Hoof Hoof Wall Gets Too Long It Cracks If They’Re on Hard, Dry Will Bend, Then Crack,” Says Ground

GENE THERAPY FOR LAMINITIS? THE BEST WAY TO TREAT SAND COLIC

THE HORSE OWNER’S RESOURCE MARCH 2017 ISSUE 474 NOT HORSE A practical approach to HOOF CRACKS

STEP-BY-STEP SCRATCHES TREATMENT How orses Visit EQUUSmagazine.com Think *Only at participating retailers. ©2016 Cargill, Incorporated. All Rights Reserved. THE equus HORSE OWNER’S RESOURCE ISSUE 474 MARCH 2017

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DEPARTMENTS FEATURES RESEARCH & MORE

8 LETTERS 26 A field guide to hoof cracks 10 MEDICAL FRONT 14 HANDS ON When a defect appears in the wall • Gene therapy for laminitis? • Slow to shed? of a horse’s hoof, it’s important to be • How horses ask for help • Head off hay shortages able to distinguish a cosmetic flaw • The best way to treat sand colic • Uses for ultrasound from a serious problem. • A question about anesthesia • Shedding tools precautions 24 TACK & GEAR 40 How not to buy a horse 18 FIRST RESPONSE Spring flings Even though I am an experienced Scratches: Pasterns often 67 EQUUS CONSULTANTS horse owner, I was taken in by become crusty and scabby when Riding an older horse a savvy seller. Here’s how I’ll “mud season” turns paddocks protect myself in the future---and 69 STOCK & TRADE into soupy messes. But left you can, too. 71 ADVERTISERS’ untreated, a simple case of PRODUCT GUIDE scratches can escalate into a 51 In search of the painful, chronic condition. 71 GLOSSARY Cuban Paso Fino Words followed by this After 20 years of chasing scant 20 CASE REPORT symbol 0 are defined here evidence, a determined woman A tale of two mandibles: Two 72 BACK PAGE ﬁ nally gains access to one of Cuba’s incidents on the same farm Take a friend to the barn best-kept secrets. illustrate how well horses can recover from jaw injuries, even when the causes and treatments 59 How horses think are very different. In their new book, Francesco De Giorgio and José De Georgio- 64 TRUE TALE Schoorl explain the elements of My golden mare: Before I rescued equine cognition and explore her, Canela had a difﬁ cult life, but how they shape our relationships love and patience helped her to 20 with horses. learn to trust me. COVER PHOTO BY KATYA DRUZ/ARND BRONKHORST PHOTOGRAPHY

