We have all seen older shaggy haired horses or ponies who fail to shed their hair coat long into the summer. Often times we end up giving them a hair cut to make them more comfortable in the heat. The older that a horse gets the more common the disease condition called Cushings becomes.
Some lacerations involving the lower leg can appear very dramatic and involve massive hemorrhage; fairly minor; however, without proper care, any of these injuries can be career ending, if not life threatening.
Neonatal Isoerythrolysis (NI) is a potentially fatal condition in newborn foals that results from an incompatibility of blood types between the mare and foal. This incompatibility results in the destruction of the foal’s red blood cells (RBCs) causing icterus (jaundice, yellowing), hypoxia (inadequate oxygen), and death in severe cases. In addition to the significant reduction in oxygen carrying capability, this destruction of foal RBCs also induces an overwhelming systemic inflammatory response.
Laminitis is a disease in horses which can lead to a crippling lameness. To best understand it, we must first have knowledge of what is normal, and then how it changes to abnormal. The lamina suspends the coffin bone within the hoof capsule. The lamina is the connecting structure between the hoof [which contacts the ground] and the coffin bone [where the weight of the horse comes down].
A critical factor in the success of a breeding operation is determining the correct time to breed a mare. Mares have reproductive cycles that average 21 days in length. The adjective estrous is used to describe these cycles. The length of the estrous cycle in a mare is 21 days. As the mare develops a large dominant follicle she will exhibit signs of “heat”, or “estrus” which is when she is receptive to being bred by a stallion.
Understanding the foaling process is very important to any person in the equine industry, but knowing how to care for both the mare and foal after foaling is of equal importance and should not be overlooked. The first 24 hours post-foaling are critical for providing a healthy start for mare and foal. Most of the time mares will be able to handle the process on their own, and it is advised to interfere minimally so mare and foal can bond.
Post-partum Care of Foal
As we start the summer activities of rodeo, trail riding and horse shows we should take a few minutes to make sure we are prepared to adequately transport our horse to and from these events.
Last week we discussed preparations of the mare and foaling area in anticipation of Impending foaling. This week we will cover the 3 stages of parturition and what you can expect as your mare moves through these stages. Many mares will foal in the night or early morning. Generally, this is a more calm and private time of day without the disturbances of daily activities. In the wild, mares foal at night to avoid predators.
Marlana Lee will be graduating from SDSU this weekend. She spent the past four years earning her degree in animal science with minors in business management and equine management amidst her involvement in numerous student organizations. One thing that sets Marlana apart from the rest is her dedication and interest to multiple aspects of agriculture.
The American Youth Horse Council National Symposium was held in Herndon, Virginia March 23rd through March 25th and our very own Dr. Rebecca Bott was present for the festivities. While at the symposium Dr. Bott was elected to the board of directors for the American Youth Horse Council!
Danielle Schubert is not only the 2011-2012 President of the South Dakota State University Rodeo Club, but she is a double major in Animal Science and Ag Business. As a senior at SDSU, Danielle has participated in Rodeo Club for 4 years.
The South Dakota Horse Council, spokes group for the SD horse industry, has selected Dr. Larry Insley as the 2012 South Dakota Horseman of the Year. Gene Carr, President of the SD Horse Council presented the prestigious award to Dr. Insley at the 22nd Annual SD Horse Fair in Sioux Falls, SD, held March 16-18.
As previously mentioned, some weeds in South Dakota are put on a list called “State Noxious Weeds.” This is a list of weeds that the Department of Agriculture requires landowners to control or be subject to noxious weed enforcement.
Did you know that all weeds are not created equal? Any plant can be considered a weed when it is growing where it is not wanted. After all, a corn stalk growing in a bean field is considered a weed. Some weeds in South Dakota are put on a list called “State Noxious Weeds.” This is a list of weeds that the Department of Agriculture requires you must control or be subject to noxious weed enforcement. The key word here is “control”, not “eradicate”.
The days are getting longer, the grass is getting greener, the geese are flying north, and the horses are “feeling their oats”. This can only mean one thing - spring is here! Although it is tempting to let your horses (or other livestock) enjoy this new green grass, this is a critical time for plant growth. By waiting it out a little longer, your livestock will actually be able to enjoy the benefits of grazing for a longer period of time.
Last week, in Part 2 of “Materials for Horse Fence”, we discussed the pro’s and con’s of electric fencing. In this third and final installment, we will discuss a couple fences that consist of permanent and electric materials. Adding electric (“hot”) wire to wood, vinyl or wire fence helps keep the horse away from the fence altogether (insulator type may vary).
This year the Kentucky Derby will take place on May 5th at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky. From the first race in 1875 with 10,000 spectators, the Kentucky Derby has grown to be one of the best horse races of all time with over 150,000 spectators and millions more listening and watching broadcasts.
This year marks the 30th year of the Minnesota Horse Expo. The Expo will be held April 27-29th at the MN State Fair Grounds in St. Paul, Minnesota. There are over 800 booths within the trade show throughout the fairgrounds.
Cherry Blossoms and spring weather greeted nearly 250 youth horse leaders as they arrived in Herndon, Virginia for the 35th Anniversary AYHC Symposium, held March 23 through March 25, 2012. Volunteers, teens, industry professionals and other youth horse enthusiasts gathered to participate in roundtable discussions, attend lectures and arena sessions, network and honor leaders in the youth horse industry.
The 2012 National Collegiate Equestrian Association (NCEA) National Championship will be held April 11-14 at the Extraco Event Center in Waco Texas.