Latest News – The Horse

Spanish Equids Test Positive for Antibodies Against Besnoitia
About 7% of tested equids were positive for the presence of antibodies against Besnoitia, the first time researchers have detected such antibodies in European equids.
Repeat Convicted New York Horse Abuser Sent to Jail
Ann Arnold, previously convicted of horse abuse, has been sentenced to serve one year in jail for failing to obtain veterinary care for a horse in her care.

Could Climate Change Impact Horse Size? It’s Possible
Researchers have learned that, over the millennia, many mammals—horses included—adapted to climate by getting smaller.
Police Investigating Horse’s Severed Tongue
Investigators are hoping to determine whether the mare’s injury was accidental or caused by a human.

NTRA, UK Offering Racecourse Manager Certification
Organizers say the racecourse manager certification will help train a new generation of professionals to support racing surface safety and consistency.

Researchers Study the Science Behind Whip Use in Racehorses
New industry rules intended to improve horse welfare by decreasing whipping frequency might actually go against the principles of operant training and, specifically, negative reinforcement, one equitation scientist says.

Genetic Testing at Gluck Ends Equine Blood Typing Service
DNA testing is still available to determine DNA types and perform parentage testing.

Summer Heat Can Stress Farm Animals
The livestock heat index can help producers know when animals, including horses, are at risk for heat stress and require extra resources to combat and withstand the conditions.

Horse Vertebral Disc Degeneration More Common Than Once Thought
Degeneration involves changes in the discs’ color, texture, and integrity due to age and possibly use, researchers said.

When Should Thoroughbreds Start Racing?
Many Thoroughbreds start racing at 2, but Justify didn’t make his first start until he was 3 and won the Triple Crown. Does this mean we shouldn’t start racing horses until they’re older? An equine surgeon and lameness specialist weighs in.

Maryland Owners Urged to Keep Horses’ Vaccines Current
As a result of heavy rains and increased mosquito populations, officials are encouraging owners to ensure horses are vaccinated against EEE and WNV.
Attendees Capitalize at AHC Issues Forum
Attendees gained insight on how the horse industry can learn from other industries, utilize data that has been collected, and capitalize on opportunities to grow and expand equine interests.

Optimizing Chances of Equine Recurrent Uveitis Treatment Success
Equine recurrent uveitis, or ERU, remains a timely, expensive, and unrewarding disease to treat due to recurrence, loss of vision, and loss of use.
Vet Students Receive Coyote Rock Ranch Scholarships
Three veterinary students aspiring toward careers in equine medicine have been selected to each receive a $75,000 Coyote Rock Ranch Veterinary Scholarship.
The Horse Media Group Receives 2018 Equine Media Awards
The Horse Media Group, its freelancers, and its titles collected five awards from American Horse Publications.

Equine Injuries, Racing Integrity to Highlight Welfare, Safety Summit
Other topics to be addressed are disaster planning, the Thoroughbred’s versatility as a sport horse, racing surfaces, and more.