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4 EqUUS 474 march 2017 OSPHOS® (clodronate injection) Bisphosphonate For use in horses only. Brief Summary (For Full Prescribing Information, see package insert) CAUTION: Federal (USA) law restricts this drug to use by or on the order of a licensed veterinarian. DESCRIPTION: Clodronate disodium is a non-amino, chloro- containing bisphosphonate. Chemically, clodronate disodium is (dichloromethylene) diphosphonic acid disodium salt and is manufactured from the tetrahydrate form. INDICATION: For the control of clinical signs associated with navicular syndrome in horses. CONTRAINDICATIONS: Horses with hypersensitivity to clodronate disodium should not receive OSPHOS. WARNINGS: Do not use in horses intended for human consumption. HUMAN WARNINGS: Not for human use. Keep this and all drugs out of the reach of children. Consult a physician in case of acci- dental human exposure. PRECAUTIONS: As a class, bisphosphonates may be associated with gastrointestinal and renal toxicity. Sensitivity to drug associated adverse reactions varies with the individual patient. Renal and gastrointestinal adverse reactions may be associated with plasma concentrations of the drug. Bisphosphonates are excreted by the kidney; therefore, conditions causing renal im- pairment may increase plasma bisphosphonate concentrations resulting in an increased risk for adverse reactions. Concurrent administration of other potentially nephrotoxic drugs should be approached with caution and renal function should be monitored. Use of bisphosphonates in patients with conditions or diseases affecting renal function is not recommended. Administration of bisphosphonates has been associated with abdominal pain (colic), discomfort, and agitation in horses. Clinical signs usually occur shortly after drug administration and may be associated with alterations in intestinal motility. In horses treated with OSPHOS these clinical signs usually began within 2 hours of treatment. Horses should be monitored for at least 2 hours following administration of OSPHOS. Bisphosphonates affect plasma concentrations of some minerals and electrolytes such as calcium, magnesium and po- tassium, immediately post-treatment, with effects lasting up to several hours. Caution should be used when administering bisphosphonates to horses with conditions affecting mineral or electrolyte homeostasis (e.g. hyperkalemic periodic paralysis, hypocalcemia, etc.). ® The safe use of OSPHOS has not been evaluated in horses less OSPHOS Easily Administered than 4 years of age. The effect of bisphosphonates on the skel- eton of growing horses has not been studied; however, bisphosphonates inhibit osteoclast activity which impacts bone turnover via intramuscular injection and may affect bone growth. controls the Bisphosphonates should not be used in pregnant or lactating * mares, or mares intended for breeding. The safe use of OSPHOS Well Tolerated has not been evaluated in breeding horses or pregnant or lactating mares. Bisphosphonates are incorporated into the bone clinical signs in clinical trials matrix, from where they are gradually released over periods of months to years. The extent of bisphosphonate incorporation into adult bone, and hence, the amount available for release Proven Efﬁcacy* back into the systemic circulation, is directly related to the to- associated tal dose and duration of bisphosphonate use. Bisphosphonates have been shown to cause fetal developmental abnormalities at 6 months post treatment in laboratory animals. The uptake of bisphosphonates into fetal bone may be greater than into maternal bone creating a possible risk for skeletal or other abnormalities in the fetus. Many drugs, with Navicular including bisphosphonates, may be excreted in milk and may be No Reconstitution absorbed by nursing animals. Increased bone fragility has been observed in animals treated Syndrome with bisphosphonates at high doses or for long periods of time. Bisphosphonates inhibit bone resorption and decrease bone turnover which may lead to an inability to repair micro damage within the bone. In humans, atypical femur fractures have been Learn more online reported in patients on long term bisphosphonate therapy; however, a causal relationship has not been established. www.dechra-us.com ADVERSE REACTIONS: The most common adverse reactions reported in the ﬁeld study were clinical signs of discomfort or www.osphos.com nervousness, colic and/or pawing. Other signs reported were lip licking, yawning, head shaking, injection site swelling, and hives/pruritus.

As with all drugs, side effects may occur. In ﬁeld studies, the most common side effects reported were signs of discomfort or nervousness, colic, and/or pawing. OSPHOS should not be used in pregnant or lactating mares, or mares intended for breeding. Distributed by: Dechra Veterinary Products Use of OSPHOS in patients with conditions affecting renal function or mineral or electrolyte homeostasis is not recommended. 7015 College Boulevard, Suite 525 Overland Park, KS 66211 866-933-2472 Refer to the prescribing information for complete details or visit www.dechra-us.com or call 866.933.2472. CAUTION: Federal law restricts this drug to use by or on the order of licensed veterinarian. © 2016 Dechra Ltd. OSPHOS is a registered trademark of Dechra Ltd. All rights reserved. * Freedom of Information Summary, Original New Animal Drug Application, NADA 141-427, for OSPHOS. April 28, 2014. NADA 141-427, Approved by FDA Dechra Veterinary Products US and the Dechra D logo are registered trademarks of Dechra Pharmaceuticals PLC. © 2016 Dechra Ltd. equus Fly Predators® vs

