All Blog Posts Tagged 'geriatric' - Barnmice Equestrian Social Community2024-03-29T15:08:41Zhttp://www.barnmice.com/profiles/blog/feed?tag=geriatric&xn_auth=noAmerican Woman Becomes First Female Camel Jockey To Compete In Esteemed C1 Championships In Dubaitag:www.barnmice.com,2024-02-23:1773158:BlogPost:8803312024-02-23T17:44:55.000ZBarnmice Adminhttp://www.barnmice.com/profile/admin
<p><a href="https://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/12388644456?profile=original" rel="noopener" target="_blank"><img class="align-left" height="681" src="https://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/12388644456?profile=RESIZE_710x" width="399"></img></a> Kentucky, USA - February 22, 2024 - Isabella Leslie, hailing from the U.S., is set to make history in Dubai, United Arab Emirates (UAE), this Saturday, February 24th, as she becomes with first American female camel jockey to compete in the esteemed C1 Championships, the only licensed all-female camel racing competition. Other countries participating in the…</p>
<p><a href="https://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/12388644456?profile=original" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img src="https://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/12388644456?profile=RESIZE_710x" class="align-left" width="399" height="681"/></a>Kentucky, USA - February 22, 2024 - Isabella Leslie, hailing from the U.S., is set to make history in Dubai, United Arab Emirates (UAE), this Saturday, February 24th, as she becomes with first American female camel jockey to compete in the esteemed C1 Championships, the only licensed all-female camel racing competition. Other countries participating in the event include New Zealand, Germany, France, Russia, and the UAE. </p>
<p>Established in 2021 by visionary Linda Krockenberger, the C1 Championships represent a landmark milestone in the UAE's sporting landscape. Krockenberger’s determination and pioneering spirit also led to the creation of the first-ever licensed camel riding center in the UAE, along with the formation of the first female camel riding team, breaking traditional barriers and fostering inclusivity within the sport. </p>
<p>Camel racing enthusiasts will witness thrilling displays of athleticism and skill as camels, capable of reaching speeds of up to 40 mph, navigate a 1200m distance. The event will be held at the Dubai Camel Racetrack in Al Marmoom, Dubai. Admission will be free for all attendees.</p>
<p>“Competing in the C1 Championships has been a dream since I first learned about it,” said Leslie. “I met Linda while in Dubai in 2022 and the rest is history. We’ve planned for this moment and it’s finally here. I am honored to represent not only my country but also women from diverse backgrounds who share a passion for camel racing. I am grateful for the opportunity to make history and contribute to the growth of this incredible sport." </p>
<p>The C1 Championships promise to captivate audiences worldwide, showcasing the strength, agility, and camaraderie inherent in camel racing. As the first American female camel jockey to compete in this esteemed competition, Leslie embodies the spirit of determination and excellence, inspiring future generations of athletes to pursue their dreams relentlessly. </p>
<p>“It’s incredible to see someone all the way from the States commit to intensive training on and off the camel, and to accomplish the licensing by Dubai Camel Racing Club in such a short period,” said Krokenberger. “It shows camels have finally sparked more international interest and recognition. And I am sure Isabella’s participation will create a ripple effect and help shape the sport in a more accessible and democratic way. I’m incredibly proud of her and the dedication and commitment she put into this dream.” </p>
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<p>Leslie possesses a diverse background within the Thoroughbred racing industry. She has worked with renowned horse trainer and dual Hall of Famer, Mark E. Casse, whose 40-year career has earned him over 3,500 racing wins. Currently, Leslie supports marketing efforts for multiple racing companies, including America’s Best Racing and JockeyCam. She also helps oversee US operations for Amo Racing. She earned her degree in Equine business in 2021 from Kentucky’s University of Louisville College of Business.</p>U.S. Polo Assn. 40-Goal Polo Challenge Raised Nearly a Half Million Dollars for Injured Polo Players and Their Familiestag:www.barnmice.com,2024-02-22:1773158:BlogPost:8806312024-02-22T16:29:22.000ZBarnmice Adminhttp://www.barnmice.com/profile/admin
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong><em>Global, Sport-Inspired Brand Hosted Charitable Event at the USPA National Polo Center</em></strong></p>
<p style="text-align: left;">WEST PALM BEACH, Fla., February 22, 2024 (Newswire.com) - U.S. Polo Assn., the official brand of the United States Polo Association (USPA), was Title and Official Apparel Sponsor of the U.S. Polo Assn. 40-Goal Polo Challenge, the marquee fundraising event of the Polo Players Support Group (PPSG), hosted at the USPA…</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong><em>Global, Sport-Inspired Brand Hosted Charitable Event at the USPA National Polo Center</em></strong></p>
<p style="text-align: left;">WEST PALM BEACH, Fla., February 22, 2024 (Newswire.com) - U.S. Polo Assn., the official brand of the United States Polo Association (USPA), was Title and Official Apparel Sponsor of the U.S. Polo Assn. 40-Goal Polo Challenge, the marquee fundraising event of the Polo Players Support Group (PPSG), hosted at the USPA National Polo Center (NPC) on the U.S. Polo Assn. Stadium Field 1. Held on Feb. 17, 2024, at NPC, the spectacular charitable event was full of activities for attendees to enjoy, all to benefit the PPSG. </p>
<p style="text-align: left;">As Title and Official Apparel Sponsor, U.S. Polo Assn. provided branded performance jerseys to all competing players, alongside a monetary donation for the PPSG, a 501(c)3 organization dedicated to providing financial assistance to ill or seriously injured players and grooms in the polo community. Since its inception in 2002, the PPSG has helped recipients and their network of family and friends with their collected donations of over $3 million. </p>
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<p style="text-align: left;">The charitable event included the premier event, a 40-Goal match between two balanced teams of some of the world’s best polo players, including Adolfo Cambiaso, Poroto Cambiaso, Jero Del Carril, Magoo Laprida, Tomy Panelo, Polito Pieres, Tomas Garcia del Rio, and Hilario Ulloa. There was also an opening ceremony, a trophy ceremony, and the Future 10’s kids match, all followed by a special gala dinner and auction at the NPC’s Pavilion. All activities and auction bids, including signed player jerseys amongst other high-value items, contributed toward the PPSG mission to support the polo community in times of need, raising over $450,000. </p>
<p style="text-align: left;">“As Title and Official Apparel Sponsor of the U.S. Polo Assn. 40-Goal Polo Challenge, this event plays a crucial role within the polo community, which aligns with our sport-inspired brand’s mission to support the sport of polo,” said J. Michael Prince, President and CEO of USPA Global, the company that manages the global, multi-billion-dollar U.S. Polo Assn. brand. “We also love that U.S. Polo Assn.’s authentic connection to the sport of polo and the polo community can be highlighted by supporting organizations like the Polo Players Support Group at the USPA’s world-class National Polo Center.” </p>
<p style="text-align: left;"><br/> <strong>About U.S. Polo Assn. and USPA Global</strong> </p>
<p style="text-align: left;">U.S. Polo Assn. is the official brand of the United States Polo Association (USPA), the governing body for the sport of polo in the United States and one of the country’s oldest sports governing bodies, founded in 1890. With a multi-billion-dollar global footprint and worldwide distribution through some 1,200 U.S. Polo Assn. retail stores, as well as thousands of additional points of distribution, U.S. Polo Assn. offers apparel, accessories, and footwear for men, women, and children in more than 190 countries worldwide. A recent, multi-year deal with ESPN to broadcast the premier polo championships in the world, sponsored by U.S. Polo Assn., has made the thrilling sport accessible to millions of households globally for the very first time. </p>
<p style="text-align: left;">U.S. Polo Assn. has consistently been named one of the top global sports licensors alongside the NFL, NBA, and MLB, according to License Global. In addition, the sport-inspired brand is being recognized around the world with awards for global growth, expansion, licensing, and digital presence. Due to its tremendous success as a global brand, particularly in the last five years, U.S. Polo Assn. has been featured in Forbes, Modern Retail, and GQ as well as on Yahoo Finance and Bloomberg, among many other noteworthy media sources around the world. </p>
<p style="text-align: left;"><br/> For more information, visit <a href="http://uspoloassnglobal.com" target="_blank" rel="noopener">uspoloassnglobal.com</a> and follow @uspoloassn. </p>
<p style="text-align: left;">USPA Global is the for-profit subsidiary of the USPA and manages the global, multi-billion-dollar U.S. Polo Assn. brand, providing the sport with a long-term source of revenue. Through its subsidiary, Global Polo Entertainment (GPE), USPA Global also manages Global Polo TV, which provides sports and lifestyle content. A historic, multi-year, global arrangement between USPA Global and ESPN, now showcases many of the top championship polo games in the U.S., enabling millions of sports fans and consumers to enjoy the sport across ESPN’s broadcast and streaming platforms. For more sport content, visit <a href="http://www.globalpolo.com" target="_blank" rel="noopener">globalpolo.com</a>. </p>
<p style="text-align: left;"><br/> <strong>Polo Player Support Group </strong> <br/> The Polo Players Support Group (PPSG) is a 501(c)3 tax-exempt organization providing financial assistance to seriously injured or ill players and grooms. In 2000, the 40-Goal Rob Walton Benefit was created to raise money for 8-goal Polo Hall of Famer Rob Walton, who was paralyzed in a polo accident. In this inaugural event, many of the best polo players in the world donated their time and efforts to play this exhibition match and raise funds. Inspired by the Rob Walton Benefit, the PPSG was founded and created the annual U.S. Polo Assn. 40-Goal Polo Challenge to raise funds to help members of the polo community in financial crisis caused by physical injury or illness. Since its inception in 2002, $3,000,000 has been given to more than 100 members of the polo industry. For more information, visit <a href="http://www.polosupport.com" target="_blank" rel="noopener">polosupport.com</a>. </p>Daniel Coyle Flies To The Top In The $100,000 Wheels Up Grand Prixtag:www.barnmice.com,2024-02-05:1773158:BlogPost:8806122024-02-05T13:29:39.000ZBarnmice Adminhttp://www.barnmice.com/profile/admin
<p>Ocala, FL – World Equestrian Center – Ocala was brimming with spectator and exhibitors alike to watch the $100,000 Wheels Up Grand Prix. Thirty of the world’s best athletes representing nine different nations vied for the winning title over tracks built by FEI Level IV course designer, Leopoldo Palacios (VEN). Daniel Coyle (IRL), fresh off two European World Cup™ victories, continued his winning streak by clinching both first and second place.…</p>
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<p>Ocala, FL – World Equestrian Center – Ocala was brimming with spectator and exhibitors alike to watch the $100,000 Wheels Up Grand Prix. Thirty of the world’s best athletes representing nine different nations vied for the winning title over tracks built by FEI Level IV course designer, Leopoldo Palacios (VEN). Daniel Coyle (IRL), fresh off two European World Cup™ victories, continued his winning streak by clinching both first and second place.</p>
<p><a href="https://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/12373846888?profile=original" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img src="https://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/12373846888?profile=RESIZE_710x" class="align-center"/></a></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><em>Daniel Coyle and Farrel soaring to first place in the $100,000 Wheels Up Grand Prix. Photo by Andrew Ryback Photography.</em></p>
<p>Leopoldo Palacios crafted a challenging track, where a total of nine horse-and-rider combinations managed to jump a clear first-round effort. The tie-breaking field consisted of some of the sport’s quickest athletes, but it became a battle between New Zealand and Ireland in the end. </p>
<p>Daniel Coyle complimented tonight’s design, “It was a great course. I talked to Leopoldo before we started. He’s the best course builder there is. The most difficult for sure, but most people like that. He wanted nine clears and I think there were exactly nine, so he was right on it.”</p>
<p>Coyle piloted both of his entries, Quintin and Farrel, both owned by Ariel Grange, to a clear first round effort to qualify for the jump-off. He returned first aboard the 14-year-old KWPN gelding Quintin (Quaprice Bois Margot x Thamara). The pair flew around the track, taking tidy turns, and finding each fence on an open gallop to stop the clock at 38.358 seconds. </p>
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<p><strong>Photo at Left:</strong><em>Daniel Coyle and Quintin jumping to second place. Photo by Andrew Ryback Photography.</em></p>
<p>That time couldn’t be beat until Coyle returned on his second mount Farrel (Cardento 933 x Becherry). “I was lucky. I was able to go first on Quintin. He has a bigger stride, but Farrel is fast in a different way, he’s handy, neat and tidy in the way he jumps. I knew I had a good round on Quintin, but I knew I could do a whole lot more with Farrel, and I took quite a few risks.” </p>
<p>Coyle piloted his other 14-year-old KPWN gelding Farrel to an even faster track, stopping the clock in 37.638 seconds for the win. </p>
<p>“We go to lots of different shows, but there is nowhere in the world like this place. It’s just mind-blowing from the first minute you step in the door, to somewhere you go get coffee, to a warm-up arena, to an indoor arena, to the stables, you could go on and on. Anybody who hasn’t been here, I just suggest you come here, because it’s the only way you’ll understand,” expressed Coyle. </p>
<p>Coyle is just getting back from a history making trip to Europe with one of his top mounts Legacy, where they won the Longines World Cup™ first in Leipzig and then in Amsterdam. Coyle is now looking forward to the five-star and Longines League of Nations™ qualifying event during week XII, “I think the [Longines League of Nations™] will change this place. The people that come here will take a different perspective away from it. Legacy just got back here, so she’ll have a little break and she’ll start to work her way up and hopefully if everything goes well, we can get selected to jump in the [Longines League of Nations qualifier].” </p>
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<p style="text-align: center;"><em>Sharn Wordley and Valentine Car rounding out the top three. Photo by Andrew Ryback Photography.</em></p>
<p>Sharn Wordley (NZL) was just behind Coyle with both of his mounts, Valentine Car (Son of Juan Car x Sofia Car) and Champion League (Cador 5 x Charisma). Wordley found his quickest time of 38.927 seconds aboard the 15-year-old American Warmblood gelding Valentine Car. He was just a second slower with his second entry Champion League in 39.454 seconds, landing Wordley a third and fourth place finish. </p>
<p>Aaron Vale (USA) captured the fastest four faulter award aboard Thinkslikeahorse’s Prescott with a quick time of 74.678 seconds with one rail down. </p>
<p>Dani Gascoigne received the ‘Luck of the Draw’ award. </p>
<p><span>From now until March 24, 2024, experience the thrill of the 2024 Winter Spectacular Show Series at World Equestrian Center – Ocala. Explore the daily class schedule, orders of go, class counts, and final results on </span><a href="https://horseshowing.com/show.php?show=11739">HorseShowing.com</a><span>. For real-time scoring, check out </span><a href="https://ryegate.live/WEC/2024/Winter/index.html">Ryegate.Live</a><span>.</span></p>Kentucky Invitational Grand Prix CSI to Become Five Star in 2025tag:www.barnmice.com,2024-02-05:1773158:BlogPost:8803122024-02-05T12:30:00.000ZBarnmice Adminhttp://www.barnmice.com/profile/admin
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<p style="text-align: left;"><em><strong>Management Proposals for 2025-2027 Now Being Accepted</strong></em><br></br> Lexington, Kentucky – December 7, 2023 – The Kentucky Invitational Grand Prix CSI presented by Hagyard Equine Medical Institute will move to the Five Star level starting in 2025. Equestrian…</p>
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<p style="text-align: left;"><em><strong>Management Proposals for 2025-2027 Now Being Accepted</strong></em><br/> Lexington, Kentucky – December 7, 2023 – The Kentucky Invitational Grand Prix CSI presented by Hagyard Equine Medical Institute will move to the Five Star level starting in 2025. Equestrian Events, Inc. is now accepting management proposals for 2025-2027 for the show jumping competition held each April in conjunction with the Land Rover Kentucky Three-Day Event presented by MARS Equestrian™. The deadline for management proposals is January 15, 2024.</p>
<p style="text-align: left;">Organized by Equestrian Events, Inc. (EEI), the Land Rover Kentucky Three-Day Event presented by MARS Equestrian™ (LRK3DE) returns to the Kentucky Horse Park, April 25-28, 2024, featuring one of only seven annual Five Star three-day events in the world. Known as “The Best Weekend All Year,” the event annually attracts nearly 90,000 spectators who also enjoy extensive shopping, a variety of hospitality experiences and a wide array of demonstrations. In addition to the traditional CCI5*-L, the event also features the Cosequin® Lexington 4* and $225,000 Kentucky Invitational Grand Prix presented by Hagyard Equine Medical Institute. </p>
<p style="text-align: left;">Introduced at the 2018 LRK3DE as a CSI3*, the Kentucky Invitational Grand Prix has packed Rolex Stadium with cheering fans each year. The Invitational Grand Prix has been elevated to the Four Star level for 2024 and will celebrate its Five Star debut in 2025! </p>
<p style="text-align: left;">“We are excited to elevate our show jumping Grand Prix with a move to the Five Star level,” said Erin Woodall, Executive Director of EEI. “We will move to Four Star this coming spring, and we look forward to celebrating our first CSI5* Grand Prix in 2025. We are now seeking proposals for show management to help us establish the Kentucky Invitational as one of the nation’s premier show jumping competitions.” </p>
<p style="text-align: left;">Management of the new CSI5* will include working with EEI on promotions, sponsorships and other competition details. Proposals must be submitted by January 15, 2024; the successful candidate will be notified by May 30, 2024. </p>
<p style="text-align: left;">For more information on the Kentucky CSI Invitational Grand Prix presented by Hagyard Equine Medical Institute and to submit a proposal for show management, visit <a href="https://kentuckythreedayevent.com/grand-prix/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">https://kentuckythreedayevent.com/grand-prix/</a>. </p>
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<p style="text-align: left;"><strong>Land Rover Kentucky Three-Day Event presented by MARS Equestrian™</strong></p>
<p style="text-align: left;">The Land Rover Kentucky Three-Day Event is a thrilling multi-day competition featuring Olympic-level riders and horses in what can best be described as an equestrian triathlon. Horse and rider pairs compete in three phases of the competition – Dressage, Cross-Country and Show Jumping – for $400,000 in prize money to those competing at the CCI5*-L level. LRK3DE is the largest and longest-running Five Star event in the Americas and as the United States’ premier event, it also serves as the Land Rover/USEF CCI5*-L Eventing National Championship presented by MARS Equestrian for the U.S. athletes. Rolex is the Official Timepiece and Event Partner. </p>
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<p style="text-align: left;"><strong>Cosequin® Lexington CCI4*-S</strong></p>
<p style="text-align: left;">Introduced in 2021, the Cosequin® Lexington 4*-S runs concurrently with the CCI5*-L competition, featuring the three phases of eventing – dressage, cross country and show jumping. The Cosequin® Lexington 4*-S offers $25,000 prize money. Tickets for viewing the Cosequin® Lexington 4*-S are included when purchasing the LRK3DE tickets.</p>
<p style="text-align: left;"><br/> <strong>Kentucky CSI4* Invitational Grand Prix presented by Hagyard Equine Medical Institute</strong></p>
<p style="text-align: left;">The $225,000 Kentucky CSI4* Invitational Grand Prix presented by Hagyard Equine Medical Institute will take place on Saturday afternoon, April 27, after the cross-country portion of the LRK3DE. As part of the competition, there will also be a $35,000 Welcome Speed Cup Ranking Class on Friday in the Rolex Stadium, after the day’s LRK3DE dressage competition. In addition to the new 4* level for the 2024 Grand Prix, there will be a new $35,000 1.45m Two-Phase during the lunch hour on Saturday, April 27. No stadium seat ticket is required for Friday’s Ranking Class. For more Grand Prix information, please visit <a href="https://kentuckythreedayevent.com/grand-prix/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">https://kentuckythreedayevent.com/grand-prix/</a>. </p>
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<p style="text-align: left;"><strong>About Equestrian Events, Inc.</strong></p>
<p style="text-align: left;">Equestrian Events, Inc. (EEI) is a non-profit charitable Kentucky corporation that was established initially to produce the 1978 World Three-Day Event Championships at the Kentucky Horse Park. Following the success of those championships, EEI established an annual event that evolved into the world-renowned Kentucky Three-Day Event, which draws nearly 90,000 spectators to the Kentucky Horse Park each year. EEI added the Kentucky CSI3* Invitational Grand Prix in 2018, the Lexington CCI4*-S in 2021, and also produces other events. EEI supports several local and equine charities and has donated more than $725,000 to various charities since 2011. For more information, please visit <a href="http://www.eq-events.com" target="_blank" rel="noopener">www.eq-events.com</a>.</p>Survey on Problem Behavior in Horsestag:www.barnmice.com,2023-10-28:1773158:BlogPost:8802232023-10-28T02:27:33.000ZWendy Kochhttp://www.barnmice.com/profile/WendyKoch
<p><span>Dr Orla Doherty is gathering data on the impact of problem behaviors in horses on riders, handlers, and those working with horses, along with their strategies for addressing these issues. Dr Doherty is an Irish veterinarian with a Master's Degree in Animal Behavior and Welfare from Edinburgh University. She established the Animal Behavior Clinic in 1994 and has been addressing behavior issues in animals ever since. She kindly requests that as many people as possible take a moment to…</span></p>
<p><span>Dr Orla Doherty is gathering data on the impact of problem behaviors in horses on riders, handlers, and those working with horses, along with their strategies for addressing these issues. Dr Doherty is an Irish veterinarian with a Master's Degree in Animal Behavior and Welfare from Edinburgh University. She established the Animal Behavior Clinic in 1994 and has been addressing behavior issues in animals ever since. She kindly requests that as many people as possible take a moment to complete the survey and, more importantly, share it with other individuals or groups connected to horses. The survey results will be publicly disclosed, and you will help experts in addressing equine problem behaviors worldwide. The survey is available at <u><a href="https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/International_Survey_on_Problem_Behaviours_in_Horses">https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/International_Survey_on_Problem_Behaviours_in_Horses</a>.</u> Thanks for your participation!</span></p>"Not Today"tag:www.barnmice.com,2023-09-23:1773158:BlogPost:8802132023-09-23T14:36:08.000ZJackie Cochranhttp://www.barnmice.com/profile/JackieCochran
<p style="margin-bottom: 0in;">“Not Today”</p>
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<p style="margin-bottom: 0in;">MJ and I are old. Our joints ache at the best of times. Throw in ANYTHING, the weather, sleeping on the wrong side, MJ being bullied out in the paddock, a little bit of gas, and our whole system gets thrown out and we just can't do stuff that is easy when conditions are good.</p>
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<p style="margin-bottom: 0in;">Like my rides on MJ. In the past…</p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0in;">“Not Today”</p>
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<p style="margin-bottom: 0in;">MJ and I are old. Our joints ache at the best of times. Throw in ANYTHING, the weather, sleeping on the wrong side, MJ being bullied out in the paddock, a little bit of gas, and our whole system gets thrown out and we just can't do stuff that is easy when conditions are good.</p>
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<p style="margin-bottom: 0in;">Like my rides on MJ. In the past month I have had one ride that was GOOD, with MJ moving freely, striding forth fearlessly, with his head and neck relaxed and his back “swinging”. I really enjoyed that ride! The rest of them, well MJ IS 30 years old and has the aches and pains of any being that has had hard physical labor in their youth and middle age. He moves more at the lesson horse range of motion and when I ask him to move out some--“Not Today lady”.</p>
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<p style="margin-bottom: 0in;">Yes, I could get after him with my spurs and my crop, but I would not get what I want, free striding movement. I would get choppy steps, his head would come up a little and he would not reach confidently for contact with the bit, his back would get stiff, and both of us would be miserable.</p>
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<p style="margin-bottom: 0in;">“I am giving you the most I can today” is a valid objection from a horse. Here is MJ obeying all my aids, going around the ring satisfactorily for a lesson horse, not “cussing me out” at all, moderately cheerful, but after a certain speed is reached he just cannot physically swing, that is just too much for his body that day. Like me MJ is exquisitely sensitive to air pressure, and if a weather system bring rain is a few days off our joints start hurting even though the pre-storm weather is nice and sunny. When the clouds arrive full of rain our joints feel it even if the rain holds off until the end of our lesson.</p>
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<p style="margin-bottom: 0in;">I am not going to punish MJ for being an old man.</p>
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<p style="margin-bottom: 0in;">Last week I did too much physically. On Tuesday I spent around 5 hours riding in the car or sitting in a chair. I had an appointment with the eye doctor about my rapidly developing cataracts (they have been lurking for years) where I had to be alert and sitting up while my eyes were examined THOROUGHLY. Then I had my riding lesson on Wednesday, just walking, and I have been exhausted ever since.</p>
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<p style="margin-bottom: 0in;">Today Tropical Storm Ophelia made landfall over a hundred miles to the east throwing rain bands over my land. I still feel exhausted and various joints around my body are announcing that they ARE NOT HAPPY with the weather conditions, I'm just not good for anything today. Since I have to see the eye doctor again on Monday I will cancel my Home Horse session with Shannon tomorrow, then I can rest a day before my lesson on Wednesday and maybe I will have enough energy to trot a little bit, if MJ is up to it, that is.</p>
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<p style="margin-bottom: 0in;">I am scheduled for two cataract operations. My last one will be at the beginning of November, three weeks after the first operation. The eye doctor said not to ride a horse for two weeks after each operation, bummer! IF I end up with much better eyesight it will be worth missing my riding lessons, the idea of no longer needing eyeglasses outside at least is enticing. I might need reading glasses, I made sure to tell the eye doctor that I am studying horse anatomy and I need to be able to see the drawings and photographs clearly.</p>
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<p style="margin-bottom: 0in;">Maybe by December I will be recovered enough so I can RIDE again.</p>
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<p style="margin-bottom: 0in;">Have a great ride!</p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0in;">Jackie Cochran</p>I've Been Studying Horse Anatomytag:www.barnmice.com,2023-09-09:1773158:BlogPost:8801102023-09-09T14:25:55.000ZJackie Cochranhttp://www.barnmice.com/profile/JackieCochran
<p style="margin-bottom: 0in;">I've Been Studying Horse Anatomy</p>
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<p style="margin-bottom: 0in;">I have been riding MJ for my riding lessons, walk, trot, halts and turns. I have also been riding my Home Horse with Shannon's help every Sunday, and last Sunday I made it to 22 minutes riding my Home Horse!!!! But there has been nothing new, nothing exciting and certainly nothing ground breaking in my riding this summer. Riding in the summer heat can get boring…</p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0in;">I've Been Studying Horse Anatomy</p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0in;"></p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0in;">I have been riding MJ for my riding lessons, walk, trot, halts and turns. I have also been riding my Home Horse with Shannon's help every Sunday, and last Sunday I made it to 22 minutes riding my Home Horse!!!! But there has been nothing new, nothing exciting and certainly nothing ground breaking in my riding this summer. Riding in the summer heat can get boring for me.</p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0in;"></p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0in;">However I have been buying a lot of books on Horse Anatomy, weighty tomes that help me get weight bearing exercise, moving stacks of heavy books back and forth across my bedroom. I have vet school books, books by veterinarians, and books by anatomists full of anatomical pictures of horses, right now I own 18 books on general Horse Anatomy. Why so many? Well horse anatomy is complicated and it is impossible to get every single detail within 200 or so pages. Also the anatomical drawings and descriptions of dissected horses and every horse is different, with different breeding, training, conformation and veterinary histories. No two books show exactly the same thing horse-wide in the pictures because horses are not identical.</p>
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<p style="margin-bottom: 0in;">I also am using the “3-D Horse Anatomy” computer program by Biosphera, with which I can isolate systems, rotate the picture, go down layers, magnify a particular area and see the lay of the individual muscles (roughly). This program is not totally perfect but it is excellent for enabling me to see how the horse hangs together.</p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0in;"></p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0in;">Right now I am concentrating on the horse's forehand, basically the part of the horse that carries my weight, the neck muscles at the base of the neck that also go back down the spine, shoulder muscles and the muscles that I sit upon when I ride a horse. Some of these muscles link up to the nuchal and supraspinus ligament, the nuchal part forms the crest of the neck and the supraspinous part goes under the saddle back to the end of the croup. The “sling muscles” of the scapula (shoulder blade) and sternum (breast bone) bear the weight of the horse's head, neck and the front of the horse's back, not bone to bone but a sling of muscles, tendons, ligaments and joints that absorb the shocks when horses move and carry the weight of the horse's forehand and the rider. There are MANY muscles that support my weight when I ride a horse. There are layers of muscles that carry us, in places there are 4 layers of muscle under us (plus ligaments and bones.) Someday I might even learn all of them.</p>
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<p style="margin-bottom: 0in;">As I wrote earlier it is COMPLICATED!!!!!</p>
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<p style="margin-bottom: 0in;">These multiple layers of shoulder and back muscles is why people have to refit or even buy a new saddle as training progresses. As these muscles get stronger many of them become thicker, and when 4 layers of muscles get thicker it all adds up and the saddle suddenly becomes too tight in front, irritating the horse and interfering with the muscles and the shoulder blades as they try to move under our weight. The saddle that fits the horse perfectly at the start of training will most definitely not fit the horse perfectly when the horse is fully trained. The rider also has to adapt their position because the horse is thicker and wider between the rider's legs and the saddle sits differently on the horse's back.</p>
