Dehydration in horses is common during the hotter months, and with large parts of the UK experiencing prolonged periods of hot weather and official heat-health warnings in place, horse owners are being reminded that dehydration can become a serious welfare concern in a surprisingly short space of time. While most people associate dehydration with extreme temperatures, horses can begin to lose significant amounts of fluid and essential electrolytes through sweating long before obvious signs become apparent.

Whether competing, hacking, travelling or simply grazing in the field, maintaining adequate hydration is essential for a horse’s health, performance and wellbeing. Left unchecked, dehydration can increase the risk of fatigue, poor recovery, digestive disturbances and, in severe cases, life-threatening complications. Understanding how dehydration develops, recognising the early warning signs and knowing how to encourage horses to drink are key skills for every owner during periods of warm weather.

Signs of Dehydration in Horses

In hot weather, horses rely heavily on sweating for temperature regulation, leaving them prone to dehydration caused by the loss of electrolytes. The heat and sweat loss caused during the long hot days means it is essential to look out for signs of dehydration.

Signs of dehydration to look out for

Lethargic: If the horse seems distracted and is not performing as well as usual, or if they generally seem lethargic, this may be due to dehydration.

Urine: Dark or frothy urine can also be a tell-tale sign that the horse hasn’t been drinking enough water.

Gums: Another way to check if the horse is dehydrated is to look at the gums, which should be pink and moist. If the gums are tacky or dry, this gives you an indication that a horse may be dehydrated.

Capillary refill time: You can also press gently on the gum and see how long it takes for colour to return (this is known as capillary refill time, or CRT). The rebound should take one or two seconds, but it may take longer in a horse suffering from dehydration. It is important to note that an abnormal CRT can also point to more significant problems, usually associated with other clinical signs.

Skin: Perhaps one of the oldest known techniques is the skin pinch/tent test. Lightly tent some skin on the horse’s neck using your thumb and index finger and release it. The skin should ping back flat immediately; however, if it remains tented or is slow to flatten after you let go, the horse may be dehydrated.

Other indicators: Dark or dry droppings, a high heart rate, dull or dry eyes, a depressed state, and a fever can all be signs of dehydration in a horse.

How to prevent dehydration in a horse

There are small and straightforward measures horse owners can take that will help prevent dehydration.

Fresh water: Perhaps the most obvious measure is to make sure all horses have constant and easy access to clean, fresh water, particularly after exercise or when out in the paddock. Horse owners should check the water supply and quality there-of throughout the day.

Stabling: While stabling can help prevent overheating and offer time away from the sun, owners should be aware they can often become too warm. If stables lack ventilation and generally hold heat well in the winter, this may not be the best option for the horse. A field lined with mature trees offers a haven away from the heat; however, be mindful of flies and other nuisances.

Feed: If you want to make sure the horse takes in extra water, you can try soaking their hay or adding excess water to their hard food. Make sure hay is soaked immediately before feeding to avoid excess time spent in water. Hay soaking for too long can cause a loss of nutrients. Soakable feeds can also offer assistance in hydrating a horse reluctant to take in water.

Riding: To help prevent excess sweating, ride either first thing in the morning or in the evening when the day’s heat is not as prominent. If a horse has been exercising in the sun, which is sometimes unavoidable, it will lose electrolytes that need to be replenished.

Electrolytes

Electrolytes are common minerals needed for all bodily functions and are lost when the horse sweats. Sweating can vary depending on several factors, including fitness, age and activity. There are five main types of electrolytes; Calcium, Chloride, Magnesium, Potassium and Sodium. Alongside sweating, Electrolytes are lost in droppings and urine.

Typically Electrolytes are replaced by forage: well-maintained grass and good quality hay, for example. However, when a horse has sweated excessively or after a prolonged period without access to water, Electroylets will need to be replaced by other means.

Replacing Electrolytes

Electrolytes are essential to the proper functioning of the digestive system and muscles, especially on recovery from exercise.

Adding a spoonful of table salt to the horse’s water or mixed into feed can help replace Electrolytes for those horses in regular work, or for those who are excessively sweating. The best way to replace Electrolytes is to supplement the horse via feed, water or paste. If not all, many of the industry’s top supplement manufacturers offer products that will replace Electrolytes lost depending on requirements, however, you should pay careful attention to the feed manufacturer’s instructions prior to use. Salt licks can be helpful for field grazed and stabled horses in excessive heat, but will not provide adequate intake should the horse sweat excessively.

If concerns arise surrounding severe hydration, veterinary advice should be sought immediately.

Acupuncture is increasingly used within modern veterinary medicine to support horses dealing with pain, injury recovery and performance-related issues. While rooted in ancient practice, veterinary acupuncture today combines traditional techniques with scientific understanding of how the nervous system and musculoskeletal system respond to treatment.

What is acupuncture?

Acupuncture involves the insertion of very fine sterile needles into specific points on the body to help relieve pain, improve circulation and support healing.

Modern veterinary research suggests acupuncture stimulates nerves, muscles and connective tissue, encouraging the release of natural pain-relieving and anti-inflammatory substances such as endorphins and serotonin. These chemicals influence pain pathways in both the spinal cord and brain and can help reduce discomfort while promoting relaxation and recovery.

What can acupuncture be used for in horses?

Veterinary acupuncture is commonly used alongside conventional veterinary treatment and rehabilitation programmes. Conditions and issues that may benefit from acupuncture include:

• Muscle soreness and tension
• Back and neck pain
• Arthritis and joint stiffness
• Soft tissue injuries
• Laminitis support and pain management
• Nerve-related pain
• Reduced performance or poor mobility
• Recovery following illness or injury
• Stress and tension-related behaviours
• Some respiratory conditions

Acupuncture is also widely used in performance horses to support muscle function, flexibility and recovery. Many owners and therapists incorporate it into ongoing maintenance programmes to help horses remain comfortable and perform at their best.

For older horses, acupuncture may help improve mobility and comfort levels, particularly where osteoarthritis or chronic stiffness are affecting quality of life.

Key points about acupuncture for horses

• Acupuncture should only be performed by a qualified veterinary surgeon or appropriately regulated veterinary professional.
• It is generally used alongside conventional veterinary diagnosis and treatment rather than as a replacement.
• Acupuncture is considered a safe procedure when performed correctly.
• Scientific evidence supporting veterinary acupuncture continues to grow, particularly in pain management and musculoskeletal conditions.
• Insurance policies may cover acupuncture treatment when recommended by a vet, but owners should always check their individual policy terms.
• Treatments are usually carried out in a clean, quiet stable environment where needles can be safely monitored.
• Some horses may feel relaxed or sleepy after treatment, so strenuous exercise or travelling immediately afterwards is not usually recommended.

A brief history of acupuncture

The use of needles and pressure points as a therapeutic technique dates back thousands of years and originated in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM).

Today, veterinary acupuncture generally follows one of two approaches:

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM)

This approach is based on restoring balance and energy flow, often referred to as “Qi”, through specific acupuncture points and meridians within the body.

Western Veterinary Acupuncture

The Western scientific approach is based on modern anatomy, neurology and physiology. Treatment points are selected using clinical examination and veterinary diagnosis, focusing on stimulating nerves, muscles and connective tissues to promote pain relief and healing.

Many modern veterinary practitioners use a combination of both approaches depending on the horse and condition being treated.

How do horses react to acupuncture?

Most horses tolerate acupuncture very well. Many show little or no reaction to needle insertion, while others may briefly twitch or flinch as certain points are stimulated.

During treatment, some horses become visibly relaxed — lowering the head, licking and chewing, yawning or even appearing sleepy. Others may be more sensitive initially, particularly if they are uncomfortable or tense.

Responses to treatment vary between individuals and conditions. Some horses show improvement after the first session, while others require several treatments before noticeable changes occur. In many cases, a course of three to six sessions spaced over several weeks is recommended.

As with any therapy, acupuncture may not be effective for every horse or every condition, but when incorporated into a wider veterinary treatment and rehabilitation plan it can provide valuable support for comfort, mobility and overall wellbeing.

Biosecurity is a fundamental process of helping keep our horses safe, as successful measures can help prevent the transmission of infectious diseases. Whether you look after your horse yourself or pay a livery service, it’s wise to practice safety measures throughout our interaction with our fellow equines.

In this article, Helen Whitelegg, Senior Campaigns Officer from Redwings Horse Sanctuary, explains the simple changes we can make in our horse care routines to help stamp out infectious diseases in equines, alongside shining the spotlight on strangles.

Did you know that almost half of our everyday actions are habits? From a morning cuppa to the weekly shop, habits are behaviours we carry out without really having to think about them. The upside is that we don’t spend time and energy weighing up options to make a decision. The downside is that breaking bad habits or forming new ones isn’t always easy!

We tend to use a lot of habits in our horse care routines. They can help us, and our horses know what’s going to happen when, and make it less likely we’ll forget to do something important. Seasonal changes, new equines moving on and off the yard, or when you’ve been away for a competition can offer the perfect excuse to ask ourselves whether any of our existing habits could be updated or improved, or fresh habits introduced, to benefit our horses’ health. And when it comes to infectious diseases, such as equine influenza, even small actions can make a big difference in reducing risk, so why not adopt our five healthy habits to start you and/or your yard off with a better biosecurity system?

Five Healthy Biosecurity Habits

Covid-19 has made us all far more aware of what’s involved in preventing the spread of an infectious disease. There’s no doubt that we all had to form new habits very quickly in 2020, many of which did not come easily. But did you know that some of the hygiene habits we have adopted over the past year or so also lend themselves to better biosecurity for horses? So, our five healthy horse habits may sound familiar!

1. Wash your hands
2. Check your horse’s temperature
3. Share with care
4. Practice social (equine) distancing
5. Isolate as a precaution

As with the Covid-19 pandemic, relatively small, everyday behaviours like these, which really can help to stop the transmission of disease, are as much part of good biosecurity as bigger steps such as testing and vaccination.