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The staying temperament. I look forward to reading your horse, you need to realize that your more of Deb Bennett’s research! horse may be just as dissatisfied as you power of Morgans Mary Ann Whitley are. The truth is that you both could I am thoroughly enjoying the se- University Heights, Ohio be happier with a better match. The ries on Morgans by Deb Bennett, PhD horse might welcome a new home and a (“The Mystery of the Morgan Horse,” Nailed it chance to bond with someone who could Conformation Insights, EQUUS 469, and I just finished reading “Letting It appreciate him for who he is. It is unfair “The Registered Morgan,” Conformation Be” (Case Report, EQUUS 472), about a ego on your part to think no one else Insights, EQUUS 471). Ever since seeing horse named Raye who had a nail em- could love or care for him as you do. my fi rst live Morgans at a local show in bedded in her hoof. Wow, did this bring Loving horses is a wonderful thing, Gainesville, Florida, in 1972, I knew this back memories. but no love should be blind. Let the was the breed I wanted when I was able About 15 years ago, the same thing infirm rest in peace, give the young the to fi nally buy my own horse. happened to my Arabian gelding, education they need to hold their own in My fi rst horse was a black half- Sequoia. I went out to feed him one the world, and let go. Arabian, half-Morgan mare who lived morning, and his back leg was swollen Deb Tompkins to be 34---and was never lame, and from his coronet band all the way to Greenville, New York rarely wore shoes, I might add. My sec- his hock. When I picked up his hoof, ond was her three-quarters Morgan off- there was a roofing nail embedded in I wanted to shout “Yes!” after read- spring, a black colt, whom I gelded and there. I immediately called my veteri- ing “Breaking Attachments” (Letters, kept all of his 26 years. I’m now on my narian, who said, “Don’t touch it. I’m EQUUS 471), which was written in re- third black Morgan. on my way.” sponse to “Beyond the Forever Home.” While it seems the Morgan has been X-rays showed that the nail had Most people keep their cats and dogs surpassed in popularity by breeds like missed the coffin bone, so my veterinar- for life, forming tight family bonds the Quarter Horse, I offer this anecdote: ian extracted it on site. And so began they wouldn’t think of breaking. Yet so A friend who’s always had Quarter four weeks of soaking, packing and many people fail to offer their horses the Horses boarded my current Morgan for wrapping along with antibiotics. It was same stability. a couple of years, and after having him a long road, but Sequoia made a full If sport is all that people want, then on her property, she was singing the recovery, and all these years later he’s sentient beings are the wrong vehicle. praises of this breed. She told everyone had no setbacks from the experience. Horses have needs for attachment, fam- what a great horse he was: smart, good- He was lucky. ily and trusting relationships. When we tempered, quiet, easy to handle, hardy. The first thing my veterinarian told trade them like cars we no longer want, I think that once people are exposed to me was to never take anything out of we ignore their very essence as beings. Morgans, they develop a respect and ad- the hoof. Once the object is out, there I hope more people will think about miration for this great American breed. is no way to know what path it took or “rehoming” if they truly care about their Also, although Ms. Bennett says how much damage it did. That was some horses’ well-being. that horses aren’t widely used for of the best advice I was ever given. I’m Shera Felde driving/farm work anymore, I would happy that it all turned out well in the Bend, Oregon point out that there are a number of end for Raye. Have an opinion about Amish breeders of Morgans around who Dianne Benedict TELL something you’ve read still try to produce a good general horse Derry, New Hampshire US WHAT in EQUUS? Write to that can be driven or ridden. When look- YOU Letters, EQUUS, 656 ing for my current horse, I visited an On the “forever home” THINK Quince Orchard Amish breeder in Michigan who had a Thank you for “Beyond the Forever Road, #600, Gaithersburg, MD 20878; farm full of beautiful Morgans. I’m Home” (Perspective, EQUUS 470). I fax: 301-990-9015; email: EQLetters@ also heartened that there are still have been advocating this point for aimmedia.com. Please include your breeders trying to preserve and per- years. Keeping a horse “forever” is not address and telephone number. If you petuate the best Morgan qualities and necessarily a good thing. When you have questions about your subscription, produce a good using horse who’s also are unhappy, frightened or otherwise call 800-829-5910. beautiful and endowed with a good uncomfortable in your relationship with