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<p style="margin-bottom: 0in;">To my great surprise studying horse anatomy is cheering me up! My brain is happy, it has a lot of new stuff to learn, leisure to learn it, and multiple sources of information to compare. The part of my brain that likes looking at pictures (horses!) is delighted and looks forward to doing this every single day. Some days, like when I ride a horse or ride my Home Horse, I get too tired to carry the books and look at multiple pictures, those days I just look at the 3-D horse anatomy program. Every day I notice something new, and everyday I spend trying to follow a muscle from front to back or vice versa.</p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0in;"></p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0in;">I no longer sit around being BORED, desperately looking for any type of amusement that can hold my interest. I go into a studying trance, losing track of time, and forgetting all the world-wide chaos swirling around us.</p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0in;"></p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0in;">This is a hobby that I hopefully will be able to enjoy through my old age.</p>
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<p style="margin-bottom: 0in;">Have a great ride!</p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0in;">Jackie Cochran</p>
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<p style="margin-bottom: 0in;"></p>Nutritional Considerations for Donkeystag:www.barnmice.com,2023-08-30:1773158:BlogPost:8800122023-08-30T15:22:05.000ZMadeline Boasthttp://www.barnmice.com/profile/MadelineBoast
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Nutritional Considerations for Donkeys - A Balanced Bay Blog Post …</strong></p>
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<div class="mYVXT"><div class="LS81yb VICjCf j5pSsc db35Fc"><div class="hJDwNd-AhqUyc-uQSCkd Ft7HRd-AhqUyc-uQSCkd purZT-AhqUyc-II5mzb ZcASvf-AhqUyc-II5mzb pSzOP-AhqUyc-qWD73c Ktthjf-AhqUyc-qWD73c JNdkSc SQVYQc yYI8W HQwdzb"><div class="JNdkSc-SmKAyb LkDMRd"><div class=""><div class="oKdM2c ZZyype"></div>
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<p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Nutritional Considerations for Donkeys - A Balanced Bay Blog Post </strong></p>
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<div class="mYVXT"><div class="LS81yb VICjCf j5pSsc db35Fc"><div class="hJDwNd-AhqUyc-uQSCkd Ft7HRd-AhqUyc-uQSCkd purZT-AhqUyc-II5mzb ZcASvf-AhqUyc-II5mzb pSzOP-AhqUyc-qWD73c Ktthjf-AhqUyc-qWD73c JNdkSc SQVYQc yYI8W HQwdzb"><div class="JNdkSc-SmKAyb LkDMRd"><div class=""><div class="oKdM2c ZZyype"><div id="h.7eb883d55dfb0821_14" class="hJDwNd-AhqUyc-uQSCkd Ft7HRd-AhqUyc-uQSCkd jXK9ad D2fZ2 zu5uec wHaque g5GTcb"><div class="jXK9ad-SmKAyb"><div class="tyJCtd mGzaTb Depvyb baZpAe"><p dir="ltr" class="zfr3Q CDt4Ke"><span class="C9DxTc">Believe it or not, as an independent equine nutritionist, I have a lot of donkey clients too!! Oftentimes these guys may get overlooked when it comes to nutrition, but they need balanced diets too. Most of the donkeys I see are extremely overweight due to being fed in a similar fashion to horses. Even though feed restriction may be required, a forage-only diet is not going to meet their requirements. Vitamins and minerals are still required! </span></p>
<p dir="ltr" class="zfr3Q CDt4Ke"><span class="C9DxTc">Evolutionally, donkeys are related to horses as they are both part of the Equus Family, but if you have ever interacted with a donkey you will quickly realize that they are behaviourally distinct from horses, this translates into their physiology as well. Donkeys evolved in hot and barren areas, this has led to them being highly adaptable feeders, they will consume a variety of grasses in order to meet their nutritional requirements. Therefore, the feeding strategy they use differs! They use a selective feeding strategy that targets high quality bites when foraging over a mixed pasture or rangeland area. However, when they are fed a homogenous hay, the donkeys will maximize intake as an alternative feeding strategy. Another interesting physiological difference that relates to nutrition is that the donkey is able to manage temporary water deprivation more effectively than horses and are able to rehydrate quickly.</span></p>
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<p dir="ltr" class="zfr3Q CDt4Ke"><strong><span class="C9DxTc">Differing Nutritional Requirements</span></strong></p>
<p dir="ltr" class="zfr3Q CDt4Ke"><span class="C9DxTc">Since it has been established that donkeys can utilize more mature, less digestible, woodier plant material than compared to horses, it is accepted that they need less feed than a horse. This ability to be “thriftier” is attributed to their higher capacity to sort feed, lower water intake and their more developed system to recycle blood urea which makes their protein requirement lower.</span></p>
<p dir="ltr" class="zfr3Q CDt4Ke"><span class="C9DxTc">Unfortunately, the research on donkey nutrition is extremely limited. In the NRC, there are guidelines for digestible energy intake, protein, calcium, and phosphorus. But due to the limited research, other mineral guidelines have yet to be established for donkeys. Despite a lack of clear guidelines, donkeys do still require vitamins and minerals in their diet.</span></p>
<p dir="ltr" class="zfr3Q CDt4Ke"><span class="C9DxTc">The first step in evaluating your donkey’s nutritional status should be to body condition score them and estimate their weight. If you own a donkey, it is important to know that they have their own unique body condition scoring system as well as a different formula for calculating weight. If you are curious about this I am happy to provide you with these guidelines.</span></p>
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<p dir="ltr" class="zfr3Q CDt4Ke"><strong><span class="C9DxTc">Common Issues</span></strong></p>
<p dir="ltr" class="zfr3Q CDt4Ke"><span class="C9DxTc">Despite most of the donkeys I see in Ontario, Canada being overweight, it is estimated that about 95% of the world’s donkey population is working. There are about 44 million donkeys worldwide! The work these donkeys do will differ depending on geographical location, but some common roles include: pack transport, pulling carts, farm tillage, drawing water and milling. In industrialized countries they are typically kept for recreation, breeding, shows or companionship. The practical recommendations in this article will focus on the recreational donkey population.</span></p>
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<p dir="ltr" class="zfr3Q CDt4Ke"><strong><span class="C9DxTc">Practical Diets for Recreational Donkeys</span></strong></p>
<p dir="ltr" class="zfr3Q CDt4Ke"><span class="C9DxTc">When donkeys are being fed forage with a high nutritional value it should be restricted according to body condition. It is largely recommended that donkeys consume straw as part of their daily ration. This mimics the type of forage they have evolved to consume and allows them to eat to appetite without consuming too many calories. There are a few different kinds of straw that are popular:</span></p>
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<li dir="ltr" class="zfr3Q TYR86d eD0Rn"><p dir="ltr" class="zfr3Q CDt4Ke"><span class="C9DxTc">Oat straw: generally, has a higher nutritional value, therefore is higher in caloric value.</span></p>
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<li dir="ltr" class="zfr3Q TYR86d eD0Rn"><p dir="ltr" class="zfr3Q CDt4Ke"><span class="C9DxTc">Barley straw: typically has a lower nutritional value than oat straw. Recommended as the best all-round type of straw for donkeys.</span></p>
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<li dir="ltr" class="zfr3Q TYR86d eD0Rn"><p dir="ltr" class="zfr3Q CDt4Ke"><span class="C9DxTc">Wheat straw: very fibrous and has lower energy values. Not recommended for older donkeys who may have dentition issues.</span></p>
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<p dir="ltr" class="zfr3Q CDt4Ke"><span class="C9DxTc">Monitoring body condition and feeding forage in accordance with that is important, but as previously mentioned, vitamins and minerals are required as well. For donkeys, I recommend seeking out a ration balancer that is concentrated and does not provide significant protein or energy. Generally, these ration balancers will have a very low feeding rate. As an example, one of the products I commonly recommend for donkeys only about 3 oz per day to balance the typical ration.</span></p>
<p dir="ltr" class="zfr3Q CDt4Ke"><span class="C9DxTc">If you have a donkey and are wondering if their diet is balanced and low enough in digestible energy to optimally support them, please don’t hesitate to</span><a class="XqQF9c" href="https://www.balancedbay.ca/contact-madeline"><span class="C9DxTc aw5Odc"><span> </span>reach out</span></a><span class="C9DxTc">.</span></p>
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<p dir="ltr" class="zfr3Q CDt4Ke"><span class="C9DxTc">By: Madeline Boast, MSc. Equine Nutrition</span></p>
<p>About the author: Madeline Boast completed her master’s in Equine Nutrition at the University of Guelph and started an independent nutrition company known as Balanced Bay. She has worked with a variety of equids – from miniature ponies to competing thoroughbreds. Through Balanced Bay she designs customized balanced nutrition plans that prioritize equine well-being. This includes diets for optimal performance as well as solving complex nutritional issues and everything in between. For additional information see <a href="http://www.balancedbay.ca">www.balancedbay.ca</a></p>
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<p dir="ltr" class="zfr3Q CDt4Ke"><span class="C9DxTc">Duncan, J., & Hadrill, D. (2008). The professional handbook of the donkey.<span> </span></span><span class="C9DxTc">The professional handbook of the donkey.</span><span class="C9DxTc">, (Ed. 4).</span></p>
<p dir="ltr" class="zfr3Q CDt4Ke"><span class="C9DxTc">Martin-Rosset, W. (2018). Donkey nutrition and feeding: Nutrient requirements and recommended allowances—A review and prospect.<span> </span></span><span class="C9DxTc">Journal of equine veterinary science</span><span class="C9DxTc">,<span> </span></span><span class="C9DxTc">65</span><span class="C9DxTc">, 75-85.</span></p>
<p dir="ltr" class="zfr3Q CDt4Ke"><span class="C9DxTc">Mueller, P. J., Jones, M. T., Rawson, R. E., Van Soest, P. J., & Hintz, H. F. (1994). Effect of increasing work rate on metabolic responses of the donkey (Equus asinus).<span> </span></span><span class="C9DxTc">Journal of Applied Physiology</span><span class="C9DxTc">,<span> </span></span><span class="C9DxTc">77</span><span class="C9DxTc">(3), 1431-1438.</span></p>
<p dir="ltr" class="zfr3Q CDt4Ke"><span class="C9DxTc">National Research Council. Nutrient Requirements of Horses. (2007). National Academy Press, Washington, D.C.</span></p>
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</div>The Equine Microbiome and Hindgut Fermentationtag:www.barnmice.com,2023-08-30:1773158:BlogPost:8799022023-08-30T15:20:14.000ZMadeline Boasthttp://www.barnmice.com/profile/MadelineBoast
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong>The Equine Microbiome and Hindgut Fermentation - A Balanced Bay Blog Post …</strong></p>
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<div class="mYVXT"><div class="LS81yb VICjCf j5pSsc db35Fc"><div class="hJDwNd-AhqUyc-uQSCkd Ft7HRd-AhqUyc-uQSCkd purZT-AhqUyc-II5mzb ZcASvf-AhqUyc-II5mzb pSzOP-AhqUyc-qWD73c Ktthjf-AhqUyc-qWD73c JNdkSc SQVYQc yYI8W HQwdzb"><div class="JNdkSc-SmKAyb LkDMRd"><div class=""><div class="oKdM2c ZZyype"></div>
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<p style="text-align: center;"><strong>The Equine Microbiome and Hindgut Fermentation - A Balanced Bay Blog Post </strong></p>
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<div class="mYVXT"><div class="LS81yb VICjCf j5pSsc db35Fc"><div class="hJDwNd-AhqUyc-uQSCkd Ft7HRd-AhqUyc-uQSCkd purZT-AhqUyc-II5mzb ZcASvf-AhqUyc-II5mzb pSzOP-AhqUyc-qWD73c Ktthjf-AhqUyc-qWD73c JNdkSc SQVYQc yYI8W HQwdzb"><div class="JNdkSc-SmKAyb LkDMRd"><div class=""><div class="oKdM2c ZZyype"><div id="h.124ad62a9aef9a64_10" class="hJDwNd-AhqUyc-uQSCkd Ft7HRd-AhqUyc-uQSCkd jXK9ad D2fZ2 zu5uec wHaque g5GTcb"><div class="jXK9ad-SmKAyb"><div class="tyJCtd mGzaTb Depvyb baZpAe"><p dir="ltr" class="zfr3Q CDt4Ke"><span class="C9DxTc">Horses have an interesting digestive tract; they have a large hindgut where fermentation takes place. They rely heavily on this process for optimal digestion as well as energy production. Compared to other animals, horses have a lower enzyme activity at the beginning of their digestive tract. This simple difference indicates that horses are not meant to get a significant portion of their energy from sugars.</span></p>
<p dir="ltr" class="zfr3Q CDt4Ke"><span class="C9DxTc">The primary energy source for horses are volatile fatty acids (VFAs). VFAs are produced because of the fermentation that takes place in the hindgut. It is estimated, that about 70% of the horse’s energy requirement should be from VFAs.</span></p>
<p dir="ltr" class="zfr3Q CDt4Ke"><span class="C9DxTc">If you are familiar with the various types of carbohydrates, you will have likely heard the terms non-structural carbohydrates and structural carbohydrates. Structural carbohydrates are not digested in the foregut but digested by the microbial population in the hindgut of the horse. This process is what produces VFAs. The feeds that are rich in structural carbohydrates include hay, pasture, processed forages such as hay cubes, as well as other fiber sources such as beet pulp and grain hulls.</span></p>
<p dir="ltr" class="zfr3Q CDt4Ke"><span class="C9DxTc">When the VFAs are produced by the microbes, they are absorbed through the hindgut epithelium in the cecum and colon. From there they are distributed throughout the body to be used as energy. For horses, the three most common VFAs are acetate, propionate, and butyrate. Acetate is the only one of the three VFAs that can be directly absorbed in the bloodstream and used for energy, propionate and butyrate must first be converted to other compounds prior to use for energy.</span></p>
<p dir="ltr" class="zfr3Q CDt4Ke"><span class="C9DxTc">As mentioned above, the hindgut optimally works by breaking down structural carbohydrates. When we feed ingredients such as high-starch meals, lactate is produced which drops the pH of the hindgut making the environment more acidic. When the hindgut pH drops, the term we use is hindgut acidosis. When this occurs some of the beneficial microbes die off. Thus, disrupting the entire hindgut ecosystem.</span></p>
<p dir="ltr" class="zfr3Q CDt4Ke"><span class="C9DxTc">A study published in the Journal of Equine Veterinary Science in 2021 evaluated the impact on the hindgut when a portion of a performance horse’s grain intake was replaced with soluble fiber. In this study, each horse received each diet in a 3 x 3 latin-square design with a washout period of 21 days between diet treatments. The three diet treatments were:</span></p>
<p dir="ltr" class="zfr3Q CDt4Ke"><span class="C9DxTc">1)</span><span class="C9DxTc"><span> </span> <span> </span></span><span class="C9DxTc">High-fiber diet – 100% hay</span></p>
<p dir="ltr" class="zfr3Q CDt4Ke"><span class="C9DxTc">2)</span><span class="C9DxTc"> <span> </span></span><span class="C9DxTc">High starch diet – 55% hay, 45% barley</span></p>
<p dir="ltr" class="zfr3Q CDt4Ke"><span class="C9DxTc">3)</span><span class="C9DxTc"> <span> </span></span><span class="C9DxTc">High soluble fiber diet – 50% hay, 21% barley and 29% beet pulp</span></p>
<p dir="ltr" class="zfr3Q CDt4Ke"><span class="C9DxTc">During the washout periods the horses received<span> </span></span><span class="C9DxTc">ad libitum<span> </span></span><span class="C9DxTc">hay. Their results showed that the high-fiber and high-soluble fiber diets results in increased concentrations of VFAs. The authors concluded that replacing part of the cereal grain intake for performance horses with soluble fiber such as beet pulp can help to limit the dysbiosis in the hindgut while still maintaining a high energy supply through the fermentation of the soluble fiber.</span></p>
<p dir="ltr" class="zfr3Q CDt4Ke"><span class="C9DxTc">One last area of research that I would like to touch on regarding this subject is the variability in the microbial population between horses. This study was published in 2023 and compared the microbial population of different horse populations. What I found most interesting is they could evaluate both feral and domesticated horses. The populations of horses they evaluated were: feral horses living on the Outer Banks of North Carolina who eat native grasses and island grasses; horses from the NCSU Equine Educational Unit that are predominantly kept on cool season mixed pastures and may be supplemented with hay and concentrates from time to time; and finally, privately owned horses that are fed mixed diets consisting of hay, pasture and concentrates.</span></p>
<p dir="ltr" class="zfr3Q CDt4Ke"><span class="C9DxTc">The authors illustrated that there is a distinctive separation in microbial diversity between the populations, especially between the feral horses and the domesticated populations. They proposed the reasoning behind this to be due to the habitual diet differences influencing the composition of their microbiome within the hindgut. Super neat if you ask me!! So not only do we know that what we feed the horse directly impacts that hindgut ecosystem, but the populations of microbes will adapt to differing feedstuffs.</span></p>
<p dir="ltr" class="zfr3Q CDt4Ke"><span class="C9DxTc">As a nutritionist, I consider this delicate ecosystem in the hindgut frequently, as it is crucial to equine well-being that it stays healthy! Therefore, making all feed changes slowly so that the microbial population has time to adapt is crucial. Additionally, ensuring that when starch is fed in the diet it is being fed in small meals to reduce the amount of non-structural carbohydrates that reach the hindgut and contribute to the potential drop in pH.</span></p>
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<p dir="ltr" class="zfr3Q CDt4Ke"><span class="C9DxTc">By: Madeline Boast, MSc. Equine Nutrition</span></p>
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<div class="IFuOkc"><p>About the author: Madeline Boast completed her master’s in Equine Nutrition at the University of Guelph and started an independent nutrition company known as Balanced Bay. She has worked with a variety of equids – from miniature ponies to competing thoroughbreds. Through Balanced Bay she designs customized balanced nutrition plans that prioritize equine well-being. This includes diets for optimal performance as well as solving complex nutritional issues and everything in between. For additional information see <a href="http://www.balancedbay.ca">www.balancedbay.ca</a></p>
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<div class="mYVXT"><div class="LS81yb VICjCf j5pSsc db35Fc"><div class="hJDwNd-AhqUyc-uQSCkd Ft7HRd-AhqUyc-uQSCkd purZT-AhqUyc-II5mzb ZcASvf-AhqUyc-II5mzb pSzOP-AhqUyc-qWD73c Ktthjf-AhqUyc-qWD73c JNdkSc SQVYQc"><div class="JNdkSc-SmKAyb LkDMRd"><div class=""><div class="oKdM2c ZZyype Kzv0Me"><div id="h.124ad62a9aef9a64_26" class="hJDwNd-AhqUyc-uQSCkd Ft7HRd-AhqUyc-uQSCkd jXK9ad D2fZ2 zu5uec OjCsFc dmUFtb wHaque g5GTcb"><div class="jXK9ad-SmKAyb"><div class="tyJCtd mGzaTb Depvyb baZpAe"><p dir="ltr" class="zfr3Q CDt4Ke"><span class="C9DxTc">References:</span></p>
<p dir="ltr" class="zfr3Q CDt4Ke"><span class="C9DxTc">Gluck, C., Bowman, M., Layton, J., Stuska, S., Maltecca, C., & Pratt-Phillips, S. (2023). 3 A comparison of the equine fecal microbiome within different horse populations.<span> </span></span><span class="C9DxTc">Journal of Equine Veterinary Science</span><span class="C9DxTc">,<span> </span></span><span class="C9DxTc">124</span><span class="C9DxTc">, 104305.</span></p>
<p dir="ltr" class="zfr3Q CDt4Ke"><span class="C9DxTc">Grimm, P., Julliand, V., & Julliand, S. (2021). 67 Partial substitution of cereals with sugar beet pulp and hindgut health in horses.<span> </span></span><span class="C9DxTc">Journal of Equine Veterinary Science</span><span class="C9DxTc">,<span> </span></span><span class="C9DxTc">100</span><span class="C9DxTc">, 103530.</span></p>
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</div>Comparing Soaked vs. Unsoaked Ontario Haytag:www.barnmice.com,2023-08-30:1773158:BlogPost:8800102023-08-30T15:18:44.000ZMadeline Boasthttp://www.barnmice.com/profile/MadelineBoast
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Comparing Soaked vs. Unsoaked Ontario Hay - A Balanced Bay Blog Post…</strong></p>
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<div class="mYVXT"><div class="LS81yb VICjCf j5pSsc db35Fc"><div class="hJDwNd-AhqUyc-uQSCkd Ft7HRd-AhqUyc-uQSCkd purZT-AhqUyc-II5mzb ZcASvf-AhqUyc-II5mzb pSzOP-AhqUyc-qWD73c Ktthjf-AhqUyc-qWD73c JNdkSc SQVYQc yYI8W HQwdzb"><div class="JNdkSc-SmKAyb LkDMRd"><div class=""><div class="oKdM2c ZZyype"></div>
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<p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Comparing Soaked vs. Unsoaked Ontario Hay - A Balanced Bay Blog Post</strong></p>
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<div class="mYVXT"><div class="LS81yb VICjCf j5pSsc db35Fc"><div class="hJDwNd-AhqUyc-uQSCkd Ft7HRd-AhqUyc-uQSCkd purZT-AhqUyc-II5mzb ZcASvf-AhqUyc-II5mzb pSzOP-AhqUyc-qWD73c Ktthjf-AhqUyc-qWD73c JNdkSc SQVYQc yYI8W HQwdzb"><div class="JNdkSc-SmKAyb LkDMRd"><div class=""><div class="oKdM2c ZZyype"><div id="h.75714a9027a743b3_10" class="hJDwNd-AhqUyc-uQSCkd Ft7HRd-AhqUyc-uQSCkd jXK9ad D2fZ2 zu5uec"><div class="jXK9ad-SmKAyb"><div class="tyJCtd mGzaTb Depvyb baZpAe"><p dir="ltr" class="zfr3Q CDt4Ke"><span class="C9DxTc">This season has been a tough one for metabolic horses. In my practice, I have had an influx of new clients with laminitic horses and ponies. Through my own hay sampling and chatting with other nutritionists it is consensus that this year has had on average higher sugar content in the forage.</span></p>
<p dir="ltr" class="zfr3Q CDt4Ke"><span class="C9DxTc">Sugar content in forage depends on a variety of factors such as the maturity when harvested, the species of grasses/legumes, the time of day the forage was cut, the time it spends drying, whether or not it was rained on etc. When we end up with forage that is higher in sugar content than we want it to be it can be tough to narrow down the reasons. In addition to this, hay is a difficult crop to harvest as it is extremely weather dependent. Therefore, oftentimes we can end up with a hay batch that is not optimal. So, when we are dealing with obese horses, those diagnosed with metabolic disorders or just generally at-risk horses we sometimes must make alterations to the forage to make it acceptable for our horses.</span></p>
<p dir="ltr" class="zfr3Q CDt4Ke"><span class="C9DxTc">One of the most popular methods used for these situations is soaking the hay. This is often done to reduce the sugar content of the forage. When evaluating this, I prefer to use the non-structural carbohydrate (NSC) content. This is a calculated value that includes both the water-soluble carbohydrates (WSC) and starch. I understand that it is unknown whether fructans should be included in the calculation but based on the NRC, 2007 and my recent conversation with Dr. Andy Durham I am continuing to include fructans in the NSC calculation through the use of WSC to exercise caution.</span></p>
<p dir="ltr" class="zfr3Q CDt4Ke"><span class="C9DxTc">Recommending times for hay soaking can be quite challenging and often is just an educated guess as when you look at the research there are large discrepancies. Some studies tell us that soaking hay for 12-16 hours causes significant decreases in sugar content, while other studies tell us that this can be achieved after 30 minutes of soaking. To highlight this variation – studies have reported NSC losses of 12-45% after 60 minutes of soaking and 30-48% after 12 hours of soaking.</span></p>
<p dir="ltr" class="zfr3Q CDt4Ke"><span class="C9DxTc">Now, for reducing NSC content in the acute stages of laminitis soaking the forage tends to be a really good option. But there are drawbacks to the practice as well such as the leaching of other important nutrients and additional bacterial growth. Additionally, there is no guarantee that soaking hay brings the NSC content down to a safe level for your horse.</span></p>
<p dir="ltr" class="zfr3Q CDt4Ke"><span class="C9DxTc">I love getting into the science and tracking the data; when my clients love science just as much as I do, it is a lot of fun! The data we are going to focus on in this article is from a new client that reached out as her horse developed laminitis. She was already soaking the hay when I went to see her horse and had started a great emergency protocol for laminitis. I tested the hay and made sure the diet was balanced. As we chatted more and continued with diet adjustments, we decided it would be fun to collect more data.</span></p>
<p dir="ltr" class="zfr3Q CDt4Ke"><span class="C9DxTc">So, with the 2022 forage batch that this horse was consuming the owner soaked the hay for the usual time (about 9 hours) and then I tested both the soaked hay and the non-soaked hay. The samples were taken from the same bale of hay and collected using the same method. With all the variation in the published literature, the gold standard is to test the soaked hay and see how much of a difference the soaking was making! Let’s dive into the results!</span></p>
<p dir="ltr" class="zfr3Q CDt4Ke"><span class="C9DxTc">In the chart below you will see direct comparisons for a variety of tested parameters in the forage. These numbers are on a dry matter basis to make it easier to compare without the large moisture differences. As you can see from the chart below, there was a significant difference made in the sugar content of the forage.</span></p>
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<div class="oKdM2c ZZyype"><div id="h.75714a9027a743b3_19" class="hJDwNd-AhqUyc-uQSCkd Ft7HRd-AhqUyc-uQSCkd jXK9ad D2fZ2 zu5uec wHaque g5GTcb"><div class="jXK9ad-SmKAyb"><div class="tyJCtd baZpAe"><div class="t3iYD"><img src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/i98XXlhN_Wix-YO7DK1W430ua5bzrtWWVFT0URHatIsR4s-W5ztEoaPXYxzpNKE_Dbcax48Uf6R0J8TqoAvZ77ZYg_iDX5eebF05c7GAcEw59xZp222rz5YmE8ySmS6l3w=w1280" class="CENy8b" width="591" height="179"/></div>
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<div class="mYVXT"><div class="LS81yb VICjCf j5pSsc db35Fc"><div class="hJDwNd-AhqUyc-uQSCkd Ft7HRd-AhqUyc-uQSCkd purZT-AhqUyc-II5mzb ZcASvf-AhqUyc-II5mzb pSzOP-AhqUyc-qWD73c Ktthjf-AhqUyc-qWD73c JNdkSc SQVYQc yYI8W HQwdzb"><div class="JNdkSc-SmKAyb LkDMRd"><div class=""><div class="oKdM2c ZZyype Kzv0Me"><div id="h.75714a9027a743b3_28" class="hJDwNd-AhqUyc-uQSCkd Ft7HRd-AhqUyc-uQSCkd jXK9ad D2fZ2 zu5uec OjCsFc dmUFtb"><div class="jXK9ad-SmKAyb"><div class="tyJCtd mGzaTb Depvyb baZpAe"><p dir="ltr" class="zfr3Q CDt4Ke"><span class="C9DxTc">The graph clearly illustrates the significant difference in sugar content after the hay was submerged in cold water for 9 hours.</span></p>
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<div class="oKdM2c ZZyype"><div id="h.75714a9027a743b3_32" class="hJDwNd-AhqUyc-uQSCkd Ft7HRd-AhqUyc-uQSCkd jXK9ad D2fZ2 zu5uec wHaque g5GTcb"><div class="jXK9ad-SmKAyb"><div class="tyJCtd baZpAe"><div class="t3iYD"><img src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/J6KOj_KmDmqp041rNEVI0ZHd0fOm89fGtTrXYdQtT-P8Y9MgDZwipzQyFsnEATn4WlGKqI3gBBa1QXwSFjDFf6eZ_5AgqOejXA9XzeE_p_zf-JCohHF0BeOVtU2lzuuHmw=w1280" class="CENy8b" width="594" height="415"/></div>
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<div class="mYVXT"><div class="LS81yb VICjCf j5pSsc db35Fc"><div class="hJDwNd-AhqUyc-uQSCkd Ft7HRd-AhqUyc-uQSCkd purZT-AhqUyc-II5mzb ZcASvf-AhqUyc-II5mzb pSzOP-AhqUyc-qWD73c Ktthjf-AhqUyc-qWD73c JNdkSc SQVYQc"><div class="JNdkSc-SmKAyb LkDMRd"><div class=""><div class="oKdM2c ZZyype Kzv0Me"><div id="h.75714a9027a743b3_37" class="hJDwNd-AhqUyc-uQSCkd Ft7HRd-AhqUyc-uQSCkd jXK9ad D2fZ2 zu5uec OjCsFc dmUFtb wHaque g5GTcb"><div class="jXK9ad-SmKAyb"><div class="tyJCtd mGzaTb Depvyb baZpAe"><p dir="ltr" class="zfr3Q CDt4Ke"><span class="C9DxTc">To conclude, despite soaking hay being a popular practice, we don’t have clear guidelines. Therefore, using hay sampling to gather the data for your individual hay can be an extremely valuable tool. As a nutritionist, I love when clients are keen to go for extra data as it means that we have so much less missing information and can get extremely accurate in nutritional calculations! If you’re looking to get your hay analyzed and a personalized nutrition program for your horse, contact me<span> </span></span><a class="XqQF9c" href="https://www.balancedbay.ca/contact-madeline"><span class="C9DxTc aw5Odc">here</span></a><span class="C9DxTc">.</span></p>
<p dir="ltr" class="zfr3Q CDt4Ke"></p>
<p>Written by: Madeline Boast, MSc. Equine Nutrition</p>
<p>About the author: Madeline Boast completed her master’s in Equine Nutrition at the University of Guelph and started an independent nutrition company known as Balanced Bay. She has worked with a variety of equids – from miniature ponies to competing thoroughbreds. Through Balanced Bay she designs customized balanced nutrition plans that prioritize equine well-being. This includes diets for optimal performance as well as solving complex nutritional issues and everything in between. For additional information see <a href="http://www.balancedbay.ca">www.balancedbay.ca</a></p>
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<div class="mYVXT"><div class="LS81yb VICjCf j5pSsc db35Fc"><div class="hJDwNd-AhqUyc-uQSCkd Ft7HRd-AhqUyc-uQSCkd purZT-AhqUyc-II5mzb ZcASvf-AhqUyc-II5mzb pSzOP-AhqUyc-qWD73c Ktthjf-AhqUyc-qWD73c JNdkSc SQVYQc"><div class="JNdkSc-SmKAyb LkDMRd"><div class=""><div class="oKdM2c ZZyype Kzv0Me"><div id="h.75714a9027a743b3_23" class="hJDwNd-AhqUyc-uQSCkd Ft7HRd-AhqUyc-uQSCkd jXK9ad D2fZ2 zu5uec OjCsFc dmUFtb wHaque g5GTcb"><div class="jXK9ad-SmKAyb"><div class="tyJCtd mGzaTb Depvyb baZpAe"><p dir="ltr" class="zfr3Q CDt4Ke"><span class="C9DxTc">References:</span></p>
<p dir="ltr" class="zfr3Q CDt4Ke"><span class="C9DxTc">Longland, A. C., Barfoot, C., & Harris, P. A. (2011). Effects of soaking on the water‐soluble carbohydrate and crude protein content of hay.<span> </span></span><span class="C9DxTc">Veterinary Record</span><span class="C9DxTc">,<span> </span></span><span class="C9DxTc">168</span><span class="C9DxTc">(23), 618-618.</span></p>
<p dir="ltr" class="zfr3Q CDt4Ke"><span class="C9DxTc">Moore-Colyer, M. J. S., Lumbis, K., Longland, A., & Harris, P. (2014). The effect of five different wetting treatments on the nutrient content and microbial concentration in hay for horses.<span> </span></span><span class="C9DxTc">PLoS One</span><span class="C9DxTc">,<span> </span></span><span class="C9DxTc">9</span><span class="C9DxTc">(11), e114079.</span></p>
<p dir="ltr" class="zfr3Q CDt4Ke"><span class="C9DxTc">Müller, C. E., Nostell, K., & Bröjer, J. (2016). Methods for reduction of water soluble carbohydrate content in grass forages for horses.<span> </span></span><span class="C9DxTc">Livestock Science</span><span class="C9DxTc">,<span> </span></span><span class="C9DxTc">186</span><span class="C9DxTc">, 46-52.</span></p>
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</div>Romeo & Chou-Chou: A Balanced Bay Case Studytag:www.barnmice.com,2023-08-30:1773158:BlogPost:8798002023-08-30T15:16:52.000ZMadeline Boasthttp://www.barnmice.com/profile/MadelineBoast
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Romeo & Chou-Chou: A Balanced Bay Case Study…</strong></p>
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<div class="mYVXT"><div class="LS81yb VICjCf j5pSsc db35Fc"><div class="hJDwNd-AhqUyc-uQSCkd Ft7HRd-AhqUyc-uQSCkd purZT-AhqUyc-II5mzb ZcASvf-AhqUyc-II5mzb pSzOP-AhqUyc-qWD73c Ktthjf-AhqUyc-qWD73c JNdkSc SQVYQc yYI8W HQwdzb"><div class="JNdkSc-SmKAyb LkDMRd"><div class=""><div class="oKdM2c ZZyype"></div>
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<p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Romeo & Chou-Chou: A Balanced Bay Case Study</strong></p>
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<div class="mYVXT"><div class="LS81yb VICjCf j5pSsc db35Fc"><div class="hJDwNd-AhqUyc-uQSCkd Ft7HRd-AhqUyc-uQSCkd purZT-AhqUyc-II5mzb ZcASvf-AhqUyc-II5mzb pSzOP-AhqUyc-qWD73c Ktthjf-AhqUyc-qWD73c JNdkSc SQVYQc yYI8W HQwdzb"><div class="JNdkSc-SmKAyb LkDMRd"><div class=""><div class="oKdM2c ZZyype"><div id="h.7bddd1d6125e11ba_14" class="hJDwNd-AhqUyc-uQSCkd Ft7HRd-AhqUyc-uQSCkd jXK9ad D2fZ2 zu5uec wHaque g5GTcb"><div class="jXK9ad-SmKAyb"><div class="tyJCtd mGzaTb Depvyb baZpAe"><p dir="ltr" class="zfr3Q CDt4Ke"><span class="C9DxTc">This week’s blog post will focus on a case study. As many of you who follow Balanced Bay are aware, I work with a lot of easy keepers. This case study follows two ponies: Romeo and Chou-Chou.</span></p>
<p dir="ltr" class="zfr3Q CDt4Ke"><span class="C9DxTc">Equine obesity is a prevalent issue that can be very difficult to manage. I have chosen to share this case study as an example of what precisely calculated nutrition and management changes can do!</span></p>
<p dir="ltr" class="zfr3Q CDt4Ke"><strong><span class="C9DxTc">Background Information</span></strong></p>
<p dir="ltr" class="zfr3Q CDt4Ke"><span class="C9DxTc">These images were taken on March 25</span><span class="C9DxTc">th</span><span class="C9DxTc">, 2023. The pinto is Chou-Chou and the palomino is Romeo. They are both mature miniature horses.</span></p>
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<div class="hJDwNd-AhqUyc-EehZO Ft7HRd-AhqUyc-EehZO purZT-AhqUyc-II5mzb ZcASvf-AhqUyc-II5mzb pSzOP-AhqUyc-qWD73c Ktthjf-AhqUyc-qWD73c JNdkSc SQVYQc"><div class="JNdkSc-SmKAyb LkDMRd"><div class=""><div class="oKdM2c ZZyype Kzv0Me"><div id="h.7bddd1d6125e11ba_23" class="hJDwNd-AhqUyc-EehZO Ft7HRd-AhqUyc-EehZO jXK9ad D2fZ2 zu5uec OjCsFc dmUFtb wHaque g5GTcb"><div class="jXK9ad-SmKAyb"><div class="tyJCtd baZpAe"><div class="t3iYD"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/DYCk5KDyvw-JFtmat9fny_E0T7yHU4BXFwIk8CJEtB7kB1JloKvYW5Mm6qSF8L8tA38kyHkdVvGEF2hDg3qYgVAAM0nrH4oFp9KuicPy6w5RK8aZ-KEV5qHYxJkRvOvDbQ=w1280" class="CENy8b" width="604" height="491"/></div>
