Equine Gastric Ulceration Syndrome (EGUS) can affect any type of horse or foal in any environment, at any time of year. If your horse is displaying any unusual signs such as poor appetite, body condition and performance, changes in attitude or acute, recurrent colic it’s important to speak to your vet immediately, advises Zoetis vet Dr Wendy Talbot. What is Equine Gastric Ulcer Syndrome? EGUS (acronym for Equine Gastric Ulcer Syndrome) is a serious and common condition, with approximately 93% of racehorses, 65% of performance horses, 54% of leisure horses and 50%…
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What are Equine Gastric Ulcers?
Article provided by British Horse Feeds Also known as Equine Gastric Ulcer Syndrome (EGUS), a gastric ulcer is a sore in the stomach lining that occurs when the lining has been damaged by stomach acid and digestive enzymes. Ulcers can also be seen in the lower oesophagus and in the first portion of the small intestine (also known as the entrance to the duodenum). The risk factors for horses to develop this syndrome include involvement in performance disciplines; high-concentrate (grain) diets, intermittent feeding, exercising without being fed first, environmental stress,…
Read MoreHealth Benefits of Turnout for Horses
There are many health benefits of turnout for horses. From time to play, move and interact with other herd members, to having access to more natural types of forage, it’s easy to see why horses do better outside than in. However, unfortunately for some, time outside poses risks to health such as laminitis, sweet itch, UV damage and other related conditions. Ultimately, turnout is a balancing act for many horse owners. However, with the many benefits associated with turnout, it’s absolutely worth considering how best to maximise the time any…
Read MoreLivery owner speaks out about Strangles effecting yard
The owner of a livery yard and her clients have spoken about their experience with the devastating equine disease Strangles in the hope they can prevent other people from going through the same ordeal. In a video released in March by the organisations behind Strangles Awareness Week – which takes place between 1st – 7th May – Lisa, who runs High Moor Farm Livery Yard, and clients Alisha, Lorna, Beth and Kate are encouraging others to do the ‘Temp Check Challenge’. The Temp Check Challenge is the key feature of the campaign –…
Read MoreHorse Joint Supplement: How to choose the right one
Choosing a horse joint supplement can be somewhat overwhelming. Knowing which product will be best for your horse is confusing, especially as there are so many different supplements on the market. In this article, we take a look at how to choose a joint supplement for your horse. Most horses at some point or another will need to take joint supplements. It rarely matters whether they are a youngster or in their later years in life, and the type of work your horse takes part in is also not a…
Read MoreThrush in horse hooves
Learn more about thrush in horse hooves in our article here. Hoof problems in horses can be a worry for horse owners. Whether it be a crack, infection or ongoing debilitating disease, ultimately, we find ourselves turning to the internet to learn more about conditions affecting our horses. We’ve all heard the saying ‘no hoof, no horse’, right?! Maintaining healthy hooves doesn’t have to be a difficult job unless your horse is predisposed to conditions such as cracks and other problems. Ongoing care and maintenance is often all that’s needed…
Read MoreShould you wash mud off horses’ legs?
Should You Wash Mud Off Horses Legs? The question ‘should you wash mud off horses’ legs’ can be heavily debated on each and every yard. Tackling mud is a tricky one with horses, as we strive to keep our horses clean but also their health in tip-top shape. In a constant battle against the weather, you’ll never find a horse owner too far away from a stiff dandy brush in an attempt to scrub away layers of mud. We took a closer look to see which is better for our…
Read MoreLameness with no heat, swelling or obvious injury
Lameness with no heat, swelling or obvious injury? Read on to find out more… So, you go to get your horse in from the field when you notice lameness without any heat, swelling or obvious injury. You tentatively walk the horse back to the stable where you can have a closer look, but what do you do next? In this article, we take a look at what to do when your horse presents with lameness like this, including what to do next. Lameness in your horse Sudden onset lameness can…
Read MoreFirst Aid Kit Maintenance
Promotional Content Maintaining your first aid kit is essential to be able to act quickly in the event of an emergency. This means making sure your kit is always stocked up and ensuring it is stored in an appropriate way. Being prepared is key to making life easier, especially in winter when there never seems to be enough hours in the day. If your horse suffers an injury and you reach into your first aid kit, only to find that you used your last tube of wound gel months ago,…
Read MoreHow can YuMove Help My Horse?
