Rood & Riddle - Nocardioform Placentitis: Diagnosis Management & Outcomes

Nocardioform Placentitis: Diagnosis Management & Outcomes Dr Maria Schnobrich & Dr Karen Von Dollen

Nocardioform placentitis is a frustrating and sometimes devastating diagnosis in broodmares. In this episode of StallSide, Theriogenologists, Dr. Maria Schnobrich and Dr. Karen Von Dollen take a closer look at how this condition develops, what makes it different from other forms of placentitis, and why early detection is important.

They explain how expanding the definition to focal mucoid placentitis better describes this condition, then explore the clinical presentation, diagnostic tools, treatment strategies, and what current research and field experience suggests about prognosis and outcomes. Whether you're managing mares on the farm or supporting breeding operations, this episode offers practical, experience-driven insight into navigating high-risk late-term pregnancies.

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Five Careers in the Equine Industry

by Kristin Pitzer

Whether you’re a young horseman coming up through school or a seasoned veteran of the workforce looking to change careers, it’s never too early — or too late – to consider a job in the equine industry. If horses and the Western way of life are your passions, a career that allows you to promote them to others just like you can be very fulfilling.

“I think people should consider careers in the equine industry because for many people, horses are their passion, and we tend to be the happiest when we’re working for, toward, and within the elements we’re most passionate about,” said Jessie Jarvis, founder and CEO at Of The West, the job platform for the agriculture and Western industries. “For many young adults, owning their own horse isn’t always feasible, and [a job in the industry] allows them to still be involved in some way. For those who are more established and possibly looking for a career change, the equine industry is a great sector to consider because nothing is more rewarding than knowing your daily efforts are working toward building a stronger, more robust equine industry.”

Quarter Horse News put together some information on different careers in the industry to help you know where to begin.

Hands-On

There are two main options for careers in the horse industry: those that work directly with horses, and those that support the industry but don’t involve a person getting their hands on a horse every day. Jobs working with horses can be very rewarding and enjoyable, but they are also usually physically difficult, time-consuming and, without boundaries, can blur the line between work and play. For those willing to work hard, these jobs can lead to fulfilling careers.

“The equine industry is growing at a rate like never before, and due to that, the need for equine professionals is only going to increase as time goes on,” Jarvis said. “In addition to that growing number, I think we are also going to see an increase in the number of education pathways and trade programs focused on equine industry careers, allowing the sector to continue to grow and meet that future demand for equine industry jobs.”

1. Job: Equine Veterinarian

As long as horses can become sick or injured, there will be a need for equine veterinarians. People who become veterinarians tend to have good communication skills and are likely science- and math-minded. A love for animals is certainly necessary, but keep in mind you’ll be working with people just as much as horses. Compassion is a key element, as you’ll likely have to help owners face difficult situations and hard decisions.

To become a veterinarian requires extensive education: four-and-a-half years of undergraduate education, followed by four years of veterinary school, according to the American Veterinary Medical Association. All of that schooling isn’t cheap — the average cost of veterinary school in the U.S. is $200,000 — so many young veterinarians go into the workforce with lots of student loan debt in tow. There is, however, a shortage of equine veterinarians around the country, so if it’s a career path you’re interested in, you’ll certainly find a demand for it.

2. Job: Trainer

If patience and an ability to think outside the box are traits you possess and you have good business sense, people skills and riding abilities, you might think about becoming a horse trainer. There’s no doubt it takes a lot of work to become a successful trainer — many riders don’t realize how many hours their coaches put in every day. If you work hard and find your niche in the industry, though, you might find yourself eventually working with the industry’s nicest horses, most well-known owners and other top-level trainers.

You don’t need a degree to become a trainer — many would argue that apprenticeships under other trainers provide the best education — but some colleges offer equine science programs, while others have certificate programs in horse starting and horsemanship. It doesn’t hurt to take business classes, either, and having a degree to fall back on should you change your mind is never a bad thing.

3. Job: Farrier

Another job that gets lots of hands-on experience with horses is that of the farrier. Farriers are specialists that trim, balance and shoe horses’ feet. Being a farrier is physically demanding — most of your day is spent bent over while holding a horse’s foot up, after all — and without proper equipment, it can be hard on your body. Once you get established in a location, though, you can often pick and choose the hours, days and clients you want to work with.

Apprenticeships with veteran farriers are a great way to learn, and as your business grows, there are programs through organizations like the American Farrier’s Association (AFA) that will test you on your ability to perform the work to a prescribed standard. The AFA offers several levels of certification, from Certified Farrier, to Certified Tradesman Farrier, to Certified Journeyman Farrier. Some farriers go beyond even that and become specialists for certain breeds, activities and disciplines. Since most farriers are self-employed, business classes can be useful.

Hands-Off

If you are interested in a career in the industry but don’t necessarily have to be around horses every day, there are many different options to look into. While these jobs don’t involve riding or caring for horses, they often allow you to talk about horses — or something related to horses — every day, scratching the horse bug itch.

“While there isn’t any kind of study I can quote numbers from, I can confidently say that the majority of careers in the equine industry do not work directly with horses,” Jarvis said.

Read more: Five Careers in the Equine Industry

A Horse Barn – The Great Escape

A horse barn is a great escape for many reasons, primarily because it offers a break from the complexities of modern life by engaging all the senses in a natural, mindful, and physically active way. The escape is both a retreat for the mind and a return to simpler, instinct-driven interactions.

The calming sensory experience

• Unique aromatherapy: The distinct smell of a horse barn—a mix of hay, wood shavings, horse feed, and manure—is a familiar and comforting scent for horse enthusiasts that can bring a feeling of peace and nostalgia.
• Soothing sounds: The simple, repetitive sounds of a barn, such as the soft munching of hay, the rhythmic swish of a tail, and gentle nickers, create a natural ambient noise that can reduce stress and encourage relaxation.
• Visual escape: The visual environment of a horse barn is a world apart from an office or city street. Seeing the quiet, steady presence of large animals, often set against a backdrop of open fields and nature, can be a restorative and grounding visual experience.

Mindfulness and focus

• Demands attention: Caring for and riding horses requires complete attention and focus. This forces you to be present in the moment and temporarily forget about the anxieties and distractions of daily life.
• Emotional regulation: Horses are highly attuned to human emotions. If a person is anxious or tense, the horse will often mirror that feeling. This feedback loop provides an opportunity to practice emotional regulation and see how one's state of mind affects another being.
• Sense of purpose: The responsibility of caring for a horse, including grooming, feeding, and mucking out stalls, provides a clear purpose and routine. This can be a very grounding and satisfying experience that counters the feeling of being overwhelmed.

Physical activity and endorphins

• Natural mood booster: The physical exercise involved in riding and barn chores stimulates the release of endorphins, which are the body's natural mood-lifters. This promotes a sense of euphoria and well-being.
• Stress reduction: Being active in a natural setting helps to lower the stress hormone, cortisol. The combination of fresh air, sunlight, and physical movement is a powerful antidote to daily pressures. Community and connection
• Shared interest: The equestrian community offers a social escape built around a shared love of horses. This fosters strong friendships and a sense of belonging among like-minded people.
• Unconditional acceptance: The relationship with a horse provides a unique form of unconditional acceptance. Horses don't judge or criticize, creating a safe space to be vulnerable and build trust, which can transfer to other relationships.

If possible, spend more time at the barn. Enjoy!

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