HEALTH & EDUCATION

Health & Education

We all want the best care possible for our horses. The Heath & Education section covers both Learning Institutions, Organizations as well as many sources for equine assistance including Veterinarians and Farriers.

For those who want a to formally study horses, the Education section includes College Riding, Equine Studies, and Veterinary Schools. Learn about the wide variety of horses in the Horse Breeds section. Supplements and Treatments Therapy are also included in the section.

Everyone can learn from Fine Art and there are some specialty Museums that might surprise you.

Horses as a therapy partner enrich the lives of the disabled. These facilities are listed in our Therapeutic Riding section. To help children and young adults build confidence and grow emotionally, please see the resources available on the Youth Outreach page.

Looking for a place to keep your horse? You can find it in the Horse Boarding section. Traveling? Find a Shipping company or Horse Sitting service if your horse is staying home!

Want to stay up to date with the latest training clinics or professional conferences? Take a look at our Calendar of Events for Health & Education for the dates and locations of upcoming events.

Do we need to add more? Please use the useful feedback link and let us know!

Andrea Boone and Larissa Strappello demonstrate a sample 15 minute first trot lesson format in a Certified Horsemanship Association (CHA) riding instructor English/ Western Certification. Visit CHA.horse to find a Certified Horsemanship Association near you.

by Preston Hickman, DVM, Wichita Equine and Sports Medicine

A horse asked to perform strenuous exercise often is pushed to the limits of his body's mechanisms to recover. In most cases, these mechanisms allow the horse to finish the exercise with no problem. Sometimes, however, the horse's ability to recover may be inadequate and will result in possible heatstroke or exhaustion. This means that more than one organ system might stop functioning properly, such as the muscles, kidneys, central nervous system, or clotting system. Without prompt intervention the horse might suffer irreversible damage.

When the sum of outside temperature plus the relative humidity is below 130 (e.g., 70 F with 50% humidity), most horses can keep their body cool. The exception will be very muscular or fat horses. When the sum temperature and humidity exceeds 150 (e.g., 85 F and 90% humidity), it is hard for any horse to keep cool. If the humidity contributes over half of the 150, it compromises the horse’s ability to sweat. When the combination of temperature and humidity exceeds 180 (e.g., 95 F and 90% humidity), the horse’s cooling system is ineffectual and very little cooling takes place even if the horse is sweating profusely. At this stage, exercise can only be maintained for a short time without the animal’s body temperature— especially in the muscles— rising to dangerous levels. When the horse’s body temperature has reached 105 F, the blood supply to the muscles will begin to shut down. After this occurs, the blood supply to the intestines and kidneys will also shut down. The blood supply to the brain and heart are spared until last, but severe and permanent damage may have already taken place.

The body maintains its normal temperature in hot weather by moving heat through the muscles and out through the skin. Blood also removes heat as it circulates through the body and releases it through lung tissue, skin and expanding blood vessels. This is why blood vessels may appear larger and more distended during hot weather. This dilatation and resulting perspiration serves to cool the skin and body as the sweat evaporates. Horses that cannot sweat will usually overheat and heatstroke very rapidly, even in cooler weather with a small amount of exercise.

The chance of overworking a horse (exhaustion) rapidly increases when any of the following conditions exist: heat and humidity, poor fitness, obesity, the presence of another disease or lameness, high altitude, rough or steep terrain, rider inexperience, or if the horse has the inability to sweat. Exhaustion is noted by fatigue and inability to cool himself alone. In contrast, heatstroke resembles a horse tying up and or in shock, but can resemble a horse with exhaustion when they collapse. An exhausted horse might be distressed and anxious. He might have a high heart and respiratory rate that does not decrease with rest and his skin might feel hot and dry. Signs of shock with heatstroke, however, include pale, dry mucous membranes, increased capillary refill time, increased jugular vein fill time, a weak, irregular pulse, and no gut sounds. Some horses become stiff and experience pain due to muscle cell damage, which can be detected by observing red or brown urine (hemoglobin and/or myoglobin uria). Horses affected this badly might go down or develop other, often life-threatening conditions such as laminitis, kidney failure, or diarrhea. A badly effected horse also might appear wobbly or demented.

Photo courtesy of Kentucky Equine Research

All the horses in the barn get the same amount of feed every day; it makes feeding time much simpler. The warmbloods look super. Their weight is good, and their coats are gleaming. However, the one Thoroughbred in the barn who arrived a little thin six months ago has not put on any weight. In fact, he has lost body condition. He is getting grain just like the other horses, so what could be wrong? A veterinarian has thoroughly examined the horse and nothing appears to be wrong. Could it be as simple as insufficient caloric intake? What kind of changes can be made to his feeding program to encourage weight gain?

