By

Dr. Jay Altman, DVM

[Editors Note: This is the second in a seven part series about horse digestive issues.]

Colic is the number one killer of horses. It can be life threatening in a relatively short period of time. Quickly and accurately recognizing the signs, and seeking qualified veterinary help can maximize the chance of a horse recovering from colic.

Colic is defined as abdominal pain that can range from mild to severe. There are a myriad of causes, however most fall into one of three groups:

• Intestinal dysfunction. This is the most common cause, meaning the horse’s bowels are not working properly. It includes gas distention, impaction, spasms, and GI paralysis (lack of motility). In the majority of cases the dysfunction is in the large colon.
• Intestinal accidents. Fortunately these occur less frequently and typically are more life threatening, almost always-requiring emergency surgery. It includes displacements, torsions, and bowel strangulations.
• Enteritis, Colitis or ulcerations. Colic’s related to inflammation due to infection and/or ulcerations caused by numerous factors including stress, salmonellosis, toxins, and parasites.

Signs of Colic: varying greatly between horses, more common signs include:

• Turning head toward the flank
• Pawing
• Kicking or biting abdomen
• Stretching out as if to urinate without doing so
• Laying down flat and not interested in food
• Rolling, getting up and down
• Absence of, or reduction in, digestive sounds
• Elevated pulse rate (determine normal for your horse, usually 28-40bpm)
• Lack of Bowel Movement
• Lip curling (flehmen response)

If your horse is colicky remove all food and call your veterinarian. Time is perhaps the most critical factor. Sometimes people chose to see if symptoms would pass, and try walking the horse. This approach will only work in horses exhibiting only mild signs, and even in these may not work at all. Since time is so critical to successful treatment it is not recommended to wait too long when symptoms are persistent.

While your waiting for your veterinarian take the horse’s pulse, respiration, and temp. Check the color of mucous membranes, note behavior signs such as pawing etc. Make note of bowel movements, including color, consistency, and frequency. Recall any recent changes in your horses routine. Let the horse lie down, only if it appears to be resting quietly. If the horse is rolling or behaving violently, walk slowly. Do not administer drugs, including bute or banamine, unless your veterinarian advised you to. Medications will alter the physical exam performed by your vet, frequently masking a more critical colic that may require aggressive therapy or surgery, resulting in a time delay and success of treatment.

Impaction colic is a common cause of abdominal pain. Impaction is defined as obstruction of the bowels; this may be either large colon, or small colon. Impactions can occur in association with temperature change, which can result in reduction of water consumption and altered exercise regime. Also contributing to an impaction colic can be poor teeth, or a change in feeding routine- upsetting normal intestinal motility patterns. Sand impactions occur more frequently when horses lack adequate quality pasture or hay, or in certain geographic locations and anywhere during drought years. Also, inquisitive, bored, mouthy horses tend to take in more dirt, sand and silt and are more prone to sand accumulations leading to a sand colic or sand impaction.

Enteroliths (stones) can also cause obstruction, almost always-requiring surgery. These GI stones are found most often in the southwest and California due to minerals found in the soil. Foreign non- digestible material is another cause of obstruction. An example of this is horses eating rubberized or nylon fencing when it begins to unravel.

Most horses with impaction colic will respond to medical treatment involving administration of laxatives, fluids, and pain reducers. At times a severe impaction occurs and the signs of distress in the horse worsen with continued abdominal pain, increased heart and respiratory rates, and signs of shock. This escalating condition usually means that the patient’s original problem is worsening, or that the colic has undergone additional complications, such as a displacement of the colon and surgery is the only cure

Management to help Prevent Colic

While horses are predisposed to colic due to anatomy and function of their digestive tracts, management can play a key role in prevention. Horses are designed to graze on grass pasture most of the day, therefore feeding a quality diet comprised primarily of roughage (hay) helps maintain normal function of the GI tract. Clean available water is necessary. Avoid changing the feeding routine, including the type, amount, and time fed.

If a change is needed always make it a gradual change, by mixing old with new, each day increasing amount of new feed and decreasing amount of old. Watch for and avoid toxic substances, such as noxious weeds, blister beetles, moldy hay, and other ingestible foreign material. Recognize when your horse isn’t drinking water and/or has a reduced fecal output. To avoid sand ingestion use feeders or mats when feeding off the ground. For horses exposed to sand consider placing the horse on The Assure System^®, a revolutionary sand removal product. Change the intensity/duration of an exercise regimen gradually. Maintain a good preventive health maintenance program, with the help of your veterinarian, including vaccination protocol, worming program, and dental care. Consider Assure^® digestive aid as an approach to normalizing and conditioning the colon to reduce the incidence of colic.

