Les Sellnow

Les Sellnow was a prolific freelance writer based near Riverton, Wyoming. He specialized in articles on equine research, and operated a ranch where he raised horses and livestock. He authored several fiction and nonfiction books, including Understanding Equine Lameness and Understanding The Young Horse. He died in 2023.

Articles by: Les Sellnow

Cribbing and Wood Chewing: Just Gotta Gnaw

Cribbing and wood chewing by horses can create problems for horse and owner alike. Wood chewing is often considered by many owners to be a rather benign vice, while cribbing more frequently is considered to be a direct threat to the horse’s

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Straightening Crooked Legs

It is not unusual for foals to be born with some level of angular limb deformity, but this becomes a problem when the deformity is severe and doesn’t self-correct quickly. If the deviation is relatively minor, it might be resolved with stall

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Tendons and Ligaments

It should come as no surprise that horses suffer from tendon and ligament injuries. When one considers these vital parts of the equine anatomy and the stresses placed upon them, it’s a tribute to the horse’s physical make-up that there aren’t

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Bill to Ban Horse Slaughter

A bill to ban the slaughter of horses in the United States and to prohibit the transportation of horses from the United States to other countries for slaughter has been introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives as House Resolution (HR)

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The Equine Immune System

Vaccines are designed based on the specific nature of an antibody response to an antigen. In other words, the antibody will work only against the antigen that stimulated its production. A “booster” creates more antibodies, a quicker response, an

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Bits and Bitting (AAEP 2001)

“Bits and bridles are for communication,” Bennett told the sizable group that gathered to hear the three-person presentation. “They are not handles to stabilize the rider in the saddle or instruments for punishing the horse.”

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AAEP Convention 2001: Horseman’s Day

More than 350 horse owners turned out to hear six speakers at the second annual Horseman’s Day, held in conjunction with the annual AAEP convention. In almost every case, those in attendance were still raising their hands with questions when

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AAEP Convention 2001: Reproduction Research

Presentations on reproduction have long been a hallmark of AAEP gatherings, and this year was no exception. The full-day reproduction session was split into two parts–the first was of a general nature, while the afternoon in-depth session

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Tibial Tuberosity Fracture: Treatment Comparison Study

Fractures of the tibial tuberosity often occur as a result of direct trauma, such as hitting the stifle on a fence while jumping, or as an avulsion injury (the tearing away of part of the structure) caused by slipping on ice. When a fracture

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Assessing Sperm Quality

Laboratory assays have been developed which evaluate multiple sperm parameters on large numbers of sperm in a semen sample. These assays may prove useful in evaluating semen prior to insemination or at the beginning of the breeding season.

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Rodeo Horses

Rodeo is a rough and tumble sport. It was born on the wide open rangelands of the West, but through the years it has been transformed into an entertainment package that knows no geographic boundaries. Despite that change, it remains a sport wher

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In the Aftermath of Birth–Retained Placenta

The birth of a foal is a wondrous event; if all goes well, it is over quickly as the mare goes through the three stages of labor. The first stage generally involves restlessness as the mare paces the stall, paws, lies down, gets back up, and

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Horseman’s Day at the AAEP Convention

The second annual Horseman’s Day held in conjunction with the annual American Association of Equine Practitioner’s (AAEP) Convention was an extreme success for all attendees. “We’re ecstatic,” said Lori Roberts, AAEP’s Owner

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Fires

Drought and wildfires that laid waste to millions of acres were twin scourges of the West this past summer. The drought came first, leaving forests and rangelands tinder dry. Then came lightning strikes and careless acts by humans that resulted

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Wyoming Herpesvirus Outbreak

An equine herpesvirus type 1 (EHV-1) outbreak has affected nearly 50 horses and caused the deaths of seven horses in Wyoming. The outbreak occurred at Paradise Ranch in Johnson County near Buffalo.

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Ovulation

There is a rhythm to nature. Season follows season, with each having a specific purpose to serve in the grand scheme of things. There is a time for planting, a time for growing, a time for harvesting, and a time for resting to prepare for the

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