1. Wash your hands

Caring for horses is a very ‘hands-on’ activity, and bacteria or viruses can hitchhike on our skin if we touch an infected horse or contaminated surfaces. Regularly washing or disinfecting our hands is better for our horses’ health, as well as our own.

• Do you have handwashing facilities at your yard? Making hand sanitiser available at key points is also a good idea, especially for people arriving who may have come from another yard. And did you know that signs reminding people to wash their hands raised compliance in hospitals from 24% to 62%?

2. Check your horse’s temperature

Fever is usually the body’s first response when it detects harmful pathogens. Infectious diseases have evolved to thrive at the normal body temperature of their host, so heating things up makes it harder for the bacteria or virus to survive and reproduce.

Horses commonly develop a fever before they become contagious to others. If we can spot a new infection as soon as fever spikes, and isolate the horse as a precaution, we have the best chance of containing a disease before it spreads.

A healthy horse will have a resting temperature around 37.5 – 38.5^oc. A young foal’s normal range is a little higher, and a donkey’s a little lower. For a short demonstration of safely taking a horse’s rectal temperature go to www.redwings.org.uk/strangles/help-and-advice.

• How often do you take your horse’s temperature? Incorporate temperature checking ad-hoc into your horse’s routine, so you are both used to the procedure and you are familiar with what is normal for your horse and what is not.

 

3. Share with care

It’s great to be able to help each other out, and sharing certain items can help save costs. However, be aware that living areas or equipment can be a route of disease transmission between horses. Try to stick to your own tack and tools, or clean and disinfect anything you do share. Remember that anything a horse touches with its nose is particularly high risk, from buckets and water tanks to stabling and transport.

• Do you keep disinfectant in stock? Disinfectants vary widely, and a common household product is unlikely to kill an equine infectious disease. Look for a DEFRA approved disinfectant and check the specific pathogens it acts on. Always follow the manufacturer’s guidelines; using disinfectant incorrectly will make it both ineffective and a waste of money.

 

 

4. Practice social distancing

Infectious disease spreads most easily when horses are in direct contact, especially nose-to-nose contact, which creates a perfect transmission route for respiratory conditions. We know how important equine companionship is for our horses’ mental well-being, but be alert to the risk of introducing them to horses with unknown health statuses. Remember that a horse doesn’t have to look unwell to be contagious.

As owners, we should also be wary of interacting with new or unknown horses then returning to handle our own equine unless we wash our hands first. The risk may be low, but we can always make it lower.

• How would you politely discourage a stranger at a show from interacting with your horse? Infectious disease has often been a taboo subject, but we need to bring it into the open to raise awareness and remind people that there can be risk in well-meaning actions.

5. Isolate as a precaution

Covid-19 has taught us the importance of isolating before disease is confirmed. If a horse may have been exposed to disease, or has symptoms that haven’t yet been diagnosed, use isolation as a precaution while waiting for test results or until the disease’s incubation period has elapsed. When it comes to infectious illness it is far better to be safe than sorry. Waiting for test results before isolating the horse means the disease has already had time to spread.

• Does your yard routinely isolate new horses? New arrivals are one of the most common ways disease makes its way onto a yard, and routine isolation is always recommended to reduce risk. Isolation doesn’t have to be complicated: a clear notice on a stable door or paddock gate asking people not to enter or touch your horse, your own equipment, and disinfectant to clean your hands and boots each time you leave.

 

My biosecurity habit

Abigail Turnbull, horse owner and manager and co-owner of Richmond Equestrian Centre in North Yorkshire, explains why she made a habit of biosecurity:

I’ve always had high standards and pride myself on running a clean, organised, professional yard. But I think infectious disease is one of those topics that’s historically been under the radar, no one really discussed it; so like many other people, we hadn’t really considered the risk to our own horses. But when a disease like strangles strikes, as we learned very quickly, it can come at a very high cost – financially, physically, and emotionally. We had to cancel our largest British Eventing competition of the season, go into full lockdown for several weeks and it was an anxious, tiring time for everyone on the yard.

None of us want to go through it again, and I would say to anyone (and frequently do!), don’t learn about infectious disease the hard way. Good biosecurity should be a normal part of caring for horses. Compared to dealing with an outbreak, the cost and effort of protecting horses is tiny. Biosecurity habits are second nature for us now, and clients really value our commitment to the health of their horse.”

 

 

What the eye doesn’t see…

Preventing the spread of infectious disease in any species is made more challenging when contagious individuals may not look unwell. As we’ve already mentioned, a newly infected horse is often able to pass the disease on before they develop visible signs of ill-health themselves, for example. This is why checking horses’ temperatures is a great habit to get into, especially after they have been around other horses at an event or spent time away from home.

With some diseases, horses can also remain contagious after they have recovered from an illness. This is why it is important to work with your vet to make sure a horse has the all-clear before lifting quarantine and allowing them to come into contact with other equines again.

We may also see horses who pick up an infection and never become ill at all, or develop such mild signs that they are disregarded or mistaken for something else, while still spreading disease.

Spotlight on strangles

The most common infectious disease diagnosed in UK horses is strangles. Even when the equine flu outbreak was making national headlines during 2019, there were still many more cases of strangles recorded that year than flu.

Strangles can be a devastating disease for horses, owners, yard managers and equestrian communities and there are an estimated 600 outbreaks in the UK every year. Although research is increasing our understanding of the infection and vets’ ability to diagnose and treat it, everyone who interacts with horses has a part to play if we want to reduce this persistently widespread disease.

Getting to grips with strangles carriers

One of the reasons strangles continues to spread is the disease’s ability to create a ‘strangles carrier’. A carrier is a horse that has been infected and although appears to have fully recovered and be living a normal life, is still harbouring live strangles bacteria in a part of its respiratory system called the guttural pouch.

The good news is that strangles carriers cannot only be treated, but they can also be prevented! Vets can use an endoscope to access the guttural pouches of a horse who is recovering from the disease and check for signs of lingering infection. The scope can also be used to flush out remaining pus and bacteria, and take samples for testing to ensure a negative result is received. If unchecked, around 10% of horses with strangles will become a carrier, able to shed disease at any time over the coming months or years, triggering fresh outbreaks, all while seeming perfectly healthy. By taking steps to prevent horses from becoming carriers, the disease’s secret weapon is deactivated.

Find out more and see guttural pouch endoscopy in action at redwings.org.uk/strangles/help-and-advice/horse-owners along with other short, practical films.

 

 

Is there a vaccination for strangles?

A new strangles vaccine is now available in the UK. Although a vaccine has been available in the UK since 2010, there have been practical drawbacks, including the need for frequent boosters, along with an inability to differentiate vaccinated and infected horses on blood tests, which can impact outbreak management or routine screening strategies.

Trial results for the new vaccine were very promising, showing the need for less frequent boosters and DIVA capability, meaning that blood sample analysis can detect whether a horse is vaccinated rather than infected. The vaccination is also be administered into the muscle, making it quicker, easier, and safer to use.

An effective strangles vaccination is an exciting and valuable step forward in our efforts to control the disease. However, vaccination is best used in partnership with other biosecurity measures, not as a replacement for them. As strangles is a bacterial disease that spreads through contact, not on the air, your Five Healthy Habits can do more to prevent transmission than in the case of an airborne virus like equine flu, where we rely on vaccination as our main line of defence.

 

More challenges ahead

Climate change means there is increased likelihood of additional infectious diseases affecting horses in the UK that are currently rare or unrecorded. Conditions such as West Nile Virus and African Horse Sickness are already spreading to parts of the world where outbreaks have not been recorded, meaning there is no herd immunity and horses are very susceptible.

Longer spells of warmer, wetter weather are becoming a norm, along with fewer hard frosts in winter. This changing picture can make it easier for many bacteria, viruses, and spores to survive throughout the year, increasing the prevalence of pathogens in our horses’ environments.

This means the importance of good biosecurity is only likely to increase in the coming years. By establishing healthy habits now and knowing how to protect horses from infections like strangles that are already familiar to us, we can be far better prepared for new and even more unwelcome diseases that may threaten us in the future.

 

Make it a pledge!

Research has shown repeatedly that knowing we should do something doesn’t always translate into actually doing it. Wouldn’t life be easier if it did?! But there are also proven tactics we can use to increase our chances of starting and sticking to a new habit:

• Break it down into manageable steps
• Do it with a friend or as a group
• Turn your intention into a positive statement
• Tell other people

 

Redwings developed the ‘Stamp Out Strangles’ pledge to help give horse owners the best chance of introducing and sustaining good biosecurity habits. By taking the free online pledge horse owners, yard managers, vets and equine professionals are joining a growing network of equestrians who want to actively protect horses from infectious disease.

All pledgers receive a Strangles: Speak Out information pack, endorsed by the British Equine Veterinary Association, which is full of advice, information and ready to use resources. Regular, practical emails share additional ideas, reminders and top tips to help us all reach the point where protecting our horses from infectious disease is a habit we no longer need to think about.

In a survey of horse owners who had pledged to Stamp Out Strangles, 75% of respondents said their biosecurity had improved since taking the pledge, and 100% would recommend the pledge to other owners!

Pledging takes less than a minute and is completely free. Just go to the Redwings make a pledge page.

Equine Gastric Ulcer Syndrome (EGUS) is a common and often frustrating condition that can affect horses of all types and disciplines. It does not always present in obvious ways. Some horses become irritable or underperform, while others show only very subtle changes. Without gastroscopic examination, or scoping, it can be difficult to confirm, meaning some horses may go undiagnosed for extended periods.

Awareness of EGUS has increased significantly in recent years, along with research into how feeding and management influence its development. As a result, horse owners now have a much clearer understanding of how to reduce risk and support horses that may be affected.

Understanding the horse’s digestive system

To understand EGUS, it helps to consider how the horse is naturally designed to eat. Horses are trickle feeders, evolved to graze for the majority of the day on fibrous forage. This near-constant intake supports a healthy digestive system and helps maintain balance within the stomach.