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GENE THERAPY FOR LAMINITIS? Thanks to a research g viral vectors are ‘crippled,’ breakthrough at the Uni- v meaning they are incapable versity of Pennsylvania’s a of replicating themselves, but CELIA STRAIN New Bolton Center, it may th they still have the machinery one day be possible to treat h to enter the host cell.” laminitis using gene therapy m Once a viral vector contain- that targets damaged cells it ing the desired gene enters within the hoof. fo a host cell, it makes the host An often debilitating v cell produce the desired pro- infl ammation of the hoof’s th tein, says Richardson. “That sensitive sensitive laminae, lamini- laminae tu protein is expressed locally tis is notoriously diffi cult to it and (theoretically) treats the treat. “The issue with lami- disease process.” nitis is that the damaged tis- PROMISE: In the type of The researchers tested this sue [the lamellae] is highly gene therapy that may technique on seven healthy specialized,” explains Dean one day be used to treat horses with no history of lam- frog Richardson, DVM. “The laminitis, a gene would be initis, using “marked” genes bars tricky thing is effectively inserted into the DNA of a that could easily be identi- virus, which would then be treating this highly special- sole fi ed after delivery by one of ized tissue when we really injected into the horse. six different viral vectors. The are not entirely sure of what hoof The virus would enter the vectors were injected into the wall ‘targets’ within that tissue horse’s cells and cause them hoof through the palmar digi- need to be treated.” to produce a protein that tal artery, which runs down Richardson and his re- treats the disease. the side of the pastern. A tech- search team have been in- nique called regional limb vestigating the potential for viral new viral perfusion was then used to DNA gene DNA gene therapy techniques to ensure that the virus---and fundamentally alter cells viral vector the gene it delivered---stayed within the hoof. “Gene ther- modified DNA injected within the foot for 30 minutes. into viral vector apy in this sense means that Seven to 21 days later, the you defi ne a gene that codes vector researchers found that three for a protein that you believe binds to cell new gene of the viral vectors had pen- membrane will be therapeutic. That vector injects new etrated cells throughout the gene into nucleus hooves, including the lami- vector is Reference: “Delivery and packaged in nae. These vectors were even evaluation of recombinant vesicle vesicle more widely dispersed when adeno-associated viral breaks down, combined with a surfactant, releasing vectors in the equine distal cell makes a substance that reduces sur- vector protein using extremity for the treatment of new gene face tension of a liquid and GENE THERAPY USING laminitis,” Equine Veterinary A VIRAL VECTOR increases its spreading and