Sometimes, getting a thin horse to gain weight is simply a matter of increasing the caloric density of the diet. Other times, the diet may need to be higher in calories because of a medical, psychological or environmental problem.

What makes a horse a hard keeper?

The metabolic rate determines whether a horse is an easy or hard keeper, and the variation between horses can be extreme.

Metabolism is the speed at which the body burns fuels for energy in order to maintain normal body functions. A slow metabolism can function on little input of fuel energy. Conversely, a fast metabolism needs a higher caloric intake in order to function properly. In general, members of certain breeds have faster metabolisms and need more food to maintain body condition than members of other breeds. For example, Thoroughbreds usually eat more per pound of body weight than draft horses. There is also variety within a breed. For instance, some Thoroughbreds are easy keepers while others require intense management to maintain body weight. Temperament often goes hand in hand with metabolic rate. A nervous horse may require more calories than a calm tempered one to maintain the same body condition. A tense horse may spend more time stall walking or weaving while the calm horse conserves energy stores.

A thin horse requires energy in the diet to ensure proper functioning of body processes and to build fat stores. Energy is a general term, yet many horsemen associate the word energy with mental energy. In this article, energy refers to the potential of a feed to fuel body functions and exercise. Weight gain in the horse can be attributed to protein or fat deposition. When a horse does not have enough calories or protein in the diet, the body will break down its own muscle tissue and deplete much of the adipose tissue or fat.

This results in emaciation with poor muscle definition and protruding bones. When the diet has excessive calories, the body will build muscle and adipose stores. The simplified solution to poor weight is to increase the caloric content of the diet while ensuring adequate protein content. The three nutrients which can supply energy to increase the caloric content of the diet in the horse are fiber, starch and fat. Each nutrient is utilized for energy in a slightly different way in the body which, depending on the horse, can be advantageous or not.

Fiber

Of the three major energy sources for the horse, fiber is the most important, most underestimated and the safest. Fiber is the major component of grass and hay. Some horses can maintain their weight on fiber sources alone. For the hard keeper, however, fiber alone will not maintain weight, but there are fiber feeding strategies that can increase the ability of the horse to derive energy from fiber.

Icelandic horses and loved all over the world and it has never been easier to buy horses in their home country and export them to their new destination, due to a great number of experts and professionals in the industry.

In this video we see the horses being brought down from the highlands in the fall and gathered at Víðidalstungurétt, where the owners bring them back to their farm. We speak with horse trainers, tourism operators, exporters and also a farm in Europe who assist with the transitioning. Enjoy!

The video was filmed and edited by Wild Horse Films.

The statistics are gripping. Equestrian-related injuries account for 70,000 emergency room visits yearly, with 12,000 of those being head injuries. Equestrians across the country, and across disciplines, are sharing their harrowing close calls and their reasons behind wearing riding helmets.

Leslie (Barrel racer)

I ride in a Troxel. I remember being in OKC at the Better Barrel Racing Finals and just decided it was time to wear one. It was before the helmet fad started. When I pulled up, they had 1,500 entries. I went right to the stockyards, bought a helmet and brought it back. That weekend, two girls hit the wall. One girl went to the hospital. Then six months later, my horse went front end over end. I ended up underneath of him. Two hooves scrapped by the helmet, and I stood up with no injuries. I was totally lucky and thankful I had the feeling I needed a helmet before that happened. I always ride in a helmet. Thank God I wore it before; a lot of people wear a helmet after an accident. Trendy or not, it’s smart.

Sonja (Jumper)

One day, we were riding around the outdoor arena, and out of nowhere, my horse Luna tripped, and then tripped a second time. I prepared myself mentally for the inevitable fall that was coming. As I felt her body fall out from underneath me, I hit the ground face down, and the next thing I knew she was rolling over top of me. I will never be able to get the sound of my helmet crunching as she continued to roll over me and then away from me. I was, and am, so lucky for both her and me to walk away from our worst fall/crash basically unscathed. It was in those heart-stopping moments as she tripped, fell down and my helmet crunched under her body weight that I realized just how appreciative I was of all the trainers and people along my way that preached to me that I must ALWAYS wear a helmet.

Anne Marie (Jumper)

I had a horse fall on my head in November and didn’t even get a concussion. My helmet was smashed in three places, but besides bruising and swelling, I walked into the ER with no concussion and never blacked out. The doctors were so impressed with the helmet!