As horses chew forage, they produce large amounts of saliva. This saliva plays an important role in buffering the acid that is continuously produced in the stomach. Unlike humans, horses produce stomach acid all the time, not just when they eat. This means that long periods without forage can leave the stomach lining exposed and more vulnerable to irritation.

Modern management can interrupt this natural pattern. Stabling, limited turnout, feeding set meals and including higher levels of concentrate feeds can all reduce chewing time and increase the gap between forage intake. Over time, this can create conditions that increase the risk of ulcer development.

Types of EGUS

Although EGUS is often used as a general term, it actually refers to two distinct conditions, each affecting a different area of the stomach and with slightly different underlying causes.

Equine Squamous Gastric Disease (ESGD)

This form affects the upper part of the stomach, which has little natural protection against acid. ESGD is commonly linked to feeding and management practices, particularly periods without forage, high-starch diets and intensive exercise.

When a horse exercises on an empty stomach, acid can move upwards and come into contact with this sensitive area. Repeated exposure over time can lead to irritation and ulceration.

Equine Glandular Gastric Disease (EGGD)

EGGD affects the lower part of the stomach. This region is designed to cope with acid, but it relies on a strong protective lining. When this defence is weakened, ulcers can develop.

Stress is thought to play a significant role in EGGD, alongside factors such as illness, medication use and changes in routine. This type of ulcer can sometimes be more complex to manage and may require a combination of veterinary treatment and careful management changes.

Which horses are affected?

It is now clear that EGUS is not limited to racehorses. While it remains common in Thoroughbreds in training, studies have shown that many other horses are affected.

Performance horses such as eventers, dressage horses, endurance horses and show jumpers are frequently at risk due to the demands of training, travel and competition. However, leisure horses can also be affected, particularly if their routine includes restricted forage, limited turnout or inconsistent feeding patterns.

Horses and ponies of any breed, age or workload can develop EGUS, which is why it is important for all owners to be aware of the condition.

Risk factors associated with EGUS

EGUS rarely has a single cause. It is usually the result of several risk factors coming together over time.

Low forage intake is one of the most significant contributors. Feeding less than around 1.5 percent of bodyweight as forage, or leaving horses without forage for more than four to six hours, increases risk.

High-starch diets and large concentrate meals can also contribute, as they reduce chewing time and may increase stomach acidity. Exercising a horse on an empty stomach is another well-recognised risk, as it allows acid to move more freely within the stomach.

Additional factors include stress from travel, competition or changes in routine, restricted access to water, use of certain medications such as NSAIDs, and social or environmental pressures.

When horses eat forage, they produce far more saliva than when eating concentrate feeds. This saliva contains natural buffers that help neutralise stomach acid, which highlights just how important fibre is in the diet.

Clinical signs

The signs of EGUS can vary widely and are not always easy to recognise. Some horses show clear signs of discomfort, while others display more subtle changes in behaviour or performance.

Changes in eating habits are often one of the first indicators. A horse may become fussy with feed, eat more slowly or leave part of its ration. Weight loss or difficulty maintaining condition can also be seen.

Behavioural changes are common. Horses may become more irritable, less willing to work or sensitive when being groomed or girthed. In ridden horses, a drop in performance or reluctance to go forward is often reported.

Some horses may also experience recurrent, mild episodes of colic, particularly where no other cause can be identified.

Nutritional management to reduce risk

Forage provision

Providing adequate forage is one of the most effective ways to support gastric health. Ideally, horses should have access to forage at all times to mimic natural grazing behaviour.

If forage needs to be controlled, for example in good-doers, it is still important not to drop below around 1.5 percent of bodyweight. Using small-holed haynets, double netting or offering forage in several locations can help extend eating time and encourage more natural feeding patterns.

Spreading forage across the day and overnight also helps reduce long periods without food, which are a key risk factor for ulcer development.

Managing starch and concentrates

Keeping starch intake within recommended levels is important. Feeding smaller meals more frequently can help reduce the impact on the stomach and improve overall digestion.

Where possible, choosing fibre-based feeds instead of high-starch concentrates can support a healthier digestive environment. If additional energy is needed, adding oil to the diet can increase calorie intake without increasing starch levels.

Supporting gastric health

Simple feeding practices can make a noticeable difference. Offering a small amount of forage, such as chaff or alfalfa, before exercise can help reduce acid movement within the stomach.

Alfalfa is often included in diets for horses prone to ulcers because it is naturally higher in calcium, which may help buffer stomach acid. Oil can also be added to support energy requirements in a more digestive-friendly way.

Ensuring constant access to fresh, clean water is equally important, as hydration plays a key role in maintaining normal digestive function.

Reducing stress

Management and routine have a strong influence on gastric health. Horses benefit from consistency, so keeping feeding, turnout and exercise routines as regular as possible can help reduce stress.

Turnout and social interaction are also valuable, as they allow horses to express natural behaviours. For performance horses, balancing training with adequate rest is important. Managing travel carefully and avoiding long periods without forage when away from home can also help reduce risk.

Additional support

Some horses may require more than management changes alone, particularly in more severe cases. Veterinary advice should always be sought where EGUS is suspected, as diagnosis and treatment plans can vary depending on the type and severity.

There are also supplements available that are designed to support gastric health. These can be useful alongside good feeding and management, but they should not replace the basics of a fibre-rich diet and consistent routine.

Final thoughts

EGUS is a complex but increasingly well understood condition. By aligning feeding and management practices more closely with the horse’s natural behaviour, the risk can be significantly reduced.

A consistent routine, a fibre-focused diet and careful attention to stress all play an important role. With early recognition and thoughtful management, many horses can remain comfortable, healthy and able to perform to their full potential.

Winter colic in horses is something many owners worry about – and you’ll often see advice flying around online at this time of year. In this guide, we’ll explain why winter can increase colic risk, what signs to watch for, and the simple day-to-day steps that can help keep your horse drinking and their gut moving.

During cold weather, many horses drink less than they do in summer. This matters because water plays a vital role in keeping feed moving smoothly through the digestive system. When gut contents become too dry, the risk of impaction colic increases.

Colic is a general term for abdominal pain in horses, and it can range from mild, short-lived discomfort to a serious emergency. Because horses can deteriorate quickly, it’s always safest to take any suspected colic seriously and contact your vet for advice.

As a result, winter horse care often comes down to one unglamorous but essential factor: adequate water intake.

Can a horse colic from cold weather?

Cold weather does not directly cause colic. However, winter conditions can create the perfect storm of risk factors that make colic more likely.

A simple way to think about it is: if your horse drinks less, the digestive system has less water to work with. That can make gut contents drier and slower-moving, which is where problems can start.

In winter:

• Horses may drink less when water is very cold, icy, or partially frozen
• Reduced drinking can lead to dehydration
• Dehydration can cause gut contents to become drier and slower-moving
• This increases the risk of impaction colic

Petplan Equine notes that horses store large amounts of water in their gastrointestinal tract and if the contents become too dry, this can contribute to impaction colic.

Can horses get colic from frost?

Not from frost itself, but frost often goes hand-in-hand with practical issues that reduce hydration.

The key point is that even if water is “there”, it may not be drinkable (or your horse may not want it) if it’s iced over or bitterly cold.

• Troughs icing over overnight
• Buckets freezing in stables
• Horses avoiding very cold water

So while frost is not a direct cause, it can indirectly increase risk by limiting access to drinkable water.

Why horses often drink less in winter

In the UK winter, drinking patterns can change for perfectly normal reasons – but it’s worth knowing what to look out for so you can step in early.

Several everyday management factors commonly reduce water consumption during the winter:

• Cold water temperature (some horses actively avoid icy water)
• Frozen troughs or iced buckets limiting access
• Reduced sweating, leading owners to assume water needs are lower
• Increased hay or haylage and reduced grass intake (hay is much drier)
• Changes in routine, including increased stabling or reduced turnout

Winter colic risk factors that can stack up

Winter colic is rarely caused by just one thing. It’s usually a few small changes happening at once – and together they can increase the chance of digestive upset.

Reduced water intake is a major risk factor, but it is rarely the only one. Winter colic risk increases when low drinking combines with:

• Sudden increases in hay or haylage
• Reduced movement or exercise
• Stress from weather, routine changes, box rest or transport
• Dental problems that reduce chewing efficiency and fibre breakdown

Signs your horse may not be drinking enough

Some horses are very good at hiding early signs, so it helps to focus on the little day-to-day clues (especially droppings and stable wet patches).

Reduced water intake is not always obvious, especially in horses that drink little and often. Watch for:

• Smaller, drier droppings
• Fewer droppings or longer gaps between mucking out
• Dullness, reduced appetite or “not quite right” behaviour
• Darker urine or fewer wet patches in the stable
• Mild signs of abdominal discomfort, such as pawing or flank-watching

If you suspect colic, always treat it as urgent.

Colic warning signs: when to call the vet

If your horse is showing signs of colic, it’s always better to call your vet sooner rather than later. Waiting to see if it “passes” can waste valuable time.

Contact your vet immediately if you see any of the following:

• Repeated rolling or attempts to lie down
• Persistent pawing, flank-watching or kicking at the abdomen
• Sweating, rapid breathing or an elevated heart rate
• No droppings, or signs that worsen over time

Colic can escalate quickly, and early veterinary assessment is always the safest option.

How to prevent winter colic in horses

The good news is that a few small management tweaks can make a big difference. The aim is simple: keep water easy to access, appealing to drink, and support steady gut movement.

