Latest News – The Horse
Interview from a MRLS Test Farm
Some horse and agriculture farms were asked to be test farms during and after the mare reproductive loss (MRLS) crisis in 2001. One of those farms is Glennwood Farm in Versailles, Ky., owned by John D. Gunther and operated by Leslie K. Miller, general manager. The test farms have provided a wealth of information during the past 2 1/2 years, on
Obesity is Dangerous, Warns UK Researcher
Laminitis specialist Robert Eustace, BVSc, Cert EO, Cert. EP, MRCVS, director of The Laminitis Clinic in Wiltshire, England, wants horse obesity to be declared a welfare concern. In a campaign launched at the annual meeting of the International League for the Protection of Horses (ILPH) at the end of 2002, Eustace directed sharp words at the horse show judging system, which rewards round,
Report Released: Economic Impact of WNV on Colorado and Nebraska Equine Industries in 2002
A study led by researchers at Colorado State University determined that the effects of West Nile virus (WNV) cost equine owners in Colorado and Nebraska more than $1.25 million in 2002, and prevention costs for WNV vaccinations likely exceeded an additional $2.75 million for the equine industry in those states last year. In 2002, Colorado reported 378 and Nebraska reported 1,100 confirme
Equine West Nile Virus Case in Minnesota
A 5-year-old Quarter Horse mare in Crow Wing County, was Minnesota’s first equine West Nile virus (WNV) case for 2003, according to the Minnesota Board of Animal Health (MBAH). Paul Anderson, MBAH assistant director, said the virus was expected to appear again this year, but not so early in the season. The first U.S. equine WNV case of 2003 was reported in Florida in early
ReRun to Operate Farm, Educational Center in Maryland
ReRun Inc. has assumed management of Greener Pastures Equine Sanctuary, a 160-acre estate along the Sassafras River near Cecilton, Md., donated by the Wear Family. The facility, which was previously managed by Thoroughbred Charities of America (TCA), is home to many retired racehorses and is also a wildlife sanctuary dedicated to preserving the nesting habitat of the blue heron and American
The Horse‘s Parent Company Announces Second Annual Book Warehouse Sale
Blood-Horse Publications announces its second annual book warehouse clearance sale will be held Friday, May 9 and Saturday, May 10 at 349 Virginia Avenue in Lexington, Kentucky.
Vet’s Role in Physical Therapy
The health and soundness management of any horse–regardless of his level of use or the problems he might be encountering–horse owner or trainer’s responsibility. The person responsible for the diagnosis, prescribing the treatment, and assessing progress and the effectiveness of the therapies is the veterinarian. The horse benefits from the cooperative efforts of everyone on th
Equine Physical Therapy Advances
In 1982, I was working as an athletic trainer when a veterinarian came in for help in rehabilitating a sprained ankle. As I applied electrical stimulation and range of motion exercise, I asked him what would be done for a horse with a similar injury. He told me of blistering and firing and of extended stall rest, followed by turnout. This concept of rehabilitation was counter to everything an
Why the White Spots?
I’d like to ask a question about my horse’s skin problem–depigmentation. He is a 10-year-old chestnut Hanoverian gelding with dark eyes and eyelids. But now there is a pink spot on his left upper eyelid and I think it’s getting larger.
Lyme Disease From Contaminated Feed?
Is it possible for a horse to get Lyme disease from eating a tick with his pasture grass, or from eating an infected tick or other source of the bacteria in his hay or feed?
The Whites of Their Eyes
I have a 3-year-old filly which has prominent white around her eyes. Most farriers and several others tell me this is a sign of madness in a horse. I always thought that this was an old wives’ tale. Could you please clarify this for me?
Follow-Up: Carnivorous Horses
Last October, we shared letters from three readers describing horses killing and/or eating small mammals and birds (see “Carnivous Horses,” article #3832 at www.TheHorse.com). We asked for reader response, and I agreed to contact experts in equine nutrition, behavior, and husbandry from aroun
The Inflammatory Cascade
Equine pharmaceutical companies are developing new drugs every year that have the ability to reduce inflammation and pain associated with various horse injuries.
Buying a Trailer: What to Know Before You Go
Buying a horse trailer is a big decision. With so many models and styles of trailers, how do you choose the best one?
Feeding Yearlings: Preparing for the Sale
As the breeding season winds down and spring becomes summer, the primary focus on breeding farms is preparation of yearlings for the sales. The stakes are clearly high as vast sums of money are on the line–rightly or wrongly, the overall “presentation” of a yearling at the sales has a strong bearing on price, regardless of breeding. Plain and simple, poorly “fitted” yearlings won’t cut the

A View Within: Reproductive Ultrasound
Ultrasound is regularly used to monitor ovarian activity and to diagnose and monitor pregnancy and reproductive abnormalities.