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<div class="oKdM2c ZZyype"><div id="h.7bddd1d6125e11ba_33" class="hJDwNd-AhqUyc-uQSCkd Ft7HRd-AhqUyc-uQSCkd jXK9ad D2fZ2 zu5uec"><div class="jXK9ad-SmKAyb"><div class="tyJCtd mGzaTb Depvyb baZpAe"><p dir="ltr" class="zfr3Q CDt4Ke"><span class="C9DxTc">Below is a chart showing the history of Chou-Chou and Romeo’s weight. It has been a pattern that they lose weight in the summer months but gain substantially over the winter months. So far, this summer has been the most effective weight loss. The goal with these ponies being subscribed to the Personal Nutritionist Package is to ensure that their nutrition program is remaining optimal over the winter months to avoid the excess weight gain that they have previously experienced.</span></p>
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<div class="mYVXT"><div class="LS81yb VICjCf j5pSsc db35Fc"><div class="hJDwNd-AhqUyc-uQSCkd Ft7HRd-AhqUyc-uQSCkd purZT-AhqUyc-II5mzb ZcASvf-AhqUyc-II5mzb pSzOP-AhqUyc-qWD73c Ktthjf-AhqUyc-qWD73c JNdkSc SQVYQc"><div class="JNdkSc-SmKAyb LkDMRd"><div class=""><div class="oKdM2c ZZyype Kzv0Me"><div id="h.7bddd1d6125e11ba_50" class="hJDwNd-AhqUyc-uQSCkd Ft7HRd-AhqUyc-uQSCkd jXK9ad D2fZ2 zu5uec OjCsFc dmUFtb wHaque g5GTcb"><div class="jXK9ad-SmKAyb"><div class="tyJCtd mGzaTb Depvyb baZpAe"><p dir="ltr" class="zfr3Q CDt4Ke"><strong><span class="C9DxTc">Recommendations</span></strong></p>
<p dir="ltr" class="zfr3Q CDt4Ke"><span class="C9DxTc">Both Romeo and Chou-Chou were obese in March, their owner was concerned about their weight and their risk of developing hyperinsulinemia-associated laminitis. The farm where the ponies live had both 2021 and 2022 hay that I took samples from. This way we could determine which forage was better suited to their needs.</span></p>
<p dir="ltr" class="zfr3Q CDt4Ke"><span class="C9DxTc">Based on the laboratory results, it was evident that the ponies should stay on the 2022 hay as it was lower in non-structural carbohydrate content. When their diets were evaluated, they both had minor nutrient deficiencies. Romeo required an increase in chloride and folic acid and Chou Chou required an increase in folic acid. This was primarily addressed with an increase in the ration balancer.</span></p>
<p dir="ltr" class="zfr3Q CDt4Ke"><span class="C9DxTc">The ration balancer used in this case was a pelleted product, this allowed the owner to remove the additional hay cubes that were being fed as the pellet was palatable enough on its own.</span></p>
<p dir="ltr" class="zfr3Q CDt4Ke"><span class="C9DxTc">Other recommendations that were made include:</span></p>
<p dir="ltr" class="zfr3Q CDt4Ke"><span class="C9DxTc">-</span><span class="C9DxTc"> <span> </span></span><span class="C9DxTc">Increasing exercise</span></p>
<p dir="ltr" class="zfr3Q CDt4Ke"><span class="C9DxTc">-</span><span class="C9DxTc"> <span> </span></span><span class="C9DxTc">Decreasing the hole size of the slow feed net</span></p>
<p dir="ltr" class="zfr3Q CDt4Ke"><span class="C9DxTc">-</span><span class="C9DxTc"> <span> </span></span><span class="C9DxTc">Regular use of grazing muzzles</span></p>
<p dir="ltr" class="zfr3Q CDt4Ke"><span class="C9DxTc">-</span><span class="C9DxTc"> <span> </span></span><span class="C9DxTc">Altering paddock layout to encourage more movement</span></p>
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<p dir="ltr" class="zfr3Q CDt4Ke"><strong><span class="C9DxTc">July 2023 Update</span></strong></p>
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<div class="mYVXT"><div class="LS81yb VICjCf j5pSsc db35Fc"><div class="hJDwNd-AhqUyc-uQSCkd Ft7HRd-AhqUyc-uQSCkd purZT-AhqUyc-II5mzb ZcASvf-AhqUyc-II5mzb pSzOP-AhqUyc-qWD73c Ktthjf-AhqUyc-qWD73c JNdkSc SQVYQc"><div class="JNdkSc-SmKAyb LkDMRd"><div class=""><div class="oKdM2c ZZyype Kzv0Me"><div id="h.7bddd1d6125e11ba_58" class="hJDwNd-AhqUyc-uQSCkd Ft7HRd-AhqUyc-uQSCkd jXK9ad D2fZ2 zu5uec OjCsFc dmUFtb wHaque g5GTcb"><div class="jXK9ad-SmKAyb"><div class="tyJCtd mGzaTb Depvyb baZpAe"><p dir="ltr" class="zfr3Q CDt4Ke"><span class="C9DxTc">These updated photos of Romeo and Chou-Chou were taken July 1</span><span class="C9DxTc">st</span><span class="C9DxTc">, 2023.</span></p>
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<p dir="ltr" class="zfr3Q CDt4Ke"><span class="C9DxTc">The owner of these ponies tracks their weight regularly. So based on that information we know that they have a pattern of losing weight over the summer months and gaining in the winter months. Therefore, their owner signed them up for the Personal Nutritionist package offered by Balanced Bay to ensure their plan remains optimal. This will include quarterly meetings to track their progress and changes to their plan as their needs and environment change.</span></p>
<p dir="ltr" class="zfr3Q CDt4Ke"><span class="C9DxTc">Thank you for reading this week’s blog post! As always, if you have any questions or would like to get your horse started on a balanced nutrition program you can<span> </span></span><a class="XqQF9c" href="https://www.balancedbay.ca/contact-madeline"><span class="C9DxTc aw5Odc">contact me</span></a><span class="C9DxTc"><span> </span>at<span> </span></span><a class="XqQF9c" href="mailto:balancedbaynutrition@gmail.com" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><span class="C9DxTc aw5Odc">balancedbaynutrition@gmail.com</span></a></p>
<p>Written by: Madeline Boast, MSc. Equine Nutrition</p>
<p>About the author: Madeline Boast completed her master’s in Equine Nutrition at the University of Guelph and started an independent nutrition company known as Balanced Bay. She has worked with a variety of equids – from miniature ponies to competing thoroughbreds. Through Balanced Bay she designs customized balanced nutrition plans that prioritize equine well-being. This includes diets for optimal performance as well as solving complex nutritional issues and everything in between. For additional information see <a href="http://www.balancedbay.ca">www.balancedbay.ca</a></p>
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<p></p>A Conversation with Dr. Andy Durham on Hyperinsulinemia-Associated Laminitistag:www.barnmice.com,2023-08-30:1773158:BlogPost:8799002023-08-30T15:13:52.000ZMadeline Boasthttp://www.barnmice.com/profile/MadelineBoast
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong>A Conversation with Dr. Andy Durham on Hyperinsulinemia-Associated Laminitis - A Balanced Bay Blog Post</strong></p>
<p class="zfr3Q CDt4Ke" dir="ltr"><span class="C9DxTc">Part of the reason I wanted to work in equine nutrition was my keen interest in equine metabolic syndrome (EMS). Through some of the educational content creation that I do I have the absolute honour and pleasure to talk about these topics with world-leading experts in the field. Recently…</span></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong>A Conversation with Dr. Andy Durham on Hyperinsulinemia-Associated Laminitis - A Balanced Bay Blog Post</strong></p>
<p dir="ltr" class="zfr3Q CDt4Ke"><span class="C9DxTc">Part of the reason I wanted to work in equine nutrition was my keen interest in equine metabolic syndrome (EMS). Through some of the educational content creation that I do I have the absolute honour and pleasure to talk about these topics with world-leading experts in the field. Recently I met with Dr. Andy Durham to discuss hyperinsulinemia-associated laminitis (HAL) - commonly referred to as endocrinopathic laminitis.</span></p>
<p dir="ltr" class="zfr3Q CDt4Ke"><span class="C9DxTc">We first discussed the three main types of laminitis – sepsis-based laminitis, excessive weight bearing and endocrinopathic. He noted that the term we are more commonly using for endorcrinopathic laminitis is hyperinsulinemia-associated laminitis as it is more specific. The term endocrinopathic tells you that it stems from a hormonal disturbance, but when we term it hyperinsulinemia, it is telling you what that hormonal disturbance is.</span></p>
<p dir="ltr" class="zfr3Q CDt4Ke"><span class="C9DxTc">Dr. Durham noted that it is very clear and indisputable that hyperinsulinemia causes laminitis, but what we aren’t quite as clear on is how. He explained that the favoured explanation is that the IGF1 (insulin-like growth factor 1) receptors in the hoof would not normally be interfered with by insulin. However, when you have high blood insulin these receptors are stimulated which disturbs the laminar attachment.</span></p>
<p dir="ltr" class="zfr3Q CDt4Ke"><span class="C9DxTc">When discussing the risk factors for HAL, Dr. Durham divided cases into three broad categories.</span></p>
<p dir="ltr" class="zfr3Q CDt4Ke"><span class="C9DxTc">1)</span><span class="C9DxTc"><span> </span> <span> </span></span><span class="C9DxTc">PPID</span></p>
<p dir="ltr" class="zfr3Q CDt4Ke"><span class="C9DxTc">2)</span><span class="C9DxTc"> <span> </span></span><span class="C9DxTc">Equine Metabolic Syndrome</span></p>
<p dir="ltr" class="zfr3Q CDt4Ke"><span class="C9DxTc">3)</span><span class="C9DxTc"> <span> </span></span><span class="C9DxTc">Veterinary Use of Glucocorticoid Drugs</span></p>
<p dir="ltr" class="zfr3Q CDt4Ke"><span class="C9DxTc">His main point in discussing these clear categories is that they are not mutually exclusive. All three stimulate blood insulin levels and therefore can trigger laminitis. Overall, they work through the same mechanisms. The example he used, is that when a fit thoroughbred is given a steroid drug, the risk of laminitis is quite low. However, if you combine these categories, for example if an EMS pony is given a steroid drug, then the risk of laminitis is much greater.</span></p>
<p dir="ltr" class="zfr3Q CDt4Ke"><span class="C9DxTc">For myself, the most interesting part of this interview was the discussion about the dietary management of these at-risk horses. He noted that he was involved in the group of experts that assigned that guideline of below 10% NSC in the diet, but he doesn’t like to rely on that, and the industry is moving away from relying on that guideline.</span></p>
<p dir="ltr" class="zfr3Q CDt4Ke"><span class="C9DxTc">He noted that the horse owner should never forget that you still require sugar to stimulate an insulin response, therefore, without sugar there is no insulin response. He stressed that every horse is individual in their post-prandial insulin response to various sugar levels and that instead of relying on a dietary percentage we should be testing their blood insulin levels to ensure they are within ideal ranges.</span></p>
<p dir="ltr" class="zfr3Q CDt4Ke"><span class="C9DxTc">Another topic we discussed in the interview was the calculation of non-structural carbohydrates. Some companies have suggested that to calculate NSC you can use ethanol-soluble carbohydrates + starch. I have personally never used this as I always use water-soluble carbohydrates + starch to include the fructans. When discussing this with Dr. Durham, he said that he would be part of the group that uses the WSC + starch as he knows that fructans have been shown to cause an insulin response in the horse.</span></p>
<p dir="ltr" class="zfr3Q CDt4Ke"><span class="C9DxTc">To conclude, he highlighted that sugar is not what causes the laminitis, the insulin does. So instead of relying on a guideline for the sugar content of the diet, why don’t we move towards testing the insulin and ensuring our low-sugar diet is adequate for that animal. Read about Dr. Andy Durham below:</span></p>
<p dir="ltr" class="zfr3Q CDt4Ke"><span class="C9DxTc">Andy graduated from Bristol in 1988 and after two years in mixed practice started in ambulatory equine practice in the Midlands. He gained the RCVS CertEP in 1993 before moving to Liphook Equine Hospital in 1994, becoming a partner in 2001. This was followed by the RCVS diploma in equine internal medicine in 2003 and European diploma in equine internal medicine in 2004. Andy has continued to perform a little first opinion ambulatory work although he now mainly works in the new hospital at Liphook with medical in-patients and the diagnostic laboratory. He has recently been appointed as visiting professor at the University of Surrey, Guildford and is involved in the development of a new veterinary school there. Andy’s main professional interests are in endocrine disease, liver disease, dermatology, infectious diseases and most other aspects of internal medicine.</span></p>
<p dir="ltr" class="zfr3Q CDt4Ke"><span class="C9DxTc">Some examples of his published research:</span></p>
<p dir="ltr" class="zfr3Q CDt4Ke"><span class="C9DxTc">Counotte, G., Durham, A., Vandendriessche, V., & van den Wollenberg, L. (2022). Haptoglobin, Magnesium, Adiponectin, and Leptin as Biomarkers for Obesity and Insulin Dysregulation in Horses: Relation of Biomarkers with Obesity and Insulin in Horses.<span> </span></span><span class="C9DxTc">International Journal of Equine Science</span><span class="C9DxTc">,<span> </span></span><span class="C9DxTc">1</span><span class="C9DxTc">(1), 3-10.</span></p>
<p dir="ltr" class="zfr3Q CDt4Ke"><span class="C9DxTc">Durham, A. E. (2017). Laminitis in Equine Metabolic Syndrome.<span> </span></span><span class="C9DxTc">Equine Laminitis</span><span class="C9DxTc">, 196-203.</span></p>
<p dir="ltr" class="zfr3Q CDt4Ke"><span class="C9DxTc">Durham, A. E. (2016). Endocrine disease in aged horses.<span> </span></span><span class="C9DxTc">Veterinary Clinics: Equine Practice</span><span class="C9DxTc">,<span> </span></span><span class="C9DxTc">32</span><span class="C9DxTc">(2), 301-315.</span></p>
<p dir="ltr" class="zfr3Q CDt4Ke"><span class="C9DxTc">Durham, A. (2010). The pharmacologic basis for the treatment of endocrinopathic laminitis.<span> </span></span><span class="C9DxTc">Veterinary Clinics: Equine Practice</span><span class="C9DxTc">,<span> </span></span><span class="C9DxTc">26</span><span class="C9DxTc">(2), 303-314.</span></p>
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<p>Written by: Madeline Boast, MSc. Equine Nutrition</p>
<p>About the author: Madeline Boast completed her master’s in Equine Nutrition at the University of Guelph and started an independent nutrition company known as Balanced Bay. She has worked with a variety of equids – from miniature ponies to competing thoroughbreds. Through Balanced Bay she designs customized balanced nutrition plans that prioritize equine well-being. This includes diets for optimal performance as well as solving complex nutritional issues and everything in between. For additional information see <a href="http://www.balancedbay.ca">www.balancedbay.ca</a></p>
<p dir="ltr" class="zfr3Q CDt4Ke"></p>Choosing a Ration Balancertag:www.barnmice.com,2023-08-30:1773158:BlogPost:8798982023-08-30T15:12:01.000ZMadeline Boasthttp://www.barnmice.com/profile/MadelineBoast
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Choosing a Ration Balancer - A Balanced Bay Blog Post …</strong></p>
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<p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Choosing a Ration Balancer - A Balanced Bay Blog Post </strong></p>
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<div class="mYVXT"><div class="LS81yb VICjCf j5pSsc db35Fc"><div class="hJDwNd-AhqUyc-uQSCkd Ft7HRd-AhqUyc-uQSCkd purZT-AhqUyc-II5mzb ZcASvf-AhqUyc-II5mzb pSzOP-AhqUyc-qWD73c Ktthjf-AhqUyc-qWD73c JNdkSc SQVYQc yYI8W HQwdzb"><div class="JNdkSc-SmKAyb LkDMRd"><div class=""><div class="oKdM2c ZZyype"><div id="h.79ece8d64cd002b2_10" class="hJDwNd-AhqUyc-uQSCkd Ft7HRd-AhqUyc-uQSCkd jXK9ad D2fZ2 zu5uec wHaque g5GTcb"><div class="jXK9ad-SmKAyb"><div class="tyJCtd mGzaTb Depvyb baZpAe"><p dir="ltr" class="zfr3Q CDt4Ke"><strong><span class="C9DxTc">What is a ration balancer?</span></strong></p>
<p dir="ltr" class="zfr3Q CDt4Ke"><span class="C9DxTc">It is well known that a horse consuming just hay or pasture will almost always be missing some key vitamins and minerals in their diet. A ration balancer is a concentrated source of the necessary vitamins and minerals that a horse requires. These feeds are typically low in caloric value and only need to be fed in small quantities. Some ration balancers will also provide additional protein (key amino acids) for the horse.</span></p>
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<p dir="ltr" class="zfr3Q CDt4Ke"><strong><span class="C9DxTc">When are they used?</span></strong></p>
<p dir="ltr" class="zfr3Q CDt4Ke"><span class="C9DxTc">There are a few different scenarios that a ration balancer can be an optimal addition to a nutrition program. Please note this is not an extensive list of applications.</span></p>
<p dir="ltr" class="zfr3Q CDt4Ke"><strong><span class="C9DxTc">1)</span><span class="C9DxTc"> </span><span class="C9DxTc">The Easy Keeper</span></strong></p>
<p dir="ltr" class="zfr3Q CDt4Ke"><span class="C9DxTc"> </span></p>
<p dir="ltr" class="zfr3Q CDt4Ke"><span class="C9DxTc">If you have been following Balanced Bay, you will know that I discuss equine obesity quite frequently. These easy keepers do not need additional energy provided above and beyond what their hay provides. However, these horses still need all of their vitamin and mineral requirements to be met. Therefore, by adding a ration balancer their nutrition program can be balanced without adding excess energy.</span></p>
<p dir="ltr" class="zfr3Q CDt4Ke"><span class="C9DxTc"> </span></p>
<p dir="ltr" class="zfr3Q CDt4Ke"><strong><span class="C9DxTc">2)</span><span class="C9DxTc"> </span><span class="C9DxTc">Incomplete Amounts of Complete Feeds</span></strong></p>
<p dir="ltr" class="zfr3Q CDt4Ke"><span class="C9DxTc"> </span></p>
<p dir="ltr" class="zfr3Q CDt4Ke"><span class="C9DxTc">For horses in light or even moderate workloads, they may be on a forage-based diet, and be provided with a set amount of complete feed per day. Oftentimes, the amount of complete feed they require to meet their energy needs is less than is recommended by the company to meet their vitamin and mineral requirements. Therefore, a ration balancer will be used to “top up” their vitamin and mineral intake.</span></p>
<p dir="ltr" class="zfr3Q CDt4Ke"><span class="C9DxTc"> </span></p>
<p dir="ltr" class="zfr3Q CDt4Ke"><strong><span class="C9DxTc">3)</span><span class="C9DxTc"> </span><span class="C9DxTc">Combined with Cereal Grains</span></strong></p>
<p dir="ltr" class="zfr3Q CDt4Ke"><span class="C9DxTc"> </span></p>
<p dir="ltr" class="zfr3Q CDt4Ke"><span class="C9DxTc">For the horse owners that do not feed complete feeds and instead opt for whole grains (e.g., oats) to supplement energy for their horse a ration balancer will be used to fortify the diet with the vitamins and minerals required by that horse.</span></p>
<p dir="ltr" class="zfr3Q CDt4Ke"><span class="C9DxTc">These are three of the most common scenarios that I see ration balancers used effectively.</span></p>
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<p dir="ltr" class="zfr3Q CDt4Ke"><strong><span class="C9DxTc">Comparing Products/Various Types</span></strong></p>
<p dir="ltr" class="zfr3Q CDt4Ke"><span class="C9DxTc">As discussed earlier in this article, ration balancers are basically a vitamin/mineral supplement to meet a horse’s needs. However, there are a plethora of options available to horse owners and the products do vary. Some key variations that I commonly see are protein content, source of minerals provided, added essential amino acids, and some will even include probiotics and omega-3s.</span></p>
<p dir="ltr" class="zfr3Q CDt4Ke"><span class="C9DxTc">For this comparison I chose the top 5 ration balancers I see used most commonly in Ontario. These ration balancers are all fortified with organic trace minerals, as well as essential amino acids. Some of the products used in the comparison chart also provide probiotics and omega-3s.</span></p>
<p dir="ltr" class="zfr3Q CDt4Ke"><span class="C9DxTc">For the sake of this comparison, a 500 kg horse in light work was used as an example.</span></p>
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<p dir="ltr" class="zfr3Q CDt4Ke"><span class="C9DxTc">Ration balancers may appear to be similar, but there are often large differences. When evaluating a diet and deciding on a ration balancer to recommend, I always look at the ingredients, the protein content, and the mineral inclusion rates to ensure it will complement the forage.</span></p>
<p dir="ltr" class="zfr3Q CDt4Ke"><span class="C9DxTc">Let’s take this same horse and calculate which of the ration balancers meet their nutritional requirements. The forage analysis that was used will be provided at the end of the article.</span></p>
<p dir="ltr" class="zfr3Q CDt4Ke"><span class="C9DxTc">So, when we calculate a 500 kg horse’s nutrient requirements using a generic grass hay analysis, the ration balancers 2, 4 and 5 meet the horse’s requirements. Both 1 and 3 result in deficiencies such as B vitamins and various trace minerals. This is assuming that the horse is consuming free choice hay and adequate salt.</span></p>
<p dir="ltr" class="zfr3Q CDt4Ke"><span class="C9DxTc">I honestly love playing around with products like this because it just goes to show the level of personalization required to be able to curate balanced diets. Having all of the necessary information can take time to collect, specifically the hay analysis – and spending the time to do these careful calculations and comparisons when choosing a product to recommend for a horse is so important. Not every product will work for every horse – and this applies to ration balancers as well.</span></p>
<p dir="ltr" class="zfr3Q CDt4Ke"><span class="C9DxTc">To conclude, taking all this information into account when determining an ideal product for a horse can make a significant difference in their nutritional well-being. If you are curious about your horse’s feeding program and would like an independent nutritionist to take the time to do these careful calculations, please don’t hesitate to reach out. I would love to work with you and optimize your horse’s nutritional well-being.</span></p>
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<p dir="ltr" class="zfr3Q CDt4Ke"><strong><span class="C9DxTc">Forage Analysis:</span></strong></p>
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<div class="t3iYD"><p>Written by: Madeline Boast, MSc. Equine Nutrition</p>
<p>About the author: Madeline Boast completed her master’s in Equine Nutrition at the University of Guelph and started an independent nutrition company known as Balanced Bay. She has worked with a variety of equids – from miniature ponies to competing thoroughbreds. Through Balanced Bay she designs customized balanced nutrition plans that prioritize equine well-being. This includes diets for optimal performance as well as solving complex nutritional issues and everything in between. For additional information see <a href="http://www.balancedbay.ca">www.balancedbay.ca</a></p>
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</div>Electrolyte Supplementationtag:www.barnmice.com,2023-08-30:1773158:BlogPost:8798962023-08-30T15:10:04.000ZMadeline Boasthttp://www.barnmice.com/profile/MadelineBoast
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Electrolyte Supplementation - A Balanced Bay Blog Post …</strong></p>
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<p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Electrolyte Supplementation - A Balanced Bay Blog Post </strong></p>
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<div class="mYVXT"><div class="LS81yb VICjCf j5pSsc db35Fc"><div class="hJDwNd-AhqUyc-uQSCkd Ft7HRd-AhqUyc-uQSCkd purZT-AhqUyc-II5mzb ZcASvf-AhqUyc-II5mzb pSzOP-AhqUyc-qWD73c Ktthjf-AhqUyc-qWD73c JNdkSc SQVYQc yYI8W HQwdzb"><div class="JNdkSc-SmKAyb LkDMRd"><div class=""><div class="oKdM2c ZZyype"><div id="h.4dc189a5c97a4acc_10" class="hJDwNd-AhqUyc-uQSCkd Ft7HRd-AhqUyc-uQSCkd jXK9ad D2fZ2 zu5uec wHaque g5GTcb"><div class="jXK9ad-SmKAyb"><div class="tyJCtd mGzaTb Depvyb baZpAe"><p dir="ltr" class="zfr3Q CDt4Ke"><span class="C9DxTc">As we enter into the warmer months here in Ontario, many horse owners will begin to use electrolyte supplementation products for their horse. This blog post is going to provide a brief overview of electrolyte supplementation and what recent research is telling us!</span></p>
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<p dir="ltr" class="zfr3Q CDt4Ke"><strong><span class="C9DxTc">Electrolytes</span></strong></p>
<p dir="ltr" class="zfr3Q CDt4Ke"><span class="C9DxTc">Electrolytes are involved in many physiological processes. They play a role in the maintenance of fluid balance, transmission of nerve impulses as well as muscle contraction to list a few examples.</span></p>
<p dir="ltr" class="zfr3Q CDt4Ke"><span class="C9DxTc">Just like humans, sweating is crucial to thermoregulation. With horses, when they are under more intense work, especially in a hotter climate, their electrolyte losses can be substantial. It is estimated that horses can sweat up to 10-15L per hour! When there are substantial electrolyte losses that are not replenished health consequences can arise. These include dehydration, muscle weakness, fatigue, lower exercise tolerance etc.</span></p>
<p dir="ltr" class="zfr3Q CDt4Ke"><span class="C9DxTc">Equine sweat is hypertonic to plasma, and rich in a few key electrolytes. Sodium (Na</span><span class="C9DxTc">+</span><span class="C9DxTc">), chloride (Cl</span><span class="C9DxTc">-</span><span class="C9DxTc">) and potassium (K</span><span class="C9DxTc">+</span><span class="C9DxTc">) are lost in the greatest quantities. Magnesium (Mg</span><span class="C9DxTc">2+</span><span class="C9DxTc">) and calcium (Ca</span><span class="C9DxTc">2+</span><span class="C9DxTc">) are lost in smaller quantities. Knowing the key electrolytes lost can help you determine an ideal supplement. </span></p>
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<p dir="ltr" class="zfr3Q CDt4Ke"><strong><span class="C9DxTc">Supplementation Methods</span></strong></p>
<p dir="ltr" class="zfr3Q CDt4Ke"><span class="C9DxTc">If you have shopped around for electrolyte supplements you know that there are many on the market! From pastes to powders, to flavoured and non-flavoured. So, how do you choose the right one?</span></p>
<p dir="ltr" class="zfr3Q CDt4Ke"><span class="C9DxTc">The critical ingredients are the actual electrolytes! Looking at the ingredient list for sources of sodium, chloride as well as potassium, calcium and magnesium is ideal. Some products will also include sugar for palatability, but this is not required, and sources cite that it should not be the first ingredient.</span></p>
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<p dir="ltr" class="zfr3Q CDt4Ke"><strong><span class="C9DxTc">Powdered Products</span></strong></p>
<p dir="ltr" class="zfr3Q CDt4Ke"><span class="C9DxTc">When reviewing the research, it is recommended that electrolytes are fed in combination with water. This should be done by mixing the electrolyte powder with clean fresh water and offering two buckets, one with the electrolyte and one without. When using this method, many experts suggest getting your horse used to the supplement prior to using it after competition or trailering off property. The powdered products can also be added as a top dress to feed. Just remember – access to clean water is crucial!</span></p>
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<p dir="ltr" class="zfr3Q CDt4Ke"><strong><span class="C9DxTc">Paste</span></strong></p>
<p dir="ltr" class="zfr3Q CDt4Ke"><span class="C9DxTc">When using a paste product, it is highly cautioned to ensure that the horse is drinking as when a dehydrated horse is given a large dose of electrolytes not mixed with water the dehydration can worsen. Therefore, although the pastes are concentrated doses of electrolytes, if the horse is not consuming adequate water this may not be the best option.</span></p>
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<p dir="ltr" class="zfr3Q CDt4Ke"><strong><span class="C9DxTc">Loose Salt</span></strong></p>
<p dir="ltr" class="zfr3Q CDt4Ke"><span class="C9DxTc">After I posted the Salt Block blog post, an interesting point was brought to my attention by a very well-respected equine professional. Providing horses with a source of loose salt can be an effective supplementation method, however, something I had not thought about was if the horse does not have adequate roughage access or is restricted from chewing opportunities, they will not have saliva production which can negatively impact their free choice salt intake. When I was reviewing the research on electrolytes, loose salt was recommended for leisure horses and those in light work. When I balance a diet, I almost always include loose salt – so before jumping to the commercial electrolyte supplements I encourage you to have your horse’s diet evaluated to ensure their baseline Na, Cl, K, Mg, and Ca requirements are being met.</span></p>
<p dir="ltr" class="zfr3Q CDt4Ke"><span class="C9DxTc">Overall, when choosing a supplement, evaluate your horse’s drinking behaviour to help you decide which may be ideal and get your horse used to consuming the product so that it is not novel when given after heavy exercise. Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions as well. It is possible to over-supplement beyond what is necessary. The excess electrolytes will then need to be excreted in the urine.</span></p>
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<p dir="ltr" class="zfr3Q CDt4Ke"><strong><span class="C9DxTc">Recent Research</span></strong></p>
<p dir="ltr" class="zfr3Q CDt4Ke"><span class="C9DxTc">There are many interesting studies on electrolyte supplementation. For this blog post I am going to focus on two studies completed at the University of Guelph.</span></p>
<p dir="ltr" class="zfr3Q CDt4Ke"><span class="C9DxTc">Let’s start with the 2013 study! This study (</span><span class="C9DxTc">Lindinger</span><span class="C9DxTc"><span> </span></span><span class="C9DxTc">& Ecker, 2013</span><span class="C9DxTc">)<span> </span></span><span class="C9DxTc">used a powdered electrolyte supplement (Perform’N Win Buckeye Nutrition). It was dissolved in water to create an electrolyte solution. They investigated a variety of parameters related to electrolytes and hydration including gastric emptying, intestinal absorption of Na</span><span class="C9DxTc">+</span><span class="C9DxTc"><span> </span>and K</span><span class="C9DxTc">+</span><span class="C9DxTc">, and time to fatigue.</span></p>
<p dir="ltr" class="zfr3Q CDt4Ke"><span class="C9DxTc">The authors concluded that this oral electrolyte supplement designed to replace sweat ion losses was absorbed and rapidly distributed within the body. They were also able to show that supplementation prior to exercise resulted in an increased duration of submaximal exercise.</span></p>
<p dir="ltr" class="zfr3Q CDt4Ke"><span class="C9DxTc">I would also like to include the ingredient list of the product used that was provided in the paper: NaCl, MgSO4, dextrose, calcium formate, silicon dioxide, sucrose, sodium acetate, potassium citrate, calcium lactate, natural and artificial flavours (<1%). The authors noted that the flavouring was to increase palatability.</span></p>
<p dir="ltr" class="zfr3Q CDt4Ke"><span class="C9DxTc">The 2021 study (</span><span class="C9DxTc">Waller</span><span class="C9DxTc"><span> </span></span><span class="C9DxTc">& Lindinger</span><span class="C9DxTc"><span> </span></span><span class="C9DxTc">2021</span><span class="C9DxTc">)</span><span class="C9DxTc"><span> </span>investigated pre-loading a large volume of oral electrolytes. The nutritional aspect of the study was the same as the 2013 study. These authors were able to show that when 8L of electrolyte supplementation was given prior to exercise (1 hour before) there was increased exercise performance and an improved maintenance of extracellular fluid volume. To summarize, there is scientific evidence that shows that proper electrolyte supplementation can have a positive impact on horses that are under moderate-intense exercise and experiencing large electrolyte losses.</span></p>
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<p dir="ltr" class="zfr3Q CDt4Ke"><strong><span class="C9DxTc">Does your horse need additional electrolytes?</span></strong></p>
<p dir="ltr" class="zfr3Q CDt4Ke"><span class="C9DxTc">As always, starting with a balanced diet is crucial. If the horses baseline requirements for sodium, chloride, potassium, magnesium, and calcium are not met, this should be evaluated as step #1.</span></p>
<p dir="ltr" class="zfr3Q CDt4Ke"><span class="C9DxTc">For leisure horses or horses in light work, adequate salt intake is important and likely will be adequate support for electrolyte replenishment if their diet is balanced.</span></p>
<p dir="ltr" class="zfr3Q CDt4Ke"><span class="C9DxTc">The classes of horses that typically do require an additional electrolyte source above and beyond a balanced diet with free choice salt access are those in hot/humid conditions, horses under a moderate-heavy workload, those exercising for a number of hours, and potentially any horse with illness that results in an excess loss of electrolytes. If illness is part of the equation, a veterinarian will recommend an electrolyte if they feel it would be beneficial to the animal.</span></p>
<p dir="ltr" class="zfr3Q CDt4Ke"><span class="C9DxTc">This is just scratching the surface of electrolyte research and I encourage you to read some of the studies referenced below if you are interested in knowing more! Every situation is unique, and what is best for one horse may not work for another. The main takeaway message is that electrolytes are crucial to proper physiological functioning, but when supplemented must be given with adequate water intake. Additionally, not all horses need electrolytes supplemented, but it is important to ensure their diet is balanced and salt intake is adequate.</span></p>
<p dir="ltr" class="zfr3Q CDt4Ke"><span class="C9DxTc">If you have any questions please contact me at balancedbaynutrition@gmail.com</span></p>
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<p>Written by: Madeline Boast, MSc. Equine Nutrition</p>