Small management changes can significantly improve winter water intake and reduce risk:

1. Keep water ice-free and accessible: Check troughs and buckets several times daily during freezing conditions.
2. Offer slightly warmed water: Many horses drink more readily when water is cool rather than icy-cold.
3. Provide multiple water sources: Some horses prefer buckets, others troughs – offering both can help.
4. Increase water intake through feed
   • Add water to hard feed
   • Use soaked feeds where appropriate
   • Feed soaked hay if advised by your vet, particularly for horses with a history of impaction colic
5. Maintain turnout and movement: Regular movement supports gut motility and reduces colic risk.
6. Keep salt available: A salt lick or small amounts of salt added to feed (only where appropriate for your horse’s health and diet) can help encourage drinking.

How much water should a horse drink?

There isn’t one perfect number for every horse, and winter can make it harder to judge. What matters most is knowing what’s normal for your horse and spotting changes early.

Water requirements vary depending on size, diet, workload and health. If you are unsure what is normal for your horse, measure water intake over several days using marked buckets and discuss any concerns with your vet.

Quick winter hydration checklist

If you want a simple routine to follow on cold days, use this as your quick check.

• Water available 24/7 (not frozen)
• Buckets/troughs checked morning and evening (more in hard frost)
• Consider offering a bucket of slightly warmed water
• Add water to feed where suitable
• Maintain turnout/movement where safe
• Monitor droppings and stable wet patches

The bottom line

During winter, one of the simplest and most effective colic prevention strategies is often overlooked: making drinking easy.

Keeping water available, palatable and unfrozen, alongside consistent forage, dental care and regular movement, can significantly reduce the risk of dehydration-related digestive problems.

This article is for general information only and is not a substitute for veterinary advice. If you suspect colic, contact your vet immediately.

Understanding Rain Scald: Prevention and Treatment for Winter Horse Care

Rain scald and mud rash are just some of the problems plaguing horses over the winter months. As the weather begins to change, we are faced with different seasonal skin diseases in our horses and ponies. Here, we take a look at rain scald, where and when it’s likely to strike, prevention, and treatment.

What is Rain Scald?

Rain scald (or rain rot) is superficial dermatitis in horses caused by the bacterium Dermatophilus congolensis.

This bacterium is a normal skin resident, but excess moisture and humidity cause the ‘spores’ to disperse and penetrate the skin, and infection occurs. It is most commonly found along the horse’s back, neck, and head, though it can affect other areas of the body when conditions are favourable for bacterial growth.

The clinical symptoms of the disease are clumps of matted hair with an ovoid-shaped scab underneath. The undersurface of the scab often has hair roots protruding through, giving the appearance of a ‘paintbrush’.

Horses are not often itchy with rain scald, but the scabs can be painful to remove as the skin is tender and oozes serum. Severe cases may mean you are unable to ride your horse due to the painful lesions under the saddle area. In particularly bad outbreaks, horses may also show signs of discomfort when being groomed or rugged.

Confirming Diagnosis of Rain Scald

The diagnosis of rain scald can usually be confirmed by clinical symptoms; however, your vet may take a hair sample, skin scrape, or swab to certify the disease and rule out other skin conditions such as ringworm or dermatophilosis.

Prevention of Rain Scald

Good management can easily prevent the condition. Horses should be kept dry with appropriate rugging and stabling in wet weather. Regular checks of your horse’s skin condition during the winter months will help you catch any early signs before they develop into more serious cases.

The condition can be contagious between horses through sharing of grooming brushes, clippers, numnahs, and other equipment, so take sensible precautions regarding biosecurity measures. It’s advisable to have separate grooming kits for each horse, particularly if one has shown susceptibility to rain scald in the past.

The condition can be contagious between horses through sharing of grooming brushes, clippers, numnahs, and other equipment, so take sensible precautions regarding biosecurity measures.

If your horse gets caught in a downpour, make sure you thoroughly dry him before placing any rug on. Pay particular attention to areas where water tends to pool, such as along the spine and behind the ears.

Additional Prevention Tips

• Ensure rugs are waterproof and well-fitted to prevent rubbing and moisture accumulation
• Check rugs regularly for damage or areas where water may be seeping through
• Provide adequate shelter in fields so horses can escape prolonged exposure to rain
• Maintain good field drainage where possible
• Groom regularly to remove dirt and debris that can trap moisture against the skin
• Ensure your horse’s coat is in good condition, as a healthy coat provides better natural protection

Treatment of Rain Scald

Spontaneous recovery can occur between three to six weeks, provided appropriate control and group eradication measures are in place. Horses receiving topical treatment will heal faster.

The bacteria are susceptible to chlorhexidine and povidone-iodine washes, and these washes should be used to help remove the scabs and treat the underlying skin lesions. When applying these treatments, work gently to avoid causing additional pain or trauma to the affected areas.

Topical antibacterial creams can be helpful, and in severe cases, systemic antibiotics may be warranted. Washing grooming brushes in disinfectant and avoiding sharing tack and equipment with other horses will help prevent the spread of the disease.

Horses do not develop immunity to this condition. If your horse has had it once, it may suffer again in wet conditions in the future, making prevention all the more important for susceptible individuals.

It is best to consult your vet if you think your horse may have rain scald so they can advise on the most appropriate treatment for your horse’s specific case.

Reasons for Treatment Failure

The key is to treat all affected horses in a yard or group. If a chronic carrier is not treated appropriately, then they may be a source of infection to other horses, perpetuating the problem throughout the winter season.

Repeated exposure to wet weather will significantly decrease the success of treatment. As well as topical treatment, it is vital that appropriate rugging and shelter is provided. Without addressing the environmental factors, treatment alone may prove ineffective.

Special care should be taken for elderly horses, immuno-suppressed horses, or those diagnosed with Cushing’s disease, as these individuals may be more susceptible to infection and slower to heal.

If there is an underlying disease process, your horse may not respond as anticipated to treatment, and advice from your vet should be sought. In some cases, blood tests may be recommended to rule out conditions that could be compromising your horse’s immune system.

Key Takeaways

Rain scald is a manageable condition when caught early and treated appropriately. The combination of good stable management, prompt treatment, and biosecurity measures will give your horse the best chance of avoiding this uncomfortable winter ailment. Remember, prevention is always better than cure, so investing time in keeping your horse dry and monitoring their skin condition will pay dividends throughout the wetter months.

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Editorial contribution: Portions of this article were written by Nancy Homewood BVetMed MRCVS, providing expert veterinary insight into the diagnosis and treatment of rain scald.

Article provided by Equine Guelph**

Equine asthma is one of the most prevalent respiratory conditions affecting horses worldwide, impacting performance, quality of life, and long-term health. While the terminology used to describe this condition may vary between countries—with terms such as Recurrent Airway Obstruction (RAO), Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), heaves, or broken wind still commonly used—the underlying condition and its debilitating symptoms remain the same.

This inflammatory airway disease affects horses of all ages, breeds, and disciplines, from leisure horses to elite competition animals. The condition occurs when the airways become hypersensitive to environmental triggers, leading to inflammation, mucus production, and constriction of the small airways in the lungs. Left unmanaged, equine asthma can significantly compromise your horse’s athletic ability, comfort, and overall wellbeing.

The good news is that with proper understanding, environmental management, and appropriate veterinary care, equine asthma can be effectively controlled in most cases. Prevention is always preferable to treatment, and many cases can be avoided or minimised through careful stable management and awareness of environmental risk factors.

In this article, Equine Guelph—a world-leading equine research and education centre—provides expert information on how to recognise, prevent, and manage equine asthma and other related respiratory and breathing issues that our horses can suffer from. Whether you’re concerned about a persistent cough, reduced performance, or simply want to optimise your horse’s respiratory health, this guide will equip you with the knowledge you need to protect your horse’s airways and breathing capacity.

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Understanding the triggers, recognising the early warning signs, and implementing effective management strategies can make the difference between a horse that struggles with chronic respiratory problems and one that breathes freely and performs to their full potential.

Have you ever walked into a stable, and felt like your lungs were being assaulted? This is how a horse feels, particularly if they spend hours in a stable. When horses exercise, they take on upwards of 16 times as much air per second than their human owners. Their lung capacity is enormous, as are their athletic capabilities unless they are compromised by environmental factors. Much can be done from a management standpoint to minimize dust and harmful particulates in a horse’s environment while maximizing athletic function and general comfort in the process.

When horses exercise, they take on upwards of 16 times as much air per second than their human owners.

Even a horse not exhibiting signs of breathing issues may be under assault from airborne particles. Every effort should be taken to minimize dust to practice prevention of irreversible breathing issues.

The culprits we can control

• Keep hay and bedding fresh, as these are two of the top sources of mould and particulate in a horse’s environment
• Consider wetting or steaming hay prior to feeding or hay alternatives if the horse is triggered by the hay in its diet. Research has been conducted on steamed hay vs soaked and the variable nutrient losses to consider, so be sure to discuss this option with your vet and nutritionist.
• Consider highly absorbent shavings over straw
• Ventilation is a primary concern when building a barn but many stables are lacking. Ensure you have good airflow through your stable and periodically remove the cobwebs as you clean your barn.
• Horses take in 64-70 litres of air per second when exercising. Footing in the arena needs to be regularly maintained to keep dust from rising into the air.
• Do not sweep dust and debris from the barn aisle into your horse’s stable, in fact, don’t sweep at all when horses are in the barn if possible
• Dappen down the floor before you begin and wear a mask for your own respiratory health
• Keep horses outside as much as possible, unless medical conditions require stalling.

Have a look below at Equine Guelph’s Defend Against Dust fact sheet and infographic shared by Equine Guelph sponsor, Boehringer Ingelheim.

Signs and Symptoms of Equine Asthma

Recognising the signs of equine asthma early is crucial for effective management and preventing the condition from progressing to a more severe, chronic state. The symptoms can range from subtle changes that are easily overlooked to obvious respiratory distress that significantly impacts your horse’s quality of life and performance. Understanding what to look for enables you to intervene quickly and work with your veterinary surgeon to implement an appropriate treatment and management plan.