Journal, January 2017 wetting properties. INSTITUTES OF HEALTH NATIONAL

10 EqUUS 474 march 2017 HOW HORSES THE BEST at the University of Helsinki reviewed the records of 1,097 ASK FOR WAY TO horses who had been x-rayed HELP TREAT SAND for sand in the digestive tract COLIC over a six-year period. They A new study from Japan shows that horses aren’t too then focused on 246 horses proud to ask for help when they need it. Or, at least, when It may not be the most whose radiographs showed carrots are involved. convenient or cheapest areas of sand in the colon Working at the Kobe University Graduate School of option, but repeated naso- greater than 75 square centi- Intercultural Studies, researchers conducted two trials. In gastric tubing done in a meters and who were treated one, a horse and a caretaker watched as an experimenter hospital setting is the most medically and were moni- placed carrots in a bucket that was just out of reach. In the effective method for clearing tored radiographically. The second, the caretaker did not see whether carrots were sand from a horse’s diges- study horses fell into one of hidden in the bucket. tive tract, according to a new three treatment categories: The researchers then documented any attempts the study from Finland. • those treated at home horse made to try to communicate about the hidden A horse who grazes on and fed psyllium daily for at carrots. They found that the horses used visual (looking at) sandy soil can develop accu- least 10 days (group 1) and tactile cues (nudging or touching) to get the attention mulations of sediment in his • those treated once with of the caretaker. large colon, which can lead psyllium or magnesium sul- The horses used cues more often and more persistently in to recurrent colic, weight loss fate delivered by a veterinar- the trial when the bucket contained carrots, as opposed to the and diarrhea. In severe ian using a nasogastric tube, trial when it was empty, indicating that the horses were trying cases, surgery is necessary and then fed psyllium at to deliver a specifi c message. to manually remove the home for 10 days (group 2) What’s more, the researchers found that if the caretaker sand, but several non- • horses kept in a hospital was present when the carrots were placed in the bucket, the invasive treatments are com- for three to seven days and horses were less persistent in their cues, indicating that they monly used to prevent and treated there daily with were adjusting their signals based on their perception of hu- clear accumulations. psyllium and/or magnesium man knowledge of the situation. One method is feeding sulfate (group 3) psyllium mucilloid, dried “Horses in group 2 were Reference: “Domestic horses send signals to humans when husks from the seed of the initially given psyllium or they are faced with an unsolvable task,” Animal Cognition, Plantago ovata plant that magnesium sulfate or both November 2016 expand in the colon to a ge- depending on the clini- latinous consistency. As it cian’s judgment,” says Ritva Learning that viral vec- “Right now we have used passes out of the digestive Kaikkonen, DVM. “In group 3 tors can deliver genes to hoof some candidate genes tract, the psyllium is be- there were some horses who tissue is only a preliminary [specifi cally, tissue inhibi- lieved to carry sand with it. had high magnesium levels step in the complex process tor of metalloproteinase-3 In the other common treat- or very loose feces so some of creating a gene therapy, (TIMP3)] but we don’t know ment, a nasogastric tube is tubings were done without says Richardson. Next the which or even how many can- used to administer magne- magnesium sulfate and some researchers will work to de- didates there may be because sium sulfate (Epsom salts), were given only magnesium termine which genes can no one has completely de- which acts as a laxative. sulfate depending of the clin- be benefi cial. “This is the fi ned the pathogenetic path- To compare the effi cacy of ical status of the horse.”

ultimate question,” he says. ways of laminitis.” these methods, researchers Follow-up radiographs ARND BRONKHORST march 2017 EqUUS 474 11 Repeated nasogastric tubing done in a hospital setting is the most effective method for clearing sand from a horse’s digestive tract, according to a new study from Finland.

were also taken for each resolved cases, with 91 of Owners of horses at risk horse. If the horse was man- 170 horses (53 percent) of sand colic are wise to con- aged at home, the radio- clearing sand. In contrast, sider the possible limitations graphs were taken within 40 the success rate in group 1 of various treatments, says ARND BRONKHORST days of treatment and those was 24 percent and in group Kaikkonen: “We see lots of in the hospital were radio- 2, it was 21 percent. horses who are given psyl- graphed within eight days. Kaikkonen says the effec- lium at home but with no If the second radiograph in- tiveness of hospitalization effect. So I would advise the dicated the sand area had with repeated nasogastric horse owners not to trust decreased to less than 25 tubings could be attributed blindly that feeding psyllium square centimeters, the The resulting data showed to a few factors. “Horses usu- is the solution. At the very

DARLENE WOHLART accumulation was con- that group 3, horses who ally do not eat magnesium least, the horse’s environ- sidered resolved. were hospitalized and under- sulfate [so it needs to be de- ment should be controlled to went repeated tubing, had a livered via nasogastric tube]. prevent the access to sand.” much higher percentage of With that method, you can get a large bolus0 at once. Reference: “Comparison of Administration technique psyllium feeding at home seems to have an inﬂ uence, and nasogastric intubation but based on previous stud- of psyllium and magnesium ies we know that magnesium sulfate in the hospital as sulfate and psyllium in a treatment for naturally combination seem to be most occurring colonic sand effective. Another factor may (geosediment) accumulations be also that horses in the in horses: a retrospective hospital did not have contin- study,” Acta Veterinaria ued exposure to sand.” Scandinavica, October 2016