<p>About the author: Madeline Boast completed her master’s in Equine Nutrition at the University of Guelph and started an independent nutrition company known as Balanced Bay. She has worked with a variety of equids – from miniature ponies to competing thoroughbreds. Through Balanced Bay she designs customized balanced nutrition plans that prioritize equine well-being. This includes diets for optimal performance as well as solving complex nutritional issues and everything in between. For additional information see <a href="http://www.balancedbay.ca">www.balancedbay.ca</a></p>
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<p dir="ltr" class="zfr3Q CDt4Ke"><span class="C9DxTc">Holbrook, T. C., Simmons, R. D., Payton, M. E., & MacAllister, C. G. (2005). Effect of repeated oral administration of hypertonic electrolyte solution on equine gastric mucosa.<span> </span></span><span class="C9DxTc">Equine veterinary journal</span><span class="C9DxTc">,<span> </span></span><span class="C9DxTc">37</span><span class="C9DxTc">(6), 501-504.</span></p>
<p dir="ltr" class="zfr3Q CDt4Ke"><span class="C9DxTc">Lindinger, M. I. (2022). Oral Electrolyte and Water Supplementation in Horses.<span> </span></span><span class="C9DxTc">Veterinary Sciences</span><span class="C9DxTc">,<span> </span></span><span class="C9DxTc">9</span><span class="C9DxTc">(11), 626.</span></p>
<p dir="ltr" class="zfr3Q CDt4Ke"><span class="C9DxTc">Lindinger, M. I., & Ecker, G. L. (2013). Gastric emptying, intestinal absorption of electrolytes and exercise performance in electrolyte</span><span class="C9DxTc">‐</span><span class="C9DxTc">supplemented horses.<span> </span></span><span class="C9DxTc">Experimental physiology</span><span class="C9DxTc">,<span> </span></span><span class="C9DxTc">98</span><span class="C9DxTc">(1), 193-206.</span></p>
<p dir="ltr" class="zfr3Q CDt4Ke"><span class="C9DxTc">Robert, C., Goachet, A. G., Fraipont, A., Votion, D. M., Van Erck, E., & Leclerc, J. L. (2010). Hydration and electrolyte balance in horses during an endurance season.<span> </span></span><span class="C9DxTc">Equine Veterinary Journal</span><span class="C9DxTc">,<span> </span></span><span class="C9DxTc">42</span><span class="C9DxTc">, 98-104.</span></p>
<p dir="ltr" class="zfr3Q CDt4Ke"><span class="C9DxTc">Sampieri, F., Schott, H. C., Hinchcliff, K. W., Geor, R. J., & Jose</span><span class="C9DxTc">‐</span><span class="C9DxTc">Cunilleras, E. (2006). Effects of oral electrolyte supplementation on endurance horses competing in 80 km rides.<span> </span></span><span class="C9DxTc">Equine veterinary journal</span><span class="C9DxTc">,<span> </span></span><span class="C9DxTc">38</span><span class="C9DxTc">(S36), 19-26.</span></p>
<p dir="ltr" class="zfr3Q CDt4Ke"><span class="C9DxTc">Waller, A. P., & Lindinger, M. I. (2021). Pre</span><span class="C9DxTc">‐</span><span class="C9DxTc">loading large volume oral electrolytes: tracing fluid and ion fluxes in horses during rest, exercise and recovery.<span> </span></span><span class="C9DxTc">The Journal of Physiology</span><span class="C9DxTc">,<span> </span></span><span class="C9DxTc">599</span><span class="C9DxTc">(16), 3879-3896.</span></p>
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</div>The Science Behind Slow Feed Changestag:www.barnmice.com,2023-08-30:1773158:BlogPost:8798942023-08-30T15:06:43.000ZMadeline Boasthttp://www.barnmice.com/profile/MadelineBoast
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong>The Science Behind Slow Feed Changes - A Balanced Bay Blog Post…</strong></p>
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<p style="text-align: center;"><strong>The Science Behind Slow Feed Changes - A Balanced Bay Blog Post</strong></p>
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<div class="mYVXT"><div class="LS81yb VICjCf j5pSsc db35Fc"><div class="hJDwNd-AhqUyc-uQSCkd Ft7HRd-AhqUyc-uQSCkd purZT-AhqUyc-II5mzb ZcASvf-AhqUyc-II5mzb pSzOP-AhqUyc-qWD73c Ktthjf-AhqUyc-qWD73c JNdkSc SQVYQc yYI8W HQwdzb"><div class="JNdkSc-SmKAyb LkDMRd"><div class=""><div class="oKdM2c ZZyype"><div id="h.3c729c3eb5e6439d_10" class="hJDwNd-AhqUyc-uQSCkd Ft7HRd-AhqUyc-uQSCkd jXK9ad D2fZ2 zu5uec wHaque g5GTcb"><div class="jXK9ad-SmKAyb"><div class="tyJCtd mGzaTb Depvyb baZpAe"><p dir="ltr" class="zfr3Q CDt4Ke"><span class="C9DxTc">Most horse owners know that feed changes should be made slowly, and do implement this well. However, I often come across people switching forage sources abruptly. This article is going to delve into the science behind why feed changes should be made slowly and highlight the importance of gradual changes not just for pelleted feeds but also for forage!</span></p>
<p dir="ltr" class="zfr3Q CDt4Ke"><strong><span class="C9DxTc">The Anatomy</span></strong></p>
<p dir="ltr" class="zfr3Q CDt4Ke"><span class="C9DxTc">Horses are hindgut fermenters; this means that they have a microbial population in the hindgut that plays a key role in digestion. Just like humans, horses have a stomach and small intestine, where the major differences lie in the hindgut. The hindgut has a few different parts: the cecum, large colon, small colon, and rectum. The cecum is truly what sets the horse apart from other monogastric animals as it is the site of fermentation.</span></p>
<p dir="ltr" class="zfr3Q CDt4Ke"><span class="C9DxTc">The microbial population ferments the structural carbohydrates primarily from forages in the horse’s diet. This process results in volatile fatty acids (VFAs), which are then used as an energy source by the horse. Abrupt diet changes negatively impact the microbial population by impairing their ability to break down the feedstuff adequately which will result in digestive upset.</span></p>
<p dir="ltr" class="zfr3Q CDt4Ke"><span class="C9DxTc">So, we know there are microbes in the horse’s hindgut…but how does that relate to feed and feed changes.</span></p>
<p dir="ltr" class="zfr3Q CDt4Ke"><span class="C9DxTc">Well, there are a variety of different microbes that are present in the hindgut of the horse, and depending on the horse’s diet, a differing proportion of the various microbes will be present. For example, if your horse is consuming an all-forage diet, their microbial population is going to be very different from a horse that is consuming a larger quantity of concentrate feed.</span></p>
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<div class="mYVXT"><div class="LS81yb VICjCf j5pSsc db35Fc"><div class="hJDwNd-AhqUyc-wNfPc Ft7HRd-AhqUyc-wNfPc purZT-AhqUyc-II5mzb ZcASvf-AhqUyc-II5mzb pSzOP-AhqUyc-wNfPc Ktthjf-AhqUyc-wNfPc JNdkSc SQVYQc"><div class="JNdkSc-SmKAyb LkDMRd"><div class=""><div class="oKdM2c ZZyype Kzv0Me"><div id="h.3c729c3eb5e6439d_41" class="hJDwNd-AhqUyc-wNfPc Ft7HRd-AhqUyc-wNfPc pSzOP-AhqUyc-wNfPc Ktthjf-AhqUyc-wNfPc jXK9ad D2fZ2 zu5uec OjCsFc dmUFtb wHaque g5GTcb"><div class="jXK9ad-SmKAyb"><div class="tyJCtd baZpAe"><div class="t3iYD"><img src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/dF2KmCDIxtRZ-NJQvJGq5v8QGJLM2YrmWeFHE-s1t1LsJ9qzOsbiQ8DlnQmRhX58lGmGFYpnDfPz9dvWjxXpsBcNcXm7cgKvh5Qsz7jP97o7xa8mbbWxHifQvaulJuYYKQ=w1280" class="CENy8b"/></div>
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<div class="hJDwNd-AhqUyc-OwsYgb Ft7HRd-AhqUyc-OwsYgb purZT-AhqUyc-II5mzb ZcASvf-AhqUyc-II5mzb pSzOP-AhqUyc-qWD73c Ktthjf-AhqUyc-qWD73c JNdkSc SQVYQc"><div class="JNdkSc-SmKAyb LkDMRd"><div class=""><div class="oKdM2c ZZyype Kzv0Me"><div id="h.3c729c3eb5e6439d_31" class="hJDwNd-AhqUyc-OwsYgb Ft7HRd-AhqUyc-OwsYgb jXK9ad D2fZ2 zu5uec OjCsFc dmUFtb wHaque g5GTcb"><div class="jXK9ad-SmKAyb"><div class="tyJCtd mGzaTb Depvyb baZpAe"><p dir="ltr" class="zfr3Q CDt4Ke"><span class="C9DxTc">This illustration is from<span> </span></span><span class="C9DxTc">Kauter et al. 2019. In the paper this image is described as depicting a horse that is on a more varied forage-based diet (left) compared to a horse that is managed domestically (right). This illustration highlights that differing management and nutrition does result in different microbial populations.</span></p>
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<div class="mYVXT"><div class="LS81yb VICjCf j5pSsc db35Fc"><div class="hJDwNd-AhqUyc-uQSCkd Ft7HRd-AhqUyc-uQSCkd purZT-AhqUyc-II5mzb ZcASvf-AhqUyc-II5mzb pSzOP-AhqUyc-qWD73c Ktthjf-AhqUyc-qWD73c JNdkSc SQVYQc"><div class="JNdkSc-SmKAyb LkDMRd"><div class=""><div class="oKdM2c ZZyype Kzv0Me"><div id="h.3c729c3eb5e6439d_42" class="hJDwNd-AhqUyc-uQSCkd Ft7HRd-AhqUyc-uQSCkd jXK9ad D2fZ2 zu5uec OjCsFc dmUFtb wHaque g5GTcb"><div class="jXK9ad-SmKAyb"><div class="tyJCtd mGzaTb Depvyb baZpAe"><p dir="ltr" class="zfr3Q CDt4Ke"><strong><span class="C9DxTc">How Changes Impact Microbes?</span></strong></p>
<p dir="ltr" class="zfr3Q CDt4Ke"><span class="C9DxTc">Switching feeds or forage sources slowly can seem tedious, but it is crucial to prevent digestive upset. The horse’s microbial population will adapt to the diet they are accustomed to. For example, if you have a horse that is accustomed to a high starch diet, they will have more of the microbes that are meant to break down those nutrients. Whereas, if you have a horse that is on a primarily forage-based diet the microbes that make up the majority of the gut population will be geared towards digesting more fibrous feedstuffs. Therefore, when drastic changes are made e.g., a forage-based diet switched to one that incorporates more starchy feeds the microbes will not be accustomed or tailored to that and will die off. This alteration of the microbial population then contributes to digestive issues.</span></p>
<p dir="ltr" class="zfr3Q CDt4Ke"><span class="C9DxTc">Now, if we make changes slowly, this allows the horse’s microbial population time to adapt and ensure there are the correct microbes to support the new diet. I strongly encourage horse owners to make all changes slowly – this means even switching from one hay batch to another. Even though they may be the same type of forage, their nutrient profiles will differ. Therefore, best practice is to use gradual changes.</span></p>
<p dir="ltr" class="zfr3Q CDt4Ke"><span class="C9DxTc">Some specific research examples are:</span></p>
<ul>
<li dir="ltr" class="zfr3Q CDt4Ke"><span class="C9DxTc">A nutrition program with a highly concentrated grain feed has been shown to increase the lactic acid bacteria (especially<span> </span></span><span class="C9DxTc">Streptococcus spp. And Lactobacillus spp.)</span></li>
<li dir="ltr" class="zfr3Q CDt4Ke"><span class="C9DxTc">A high starch diet has been shown to increase<span> </span></span><span class="C9DxTc">Succinivibrio<span> </span></span><span class="C9DxTc">and decrease<span> </span></span><span class="C9DxTc">Clostridiales<span> </span></span><span class="C9DxTc">and<span> </span></span><span class="C9DxTc">Lachnospiraceae.</span></li>
<li dir="ltr" class="zfr3Q CDt4Ke"><span class="C9DxTc">A high oil and starch diet has been shown to increase<span> </span></span><span class="C9DxTc">Proteobacteria</span></li>
<li dir="ltr" class="zfr3Q CDt4Ke"><span class="C9DxTc">A grass-based diet has been shown to increase<span> </span></span><span class="C9DxTc">Lachnospiraceae Bacillus<span> </span></span><span class="C9DxTc"> </span></li>
</ul>
<p dir="ltr" class="zfr3Q CDt4Ke"><span class="C9DxTc">If you are looking to really dive deep into some science, I encourage you to check out<span> </span></span><a class="XqQF9c" href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7807895/table/Tab1/?report=objectonly" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><span class="C9DxTc aw5Odc">this table</span></a><span class="C9DxTc"><span> </span>from (Kauter et al. 2019).</span></p>
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<p dir="ltr" class="zfr3Q CDt4Ke"><strong><span class="C9DxTc">Minimizing Digestive Upset</span></strong></p>
<p dir="ltr" class="zfr3Q CDt4Ke"><span class="C9DxTc">Now, just because we make changes gradually doesn’t mean that we are eliminating the risk of colic – of course not. But there are ways to decrease that risk. Making stepwise changes over the course of 7-14 days is often recommended when changing nutrition programs.</span></p>
<p dir="ltr" class="zfr3Q CDt4Ke"><span class="C9DxTc">For example, if you are adding a new feed to your horse’s program start with a small quantity, and as you increase the amount every few days, decrease the product you are taking out by a similar amount. The same can be applied to forage changes. In my balanced diet reports, you will see this tactic detailed in the implementation section.</span></p>
<p dir="ltr" class="zfr3Q CDt4Ke"><span class="C9DxTc">To conclude, feed changes can be tedious and frustrating but sticking with a gradual plan can really do wonders for your horse’s gut health as you transition programs. So, if you are in the process of transitioning your horse onto summer pasture like I am, maybe this blog post will help to encourage you to keep up with the tedious process. Also, please keep this in mind when your new hay arrives this upcoming summer!</span></p>
<p dir="ltr" class="zfr3Q CDt4Ke"><span class="C9DxTc">If you have any questions about safe diet transition or how to create a plan that is practical for your horse send me an email!</span></p>
<p dir="ltr" class="zfr3Q CDt4Ke"></p>
<p>Written by: Madeline Boast, MSc. Equine Nutrition</p>
<p>About the author: Madeline Boast completed her master’s in Equine Nutrition at the University of Guelph and started an independent nutrition company known as Balanced Bay. She has worked with a variety of equids – from miniature ponies to competing thoroughbreds. Through Balanced Bay she designs customized balanced nutrition plans that prioritize equine well-being. This includes diets for optimal performance as well as solving complex nutritional issues and everything in between. For additional information see <a href="http://www.balancedbay.ca">www.balancedbay.ca</a></p>
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<p dir="ltr" class="zfr3Q CDt4Ke"><span class="C9DxTc">Al Jassim, R. A., & Andrews, F. M. (2009). The bacterial community of the horse gastrointestinal tract and its relation to fermentative acidosis, laminitis, colic, and stomach ulcers.<span> </span></span><span class="C9DxTc">Veterinary Clinics: Equine Practice</span><span class="C9DxTc">,<span> </span></span><span class="C9DxTc">25</span><span class="C9DxTc">(2), 199-215.</span></p>
<p dir="ltr" class="zfr3Q CDt4Ke"><span class="C9DxTc">Costa, M. C., & Weese, J. S. (2012). The equine intestinal microbiome.<span> </span></span><span class="C9DxTc">Animal Health Research Reviews</span><span class="C9DxTc">,<span> </span></span><span class="C9DxTc">13</span><span class="C9DxTc">(1), 121-128.</span></p>
<p dir="ltr" class="zfr3Q CDt4Ke"><span class="C9DxTc">Dicks, L. M. T., Botha, M., Dicks, E., & Botes, M. (2014). The equine gastro-intestinal tract: an overview of the microbiota, disease and treatment.<span> </span></span><span class="C9DxTc">Livestock science</span><span class="C9DxTc">,<span> </span></span><span class="C9DxTc">160</span><span class="C9DxTc">, 69-81.</span></p>
<p dir="ltr" class="zfr3Q CDt4Ke"><span class="C9DxTc">Dougal, K., de la Fuente, G., Harris, P. A., Girdwood, S. E., Pinloche, E., Geor, R. J., ... & Newbold, C. J. (2014). Characterisation of the faecal bacterial community in adult and elderly horses fed a high fibre, high oil or high starch diet using 454 pyrosequencing.<span> </span></span><span class="C9DxTc">PloS one</span><span class="C9DxTc">,<span> </span></span><span class="C9DxTc">9</span><span class="C9DxTc">(2), e87424.</span></p>
<p dir="ltr" class="zfr3Q CDt4Ke"><span class="C9DxTc">Fielding, B. A., & Frayn, K. N. (1998). Lipoprotein lipase and the disposition of dietary fatty acids.<span> </span></span><span class="C9DxTc">British Journal of Nutrition</span><span class="C9DxTc">,<span> </span></span><span class="C9DxTc">80</span><span class="C9DxTc">(6), 495-502.</span></p>
<p dir="ltr" class="zfr3Q CDt4Ke"><span class="C9DxTc">Hesta, M., & Costa, M. (2021). How Can Nutrition Help with Gastrointestinal Tract–Based Issues?.<span> </span></span><span class="C9DxTc">Veterinary Clinics: Equine Practice</span><span class="C9DxTc">,<span> </span></span><span class="C9DxTc">37</span><span class="C9DxTc">(1), 63-87.</span></p>
<p dir="ltr" class="zfr3Q CDt4Ke"><span class="C9DxTc">Kauter, A., Epping, L., Semmler, T., Antao, E. M., Kannapin, D., Stoeckle, S. D., ... & Walther, B. (2019). The gut microbiome of horses: current research on equine enteral microbiota and future perspectives.<span> </span></span><span class="C9DxTc">Animal Microbiome</span><span class="C9DxTc">,<span> </span></span><span class="C9DxTc">1</span><span class="C9DxTc">(1), 1-15.</span></p>
<p dir="ltr" class="zfr3Q CDt4Ke"><span class="C9DxTc">Salem, S. E., Maddox, T. W., Berg, A., Antczak, P., Ketley, J. M., Williams, N. J., & Archer, D. C. (2018). Variation in faecal microbiota in a group of horses managed at pasture over a 12-month period.<span> </span></span><span class="C9DxTc">Scientific reports</span><span class="C9DxTc">,<span> </span></span><span class="C9DxTc">8</span><span class="C9DxTc">(1), 8510.</span></p>
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</div>Salt Lickstag:www.barnmice.com,2023-08-30:1773158:BlogPost:8797952023-08-30T15:04:35.000ZMadeline Boasthttp://www.barnmice.com/profile/MadelineBoast
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong>What You Need to Know About Salt Licks - A Balanced Bay Blog Post…</strong></p>
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<p style="text-align: center;"><strong>What You Need to Know About Salt Licks - A Balanced Bay Blog Post</strong></p>
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<div class="mYVXT"><div class="LS81yb VICjCf j5pSsc db35Fc"><div class="hJDwNd-AhqUyc-uQSCkd Ft7HRd-AhqUyc-uQSCkd purZT-AhqUyc-II5mzb ZcASvf-AhqUyc-II5mzb pSzOP-AhqUyc-qWD73c Ktthjf-AhqUyc-qWD73c JNdkSc SQVYQc yYI8W HQwdzb"><div class="JNdkSc-SmKAyb LkDMRd"><div class=""><div class="oKdM2c ZZyype"><div id="h.39009bd8a03077e9_10" class="hJDwNd-AhqUyc-uQSCkd Ft7HRd-AhqUyc-uQSCkd jXK9ad D2fZ2 zu5uec wHaque g5GTcb"><div class="jXK9ad-SmKAyb"><div class="tyJCtd mGzaTb Depvyb baZpAe"><p dir="ltr" class="zfr3Q CDt4Ke"><span class="C9DxTc">Sodium chloride (salt) is an essential aspect of the equine diet. Sodium plays a crucial role in many body processes such as the maintenance of body temperature, nerve function, chemical transport, regulation of pH and regulation of osmotic pressure. When sodium is deficient in the diet there can be a plethora of negative health consequences including poor performance, decreased appetite, weight loss, decreased fertility, impaired milk production etc. This is why it is crucial to ensure that we are providing our horses with adequate salt in their diet.</span></p>
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<p dir="ltr" class="zfr3Q CDt4Ke"><strong><span class="C9DxTc">What does the research say?</span></strong></p>
<p dir="ltr" class="zfr3Q CDt4Ke"><span class="C9DxTc">One study that evaluated the feeding practices of active eventing horses found that most of the horses were not having their sodium and chloride requirements met. 20% of the horses did not have access to salt supplements at all and 45% of the horses had no access to salt on competition days.</span></p>
<p dir="ltr" class="zfr3Q CDt4Ke"><span class="C9DxTc">Another published study that investigated salt intake found that voluntary intake from a salt block ranged from 0-62 mg per kg of body weight per day. The variation between horses was large, but the individual horses did not have large variations in salt intake day-to-day.</span></p>
<p dir="ltr" class="zfr3Q CDt4Ke"><span class="C9DxTc">Lastly, when we look at the evaluation of salt intake from a block when the diet is not meeting sodium and chloride requirements it has been calculated that there is often an insufficient intake of sodium despite the animal having unlimited access. Overall, based on the published literature, it points towards a salt block not being sufficient at providing the horse with enough sodium and chloride to meet their requirements. Despite this, as a nutritionist, I still recommend that my clients give their horses free choice access to salt as many will still lick a block even with their requirements being met in their daily ration. So, which block type do you choose?</span></p>
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<p dir="ltr" class="zfr3Q CDt4Ke"><strong><span class="C9DxTc">The Various Types:</span></strong></p>
<p dir="ltr" class="zfr3Q CDt4Ke"><span class="C9DxTc">There are a wide variety of salt block options for horses, but in this blog post, I am simply going to touch on the four that I come across most frequently.</span></p>
<p dir="ltr" class="zfr3Q CDt4Ke"><span class="C9DxTc">1)</span><span class="C9DxTc"> <span> </span></span><span class="C9DxTc">White Block</span></p>
<ul>
<li dir="ltr" class="zfr3Q CDt4Ke"><span class="C9DxTc">The white salt licks are generally just sodium and chloride. They will also occasionally contain iodine depending on the brand.</span></li>
</ul>
<p dir="ltr" class="zfr3Q CDt4Ke"><span class="C9DxTc">2)</span><span class="C9DxTc"> <span> </span></span><span class="C9DxTc">Blue Block</span></p>
<ul>
<li dir="ltr" class="zfr3Q CDt4Ke"><span class="C9DxTc">The blue blocks contain cobalt. Cobalt is a trace mineral that is important in the synthesis of vitamin B12.</span></li>
</ul>
<p dir="ltr" class="zfr3Q CDt4Ke"><span class="C9DxTc">3)</span><span class="C9DxTc"> <span> </span></span><span class="C9DxTc">Brown/Red Block</span></p>
<ul>
<li dir="ltr" class="zfr3Q CDt4Ke"><span class="C9DxTc">The brown or red blocks contain other trace minerals. It will vary slightly from brand to brand, but they generally contain zinc, copper, selenium and iron.</span></li>
</ul>
<p dir="ltr" class="zfr3Q CDt4Ke"><span class="C9DxTc">4)</span><span class="C9DxTc"> <span> </span></span><span class="C9DxTc">Himalayan Salt</span></p>
<ul>
<li dir="ltr" class="zfr3Q CDt4Ke"><span class="C9DxTc">Himalayan salt has a higher concentration of iron and does contain other trace minerals. The trace minerals are present in minute quantities.</span></li>
</ul>
<p dir="ltr" class="zfr3Q CDt4Ke"><span class="C9DxTc">Despite some containing trace minerals, they are still primarily sodium and chloride.</span></p>
<p dir="ltr" class="zfr3Q CDt4Ke"><span class="C9DxTc"> </span></p>
<p dir="ltr" class="zfr3Q CDt4Ke"><strong><span class="C9DxTc">Recommendations:</span></strong></p>
<p dir="ltr" class="zfr3Q CDt4Ke"><span class="C9DxTc">Prior to recommendations, I would like to highlight the personal aspect of salt block intake. An observation I have made over the 9 years of owning my mare is that she has never touched a salt block (and I’ve pretty much tried every kind!). On the other hand, a horse that lives with her will consume a salt lick in a matter of days…and they are on the same ration balancer with adequate salt provided in their daily rations. This is why it is important to work with a nutritionist that will reach this level of personalization in their recommendations.</span></p>
<p dir="ltr" class="zfr3Q CDt4Ke"><span class="C9DxTc">My recommendation for salt blocks is to always give your horse free-choice access. The gold standard is to have all their nutrient requirements (specifically trace minerals) met in their daily ration and not rely on the salt block as it is hard to guarantee intake.</span></p>
<p dir="ltr" class="zfr3Q CDt4Ke"><span class="C9DxTc">From there, I would choose a salt lick based on your horse. If they are going to consume it within the week, I would exercise caution around the trace mineral blocks and use a plain salt lick. However, if they do not readily consume it – they are likely not going to be consuming enough trace minerals to unbalance the diets. So, in that case the trace mineral block is likely safe.</span></p>
<p dir="ltr" class="zfr3Q CDt4Ke"><span class="C9DxTc">When balancing, I always recommend a ration balancer that will meet their needs, then adding loose salt to that. From there, you can go with the plain salt lick as those are typically less expensive!</span></p>
<p dir="ltr" class="zfr3Q CDt4Ke"><span class="C9DxTc">If you have any questions or would like your horse’s diet evaluated, please contact me at balancedbaynutrition@gmail.com</span></p>
<p dir="ltr" class="zfr3Q CDt4Ke"></p>
<p>Written by: Madeline Boast, MSc. Equine Nutrition</p>
<p>About the author: Madeline Boast completed her master’s in Equine Nutrition at the University of Guelph and started an independent nutrition company known as Balanced Bay. She has worked with a variety of equids – from miniature ponies to competing thoroughbreds. Through Balanced Bay she designs customized balanced nutrition plans that prioritize equine well-being. This includes diets for optimal performance as well as solving complex nutritional issues and everything in between. For additional information see <a href="http://www.balancedbay.ca">www.balancedbay.ca</a></p>
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<div class="mYVXT"><div class="LS81yb VICjCf j5pSsc db35Fc"><div class="hJDwNd-AhqUyc-uQSCkd Ft7HRd-AhqUyc-uQSCkd purZT-AhqUyc-II5mzb ZcASvf-AhqUyc-II5mzb pSzOP-AhqUyc-qWD73c Ktthjf-AhqUyc-qWD73c JNdkSc SQVYQc"><div class="JNdkSc-SmKAyb LkDMRd"><div class=""><div class="oKdM2c ZZyype Kzv0Me"><div id="h.39009bd8a03077e9_14" class="hJDwNd-AhqUyc-uQSCkd Ft7HRd-AhqUyc-uQSCkd jXK9ad D2fZ2 zu5uec OjCsFc dmUFtb wHaque g5GTcb"><div class="jXK9ad-SmKAyb"><div class="tyJCtd mGzaTb Depvyb baZpAe"><p dir="ltr" class="zfr3Q CDt4Ke"><span class="C9DxTc">References:</span></p>
<p dir="ltr" class="zfr3Q CDt4Ke"><span class="C9DxTc">Brunner, J., Wichert, B., Burger, D., Von Peinen, K., & Liesegang, A. (2012). A survey on the feeding of eventing horses during competition.<span> </span></span><span class="C9DxTc">Journal of animal physiology and animal nutrition</span><span class="C9DxTc">,<span> </span></span><span class="C9DxTc">96</span><span class="C9DxTc">(5), 878-884.</span></p>
<p dir="ltr" class="zfr3Q CDt4Ke"><span class="C9DxTc">Jansson, A., & Dahlborn, K. (1999). Effects of feeding frequency and voluntary salt intake on fluid and electrolyte regulation in athletic horses.<span> </span></span><span class="C9DxTc">Journal of Applied Physiology</span><span class="C9DxTc">,<span> </span></span><span class="C9DxTc">86</span><span class="C9DxTc">(5), 1610-1616.</span></p>
<p dir="ltr" class="zfr3Q CDt4Ke"><span class="C9DxTc">Johansson, K. (2011). Salt to ruminants and horses.</span></p>
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</div>Probiotic Supplementationtag:www.barnmice.com,2023-08-30:1773158:BlogPost:8797932023-08-30T15:02:30.000ZMadeline Boasthttp://www.barnmice.com/profile/MadelineBoast
<p>Probiotic Supplementation - A Balanced Bay Blog Post…</p>
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<div class="mYVXT"><div class="LS81yb VICjCf j5pSsc db35Fc"><div class="hJDwNd-AhqUyc-uQSCkd Ft7HRd-AhqUyc-uQSCkd purZT-AhqUyc-II5mzb ZcASvf-AhqUyc-II5mzb pSzOP-AhqUyc-qWD73c Ktthjf-AhqUyc-qWD73c JNdkSc SQVYQc yYI8W HQwdzb"><div class="JNdkSc-SmKAyb LkDMRd"><div class=""><div class="oKdM2c ZZyype"><div class="hJDwNd-AhqUyc-uQSCkd Ft7HRd-AhqUyc-uQSCkd jXK9ad D2fZ2 zu5uec wHaque g5GTcb" id="h.11f4ada795795d58_10"></div>
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<p>Probiotic Supplementation - A Balanced Bay Blog Post</p>
<p></p>
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<div class="mYVXT"><div class="LS81yb VICjCf j5pSsc db35Fc"><div class="hJDwNd-AhqUyc-uQSCkd Ft7HRd-AhqUyc-uQSCkd purZT-AhqUyc-II5mzb ZcASvf-AhqUyc-II5mzb pSzOP-AhqUyc-qWD73c Ktthjf-AhqUyc-qWD73c JNdkSc SQVYQc yYI8W HQwdzb"><div class="JNdkSc-SmKAyb LkDMRd"><div class=""><div class="oKdM2c ZZyype"><div id="h.11f4ada795795d58_10" class="hJDwNd-AhqUyc-uQSCkd Ft7HRd-AhqUyc-uQSCkd jXK9ad D2fZ2 zu5uec wHaque g5GTcb"><div class="jXK9ad-SmKAyb"><div class="tyJCtd mGzaTb Depvyb baZpAe"><p dir="ltr" class="zfr3Q CDt4Ke"><span class="C9DxTc">As an independent equine nutritionist, I come across many horse owners that supplement their horses with some type of gut support product. This article is going to dive into some of the science behind probiotics!</span></p>
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<p dir="ltr" class="zfr3Q CDt4Ke"><span class="C9DxTc">Let’s start today’s blog post with some definitions -></span></p>
<p dir="ltr" class="zfr3Q CDt4Ke"><span class="C9DxTc">Probiotics:<span> </span></span><span class="C9DxTc">microbials that deliver live bacteria to the horse’s gastrointestinal tract and provide benefit to the host.</span></p>
<p dir="ltr" class="zfr3Q CDt4Ke"><span class="C9DxTc">Prebiotics:<span> </span></span><span class="C9DxTc">used as “food” for the probiotics. They are soluble plant fibres that cannot be digested in the foregut and therefore when they reach the hindgut, they are able to be broken down by the microbes. Prebiotics do not introduce new bacteria to the gut.</span></p>
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<p dir="ltr" class="zfr3Q CDt4Ke"><span class="C9DxTc">Now that we’ve got some simple definitions, let’s get into the science!!</span></p>
<p dir="ltr" class="zfr3Q CDt4Ke"><span class="C9DxTc">Horses are hindgut fermenters; this means that they have a large cecum and colon where microbes play an important role in digestion. Research has shown that horses with colitis have a different composition of fecal microbiota than healthy horses. Additionally, differences in fecal microbial population have also been shown when horses are fed differing diets. A general hypothesis when colic or gastrointestinal disorders are present is that the microbial population must have shifted – but unfortunately, there is limited research on the hindgut and microbiome of horses.</span></p>
<p dir="ltr" class="zfr3Q CDt4Ke"><span class="C9DxTc">A recent study looked at the fecal microbial composition of horses over the course of 1 year. The horses experienced minimal changes in management over the 12-month period. The researchers were able to show that season, supplementary forage, and weather conditions were closely associated with changes in the composition of the microbial population in the feces. These findings simply highlight that there is so much more we need to know about the equine hindgut as using the simple explanation of a changing microbiome in gastro-intestinal health disorders is too simplistic.</span></p>
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<p dir="ltr" class="zfr3Q CDt4Ke"><span class="C9DxTc">For a probiotic to be effective it must:</span></p>
<p dir="ltr" class="zfr3Q CDt4Ke"><span class="C9DxTc">1) Contain live mircoorganisms that remain viable at the intended site</span></p>
<p dir="ltr" class="zfr3Q CDt4Ke"><span class="C9DxTc">2) Remain viable in sufficient quantities</span></p>
<p dir="ltr" class="zfr3Q CDt4Ke"><span class="C9DxTc">3) Be a correct strain of bacteria</span></p>
<p dir="ltr" class="zfr3Q CDt4Ke"></p>
<p dir="ltr" class="zfr3Q CDt4Ke"><span class="C9DxTc">There is positive research on probiotics out there. The probiotic yeast<span> </span></span><span class="C9DxTc">Saccharomyces cerevisiae<span> </span></span><span class="C9DxTc">has been shown to provide benefits such as improved fiber digestibility when supplemented in feed. Probiotic supplementation has also been shown to be effective in reducing the duration of hospitalization for horses with colitis.</span></p>
<p dir="ltr" class="zfr3Q CDt4Ke"><span class="C9DxTc">Unfortunately, the research has not fully elucidated ideal strains to supplement in horses or ideal dosing. The suggested minimum dosage is 10 billion CFU/d and commonly fed probiotics are<span> </span></span><span class="C9DxTc">Saccharomyces, Bifidobacterium, Enterococcus<span> </span></span><span class="C9DxTc">and<span> </span></span><span class="C9DxTc">Lactobacillus.<span> </span></span><span class="C9DxTc">I have mentioned this in previous blog posts – but the equine supplement industry is not well-regulated. This is evident in the research on probiotic supplements as various studies have investigated tag claims compared to content of the product and found many discrepancies.</span></p>
<p dir="ltr" class="zfr3Q CDt4Ke"><span class="C9DxTc">Therefore, I encourage horse owners to reach out to your supplement companies and ask for the research! I make a conscious effort to recommend supplements from companies that invest in research on their products…because if not you’re simply using your own horse for research.<span> </span></span><span class="C9DxTc">I also look for supplement companies that are transparent in providing you with all of the necessary information on their products.<span> </span></span><span class="C9DxTc">For example, if you are looking for a probiotic supplement you should be able to find out the actual content of live bacteria they guarantee in the supplement – this should not be a secret.</span></p>
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<p dir="ltr" class="zfr3Q CDt4Ke"><span class="C9DxTc">If you have any questions please email me at<span> </span></span><a class="XqQF9c" href="mailto:balancedbaynutrition@gmail.com" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><span class="C9DxTc aw5Odc">balancedbaynutrition@gmail.com</span></a><span class="C9DxTc"> </span></p>
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<p>Written by: Madeline Boast, MSc. Equine Nutrition</p>
<p>About the author: Madeline Boast completed her master’s in Equine Nutrition at the University of Guelph and started an independent nutrition company known as Balanced Bay. She has worked with a variety of equids – from miniature ponies to competing thoroughbreds. Through Balanced Bay she designs customized balanced nutrition plans that prioritize equine well-being. This includes diets for optimal performance as well as solving complex nutritional issues and everything in between. For additional information see <a href="http://www.balancedbay.ca">www.balancedbay.ca</a></p>
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<div class="mYVXT"><div class="LS81yb VICjCf j5pSsc db35Fc"><div class="hJDwNd-AhqUyc-uQSCkd Ft7HRd-AhqUyc-uQSCkd purZT-AhqUyc-II5mzb ZcASvf-AhqUyc-II5mzb pSzOP-AhqUyc-qWD73c Ktthjf-AhqUyc-qWD73c JNdkSc SQVYQc"><div class="JNdkSc-SmKAyb LkDMRd"><div class=""><div class="oKdM2c ZZyype Kzv0Me"><div id="h.11f4ada795795d58_14" class="hJDwNd-AhqUyc-uQSCkd Ft7HRd-AhqUyc-uQSCkd jXK9ad D2fZ2 zu5uec OjCsFc dmUFtb wHaque g5GTcb"><div class="jXK9ad-SmKAyb"><div class="tyJCtd mGzaTb Depvyb baZpAe"><p dir="ltr" class="zfr3Q CDt4Ke"><span class="C9DxTc">References:</span></p>
