Alta Equine Sports Medicine

10/08/2025

Equine endocrine disorders such as Equine Metabolic Syndrome (EMS) and Pituitary Pars Intermedia Dysfunction (PPID) feature some striking clinical similarities, most notably a predisposition to the development of chronic laminitis. However, the underlying disease biology is quite different in each case. This graphic from describes some key differences to be aware of between the two diseases.

A proper veterinary evaluation is crucial to ensure the correct diagnosis and treatment plan. PPID often requires medication like Pergolide, while EMS is primarily managed through diet and exercise changes.

10/07/2025

Keeping your horse busy chewing promotes steady saliva production. Saliva contains an important buffer, bicarbonate, which helps neutralize stomach acid, decreasing the risk of equine gastric ulcers.

This feeding strategy can also be beneficial when feeding a metabolic horse. Slowing the rate at which sugar enters the bloodstream allows more time for it to be metabolized.

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10/06/2025

Equine nutritionists recommend feeding by weight rather than volume, since different feedstuffs can vary widely in density.

That said, we know a scoop can make feeding quicker. One trick: weigh your concentrate once, then mark your scoop to match that weight. Just remember to repeat this anytime you change feeds.

10/02/2025

Research continues to document the significant health implications of obesity in horses —particularly ponies. The impact on the joint itself is still under review, but studies have shown horses are in a higher inflammatory state when they are overweight. Inflammation is part of exercise, and it has its purpose in breaking down tissues and rebuilding them, but in excess the breakdown exceeds the rate of repair. Overweight horses are at increased risk for developing health problems such as laminitis, equine metabolic syndrome, and heat or exercise intolerance.

Consistent and objective assessment of your equine athlete's conditioning level is key to combating the growing problem of equine obesity and optimizing your horse's health. The Henneke body condition scoring scale is a universally used, numerical-based, standardized system of assessing fat cover in a horse.

Schedule an evaluation with the Alta Equine team to assess your equine athlete's current body condition score (BCS) and receive personalized recommendations based on your horse's lifestyle, exercise requirements, and underlying conditions.

09/30/2025

There are many approaches to supporting joint health in equine athletes. While thoughtfully selected nutraceuticals may play a role in long-term care, not all supplements are created equal. It’s important to be critical and choose products backed by research and proven efficacy.

Dr. Natalie can work with you to identify a supplementation plan tailored to your horse’s individual needs that complements their overall healthcare program.

Learn more about supporting your horse’s joints in this article from Platinum Performance:
https://www.platinumperformance.com/articles/equine-joint-file.html

09/29/2025

🔥 & Theo finished 8th overall at THIS National Children’s Medal Finals 🔥

09/26/2025

Louie & picking up
🥇🥇🥇 !

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09/25/2025

Congratulations to and Gio on their Top 10 finish at Maclay Regionals! 🔥

09/24/2025

Julie Blaney & Costner - champion of the $1,000 Charleigh’s Cookies Mod Child/Adult Derby Final 2’9 🔥
julie


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09/23/2025

Congratulations Alex Silva & Capriccio IK with on winning the $5,000 GSS The Agency 1.0m JR/AM Jumper Classic !


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09/19/2025

Congratulations to Lily Park & Pico HCC - champions in the $3,000 Prestige 1.30m JR/AM Jumper Classic



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09/16/2025