Understandably the word colic scares many horse owners. It is important to realize the majority of colic’s can be treated medically and do not mean certain death. However, for a successful outcome, all colicky horses should be treated promptly and some cases are more serious, requiring expensive surgery. This is why it is critical to recognize the signs of abdominal pain, and maintain a good management program to minimize the risk of colic in your horses.

Health Care You Can Count On!

About the author:

Dr. Altman specializes in equine dentistry and lameness, and enjoys working on medicine as well as surgical cases.

The key to a Healthy Horse

By

Dr. Jay Altman, DVM

[Editors Note: This is the first in a seven part series about horse digestive issues.]

Most horse owners realize that one of the keys to a healthy horse is their feeding program. Not only are high quality feedstuffs important for the horses overall health, but feeds, feeding practices, feed mixtures, feed contaminants and stress all contribute to gastro-intestinal condition.

Most recently there has been considerable discussion and research regarding digestive health. It is well accepted that many horses in work, especially those expending high levels of energy need concentrated rations to supplement the energy they can obtain from forages.

The higher calorie concentrated rations create a shift in not only the percentages of energy derived from complex sugars and cellulose, but also in the percentages and types of volatile fatty acids (VFAs) and other fermentation products related to the digestion of the soluble carbohydrates in the concentrated feed. The consequences of these shifts can be gastro-intestinal disruption leading to gastric and colonic ulcers, as well as a destruction of the vital micro-organisms needed for optimal digestion, production and absorption of nutrients.

The amount of concentrated feeds and simple sugars that can cause these conditions is variable and an individuals genetics as well as the management practices that the individual is subject to will in part dictate the "threshold" for that individual. Most veterinarians and researchers recommend that no more than 40% of the horse’s daily ration be feed as concentrated ration.

Another measure would be no more that 5 pounds per day for a horse averaging a body weight of 1000-1100 pounds. Many horses in competition and or "heavy" work require between 1-2 pounds of concentrated ration per 100 kilograms or 220 pounds of body weight. As these horses move into the range of 5-10 pounds of concentrate per day their susceptibility to the ill effects of this feeding method increase significantly.

The high incidence of gastric ulcers in horses has been in the forefront of performance horse medicine over the past 10-15 years. Some of the most recent research has started to reveal the alarming percentages of horses suffering with colonic ulcers as well.

Some of the additional contributing factors to the high incidence of colonic ulcers are the reduction of ph in the colon with the ensuing destruction of "good" bacteria and the proliferation of pathogenic strains. Further complicating the picture is the irritation and ulceration that can be caused by sand and silt accumulation in the colon. Additional new research has uncovered the following theories regarding sand and silt:

1. Many horses that are non symptomatic are accumulating some quantity of sand and silt in their colon, and may be suffering from irritation and ulceration.
2. Many horses, besides just those exhibiting signs of colic, are suffering with motility disturbances due to sand and silt accumulation.
3. Fecal sand examination may not accurately access a "sand problem" as those horses accumulating sand may not expel sand in their feces.
4. Establishing a positive environment for hind gut bacteria, may improve motility and thus aid in the removal of sand and silt from the colon.
5. Combining appropriate levels of pre and probiotics and adequate quantities of psyllium appears to be the most reliable method for improving colonic motility and removing all sand accumulations.

The following list of management practices, centered around good nutrition can significantly improve your horses digestive health and create a healthier horse:

1. Feed at least 60% of the daily ration as forage (hay or pasture).
2. When possible, pasture in non-irrigated fields, and/or use a grazing muzzle to control weight and intake of rich forage.
3. Limit the quantity of grains fed.
4. Substitute high-fat feeds and high-fiber feed for grain supplements.
5. Provide feeding systems that limit the intake of sand and dirt.
6. Consider a program of supplementation that improves digestion and motility and removes sand and silt accumulation.
7. Provide plenty of turnout and exercise each day.
8. Provide clean, ice-free drinking water.
9. Implement regular and frequent deworming programs for the herd.
10. Minimize stress (transport, herd dynamics, housing, illness, injury) as much as possible.

Most modern equine diets contain enough calories to support your horse and if feeding a high quality concentrated feed in most cases a combination of pasture, dry forage and concentrate will supply all of the nutrition needed by your horse.