<p dir="ltr" class="zfr3Q CDt4Ke"><span class="C9DxTc">Berreta, A., & Kopper, J. (2022). Equine probiotics-what are they, where are we and where do we need to go?.<span> </span></span><span class="C9DxTc">Journal of Equine Veterinary Science</span><span class="C9DxTc">, 104037.</span></p>
<p dir="ltr" class="zfr3Q CDt4Ke"><span class="C9DxTc">Cooke, C. G., Gibb, Z., & Harnett, J. E. (2021). The safety, tolerability and efficacy of probiotic bacteria for equine use.<span> </span></span><span class="C9DxTc">Journal of Equine Veterinary Science</span><span class="C9DxTc">,<span> </span></span><span class="C9DxTc">99</span><span class="C9DxTc">, 103407.</span></p>
<p dir="ltr" class="zfr3Q CDt4Ke"><span class="C9DxTc">Dougal, K., de la Fuente, G., Harris, P. A., Girdwood, S. E., Pinloche, E., Geor, R. J., ... & Newbold, C. J. (2014). Characterisation of the faecal bacterial community in adult and elderly horses fed a high fibre, high oil or high starch diet using 454 pyrosequencing.<span> </span></span><span class="C9DxTc">PloS one</span><span class="C9DxTc">,<span> </span></span><span class="C9DxTc">9</span><span class="C9DxTc">(2), e87424.</span></p>
<p dir="ltr" class="zfr3Q CDt4Ke"><span class="C9DxTc">Garber, A., Hastie, P., & Murray, J. A. (2020). Factors influencing equine gut microbiota: Current knowledge.<span> </span></span><span class="C9DxTc">Journal of Equine Veterinary Science</span><span class="C9DxTc">,<span> </span></span><span class="C9DxTc">88</span><span class="C9DxTc">, 102943.</span></p>
<p dir="ltr" class="zfr3Q CDt4Ke"><span class="C9DxTc">Gluck, C., & Pratt-Phillips, S. (2021). 65 Survey regarding the perception of prebiotics/probiotics amongst North Carolina horse owners or leasers.<span> </span></span><span class="C9DxTc">Journal of Equine Veterinary Science</span><span class="C9DxTc">,<span> </span></span><span class="C9DxTc">100</span><span class="C9DxTc">, 103528.</span></p>
<p dir="ltr" class="zfr3Q CDt4Ke"><span class="C9DxTc">Laghi, L., Zhu, C., Campagna, G., Rossi, G., Bazzano, M., & Laus, F. (2018). Probiotic supplementation in trained trotter horses: effect on blood clinical pathology data and urine metabolomic assessed in field.<span> </span></span><span class="C9DxTc">Journal of applied physiology</span><span class="C9DxTc">,<span> </span></span><span class="C9DxTc">125</span><span class="C9DxTc">(2), 654-660.</span></p>
<p dir="ltr" class="zfr3Q CDt4Ke"><span class="C9DxTc">Salem, S. E., Maddox, T. W., Berg, A., Antczak, P., Ketley, J. M., Williams, N. J., & Archer, D. C. (2018). Variation in faecal microbiota in a group of horses managed at pasture over a 12-month period.<span> </span></span><span class="C9DxTc">Scientific reports</span><span class="C9DxTc">,<span> </span></span><span class="C9DxTc">8</span><span class="C9DxTc">(1), 8510.</span></p>
<p dir="ltr" class="zfr3Q CDt4Ke"><span class="C9DxTc">Ward, M. P., Alinovi, C. A., Couetil, L. L., Glickman, L. T., & Wu, C. C. (2004). randomized clinical trial using probiotics to prevent Salmonella fecal shedding in hospitalized horses.<span> </span></span><span class="C9DxTc">Journal of Equine Veterinary Science</span><span class="C9DxTc">.</span></p>
<p dir="ltr" class="zfr3Q CDt4Ke"><span class="C9DxTc">Weese, J. S. (2002). Probiotics, prebiotics, and synbiotics.<span> </span></span><span class="C9DxTc">Journal of equine veterinary science</span><span class="C9DxTc">,<span> </span></span><span class="C9DxTc">22</span><span class="C9DxTc">(8), 357-360.</span></p>
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</div>Creating Good Pasture for Your Herdtag:www.barnmice.com,2023-08-30:1773158:BlogPost:8798922023-08-30T15:01:16.000ZMadeline Boasthttp://www.barnmice.com/profile/MadelineBoast
<div class="mYVXT"><div class="LS81yb VICjCf j5pSsc db35Fc"><div class="hJDwNd-AhqUyc-uQSCkd Ft7HRd-AhqUyc-uQSCkd purZT-AhqUyc-II5mzb ZcASvf-AhqUyc-II5mzb pSzOP-AhqUyc-qWD73c Ktthjf-AhqUyc-qWD73c JNdkSc SQVYQc yYI8W HQwdzb"><div class="JNdkSc-SmKAyb LkDMRd"><div class=""><div class="oKdM2c ZZyype"><div class="hJDwNd-AhqUyc-uQSCkd Ft7HRd-AhqUyc-uQSCkd jXK9ad D2fZ2 zu5uec wHaque g5GTcb" id="h.68ca3f6f3b0a567b_10"><div class="jXK9ad-SmKAyb"><div class="tyJCtd mGzaTb Depvyb baZpAe"></div>
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<div class="mYVXT"><div class="LS81yb VICjCf j5pSsc db35Fc"><div class="hJDwNd-AhqUyc-uQSCkd Ft7HRd-AhqUyc-uQSCkd purZT-AhqUyc-II5mzb ZcASvf-AhqUyc-II5mzb pSzOP-AhqUyc-qWD73c Ktthjf-AhqUyc-qWD73c JNdkSc SQVYQc yYI8W HQwdzb"><div class="JNdkSc-SmKAyb LkDMRd"><div class=""><div class="oKdM2c ZZyype"><div id="h.68ca3f6f3b0a567b_10" class="hJDwNd-AhqUyc-uQSCkd Ft7HRd-AhqUyc-uQSCkd jXK9ad D2fZ2 zu5uec wHaque g5GTcb"><div class="jXK9ad-SmKAyb"><div class="tyJCtd mGzaTb Depvyb baZpAe"><p dir="ltr" class="zfr3Q CDt4Ke" style="text-align: center;"><strong><span class="C9DxTc">Creating Good Pasture - A Balanced Bay Blog Post</span></strong></p>
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<p dir="ltr" class="zfr3Q CDt4Ke"><span class="C9DxTc">Proper pasture management can make a significant difference in yield and allow your horse to graze more, in turn, consuming less supplemental hay. As a general rule, horses will graze 0.26 lbs of dry matter per 220 lbs of body weight per hour. If your horse is 1000 lbs and grazes for ~16 hours this equates to 19 lbs of dry matter in pasture. If we add in the moisture to the weight calculation, it ends up being just shy of 80 lbs of pasture consumed per 24-hour period. Now, most horse owners do not have the luxury of being able to graze their horse on pasture 24/7 all summer. Therefore, this blog post is going to touch on the key aspects of plant management that can improve your pasture.</span></p>
<p dir="ltr" class="zfr3Q CDt4Ke"><span class="C9DxTc">Let’s begin by discussing the 5 key management tasks.</span></p>
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<p dir="ltr" class="zfr3Q CDt4Ke"><strong><span class="C9DxTc">1) Mowing</span></strong></p>
<p dir="ltr" class="zfr3Q CDt4Ke"><span class="C9DxTc"> </span></p>
<p dir="ltr" class="zfr3Q CDt4Ke"><span class="C9DxTc">Over a 24-hour period, the horse will graze for a total of ~16 hours. Unfortunately, they do not graze evenly. Horses are selective and will over-graze some areas, while leaving other areas to over-grow. Since horses like shorter, newly growing pasture – mowing is a handy management tool.</span></p>
<p dir="ltr" class="zfr3Q CDt4Ke"><span class="C9DxTc"> </span></p>
<p dir="ltr" class="zfr3Q CDt4Ke"><span class="C9DxTc">It is recommended to never mow below 3 inches. The plant requires this height and leaves to be able to absorb sunlight and continue to grow. Therefore, by regularly mowing your pasture after horses have been rotated off it you can ensure you are creating even growth to promote more even grazing. The pasture will be ready to graze again when it is at least 6 inches tall.</span></p>
<p dir="ltr" class="zfr3Q CDt4Ke"><span class="C9DxTc"> </span></p>
<p dir="ltr" class="zfr3Q CDt4Ke"><strong><span class="C9DxTc">2) Rotation</span></strong></p>
<p dir="ltr" class="zfr3Q CDt4Ke"><span class="C9DxTc"> </span></p>
<p dir="ltr" class="zfr3Q CDt4Ke"><span class="C9DxTc">Rotating your pastures is another key management tactic. Grazing is extremely stressful on pasture, therefore, ensuring you plan for rotation can increase the yield and general health of your pasture. It is recommended that you should have at least 3 paddocks. One dry lot area, and a minimum of two pasture areas to be able to correctly rotate. Moving the horses to new pasture area will allow the pasture they just grazed to recover.</span></p>
<p dir="ltr" class="zfr3Q CDt4Ke"><span class="C9DxTc"> </span></p>
<p dir="ltr" class="zfr3Q CDt4Ke"><strong><span class="C9DxTc">3) Manure Management</span></strong></p>
<p dir="ltr" class="zfr3Q CDt4Ke"><span class="C9DxTc"> </span></p>
<p dir="ltr" class="zfr3Q CDt4Ke"><span class="C9DxTc">Manure piles will kill plants. Dragging or picking your paddocks to ensure the manure piles are being broken up is important to avoid dead areas where the horses defecate. It is recommended that you drag or harrow the paddock on hot and dry days to kill parasite larvae.</span></p>
<p dir="ltr" class="zfr3Q CDt4Ke"><span class="C9DxTc"> </span></p>
<p dir="ltr" class="zfr3Q CDt4Ke"><strong><span class="C9DxTc">4) Weed Control</span></strong></p>
<p dir="ltr" class="zfr3Q CDt4Ke"><strong><span class="C9DxTc"> </span></strong></p>
<p dir="ltr" class="zfr3Q CDt4Ke"><span class="C9DxTc">When weeds outcompete the grass, your pasture can take a turn for the worst quickly. Mowing helps a great deal with weeds, especially annual weeds. But occasionally, a herbicide may be needed as it can take years of mowing to get control over a dense weed patch.</span></p>
<p dir="ltr" class="zfr3Q CDt4Ke"><span class="C9DxTc"> </span></p>
<p dir="ltr" class="zfr3Q CDt4Ke"><span class="C9DxTc">If you are spraying for perennial weeds, the best time to do this in the fall, and if mowing has not been adequate to control the annual weeds then it is best to spray for them in the spring. However, they can be basically managed with mowing. Prior to using a herbicide, it is important to know what is safe to use on grazing pastures. Herbicides are labelled for a site, therefore, ensure you are purchasing a pasture herbicide, not a lawn product. On the pasture herbicide label, there will be grazing guidelines. Following these grazing guidelines will ensure the safety of your horse.</span></p>
<p dir="ltr" class="zfr3Q CDt4Ke"><span class="C9DxTc"> </span></p>
<p dir="ltr" class="zfr3Q CDt4Ke"><strong><span class="C9DxTc">5) Fertilizer</span></strong></p>
<p dir="ltr" class="zfr3Q CDt4Ke"><span class="C9DxTc"> </span></p>
<p dir="ltr" class="zfr3Q CDt4Ke"><span class="C9DxTc">As previously mentioned, grazing is hard on pasture plants. Supporting the plants with fertilizer can allow you to get a lot more out of your pasture. Prior to purchasing fertilizer, take a soil test and send it to the lab!! This will give you valuable information on the nutrients that you should be adding to that field.</span></p>
<p dir="ltr" class="zfr3Q CDt4Ke"><span class="C9DxTc"> </span></p>
<p dir="ltr" class="zfr3Q CDt4Ke"><strong><span class="C9DxTc">What and When to Plant?</span></strong></p>
<p dir="ltr" class="zfr3Q CDt4Ke"><span class="C9DxTc">The two general types of pasture grasses are warm-season and cool season grasses. Your geographical area will determine which species will do best. In Ontario, cool-season grasses are what is planted along with a variety of legumes. The main difference between these grasses is the climate in which they do best, but there are also some general nutritional differences as well. Warm-season grasses are typically higher in crude fiber, and lower in crude protein, non-structural carbohydrates as well as energy. Cool-season grasses are lower in fiber, and higher in crude protein, non-structural carbohydrates and energy.</span></p>
<p dir="ltr" class="zfr3Q CDt4Ke"><span class="C9DxTc">What to plant is unique to the herd and geographical location. However, a popular mix of species that research has shown does well under horse grazing is: perennial ryegrass, endophyte-free tall fescue, Kentucky bluegrass, timothy, and generally a legume such as white clover.</span></p>
<p dir="ltr" class="zfr3Q CDt4Ke"><span class="C9DxTc">Rejuvenating a pasture can be challenging. In Ontario, the late summer is when you want to be planting your pasture mixes. You will then want to add fertilizer to promote ideal growth. If this is not an option, using a frost seeding technique in March can work well to contribute to pasture rejuvenation too.</span></p>
<p dir="ltr" class="zfr3Q CDt4Ke"><span class="C9DxTc"> </span></p>
<p dir="ltr" class="zfr3Q CDt4Ke"><strong><span class="C9DxTc">What about Easy Keepers?</span></strong></p>
<p dir="ltr" class="zfr3Q CDt4Ke"><span class="C9DxTc">A question that I get asked frequently, is what species are best for easy keepers or insulin resistant horses. The unfortunate answer is that some horses simply cannot handle pasture grazing. There are better times of the day to graze, and keeping your pasture well-managed and not overgrazed can help…but occasionally, these horses do just need less rich forage.</span></p>
<p dir="ltr" class="zfr3Q CDt4Ke"><span class="C9DxTc">That being said, there is some new research on teff, which has shown a lower insulin response when horses are grazing this grass. In the study, the horses were grazed on different forage species, and it was shown that the horses grazing teff had lower peak insulin responses when compared to the horses grazing cool season grasses. This is an interesting area of research, but teff can be a difficult forage to plant and harvest. Overall, more research is required before clear conclusions can be assumed.</span></p>
<p dir="ltr" class="zfr3Q CDt4Ke"><span class="C9DxTc">I personally investigated some teff hay for my easy keeper mare this past summer. I tested both the grass mix hay I normally purchase as well as this other teff option. The teff hay ended up being higher in digestible energy, crude protein, and fat – however, it was lower in non-structural carbohydrates. Since neither forage was over the 12% NSC cut-off for metabolic horses, I decided against purchasing the teff hay.</span></p>
<p dir="ltr" class="zfr3Q CDt4Ke"><span class="C9DxTc">To conclude, there are many different aspects to pasture management, but the most significant issue in Ontario tends to be over-grazing. Hopefully, this blog post has given you some useful management tactics that can help you get the most out of your pasture!! Since so much of this is unique to the location, number of horses, pasture size etc. I am always happy to discuss it in detail over a basic remote consultation if you are looking for a pasture plan that best suits your herd.</span></p>
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<p dir="ltr" class="zfr3Q CDt4Ke"><span class="C9DxTc">If you have any questions please email me at<span> </span></span><a class="XqQF9c" href="mailto:balancedbaynutrition@gmail.com" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><span class="C9DxTc aw5Odc">balancedbaynutrition@gmail.com</span></a><span class="C9DxTc"> </span></p>
<p dir="ltr" class="zfr3Q CDt4Ke"></p>
<p>Written by: Madeline Boast, MSc. Equine Nutrition</p>
<p>About the author: Madeline Boast completed her master’s in Equine Nutrition at the University of Guelph and started an independent nutrition company known as Balanced Bay. She has worked with a variety of equids – from miniature ponies to competing thoroughbreds. Through Balanced Bay she designs customized balanced nutrition plans that prioritize equine well-being. This includes diets for optimal performance as well as solving complex nutritional issues and everything in between. For additional information see <a href="http://www.balancedbay.ca">www.balancedbay.ca</a></p>
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<div class="mYVXT"><div class="LS81yb VICjCf j5pSsc db35Fc"><div class="hJDwNd-AhqUyc-uQSCkd Ft7HRd-AhqUyc-uQSCkd purZT-AhqUyc-II5mzb ZcASvf-AhqUyc-II5mzb pSzOP-AhqUyc-qWD73c Ktthjf-AhqUyc-qWD73c JNdkSc SQVYQc"><div class="JNdkSc-SmKAyb LkDMRd"><div class=""><div class="oKdM2c ZZyype Kzv0Me"><div id="h.68ca3f6f3b0a567b_30" class="hJDwNd-AhqUyc-uQSCkd Ft7HRd-AhqUyc-uQSCkd jXK9ad D2fZ2 zu5uec OjCsFc dmUFtb wHaque g5GTcb"><div class="jXK9ad-SmKAyb"><div class="tyJCtd mGzaTb Depvyb baZpAe"><p dir="ltr" class="zfr3Q CDt4Ke"><span class="C9DxTc">References:</span></p>
<p dir="ltr" class="zfr3Q CDt4Ke"><span class="C9DxTc">DeBoer, M. L., Hathaway, M. R., Kuhle, K. J., Weber, P. S. D., Reiter, A. S., Sheaffer, C. C., ... & Martinson, K. L. (2018). Glucose and insulin response of horses grazing alfalfa, perennial cool-season grass, and teff across seasons.<span> </span></span><span class="C9DxTc">Journal of equine veterinary science</span><span class="C9DxTc">,<span> </span></span><span class="C9DxTc">68</span><span class="C9DxTc">, 33-38.</span></p>
<p dir="ltr" class="zfr3Q CDt4Ke"><span class="C9DxTc">Fleurance, G., Sallé, G., Lansade, L., Wimel, L., & Dumont, B. (2022). Comparing the effects of horse grazing alone or with cattle on horse parasitism and vegetation use in a mesophile pasture.<span> </span></span><span class="C9DxTc">Grass and Forage Science</span><span class="C9DxTc">,<span> </span></span><span class="C9DxTc">77</span><span class="C9DxTc">(3), 175-188.</span></p>
<p dir="ltr" class="zfr3Q CDt4Ke"><span class="C9DxTc">Kenny, L. B., Burk, A., & Williams, C. A. (2018). Managing equine grazing for pasture productivity. In<span> </span></span><span class="C9DxTc">Horse pasture management</span><span class="C9DxTc"><span> </span>(pp. 141-155). Elsevier.</span></p>
<p dir="ltr" class="zfr3Q CDt4Ke"><span class="C9DxTc">Longland, A. (2013). Pastures and pasture management.<span> </span></span><span class="C9DxTc">Equine Applied and Clinical Nutrition, Philadelphia</span><span class="C9DxTc">, 332-350.</span></p>
<p dir="ltr" class="zfr3Q CDt4Ke"><span class="C9DxTc">Staniar, W. B., Bussard, J. R., Repard, N. M., Hall, M. H., & Burk, A. O. (2010). Voluntary intake and digestibility of teff hay fed to horses.<span> </span></span><span class="C9DxTc">Journal of animal science</span><span class="C9DxTc">,<span> </span></span><span class="C9DxTc">88</span><span class="C9DxTc">(10), 3296-3303.</span></p>
<p dir="ltr" class="zfr3Q CDt4Ke"><span class="C9DxTc">Weinert, J. R., & Williams, C. A. (2018). Recovery of pasture forage production following winter rest in continuous and rotational horse grazing systems.<span> </span></span><span class="C9DxTc">Journal of Equine Veterinary Science</span><span class="C9DxTc">,<span> </span></span><span class="C9DxTc">70</span><span class="C9DxTc">, 32-37.</span></p>
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</div>The Popular Ingredients in Joint Supplementstag:www.barnmice.com,2023-08-30:1773158:BlogPost:8799102023-08-30T14:58:17.000ZMadeline Boasthttp://www.barnmice.com/profile/MadelineBoast
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<div class="mYVXT"><div class="LS81yb VICjCf j5pSsc db35Fc"><div class="hJDwNd-AhqUyc-uQSCkd Ft7HRd-AhqUyc-uQSCkd purZT-AhqUyc-II5mzb ZcASvf-AhqUyc-II5mzb pSzOP-AhqUyc-qWD73c Ktthjf-AhqUyc-qWD73c JNdkSc SQVYQc yYI8W HQwdzb"><div class="JNdkSc-SmKAyb LkDMRd"><div class=""><div class="oKdM2c ZZyype"><div id="h.67eca61fad8dfa6e_10" class="hJDwNd-AhqUyc-uQSCkd Ft7HRd-AhqUyc-uQSCkd jXK9ad D2fZ2 zu5uec wHaque g5GTcb"><div class="jXK9ad-SmKAyb"><div class="tyJCtd mGzaTb Depvyb baZpAe"><p dir="ltr" class="zfr3Q CDt4Ke" style="text-align: center;"><strong><span class="C9DxTc">The Popular Ingredients in Joint Supplements - A Balanced Bay Blog Post</span></strong></p>
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<p dir="ltr" class="zfr3Q CDt4Ke"><strong><span class="C9DxTc">Introduction</span></strong></p>
<p dir="ltr" class="zfr3Q CDt4Ke"><span class="C9DxTc">If you think about it, the equine joint is pretty amazing. The joint must tolerate these extreme forces without pain or failure. Unfortunately, osteoarthritis is an extremely common career limiting health issue. Due to this, equine joint supplements are extremely popular. Prior to discussing the supplement ingredients in detail, understanding some of the basic physiological processes is key.</span></p>
<p dir="ltr" class="zfr3Q CDt4Ke"><span class="C9DxTc">Firstly, osteoarthritis has no cure, and in older performance horses is almost inevitable. Therefore, prevention and management of clinical signs is the best we can currently do. This is due to the nature of cartilage. The cells in cartilage do not divide well, and therefore, it doesn’t repair well. In addition to this fact, cartilage does not have its own blood supply so that adds to the hindrance of repair. A second key point that should be mentioned is that not all inflammation is bad!! Inflammation is an important physiological mechanism for the body to return to homeostasis.</span></p>
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<p dir="ltr" class="zfr3Q CDt4Ke"><strong><span class="C9DxTc">Let’s Look at Some Neat Visual Examples!!</span></strong></p>
<p dir="ltr" class="zfr3Q CDt4Ke"><span class="C9DxTc">Sometimes, it can be difficult to visualize what is being discussed when it comes to joint health because it is not something horse owners can see. This study evaluated the joint health of 16 thoroughbreds who had racing careers.</span></p>
<p dir="ltr" class="zfr3Q CDt4Ke"><span class="C9DxTc">Image A and B are both younger horses and images C and D are older. In image A, the cartilage surface is still intact. In image B, there is a slightly darkened region, but the cartilage is still intact. As we move into C and D the cartilage is no longer intact. Image C shows wear lines, significant cartilage disruption and darkening beneath the cartilage. In image D, there is a further cartilage disruption and the joint surface is noticeably sunken in. Below the image is a table summarizing the horse characteristics.</span></p>
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<div class="mYVXT"><div class="LS81yb VICjCf j5pSsc db35Fc"><div class="hJDwNd-AhqUyc-uQSCkd Ft7HRd-AhqUyc-uQSCkd purZT-AhqUyc-II5mzb ZcASvf-AhqUyc-II5mzb pSzOP-AhqUyc-qWD73c Ktthjf-AhqUyc-qWD73c JNdkSc SQVYQc"><div class="JNdkSc-SmKAyb LkDMRd"><div class=""><div class="oKdM2c ZZyype Kzv0Me"><div id="h.67eca61fad8dfa6e_26" class="hJDwNd-AhqUyc-uQSCkd Ft7HRd-AhqUyc-uQSCkd jXK9ad D2fZ2 zu5uec OjCsFc dmUFtb wHaque g5GTcb"><div class="jXK9ad-SmKAyb"><div class="tyJCtd mGzaTb Depvyb baZpAe"><p dir="ltr" class="zfr3Q CDt4Ke"><strong><span class="C9DxTc">Defining the Compounds</span></strong></p>
<p dir="ltr" class="zfr3Q CDt4Ke"><span class="C9DxTc">Chondrotin Sulfate is a structural component of cartilage and the extracellular matrix. A key role of this compound is to provide resistance to compression. Chondrotin sulfate has been tested both<span> </span></span><span class="C9DxTc">in vivo<span> </span></span><span class="C9DxTc">and<span> </span></span><span class="C9DxTc">in vitro</span><span class="C9DxTc">. However, there are inconclusive results, this is hypothesized to be a result of poor bioavailability.</span></p>
<p dir="ltr" class="zfr3Q CDt4Ke"><span class="C9DxTc">MSM is short for methylsulfonylmethane. This compound is a metabolically available form of sulfur. This is important when discussing joint health as both collagen and glucosamine require sulfur. These tissues are generally found within cartilage. The research on MSM is consistent in showing positive results.</span></p>
<p dir="ltr" class="zfr3Q CDt4Ke"><span class="C9DxTc">Glucosamine is a compound found in cartilage that contributes to maintaining shock absorption and flexibility. Similar to chondroitin sulfate, we really don’t have conclusive evidence on glucosamine supplementation. The general theme in the research, is that when glucosamine is supplemented on its own there is low efficacy.</span></p>
<p dir="ltr" class="zfr3Q CDt4Ke"><span class="C9DxTc">Hyaluronic Acid is a component of a variety of tissues that are important to joint health such as cartilage, and connective tissue. Hyaluronic acid is commonly either injected or given orally, and both methods have been shown to produce positive results.</span></p>
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<p dir="ltr" class="zfr3Q CDt4Ke"><strong><span class="C9DxTc">Recent Study Spotlight</span></strong></p>
<p dir="ltr" class="zfr3Q CDt4Ke"><span class="C9DxTc">While doing the research for this blog post, I came across an interesting and relatively recent study. This study gave oral supplementation of chondroitin sulfate and glucosamine to horses and evaluated many different parameters. Now, in the commercial supplements, these two compounds are generally provided in combination. Therefore, this was a particularly interesting paper. Here is the citation if you’re interested in reading it: Yamada, A. L. M., do Prado Vendruscolo, C., Marsiglia, M. F., Sotelo, E. D. P., Agreste, F. R., Seidel, S. R. T., ... & da Silva, L. C. L. C. (2022). Effects of oral treatment with chondroitin sulfate and glucosamine in an experimental model of metacarpophalangeal osteoarthritis in horses.<span> </span></span><span class="C9DxTc">BMC Veterinary Research</span><span class="C9DxTc">,<span> </span></span><span class="C9DxTc">18</span><span class="C9DxTc">(1), 1-14.</span></p>
<p dir="ltr" class="zfr3Q CDt4Ke"><span class="C9DxTc">Their reasoning for the mechanisms behind the combined supplementation is that the chondroitin sulfate is effective for controlling pain responses and the glucosamine stimulates glycosaminoglycan synthesis which reduces degradation in the extracellular matrix. The authors had a treatment group with the joint supplementation and a control group that received neither of the compounds. It was concluded that the supplementation was effective with improvement shown in joint flexion angle, lameness analysis, synovial concentrations of the biomarker PEG2 and ultrasonographic examination. Unfortunately, like many<span> </span></span><span class="C9DxTc">in vivo<span> </span></span><span class="C9DxTc">equine studies, a small sample size of only 16 horses was used. Therefore, evaluating supplements with larger sample sizes would be ideal as research moves forward.</span></p>
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<p dir="ltr" class="zfr3Q CDt4Ke"><strong><span class="C9DxTc">Concept Overview</span></strong></p>
<p dir="ltr" class="zfr3Q CDt4Ke"><span class="C9DxTc">In a recent webinar I attended through Rutgers University, there were presentations from some of the top equine researchers on a variety of supplement topics. One of the presentations was specifically on joint supplements and that professor discussed work their lab had done on individual supplements. What piqued my interest, was that the commercial supplements discussed had similar ingredients but achieved differing benefits. The one supplement was a glucosamine/chondroitin sulfate combination and there was improvements in the cartilage structure. Whereas another commercial supplement this lab evaluated that supplemented glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate as well showed an improvement in pain but not in cartilage structure.</span></p>
<p dir="ltr" class="zfr3Q CDt4Ke"><span class="C9DxTc">These professionals challenged horse owners to use their purchasing power to vote for research. Often, if you simply look at a supplement companies’ website, they will have their research featured (if they have actually had research done!), and if you can’t find it online a simple email can get you the answers you’re looking for.</span></p>
<p dir="ltr" class="zfr3Q CDt4Ke"><span class="C9DxTc">To conclude, research tells us that there are benefits to some of these ingredients, but we do not definitively know what combinations of the popular ingredients and what dosage amounts are ideal to optimally support our horses.</span></p>
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<p dir="ltr" class="zfr3Q CDt4Ke"><span class="C9DxTc">By: Madeline Boast, MSc. Equine Nutrition </span></p>
<p dir="ltr" class="zfr3Q CDt4Ke"></p>
<p>About the author: Madeline Boast completed her master’s in Equine Nutrition at the University of Guelph and started an independent nutrition company known as Balanced Bay. She has worked with a variety of equids – from miniature ponies to competing thoroughbreds. Through Balanced Bay she designs customized balanced nutrition plans that prioritize equine well-being. This includes diets for optimal performance as well as solving complex nutritional issues and everything in between. For additional information see <a href="http://www.balancedbay.ca">www.balancedbay.ca</a></p>
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<p dir="ltr" class="zfr3Q CDt4Ke"><span class="C9DxTc">Frisbie, D. D., McIlwraith, C. W., Kawcak, C. E., & Werpy, N. M. (2016). Efficacy of intravenous administration of hyaluronan, sodium chondroitin sulfate, and N-acetyl-D-glucosamine for prevention or treatment of osteoarthritis in horses.<span> </span></span><span class="C9DxTc">American Journal of Veterinary Research</span><span class="C9DxTc">,<span> </span></span><span class="C9DxTc">77</span><span class="C9DxTc">(10), 1064-1070.</span></p>
<p dir="ltr" class="zfr3Q CDt4Ke"><span class="C9DxTc">Frisbie, D. D., McIlwraith, C. W., Kawcak, C. E., & Werpy, N. M. (2016). Efficacy of intravenous administration of hyaluronan, sodium chondroitin sulfate, and N-acetyl-D-glucosamine for prevention or treatment of osteoarthritis in horses.<span> </span></span><span class="C9DxTc">American Journal of Veterinary Research</span><span class="C9DxTc">,<span> </span></span><span class="C9DxTc">77</span><span class="C9DxTc">(10), 1064-1070.</span></p>
<p dir="ltr" class="zfr3Q CDt4Ke"><span class="C9DxTc">Oke, S. L., McIlwraith, C. W., & Moyer, W. (2010, December). Review of the economic impact of osteoarthritis and oral joint-health supplements in horses. In<span> </span></span><span class="C9DxTc">Proc Am Assoc Equine Pract</span><span class="C9DxTc"><span> </span>(Vol. 56, pp. 12-16).</span></p>
<p dir="ltr" class="zfr3Q CDt4Ke"><span class="C9DxTc">Pearson, W., & Lindinger, M. (2009). Low quality of evidence for glucosamine‐based nutraceuticals in equine joint disease: review of in vivo studies.<span> </span></span><span class="C9DxTc">Equine Veterinary Journal</span><span class="C9DxTc">,<span> </span></span><span class="C9DxTc">41</span><span class="C9DxTc">(7), 706-712.</span></p>
<p dir="ltr" class="zfr3Q CDt4Ke"><span class="C9DxTc">Pearson, W., Orth, M. W., Karrow, N. A., MacLusky, N. J., & Lindinger, M. I. (2007). Anti‐inflammatory and chondroprotective effects of nutraceuticals from Sasha's Blend in a cartilage explant model of inflammation.<span> </span></span><span class="C9DxTc">Molecular nutrition & food research</span><span class="C9DxTc">,<span> </span></span><span class="C9DxTc">51</span><span class="C9DxTc">(8), 1020-1030.</span></p>
<p dir="ltr" class="zfr3Q CDt4Ke"><span class="C9DxTc">Trumble, T. N. (2005). The use of nutraceuticals for osteoarthritis in horses.<span> </span></span><span class="C9DxTc">Veterinary Clinics: Equine Practice</span><span class="C9DxTc">,<span> </span></span><span class="C9DxTc">21</span><span class="C9DxTc">(3), 575-597.</span></p>
<p dir="ltr" class="zfr3Q CDt4Ke"><span class="C9DxTc">Turley, S. M., Thambyah, A., Riggs, C. M., Firth, E. C., & Broom, N. D. (2014). Microstructural changes in cartilage and bone related to repetitive overloading in an equine athlete model.<span> </span></span><span class="C9DxTc">Journal of anatomy</span><span class="C9DxTc">,<span> </span></span><span class="C9DxTc">224</span><span class="C9DxTc">(6), 647-658.</span></p>
<p dir="ltr" class="zfr3Q CDt4Ke"><span class="C9DxTc">Yamada, A. L. M., do Prado Vendruscolo, C., Marsiglia, M. F., Sotelo, E. D. P., Agreste, F. R., Seidel, S. R. T., ... & da Silva, L. C. L. C. (2022). Effects of oral treatment with chondroitin sulfate and glucosamine in an experimental model of metacarpophalangeal osteoarthritis in horses.<span> </span></span><span class="C9DxTc">BMC Veterinary Research</span><span class="C9DxTc">,<span> </span></span><span class="C9DxTc">18</span><span class="C9DxTc">(1), 1-14.</span></p>
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</div>What You Need to Know About Omega-3stag:www.barnmice.com,2023-08-30:1773158:BlogPost:8800062023-08-30T14:55:59.000ZMadeline Boasthttp://www.barnmice.com/profile/MadelineBoast
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong>What You Need to Know About Omega-3s - A Balanced Bay Blog Post …</strong></p>
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<p style="text-align: center;"><strong>What You Need to Know About Omega-3s - A Balanced Bay Blog Post </strong></p>
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<div class="mYVXT"><div class="LS81yb VICjCf j5pSsc db35Fc"><div class="hJDwNd-AhqUyc-uQSCkd Ft7HRd-AhqUyc-uQSCkd purZT-AhqUyc-II5mzb ZcASvf-AhqUyc-II5mzb pSzOP-AhqUyc-qWD73c Ktthjf-AhqUyc-qWD73c JNdkSc SQVYQc yYI8W HQwdzb"><div class="JNdkSc-SmKAyb LkDMRd"><div class=""><div class="oKdM2c ZZyype"><div id="h.5589f2851455a953_10" class="hJDwNd-AhqUyc-uQSCkd Ft7HRd-AhqUyc-uQSCkd jXK9ad D2fZ2 zu5uec wHaque g5GTcb"><div class="jXK9ad-SmKAyb"><div class="tyJCtd mGzaTb Depvyb baZpAe"><p dir="ltr" class="zfr3Q CDt4Ke"><strong><span class="C9DxTc">Why Feed Omega 3s?</span></strong></p>
<p dir="ltr" class="zfr3Q CDt4Ke"><span class="C9DxTc">In equine nutrition, there is a big push for feeding omega-3s with all sorts of fancy oils on the market. The main underlying metabolic mechanism is that omega 3s are an anti-inflammatory fatty acid. These are required for basic physiological functions and are key components of many tissues and organs. In addition to their anti-inflammatory properties, they can also help with coat health.</span></p>
<p dir="ltr" class="zfr3Q CDt4Ke"><span class="C9DxTc">Research supports the supplementation of omega-3 fatty acids as there is evidence to suggest supplementation could help to manage many chronic conditions such as osteoarthritis, laminitis, and equine metabolic syndrome. It is also suggested that they can help increase the longevity of performance horses.</span></p>
<p dir="ltr" class="zfr3Q CDt4Ke"><span class="C9DxTc">Other than the clearly reported health benefits, they can be a great way to increase the caloric content of the diet without increasing grain products. Omega-3 rich oils are calorically dense and as long as they are introduced to the diet slowly can make fantastic energy sources.</span></p>
<p dir="ltr" class="zfr3Q CDt4Ke"><span class="C9DxTc"> </span></p>
<p dir="ltr" class="zfr3Q CDt4Ke"><strong><span class="C9DxTc">The O3 to O6 ratio</span></strong></p>
<p dir="ltr" class="zfr3Q CDt4Ke"><span class="C9DxTc">Both omega-3s and omega-6s are essential in the diet. However, the ratio is important as horses often have too many omega-6s due to grains in the diet. This can be problematic because omega-6s support pro-inflammatory pathways, whereas omega-3s support anti-inflammatory pathways. Currently, we do not know the ideal ratio of omega-3s to omega-6s. However, forages and lush pasture have higher omega-3s so it is hypothesized that the omega-3 content of the diet should exceed the omega-6 content.</span></p>
