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

how mare immune systems respond to breeding

How Mare Immune Systems Respond to Breeding

While some species develop a local immune response, sending special protective cells to the uterus itself, mares don’t, researchers learned recently. Rather, they appear to send those cells elsewhere as soon as semen enters the uterus. Where they go, nobody knows (yet).

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equine anatomy

Horse Garments Help Teach Equine Anatomy

The garments—depicting bones, muscle groups, and more—can help veterinary students, chiropractors, and even owners and riders better understand the structures hidden under horses’ skin, researchers said.

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equine embryo transfer techniques compared; equine embryo, equine embryo transfer, horse embryo, horse embryo transfer

Equine Embryo Transfer Techniques Compared

Researchers identified a 90% pregnancy rate in mares impregnated using the Wilsher embryo transfer technique and a 70% pregnancy rate in mares treated using traditional embryo transfer protocols.

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can horses with ppid have grass; ppid; decreased bone density and ppid

PPID, Pergolide, and Parasites

Researchers determined that horses with preclinical PPID (that is, blood values suggestive of PPID but aren’t yet showing clinical signs of disease) did not have higher fecal egg counts than healthy horses.

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the science behind posting

The Science Behind Posting: It’s All About Balance

Rising on the “correct” diagonal on a circle or curve helps counterbalance the horse’s movement asymmetry created by the curve itself. And if the horse is lame, the wrong diagonal could enhance that lameness and the right diagonal could mask it.

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horse arena footing

Comparing Horse Arena Footing Measurements, Descriptions

Researchers determined that the equestrian community has still not reached a point where it can objectively—or even subjectively—compare arena surfaces in a reliable manner, especially for certain qualities like responsiveness and uniformity.

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cardiac ablation in a horse

First Cardiac Ablation in a Horse Successful

Belgian veterinarians have successfully completed the first cardiac ablation—a procedure used to correct irregular heartbeats—performed in a horse. Diamant, a 5-year-old Norwegian show jumper, came through the four-hour operation with no difficulties.

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