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

Horse Parasites and Gut Microbiota; Horses Standing in Pasture

The Link Between Horse Parasites and Gut Microbiota

Findings from a recent study could afford a better understanding of how parasites choose their hosts within a herd and lead to the identification of biomarkers that could help pinpoint which horses are more likely to be wormy, researchers said.

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Bardigiano horse

Saving the Bardigiano Horse

The Bardigiano’s small population—only a few thousand animals—has led to risky levels of inbreeding that threaten the breed’s long-term existence. But with a research-based breeding program in place, scientists believe the breed can be saved.

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Is Synovial Fluid Toxic to Horse Tendons

Is Synovial Fluid Toxic to Horse Tendons?

Researchers confirmed that synovial fluid is toxic to inner tendon cells, which could help explain why injuries within tendon sheaths and bursae have a poor prognosis for healing, they said.

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horse herders

Researchers Study Early Horse Herders

Researchers say the Botai people, who lived 5,000 years ago in what’s now part of northern Kazakhstan, appear to have domesticated and figured out horse husbandry on their own with no outside influence.

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Midge Control Methods for Horse Farms

Midge-Control Methods for Horse Farms

Researchers say applying targeted insecticides to stable walls and roofs, as well as manipulating midge habitats (such as draining and removal and/or altering breeding sites) can reduce larval and adult populations.

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PPID: Not Just for Domestic Horses

Researchers recently identified six PPID cases in two equine species at a British zoo: five cases in Przewalski’s horses ranging from 7 to 29 years old and one case in a 17-year-old Chapman’s zebra.

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Reining Shake-Up: FEI, AQHA, NRHA Part Ways

Discord concerning anti-doping, stewarding, and horse age has led to a rupture of the agreement between the FEI, AQHA, and NRHA. But this doesn’t represent the end of FEI reining, and all three parties said they’re open to discussing future agreements.

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endurance riding

Endurance Riding: Start Slow to Finish Strong

Riding at fast speeds at the start of endurance rides often leads to elimination during veterinary checks, researchers have learned. And while that might seem like common sense, many riders continue to ride too fast in rides’ early stages, one scientists said.

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Coldblooded Trotter Career Length

Scientists Study Coldblooded Trotter Career Length

Most Norwegian-Swedish Coldblooded Trotters are bred for racing. Thus, understanding how long their careers typically last is essential not just from a product quality perspective but also from an animal welfare perspective, researchers said.

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horse tail swishing

Horse Tail Swishing: More Than Meets the Eye

We all know horses use their tails to ward off flying insects. But the mechanics behind that effective tail swatting is intriguing scientists, and it could lead to tail-inspired bug repellent technology.

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abortion in horses; determining equine fetal sex; Warm Winter Could Affect Tall Fescue Toxicosis in Broodmares

Determining Equine Fetal Sex in Midgestation

Researchers have confirmed that, by following a few recently described steps, veterinarians can sex fetuses over a much longer time period than previously though and without clipping or sedating mares.

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