Key Clinical Signs of Equine Asthma

Coughing

A persistent cough is often the first and most noticeable sign of equine asthma. This may present as occasional coughing when the horse first starts exercise, a chronic cough throughout the day, or coughing fits triggered by dust, feeding, or changes in environment. The cough occurs as the horse attempts to clear mucus and debris from inflamed, narrowed airways. Some horses cough more frequently when stabled or when hay is shaken out, whilst others may cough primarily during the first few minutes of work as they begin to breathe more deeply. A cough that persists for more than a few days, worsens over time, or is accompanied by other respiratory signs warrants veterinary investigation.

Nasal Discharge from Mucus Production

Increased mucus production is a hallmark of equine asthma, as the inflamed airways produce excessive secretions in response to irritation. You may notice nasal discharge ranging from clear and watery to thick, white, or occasionally yellow mucus. The discharge is typically bilateral (from both nostrils) and may be more noticeable after exercise or coughing episodes when mucus is expelled from the lower airways. While a small amount of clear discharge can be normal, persistent or copious nasal secretions—particularly if thick or discoloured—indicate significant airway inflammation and mucus accumulation in the lungs.

Exercise Intolerance

Horses with equine asthma often show a marked decline in athletic performance and stamina. This exercise intolerance occurs because the narrowed, inflamed airways cannot deliver sufficient oxygen to meet the demands of physical exertion. You may notice your horse tiring more quickly than usual, showing reluctance to work, taking longer to recover after exercise, or displaying reduced enthusiasm for activities they previously enjoyed. Performance horses may struggle to maintain their usual level of work, show slower times, or refuse jumps. In severe cases, even light exercise such as walking or trotting may cause laboured breathing and distress. This progressive loss of performance is often gradual, making it easy to attribute to other factors such as fitness, age, or lack of motivation, which is why awareness of other concurrent symptoms is so important.

Difficulty Expelling Air

One of the characteristic features of equine asthma is difficulty with expiration—breathing out. While healthy horses breathe in and out in a smooth, effortless motion, horses with asthma must work harder to push air out of their constricted airways. You may observe increased abdominal effort during breathing, where the horse uses their abdominal muscles to forcefully expel air from the lungs. This creates a distinctive two-phase expiratory effort, where you can see the abdomen lift in two distinct movements rather than one smooth motion. The horse may also have an increased respiratory rate at rest, flared nostrils, or appear to be breathing with visible effort even when not exercising.

Heave Line

In chronic, severe cases of equine asthma, a visible “heave line” may develop along the horse’s abdomen. This is a ridge of hypertrophied (enlarged) muscle that runs along the lower edge of the ribcage, created by the constant, excessive use of abdominal muscles to force air out of the lungs. The heave line appears as a distinct groove or line of muscle definition and indicates long-term, significant respiratory compromise. The presence of a heave line suggests the condition has been present for an extended period and that the horse has been working very hard to breathe. While this sign indicates advanced disease, it’s important to note that horses can have significant equine asthma without developing a heave line, particularly if the condition is identified and managed before it reaches this chronic stage.

Inflammation of Lung Epithelium and Narrowing of the Bronchi

The underlying pathology of equine asthma involves inflammation of the epithelial lining of the airways and constriction (narrowing) of the bronchi and bronchioles—the small airways in the lungs. This inflammation causes the airway walls to thicken, reduces the diameter of the air passages, and triggers excessive mucus production, all of which impair airflow and gas exchange. While you cannot directly observe this internal inflammation, your veterinary surgeon can confirm it through diagnostic procedures.

Bronchoalveolar Lavage (BAL) is the gold standard diagnostic test for equine asthma. This procedure involves passing an endoscope (a flexible camera) through the horse’s nostril, down the trachea, and into the lungs. Sterile saline solution is then flushed into a section of the lung and immediately suctioned back out, collecting cells and mucus from the small airways. The fluid is analysed in a laboratory to identify the types and numbers of inflammatory cells present—particularly neutrophils, which are elevated in horses with equine asthma. A BAL provides definitive diagnosis, helps determine the severity of the condition, and can guide treatment decisions. It also helps rule out other respiratory conditions such as infectious diseases or exercise-induced pulmonary haemorrhage.

Additional Signs to Monitor

Beyond the primary symptoms, horses with equine asthma may also display:

• Reduced appetite due to difficulty breathing while eating
• Weight loss from increased energy expenditure of laboured breathing
• Nostril flaring at rest or with minimal exertion
• Increased respiratory rate (normal is 8-16 breaths per minute at rest)
• Abnormal lung sounds such as wheezes or crackles (detected by your vet with a stethoscope)
• Reluctance to lie down as this can worsen breathing difficulty
• Anxiety or restlessness associated with respiratory discomfort

When to Call Your Vet

If your horse displays any combination of these signs—particularly a persistent cough, nasal discharge, and reduced performance—contact your veterinary surgeon promptly. Early intervention can prevent progression to chronic, irreversible airway damage and significantly improve your horse’s prognosis and quality of life. Your vet can perform a thorough respiratory examination, including listening to lung sounds, assessing breathing effort, and potentially performing diagnostic procedures such as endoscopy or BAL to confirm the diagnosis and determine the most appropriate treatment and management strategy.

Remember that equine asthma is a manageable condition when identified early and addressed with appropriate environmental modifications and veterinary care.

Dr. Dorothee Bienzle illustrates signs of heaves/asthma in this video.

Why Practice Diligent Prevention?

Irreversible damage can be done by the cumulative effect from years of exposure to dust, mould and other particulate matter.

If a horse is coughing and asthma is suspected, the veterinarian will be looking closely at the horse’s environment to determine what is causing the irritation in the lungs. They will be looking at all potential causes which could include: dusty environments, smoke inhalation, pollen or other allergens and particles in the pasture or hay.

Don’t wait for your horse to start coughing to practice prevention. If your horse begins to cough, call the vet right away to investigate the cause. When dealing with respiratory ailments early diagnostics, aggressive treatment and environmental management are of paramount importance.

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Managing a horse prone to laminitis

Soaking Vs Steaming Hay: Improving Respiratory Health

Equine obesity is now considered an equine welfare crisis by many leading animal charities in the UK. With the rise of equine obesity across a nation of horse-lovers, why are we facing an equine obesity problem?

This article starts off by looking at the dangers of obesity in horses before looking at the horse owners’ part in the problem.

The Dangers of Obesity in Horses

With one study finding that less than 1% of horse owners perceived weight gain as an issue, the dangers of obesity are more of a concern than ever for equine welfare advocates.

In horses, obesity contributes to conditions such as insulin resistance and laminitis, which need intensive management and often accumulate large financial costs to support the care of the conditions and horse welfare.

Carrying excessive weight can also put a huge strain on horse health alongside the musculoskeletal system. Putting unnecessary pressure on joints, obesity can attribute to the development of arthritis. Plus, the increased energy expenditure needed to move when horses have a large body mass can increase onset of fatigue and therefore risk of injury.

How Owners Are Contributing To Equine Obesity?

Equine obesity is a multifactorial problem, meaning there are multiple management and individual factors which can contribute to the condition, and combinations of these factors can be different in every horse’s scenario.

Individual factors contributing to obesity in horses include; breed, age and genetics. These cannot be controlled by the owners, however, management of horse diet and lifestyle can be controlled and may reduce the risk of obesity.

Recognition of equine obesity is one of the major barriers to the prevention and rectification of body condition. In one study, researchers found that only 11% of horse owners could recognise overweight horses correctly. Horse owners with obese horses have also been found to be more likely to underestimate their horse’s body condition. However, with the increase in horse obesity, a horse which is overweight could be viewed as the ‘ideal’ weight, due to the normalisation of this body type in the industry.

In addition, horse owners are thought not to be altering their management to the seasons. In the winter, it is natural for horses to lose weight, as food sources and quality become scarcer. On the other hand, in the summer, horses will have availability to a much more nutrient and energy-dense diet. Although, horse owners may not be altering their provision of supplementary feed in accordance with these changes, therefore noticing an increase in body fat year on year.

Access to lush pastures on field rotation and unnecessary hard feed for the horse’s dietary requirements and workload are all factors that can be controlled by the horse owners.

The perception of horses, from working to more of ‘a member of the family’ could also contribute to the equine obesity crisis. In other animals, the application of human characteristics often leads to obesity and incorporates attitudes such as increased concern for health, which is noticeable across equestrians’ on their social media platforms.

It is recommended to monitor your horse’s body condition and speak to a dedicated equine nutritionist on a regular basis, particularly during the change of seasons.

If you’re looking for essential weight control tips for your field-kept horse, then this article is for you.

Although turn-out is extremely important in a horse’s regime, struggling to control how much they eat whilst they are out can be problematic. Over-grazing can cause weight gain and a predisposition to laminitis, with owner’s often deciding the stable their horse to prevent these common problems. Weight control tips for field-kept horses are even more sought after, with some having nowhere to turn if they stumble across over-grazing issues.

With the grass growing at a prolific rate, we put together a few ways to controlling horse grass intake and weight, whilst they are out. Get your horses out and staying out all summer, with these essential tips on weight control for field-kept horses!

Monitor weight

A good practice for horse owners is the monitoring of horse weight. Making the effort to check for weight changes, just once per week, can alert to any abnormal changes in weight that have not been influenced by diet or exercise.

Weight monitoring can be done in a variety of ways, the most reliable being the use of a weigh-bridge. The industrial size scales can give an exact and accurate reading of how heavy your horse is, although they do come with their draw backs. Weigh bridges are not on every yard, so accessing one may be difficult with travel often required. More recently, weighbridges have been introduced in portable versions. However, they do come with a price tag of around £20 per horse and, therefore, are expensive to access regularly. However, they are ideal for establishing weight if you have never had your horse weighed before, or ahead of worming procedures.

Cheaper ways of assessing horse weight come in the form of a weight tape. Weight tapes are an easy to use, tape measure device. Placing the tape around the circumference of the horse’s body, at the girth and behind the wither, the tapes are perfect for a quick and easy reading of weight. The tapes aren’t as accurate weigh bridges but provide an indication of any weight gain and loss your horse might be experiencing.

