stress.”

Detecting Heat Stress

Hot skin and profuse sweating or less sweating than expected for the activity could be warning signs of heat stress. Hiney advises looking for high body temperature, an elevated heart rate, and a respiration rate beyond what’s expected for the workload.

“Working in hot temperatures may not be completely avoidable,” she says. “[But] it’s important to recognize the signs that your horse may be overheating.”

Hiney recommends practicing the following techniques ahead of time so both you and your horse will be familiar with them when needed.

◆ Use a rectal thermometer (keep one with you if you’re far from a barn) to monitor heat load. Body temperature will normally increase with exercise, and body temperatures of 104 degrees to 106 degrees Fahrenheit are common for some events.

However, horses with these body temperatures need to be cooled carefully. If a horse’s temperature is over 106 degrees, take immediate action to cool the horse. Temperatures reaching 107 degrees may require veterinary assistance.

◆ Check your horse’s heart rate, either with a stethoscope or manually. When the horse is allowed to rest, his heart rate should noticeably begin to drop. It should return to 40 to 50 beats per minute within 15 minutes. Failure of the heart rate to drop quickly indicates heat stress.

“Flared nostrils and heaving flanks while breathing are not only from work, but also from the increased heat load,” Hiney explains. “Allow the horse to rest and watch carefully for a reduction in breathing rate and intensity.”

◆ Assess the amount and location of sweat. Normal sweating patterns include along the neck, flanks and between the hind legs. With intense exercise or extreme temperatures, the horse may be completely covered in sweat and will need help being cooled.

A horse that has ceased sweating is most likely suffering from heat exhaustion and is in critical need of care.

How to Treat Heat Stress

If you suspect your horse is overheating, it’s vital to stop exercising and move him to a cooler setting right away. You will likely need to help him cool down to prevent heat stress from turning into heat stroke, which can have dire consequences.

“Evaporation through sweat is the major way horses dissipate heat, but high humidity levels will limit the effectiveness of sweating,” says Hiney. “Increase airflow to the skin by removing all tack and equipment and use a sweat scraper to remove excess sweat.

“Cool running water can greatly aid in cooling,” she continues. “Apply water or even ice along major blood vessels like the neck, chest and inside of the legs. Blood will cool as it passes through these areas and then return to the trunk of the body to help dissipate the heat load. Continual application of cool, running water will prevent the warming of the water on the horse’s skin. Otherwise, use a scraper to remove the warm water and increase the rate of cooling. Water left on the skin will warm rapidly and trap heat against the horse’s body.”

Hiney says that you can still help your horse cool down even when you don’t have access to running water by using a sponge to wet the major blood vessels. Again, you should concentrate on the neck and chest. She also suggests adding rubbing alcohol to the water to increase evaporation and aid in cooling.

If you need to cool your horse while riding if you’re not near running water, Hiney suggests using a squirt bottle to apply cool water along the major exposed blood vessels in the neck and chest. You can refill your water bottle from streams, lakes or stock tanks.

“Air movement is another major way that animals lose heat,” she says. “Supplying fans or keeping the horse in a breezy area is ideal. Fans with higher velocities provide more effective cooling. If you have access to electricity, put a fan near the arena to aid in cooling during rest periods. This fan can greatly assist with continuing normal training during the summer. Even so, be sure that the horse’s heart rate and respiration rate have dropped before returning to work.

“Simple strategies like keeping the horse in the shade or riding in shaded areas prevent heat gain directly from the sun,” Hiney adds. “Standing under trees is even more useful, as the horse will radiate heat up to the leaves, which are continually cooled by their own evaporation.”

She warns that heat stress can quickly turn to heat stroke. If you feel this is happening, cease work, strip tack off the horse, and get him into the shade immediately. When facing heat stroke, veterinary care with IV fluids may be necessary.

Heat Index

Through appropriate management, heat stress can be prevented. Start by paying attention to the heat index in your area to understand when it’s dangerous to work your horse. Although different horses may tolerate heat differently, follow general guidelines to ensure you’re not putting your horse in danger.

“Pay attention to heat and humidity,” Hiney advises. “A good rule of thumb is to add the values of the temperature [in degrees Fahrenheit] and humidity [relative percentage] to get the horse’s comfort index. Horses cool themselves normally—unless dehydrated or fatigued—if the combined values are below 130.

“If the combined temperature and humidity is over 150 (such as 90 degrees Fahrenheit with 60 percent humidity), horses will need assistance in cooling,” she continues. “If temperatures and humidity are expected to reach 170, it may be best to plan early morning riding or skip intense work. Even riding in the evening may not see a large drop in temperature until the sun has been down for several hours.”

Dangerous Dehydration

High heat or excessive sweating can cause dehydration in horses. If your horse doesn’t replace the fluid lost during sweating by drinking adequate water, he can become dehydrated, which can be life-threatening.

“Horses can become dehydrated in as little as two to three hours under the right conditions,” says Hiney. “Horses need to be well-hydrated before beginning to work, for example, horses that have come off of a long trailer ride.”

She explains that some warning signs of dehydration include prolonged capillary refill time (checked by pressing your finger into the horse’s gums) and tenting when skin is pulled from the neck or over the eye. The horse may also have a gaunt or tucked-up appearance.

Colic and overheating are possible, but if the horse gets an electrolyte imbalance due to dehydration, tying up and even death could occur.

“The primary mechanism horses use to dissipate heat is through sweating,” says Hiney. “Sweating leads to dehydration if the horse isn’t allowed to replenish, and the rate of sweating can outstrip the ability to keep up.

“Warm body temperatures encourage horses to drink, so allow access to water in the cool-down period,” she continues. “Allow frequent sips of cool water. Saline can also help replenish water and electrolytes, but be sure to have plain water available, too.”

Key Takeaway

Luckily, horses usually bounce back after a bout of heat stress or dehydration without any lasting effects. However, both can become very serious conditions in a relatively short span and, if left untreated, can lead to death.

It’s best for your horse’s health to not allow either to begin with by ensuring he always has access to clean, fresh water and avoiding exercise in extremely hot weather.

Ride in the morning when it’s coolest, and reduce ride time and intensity when it’s hot and humid, or refrain altogether if the temperature and humidity are above safe levels.

This article about heat stress appeared in the July 2023 issue of Horse Illustrated magazine. Click here to subscribe!

The post Heat Stress in Horses appeared first on Horse Illustrated Magazine.