A QUESTION ABOUT ANESTHESIA PRECAUTIONS To reduce their risk of at the Oakridge Equine the researchers focused on that allowing a horse to eat aspiration0 pneumonia, people Hospital in Edmond, a more common complica- prior to undergoing general who undergo general anes- Oklahoma, between 2012 tion—postsurgical colic. anesthesia for surgery that thesia are generally told and 2014. In particular, they The data showed that does not involve the digestive not to eat or drink anything collected data on horses only 2.5 percent of the system may maintain normal for at least eight hours prior over age 2, that had non- horses who had not been gut motility and thereby to the procedure. However, emergency, non-abdominal fasted prior to non-abdominal decrease the risk of post- a new study suggests that procedures and had not been surgery developed colic. operative colic. similar precautions may not fasted prior to administration And no correlation was found be necessary for horses in of general anesthesia. between the risk of postop- Reference: “Incidence of many cases. Because horses do not erative colic and the horse’s post-anesthetic colic in non- Researchers reviewed vomit, aspiration pneumonia age, surgical procedure or fasted adult equine patients,” the records of horses who is not considered a primary duration of anesthesia. Canadian Veterinary Journal,” underwent general anesthesia postsurgical risk; instead, The researchers conclude December 2016

12 EqUUS 474 march 2017 NA RI RI TE A E N V

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From the evidence on your fleece jacket and truck upholstery, it’s clear: SLOW Shedding season has begun. Although it’s technically still winter, shedding--- TO SHED? which is triggered by the length of the days rather than temperatures---begins in some horses by mid-February. Other horses may start later, but by the end of March every horse in your barn should be losing his winter coat. It’s important to note which horses aren’t shedding. Holding on to a thick, because their eyes cannot register the winter coat is a hallmark of the meta- daylight cues that trigger the process. HEAD OFF HAY bolic disorder pituitary0 pars intermedia Some horses are patchy shedders, SHORTAGES dysfunction (PPID, Cushing’s disease). meaning they will lose large swaths Warmer weather may be just around If your hairy horse hasn’t been diag- of hair on one part of their body and the corner, but in most regions it will nosed with PPID, ask your veterinarian then another. This looks odd---or even still be several weeks or even months about the possibility. unsightly---for a few weeks, but it isn’t before pastures begin to grow again. Also call the veterinarian if your a sign of illness. It’s just a congenital Until then, finding more hay will likely horse has been diagnosed with PPID quirk. Likewise, some horses will lose be difficult and costly. So take a few and is under treatment but still seems fine, outer layers of skin as they shed, minutes now to consider the contents to be shedding slowly---his medication which can look alarming but also is of your loft or shed: Do you have enough dose may need to be adjusted. Finally, harmless. If you’re concerned with hay to last until the first cutting of although it’s much more rare than how your shedding horse looks, take a the summer? metabolic disease, horses with signifi- photo, send it to your veterinarian and Keep in mind that a horse needs to cant blindness may also be slow to shed ask if it’s time to worry. eat 2 percent of his body weight in forage each day. That’s 24 pounds of hay or other roughage source per day for a a. traumatic injuries to soft tissue un- 1,200-pound horse. As you survey your POP THE derneath intact skin, such as a bruise WORD loft, think of every horse you’ll be feed- b. open wounds with very clean edges ON ing for the coming weeks and estimate QUIZ WOUNDS created, either intentionally or accidentally, whether you’ll have enough. by very sharp objects such as a scalpel, If you aren’t certain your hay will last An equine glass or sheet metal through the season, begin formulating wound can c. open wounds with irregular edges, a plan now to replenish or supplement Q:go by many extensive damage to surrounding tissue and your supply. The last thing you want to D heavy contamination; often caused by nails do is wind up with no hay at all. Even how to accurately de- protruding from fences or overreaches going a few days without sufficient for- scribe each? Match the d. friction injuries that remove superfi- age can cause some horses to colic. If following terms with cial layers of skin, characterized by hair loss your hay supply is running low, here are their definitions at right: and serum oozing from the damaged skin abrasions, contusions, a few options: • Purchase more. This sounds sim- lacerations, incisions. For the answers, turn to page 17. DUSTY PERIN

ple enough, but this late into winter, ARND BRONKHORST

14 EqUUS 474 march 2017 Fi nally, answers to your prayers... Is this your horse? Is this your horse? Chronic sore feet Painful feet on hard or frozen ground Laminitis Rotated on X-ray Elevated insulin Cresty neck levels Founder history meds Easy keeper staying but still foot sore large on little food Senior horse health issues for lung infections HEIRO Give heaves the to the rescue “HEAVE HO”! Get your horse back to pasture faster breathing better faster