<p dir="ltr" class="zfr3Q CDt4Ke"><span class="C9DxTc">Marketing has done a great job at turning omega-6s into the “bad guys”, but in fact, they are also required to support regular body function. Omega-6s are key components of inflammatory pathways – and inflammation is required to heal. That’s right, not all inflammation is bad. The reason that you want to avoid an exacerbated level of omega-6s in the diet is to avoid horses having an exaggerated inflammatory response. When there is excess inflammation, it contributes to an array of performance limiting issues.</span></p>
<p dir="ltr" class="zfr3Q CDt4Ke"><span class="C9DxTc"> </span></p>
<p dir="ltr" class="zfr3Q CDt4Ke"><strong><span class="C9DxTc">The Different Types</span></strong></p>
<p dir="ltr" class="zfr3Q CDt4Ke"><span class="C9DxTc">Recognizing the different types of omega-3s and 6s is important prior to being able to choose a supplement in an evidence-based way. The metabolic pathway of omega-3s and 6s both begin with a parent molecule. For the O6s this is linoleic acid (LA) and for the O3s this is alpha-linoleic acid (ALA). In order for these molecules to be altered into fatty acids that are further down the metabolic pathway they both must use the enzyme delta 6 desaturase. This is a liver enzyme, and it elongates ALA into SDA before the horse is able to synthesize DHA.</span></p>
<p dir="ltr" class="zfr3Q CDt4Ke"><span class="C9DxTc">Since they both use the same enzyme, it is rate limiting as there is only so much available and they must compete for its use. There is evidence of this conversion rate being low, particularly with the conversion of ALA to EPA and DHA which are metabolites further down the pathway. Below is a simplified diagram showing the process:</span></p>
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<p dir="ltr" class="zfr3Q CDt4Ke"><span class="C9DxTc">There are a few common issues that I see with the availability of omega-3s in equine diets. First, is that many owners do not know that pasture is a great source of omega-3s, and after all, this is what the horse has evolved to consume. Unfortunately, in Ontario, providing pasture year-round is not feasible and many farms do not have the land resources to have horses housed on pasture all summer. A second issue is that when grains are incorporated into the diet they provide a significant amount of omega-6s. Therefore, occasionally, supplementation of omega-3s to optimize the O3 to O6 ratio is recommended.</span></p>
<p dir="ltr" class="zfr3Q CDt4Ke"><span class="C9DxTc"> </span></p>
<p dir="ltr" class="zfr3Q CDt4Ke"><strong><span class="C9DxTc">Choosing An Omega-3 Source</span></strong></p>
<p dir="ltr" class="zfr3Q CDt4Ke"><span class="C9DxTc">When choosing a supplement, I first and foremost recommend ensuring that the fat source you are providing is not high in omega-6s. Once you have that established, I recommend having a nutritionist evaluate your horse’s diet to see if it is high in omega-6s. If your horse’s current diet is high in omega-6s, and you are looking for a calorically dense supplement this is when I turn to the more expensive commercial omega-3 oils.</span></p>
<p dir="ltr" class="zfr3Q CDt4Ke"><span class="C9DxTc">When looking for an omega-3 supplement, it is important you are choosing one that provides the correct omega-3s. Not only do you want DHA, but you also want omega-3s that can readily be converted (skipping the rate limiting step) such as SDA.</span></p>
<p dir="ltr" class="zfr3Q CDt4Ke"><span class="C9DxTc">Fish oil is a very well recognized source of both SDA and DHA, however, it can be problematic when supplemented to horses as they are herbivores and the palatability of fish oil is low. Plant oils vary greatly in omega-3 fatty acid content. Below is a chart that compares the O3 and O6 content of various feed ingredients:</span></p>
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<div class="mYVXT"><div class="LS81yb VICjCf j5pSsc db35Fc"><div class="hJDwNd-AhqUyc-uQSCkd Ft7HRd-AhqUyc-uQSCkd purZT-AhqUyc-II5mzb ZcASvf-AhqUyc-II5mzb pSzOP-AhqUyc-qWD73c Ktthjf-AhqUyc-qWD73c JNdkSc SQVYQc"><div class="JNdkSc-SmKAyb LkDMRd"><div class=""><div class="oKdM2c ZZyype Kzv0Me"><div id="h.5589f2851455a953_42" class="hJDwNd-AhqUyc-uQSCkd Ft7HRd-AhqUyc-uQSCkd jXK9ad D2fZ2 zu5uec OjCsFc dmUFtb wHaque g5GTcb"><div class="jXK9ad-SmKAyb"><div class="tyJCtd mGzaTb Depvyb baZpAe"><p dir="ltr" class="zfr3Q CDt4Ke"><span class="C9DxTc">Now, what about some of the commercial oils that are marketed to have EPA and DHA? Research does illustrate clear benefits to DHA supplementation, so in certain situations spending the extra money on these is likely beneficial. However, every situation is unique and having your horse’s diet evaluated by an equine nutritionist can help you decide.</span></p>
<p dir="ltr" class="zfr3Q CDt4Ke"><span class="C9DxTc">To conclude, when deciding on a supplement, what really matters is your goal. Are you trying to level out a high omega-6 ratio? Are you trying to increase caloric content? Are you trying to combat chronic inflammation? Each of these situations will have a different ideal supplement.</span></p>
<p dir="ltr" class="zfr3Q CDt4Ke"><span class="C9DxTc">If you have any questions simply email me at<span> </span></span><a class="XqQF9c" href="mailto:balancedbaynutrition@gmail.com" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><span class="C9DxTc aw5Odc">balancedbaynutrition@gmail.com</span></a><span class="C9DxTc"> </span></p>
<p dir="ltr" class="zfr3Q CDt4Ke"></p>
<p>Written by: Madeline Boast, MSc. Equine Nutrition</p>
<p>About the author: Madeline Boast completed her master’s in Equine Nutrition at the University of Guelph and started an independent nutrition company known as Balanced Bay. She has worked with a variety of equids – from miniature ponies to competing thoroughbreds. Through Balanced Bay she designs customized balanced nutrition plans that prioritize equine well-being. This includes diets for optimal performance as well as solving complex nutritional issues and everything in between. For additional information see <a href="http://www.balancedbay.ca">www.balancedbay.ca</a></p>
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<p dir="ltr" class="zfr3Q CDt4Ke"><span class="C9DxTc">Goh, Y. M., Mohd-Azam, G. K., Sia, I. Y., Shri, K., & Law, E. L. (2004). Plasma n-3 and n-6 fatty acid profiles and their correlations to hair coat scores in horses kept under Malaysian conditions.<span> </span></span><span class="C9DxTc">Jurnal Veterinar Malaysia</span><span class="C9DxTc">,<span> </span></span><span class="C9DxTc">16</span><span class="C9DxTc">(1&2), 31-37.</span></p>
<p dir="ltr" class="zfr3Q CDt4Ke"><span class="C9DxTc">Hess, T. M., Rexford, J. K., Hansen, D. K., Harris, M., Schauermann, N., Ross, T., ... & Mulligan, C. M. (2012). Effects of two different dietary sources of long chain omega-3, highly unsaturated fatty acids on incorporation into the plasma, red blood cell, and skeletal muscle in horses.<span> </span></span><span class="C9DxTc">Journal of animal science</span><span class="C9DxTc">,<span> </span></span><span class="C9DxTc">90</span><span class="C9DxTc">(9), 3023-3031.</span></p>
<p dir="ltr" class="zfr3Q CDt4Ke"><span class="C9DxTc">Hess, T., & Ross-Jones, T. (2014). Omega-3 fatty acid supplementation in horses.<span> </span></span><span class="C9DxTc">Revista Brasileira de Zootecnia</span><span class="C9DxTc">,<span> </span></span><span class="C9DxTc">43</span><span class="C9DxTc">, 677-683.</span></p>
<p dir="ltr" class="zfr3Q CDt4Ke"><span class="C9DxTc">Kronfeld, D. S. (1996). Dietary fat affects heat production and other variables of equine performance, under hot and humid conditions.<span> </span></span><span class="C9DxTc">Equine veterinary journal</span><span class="C9DxTc">,<span> </span></span><span class="C9DxTc">28</span><span class="C9DxTc">(S22), 24-34.</span></p>
<p dir="ltr" class="zfr3Q CDt4Ke"><span class="C9DxTc">Manhart, D. R., Scott, B. D., Gibbs, P. G., Coverdale, J. A., Eller, E. M., Honnas, C. M., & Hood, D. M. (2009). Markers of inflammation in arthritic horses fed omega-3 fatty acids.<span> </span></span><span class="C9DxTc">The Professional Animal Scientist</span><span class="C9DxTc">,<span> </span></span><span class="C9DxTc">25</span><span class="C9DxTc">(2), 155-160.</span></p>
<p dir="ltr" class="zfr3Q CDt4Ke"><span class="C9DxTc">Melo, S., Wanderley, E., Diniz, I., Manso, H., & Manso Filho, H. (2014). Oil Supplementation Produces an Increase in Antioxidant Biomarkers in Four‐Beat Gaited Horses.<span> </span></span><span class="C9DxTc">Equine Veterinary Journal</span><span class="C9DxTc">,<span> </span></span><span class="C9DxTc">46</span><span class="C9DxTc">, 32-33.</span></p>
<p dir="ltr" class="zfr3Q CDt4Ke"><span class="C9DxTc">Mel'uchová, B., Blaško, J., Kubinec, R., Górová, R., Michalec, M., Vargová, V., ... & Soják, L. (2009). Influence of floristic grazing cover on sheep milk quality.<span> </span></span><span class="C9DxTc">Acta fytotechnica et zootechnica</span><span class="C9DxTc">,<span> </span></span><span class="C9DxTc">12</span><span class="C9DxTc">(3), 57-64.</span></p>
<p dir="ltr" class="zfr3Q CDt4Ke"><span class="C9DxTc">Nogradi, N., Couetil, L. L., Messick, J., Stochelski, M. A., & Burgess, J. R. (2015). Omega‐3 fatty acid supplementation provides an additional benefit to a low‐dust diet in the management of horses with chronic lower airway inflammatory disease.<span> </span></span><span class="C9DxTc">Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine</span><span class="C9DxTc">,<span> </span></span><span class="C9DxTc">29</span><span class="C9DxTc">(1), 299-306.</span></p>
<p dir="ltr" class="zfr3Q CDt4Ke"><span class="C9DxTc">Woodward, A. D., Nielsen, B. D., O'Connor, C. I., Skelly, C. D., Webel, S. K., & Orth, M. W. (2007). Supplementation of dietary long-chain polyunsaturated omega-3 fatty acids high in docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) increases plasma DHA concentration and may increase trot stride lengths in horses.<span> </span></span><span class="C9DxTc">Equine and Comparative Exercise Physiology</span><span class="C9DxTc">,<span> </span></span><span class="C9DxTc">4</span><span class="C9DxTc">(2), 71-78.</span></p>
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</div>When to Add Dietary Supplementstag:www.barnmice.com,2023-08-30:1773158:BlogPost:8800032023-08-30T14:54:02.000ZMadeline Boasthttp://www.barnmice.com/profile/MadelineBoast
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong>When to Add Dietary Supplements - A Balanced Bay Blog Post…</strong></p>
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<p style="text-align: center;"><strong>When to Add Dietary Supplements - A Balanced Bay Blog Post</strong></p>
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<div class="mYVXT"><div class="LS81yb VICjCf j5pSsc db35Fc"><div class="hJDwNd-AhqUyc-uQSCkd Ft7HRd-AhqUyc-uQSCkd purZT-AhqUyc-II5mzb ZcASvf-AhqUyc-II5mzb pSzOP-AhqUyc-qWD73c Ktthjf-AhqUyc-qWD73c JNdkSc SQVYQc yYI8W HQwdzb"><div class="JNdkSc-SmKAyb LkDMRd"><div class=""><div class="oKdM2c ZZyype"><div id="h.49d951536f069e03_10" class="hJDwNd-AhqUyc-uQSCkd Ft7HRd-AhqUyc-uQSCkd jXK9ad D2fZ2 zu5uec wHaque g5GTcb"><div class="jXK9ad-SmKAyb"><div class="tyJCtd mGzaTb Depvyb baZpAe"><p dir="ltr" class="zfr3Q CDt4Ke"><strong><span class="C9DxTc">The Supplement Industry</span></strong></p>
<p dir="ltr" class="zfr3Q CDt4Ke"><span class="C9DxTc">The equine supplement industry is wild! There are an overwhelming number of options, and there seems to be a supplement for just about everything. As a horse owner, it can be challenging to know which ones are worth the money and which simply aren’t. Research has estimated that over 80% of horse owners include at least one dietary supplement in their horse’s nutrition program. Unfortunately, it is rare that these decisions are made based on the research. It is more common that it is great advertising or anecdotal evidence.</span></p>
<p dir="ltr" class="zfr3Q CDt4Ke"><span class="C9DxTc">There are multiple publications that try to quantify the perceptions of horse owners regarding dietary supplements. One study found that over 90% of the respondents thought that all supplements were tested on horses prior to being launched on the market. Although that would be ideal, the equine nutraceutical industry is not that well-regulated.</span></p>
<p dir="ltr" class="zfr3Q CDt4Ke"><span class="C9DxTc">Dr. Wendy Pearson of the University of Guelph has focused a significant amount of her career on equine nutraceutical research (she was also my MSc. advisor!!). This is a published quote from her that I think encapsulates the supplement industry well: “The voracious appetite of horse owners and managers for these supplements has vastly outpaced research into equine-specific efficacy, safety or toxicity of the majority of available products”.</span></p>
<p dir="ltr" class="zfr3Q CDt4Ke"><span class="C9DxTc"> </span></p>
<p dir="ltr" class="zfr3Q CDt4Ke"><strong><span class="C9DxTc">Nutrient Requirements and Supplements</span></strong></p>
<p dir="ltr" class="zfr3Q CDt4Ke"><span class="C9DxTc">The NRC, 2007 provides nutritionists with the basic nutrient requirements for horses. This includes energy, protein, fat, as well as various vitamins and minerals. Every horse should be on a diet that meets these baseline requirements.</span></p>
<p dir="ltr" class="zfr3Q CDt4Ke"><span class="C9DxTc">Once this baseline is met, knowing what the research says about therapeutic doses is important. For example, if you have your horse on a balanced diet, but their hoof health is still not adequate then adding biotin has been shown to help. However, you need to ensure you are adding a therapeutic dose.</span></p>
<p dir="ltr" class="zfr3Q CDt4Ke"><span class="C9DxTc">To simplify the process, I have divided my recommended process into a few steps.</span></p>
<p dir="ltr" class="zfr3Q CDt4Ke"><span class="C9DxTc">STEP 1</span><span class="C9DxTc">:</span><span class="C9DxTc"><span> </span>Have a nutritionist test your hay to ensure your horse is on a balanced diet.</span></p>
<p dir="ltr" class="zfr3Q CDt4Ke"><span class="C9DxTc">STEP 2</span><span class="C9DxTc">:</span><span class="C9DxTc"><span> </span>Discuss your nutritional concerns with your nutritionist e.g., hoof health, gut health, joint health etc. From there, your nutritionist can use their expertise to recommend a supplement.</span></p>
<p dir="ltr" class="zfr3Q CDt4Ke"><span class="C9DxTc">This is one of the reasons I don’t offer supplement recommendation packages. The whole picture is extremely important, and in my professional opinion as a qualified equine nutritionist, accurate supplement recommendations should be made based on a balanced diet with a hay analysis.</span></p>
<p dir="ltr" class="zfr3Q CDt4Ke"><span class="C9DxTc">So then, what is my process for recommending supplements?</span></p>
<p dir="ltr" class="zfr3Q CDt4Ke"><span class="C9DxTc">My process is simple, I always turn to research. You would be surprised at how many popular supplements have no concrete research supporting their efficacy. Using the nutritional analysis breakdown to compare the concentrations of active ingredients can also be a helpful tactic. Therefore, my approach has three key steps:</span></p>
<p dir="ltr" class="zfr3Q CDt4Ke"><span class="C9DxTc">1) Do a full consultation to ensure I have the whole picture prior to making recommendations.</span></p>
<p dir="ltr" class="zfr3Q CDt4Ke"><span class="C9DxTc">2) Evaluate the completed and published research on the supplements.</span></p>
<p dir="ltr" class="zfr3Q CDt4Ke"><span class="C9DxTc">3) Compare the concentration of active ingredients in the products.</span></p>
<p dir="ltr" class="zfr3Q CDt4Ke"><span class="C9DxTc"> </span></p>
<p dir="ltr" class="zfr3Q CDt4Ke"><strong><span class="C9DxTc">Comparing Supplements</span></strong></p>
<p dir="ltr" class="zfr3Q CDt4Ke"><span class="C9DxTc">Here are a few examples of some popular supplements being compared based on their active ingredient concentrations:</span></p>
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<div class="mYVXT"><div class="LS81yb VICjCf j5pSsc db35Fc"><div class="hJDwNd-AhqUyc-uQSCkd Ft7HRd-AhqUyc-uQSCkd purZT-AhqUyc-II5mzb ZcASvf-AhqUyc-II5mzb pSzOP-AhqUyc-qWD73c Ktthjf-AhqUyc-qWD73c JNdkSc SQVYQc"><div class="JNdkSc-SmKAyb LkDMRd"><div class=""><div class="oKdM2c ZZyype Kzv0Me"><div id="h.49d951536f069e03_27" class="hJDwNd-AhqUyc-uQSCkd Ft7HRd-AhqUyc-uQSCkd jXK9ad D2fZ2 zu5uec OjCsFc dmUFtb wHaque g5GTcb"><div class="jXK9ad-SmKAyb"><div class="tyJCtd baZpAe"><div class="t3iYD"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/R0xkX_lyStaVRSxZcclLLT4JMZEb0M1kLZSiXF1wTQfjAI-_OEakWbPitWnZm27-_NY3EOSPgwDuHx_Xz5VtcFTNCuIiebzQXtaI7fFDIpxoOvppeUNJryPCMrzj6y8-NQ=w1280" class="CENy8b"/></div>
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<div class="mYVXT"><div class="LS81yb VICjCf j5pSsc db35Fc"><div class="hJDwNd-AhqUyc-uQSCkd Ft7HRd-AhqUyc-uQSCkd purZT-AhqUyc-II5mzb ZcASvf-AhqUyc-II5mzb pSzOP-AhqUyc-qWD73c Ktthjf-AhqUyc-qWD73c JNdkSc SQVYQc"><div class="JNdkSc-SmKAyb LkDMRd"><div class=""><div class="oKdM2c ZZyype Kzv0Me"><div id="h.49d951536f069e03_18" class="hJDwNd-AhqUyc-uQSCkd Ft7HRd-AhqUyc-uQSCkd jXK9ad D2fZ2 zu5uec OjCsFc dmUFtb wHaque g5GTcb"><div class="jXK9ad-SmKAyb"><div class="tyJCtd mGzaTb Depvyb baZpAe"><p dir="ltr" class="zfr3Q CDt4Ke"><span class="C9DxTc">These four supplements are all popular, and I see them commonly used in equine diets here in Ontario. However, you can clearly see that they are not equal. When directly compared on equivalent weight doses it is evident which supplement is more valuable based on the chosen active ingredient. These simple comparisons ensure that you are not being influenced by good marketing and that your money is being spent well. At the end of the day, if you are spending money on supplements, and putting the extra effort in to feed them – you should put the time in to make sure it is the best possible option for your horse.</span></p>
<p dir="ltr" class="zfr3Q CDt4Ke"><span class="C9DxTc"> </span></p>
<p dir="ltr" class="zfr3Q CDt4Ke"><strong><span class="C9DxTc">The Research</span></strong></p>
<p dir="ltr" class="zfr3Q CDt4Ke"><span class="C9DxTc">When browsing websites of supplement brands, some are fantastic and others…well not so much. I personally like when the citation to the published research is included on the supplement page. What I am not a fan of is when there is anecdotal evidence made to seem like it was a proper research study. Occasionally, I will be reading pages like this and realize that their “study” didn’t even have a control group!!</span></p>
<p dir="ltr" class="zfr3Q CDt4Ke"><span class="C9DxTc">A supplement you are probably familiar with is the<span> </span></span><span class="C9DxTc">KER EO3<span> </span></span><span class="C9DxTc">by Kentucky Equine Research. This supplement has had<span> </span></span><span class="C9DxTc">in vivo<span> </span></span><span class="C9DxTc">research done which has been able to show positive differences between a group of horses consuming this supplement and a group consuming flax oil: “the study clearly demonstrates that daily intake of EPA and DHA from KER EO-3 significantly increases red blood cell membrane EPA and DHA but that a similar amount of omega-3 in the form of ALA from flax oil does not”.</span></p>
<p dir="ltr" class="zfr3Q CDt4Ke"><span class="C9DxTc">Another example is the supplement<span> </span></span><span class="C9DxTc">Breathe</span><span class="C9DxTc"><span> </span>by Herbs for Horses. This supplement has also had<span> </span></span><span class="C9DxTc">in vivo<span> </span></span><span class="C9DxTc">research done. Through this research, they illustrated that the product was able to safely reduce the elevated respiratory rate in horses with recurrent airway obstruction.</span></p>
<p dir="ltr" class="zfr3Q CDt4Ke"><span class="C9DxTc">A third example (because why not, research is fun!!) is a recent<span> </span></span><span class="C9DxTc">in vitro<span> </span></span><span class="C9DxTc">study with the<span> </span></span><span class="C9DxTc">Equine Omega Complete</span><span class="C9DxTc"><span> </span>supplement. This study investigated the anti-inflammatory as well as chondroprotective effects of the supplement on stimulated cartilage explants. Their findings were that the supplement did prevent a significant increase in net GAG loss when the cartilage was stimulated and therefore supported the use of<span> </span></span><span class="C9DxTc">Equine Omega Complete</span><span class="C9DxTc">. Further research is required to prove efficacy in horses, as swine cartilage was used in the study.</span></p>
<p dir="ltr" class="zfr3Q CDt4Ke"><span class="C9DxTc">These citations are listed in the reference list if you’re interested in reading more! I would like to make a note that these are a couple of the available studies and just because they are included in this blog post does not mean they are optimal for your horse. Every horse is unique, and at Balanced Bay each balanced diet is personalized to optimally support their individual needs. If you have any questions or would like to optimize your horse’s diet, please contact Madeline at<span> </span></span><a class="XqQF9c" href="mailto:balancedbaynutrition@gmail.com" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><span class="C9DxTc aw5Odc">balancedbaynutrition@gmail.com</span></a><span class="C9DxTc"> </span></p>
<p dir="ltr" class="zfr3Q CDt4Ke"><span class="C9DxTc">Overall, supplements can be and are often a fantastic addition to the equine diet when there are specific nutritional concerns. However, it is worthwhile spending the money on expert advice to ensure you are getting what you’re paying for.</span></p>
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<p>Written by: Madeline Boast, MSc. Equine Nutrition</p>
<p>About the author: Madeline Boast completed her master’s in Equine Nutrition at the University of Guelph and started an independent nutrition company known as Balanced Bay. She has worked with a variety of equids – from miniature ponies to competing thoroughbreds. Through Balanced Bay she designs customized balanced nutrition plans that prioritize equine well-being. This includes diets for optimal performance as well as solving complex nutritional issues and everything in between. For additional information see <a href="http://www.balancedbay.ca">www.balancedbay.ca</a></p>
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<p dir="ltr" class="zfr3Q CDt4Ke"><span class="C9DxTc">Garland, A., Wierenga, C., McCrae, P., & Pearson, W. (2023). Cartilage-sparing properties of Equine Omega Complete in an organ culture model of cartilage inflammation.<span> </span></span><span class="C9DxTc">Journal of Equine Veterinary Science</span><span class="C9DxTc">,<span> </span></span><span class="C9DxTc">121</span><span class="C9DxTc">, 104165.</span></p>
<p dir="ltr" class="zfr3Q CDt4Ke"><span class="C9DxTc">Hoffman, C. J., Costa, L. R., & Freeman, L. M. (2009). Survey of feeding practices, supplement use, and knowledge of equine nutrition among a subpopulation of horse owners in New England.<span> </span></span><span class="C9DxTc">Journal of Equine Veterinary Science</span><span class="C9DxTc">,<span> </span></span><span class="C9DxTc">29</span><span class="C9DxTc">(10), 719-726.</span></p>
<p dir="ltr" class="zfr3Q CDt4Ke"><span class="C9DxTc">Murray, J. A. M., Bloxham, C., Kulifay, J., Stevenson, A., & Roberts, J. (2015). Equine nutrition: a survey of perceptions and practices of horse owners undertaking a massive open online course in equine nutrition.<span> </span></span><span class="C9DxTc">Journal of Equine Veterinary Science</span><span class="C9DxTc">,<span> </span></span><span class="C9DxTc">35</span><span class="C9DxTc">(6), 510-517.</span></p>
<p dir="ltr" class="zfr3Q CDt4Ke"><span class="C9DxTc">Murray, J. M. D., Hanna, E., & Hastie, P. (2018). Equine dietary supplements: an insight into their use and perceptions in the Irish equine industry.<span> </span></span><span class="C9DxTc">Irish veterinary journal</span><span class="C9DxTc">,<span> </span></span><span class="C9DxTc">71</span><span class="C9DxTc">(1), 1-6.</span></p>
<p dir="ltr" class="zfr3Q CDt4Ke"><span class="C9DxTc">Pearson, W. (2021). 127 Equine Nutraceuticals: Is Science Finally Catching up to Fiction?.<span> </span></span><span class="C9DxTc">Journal of Animal Science</span><span class="C9DxTc">,<span> </span></span><span class="C9DxTc">99</span><span class="C9DxTc">(Suppl 3), 66.</span></p>
<p dir="ltr" class="zfr3Q CDt4Ke"><span class="C9DxTc">Pearson, W., Charch, A., Brewer, D., & Clarke, A. F. (2007). Pilot study investigating the ability of an herbal composite to alleviate clinical signs of respiratory dysfunction in horses with recurrent airway obstruction.<span> </span></span><span class="C9DxTc">Canadian journal of veterinary research</span><span class="C9DxTc">,<span> </span></span><span class="C9DxTc">71</span><span class="C9DxTc">(2), 145.</span></p>
<p dir="ltr" class="zfr3Q CDt4Ke"><span class="C9DxTc">Rexford, J. K. (2010).<span> </span></span><span class="C9DxTc">Effects of two different dietary sources of omega-3 highly unsaturated fatty acids fatty acids on insulin sensitivity, and incorporation into the plasma, red blood cell, and muscle cell in horses</span><span class="C9DxTc"><span> </span>(Doctoral dissertation, Colorado State University).</span></p>
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</div>All About Watertag:www.barnmice.com,2023-08-30:1773158:BlogPost:8797012023-08-30T14:52:36.000ZMadeline Boasthttp://www.barnmice.com/profile/MadelineBoast
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong>All About Water - A Balanced Bay Blog Post…</strong></p>
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<p style="text-align: center;"><strong>All About Water - A Balanced Bay Blog Post</strong></p>
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<div class="mYVXT"><div class="LS81yb VICjCf j5pSsc db35Fc"><div class="hJDwNd-AhqUyc-uQSCkd Ft7HRd-AhqUyc-uQSCkd purZT-AhqUyc-II5mzb ZcASvf-AhqUyc-II5mzb pSzOP-AhqUyc-qWD73c Ktthjf-AhqUyc-qWD73c JNdkSc SQVYQc yYI8W HQwdzb"><div class="JNdkSc-SmKAyb LkDMRd"><div class=""><div class="oKdM2c ZZyype"><div id="h.59c2bf6959a52599_10" class="hJDwNd-AhqUyc-uQSCkd Ft7HRd-AhqUyc-uQSCkd jXK9ad D2fZ2 zu5uec wHaque g5GTcb"><div class="jXK9ad-SmKAyb"><div class="tyJCtd mGzaTb Depvyb baZpAe"><p dir="ltr" class="zfr3Q CDt4Ke"><span class="C9DxTc">I have recently had multiple clients ask me about water consumption in relation to equine nutrition. Did you know that water is one of the 6 main nutrient categories according to the NRC, 2007. Therefore, it should not be overlooked. This week’s blog post is going to summarize some interesting research as well as provide some guidelines on what safe water is.</span></p>
<p dir="ltr" class="zfr3Q CDt4Ke"><span class="C9DxTc">Water is essential. Water intake occurs from both directly drinking water and consuming soaked feed. There is also indirect water intake through metabolism. It is known that diet and water are closely related as research has clearly shown that water intake is dependent on the amount of feed consumed as well as the composition of that feedstuff. Additionally, the reverse is also true. When water is restricted, the feed intake of that horse is significantly impacted. In horses, normal drinking behaviour is episodic. They drink about 2-8 times per day in 10-60 second episodes.</span></p>
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<p dir="ltr" class="zfr3Q CDt4Ke"><strong><span class="C9DxTc">Temperature</span></strong></p>
<p dir="ltr" class="zfr3Q CDt4Ke"><span class="C9DxTc">Water temperature as well as environmental temperature is another important factor of water intake. Especially in the winter here in Canada!! In cold weather, water intake in horses has been shown to reduce. We also know that in hot weather water intake increases. Horses drink less cold water compared to warm water when the outdoor temperatures are cooler. Although warmer water is preferable in winter temperatures, it also plays a role in the growth of bacteria and algae. This highlights the importance of regularly cleaning your water trough when using heated water for the winter.</span></p>
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<p dir="ltr" class="zfr3Q CDt4Ke"><strong><span class="C9DxTc">Water Quality</span></strong></p>
<p dir="ltr" class="zfr3Q CDt4Ke"><span class="C9DxTc">Similar to other animals, horses are not drinking pure water. They are consuming ground and surface water, which is impacted by many factors such as runoff, evaporation, farming practices, geo chemistry, precipitation, human activity and animal activity.</span></p>
<p dir="ltr" class="zfr3Q CDt4Ke"><span class="C9DxTc">The physical quality of water takes these various factors into account. When describing water quality turbidity, total dissolved solids (TDS), odour, colour, pH and temperature are taken into account. Odours in water are attributed to algae, manure, vegetation, tannins, sulfates, and microbial by-products. Odour is not easily quantified, therefore in livestock nutrition water quality is based on total dissolved solids.</span></p>
<p dir="ltr" class="zfr3Q CDt4Ke"><span class="C9DxTc">Total dissolved solids are a measure of the aggregate composition of ions present in the water but does not differentiate between the types of ions present. The type of ion present can influence water palatability. Generally, surface water has a lower TDS than groundwater. The basic parameters are: TDS < 1500mg/L indicates fresh water, 1500-5000 mg/L indicated brackish water, 5000-30,000 mg/L is saline water.</span></p>
<p dir="ltr" class="zfr3Q CDt4Ke"><span class="C9DxTc">The guidelines for livestock regarding TDS suggest that 0-4000 mg/L causes no adverse effects on horses, water 4000-6000 mg/L may impact intake until the animal adapts. But water greater than 6000 mg/L may negatively impact health and productivity. These guidelines are the Australian and New Zealand livestock quality guidelines.</span></p>
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<p dir="ltr" class="zfr3Q CDt4Ke"><strong><span class="C9DxTc">Upper Levels of Potentially Toxic Nutrients</span></strong></p>
<p dir="ltr" class="zfr3Q CDt4Ke"><span class="C9DxTc">Below is a chart directly pulled from the NRC, 2007 that shows the upper safe limits of potentially toxic nutrients as well as contaminants in water.</span></p>
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<div class="hJDwNd-AhqUyc-EehZO Ft7HRd-AhqUyc-EehZO purZT-AhqUyc-II5mzb ZcASvf-AhqUyc-II5mzb pSzOP-AhqUyc-qWD73c Ktthjf-AhqUyc-qWD73c JNdkSc SQVYQc"><div class="JNdkSc-SmKAyb LkDMRd"><div class=""><div class="oKdM2c ZZyype Kzv0Me"><div id="h.59c2bf6959a52599_30" class="hJDwNd-AhqUyc-EehZO Ft7HRd-AhqUyc-EehZO jXK9ad D2fZ2 zu5uec OjCsFc dmUFtb wHaque g5GTcb"><div class="jXK9ad-SmKAyb"><div class="tyJCtd baZpAe"><div class="t3iYD"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/H4mfNIhDPVHV-F3WzeNz2dFSBhVgOkxSCcwSANm2aLXrF49cljd303vFnyTx_nIzpdPlx0h6L3ys4LA96juipCEILoOvH7jvF5HG4ABBB3OGRaZ8ps56YNjAUTZkFYCv=w1280" class="CENy8b"/></div>
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<div class="mYVXT"><div class="LS81yb VICjCf j5pSsc db35Fc"><div class="hJDwNd-AhqUyc-uQSCkd Ft7HRd-AhqUyc-uQSCkd purZT-AhqUyc-II5mzb ZcASvf-AhqUyc-II5mzb pSzOP-AhqUyc-qWD73c Ktthjf-AhqUyc-qWD73c JNdkSc SQVYQc"><div class="JNdkSc-SmKAyb LkDMRd"><div class=""><div class="oKdM2c ZZyype Kzv0Me"><div id="h.59c2bf6959a52599_34" class="hJDwNd-AhqUyc-uQSCkd Ft7HRd-AhqUyc-uQSCkd jXK9ad D2fZ2 zu5uec OjCsFc dmUFtb wHaque g5GTcb"><div class="jXK9ad-SmKAyb"><div class="tyJCtd mGzaTb Depvyb baZpAe"><p dir="ltr" class="zfr3Q CDt4Ke"><strong><span class="C9DxTc">A Recent Study (In Ontario!!)</span></strong></p>
<p dir="ltr" class="zfr3Q CDt4Ke"><span class="C9DxTc">We’ll end this blog post with a quick research overview…also this study was completed at the University of Guelph! The purpose of the research was to investigate any preference or aversion mature horses had to the alteration of water pH.</span></p>
<p dir="ltr" class="zfr3Q CDt4Ke"><span class="C9DxTc">The control water had a pH of 7.5, the water treatments had the following pH levels: 5, 3.6, and 2.9. During the study the horses were given two water choices in identical black buckets, the buckets were also swapped between the two locations every day. The authors found that the mature horses had a strong aversion to the lowest two pH treatments (3.6 & 2.9). The pH of 5 was weakly aversive.</span></p>
<p dir="ltr" class="zfr3Q CDt4Ke"><span class="C9DxTc">Although there was strong aversion, none of the treatments were completely rejected which is often a result in preference trials. The conclusion was that the mature horses discriminate in the short term against the consumption of water with a decreasing pH.</span></p>
<p dir="ltr" class="zfr3Q CDt4Ke"><span class="C9DxTc">To conclude, water is an important aspect of equine nutrition. Testing your water is a great way to increase the amount of information you have on what your horse is consuming daily. This blog post is just a brief overview, please contact Madeline with any specific questions.</span></p>
<p>Written by: Madeline Boast, MSc. Equine Nutrition</p>
<p>About the author: Madeline Boast completed her master’s in Equine Nutrition at the University of Guelph and started an independent nutrition company known as Balanced Bay. She has worked with a variety of equids – from miniature ponies to competing thoroughbreds. Through Balanced Bay she designs customized balanced nutrition plans that prioritize equine well-being. This includes diets for optimal performance as well as solving complex nutritional issues and everything in between. For additional information see <a href="http://www.balancedbay.ca">www.balancedbay.ca</a></p>
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<div class="mYVXT"><div class="LS81yb VICjCf j5pSsc db35Fc"><div class="hJDwNd-AhqUyc-uQSCkd Ft7HRd-AhqUyc-uQSCkd purZT-AhqUyc-II5mzb ZcASvf-AhqUyc-II5mzb pSzOP-AhqUyc-qWD73c Ktthjf-AhqUyc-qWD73c JNdkSc SQVYQc"><div class="JNdkSc-SmKAyb LkDMRd"><div class=""><div class="oKdM2c ZZyype Kzv0Me"><div id="h.59c2bf6959a52599_25" class="hJDwNd-AhqUyc-uQSCkd Ft7HRd-AhqUyc-uQSCkd jXK9ad D2fZ2 zu5uec OjCsFc dmUFtb wHaque g5GTcb"><div class="jXK9ad-SmKAyb"><div class="tyJCtd mGzaTb Depvyb baZpAe"><p dir="ltr" class="zfr3Q CDt4Ke"><span class="C9DxTc">References:</span></p>