Remember that digestive health is critical to the general wellness of your horse. Preventing colic is better for your horse than treating colic and so managing your feeding program, will pay off when it comes to the health of your horse.

Health Care You Can Count On!

About the author:

Dr. Altman specializes in equine dentistry and lameness, and enjoys working on medicine as well as surgical cases.

By Sean Prenderville

The decision is made; you want to take horse riding lessons. What a great choice of exercise and pleasure! However, just making the decision to learn to ride is not enough. You need to decide what sort of horse riding lessons you would like best. Your primary decision at this point is whether you think you would prefer to ride Western or English. If you choose English, you may have to choose between jumping or dressage seat or both if you event.

Perhaps your location will help you determine which type of horse riding lessons you will take. Most people look in their community for an instructor so your choices may be limited. Regardless of your choice in riding styles, look for an instructor with a good reputation. Ask your friends for suggestions and, once you have located an instructor, ask for references. Also, spend some time visiting the stable where you plan to take your horse riding lessons. Observe the horses to see if they are well cared for and if the stables appear clean and in good order. If you are satisfied with the facilities, make an appointment and get ready for a life changing experience.

Before the big day of your first horse riding lesson, you need to purchase a riding helmet and appropriate riding attire. As a beginner, it is best to keep your purchases modest and not opt for show quality clothes and boots. Depending on the style of riding you have chosen, you will need a pair of jeans and western boots for Western riding or a pair of jodhpur boots and jodhpur breeches. Any comfortable shirt appropriate to the season will do.

Try to arrive early for your first lesson. It is common to sign some paperwork, including a release of liability, prior to your lesson. When a farm decides to offer horse riding lessons, they are much more vulnerable to law suits if accidents occur. Most farms have insurance to cover their exposure but, you, the rider, must help in making this a safe experience for everyone. Be honest about any prior riding experience. If you have only ridden once and it was twenty years ago, do not tell the instructor that you are experienced. The instructor must choose the horse that matches your level of experience and inflated reports of your ability can lead to your being mounted on a horse that is not suitable for beginners.

There is much more to horse riding lessons than simply mounting and riding. All students should learn to groom their horse. Before placing the saddle and bridle on your horse, you should complete two very important steps. First, inspect the tack for any signs of loose stitching or cracked leather. Be sure to point out any problems to your instructor. Secondly, you should always groom your horse. Dirt and debris should be removed by thoroughly currying and brushing his coat. Inspect the hooves as you clean them out. This process removes any stones and muck that could lead to injury. There is an old adage, “no hoof, no horse” and it is just as true today. Before you can take your horse riding lesson, you must have a sound and healthy horse. Likewise, after you complete your lesson, you should again clean the feet and groom the coat to remove any sweat or dirt which may have accumulated during your ride. Be sure to clean and oil your tack as needed to keep it supple and in good condition.

Horse riding lessons are a great way to spend your recreational time. You will make many friends at the stable and develop a life long sport. At minimum, be sure to continue your lessons until you have gained the basics of riding at the three gaits, that is walk, trot and canter both in the ring or manege and outside, if you plan to ride in uncontrolled environments. Horse riding lessons are great for all ages so be sure to consider making it a family sport.

Sean Prenderville is a retired Accountant and Horse Riding Instructor.

Since my retirement I have devoted all of my spare time to horses and horse riding. I have over forty years experience of riding and teaching. For more information please visit http://www.horseriding-for-all.blogspot.com

By Sean Prenderville

It has been nearly a century since horses served as our primary means of transportation. Since the invention of horseless carriages, the horse has evolved into largely a recreational animal. Horseback riding as a sport encompasses a wide array of styles and goals. It is a fantastic physical activity, and, whether you are 8 or 80, horseback riding is a great form of exercise.

Many people begin riding as a child, either through formal lessons or by trial and error. A trip to Grandpa’s farm was never complete without a bareback ride on one of his horses. Horseback riding need not be formal by any means. Some of the best childhood memories were fantasies enacted while astride a neighbor’s pony. Children enjoy horses and often share their deepest, darkest secrets with their equine friend.

As childhood transitions into adulthood, many people choose to hone their skills and make horseback riding a serious sport. There are many venues for competition in the horse world including western, hunting, jumping, dressage, cross country and gaited events. Within each of these disciplines is a wide array of events in which to compete. Western events include such things as demonstrating skills still used on a ranch, speed events, and pleasure classes. Horseback riding events can be further divided into competitions for specific breeds such as Arabian, Quarter Horse, Thoroughbreds, Shires and Appaloosa shows as well as events for all the pony breeds such as Connemara, Exmoor, Welsh and Highland ponies.

