Christa Lesté-Lasserre, MA

Passionate about horses and science from the time she was riding her first Shetland Pony in Texas, Christa Lesté-Lasserre writes about scientific research that contributes to a better understanding of all equids. After undergrad studies in science, journalism, and literature, she received a master's degree in creative writing. Now based in France, she aims to present the most fascinating aspect of equine science: the story it creates. Follow Lesté-Lasserre on Twitter @christalestelas.

Articles by Christa Lesté-Lasserre, MA

Study: Even Slight Slopes Can Affect Lameness Exams in Horses

Posted by Christa Lesté-Lasserre, MA | Dec 7, 2022 | Article, Diagnosing Lameness, Injuries & Lameness, Lameness, Sports Medicine, Vet and Professional

Perform trot-ups on both flat and sloped surfaces to fully understand a horse’s lameness.

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Positive Reinforcement in Practice

Posted by Christa Lesté-Lasserre, MA | Nov 26, 2022 | Article, Behavior, Behavior & Handling, Handling and Restraint, Horse Care, Horsemanship Science, Safety, Vet and Professional, Welfare and Industry

By focusing on positive training tools, vets can help horses see health interventions as less threatening. Learn more in this article from the November 2022 issue of The Horse.

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MRIs of the Equine Stifle: Complicated, but Very Useful

Posted by Christa Lesté-Lasserre, MA | Nov 25, 2022 | Article, Bone & Joint Problems, British Equine Veterinary Association, Diagnosing Lameness, Diagnostics and Technology, Hindlimb, Injuries & Lameness, Injuries & Wounds, Lameness, Ligament & Tendon Injuries, Ligament & Tendon Injuries, Vet and Professional

MRI imaging of the stifle joint has shown evidence of injuries to a variety of soft and hard tissues.

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Finding the Right Fit When Buying a Horse

Posted by Christa Lesté-Lasserre, MA | Nov 6, 2022 | Article, Behavior, Behavior & Handling, Horse Care, Purchase Exams

Equine behavior specialists share 8 important criteria to consider when shopping for the perfect horse.

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Feeding While Traveling by Horseback: It’s All About Balance

Posted by Christa Lesté-Lasserre, MA | Nov 4, 2022 | Article, Body Condition, Commentary, Horse Care, Nutrition, Welfare and Industry

Christa describes equine nutrition challenges during her cross-country trip on horseback from Paris to Florence.

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Horses Living in Groups Might Not Get Enough Sleep

Posted by Christa Lesté-Lasserre, MA | Oct 30, 2022 | Article, Behavior, Farm and Barn, Horse Care, Welfare and Industry

Researchers assessed whether group housing situations influenced horses’ sleep routines.

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Sable Island Horses Have Low Laminitis Risk

Posted by Christa Lesté-Lasserre, MA | Oct 27, 2022 | Article, Hoof Problems, Laminitis (Founder), Metabolic Problems, Nutrition-Related Problems, Welfare and Industry, Wild & Feral Horses

Despite poor hoof quality, the feral horses on Sable Island had a low prevalence of laminitis.

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Long in the Ears: Caring for Mules and Donkeys as They Age

Posted by Christa Lesté-Lasserre, MA | Oct 26, 2022 | Article, Back and Spine, Basic Care, Bone & Joint Problems, Cushing's Disease, Dental Problems, Donkeys, Euthanasia, Hoof Care, Hoof Problems, Horse Care, Lameness, Laminitis (Founder), Metabolic Problems, Monitoring Exercise Performance, Mules, Donkeys, & Other Equids, Nutrition, Nutrition-Related Problems, Older Horse Care Concerns, Seasonal Care, Winter Care

Aging mules and donkeys need to be managed just as carefully as horses. Here’s what you need to know.

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Soccer Device Could Help Assess Riding Arena Footing

Posted by Christa Lesté-Lasserre, MA | Oct 24, 2022 | Arenas, Article, Buildings & Structures, Farm and Barn, Footing, International Society for Equitation Science Conference 2022, Welfare and Industry

An adapted version of a machine used to evaluate soccer terrain might be useful for assessing riding arenas.

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Minimizing Horse and Rider Risk Factors on Cross-Country

Posted by Christa Lesté-Lasserre, MA | Oct 15, 2022 | Article, Competition News & Issues, Disciplines, Eventing, Jumping and Eventing, Safety, Sports Medicine, Welfare and Industry

The cross-country phase of eventing comes with risk, but new research aims to keep horses and riders safer.

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