Latest News – The Horse

How Endophyte-Infected Tall Fescue Impacts Broodmare Blood Flow
Researchers know that feeding horses ground endophyte-infected tall fescue results in palmar artery vasoconstriction, so scientists tested whether broodmares could experience decreased blood flow to the uterus, which could negatively impact their foals.

Top Tweets and Take-Homes from 2018 Thoroughbred Racing Injuries and Outcomes Panel Discussion
Read top tweets and take-home messages from industry experts on common racing injuries, their approach to effective rehab and what they’ve seen horses go on to do after recovery.

Weigh Your Horse Before Deworming
Leave the weight-guessing game for carnivals. A weight tape helps ensure equine deworming effectiveness and reduces the risk of parasite resistance.

2017 ELCR National Survey Report Now Available
The survey focused on how local organizations are handling key issues relating to horse lands, such as land protection, equine facility access, establishing and protecting trails and trail networks, and more.

Is Horse Coat Color Related to Racing Performance?
An old adage says a good horse doesn’t come in a bad color. But recent study results might rewrite that saying. Researchers have uncovered a possible link between coat color and harness racing performance.

Assateague Island Wild Horse Killed in Vehicle Accident
On Oct. 2, at approximately 7:30 p.m., the 18-year-old bay stallion, N9BFNY (“Sir Gruff”) was struck and killed by a car on the MD Rt. 611 causeway.

Horse Tendon and Ligament Mineralization: Cause for Concern?
Tendons and ligaments are meant stretch and flex. So it must be bad news when hard material forms within them, right? Not necessarily, researchers say.

WNV in Iowa Horses: Additional Cases Confirmed
Two unvaccinated Quarter Horse mares from Polk County developed ataxia (incoordination) on Sept. 24. Both are being treated symptomatically.

WNV in Kentucky Horses: Eighth Case of 2018 Confirmed
The affected 3-year-old filly from Fayette County presented on Sept. 28 with acute progressive ataxia (incoordination). As of Oct. 2, the fill is reportedly much improved with a favorable prognosis.

Haylage Not Ideal for Ponies With Insulin Dysregulation
Researchers had hypothesized that haylage would produce a lower insulin response than hay, as the sugar in haylage is partially fermented and could result in a less-pronounced insulin response.

WNV in Oklahoma Horses: Fourth Case Confirmed
The affected yearling Quarter Horse filly from Stephens County was not vaccinated against WNV.

Helium and Oxygen Ventilation Improves Outcomes for Horses in Surgery
Researchers found that horses ventilated with “heliox” rated better for two measures of respiratory mechanical function—low peak inspiratory pressure and higher lung compliance—compared to those breathing pure oxygen.

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.

Do Hay Pellets Alone Provide Horses Enough Fiber?
Our nutritionist looks at whether all-pellet diets are good for horses.

EIA in Colorado: New Case, Unrelated to Ongoing Investigation, Confirmed
The newly confirmed positive horse’s home premises in Weld County has been quarantined and other resident horses will be retested in 60 days.
Police Probe Florida Horse Theft
Investigators describe the two missing animals as a chestnut Quarter Horse gelding with an “FD” brand on his front left shoulder and a palomino Quarter Horse gelding with a “SE” brand on his left hip.