By Kentucky Equine Research Staff

Horse owners are often advised to manage obese horses with caloric restriction, which typically includes limiting access to pasture. Because grazing, access to free-choice exercise, and social interactions all allow horses to express normal behaviors, researchers are now wondering if there is a way to restrict pasture access without affecting welfare?^*

Obese horses have an increased risk of metabolic syndrome characterized by insulin dysregulation. In turn, horses with increased levels of circulating insulin are at risk of developing hyperinsulinemia-associated laminitis, a painful and life-threatening condition of the feet.

“Weight management is by far the most important and most widely recommended approach to managing insulin dysregulation and obesity,” explained Ashley Fowler, Ph.D., a nutritionist for Kentucky Equine Research. “However, restricting grazing with muzzles or drylots can sometimes be difficult for owners to implement due to lack of available land for sacrifice areas or because some horses are incredibly clever at removing their grazing muzzles.”

When given the chance, horses spend about two-thirds of their day grazing, and according to veterinary researchers, grazing is a “central and innate facet of equine behavior.”^*

Restricting grazing may lead to frustration as well as problematic or abnormal behavior, including aggression and stereotypic behaviors.

Two systems are often recommended for restricted grazing:

1. Strip grazing, which involves limiting horses to a specific grazing area that is increased in size over time by moving fencing to reveal ungrazed grass.
2. Track systems that involve creating a track around the perimeter of the grazing area that can be gradually increased in size.

To determine the effects of these two restricted grazing systems on behavior of outdoor-living ponies, researchers used 24-hour electronic surveillance and GPS data loggers attached to a halter to track activity levels. Data was collected over four weeks.

Key findings included:

• Ponies spent most of their time grazing regardless of the system;
• More ponies showed agonistic behavior (i.e., conflict or fighting) in the strip grazing system than ponies in the track system; and
• Ponies moved significantly more in the track system. “This could be due to a more enriched environment, less competition over resources or improved social cohesion,” said the research team.

“This research highlights the potential benefits of a track system on weight management, by both limiting grass access and encouraging more movement,” explained Fowler.

“Regardless of which method horse owners use to limit pasture access for weight management, horses fed calorie-restricted diets should still be fed a vitamin-mineral supplement or ration balancer to ensure daily dietary requirements are met,” advised Fowler.

^*Kirton, R., I. Sandford, E. Raffan, S. Hallsworth, O.H.P. Burnam, and R. Morgan. 2024. The impact of restricted grazing systems on the behaviour and welfare of ponies. Equine Veterinary Journal:14411.

Read more: Observing Horse Behavior in Restricted Grazing Scenarios

Acupuncture has been used to treat various medical conditions in humans and animals for more than 3,000 years. Horses were among the first animals treated with acupuncture due to their importance in warfare and farming. Today, equine acupuncture is commonly incorporated in the treatment of a number of conditions, especially musculoskeletal disorders and back pain.

The ancient Chinese discovered and described hundreds of acupuncture points (acupoints) in humans and animals. Modern research shows that acupoints are located in areas with a high density of free nerve endings, mast cells, small arterioles and lymphatic vessels. Stimulation at acupoints induces the release of beta-endorphins, serotonin and other neurotransmitters and can produce local, remote, and/or systemic effects. The use of acupuncture for pain relief is well supported by modern research studies. The effects of acupuncture on internal organs and on “balancing” the body as a whole are less understood, and more research is necessary to fully explain this ancient therapy.

The benefits of acupuncture have been widely recognized and integrated into Western veterinary and human medical practices. In November 1997, the National Institutes of Health (NIH) convened a panel of scientists to review the effectiveness of acupuncture. The result was the first formal endorsement of acupuncture by the NIH, stating: “There is sufficient evidence of acupuncture’s value to expand its use into conventional medicine and to encourage further studies of its physiology and clinical value.”