<p dir="ltr" class="zfr3Q CDt4Ke"><span class="C9DxTc">Cymbaluk, N. F. (1990). Cold housing effects on growth and nutrient demand of young horses.<span> </span></span><span class="C9DxTc">Journal of Animal Science</span><span class="C9DxTc">,<span> </span></span><span class="C9DxTc">68</span><span class="C9DxTc">(10), 3152-3162.</span></p>
<p dir="ltr" class="zfr3Q CDt4Ke"><span class="C9DxTc">Hargesheimer, E. E., & Watson, S. B. (1996). Drinking water treatment options for taste and odor control.<span> </span></span><span class="C9DxTc">Water research</span><span class="C9DxTc">,<span> </span></span><span class="C9DxTc">30</span><span class="C9DxTc">(6), 1423-1430.</span></p>
<p dir="ltr" class="zfr3Q CDt4Ke"><span class="C9DxTc">McDonnell, S. M., Freeman, D. A., Cymbaluk, N. F., Schott, H. C., Hinchcliff, K., & Kyle, B. (1999). Behavior of stabled horses provided continuous or intermittent access to drinking water.<span> </span></span><span class="C9DxTc">American journal of veterinary research</span><span class="C9DxTc">,<span> </span></span><span class="C9DxTc">60</span><span class="C9DxTc">, 1451-1455.</span></p>
<p dir="ltr" class="zfr3Q CDt4Ke"><span class="C9DxTc">Merkies, K., & Carson, J. (2011). Discrimination of water acidity by mature horses.<span> </span></span><span class="C9DxTc">Journal of Equine Veterinary Science</span><span class="C9DxTc">,<span> </span></span><span class="C9DxTc">5</span><span class="C9DxTc">(31), 269.</span></p>
<p dir="ltr" class="zfr3Q CDt4Ke"><span class="C9DxTc">National Research Council. Nutrient Requirements of Horses. (2007). National Academy Press, Washington, D.C.</span></p>
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</div>Protein Intake and Metabolic Horsestag:www.barnmice.com,2023-08-30:1773158:BlogPost:8798892023-08-30T14:51:13.000ZMadeline Boasthttp://www.barnmice.com/profile/MadelineBoast
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Protein Intake and Metabolic Horses - A Balanced Bay Blog Post…</strong></p>
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<p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Protein Intake and Metabolic Horses - A Balanced Bay Blog Post</strong></p>
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<div class="mYVXT"><div class="LS81yb VICjCf j5pSsc db35Fc"><div class="hJDwNd-AhqUyc-uQSCkd Ft7HRd-AhqUyc-uQSCkd purZT-AhqUyc-II5mzb ZcASvf-AhqUyc-II5mzb pSzOP-AhqUyc-qWD73c Ktthjf-AhqUyc-qWD73c JNdkSc SQVYQc yYI8W HQwdzb"><div class="JNdkSc-SmKAyb LkDMRd"><div class=""><div class="oKdM2c ZZyype"><div id="h.2b0b71b7bf77919f_10" class="hJDwNd-AhqUyc-uQSCkd Ft7HRd-AhqUyc-uQSCkd jXK9ad D2fZ2 zu5uec wHaque g5GTcb"><div class="jXK9ad-SmKAyb"><div class="tyJCtd mGzaTb Depvyb baZpAe"><p dir="ltr" class="zfr3Q CDt4Ke"><span class="C9DxTc">This week’s blog post is the last of the protein series. Instead of discussing a broad topic, this installment will focus on a single publication. The reference is: <span> </span></span><span class="C9DxTc">Loos, C. M. M., Dorsch, S. C., Elzinga, S. E., Brewster-Barnes, T., Vanzant, E. S., Adams, A. A., & Urschel, K. L. (2019). A high protein meal affects plasma insulin concentrations and amino acid metabolism in horses with equine metabolic syndrome.<span> </span></span><span class="C9DxTc">The Veterinary Journal</span><span class="C9DxTc">,<span> </span></span><span class="C9DxTc">251</span><span class="C9DxTc">, 105341.</span></p>
<p dir="ltr" class="zfr3Q CDt4Ke"><span class="C9DxTc">The objective of this research study was to evaluate insulin and amino acid responses following the consumption of a high-protein meal. A group of horses diagnosed with equine metabolic syndrome (EMS) were compared to a control group of healthy horses. Prior to diving into the details, let’s define EMS.</span></p>
<p dir="ltr" class="zfr3Q CDt4Ke"><span class="C9DxTc">Equine metabolic syndrome is a term that is used for horses that have metabolic abnormalities, specifically insulin dysregulation. If a horse has insulin dysregulation, this means that they have elevated basal insulin levels and an exaggerated insulin response to glucose intake. This is often associated with endocrinopathic laminitis.</span></p>
<p dir="ltr" class="zfr3Q CDt4Ke"><span class="C9DxTc">In the study, the horses were fed two meals, each fed at a rate of 2g/kg BW 30 minutes apart. The pellet given was 31% crude protein. Blood samples were taken at various time points and analyzed for plasma glucose, insulin, amino acids, and urea concentrations.</span></p>
<p dir="ltr" class="zfr3Q CDt4Ke"><span class="C9DxTc">As expected, the EMS horses had a significantly greater insulinemic response to the high protein meal compared with the healthy horses. These results were able to illustrate that when a high protein meal was consumed it caused a hyper-insulinemic response and impacted the amino acid dynamics of the horses diagnosed with EMS. The authors are proposing that the protein content of meals should be closely investigated in addition to sugar content when dealing with metabolic horses.</span></p>
<p dir="ltr" class="zfr3Q CDt4Ke"><span class="C9DxTc">There is a plethora of previous research that clearly shows how diets high in non-structural carbohydrate (NSC) content worsen insulin dysregulation and increase the risk of endocrinopathic laminitis developing. As this is a major focus, often other diet components are overlooked.</span></p>
<p dir="ltr" class="zfr3Q CDt4Ke"><span class="C9DxTc">More research needs to be done in this area prior to any clear recommendations being developed as this is the first study to illustrate differences in amino acid profiles between healthy horses and horses diagnosed with EMS. Additionally, I would have liked it if they included a second group of metabolic horses that were fed a similar pelleted meal but with a lower protein content for comparison.</span></p>
<p dir="ltr" class="zfr3Q CDt4Ke"><span class="C9DxTc">Unfortunately, I see horse owners feeding high protein ration balancers for at-risk horses all the time! This highlights the importance of a hay analysis prior to building a balanced nutrition program. Testing your hay and knowing the protein content will make the decision on what to feed much easier and take the guesswork out of it. When balancing a diet for metabolic horses, I always start with a forage analysis and build on that to minimize any additional sugars and protein as much as possible.</span></p>
<p dir="ltr" class="zfr3Q CDt4Ke"><span class="C9DxTc">In conclusion, this article was of particular interest to me as the Hoof Doctor Laminitis | Founder clinic is coming up (see the Collaborations page to register!). If you are interested in learning more about laminitis and the nutritional management, take some time to check the clinic out. </span></p>
<p dir="ltr" class="zfr3Q CDt4Ke"><span class="C9DxTc">If you are unsure about your horse’s diet and looking for some evidence-based answers, contact Madeline at balancedbaynutrition@gmail.com or at 289-259-5101.</span></p>
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<div class="hJDwNd-AhqUyc-qWD73c Ft7HRd-AhqUyc-qWD73c purZT-AhqUyc-II5mzb ZcASvf-AhqUyc-II5mzb pSzOP-AhqUyc-qWD73c Ktthjf-AhqUyc-qWD73c JNdkSc SQVYQc"><div class="JNdkSc-SmKAyb LkDMRd"><div class=""><div class="oKdM2c ZZyype Kzv0Me"><div id="h.616e758a49ef12cc_16" class="hJDwNd-AhqUyc-qWD73c Ft7HRd-AhqUyc-qWD73c jXK9ad D2fZ2 zu5uec OjCsFc dmUFtb wHaque g5GTcb"><div class="jXK9ad-SmKAyb"><div class="tyJCtd baZpAe"><div class="t3iYD"><img src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/Vg4oYEXyxmedyIZOCVvFPC4lXe_887J85Iqumfxj3ZPoqHwcL02_F3KaJvUPjOHW9HTyE5cmPQb4Lrdgo0Cjz98E4peFL7KKCDZMibz740NqQ1F4H-FoP4evP29G_ARSmg=w1280" class="CENy8b"/></div>
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<div class="mYVXT"><div class="LS81yb VICjCf j5pSsc db35Fc"><div class="hJDwNd-AhqUyc-uQSCkd Ft7HRd-AhqUyc-uQSCkd purZT-AhqUyc-II5mzb ZcASvf-AhqUyc-II5mzb pSzOP-AhqUyc-qWD73c Ktthjf-AhqUyc-qWD73c JNdkSc SQVYQc"><div class="JNdkSc-SmKAyb LkDMRd"><div class=""><div class="oKdM2c ZZyype Kzv0Me"><div id="h.616e758a49ef12cc_20" class="hJDwNd-AhqUyc-uQSCkd Ft7HRd-AhqUyc-uQSCkd jXK9ad D2fZ2 zu5uec OjCsFc dmUFtb wHaque g5GTcb"><div class="jXK9ad-SmKAyb"><div class="tyJCtd mGzaTb Depvyb baZpAe"><p dir="ltr" class="zfr3Q CDt4Ke"><span class="C9DxTc">The graph shows the blood insulin levels over time after the high-protein meal. It clearly shows the much higher blood insulin level in the EMS horses. The table gives you the nutritional information of the pellet that the horses were given in the study. </span></p>
<p>Written by: Madeline Boast, MSc. Equine Nutrition</p>
<p>About the author: Madeline Boast completed her master’s in Equine Nutrition at the University of Guelph and started an independent nutrition company known as Balanced Bay. She has worked with a variety of equids – from miniature ponies to competing thoroughbreds. Through Balanced Bay she designs customized balanced nutrition plans that prioritize equine well-being. This includes diets for optimal performance as well as solving complex nutritional issues and everything in between. For additional information see <a href="http://www.balancedbay.ca">www.balancedbay.ca</a></p>
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<p dir="ltr" class="zfr3Q CDt4Ke"><span class="C9DxTc">Loos, C. M. M., Dorsch, S. C., Elzinga, S. E., Brewster-Barnes, T., Vanzant, E. S., Adams, A. A., & Urschel, K. L. (2019). A high protein meal affects plasma insulin concentrations and amino acid metabolism in horses with equine metabolic syndrome.<span> </span></span><span class="C9DxTc">The Veterinary Journal</span><span class="C9DxTc">,<span> </span></span><span class="C9DxTc">251</span><span class="C9DxTc">, 105341.</span></p>
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</div>Protein Excess and Deficiency in Horsestag:www.barnmice.com,2023-08-30:1773158:BlogPost:8799062023-08-30T14:49:33.000ZMadeline Boasthttp://www.barnmice.com/profile/MadelineBoast
<p class="zfr3Q CDt4Ke" dir="ltr" style="text-align: center;"><strong><span class="C9DxTc">Protein Excess and Deficiency in Horses - A Balanced Bay Blog Post</span></strong></p>
<p class="zfr3Q CDt4Ke" dir="ltr"><span class="C9DxTc">In the previous blog post, protein requirements and protein quality was discussed. However, there can be complications when protein requirements are greatly exceeded. This installment of Fridays with Finn will cover both protein deficiency and protein overload in…</span></p>
<p dir="ltr" class="zfr3Q CDt4Ke" style="text-align: center;"><strong><span class="C9DxTc">Protein Excess and Deficiency in Horses - A Balanced Bay Blog Post</span></strong></p>
<p dir="ltr" class="zfr3Q CDt4Ke"><span class="C9DxTc">In the previous blog post, protein requirements and protein quality was discussed. However, there can be complications when protein requirements are greatly exceeded. This installment of Fridays with Finn will cover both protein deficiency and protein overload in horses.</span></p>
<p dir="ltr" class="zfr3Q CDt4Ke"><span class="C9DxTc"> </span></p>
<p dir="ltr" class="zfr3Q CDt4Ke"><strong><span class="C9DxTc">Protein Deficiency</span></strong></p>
<p dir="ltr" class="zfr3Q CDt4Ke"><span class="C9DxTc">Research suggests that protein deficiency in the horse is less common when compared to the excess protein being provided. However, there are still negative health consequences associated. Symptoms of protein deficiency in mature horses are muscle loss, weight loss, inadequate feed intake, and poor growth of hooves and hair. In addition to the previously listed symptoms, pregnant mares may experience fetal loss as well as poor milk production if they are deficient in protein. In young horses, a decrease in growth is seen when protein is lacking in the diet. If you have a nutritionist complete a hay analysis, they will be able to determine if an additional protein source should be added to the diet.</span></p>
<p dir="ltr" class="zfr3Q CDt4Ke"><span class="C9DxTc"> </span></p>
<p dir="ltr" class="zfr3Q CDt4Ke"><strong><span class="C9DxTc">Excess Protein</span></strong></p>
<p dir="ltr" class="zfr3Q CDt4Ke"><span class="C9DxTc">When a horse is supplied with excess dietary protein that protein will be broken down and excreted from the body as urea in the urine. When there is additional urea to be excreted, the horse may experience<span> </span></span><span class="C9DxTc">an increase in water loss</span><span class="C9DxTc">. When more water is lost, the water intake requirement of that horse will increase. This could be problematic for horses under intense exercise who may already struggle with hydration.</span></p>
<p dir="ltr" class="zfr3Q CDt4Ke"><span class="C9DxTc">Research has shown that when high protein diets are given to exercising horses it interferes with the acid-base balanced in their body. Additionally, when horses urinate more and<span> </span></span><span class="C9DxTc">have a higher urea content in the urine it negatively impacts the air quality</span><span class="C9DxTc"><span> </span>in the barn and can lead to respiratory problems down the road.</span></p>
<p dir="ltr" class="zfr3Q CDt4Ke"><span class="C9DxTc">A study using Arabian horses under training has<span> </span></span><span class="C9DxTc">suggested that improving protein quality (read the last blog post if you missed it!) but decreasing protein quantity</span><span class="C9DxTc"><span> </span>in the diet is a good option. This way you can ensure a working horse is not deficient in important amino acids such as lysine, but without the undesired effects of oversupplying protein.</span></p>
<p dir="ltr" class="zfr3Q CDt4Ke"><span class="C9DxTc">Other problematic consequences of oversupplying protein are that the<span> </span></span><span class="C9DxTc">increased urea can lead to earlier fatigue during exercise</span><span class="C9DxTc">. Another concern related to exercise is heat. When a horse is using protein for energy, they produce more body heat which increases sweating and therefore<span> </span></span><span class="C9DxTc">increases the risk of dehydration in working horses</span><span class="C9DxTc">.</span></p>
<p dir="ltr" class="zfr3Q CDt4Ke"><span class="C9DxTc">A final area that is important to highlight is the environmental impact of providing excess protein in livestock nutrition. Unfortunately, the equine sector does not have the same published parameters on nitrogen and urea excretion as other livestock sectors, but it is well documented that when too much protein is fed, there is an increase in nitrogen released in the urine. This negatively impacts both air quality and groundwater. Plus, protein shouldn’t be wasted! It is an expensive feed ingredient – so really there is just no good reason to oversupply protein.</span></p>
<p dir="ltr" class="zfr3Q CDt4Ke"><span class="C9DxTc">All of this highlights the need for precision in ration formation.<span> </span></span><span class="C9DxTc">Stop guessing with your horse’s nutrition!</span><span class="C9DxTc"><span> </span>Have a hay analysis done and get an equine nutritionist to balance the diet to your forage analysis.</span></p>
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<p dir="ltr" class="zfr3Q CDt4Ke"><strong><span class="C9DxTc">Client Story</span></strong></p>
<p dir="ltr" class="zfr3Q CDt4Ke"><span class="C9DxTc">I was recently consulting with a veterinarian who was having some nutritional challenges with his client’s polo horses. These horses were located in Nigeria, so a much hotter climate than Canada! Therefore, when curating improved diets for these animals, protein was an important aspect. Due to the heat and hydration complications that excess protein can cause, it was crucial to ensure that these horses were not being supplied with a significant amount of excess protein.</span></p>
<p dir="ltr" class="zfr3Q CDt4Ke"></p>
<p dir="ltr" class="zfr3Q CDt4Ke"><span class="C9DxTc">By: Madeline Boast MSc. Equine Nutrition </span></p>
<p>About the author: Madeline Boast completed her master’s in Equine Nutrition at the University of Guelph and started an independent nutrition company known as Balanced Bay. She has worked with a variety of equids – from miniature ponies to competing thoroughbreds. Through Balanced Bay she designs customized balanced nutrition plans that prioritize equine well-being. This includes diets for optimal performance as well as solving complex nutritional issues and everything in between. For additional information see <a href="http://www.balancedbay.ca">www.balancedbay.ca</a></p>
<p dir="ltr" class="zfr3Q CDt4Ke"><span class="C9DxTc"> </span></p>
<p dir="ltr" class="zfr3Q CDt4Ke"><span class="C9DxTc">References:</span></p>
<p dir="ltr" class="zfr3Q CDt4Ke"><span class="C9DxTc">Bott, R. C., Greene, E. A., Trottier, N. L., Williams, C. A., Westendorf, M. L., Swinker, A. M., ... & Martinson, K. L. (2016). Environmental implications of nitrogen output on horse operations: a review.<span> </span></span><span class="C9DxTc">Journal of Equine Veterinary Science</span><span class="C9DxTc">,<span> </span></span><span class="C9DxTc">45</span><span class="C9DxTc">, 98-106.</span></p>
<p dir="ltr" class="zfr3Q CDt4Ke"><span class="C9DxTc">Graham-Thiers, P. M., Kronfeld, D. S., Kline, K. A., Sklan, D. J., & Harris, P. A. (2003). Dietary protein and fat effects on protein status in Arabian horses during interval training and repeated sprints.<span> </span></span><span class="C9DxTc">Journal of Equine Veterinary Science</span><span class="C9DxTc">,<span> </span></span><span class="C9DxTc">23</span><span class="C9DxTc">(12), 554-559.</span></p>
<p dir="ltr" class="zfr3Q CDt4Ke"><span class="C9DxTc">Graham-Thiers, P. M., Kronfeld, D. S., Kline, K. A., Sklan, D. J., & Harris, P. A. (2003). Dietary protein and fat effects on protein status in Arabian horses during interval training and repeated sprints.<span> </span></span><span class="C9DxTc">Journal of Equine Veterinary Science</span><span class="C9DxTc">,<span> </span></span><span class="C9DxTc">23</span><span class="C9DxTc">(12), 554-559.</span></p>
<p dir="ltr" class="zfr3Q CDt4Ke"><span class="C9DxTc">Loos, C. M., McLeod, K. R., Stratton, S. C., van Doorn, D. A., Kalmar, I. D., Vanzant, E. S., & Urschel, K. L. (2020). Pathways regulating equine skeletal muscle protein synthesis respond in a dose-dependent manner to graded levels of protein intake.<span> </span></span><span class="C9DxTc">Journal of Animal Science</span><span class="C9DxTc">,<span> </span></span><span class="C9DxTc">98</span><span class="C9DxTc">(9), skaa268.</span></p>
<p dir="ltr" class="zfr3Q CDt4Ke"><span class="C9DxTc">Miller, P. A., & Lawrence, L. M. (1988). The effect of dietary protein level on exercising horses.<span> </span></span><span class="C9DxTc">Journal of Animal Science</span><span class="C9DxTc">,<span> </span></span><span class="C9DxTc">66</span><span class="C9DxTc">(9), 2185-2192.</span></p>
<p dir="ltr" class="zfr3Q CDt4Ke"><span class="C9DxTc">National Research Council. 2007.<span> </span></span><span class="C9DxTc">Nutrient Requirements of Horses: Sixth Revised Edition</span><span class="C9DxTc">. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. <a href="https://doi.org/10.17226/11653">https://doi.org/10.17226/11653</a>.</span></p>The Heat is Getting to Metag:www.barnmice.com,2023-08-19:1773158:BlogPost:8796012023-08-19T17:57:09.000ZJackie Cochranhttp://www.barnmice.com/profile/JackieCochran
<p style="margin-bottom: 0in;">The Heat is Getting to Me...</p>
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<p style="margin-bottom: 0in;">And the smoke from the wildfires in the North American continent just makes it worse for me. The horses deal with this more easily than I do so at least I have the comfort that I am not asking the horse to do too much as I walk and trot around the ring.</p>
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<p style="margin-bottom: 0in;">When I got to the stable for my lesson with…</p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0in;">The Heat is Getting to Me...</p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0in;"></p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0in;">And the smoke from the wildfires in the North American continent just makes it worse for me. The horses deal with this more easily than I do so at least I have the comfort that I am not asking the horse to do too much as I walk and trot around the ring.</p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0in;"></p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0in;">When I got to the stable for my lesson with Debbie on Wednesday the stable was crowded and the rings were crowded with people trying to get their lessons and schooling sessions done before the midday heat. School is starting so soon there will be fewer people around in the morning at the stable but there are Debbie's students and boarders who home school and will still be able to come out early to take advantage of the relative coolness.</p>
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<p style="margin-bottom: 0in;">I had to do a lot of the grooming while Debbie dealt with another horse that had partially wrenched its shoe off of one of its front hooves, leaving the branches of the shoe starting to dig into the horse's sole, I got MJ pretty shiny after using just the curry comb and the Haas Schimmel really stiff dandy brush, the Debbie got back to us and took over. While she brushed him I cleaned his head, brushed out his mane, put his fly spray on, and put his “hats” on. This got me so tired that I forgot to put my ice vest on, Sam brought it out to the ring before I mounted. I was not the only forgetful person, Debbie forgot to put MJ's Hoof Socks on which affected my whole ride since MJ's knees had nothing on them to make them more comfortable.</p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0in;"></p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0in;">When we got to the ring I had to cautiously walk around all the other horses until the other ring got free for their lesson. When they left there was still one lady schooling her really pretty feminine small TB mare. MJ and I walked around with a few trots thrown in before he started to bob his head a little bit because of his knees. The whole ride MJ could have done better if we had only put his hoof socks on. At first he did not want me to post on the correct diagonal going to the right, normal for him but without his hoof socks it took me longer to get us together properly. Doing turns in place I could feel his left knee flinching just a little bit. Whenever I asked him to extend his stride walking or trotting I got just so much from him, with the message that I was not going to get any more from him that day.</p>
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<p style="margin-bottom: 0in;">I did make it my full thirty minutes this time in spite of the heat, which could have been worse. I am glad I had my ice vest on.</p>
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<p style="margin-bottom: 0in;">In between all of this I watched that pretty TB mare. This mare is well conformed and she should have given her rider better movement but something was working against her. After watching her off and on for a while I went up to Debbie and asked permission to suggest something to her rider even though she was not in a lesson herself. Debbie asked me what I wanted to suggest, I told her that I thought the mare would move better if her rider spread her hands apart a little bit more. Debbie then shouted to this rider, at the other end of the ring, to spread her hands so the mare could see her hands. The mare improved immediately, lowering her head some, reaching out for the bit much better than before, and both mare and rider looked a lot happier with life.</p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0in;"></p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0in;">Often when training a horse the rider has to forget about everything an equitation judge wants to see from a rider especially when it comes to the rider's hands. Many horses just do not understand the action of the bit immediately and when they feel confused about this they suck back and do not reach for the bit with confidence. I have found with these horses that if I spread my hands so the horse can SEE my hands, the horse relaxes, gets less confused, and moves with more freedom. It may take time to get a horse like this in a proper relationship with the bit, but in my experience they figure it all out quicker if they can see my hands. After the horse has figured it all out then it is possible to bring my hands closer together though I am always ready to spread my hands apart if the horse starts to get iffy with contact again. I think that when the horse sees my hands the horse stops guessing about what in the world I mean from my rein aids and goes “OK, I understand it now”, relax, and reach forward into good contact with their mouth.</p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0in;"></p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0in;">I will be so glad when it gets cool again. I will be so glad when the wildfires stop burning. This summer has been harder than usual on my physically, but at least I am still riding horses.</p>
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<p style="margin-bottom: 0in;">Have a great ride!</p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0in;">Jackie Cochran</p>
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<p style="margin-bottom: 0in;"></p>Sorry I've Been Gonetag:www.barnmice.com,2023-07-22:1773158:BlogPost:8796862023-07-22T16:09:21.000ZJackie Cochranhttp://www.barnmice.com/profile/JackieCochran
<p style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><font size="3">Sorry I've Been Gone</font></p>
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<p style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><font size="3">I have not ridden much lately because I just cannot deal with the heat, the polluted air, and the humidity, all of which affect my ability to write as well as my ability to ride a horse.</font></p>
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<p style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><font size="3">There were other reasons I did not get many lessons lately,…</font></p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><font size="3">Sorry I've Been Gone</font></p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0in;"></p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><font size="3">I have not ridden much lately because I just cannot deal with the heat, the polluted air, and the humidity, all of which affect my ability to write as well as my ability to ride a horse.</font></p>
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<p style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><font size="3">There were other reasons I did not get many lessons lately, Debbie had her summer camp one week, my husband had to have a procedure done at the hospital (minor, no problems, he is fine), my well broke down late one Tuesday night, rain, this week Debbie's back was bothering her big time, and the fact when I open my front door it is like going into a sauna.</font></p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0in;"></p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><font size="3">I did have one lesson this month. I told Debbie that I was not going to go faster than the walk because of the heat, humidity and the polluted air. MJ was fine with that, he did not feel like working in the heat either. It was a nice boring lesson walking around asking MJ to do the three speeds of the walk with gradual turns and turns in place while we meandered around the ring. MJ did not want to do an extended walk, in response to my leg aids he just stretched out a little bit, sort of “I have noticed your aid, I am responding to your aid, but lady, darn it, the air pollution makes breathing deeply a bad idea so this is all you will get.” OK MJ.</font></p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0in;"></p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><font size="3">One of the times I slowed MJ down using my leg aids (applying the leg as the horse's barrel starts pushing my leg to the side) I asked Debbie what she saw when I did this. She told me that by now she can always tell when I am using this particular leg aid, and that MJ has started to collect himself a little bit. This is good, it means that MJ is getting it together as far as walking united at a slow speed, proceeding with purpose rather than just dragging his feet and leaving grooves in the sand. Around 25 minutes into my lesson the heat and humidity were really getting to me and I got off shortly thereafter.</font></p>
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<p style="margin-bottom: 0in;" align="left"><font size="3">The days that I was not able to do my scheduled rides I rode my Home Horse in the comfort of my air conditioned home. I do not last for long on it even though I am in the air conditioning. Lately I have just kept my feet flat on the platform, working mostly on my balance. I do some “walking”, some 2-point and some posting, and after 7 minutes my body is tired. Still seven minutes moving in a saddle is a lot better than not getting in a saddle at all.</font></p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0in;" align="left"></p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0in;" align="left"><font size="3">While hiding from the heat and pollution I have been spending a lot of time studying horse anatomy. It started when I told Debbie that Udo Burger in his excellent book “The Rider Forms the Horse” in Chapter 2 discusses how the rider needs to work on strengthening the horse's UPPER NECK muscles so that the horse gets strong enough to carry its rider without hurting its back. I told Debbie, she asked me which muscles Udo Burger was talking about and how to ride to strengthen them. He writes on p. 26 “The rider must sit as far forward as possible and, in the case of young horses, further lighten the load on the horse's back by slightly inclining the upper body forward. With this extra help the young horse will soon learn to balance the weight with the as yet untrained muscles of the upper neck and allow its neck to drop....the horse should balance the weight of the rider with the weight of its head and neck—like a set of scales.” Debbie wanted to know which neck muscles were involved and how to get them stronger. At that time all I could answer was I was not sure exactly which neck muscles were involved, and as for how that I saw no reason to ride in any other than my Forward Seat with light responsive hands that let the horse dictate where and how it carries its head and neck.</font></p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0in;" align="left"></p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0in;" align="left"><font size="3">I dug out the few books I have on horse anatomy and started looking at the neck muscles. These books did not give me quite enough information to answer Debbie's question. I got on line to see which horse anatomy books are available and started buying several, I even ordered what looked to be veterinary school level books on horse anatomy. I also learned about and bought the Biosphera 3-D Horse Anatomy computer program which is marvelous, I can go down layers and isolate various systems like muscles, the skeleton and nerves. I can rotate the image around, I can turn the image upside down if I so desire, I can make it larger, and I am learning a whole lot from this program. For once I can SEE the anatomy and how it all hangs together. I have spent hours and hours on this program and even more hours looking at the pictures in the horse anatomy books.</font></p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0in;" align="left"></p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0in;" align="left"><font size="3">One day I decided to see exactly which nerves and muscles are affected by me using my lower leg aids. This was eye opening for me. There is no direct nerve or muscle connection between where I use my lower legs and the horse's hind end. I found two nerves, the long thoracic nerve that goes back to somewhere like under my knee and the lateral thoracic nerve that starts really low on the side of the horse and sort of curls up the side of the horse right behind where I hold my lower leg. Both of these nerves do NOT extend back to the hind quarters, instead they extend FORWARD to the brachial plexus right above the middle of the horse's scapula (shoulder). The later nerve, the lateral thoracic is right under the skin so it is ideal for leg aids. There are also the many lateral cutaneous nerve branches of the rib cage that end up under the skin around where my lower calf and heels operate, these nerves go directly to the spinal cord. The nerve impulses from my leg aids therefore do NOT go directly to the hindquarters and any sensation from them must take detours up to the spinal cord where the nerve impulse finally can go to the nerves and muscles of the hind quarters.</font></p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0in;" align="left"></p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0in;" align="left"><font size="3">When I give a leg aid I expect the horse to give me an IMMEDIATE response with no lag time. These nerves obviously do not give the immediate response from my legs that I get from a trained horse. There had to be another mechanism that got the hind end responding immediately to my lower leg.</font></p>
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<p style="margin-bottom: 0in;" align="left"><font size="3">This got me into a rather modern knowledge system of the fascia, the connective tissues that hold the horse's body together. This is complicated and I need to study it more, but apparently what affects part of the fascia can immediately affect more distant parts of the fascia which extends all over the horse's body.</font></p>