Many people find ways to incorporate their love of horseback riding with their daily work or social life. Although there are many methods of working with livestock on a farm or ranch, the horse remains the first choice of most. He alone is capable of taking instruction and applying it. He alone can carry you over the rough country to find missing stock or to check fence lines. He alone can carry you over fields and fences as you chase the illusive fox with a foxhunting club. Life is enriched by the time spent with a horse.

Many mature riders find that there is nothing more wonderful than a ride through the forest and the countryside along a trail or bridleway. There is a communing with the horse as you both enjoy the scenery of nature. This type of horseback riding is truly the most rewarding. You can cast away the stresses of life and take time to smell the woods, listen to the call of birds, watch light dance on a stream as you cross it, and simply take the time to appreciate life. Horseback riding is many things to many people but it is definitely one of the best aspects of life.

Even when physical limitations make horseback riding difficult, people can continue to enjoy their time with their horse and in nature. Many former riders become carriage drivers. Just as with riding, there are opportunities for pleasure and competition as well as using one, two, or more horses. Whether you are a horseback rider or a carriage driver, the horse can be an integral part of your entire life.

Even when physical limitations make horseback riding difficult, people can continue to enjoy their time with their horse and in nature. Many former riders become carriage drivers. Just as with riding, there are opportunities for pleasure and competition as well as using one, two, or more horses. Whether you are a horseback rider or a carriage driver, the horse can be an integral part of your entire life.

About the author: Sean Prenderville is a retired accountant and riding instructor . Since his retirement he has devoted almost all of his time to horses, their care and welfare. For more information click:horseridingforall.blogspot.com

By Ron Victor
              

              
Summer is fast approaching, are you considering sending your child to a summer camp with a horse program? Surely a lot of questions like what will my child learn? What kinds of horses are kept at these camps? Will normally arise.

A summer horse camp is a camp with a focus on horses-riding. The camp sessions may run from a single day to eight weeks long, depending upon the facility and the program selected. Many offer day camps that teach young children and novices the basics of horse riding. Most camps offer longer sessions where they teach horsemanship techniques to a variety of skill levels. Many of these camps are operated on full-time basis, year around horse farms. The summer camp program is great part of what the farms generally do. The farms also raise horses. It may train or board horses for other people. It will likely have programs whole year long, weather and climate permitting, where people of all ages can ride or learn to ride. Horses and horsemanship is a full-time business for these persons. Others are held at facilities that will not be horse farms, but keep all year at least part of the horses they use.

A horsemanship camp is a great way for your young child to learn the responsibility of caring for another living creature. They put children in an outdoor environment and help developing good socialization skills. A summer camp with a horse program has added benefit of teaching youngsters about these magnificent animals and developing horsemanship skills.

Summer programs with horses as the central theme and related activities are found in all regions of the country. Some will focus on the equestrian skills and knowledge. These programs will have classroom studies and seminars that include basics of horse anatomy and the nature of horses along with instruction on feeding, care, and riding.

These programs will assign the camper a horse for a three-week session. The care and feeding of that horse will be the responsibility of the child there. Riding skills will also be taught. Many camps will concentrate on English riding styles. Dressage techniques and patterns are practiced with eventing and show jumping. Many of these facilities have cross-country courses for more advanced riders and horses. Summer horse camps are often found on horse farms. These facilities include horse stables, pastures, show or performance arenas, and, depending upon the camp, a cross-country course also. Most also include access to trails through wooded or wilderness areas with proper guidance. Some will provide both covered and outdoor arenas. Most are set in beautiful landscapes complete with white board fences and other pastoral farm amenities for safety.

Safety is the primary element of the activities. Riders are always required to wear approved helmets and boots while on the horse. Every effort is made to match the right horse to the camper’s riding skills and their capabilities. Everyone is aware that horses are big animals, and because of their sheer size, can be dangerous in most extraordinary situations. So every effort is made to reduce the possible risks to the most minimal levels…

Ron Victor is an Expert author for Boys summer camps. He has written many articles like Youth summer camps, Music summer camps, children summer camps, horseback riding camp, overnight summer camps and adventure camp California. For more information visit our site or contact him at ron.seocopywriter@gmail.com