Latest News – The Horse

Has Horsepox Gone Extinct?
Whether horsepox contributed to a smallpox vaccine will likely be difficult to confirm because it seems that horsepox has been “naturally extinguished.”

Early Cold Blast Prompts Livestock Cold Stress Warning
An early blast of arctic cold has landed in the Bluegrass, putting pressure on farmers to make sure their animals are ready for the assault.
Acupuncturing Away the Lazy
Once a month TheHorse.com hosts a live “Ask the Vet” question and answer session on a specific topic. Usually when I’m listening in I’m one

Should I Feed My Horse Beet Pulp and/or Rice Bran?
Equine nutritionist Dr. Clair Thunes shares information about two popular horse feed choices, beet pulp and rice bran.

Sweeping New Racehorse Drug Rules Approved in New York
The agency says the rules are intended to protect both the integrity of New York’s pari-mutuel wagering system and racehorses’ health.
Reversing Fear-Based Behavior
An owner inquires about how to address and reverse her horse’s fear-based behavior.
Indiana Reports Multiple Racehorse Medication Sanctions
The Indiana Horse Racing Commission announced sanctions against nine trainers and one veterinarian for medication-related violations.
AHC: Impact of Immigration Order on Horse Industry Unclear
The AHC said it is “very likely that there are workers in the horse industry who meet these requirements and will benefit from the president’s actions.”
Funds Committed to Aftercare via Breeders’ Cup Pledges
Thoroughbred owners and trainers have pledged more than $45,000 to racehorse aftercare.
University Regents Sue High-Profile Veterinarian
The UC Davis Board of Regents has filed a $1 million lawsuit against Jack Snyder, DVM, PhD, Dipl. ACVS, for allegedly failing to contribute to a university-sponsored profit-sharing plan that would benefit research and other projects at the school.

Elastic Rein Inserts’ Impact on Communication and Training
Elastic rein inserts might sound like a great way to keep an “elastic” contact with your horse’s mouth, but a group of equitation scientists has found that they could actually interfere with effective communication and training.
Michigan Barn Fire Ruled Accidental
Seventeen horses in the barn at the time of the fire died in the blaze.
New Bolton Center Seeking Foal Sitters for NICU
Foal-sitting duties include holding foals upright when they are lying down, assisting staff as they stand and turn foals, milking mares and storing the milk, monitoring equipment for alarms, changing bedding, and more.

Equine Functional Electronic Stimulation (FES)
An established human therapy helps horses as well. Learn about FES and its possible equine applications.

The Good Ride
Don’t load your horse onto the trailer before understanding exactly what he’s getting into.
California Horse Owner Faces Multiple Cruelty Charges
A California man is facing multiple animal cruelty charges for allegedly maltreating dozens of horses residing on two of his properties.