**Promotional Content ** As we all know, the bond between horses and their humans is a very special thing. It can develop over the course of decades, through all manner of highs and lows. While other companion animals become cherished members of the family and express their affection in a range of different ways, horses need to develop a deep level of trust in their humans – and vice versa – to truly thrive, feel safe, and lead their best lives. Not only is horse riding a highly active pastime,…
Read MoreEquine BioSecurity: Healthy practices for any horse owner
Equine BioSecurity: Healthy practices for any horse owner Biosecurity is a fundamental process of helping keep our horses safe, as successful measures can help prevent the transition of infectious diseases. Whether you look after your horse yourself or pay a livery service to do so, 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,…
Read More5 Common Horse Health Problems
In this article, we take a look at 5 common horse health problems you may find your horse is prone to.
Read MoreVeteran Health During the Winter
Veteran horse health during winter is a balancing act. For veteran horses or ponies, winter can be tough and presents owners with a challenge to ensure that they come through to spring in good condition. Horses and particularly ponies, can live active lives well into their twenties and beyond, defying the age bracket where traditionally we would have classed them as a veteran. As they age at different rates, feeding, exercise and general management regime may then differ for each case. For example, some will need their level of exercise reduced…
Read MoreTopSpec UlsaKind Cubes
TopSpec UlsaKind Cubes TopSpec UlsaKind (Ultra Low Starch Anlaysis) Cubes are very low starch and formulated to provide calories for condition (12MJ/kg) whilst being highly sympathetic to the digestive system, even when it is compromised by extreme acidity. That means that TopSpec UlsaKind Cubes are suitable for horses prone to, or suffering from ESGD (gastric ulcers). UlsaKind Cubes are ideal in those circumstancaes where the internal surface of the stomach has been eroded because they contain very high levels of β-glucans which form a gel and coat the stomach lining…
Read MoreEquine Gastric Ulcer Syndrome: Expert Advice and Information
Equine Gastric Ulcer Syndrome: Expert Advice and Information Equine Gastric Ulcer Syndrome (EGUS) can present itself in many ways, leaving horses uncomfortable, irritable and in some cases unmanageable. Many horse owners are left frustrated as, without gastroscopic investigation (scoping) which can cause the horse additional stress, the condition can go undiagnosed for considerable periods of time. In this article we are joined by Saracen Horse Feeds nutritional experts to talk more about the different types of disease, risk factors, clinical signs and nutritional management. Horses evolved to ingest a high…
Read MoreSuitable Saracen Horse Feeds for EGUS
Suitable Saracen Horse Feeds for Horses with EGUS Although there are many feeds within the Saracen range that are potentially suitable for horses with gastric ulcers these are the main products we recommended in these situations. RE-LEVE®-MIX RE-LEVE®-MIX is a cereal-free, low starch feed specifically formulated to replace all cereal-based hard feed for horses in work that react adversely to high starch feeds or are prone to Equine Gastric Ulcer Syndrome. The use of alternative energy sources optimises power generation and recovery, providing controlled energy from highly digestible “Super-Fibres” and…
Read MoreThe Different Equine Myopathies and Making the Most of Nutrition
The Different Equine Myopathies and Making the Most of Nutrition In this article we take a closer look at the different equine myopathies Recurrent Exertional Rhabdomyolysis, Polysaccharide Storage Myopathy and Myofibrillar Myopathy alongside the role nutrition can play in the management of each. Provided by Kentucky Equine Research the exclusive nutrition partner to Saracen Horse Feeds Muscle pain and impaired performance that occurs during or after exercise is known as exertional myopathy and more commonly as tying-up. In the context of athletic horses, any myopathy has the potential to derail performance,…
Read MoreEquine Nutritional Health: What does it really mean?