Acupuncture is a sought after treatment by horse owners due to its demonstrated safety and minimal unwanted side effects. It is well tolerated by most horses and provides a drug-free approach to address musculoskeletal pain that can enhance equine performance. This is particularly attractive for competitors who must adhere to show association-mandated prohibited substance policies. Aside from the needles, acupuncture does not require any specialized equipment, making it easier to perform in a variety of environments than some traditional methods.

Acupuncture can be used for a wide variety of issues.

Acupuncture can be extremely useful for pain. Besides pain relief, acupuncture may also have an impact on inflammation, which is ideal for horses with acute injuries and arthritis. It's thought that, by helping to return the nervous system to homeostasis, acupuncture may also help with the immune system and many other organ systems.

Your horse may also benefit from acupuncture's ability to increase microcirculation. This refers to the circulation of blood through your horse's smallest blood vessels -- the venules, metarterioles, terminal arterioles, and capillaries. They're located throughout your horse's body including in his or her organ tissue and stimulation of increased circulation can lead to improved wound healing, improvements in laminitis, and other great benefits.

Acupuncture for horses is a therapeutic technique that involves inserting fine needles into specific points on a horse's body to treat a variety of conditions:

• Pain relief: Acupuncture can help reduce pain and inflammation.
• Improved function: Acupuncture can help restore function to the body.
• Muscle relaxation: Acupuncture can help relax or stimulate muscles.
• Decreased swelling: Acupuncture can help decrease swelling.
• Organ function: Acupuncture can help affect organ function.

Acupuncture is a safe procedure when performed by a qualified veterinarian. It's often used in conjunction with other conventional veterinary treatments.

Here are some things to know about acupuncture for horses:

• Acupoints
  There are 173 acupuncture points in animals, and each meridian has multiple acupoints.
• De-Qi
  When a needle is inserted, the patient experiences a sensation called "De-Qi" that indicates an acupoint has been stimulated.
• Treatment plan
  The number, size, and length of needles used is determined by observing the De-Qi reaction.
• Treatment time
  Some results can be seen immediately, but others may require several treatments.
• Combination therapy
  Acupuncture can be combined with medications such as local anesthetics or anti-inflammatories.

Photo Credit Photo Credit UC Davis Veterinary Medicine.

• Acupuncture In Horses
• UC Davis Veterinary Medicine Center for Equine Health, University of California

• Certification in Equine Acupuncture
• Chi University

• Backstretch Veterinary, Inc., P.O. Box 204, Groveland Sherborn, MA 01834
• Carolina Equine Hospital, 5373 NC Hwy 150, Browns Summit, NC 27214
• Florida Equine Veterinary Associates, 10195 US-27, Ocala FL 34482
• Integrative Veterinary Care, Adrien Zap, Ridgefield, CT 06877
• Irongate Equine Clinic, 1048 Waldorf Blvd., Madison, WI 53719
• Mark DePaolo, DVM, All Star Equine, 1201 N Industrial Blvd, Pilot Point, Texas 76259
• Red Tail Equine Veterinary Service, Denver, CO
• Stillwater Equine Veterinary Clinic, 9550 60th St N., Stillwater MN 55082
• Tennessee Equine Hospital (Various Locations) TN
• Viriginia Tech Veterinary Teaching Hospital, 245 Duck Pond Drive, Blacksburg, VA 24061
• Well Adjusted Pet, Michelle Jobert, Woodstock, IL 60098

Time is of the essence to improve chances of recovery

While horse owners have likely heard of Equine Protozoal Myeloencephalitis (EPM), fortunately, less than one percent of the horse population will develop the disease. The impact of this neurologic disease can be devastating, though, so it is important that horse owners know how to identify a potential case of EPM, how the diagnosis is made, the prognosis for recovery and how to manage the environment to help prevent EPM.

How Horses Contract EPM

EPM is most commonly caused by the protozoal parasite Sarcocystis neurona, which is transmitted to horses when they ingest food or water that has been contaminated with opossum feces. A less prevalent way horses can contract the disease is through the protozoal parasite Neospora hughesi. Very little is known about how this parasite is transmitted to horses.

