Chesapeake Dressage Institute

06/17/2026

06/16/2026

When horses are denied regular contact with other horses, they can experience increased stress, which may manifest as restlessness, stereotypic behaviours (such as weaving or cribbing), and even health issues like digestive or musculoskeletal problems.

Social isolation has also been linked to heightened anxiety, learning difficulties, and a greater risk of injury, as horses deprived of companionship are more likely to become despondent or withdrawn.

Humans can offer comfort and support to horses during periods of social isolation, but cannot fully substitute for the social bonds horses form with other horses.

A recent (2025) study by Janczarek and colleagues examined this issue by measuring heart rate, heart rate variability, and behavioural responses in 12 horses during brief isolation periods.

The researchers found that even with attentive human support, horses still show physiological and behavioural signs of stress when isolated from other horses. Mares, in particular, remained stressed regardless of the type of human interaction.

Janczarek, I., Gazda, I., Barłowska, J., Kurnik, J., & Łuszczyński, J. (2025). Social Isolation of Horses vs. Support Provided by a Human. Animals

06/16/2026

For years, carnival games across the country have given away live animals as prizes. Tiny chicks, ducklings, rabbits, fish, and other animals were often handed to people on impulse with little thought about the care they would need afterward.

Now, Pennsylvania is taking a stand.

Governor Josh Shapiro has signed a bill ending the use of live animals as carnival prizes, helping protect countless animals from neglect, abandonment, injury, and unnecessary suffering.

Animals are not toys. They are not souvenirs. They are living beings who deserve proper care, safety, and respect.

Many animal welfare advocates have pushed for this change for years, arguing that live animal giveaways often lead to poor outcomes for the animals involved. This new law recognizes that winning a game should never come at the expense of an animal's well-being.

It may seem like a small change, but for the animals who will no longer be treated as prizes, it is a life-changing one.

06/16/2026

🐴"One key way you can help your dressage horse recover from a strenuous workout is to apply a liniment, brace or cooling gel to his legs and/or any large muscles that might be sore. This helps promote circulation which, in turn, reduces swelling in tendons, ligaments, muscles and other soft tissues."🐴
~ Emma Ford, on using liniment to reduce muscle soreness

Are you properly applying liniment to help promote your dressage horse's exercise recovery? Professional groom Emma Ford provides step-by-step instructions on how to correctly apply liniment to reduce muscle soreness and help him recover from hard workouts.

Click on the link in the Comments below for her tips!

📸 Amy K. Dragoo

06/16/2026

🪰⚠️ New World Screwworm (NWS) has been confirmed in the United States for the first time in decades, making it an important issue for horse owners to be aware of.

As of June 2026, nine confirmed cases have been reported in the U.S., including cases in cattle, goats, and one dog in Texas and New Mexico. At this time, no cases have been reported in horses in the United States.

Unlike many other fly larvae that feed on dead tissue, New World Screwworm larvae invade and feed on living tissue. Female flies are attracted to wounds, surgical sites, navels of newborn animals, and natural body openings where they lay eggs. Once the larvae hatch, they burrow deeper into the tissue, causing painful, rapidly enlarging wounds that can become life-threatening if left untreated.

Horses can be affected if exposed to the fly, making early detection and wound management critical. Horse owners should monitor:
🔹 Any wound that suddenly worsens
🔹 Foul-smelling or draining lesions
🔹 Visible maggots in a wound
🔹 Swelling, irritation, or unusual behavior around an injury
🔹 Surgical sites, castration wounds, and umbilical areas in foals

If you suspect screwworm infestation, contact your veterinarian immediately. Early treatment is essential.

The good news is that veterinarians, state animal health officials, and federal agencies are actively monitoring and responding to confirmed cases. Staying vigilant and practicing good wound care remain the best defenses for horse owners.

🔗 For the latest confirmed case updates, visit:
https://www.aphis.usda.gov/animals/animal-health/livestock-and-poultry-disease/current-status/us-confirmed-cases-new-world

🔗 To learn more about New World Screwworm in horses, read our article:
https://www.aphis.usda.gov/animals/animal-health/livestock-and-poultry-disease/current-status/us-confirmed-cases-new-world

06/16/2026