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SPRING: New grass SUMMER: Heat SPRING: Grass, weed, SUMMER: Flowering plants, and leaf pollen counts high weed pollen; corn and increase soybean pollen peaks FALL: Frost, WINTER: Cold stress; FALL: WINTER: All-hay diets = ACTH Surge Ragweed pollen & Hard, frozen ground mold spore counts peak; high levels of hay dust Developed by fallen leaves a mold source exposure Get your horse back to grass pasture faster! Dr. Frank Reilly, DVM Dr. Reilly is also the Get your horse back to breathing better faster! “Ask The Vet” expert on Equine Insulin Resistance for the AAEP. “Best decision I ever made. “ I love, love, love HEIRO!” HEAVE HO is a miracle!” Alexis, CA Nancy, PA

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Ask for them by name or call 800-578-9234 for a dealer near you! EQ17 many suppliers may be out of hay or gnawing on trees or wood fences. HANDS have only poor quality bales you are The key to managing a hay shortage ON better off avoiding. If you can find good is to see it coming. You don’t want to be hay, by all means purchase it, but don’t caught by surprise with an empty loft settle for dusty, moldy or otherwise midwinter. questionable bales. USES FOR WELL-MANICURED TACK • Stretch your supply. There are ways to make the hay you have last lon- ULTRASOUND I use a nail-cleaning brush—like the ger without compromising your horses’ Just a decade ago, you may have been sort used to give manicures—to gently health. Begin mixing in alfalfa pellets alarmed to see your veterinarian pulling scrub mud off my tack after a messy trail or cubes with your horse’s ration, cut- an ultrasound machine from the truck ride. It’s strong enough to cut through ting back on long-stem hay proportion- to assess your horse’s lameness---was it the dirt, but soft enough to not scratch ally to maintain the 2 percent threshold. that serious? Today, however, advances the leather.—Morgan Devos, Corvallis, • Replace hay with another forage in technology have made ultrasound Oregon source. There are many hay alternatives a go-to diagnostic resource used even available, including chopped forage, in the earliest stages of minor injuries. Send your suggestions for inexpensive alfalfa cubes and complete feeds. If you Small lesions in tendons, ligaments and horse-care substitutes as well as hints can’t stretch your supply of long-stem cartilage can be identified with greater for saving effort and time to Hands On, hay, you can replace it with one of these. accuracy than ever using the technol- EQUUS, 656 Quince Orchard Road, This transition needs to be made gradu- ogy. And although ultrasound waves do #600, Gaithersburg, MD 20878; fax: ally, however, well before your supply of not penetrate bone tissues, the images 301-990-9015; email: EQLetters@ hay is gone. And keep in mind that us- they relay to the monitor can help detect aimmedia.com. Senders of published ing an alternative with less “chew-time,” small avulsions or hairline fractures. items will receive selected EQUUS such as a complete feed, can leave a Beyond musculoskeletal injuries, merchandise. horse restless and more likely to start ultrasound can also be used to pinpoint