What EPM Looks Like

Dubbed “the great pretender,” EPM presents in a variety of ways in horses. According to Amy Polkes, DVM, DACVIM, an equine internal medicine specialist and owner of the consultation service Equine IMED, clinical signs can range from mild to severe. It can be anywhere from a change in performance under saddle with weakness, tripping, and/or muscle loss to a horse that is acutely recumbent (down).

Other clinical signs a horse owner might observe include, but are not limited to:

• Muscle atrophy, most often asymmetrical
• Ataxia (lack of coordination or abnormal gait, often more pronounced in the rear hind limbs)
• Tripping, toe dragging, locking stifles, difficulty picking up correct lead, “bunny hopping” with hind legs

Diagnosing EPM

According to Dr. Polkes, if a horse owner notices any of these signs, it is important to have a veterinarian evaluate the horse as EPM can be progressive and early treatment is important for success. If there is a suspicion of neurologic disease, Dr. Polkes says, “It is very important to have a thorough neurologic evaluation by someone with advanced training, such as an internal medicine specialist or a veterinarian proficient in this area.”

During a neurologic evaluation, the veterinarian will assess proper nerve function and movement. The exam starts with observation of general behavior and body condition, with attention to any observed muscle atrophy. Next, a cranial nerve exam is performed to assess the function of the nerves around the head and neck, including vision, eye movement, tongue tone and specific responses to stimuli. During the active portion of the exam, the veterinarian will observe the horse walking in straight lines, circles and over different surfaces, checking for gait abnormalities such as toe dragging, stepping on themselves or losing their balance. Strength and coordination can be assessed with the “tail pull” exam by pulling the horse’s tail while they are walking forward. Proprioceptive deficits are common in horses with neurologic disease; they often are unaware of proper foot placement and may adopt a base-wide or base-narrow stance or leave a leg in a very abnormal and unnatural position. Dr. Polkes states, “A neurologic evaluation is the most important step in the diagnosis, as there must be neurologic deficits present for the diagnosis to be EPM.”

Diagnostic testing includes serum and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) for antibodies to Sarcocystis neurona (or Neospora hughesi). A CSF tap can sometimes be done at the barn, or the veterinarian may want the horse transported to a clinic. The procedure is well tolerated with few complications and can provide important information for a more definitive diagnosis.

The presence of antibodies in serum only confirms exposure, but not necessarily active disease, as there are some areas of the country with high exposure, and those horses are likely to be positive on serum. The level of the serum antibody also does not determine the likelihood of disease, a positive test at any level only confirms exposure but a negative test makes it unlikely to be EPM. The most accurate test for active infection is to submit both cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and serum together. The serum and CSF are both tested for antibodies, and a ratio is performed to determine if there is evidence of antibody production in the spinal fluid.

Diagnostic testing and treatment should only be done in horses with neurologic deficits and clinical signs consistent with EPM. Testing for EPM should not be part of an annual health check-up or pre-purchase examination.

Prognosis for Recovery

EPM can be treated with MARQUIS® (15% w/w ponazuril), which is administered as a paste. In general, about 66 percent of horses will either recover completely or well enough to be a pasture pet and about 33 percent will not respond well to treatment or have permanent issues from protozoal damage.

“I have had some great successes with treatment,” says Dr. Polkes. “A recent case responded so well to treatment with MARQUIS that he was back in the show ring within six months!”

Dr. Polkes says there are things horse owners can do to help manage the opossum population around their farms, such as keeping food sealed and stored properly, not leaving cat or dog food in places accessible to opossums, securing and disposing of waste in a timely manner and eliminating clutter.

For more information about EPM, click here.