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<p style="margin-bottom: 0in;" align="left"><font size="3">My immediate conclusion is that when we train the horse we are training the horse's brain, nerves and muscles AND we are training the horse's fascia to our aids. The fascia is like an unseen ghost that lies in part under the skin, sensitive, capable of great pain, and which also affects the quality of movement of the horse in part by helping the coordination of the various areas of the horse's body. Right now it seems to me that it is the fascia that we affect when we apply our aids, and that the muscles and main nerves get the message later. It is also the fascia that we injure when we are brutal with the bit, when we hit the horse hard with the whip (especially the thin whippy dressage whips) and when we gouge the horse's sides with our spurs.</font></p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0in;" align="left"></p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0in;" align="left"><font size="3">It is going to take me a lot of time to “build” a realistic model of horse anatomy in my brain. At least I have not been overwhelmed by guilt for unknowingly abusing my horse and causing them incessant pain when I ride them. I am SO GLAD I ride Forward Seat because I am so much less likely to cause the horse I ride pain in his back, ribs and mouth. I do not make the horse anxious by blocking their forward motion either. I will make some refinements to my riding as I learn more of the particulars of horse anatomy but the creator and horsemen who developed the Forward Seat listened to the horses they rode and developed a system of riding that abuses the horse the least with preventable pain.</font></p>
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<p style="margin-bottom: 0in;" align="left"><font size="3">As I learn more about horse anatomy I will give you, my wonderful readers, more details. Right now I am so glad that I refused to abuse the horse I rode when my riding teachers told me to abuse them with my hands, legs, whip and spurs.</font></p>
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<p style="margin-bottom: 0in;" align="left"><font size="3">I am probably not going to ride a live horse again for a few weeks. This heat is brutal and it really messes up my nervous system, and since I am old the air pollution is not very good for my lungs. Meanwhile I will “ride” my Home Horse a few times a week and go on studying horse anatomy. I am still waiting on a few books including the one that is apparently used by veterinary schools.</font></p>
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<p style="margin-bottom: 0in;" align="left"><font size="3">Have a great ride!</font></p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0in;" align="left"><font size="3">Jackie Cochran</font></p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0in;" align="left"><font size="3">SS</font></p>Slogging Alongtag:www.barnmice.com,2023-06-17:1773158:BlogPost:8796682023-06-17T16:20:04.000ZJackie Cochranhttp://www.barnmice.com/profile/JackieCochran
<p style="margin-bottom: 0in;">Slogging Along</p>
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<p style="margin-bottom: 0in;">For me the beginning of the Summer weather has been a lazy time, very lazy time. I had gotten over whatever was wrong with me, I was really looking forward to my lesson, but when I went outside for my lesson two weeks ago I faced a new challenge, extremely dirty air. This was from the wildfires in eastern Canada visiting us just in time for my riding lesson, bummer.…</p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0in;">Slogging Along</p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0in;"></p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0in;">For me the beginning of the Summer weather has been a lazy time, very lazy time. I had gotten over whatever was wrong with me, I was really looking forward to my lesson, but when I went outside for my lesson two weeks ago I faced a new challenge, extremely dirty air. This was from the wildfires in eastern Canada visiting us just in time for my riding lesson, bummer.</p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0in;"></p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0in;">MJ was totally sure that it was not a good idea to do any physical exertion that day. He tried to sneak out of the riding ring when Debbie had to go check on something (usually he stands unheld quite well) and I had to quickly get hold of his reins as he headed for the open gate. Since I had helped with his grooming I was already tired and the bad air quality was dragging me down. When we started our lesson MJ did not really want to move out. All through the lesson MJ insisted on keeping his speed to the most efficient speed, a little bit faster than his normal QH plod at the walk and a sluggish trot, because he did not have any extra energy to spare. This is in spite of me keeping weight off of my seat bones, with my crotch right up next to the pommel. Every other time I had used the crotch position on him he had moved more freely, but for that lesson he just did not have the extra energy.</p>
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<p style="margin-bottom: 0in;">We mostly walked of course, but we did get a few posting trots in, one almost all the way around the ring. I was barely able to get him to move into a trot with some real impulse, he just gave me barely enough to get praise from Debbie, then it was just not worth the effort for him. I did not blame him, he was trying but the air quality was just too bad for any sane mammal to do any vigorous exercise. Though it felt like my crotch seat was not doing much good the few times I sat back MJ just sucked back, going back to his normal lesson horse speeds of going as slow as possible.</p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0in;"></p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0in;">This lesson in the bad air tired me out so much that I have done nothing with my Home Horse especially since Shannon could not come out last weekend. I just did not have enough extra energy to get up on the HH at all, much less “ride” it trying to keep those bubbles on the balance centered!</p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0in;"></p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0in;">This week the air was much better for my lesson but I had still not totally recovered from my previous lesson and I wore my ice vest just to keep a little cooler. MJ was stiff so I immediately got into my crotch seat or into 2-point and I had to stay there all lesson. He had been used for 3 Walk-Trot classes in a small show with his young rider the previous weekend and MJ's back was not very happy. He moved much better than during last week's lesson but only if I was sitting in my crotch seat or in 2-point, if I dared sit back in the saddle he went back to his lesson horse shuffle. We did 2-3 posting trots, and I had to use less leg than the week before to keep him moving, having cleaner air helped there.</p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0in;"></p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0in;">For the first time I tried to do a super slow walk while I was in the crotch seat. MJ was not too sure about exactly what I wanted him to do though he did finally shorten his stride, some. We got nowhere as slow as we normally do. My aids were my alternating lower legs as the horse's barrel pushed against them, with encouraging feathering of the curb rein to ask him to go a little bit slower. MJ did not totally understand me there, if I wanted to go real slow why in the world was I sitting so far forward? The slower he walked the harder I found it to keep my crotch seat, so much so that Debbie noticed me working harder. Since he had been so insistent that he did not want much weight on his back I did not sit back like I usually do for the super slow walk. I am sure we will both figure this out eventually.</p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0in;"></p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0in;">Ever since rereading “The Rider Forms the Horse” by Udo Burger I have been trying to understand why MJ moved so much more freely when I sat in the crotch seat. This has led me into the very deep rabbit hole of studying my horse anatomy books. I had bought my first book solely on horse anatomy back in 1962 or 1963 when I was still living in Uruguay, I found it in a book store display at the Montevideo airport and for a wonder my mother let me buy it. “The Horse—Its Action and Anatomy by an Artist” by Lowes D. Luard is still in my book collection and though it was first published in 1935 it is still being reprinted. Of course back then I did not really understand this book but nowadays I am doing much better with it 60 some years later. Several years later I added “The Anatomy of the Horse” by Way and Lee and after a few more years I added “Anatomy of the Horse” edited by William E. Jones from the “book” (it is 6 volumes long) “The Horse: Its treatment in Health and Disease” by J. W. Axe, and “The Horse Structure and Movement” by R. H. Smythe, revised by Peter C. Goody. Lately I added “ABC of the Horse—Atlas” (anatomy) and “ABC of the Horse—Biomechanics” both by Pauli Gronberg.</p>
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<p style="margin-bottom: 0in;">I am mostly concentrating on the upper neck muscles and the back muscles for right now. I mostly look at the pictures, opening each book to the pictures of the bones, ligaments, tendons and muscles, and looking from one picture to the others and reading what these books say about the muscles etc.. I am trying to build a 3-D “model” in my brain of the horse, then I will have to also add movement.</p>
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<p style="margin-bottom: 0in;">In his book Udo Burger says on page 25 “Some of the upper neck muscles together with the nuchal ligament have the task of maintaining the normal position of the back under the rider's weight.” On page 26 he writes “The riding instructor requires the rider to sit near the pommel of the saddle, as close to the highest point of the withers as possible. This is very important for the performance of the upper neck muscles, which support the rider's weight together with the arch of the back....The rider must sit as far forward as possible, and in the case of young horses , further lighten the load on the horse's back by slightly inclining the upper body forward.” Trying to figure out exactly what Burger is saying here is why I am now compulsively reading horse anatomy books every day, for an hour at least.</p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0in;"></p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0in;">As I educate myself with this I will write about it here once I am content that I actually understand how the horse's anatomy acts under the rider. This will take me a while. The horse's back was not designed to carry a rider and it is up to us riders not to hurt the horse's back by poor riding that is based on erroneous assumptions about the horse.</p>
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<p style="margin-bottom: 0in;">It will be a slow process. Hopefully this knowledge will make me a better rider.</p>
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<p style="margin-bottom: 0in;">Have a great ride!</p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0in;">Jackie Cochran</p>Getting FORWARD in my Saddletag:www.barnmice.com,2023-06-03:1773158:BlogPost:8796642023-06-03T14:30:00.000ZJackie Cochranhttp://www.barnmice.com/profile/JackieCochran
<p style="margin-bottom: 0in;">Getting FORWARD in my Saddle</p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0in;"></p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0in;">I'm sorry it has been so long. My son visited and he was carrying some bug or another and I got sick. Since then my energy levels have been LOW.</p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0in;"></p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0in;">I did get some rides in. I got some different stuff from MJ but I paid for my rides with my aching joints and muscles. Then my energy levels plummeted,…</p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0in;">Getting FORWARD in my Saddle</p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0in;"></p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0in;">I'm sorry it has been so long. My son visited and he was carrying some bug or another and I got sick. Since then my energy levels have been LOW.</p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0in;"></p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0in;">I did get some rides in. I got some different stuff from MJ but I paid for my rides with my aching joints and muscles. Then my energy levels plummeted, I went from 30 minutes total on the Home Horse then the next week I could only do 10 minutes, with 2-point, 3-point, “walking”, posting some and trying to keep my balance.</p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0in;"></p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0in;">The next week I got worse (I did too much too soon) and by Friday I had started staggering around the house after bouts digestive problems. Boo, hiss. I was also pretty weak and I felt tired all the time.</p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0in;"></p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0in;">Shannon had not been able to come out on Sunday for two weeks. Last Sunday I got my husband to help me with the Home Horse. Since I was so tired and weak I decided just to spend 5 minutes in the saddle with my feet flat on the platform and to just concentrate on keeping my balance.</p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0in;"></p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0in;">Watching the bubble balance attentively my husband worked first on getting me even from side to side. I made sure that my feet were in the same place on each side which helped. Finally I got my balance from side to side, so I asked my husband to concentrate on the bubble that shows front to back balance.</p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0in;"></p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0in;">Sitting in the saddle on the HH like I always do my weight was too far back. First I scooted my saddle as far forward as it would go on the HH, and that helped a tiny bit. Then I moved my pelvis so that my pubic bone was right against the pommel of my saddle. That helped a little bit more but I was still nowhere near balanced. Then I advanced my waist by bearing down with my diaphragm which helped a little bit more. Then I leaned forward from my hips with a tiny bit more improvement. During all of this I was keeping my face vertical, got my shoulder blades flush with my rig cage, and I made sure that my loin was concave.</p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0in;"></p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0in;">And that darn bubble was still too far back.</p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0in;"></p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0in;">Only when I put my weight on my pubic bone and taking all weight off of my seat bones did I finally get that bubble centered. The crotch seat worked when nothing else worked. I managed to stay centered from side to side and from front to back while sitting still on the HH. It took a lot of energy to keep my body centered like this and I only lasted 6 minutes before I got too tired and stopped for the day.</p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0in;"></p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0in;">When I got to the stable on Wednesday I told Debbie how exhausted I felt and not to expect much beyond a walk. I mounted and told Debbie about my HH adventure in finding my balance from front to back, and I showed her the seat that worked, pubic bone against the pommel and no weight on my seat bones. It was easier to do on MJ than it was on the HH, it really helps to have the horse's barrel support my thighs. I asked MJ to move to a walk, he responded, and for the first time in months I did not feel MJ asking me to get my butt off of the saddle.</p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0in;"></p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0in;">So long as I kept my new position in the saddle MJ was nicely responsive to my leg aids. I also did not have to keep repeating my leg aids to keep MJ moving along. Then Debbie wanted me to trot MJ a little bit to get his muscles loosened up. It took much lighter leg aids to get him into the trot and keep him trotting at a decent speed. I did my usual short posting trot, doing a rather shallow S so I could change diagonals at least once in my ride.</p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0in;"></p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0in;">Back at the walk MJ responded even better to my leg aids. He strode off at the walk with a longer stride than normal and I used a lot less leg to keep him at that speed. When I asked him to extend his stride a little bit more he responded immediately, and again I did not have to do leg, leg, leg to keep him moving out. He reached for and kept contact with the bridoon just fine, and while it took a little bit of time for him to realize that my aids still meant the same even if I was sitting differently on his back he quickly figured it out.</p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0in;"></p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0in;">Then I did my normal tying up the bridoon rein and asking for contact with just the curb. Everything went fine, he strode forth confidently, kept contact with the curb bit easily, keeping his mouth, tongue, poll and back relaxed and moving smoothly. Then I asked for the slow walk with my lower legs.</p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0in;"></p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0in;">At first he did not understand why he should slow down when my seat was so forward in the saddle. After feathering the sagging curb rein lightly he slowed down a little bit, not dead slow though. Then I felt something really interesting under the saddle, MJ raised his back under me which he had never done before in the slow walk. After a stride or two I told him good boy and asked him to go back to his normal walking speed.</p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0in;"></p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0in;">Every other time in the past few years I had asked MJ to go from his super slow walk to his normal walk I always felt this little hitch in his back, sort of like a gear slipping in a straight drive car, with MJ showing reluctance to move out again. This time however I did NOT feel that little hitch in his back and he accelerated smoothly and willingly.</p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0in;"></p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0in;">I had been trying to figure out how to get rid of this hitch going from the slow walk to his regular walk and nothing had worked. Getting my butt forward in the saddle and keeping all weight off of my seat bones worked quickly and easily.</p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0in;"></p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0in;">At home I dug into my Forward Seat section of my horse library. In “Riding Reflections” by Capt. Piero Santini (Caprilli's fellow Italian cavalry officer and student) I read this in Chapter Two, page 9:</p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0in;"></p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0in;">“The verb 'to sit' should be eliminated from our vocabulary where riding is concerned, for the idea it conveys is intrinsically misleading.”</p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0in;">“... the word 'perch' would more aptly suggest the position of the rider should assume in what is commonly described as the 'forward' seat.</p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0in;">“ By saying that if the back of the saddle were cut away the modern horseman ought never to notice its absence, we would be giving an extreme but accurate illustration of the only poise which makes the rider elastically one with the horse. In other words he should be well forward in the saddle, with loins bent inwards, and fork close to the pommel, thereby reducing to the least possible fraction contact between buttocks and saddle. If this position is adopted we are immediately struck by the impression that a horse can comfortably carry much more than his usual burden, and for obvious reasons: he has the bulk of the rider's weight where he feels it the least, ie., on the forehand, (with) his propelling apparatus—loins and quarters—free of encumbrance.”</p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0in;"></p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0in;">This WORKED with MJ on Wednesday though I was really, really tired. His back was happier without my butt pressing down upon it, and he responded by moving easier, with fluidity, enjoying his back's freedom to move. MJ went from feeling like a sort of sluggish lesson horse under me to feeling like an athletic mover with impulse and reach, looking forward eagerly for more ground to cover. MJ moved like he was a decade younger than his 25 years.</p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0in;"></p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0in;">MJ is a convert. Now I just have to get myself strong enough so I can keep within this position for my 30 minute ride. At least I have my Home Horse at home that will SHOW my spotter when my weight is too far back, and I can use it to help me build the proper riding muscles for getting my weight FORWARD in the saddle.</p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0in;"></p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0in;">I'll get there eventually. With my use of Forward Control and Forward Schooling I will finally be able to fulfill Vladimir Littauer's three basics of Forward Seat riding in that my seat will FINALLY be forward like it should be!</p>
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<p style="margin-bottom: 0in;">Have a great ride!</p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0in;">Jackie Cochran</p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0in;"></p>The Ultimate Guide to Buying a German Warmblood Horsetag:www.barnmice.com,2023-05-17:1773158:BlogPost:8796032023-05-17T02:46:07.000ZBricole Reinckehttp://www.barnmice.com/profile/BricoleReincke
<h2><span>by</span> <span class="author vcard"><a href="https://bricolereincke.net/author/bricolereincke/" rel="author" title="Posts by Bricole Reincke">Bricole Reincke</a></span> <span>|</span> <span class="published">May 16, 2023</span> <span>|</span> <a href="https://bricolereincke.net/category/bricole-reincke/" rel="category tag">Bricole Reincke</a><span>,</span> <a href="https://bricolereincke.net/category/equestrian/" rel="category tag">Equestrian</a><span>,…</span></h2>
<h2><span>by</span> <span class="author vcard"><a href="https://bricolereincke.net/author/bricolereincke/" title="Posts by Bricole Reincke" rel="author">Bricole Reincke</a></span> <span>|</span> <span class="published">May 16, 2023</span> <span>|</span> <a href="https://bricolereincke.net/category/bricole-reincke/" rel="category tag">Bricole Reincke</a><span>,</span> <a href="https://bricolereincke.net/category/equestrian/" rel="category tag">Equestrian</a><span>,</span> <a href="https://bricolereincke.net/category/equestrian/horse/" rel="category tag">Horse</a></h2>
<h2><a href="https://bricolereincke.co/wp-content/uploads/bricolereincke-co/sites/662/Bricole-Reincke-305.jpeg" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img src="https://bricolereincke.co/wp-content/uploads/bricolereincke-co/sites/662/Bricole-Reincke-305.jpeg?profile=RESIZE_710x" width="250" class="align-right"/></a>Introduction:</h2>
<p>Are you considering buying a horse for sport, leisure, or simply to have a new addition to your family? If so, a German Warmblood might be just the breed for you! Known for their athleticism, versatility, and good temperament, these horses have become increasingly popular among equestrians worldwide. In this article, we will provide a comprehensive guide on everything you need to know about buying a German Warmblood, from understanding the breed to making an informed purchase.</p>
<h2>Understanding the German Warmblood Breed:</h2>
<p>Bricole Reincke’s German Warmblood, Tessa is 17 hands highA German Warmblood is not a specific breed, but rather a category of several breeds of sport horses that originate from Germany. These breeds include, but are not limited to, the Hanoverian, Oldenburg, Westphalian, and Holsteiner. What these breeds have in common is their careful breeding for athletic abilities, making them top performers in various equestrian disciplines, especially dressage, show jumping, and eventing.</p>
<h2>Characteristics of German Warmbloods:</h2>
<p>1. Athleticism: As mentioned earlier, German Warmbloods are bred specifically for their athletic abilities. They possess a strong and well-muscled body, a deep chest, and a powerful hindquarters that enable them to excel in various equestrian sports.</p>
<p>2. Versatility: German Warmbloods are highly versatile and can adapt to various disciplines, making them suitable for riders with different interests and skill levels.</p>
<p>3. Good temperament: German Warmbloods are known for their calm and friendly nature, making them excellent companions and easy to train. They are intelligent and eager to please, which contributes to their success in various equestrian disciplines.</p>
<p>4. Size: German Warmbloods are typically between 15.2 and 17.2 hands high, making them suitable for adult riders.</p>
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<p><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><strong>Things to Consider When Buying a German Warmblood:</strong></span></p>
<p>1. Purpose: Before buying a German Warmblood, it is essential to determine the primary purpose of your purchase. Are you looking for a horse for leisure riding, or are you planning to compete in equestrian sports? Knowing your purpose will help you identify the right horse with the appropriate training, temperament, and physical abilities.</p>
<p>2. Age and Experience: Consider the age and experience of the horse you are interested in. Younger horses may require more time and patience to train, while older horses with more experience may be better suited for riders who want to start competing right away.</p>
<p>3. Health and Soundness: A pre-purchase veterinary examination is crucial when buying any horse, including a German Warmblood. This examination will help identify any underlying health issues or potential problems that could affect the horse’s performance and well-being.</p>
<p>4. Budget: Set a realistic budget for your purchase, keeping in mind additional costs such as transportation, veterinary examinations, and insurance.</p>
<p>5. Professional Guidance: If you are not experienced in buying horses, consider seeking professional help from a reputable trainer or agent. They can help you find the right German Warmblood that meets your needs and preferences.</p>
<h2>In Conclusion:</h2>
<p>German Warmbloods are a fantastic choice for those looking to buy a versatile, athletic, and good-natured horse. By taking the time to understand the breed and following the above tips, you can make an informed decision and find the perfect German Warmblood to join your equestrian journey. Happy horse shopping!</p>
<p>Size: German Warmbloods are typically between 15.2 and 17.2 hands high, making them suitable for adult riders.</p>
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<p><strong>Read the article on my blog:</strong> <a href="https://bricolereincke.net/introduction-are-you-considering-buying-a-horse-for-sport-leisure-or-simply-to-have-a-new-addition-to-your-family-if-so-a-german-warmblood-might-be-just-the-breed-for-you-known-for-their-athlet/">https://bricolereincke.net/introduction-are-you-considering-buying-a-horse-for-sport-leisure-or-simply-to-have-a-new-addition-to-your-family-if-so-a-german-warmblood-might-be-just-the-breed-for-you-known-for-their-athlet/</a></p>Now I'm a Human Barometertag:www.barnmice.com,2023-04-29:1773158:BlogPost:8793722023-04-29T18:39:32.000ZJackie Cochranhttp://www.barnmice.com/profile/JackieCochran
<p style="margin-bottom: 0in;">Now I'm a Human Barometer</p>
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<p style="margin-bottom: 0in;">Lately I have not posted much because my body, all of a sudden, has decided to become a weather forecaster for rain. Two days before the rains come many of my joints and muscles start suffering tearing pains and any exercise I do before the rains come ends up causing even more pain extending for days. Just one of the perils of being older I guess.…</p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0in;">Now I'm a Human Barometer</p>
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<p style="margin-bottom: 0in;">Lately I have not posted much because my body, all of a sudden, has decided to become a weather forecaster for rain. Two days before the rains come many of my joints and muscles start suffering tearing pains and any exercise I do before the rains come ends up causing even more pain extending for days. Just one of the perils of being older I guess.</p>
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<p style="margin-bottom: 0in;">I have been lucky in that I have had a lesson every week this month.</p>
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<p style="margin-bottom: 0in;">Three weeks ago I tried something new, at the slow walk from my collecting leg aids I added light twitches of the sagging curb rein when MJ's head went up, and I felt a hint of him elevating his forehand properly. The only signs of irritation he gave me was raising his head some, not inverted with the poll the highest and Debbie said he was not fussing with the bits. I only did a few strides of this at the slow walk then I asked him, by moving my relaxed hands forward, to go back to his regular slow walk. At that moment I thought he was doing fine but I now know that I probably made a mistake. Since then his normally placid slow walk now has an element of fretfulness in it with his head higher and not really giving me good contact, with his head going up even on sagging reins with no tweaking of any rein. This fretfulness this week started long before I asked for contact at the slow walk, his head shot up when I started the collecting leg aids. Part of the reason he is more fretful at slowing down his walk this week may be because he had been used as an emergency lesson horse in a group lesson teaching a beginner how to walk, trot and canter.</p>
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<p style="margin-bottom: 0in;">This week I barely got my lesson in before it started to drizzle. Since my body was screaming at me when I woke up I just figured that MJ also had joint and muscle pains from the dropping air pressure. That in itself could explain his deterioration at the slow walk since for it he has to move his muscles precisely and slowly. They had used a titanium coated single jointed 20mm thick snaffle on MJ for the group lesson, but a beginner's hands just are not as light and sensitive as mine are and MJ did not want to do anything but normal contact at a normal speed of walking or trotting with me. Fancy stuff? Forget it lady!</p>
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<p style="margin-bottom: 0in;">Lately his slow trot had been getting a little bit, emphasis on little bit, smoother so the previous lesson I had sat his slow trot for a few strides without any major problems from him stiffening his back. So this week I tried again. He was stiff and while his back “swung” the jackhammer was back. After three strides I started posting again but the damage to my body had been done.</p>
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<p style="margin-bottom: 0in;">Thursday morning I woke up barely able to move because my body hurt so much. I piled on the F.I.R. (Far Infra-red Radiation) clothes and stuff, and the pain did not get much better until I layered my BOT, Fenwick and Incrediwear stuff over the painful areas of my body. After wearing all this stuff all day and sleeping in it all night I felt better enough on Friday morning to sit on my Anywhere Saddle Chair for 5 minutes working on my core muscles in my gut and back. By the afternoon I was back in all of my F.I.R, gear because I hurt so bad. Guess what—I will not be doing much sitting trot on MJ for a while because I end up hurting so bad the next day and it seems now to mess up my body for when I “ride” my simulators.</p>
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<p style="margin-bottom: 0in;">Getting older can be a bummer physically.</p>
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<p style="margin-bottom: 0in;">I am not getting to ride Cider lately because it has rained so much that Shannon's grass paddocks are a bit slippery and I do not want to cut up the ground, so the only time I have been riding a horse is for my lessons.</p>
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<p style="margin-bottom: 0in;">Maybe next week will be better.</p>
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<p style="margin-bottom: 0in;">I do have one bit of progress to report. Last Sunday I got up to 30 minutes on my Home Horse, in two sessions so I can rest in between. This has been my goal since I got my HH. Now all I have to do is get up to 30 minutes without resting but that will probably take me a while. Still, I finally got up to the length of my lessons. I have even started trying to do small circles with my pelvis though it will be a while before I go around on the rim of the HH platform.</p>
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<p style="margin-bottom: 0in;">Have a great ride!</p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0in;">Jackie Cochran</p>
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