American Horse And Hoof Care

19/09/2022

08/09/2022

American Horse And Hoof Care

: Being able to assess your equine friend's weight and body condition is a valuable skill, especially as we head into the colder months. A horse with good body weight will fare better in winter weather than a horse on the skinny side, particularly if it’s an older horse.

The Henneke Body Condition Scoring Chart is an important tool that provides a standard scoring system by rating the horse's physical condition on visual appraisal and palpation (feel) of six key conformation points: the amount of flesh or fat covering along the neck; the withers; down the crease of the back; at the tailhead; ribs: and behind the shoulder at the girth.

A body condition score of somewhere between 4 and 6 is ideal for most horses. However, keep in mind that in some disciplines (like racing, polo and eventing) and some life stages (like pregnancy) a higher or lower body score might be more appropriate.

If you think your horse is too fat or too thin (or even if you are unsure), have a chat with your veterinarian to discuss the appropriate condition and a feeding and exercise program for your animal!
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29/08/2022

Get the facts here: https://bit.ly/3cqbA6K

28/08/2022

© Turtleman | Dreamstime.com A new DNA test developed at Rutgers New Jersey Medical School helped confirm a diagnosis of Lyme disease ...

26/08/2022

The horse pictured here is genetically predisposed to equine metabolic syndrome (EMS) and was given free choice, unlimited access to hay. He developed obesity, hyperinsulinemia, and ultimately insulin-induced laminitis. When he could no longer stand, hay was kept in front of him 24/7.

After getting a hay analysis, the owner was advised how much to feed based on actual energy requirements (calories consumed vs. calories expended), to weigh the hay, and to use slow feeders. When the horse was sound, the owner scattered the hay over several acres. The horse made a full recovery and achieved his ideal weight in 9 months.

For weight loss, a good rule of thumb is to feed 1.5% of current weight, or 2.0% of ideal body weight in hay (lbs/day), whichever is more. Example: Overweight horse of 1200 lbs, ideal weight is 1000 lbs. [1200 lbs x 0.015 = 18 lbs/day; 1000 lbs x 0.02 = 20 lbs/day]. Use of slow feeders or small hole hay nets will slow consumption. More information here: https://bit.ly/3Cmh50L

22/08/2022

Too often equines with EMS suffer with laminitis because owners continue to feed grain products and grass. Get tips about effective management of equines with EMS here: https://bit.ly/2zaLNso. Need HELP? Join our free outreach group today: https://bit.ly/2DzMqzw

19/08/2022

Use this interactive tool to learn about normal vital signs and other indications of good health in adult horses.

19/08/2022

Unfortunately, by the time many owners find us, their equines have already experienced laminitis. Since 80-90% of all laminitis cases are a result of the horse, donkey, or mule having uncontrolled EMS (Equine Metabolic Syndrome) and/or PPID (Equine Cushing's Disease), our goal is to help owners and equine professionals get the correct diagnosis and initiate treatment BEFORE a laminitic event. Here's what you need to know: https://bit.ly/2A36ERq For more details, click here to view our short film: Getting the Correct Diagnosis: https://bit.ly/2BSdEhK

12/08/2022

PPID is a disease. EMS/IR is a metabolic type. Learn more here: https://bit.ly/2LqGEjO