UK Gluck Equine Research Center Launches National Survey on Horses Aged 15 Years and Older
November 4, 2020 Comments Off on UK Gluck Equine Research Center Launches National Survey on Horses Aged 15 Years and Older
By: Alisa Herbst While horses aged 15 years and over make up a significant portion of the U.S. equine population, surprisingly little is currently known about their management and health status. In response, the University of Kentucky Gluck Equine Research Center is launching a survey to better understand the special needs of this age group. […]
Continue reading …UC Davis Researchers Identify Genetic Variant for Equine Familial Isolated Hypoparathyroidism
October 31, 2020 Comments Off on UC Davis Researchers Identify Genetic Variant for Equine Familial Isolated Hypoparathyroidism
Foals affected with EFIH suffer from low blood calcium concentrations, resulting in involuntary muscle contractions, muscle stiffness that leads to a stiff gait and can progress to an inability to stand, seizures, fevers, and an abnormally fast pulse. Parathyroid hormone is typically produced to increase calcium levels in the body, but in these foals, concentrations are low or “inappropriately” normal (i.e. they should be high due to the low calcium). Affected foals die or are euthanized due to poor prognosis. Necropsy results reveal underdeveloped or absent parathyroid glands.
Continue reading …Making Halloween Safe (and Less Scary) for Your Pets
October 30, 2020 Comments Off on Making Halloween Safe (and Less Scary) for Your Pets
The other lurking danger during Halloween is a substance called Xylitol. This is a low-calorie sweetener found most commonly in gum and candy. It can be potentially lethal when consumed, even in small quantities. To reduce temptation, feed your pet before any guests arrive so they will be less likely to beg and steal food. Tell your guests of any house rules regarding your pet, such as not feeding them scraps from the table.
Continue reading …How Much Protein Does Your Horse Really Need?
October 26, 2020 Comments Off on How Much Protein Does Your Horse Really Need?
Mom needs plenty of protein too: a lactating mare is not only attempting to maintain her own body condition, but especially in early stages, she is providing all the protein to the foal through the milk as well. This is one of the reasons it can seem difficult to keep a mare in good body condition around foaling and as she begins lactating.
Continue reading …UK Ag Equine Students Give Back to Equine Community During Equine Week of Service
October 10, 2020 Comments Off on UK Ag Equine Students Give Back to Equine Community During Equine Week of Service
“We put together the UK Equine Week of Service as a way to get out into the community, out of the classroom and off our computers during a time where we are not getting as much hands-on experience as we usually would,” said Mackenzie Johnson, a Wildcat Wrangler and UK senior studying equine science and management. “We wanted to give our students a chance to get involved in the equine industry and start making those vital connections with different industry professionals, all while doing a few good deeds along the way.”
Continue reading …Strategies For Coping With Smoke From Wildfires
October 9, 2020 Comments Off on Strategies For Coping With Smoke From Wildfires
Smoke comes in endless variations, depending on what is burned. In the case of wildfires that spread beyond forests and rangeland to consume homes and other structures, smoke is produced from burning wood, vegetation, plastic, building materials, furniture, vehicles and combustibles such as gas and oil.
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Mister Ed, Diamonds Sparkle, Spirit, Roy Rogers’ Trigger, and Hotshot, what do all these dazzling equines have in common? They all sport dilute-colored coats! Thanks to the vast world of equine genetics, we are able to bear witness to a huge variety of stunning coat patterns and colors. Let’s unpack a bit of the science behind these flashy hues.
Continue reading …AQHA Horseman Participates in Study Specifically Focused on Performance Horses
September 18, 2020 Comments Off on AQHA Horseman Participates in Study Specifically Focused on Performance Horses
This great information is focused specifically on our types of horses: horses that spin hard, travel with precision over obstacles, work dynamically to maintain a consistent top line, and manage to sustain these attributes through long competition days and seasons.
Continue reading …Diet and Laminitis- No Link to Fructan
September 17, 2020 Comments Off on Diet and Laminitis- No Link to Fructan
Horses and ponies, donkeys and mules, may develop laminitis on diets based on either hay or pasture. The cause isn’t fructan. It isn’t hind gut acidosis. Here’s the science.
Continue reading …5 Ways Coping With the Pandemic Will Make You a Stronger Equestrian
September 14, 2020 Comments Off on 5 Ways Coping With the Pandemic Will Make You a Stronger Equestrian
Who among you hasn’t stepped up to the start cone, with the eyes of the judges upon you, your family and friends watching on the sidelines, and your trainer nervously chewing his nails, and hasn’t felt afraid. Fear is real, but fear isn’t fact. You’ve faced this situation before, and you will face it again. The way you choose to deal with the emotions caused by this pandemic, however, can help to make you a stronger equestrian and competitor when it’s time to return to the show pen.
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