About Boehringer Ingelheim

Boehringer Ingelheim provides innovation for preventing and treating diseases in animals. The company offers a wide range of vaccines, parasite-control products, and medicines for pets, horses, and livestock to veterinarians, animal owners, farmers, and governments. As a leader in animal health, Boehringer Ingelheim values that the health of humans and animals is deeply connected and strives to make a difference for people, animals, and society. Learn more at www.bi-animalhealth.com

IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION: The safe use of MARQUIS in horses used for breeding purposes, during pregnancy, or in lactating mares has not been evaluated. In animal safety studies, loose feces, sporadic inappetence, lost weight, and moderate edema in the uterine epithelium were observed. For use in animals only. Not for human use. Keep out of reach of children.

MARQUIS® is a registered trademark of Boehringer Ingelheim Animal Health USA Inc. ©2024 Boehringer Ingelheim Animal Health USA Inc., Duluth, GA. All rights reserved. US-EQU-0263-2024

This content originally appeared on Boehringer Ingelheim Animal Health and is published here with permission.

You can find more interesting stories in our section on Health & Education.

By Kentucky Equine Research Staff

In Arthur Conan Doyle’s The Hound of the Baskervilles, the renowned fictional detective Sherlock Holmes assesses the quality of a portrait by stating simply, “I know what is good when I see it.” For some horsemen, high-quality pasture may be viewed in the same way—difficult to describe but easy to identify.

What attributes separate high-quality pasture from middling or poor pasture? Some characteristics include species and growth stage of plants, density of desirable plants, weed population, and presence and extent of sacrificial areas. These barren areas are often found around feeders, waterers, or fencerows because of high traffic.

Pasture quality is often intrinsically linked to pasture care. Are soil tests conducted to inform owners how to fertilize? Are pastures mowed and dragged regularly? Are weed-control measures performed?

Kentucky Equine Research prompts horse owners to complete a detailed form when they request a ration evaluation. Every component of a horse’s diet must be depicted accurately. One question asks owners to describe their pastures in one of five ways: drylot, sparse, moderate, lush, or high in oxalates. By knowing the quality of pasture, especially the availability of forage, nutritionists can estimate potential intake levels and the nutrient contribution to the diet.

Drylot. A drylot is any area where horses are turned out and able to move around freely, but the area contains no forage. Drylots are often sand or gravel runs connected to a stall or turnout paddock. A drylot is ideal for horses that must consume carefully regulated diets such as easy keepers or those diagnosed with certain metabolic diseases. Horses with drylot turnout only will be entirely dependent on supplemental forage sources such as hay, chaff, forage cubes or pellets, or alternative fiber sources. If horses spend more than an hour or two in a drylot, forage should be provided to them.

Sparse pasture. Sparse pasture provides some forage for horses, though quality may be poor. The forage may be overmature, which can be determined by the presence of thick stems and seedheads, or it may be yellowing or brown, as in the case of drought-stricken plants. Sparse pasture may be due to overgrazing, which often leads to a flush of weed growth. Sacrificial or loafing areas may start small but spread wider, giving weeds a chance to take a foothold. Sparse pasture may also be due to inappropriate management, such as infrequent mowing, inadequate weed control, or lack of fertilization. This pasture will not support optimal dry matter intake per day but may be appropriate to meet the needs of easy keepers.

Moderate pasture. Moderate pastures may have a mix of grasses interspersed with weeds. Pasture will be unevenly grazed but will have minimal bare spots. Plant height will typically be inconsistent. Moderate pasture generally does not have consistent care with some mowing and minimal or no fertilization. Like sparse pasture, moderate pasture will not support the maximum dry matter intake per day.

Lush pasture. Lush cool-season pasture contains thick stands of grasses with few or no bare areas and even distribution of grazing across the pasture with minimal weed proliferation. Plants are kept at a height of 6-10 inches by regular mowing. This pasture will support maximum rate of dry matter intake. Cool-season grasses grow best during cool, moist periods of the year, such as in spring or autumn. They thrive in the temperature range of 59-77° F. Common cool season grasses include tall fescue, orchardgrass, ryegrass, Kentucky bluegrass, and bromegrass. Warm-season grasses grow best during warm periods of the year, flourishing when temperatures are in the range of 86-95° F. Bermudagrass and bahiagrass are typical warm-season grasses. When grasses are faced with temperatures outside of their ideal range, growth may slow considerably, decreasing yield.