Although, weight isn’t the only indicator that your horse is piling on the pounds! Checking body condition score may be crucial, as this is an indicator of fat percentage, whist weight accounts for muscle as well. Try assessing other horse’s body weight, as oppose to your own, as research suggests owner bias toward an ideal body condition. The ideal body condition is 3.

Restrict available grazing

It is not recommended to restrict grazing altogether, but restricting the amount horses can get their teeth stuck into is vital for weight control.

Restricting the amount grazed when your horse is out can be done in multiple ways. Firstly, try strip grazing. Strip grazing is sectioning a larger field into smaller sections, so horses don’t have free rein on how much they eat. The area should still be big enough to allow your horse to move comfortably, so make sure the width allows a good turning circle. Strip grazing can be gradually increased in size as your horse eats down the grass, or, with the grass growing at its current rate, you may find the area a perfect permeant feature.

With electric fencing come problems, though. Many horses don’t respect them, and owners commonly find their horses escaping in search of better grass or to see a friend. Try fencing with copper wiring for increased conductivity and a sharper current to prevent them from snapping and destroying the fence line.

Electric fence power can be sourced from mains electricity; however, most owners opt for battery packs. When using a battery pack, make sure to keep it charged, as low or no power could result in an escape. The Tractor Factory SHIRE Electric Fence Energiser powers up to 6 miles of fencing and is waterproof, so there’s no need to worry about rain damage, either!

As an extra precaution, try a grazing muzzle. If you decide to use a grazing muzzle, keep an eye out for any rubbing or discomfort. Also, consider your horse’s current ability to eat the grass. If they struggle with shorter grass due to age or dental condition, grazing muzzles are advised against. It is also advised to allow periods of the day without a grazing muzzle, as it can restrict social behaviour such as grooming.

Turnout without the worry of grass

If you are still worried your horse might eat a bit too much grass, try turning out in a starvation or sand paddock. A starvation or sand paddock is a turnout area with no or very little grass.

They should be supplemented by an additional supply of forage to maintain gut health. This way, you can easily monitor how much your horse is eating, too. We suggest trying a small holed haynet to make the forage supply last longer and reduce the risk of stomach ulcers and colic.

Conclusion

There are a number of readily available resources available to horse owners helping maximise the time their horse spends outdoors without having to worry about the amount of grass is consumed. From strip grazing to a sand paddock, make sure you research all available options for your horse this summer as it will undoubtedly help your horse live a better quality of life.

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Equine Obesity: The horse owners part in the problem

To many horse and land owners, the very sight of ragwort is a red flag. Or a yellow flag, if you go by the bright flowers that spring up when the sun comes out. Under the United Kingdom 1959 Weeds Act, ragwort is classified as an injurious weed and considered harmful to agricultural practices. It’s a commonly held belief that ragwort toxicity in horses is very common, but, while there is no doubt that ragwort can, and does, cause fatal hepatopathy in horses, how common is this in real terms? And should we care so much about ragwort?

Supporting wildlife

Ragwort (Seneci jacobaea) is a native and abundant plant which supports many invertebrates and other wildlife. As a late-flowering, nectar-rich wildflower, it provides an important food source for many insects such as bees, butterflies and moths, with field studies indicating that ragwort supports twice the abundance and diversity of flower-visiting insect species compared with non-injurious species at the same location (Balfour and Ratnieks 2022), Ragwort provides the sole food source for at least 30 different insect species, 10 of which are sufficiently rare to be on the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List. These include the clouded knot horn moth, the picture winged fly and the Sussex emerald moth.

Its long flowering period makes it a major nectar source for many pollinating insects, crucial not only for biodiversity but also for pollination of our orchards and crops.

The ‘But’

However, while we all try to balance helping the planet with helping our horses, we cannot ignore the risk ragwort presents. The plant contains toxic pyrrolizidine alkaloids, which cause grave danger to our equine friends when the plant dries.

The true prevalence of ragwort toxicity in horses is very hard to estimate. Surveys often report an apparent high prevalence but most of these are suspected, rather than confirmed, cases. A BEVA member survey in 2014 reported that, of 303 respondents, 124 (41%) BEVA members confirmed that they had seen at least one suspected case in the last year. A large BHS horse owner survey, with 13,963 respondents, reported that 19% (2712) respondents knew of a horse that had been suspected of ragwort poisoning.

Ragwort toxicity

Ragwort toxicity is only confirmed by the presence of megalocytocis, the hallmark of pyrrolizidine alkaloids, on histology of liver samples. Durham (2015) reported that, of 865 liver samples examined by 10 pathology services in England and Scotland between 2008 and 2013, 72 (8.3%) were found to have megalocytosis and therefore considered to be ragwort toxicity.

From this data, it was estimated that there were typically 57 megalocytosis-positive samples diagnosed in English and Scottish laboratories per year. The total number of cases confirmed on biopsy are clearly an underestimate of the true prevalence of ragwort toxicity as many affected horses will not be biopsied, ante- or post-mortem.

More on the BEVA Survey

In the BEVA member survey, only 30% of suspected cases were reported to be later confirmed as ragwort toxicity, with 122 confirmed cases reported in the last year. In the BHS horse owner survey, only 21% of the reported cases were confirmed, with 41 confirmed cases reported in the last year from nearly 14,000 respondents.

These numbers of confirmed cases have to be interpreted with caution due to sampling bias, common in surveys, and the factors influencing biopsy submission. The biopsy-confirmed cases are very likely to be underestimates of the true prevalence but may also indicate that the prevalence of ragwort toxicity lower than many horse owners fear.

Most horses will not eat fresh ragwort in extensive grazing systems due to the bitter taste, but with many horses on restricted grazing, due to high stocking densities and/or bodyweight control, the likelihood of ingestion increases. Horses are reported to be unable to detect and avoid ragwort in hay. It was reported 40 years ago that 50-200g of dried ragwort per kg bodyweight can be lethal for horses, but it is unclear over what period of time this needs to be eaten to be deadly (Goeger et al, 1982).

Is there a balance?

While it is prudent to remove ragwort from grazing land and that used for feed, could ragwort be left on the verges to increase biodiversity? Ragwort seeds can be carried huge distances by the wind, but it is thought that most seeds drop near to the plant, with seeds able to survive in soil for at least 10 years.

Ragwort and the law

There is a misconception that ragwort is notifiable. The Ragwort Control Act of 2003 (an amendment to the Weeds Act 1959) does not seek to eradicate ragwort. Instead, it promotes a strategic approach to control the spread of common ragwort where it poses a threat to the health and welfare of grazing animals/production of feed or forage.

The guidance places responsibility on the landowners to control the spread of ragwort if it poses a high risk, within 50 metres, of land used for grazing or forage production. Agri-environmental schemes in the UK are providing landowners with funding to enhance biodiversity and cater for wildlife as part of their ongoing land management in response to the global biodiversity crisis (DEFRA, 2020). Horse owners play an important role in this agricultural system, responsible for the management of 5% of all grazing land across the UK (Office for National Statistics, 2016).

Confusion

The BHS survey suggests horse owners are often confused about their legal responsibilities regarding the control of ragwort. Almost all respondents (>97%) indicated that more activity is needed for various public policies including monitoring of ragwort by local councils and enforcement of ragwort control regulations.

Conclusion

Can the narrative surrounding ragwort balance the real, but low, risk to horses and other grazing animals with the benefits of the native plant to our ecosystem? Horse owners and land owners mustn’t become complacent to the risks of ragwort toxicity, but at the same time understand the many benefits this plant can provide – just not to horses.

Katie Gilmour is the host of Poles, Piaffe & Prosecco: the podcast for riders that love to train, laugh and drink prosecco! The podcast is free to listen to on Spotify and Apple Podcasts. 

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5 Common Horse Health Problems

Learn how to effectively poultice a horse’s hoof to treat a hoof abscess in our article here. Follow our easy step-by-step instruction for the best results.

About Hoof Abscesses

A hoof abscess can be more common in winter due to prolonged wet weather making the sole of the foot softer, therefore making it easier for foreign objects or dirt to enter the foot. However, they can strike at any time of year for a number of reasons. Read on below to find out more.

Learning how to poultice your horse’s hoof effectively can be tricky. Here we run through a step by step guide on how to poultice a horse hoof effectively, using recommended products we know work!

What Causes a Hoof Abscess?

Hoof abscesses are caused by dirt or gravel penetrating the white line, or a sharp object such as a nail from a loose shoe penetrating the hoof sole. You can’t see the white line, as it is within the internal structure of the hoof. However, the white line is present in all four feet and it is what separates another important internal structure, the laminae. The Laminae is split into two sections, the sensitive, and the non-sensitive Laminae. This area of the hoof is often associated with other horse health issues such as Laminitis.

The infection then rapidly develops with a build-up of pus within the confines of the hoof, which is extremely painful for the horse. Abscess treatment needs to commence quickly to halt the abscess finding its own exit point – this can be via the coronary band, but of course, if it does this then it has damaged sensitive foot structures along the way.

Hoof Abscess Symptoms

Lameness associated with an abscess will appear suddenly and will be severe. The horse will be reluctant to bear weight on their leg. The affected hoof may feel warm to the touch and have a raised digital pulse, or in some instances, there may be no other signs other than intense lameness. This in itself is a key area for hoof abscess diagnosis.

Often abscesses are seen the day after a farrier visit when the horse has been shod. To deal with this, you should call your farrier or your registered veterinarian immediately.

How do you treat a hoof abscess?

A vet or farrier will need to locate the abscess and drain the pus from the affected hoof as soon as possible. This is done by removing a small area of the horse’s sole. This should only be done by a qualified professional, and should not be attempted by anyone else who offers to assist.