Equine Nutritional Health: What does it really mean? This month we welcome Lizzie Drury, MSc, Registered Nutritionist from Saracen Horse Feeds, to talk about equine nutritional health. Lizzie explores what nutritional health means for the horse, alongside offering practical tips and insights on how horse owners can go about making the most out of resources available to maximise the horse’s wellbeing and performance. Written by Lizzie Drury MSc Registered Nutritionist, Saracen Horse Feeds We all like to do the best by our horses and ponies and will usually go that extra…
Read MoreThe horse’s digestive system and how gut health can impact behaviour
The horse’s digestive system and how gut health can impact behaviour Written by Loni Loftus, Clinical Animal Behaviourist www.loniloftusbehaviour.com In this article Clinical Animal Behaviourist, Loni Loftus uncovers the mechanics of the horse’s digestive system and looks at how the health of the equine gut can have a direct effect on behaviour, including mental and physical health. We have all heard the old adage of ‘no foot, no horse’ well ‘no gut, no horse’ is just as worthy a pronouncement! The horse is a non-ruminant herbivore – this means that…
Read MoreMorris Animal Foundation accepting new proposals for equine behaviour studies
Morris Animal Foundation accepting new proposals for equine behaviour studies Morris Animal Foundation is now accepting proposals for pilot studies focused on equine behavior, relating to health and welfare. Proposals should generate data to prove the viability of a novel approach or idea and may involve domesticated or wild horses. Dr. Wendy Koch, a veterinarian who has supported the Foundation for 30 years, is providing funding for awarded grants. She began a career in animal welfare with the federal government in 1990 and became board-certified in that field in 2016. Dr. Koch has…
Read MoreFree Equine Webinar Series: Taking Science to the Stable
Free Equine Webinar Series: Taking Science to the Stable Starts June 16 with Broodmare Management and Nutrition with Don Kapper A free equine webinar series starts on June 16 (2021) with a Broodmare Management and Nutrition focus kicking off proceedings. Hosted by Open Learning and Education Support at the University of Guelph, the Taking Science to the Stable series will run every two weeks until August 18. The exciting series of webinar talks will provide informative and insightful knowledge from experienced industry professionals, with webinars 1, 3, and 5 part…
Read MoreNative-breed horse owners wanted for second stage in laminitis study
Native-breed horse owners wanted for assistance in laminitis study Researchers at Scotland’s Rural College (SRUC) are calling on native-breed horse and pony owners in Aberdeenshire to help them with the next phase of their study into laminitis. They are looking for people with native-breed horses or ponies aged four and over, and with no previous diagnosis of PPID (Equine Cushing’s Syndrome), for the study investigating risk factors for pasture-associated laminitis – an extremely painful condition of the hoof that can have devastating consequences. Postgraduate researchers Ashley Ward and Verena Schmidt…
Read MoreCould mile-long trots protect young foals from lower-leg fractures later in life?
Could mile-long trots protect young foals from lower-leg fractures later in life? Could mile-long trots protect young foals from lower-leg fractures later in life? Morris Animal Foundation-funded researchers at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign (UIUC) are evaluating the long-term effects of a moderately strenuous exercise plan on bone development in foals. Lower-leg fractures are a major welfare concern in horses that race or jump competitively, but they can happen in any horse. Understanding the impact of early exercise on growing horses – most horses don’t reach complete skeletal maturity until…
Read MoreHorse Fly Spray Ingredients You Need To Know
Horse fly spray ingredients are often considered by horse owners who are looking to make their own fly spray. In this article we take a look at the different ingredients fly sprays include, and also make some product suggestions should you not want to make your own. Horse fly spray is a summer essential. When looking for the best fly spray for horses, it’s hard to know what will work and worth spending our hard earned money on! Turning to horse fly spray and lotion’s labels, it’s even harder to decipher what…
Read MoreRepelling Horse Flies At The Yard
Repelling Horse Flies At The Yard Repelling horse flies can be a hard task. Using horse fly spray or horse fly repellent for humans can be one way, but sometimes they don’t go far enough! Here are five tips for repelling horse flies at the yard. Repelling Horse Flies Repelling horse flies may need you to go the extra mile. Horse flies can pose a serious risk to horse’s health and well-being. Therefore, taking on board theses fly repelling tips could reduce chances of accumulating a nasty vet bill. …
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