Equine Affaire exclusive clinic with world renowned Monty Roberts performing Join-Up with a wild horse.

Photo of Dr. Kelly Mancinelli and Saddie Sue (courtesy of Valley Vet)

Equine wellness couldn't be more important to Kelly Mancinelli, DVM, who has enjoyed nearly 25 years of riding and competing with her childhood Pinto mare, Singin' Saddie Sue.

Horse and World Champion

"I remember the day I was supposed to sit on Saddie for the first time. I was actually sick with the flu, but I didn't care. I went out and did my lesson because I was so excited to ride her," Dr. Kelly Mancinelli said.

Fast forward to 2019, and Singin' Saddie Sue is 25 years old. Kelly is still in the saddle, and the two continue to compete across the country. Of many accolades, Saddie is an eight-time 4H champion, 11-time Congress Champion and eight-time World Champion. Together, they have won several show high-point championships, as well as 200 belt buckles, 150 trophies and six show saddles.

Saddie is the perfect example that when it comes to "senior" performance horses, age is just a number when horse health is prioritized. While there are special considerations for senior horses, risks such as age-related diseases can be managed through preventative care and trusted medications.

In this episode of StallSide, our host, Dr. Peter Morresey, interviews dermatologist Dr. Julia Miller, who specializes in diagnosing and treating skin conditions. Dr. Miller sheds light on two common issues that horse owners may face: scratches and hives.

Scratches are a skin condition usually affecting horses’ lower legs but can be present in other areas of the body. Dr. Miller explains the causes of scratches using the three P’s- predisposing, primary, and perpetuating factors. She also discusses the benefit of tissue biopsies and prevention and treatment options, such as topical ointments and antibiotics.

Hives, on the other hand, are allergic reactions that can occur in horses due to various triggers, including Food, insect bites, and medications. Dr. Miller explains the symptoms of hives, which include raised bumps on the skin and itching and emphasizes the importance of identifying and removing the trigger. She also discusses when to call your veterinarian and treatment options, such as antihistamines and corticosteroids.

by Cynthia Sutton for Equine Info Exchange

I remember learning to ride when I was seven years old when my mom bought me a book of lessons for Christmas. I was thrilled. I smile at the memory when I watch the video of me screaming with delight so many years ago. It was the start to a lifelong journey of riding horses and meeting the amazing people along the way who remain my friends to this day.

So, what do you do when your child shares your passion and wants to ride a horse?
Here are some ways to get the ball rolling:

Check out the Pony Club in the United States to see what they have to offer. Others include Pony Club UK, Canadian Pony Club and Pony Club Australia.
Join local groups on Facebook and ask for recommendations.
Find a place to go trail riding where a beginner can experience a safe and leisurely ride.
Seek out a summer camp where your child can learn to care for and ride a horse.
See if a friend has a horse and schedule a visit with your child. It may at least give him or her a chance to groom!
List a request on the website Nextdoor for recommendations in your area.
See if there is a College or Preparatory school with a riding stable to see if your child can get involved.
Go to the local feed store like Tractor Supply and see if they have a bulletin board.
Go to the local tack store and see if they have bulletin board as well!
Ask your friends for suggestions on places to go!

If you are interested in lessons, you may be looking for a barn. Finding a barn for a child is different than finding a barn for adults. It is highly recommended to check out possible barns before you bring your child with you.

Look for these things:

Is it priced within your budget? You don’t want your child to fall in love with a stunning barn only to learn it is unaffordable.
Is it clean? A well maintained barn is always important and sets a good example for your child.
Check the tack room. Is there a place for you if you bring in your tack or is it messy and overcrowded?
Are there lots of kids running around? It is important to ensure that the kids in the barn are properly supervised.
Look at the refrigerator if there is one. Is it full of wine and beer or drinks appropriate for children? 6
Are the horses receiving proper care? Bad horse care is a huge indicator of bad management, issues with funds or uneducated owners.
Are the instructors kind? We have seen many coaches and trainers in all sports who have an intensity of training future Olympians. Chances are, you are just seeking fun for your child – not a soul crushing experience.
Is it conveniently located? Your child may fall in love with riding and may want to go as often as possible. Make sure it’s convenient especially if you are in the winter months and live in a place which snows!
Is it recommended by people you trust? Word of mouth is extremely helpful and can give you the “inside scoop” about barns you may be considering.
Is there a work to ride program? Some places offer an exchange program where a child can help around the barn to get discounted rides or lessons. We know lots of (now) adults who did that as kids and helped provide a foundation in work ethics.