Once the pus has been drained from the hoof, the entire foot must be cleaned before a poultice is applied. The poultice will help to draw out any remaining infection. There are different materials used to poultice a hoof, including nappies. Nappies, although they play a part in the process, are not recommended as a sole way to treat an abscess as they will not encourage any remaining infection away from the hoof. We recommend using as Animalintex Hoof Treatment from the Robinson Animal Healthcare Range to safely draw out and lock away infection from the hoof.

What you will need to poultice a hoof?

To poultice a hoof affected by an abscess it is advisable to use a licensed product. You will also need a hoof pick, hygienic sponge and a bucket to clean the hoof prior to poulticing.

Padding such as Veterinary Gamgee and a cohesive bandage, such as Equiwrap will hold the Animalintex in place, when applied properly. For extra-large hooves, or for those horses that fidget and move around a lot, duck-tape may then be applied.

The person applying the poultice should thoroughly wash their hands before beginning. To clean the hoof, use a saline solution or a level teaspoon of salt should be added per pint of previously boiled water. should be used to clean the hoof. This is a sterile solution that will help prevent further infection from entering the hoof.

How to apply a poultice to a horse hoof

To treat an abscess, the poultice should be applied to the hoof as hot to the touch as possible. To prepare a hot poultice, place the unwrapped, Animalintex in a shallow tray with the plastic side facing up. Remember to always use a clean tray!

Next, allow boiled water to cool to 38 degrees centigrade. Pour the water into the tray around the edges of the poultice. Remove the Animalintex® from the water when saturated, squeezing out the excess water. The poultice should be damp rather than wet.

Place the poultice on the sole of the foot with the plastic side facing upwards with a piece of veterinary gamgee. Secure the poultice and padding in place using a cohesive bandage such as Equiwrap®, using a figure-of-eight pattern across the sole of the foot and be sure to use plenty, covering the whole hoof.

When treating an abscess the poultice should be changed every eight hours for the first 48 hours.

TIP: A child’s nappy can be used in between the poultice and vetwrap to help soak any excessive moisture coming away from the dressing that may affect the bandages ability to be adhesive, also acting nicely as padding instead of the more expensive gamgee.

As already mentioned, using duck tape after applying the bandage may provide enough security to help prevent the poultice from coming away.

Poultice boots are also available as a way to secure the dressing. There are many different types available, but we like the Woof Wear Medical Hoof Boot (pictured below).

In some instances, the abscess may rupture through the coronet band. If this does happen, do not panic but act as you would do with an ordinary abscess. Be sure, again, to consult your farrier or veterinarian for advice.

If in any doubt always consult your veterinary surgeon

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All equines encounter horse flies during spring, summer, and early autumn. Horse flies bite and can cause irritation to horses, and they are also responsible for carrying disease and bacteria throughout herds.

Horse flies present the major problems of;

• Distress
• Infection
• Irritation

Therefore, horse owners should do everything possible to prevent horse fly populations surrounding their horses.

Types of Horse Flies

There are different types of horse flies that affect horses in different ways. Here are some ways you can prevent the different types of horse fly from causing a problem to your horse.

Horse Fly (Tabinade spp.)

Horse flies bite and feed on blood, which can leave nasty wounds on both horses and humans. Their bites form large itchy, painful swellings with a pronounced open wound as the body reacts to them. Horses tend to become agitated when horse flies are present. Horses may repetitively twitch, kick at their bellies, toss their heads, bite at their body, and/or flick their tail to try to dislodge them. This behaviour and distress can be unnerving, especially for riders.

Horse flies are most prevalent in woodland or places near these areas. They’re only active in the day and prefer bright sunlight. Therefore, stabling horses during the day, especially on sunnier days, and opting to turn out at night or provide a shelter can elevate distress.

If shelter or turnout schedule changes are not possible, fly rugs will also act as a physical deterrent to avoid horses being bitten. in addition, application of a long-lasting fly repellant is advised!

Midges (Culloides spp.)

Midges are tiny flying insects that congregate near standing water and damp conditions to lay their eggs. Therefore, midges are most prevalent in these damp conditions and on humid days. The adult midges feed in swarms, especially at dawn and dusk, which can result in rashes of multiple tiny bite wounds.

Causing irrupting rashes in horses and humans, some horses suffer worse than others. An allergic response to the bites of midges in horses is called ‘sweet itch’. Sweet itch results manifest into itching lesions on the skin, which are extremely aggravated and painful. This leads to horses itching uncontrollably and lesions developing into nasty wounds. Sweet itch horses need extra management, such as stabling and an intensive fly management routine to prevent them from getting bitten. Sweet-itch fly rugs are recommended.

Remove standing water where possible and in summer season try to avoid keeping horses in fields with ponds and streams. If midges are still a problem consider stabling at dawn and dusk when they’re most active.

Bot Flies (Gasterophilus spp.)

Bot flies look similar to small wasps. They rely on the horse to complete their lifecycle. During the summer months, they can often be seen buzzing around the horse’s neck, chest, shoulders, and legs, looking for an opportunity to bite. They lay their eggs on the horse’s coat, which can cause an increased worm burden by the horse rubbing infested areas and inhaling the eggs.

Owners should be aware that bots fly eggs on horses’ coats. Bot fly eggs need instant removal. Deterrents include fly rugs and repellants.

Conclusion

Horse flies, midges, and bots are common throughout the warmer months of each year. They will swarm fields, and horses should be protected by optimising grassland management practices, offering shelters, wearing suitable rugs, and applying appropriate sprays.

Summer sees the onset of blue skies, bright days, and longer turnout times. However, sunny days are unpredictable in the UK climate, meaning it’s easy to forget adequate sun protection for ourselves and our horses. To keep your horse in the sun for longer and reap the benefits of hacking and turnout, we’ve created a guide for everything you need to know about sunburn in horses.

What is sunburn?

Sunburn causes redness, swelling, and peeling of the skin, much like in humans. The area will cause a degree of discomfort to the horse, but with correct management, the effects will only be short-term.

However, the affected area may be prone to further cracking and bleeding. If it develops into an open wound, the area is not only significantly more uncomfortable but also puts the horse at risk of infection. UV rays also contribute to infection risk. UV exposure has been shown to have negative effects on the skin’s immune systems, making infection harder to fight off.

Repeated sun damage can cause more long-term problems. Repeated sunburn can thicken the skin’s surface, making the area more prone to developing skin cancer (squamous cell carcinoma).

What horses are prone to sunburn?

All horses are at risk of sunburn; however, those with areas with no pigmentation to the skin (pink skin) are most at risk. Those areas of the horse that have darker skin pigmentation are at low risk of sunburn. Therefore, faces and heels are the horse’s most ‘at-risk’ areas due to the common lack of pigmentation and low hair coverage. However, horses with a lack of pigmentation elsewhere on their body will be at risk of sunburn in these areas, too. White facial, leg and body markings are areas at significant risk of being affected by sunburn. Additionally, horses with cremello colouring will be susceptible to sunburn across the body.

Example: A bay, black or chestnut horse may still have pink areas over the nose and heels. Therefore, it is recommended to apply protection to any pink areas that lack hair coverage and are most exposed to the sun.

In summer, owners tend to turn out for longer periods outdoors. These longer periods increase exposure to UV rays, which are stronger in summer, increasing sunburn susceptibility.

How to Prevent Sunburn

Owners should always consider sun protection, from when horses are turned out in the field to schooling and hacking exercises. Riders may be using lotions to repel flies or be kitted out in hacking safety accessories, but they may not have appropriate sun protection for their horse!

To prevent sunburn, all turnout areas should provide some shade. Trees, hedge lines, and field shelters are all excellent shade-providing features in paddock turnout.

Even extreme weather conditions will not stop your horse from grazing. Therefore, providing extra protection against UV rays is vital. Sun barrier lotions are perfect, ensuring your horse is protected wherever they choose to graze. There are many equine sun barrier lotions on the market which may be suitable for horses with extremely sensitive skin.

Human sun block which is marked for ‘sensitive skin’ is suitable for horse-use too, as they are specially designed to be non-irritating on the skin. When choosing a sun barrier lotion, ensure it has a high factor and is water resistant. Additionally, take note of the time period in which the cream is effective for. Most sun barrier creams do not last the entire day, so regular top ups may be required.

More extensive coverage may be required for horses with larger areas of non-pigmented skin. Lightweight rugs, such as a mesh fly rug and head masks, can be used to reflect and protect against UV rays.

How to treat sunburn in horses

Using a soothing cream such as the Barrier Aloe Vera soothing gel will help ease the horse or pony’s symptoms of sunburn. While using a product, it is advisable to bring your horse into a stable and out of direct sunlight while the symptoms ease. This will result in a faster, more effective recovery. In the stable, your horse is at least at risk of further damaging the burnt area. It will also reduce the chance of further burning or infection if the area does become cracked.

This does not mean you have to isolate your horse to the stable all summer, as your horse will miss out on unique benefits of turnout. If your horse is suffering from sunburn, try turning out with quieter fieldmates when the sun has set. Avoiding sunnier parts of the day will also help prevent laminitis for those who are prone to developing the condition.

If the sunburnt area is blistered or oozing, it is recommended to seek veterinary advice. Vets can supply individual information and topical treatments, as well as antibiotics if they detect infection.

Abnormal Sunburn

Sunburn symptoms that are rapidly increasing in severity or occurring in abnormal area may be a sign of photosensitisation. Photosensitisation is the condition where skin reacts abnormally to UV light. The condition is caused by UV rays activating a compound in the skin, which causes skin damage.

Photosensitisation can be caused by plants such as Clover, St. John’s Wort and Bishops Weed. Buttercups and cow parsley can also cause UV reactivity, as the effective substances are directly absorbed through the muzzle when eaten. Also, certain medications can cause photosensation, such as phenothiazines, thiazides, potentiated sulphonamides, and tetracyclines. However, photosensitisation being caused by the administration of these drugs is uncommon.