Legumes such as clover, lespedeza, and alfalfa are most often used in pastures as components of mixes with grasses. Both grasses and legumes provide essential nutrients to horses, though legumes will convey more energy and protein as well as certain minerals.

The fifth category, high-oxalate pastures, pertains primarily to horse owners in tropical regions. Oxalates bind calcium in the gastrointestinal tract of the horse, thereby prohibiting its uptake into the bloodstream and its subsequent use throughout the body. Ingestion of these plants is typically not an issue unless they represent a large fraction of available forage or if oxalate-laden plants are more palatable than other species in the pasture landscape. Kikuyu, buffel, pangola, and green panic grasses all are potentially dangerous because of high oxalate levels.

Read more: Evaluating Pasture Quality for Horses

By Kentucky Equine Research Staff

As winter approaches in many areas of the world, horsemen must evaluate the nutrient requirements of their horses. Strictly speaking, water is not a nutrient, though no one can deny it’s imperative for life!

A plentiful, palatable source of water should be available to horses at all times, whether they are kept in stalls, runs, paddocks, or pastures. Because fresh forage is less plentiful in the wintertime, horses often subsist on diets composed largely of dry matter such as hay, grain, and nongrowing forage (pasture plants that have become dormant for the winter). The amount of dry matter consumed has a direct bearing on water requirements. Hay, grain, and nongrowing forage typically contain less than 15% moisture. In contrast, growing forages possess 60-80% moisture. Therefore, when horses are consuming winter rations, which are often chock full of dry matter, water requirements increase substantially. Horses are hardy creatures. Provided with adequate shelter, food, and water, they tolerate wintry elements well. Water can be offered to horses in several ways outdoors.

The option that undoubtedly involves the least amount of hassle is an automatic waterer. Because they are heated (usually by electricity, though sometimes with gas), there is little concern that they will freeze unless temperatures drop precariously low. Despite relatively few problems with automatic waterers, they should be checked once or twice daily to be sure they’re functioning properly.

Troughs should be outfitted with water heaters in late fall. Several types of water heaters are available. Horsemen may want to opt out of using heaters that float, particularly if you have a prankster or two in your herd. Nothing is more alarming than seeing the water heater being hurled from the tank during playtime exuberance.

One of the most popular heaters on the market is made specifically for the durable Rubbermaid stock tanks that have become popular throughout the country. Using the drain plug for installation, the thermostat-controlled heater sits near the bottom of the tank. If the tank is positioned near a fenceline, the electrical cord, which runs from the back of the tank, can be kept safely out of reach of horses.

Before using a heater, inspect it carefully for worn wires and other damage, and be sure it’s working properly. Once the heater has been installed or plunged into the trough, check the water for electrical sensation by placing a bare hand in the water. An accidental shock might scare some horses and back them off the water source indefinitely.

A final word on winter watering: Do not expect horses to eat snow to satisfy their water requirements. They would have to consume considerable snow to fulfill body needs. In addition, do not expect horses to break ice in troughs or tanks to gain access to potable water. Allow your horse to enjoy his winter wonderland, complete with clean, fresh water!

Read more: Winter Water Requirements for Horses

Is your horse feeling his oats? Incorporate calming supplements for horses.

While colder weather is perfect for watching a movie or reading a book indoors, it is often less-than-ideal for equestrians who prioritize riding and training year-round.

Now is the time to incorporate calming supplements for horses.

Are your riding lessons a bit more spirited these days? For many horses, the addition of calming supplements, which include specific herbs, vitamins and minerals, can modify the neurotransmitters in the brain, changing the horse's reaction to stress-inducing environmental factors.

