Latest News – The Horse

“Stallions do not become sires because of reproductive capability,” began Dickson Varner, DVM, MS, Dipl. ACT, professor of large animal medicine and surgery at Texas A&M University. “They’re selected based on performance, pedigree, and conformation–reproductive ability is last. The equine breeding industry abounds with stallions whose level of fertility is less than optimal.” Varner discussed

A West Virginia man is facing multiple animal cruelty charges in connection with the alleged maltreatment of horses on his Greenbrier County farm. Greenbrier County Sheriff’s Department Chief Deputy Kirby Hanson said that last week after responding to a tip about a downed horse, law enforcement officers discovered more than 30 horse carcasses on a 300-acre farm belonging to Grady Whitlock.

Throughout a horse’s life, bone adapts and changes continually in relationship to its environment. Osteochondrosis (OCD) is the failure of the bone to develop strong cross-linkage of collagen fibers (which affects the cartilage) and is most commonly caused by poor nutrition, mechanical trauma, and rapid growth, with nutrition being the most important. Lesions caused by OCD can result in serious

Two horses collapsed and died in the paddock on Feb. 12 at the Newbury Racecourse in Berkshire, England, according to a report from BloodHorse.com. An investigation into the cause of the horses’ deaths is under way, but initial reports indicate that the horses might have been electrocuted.

Alltech, American Horse Publications (AHP), and the International Alliance of Equestrian Journalists (IAEJ) are delighted to announce the recipients of the Alltech ‘A+’ Award, established to honor creativity, passion, and excellence in equine journalism with stories connected to the Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games. The post-Games media contest, judging entries published between July 2, 2010,

The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is offering a $10,000 reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of whoever is responsible for shooting a wild horse in Nevada. On Feb. 9 an on-site veterinarian conducting health assessments during the agency’s Elko District’s Antelope Complex wild horse gather discovered a mare that had sustained what appeared to be a puncture wound to her

The soft, expressive equine eye holds a great fascination for horse lovers. And although it’s normally a resilient structure, it’s not immune from injury. At the 2010 American Association of Equine Practitioners Convention, held Dec. 4-8 in Baltimore, Md., Dennis Brooks, DVM, PhD, Dipl. ACVO, a professor of ophthalmology at of the University of Florida’s College of Veterinary Medicine gave this

An epiglottic entrapment is an upper airway abnormality that can cause poor performance in athletic horses. A team of researchers from the University of Montreal recently developed a safer instrument for surgically correcting an entrapped epiglottis. When a horse swallows food or water, the epiglottis (a movable, leaf-shaped piece of cartilage located at the base of the tongue and above the

Whether in sports competition or the game of life, there are turning points that elevate the underdog to victory, redefining the anonymous as the unforgettable. In the face of mounting challenges, how does one identify and seize these pivotal moments to create a catalyst for success? In Lexington, Ky., from May 22-25, Alltech’s 27th Annual International Animal Health and Nutrition Symposium will

Instead of operating on a foal with guttural pouch tympany, veterinarians should consider placing a flexible tube through the opening of his guttural pouch(es) via the nasal passage, according to a veterinarian from Auburn University.

Discussion ranged from how to set fees, when to increase fees, value-added services, doctor availability to clients, and discussion concerning competition and dealing with the recession.

Sheryl S. King, PhD, PAS, director of Southern Illinois University’s (SIU) Equine Science Program, has been elected president of the Horsemen’s Council of Illinois (HCI), the voice of the equine industry in Illinois. King began her position as the equine specialist in the department of animal science at SIU in 1983 and presently serves a director of its equine science program, the only such

“No foot, no horse” is perhaps the most used and still the most true statement there is in horse care. A horse is generally worthless without functional feet, which is why the American Association of Equine Practitioners devoted a complete day during the 2010 convention (held Dec. 4-8 in Baltimore, Md.) to farriery topics and the working relationship between veterinarians and farriers.