Liver damage may also be a cause a photosensitisation. When the liver is not functioning properly it cannot process chlorophyll, which is contain in plants. This causes the production of phylloerythrin in tissues, which causes sensitivity to UV rays.

The skin condition can be easily treated however, it may be a sign of more serious, underlying issues. If your horse is presenting with abnormal sunburn, it is recommended to urgently seek veterinary advice.

Horse owners know that proper wound care is not just a necessity; it’s an essential part of keeping their equine companions healthy and active. From minor abrasions to more severe lacerations, understanding the best practices for wound management can significantly affect the recovery outcome. 

This guide offers a deep dive into the skin structure of horses, outlines the types of wounds they may encounter, and discusses the stages of wound healing. 

Structure of the Skin in Horses

The skin of a horse is a complex organ that serves as the first barrier against environmental threats. It is composed of three primary layers:

• Epidermis: The outermost layer provides a waterproof barrier and creates the skin tone.
• Dermis: Directly beneath the epidermis, this layer contains tough connective tissue, hair follicles, and sweat glands.
• Subcutaneous tissue: This deeper layer is made of fat and connective tissue, which provides insulation and padding to protect deeper body structures.

Each layer plays a crucial role in wound healing, influencing how quickly and effectively a wound can heal.

Understanding Different Types of Wounds

Horses can sustain various types of wounds, each requiring specific care approaches:

• Abrasions (surface scratches): Typically minor and heal quickly with proper cleaning and minimal treatment.
• Lacerations (deep cuts): May require suturing and more intensive care to prevent infection and promote proper healing.
• Punctures: Can be dangerous due to the risk of deep infection and generally need veterinary attention.
• Contusions (bruises): While not breaking the skin, these can be painful and may lead to complications if not monitored.

Stages of Wound Healing

Wound healing in horses is a dynamic and continuous process that unfolds through several distinct but interconnected phases. 

Initially, the inflammatory phase kicks off the healing as the body responds to the injury with swelling and redness, actively working to cleanse the wound of any debris or bacteria. 

This is followed by the proliferative phase, during which new tissue and blood vessels start to form, progressively covering and fortifying the wound. 

The process culminates in the maturation phase, where the newly formed tissue fully develops and strengthens, a phase that can extend over several months depending on the severity of the wound. 

Each stage is crucial and contributes to the comprehensive recovery of the horse, ensuring that the wound heals properly and efficiently.

Natural Remedies for Enhancing Wound Healing in Horses

When it comes to managing injuries in horses, natural remedies can be effective supplements to traditional treatments. By utilizing natural solutions as part of wound care, horse owners can support the healing process gently and sustainably. This guide delves into several natural remedies that are renowned for their healing properties, with a focus on how they complement the use of wound ointments.

Honey

Honey is widely celebrated for its antibacterial properties, making it a superb natural wound ointment. Raw, unpasteurized honey can help manage wound infections and speed up healing by drawing out fluids and preventing bacteria growth. It’s particularly useful for treating open wounds where infection is a risk.

Aloe Vera

Aloe vera is another potent natural healer, known for its soothing, antifungal, and antibacterial qualities. The gel from aloe vera leaves can be applied directly to horse wounds to reduce inflammation and promote new skin growth. Its cooling effect also helps soothe pain and irritation.

Turmeric

Turmeric contains curcumin, a compound with strong anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. When made into a paste and applied to a wound, turmeric can help reduce inflammation and prevent bacterial growth. Mixing turmeric with a natural oil can enhance its staying power as a wound ointment, creating a protective barrier.

Calendula

Calendula, or marigold, is another herb known for its healing capabilities. Calendula ointments can be used on horse wounds to stimulate healing by promoting new tissue growth and reducing inflammation. Its antimicrobial properties also help prevent infection, making it an excellent choice for wound care.

Chamomile

Chamomile is beneficial for its soothing and healing effects on skin irritations and wounds. A chamomile tea compress applied to a wound can significantly alleviate discomfort and accelerate healing. The anti-inflammatory properties of chamomile help in reducing swelling and promoting tissue regeneration.

Essential Oils

Certain essential oils, such as lavender and tea tree, have antiseptic and antibacterial qualities that support wound healing. When diluted properly, these oils can be applied to wounds to cleanse and protect from infection. Always consult with a veterinarian before applying essential oils, as some can be toxic if not used correctly.

Natural remedies offer a complementary approach to traditional wound management in horses. Whether it’s using honey as a natural wound ointment or applying aloe vera for its soothing properties, these solutions can significantly enhance the healing process. You can also reach for a ready-made natural wound ointment that combines these beneficial ingredients for easier and more effective application. Always consider the severity of the wound and consult with a professional to ensure the best care for your equine companion.

Preventative Measures

Preventative measures in wound care for horses involve maintaining a vigilant routine and creating a safe environment. Regularly inspecting your horse for any signs of injury, particularly after exercise or turnout, is crucial. 

Ensuring that stables and paddocks are free from potential hazards like sharp objects or unstable surfaces can dramatically reduce the risk of wounds. 

Additionally, educating oneself on equine first aid equips horse owners with the knowledge to promptly and effectively respond to any injuries, potentially preventing minor wounds from becoming serious. 

These strategies collectively help in safeguarding horses against common injuries, contributing to their overall well-being and longevity.

Conclusion

Understanding the basics of wound care, from recognizing different types of wounds to knowing the stages of healing, is vital for every horse owner. By using natural products and following best practices, you can ensure that your horse returns to health as swiftly and safely as possible. Remember, when in doubt, consult a veterinarian to avoid complications and guarantee the best care for your equine friend.

This guide not only helps in managing horse wounds effectively but also in understanding the critical elements of equine skin health and recovery dynamics. By staying informed and prepared, horse owners can ensure their horses receive the best possible care in the face of injuries.

Are you doing enough to protect your horse’s joints? Joint health is key to every horse performing and feeling at their best, from companion to Olympic athlete! But, with numerous daily factors impacting equine joints, what should horse owners be doing to protect these delicate structures?

Incorporating the best management techniques is a step in the right direction to supporting equine joints. In this article, we investigate best management practices and products to support equine joints.

Managing Nutrition

To protect your horse’s joints, first consider whether their diet supports good joint health.

Healthy joints are vital to prevent the occurrence and development of injury and ensure the maintenance of strength and stability of the joint through high-impact and lengthy training sessions.

To support joint health, include high-quality, key nutritional building blocks into your horse’s diet. Ensuring your horse receives key nutrient building blocks, such as Glucosamine and Chondroitin Sulphate, will guarantee the healthy development of joint structures and enhanced repair and recovery after exercise.

Owners with older horses, or those regularly partaking in high-intensity exercise, also seek an anti-inflammatory supplement. Anti-inflammatories can aid pain associated with inflammation and increase the functionality of joints. MSM and Omega-3 are the most common anti-inflammatories to incorporate into horse diets.

Weight Management

Managing your horse’s weight will also help to protect your horse’s joints from injury and conditions associated with ‘wear and tear’, such as osteoarthritis.

When horses are overweight, this can lead to excessive l on joints which they are not designed to cope with. Not only can excess loading lead to wear and tear, but it can also lead to compensatory movements, which can cause reduced performance and, severely, more serious damage to musculoskeletal structures. Strategies such as providing low-sugar, low-calorie feeds, and increasing exercise can aid weight loss.

On the other hand, underweight horses will also suffer from poor joint health, often not receiving adequate nutrition to support the function and integrity of these structures.

Hoof Condition

The condition of your horse’s hooves also plays a significant role in protecting equine joint health.

Uneven wear and tear of hooves can impact the loading of joints, with an uneven hoof wall and sole causing extra stress on leg structures. Uneven wear and tear on hooves often become a problem when farrier visits are not regular or hoof condition and strength are already weak.

Hoof condition can be supported through regular farrier visits, as well as providing reputable nutritional supplements to aid the growth and strength of the hoof wall.

Tailor Exercise To Your Horse’s Fitness Level

Ensuring you are tailoring your horse’s exercise to suit their current fitness levels is essential to maintain life-long joint health and protect from injury.

When devising a training plan for your horse, try to regularly switch up exercises and be adaptable to load and intensity depending on how your horse is feeling on that day.

Switching up the exercises you complete will keep your horse engaged with you but also prevent repetitive trauma on joints – a predominant cause of joint injury. Repetitive trauma, sometimes referred to as repetitive strain injury (RSI), is caused by the overuse of muscle, nerves, tendons, and joints in a certain away, often leading to wear and tear and inflammation of the affected area.

Using your initiative to be able to give your horse a day off or a lower intensity session when they feel tired will also help to protect their joints. Fatigue is a significant cause of faults, injury, and falls in horse performance; therefore, knowing when your horse does not have the energy to complete their scheduled session could help avoid unnecessary injury. When your horse is tired, opt for a ‘rest day’ or a very light session to optimise recovery. Remember, every horse is different, so the same training plans won’t work in favour of every horse’s strengths and ability.

Incorporate Low Impact, Strengthening Exercises

Whether you’re prepping to conquer a cross-country course or dabble in dressage, making sure you are incorporating low-impact, strengthening exercises into your horse’s training is essential to ensure joint health.

Walking up hills and water treadmill exercise are perfect ways to prevent stress and strain on joints, meanwhile strengthening joint-supporting muscles at the same time!

Protect During Exercise

Protect your horse’s joints during exercise by using boots and bandages.

Brushing, tendon, medicine, and fetlock boots all provide great protection from outside trauma to the fetlock joint. Protecting your horse’s joints from external forces such as catching poles or other legs will help prevent injury, compensatory movement, and therefore wear and tear caused by pain.

In addition, medicine boots and exercise bandages can provide support for joints. Cupping the fetlock, medicine boots and exercise bandages are designed to prevent overextension of tendons and ligaments down the back of the leg. Preventing overextension of these structures reduces excessive movement of the fetlock and the occurrence of overuse injuries. Plus, bandaging around the fetlock can cause excessive lateral movement of the joint.

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