Magnesium plays an important role in the nervous and muscular systems. An adequate level of magnesium helps with stress management, muscle tension and irritable, unpredictable behavior, which is commonly experienced with chilly winter temperatures ongoing across the country. Vitamin-B complex also is important in various metabolic functions within the body and is proven to help relieve anxiety and stress.

There are a number of equine calming supplements available to choose from to help manage your horse's apprehension. Our customers consistently share powerful stories of success with the use of Command Serene. It is an all-natural, herb-free calming formula for horses, available in pellets, powder and paste forms. Command Serene contains concentrated levels of B-vitamins and magnesium. It counteracts the stress that leads to irritable, nervous, unpredictable behavior, and allows the horse to be more focused.Command Serene is completely natural without the addition of any sugars or fillers, and it will not test.

Help your horse find relaxation and focus, so you may enjoy more serene rides.

This article originally appeared on Valley Vet and is published here with permission. Valley Vet Supply was founded in 1985 by veterinarians for people just like you - people who want the very best for their four-legged friends and livestock.

All photos courtesy of Valley Vet.

There are more informative articles in our section on Health & Education.

by Equine Info Exchange

We had a great opportunity to speak with Dr. Anna Dunaway, Equine Nutritionist from Purina Animal Nutrition, about the challenges people have helping their horses achieve and maintain a healthy weight, while balancing their feed choices with what makes sense economically for owners.

Dr. Dunaway travels around the country and helps owners with their specific needs. She explains, “When we enter a barn, we have the best interests in mind of the owner and their horses. We’re not there to sell a particular feed or supplement, but to understand help and address each horse’s unique needs.”

Here are her 3 quick wins owners can use to help their horses maintain healthy weight.

1. Select the right product

An owner may not be seeing an increase in weight, not because the product is bad, but perhaps they misapplied the product for the horse. If you have a high performance horse, are you choosing the right product? What can people do to choose the right product?

Read the package and descriptive support and look at the tag. For example, a tag which reads “Maintenance of Adult Horses” is not for high performance horses. If you feed 1-2 pounds a day, that is a ration balancer and is not meant to put weight on your horse. She recommends reading the purpose statements and directions. Dr. Dunaway has been writing content for feed tags for over seven years, helping guide owners to select the appropriate feed for their horses’ needs. She cautions that “Horses don’t eat feed tags” so the tags alone won’t tell you how the feed will perform for your horse.

To help choose the correct product, Purina has a Feed Finder tool! Try it!

2. Don’t think the cheaper feed will actually cost less to feed

There are a lot of false economies! Cheaper feed is not always cheaper to feed, especially if you need to add supplements for weight gain or retention. Most of the time, cheaper feeds are less expensive for a reason. When you buy a bag of feed which is a couple of dollars more, you may be getting a much better product. You may not need to buy costly supplements, your feed room will be less cluttered and there will be fewer feeding errors.

3. Good forage and preventing waste

Purina cares about the overall health of the horse and although this is not product related, Dr. Dunaway added that she often sees forage and hay waste as a big issue. Most barns she sees underestimate the amount of hay they throw away. She also sees that horses don’t eat poorer quality hay and it tends to get pushed around and wasted. Good forage is important in conjunction with feed. The poorer the hay quality, the more grain you will have to feed. She also advises farms to use a hay feeder as well since this simple step can reduce up to 50% of hay waste.

We know the challenges of horse ownership and Purina is supporting you for your horse’s good health. Have more questions? Let us know! Email us at info@equineinfoexchange.com.

About Anna Pesta Dunaway , Ph.D.

Anna Pesta Dunaway is a Nutritionist on the Equine Technical Solutions team at Purina Animal Nutrition. Her role includes bringing innovative solutions like the Equine MQ™ Platform from the research team out to the field. Dr. Dunaway’s Ph.D. research at the University of Nebraska focused on the use of high fat diets and manipulating the microbial community in the gut.

You can find more informative articles in our section on Health & Education.

Dylan Dombrowski from Purina tells us about their MQ Systemiq Probiotic Supplement.