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16 EqUUS 474 march 2017 trouble in the abdomen and a few major organs. Depending on the machine, • Purchase: shedding tools waves can penetrate from 12 to 15 cen- Tack • Considerations: The ideal tool will effectively remove timeters, reaching the kidney, liver, your horse’s winter coat hairs, speeding the shedding process, spleen, colon, some parts of the small Box without being too harsh; some horses may find intestines, uterus, ovaries and bladder. certain sensations overwhelming or annoying, so Because ultrasound provides a dynamic it’s wise to have a selection of tools on hand and image, it can check blood flow to a par- start with a “softer” option. ticular area of the body. It can also be • Options: The traditional shedding tool is a used on eyes to look for retinal damage, blade—a long, narrow and flexible strip of metal particularly when the cornea is clouded. with one smooth and one serrated edge. Blades can be very effective, particularly on dense or muddy coats, but they need to be used cautiously on sensitive horses and over areas that don’t have a good padding of fat or muscle. Fiberglass “slick blocks” remove hair more gently and can be used on sensitive areas, but their smaller surfaces mean it may take Ride more time to shed out an entire horse. Specialized shedding combs, originally developed for dogs and adapted for equine use, are typically very effective but can’t follow the con- Kathy Anderson, DVM Along tours of a horse’s body as a blade does. with a veterinarian • Cost: Fiberglass blocks start at about $4, but they wear away and require replace- Check out our Ride Along video ment. Shedding blades range from $5 to about $15 depending on their quality and series, sponsored by Zoetis. In materials. Combs start around $10 but cost as much as $60, depending on features. episode 2 (http://bit.ly/2iholOW), Kathy Anderson, DVM, demonstrates a. contusions b. incisions how ultrasound aids diagnosis. POP QUIZ Answers c. lacerations d. abrasions DUSTY PERIN

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march 2017 EqUUS 474 17 Scratches Pasterns often become crusty and scabby when “mud season” turns paddocks into soupy messes. But left untreated, a simple case of scratches can escalate into a painful, chronic condition.

By Laurie Bonner

cratches is the common term for pastern dermatitis, an Sinflammation of the skin that develops between the heels and the fetlocks. Affected areas become scabby and crusty, sometimes oozing clear or yellowish serum. Usually the result of repeated wetting and drying, scratches develops when bacteria or fungi invade WHAT TO DO: through tiny wounds or cracks in the skin’s surface. • Rinse your horse’s legs. peroxide, and use it as direct- Although scratches can Move your horse into a ed. Avoid products with higher occur at any time of year, it dry area, and hose off dirt, concentrations of these agents is seen more frequently mud and other debris on because they can further irri- when horses are turned out his lower legs. You may tate the skin. in wet environments. want to carefully trim the • Dry the skin thoroughly. You can probably treat longer hair on his pasterns You may want to use a hair scratches on your own, and to better expose the skin dryer at a low setting. most cases will clear up to the air. • Apply an antibiotic oint- quickly with proper care. • Cleanse the affected ment. This step isn’t strictly But if your horse develops area with an antiseptic necessary, but in addition to persistent or severe scratches wash. Choose a product helping to kill bacteria, a thick- you’ll want to seek your that contains 2 percent er ointment may form a protec- veterinarian’s help. chlorhexidine or benzoyl tive barrier over the skin. First Response DUSTY PERIN

18 EqUUS 474 march 2017 WHAT NOT TO DO: DUSTY PERIN • Do not use “home rem- the scabs. They are very edies.” Bleach, antifungal painful to the horse, and sprays meant for plants and tugging at scabs may get other caustic chemicals can you kicked. The scabs ought injure the skin and make the to soften and slough off inflammation much worse. on their own within a few • Do not try to pick off days as the skin heals. ARND BRONKHORST CALL YOUR VETERINARIAN WHEN:

The infection grows deeper tissues may result, worse despite treatment or leading to painful swelling. does not heal within two You’ll want your veterinarian to weeks. Your veterinarian begin treatment promptly. • Repeat as needed. Clean chronically wet areas or will want to rule out other The infection recurs and treat the affected skin taking other steps to im- conditions, such as vasculitis0 persistently, despite treatment every two to three days un- prove drainage. or mange0, which can look and changes in the horse’s til the infection clears. Most It may take some detec- very similar to scratches. living conditions. Some cases heal within two weeks. tive work to discover the In addition, a prescription horses are just more prone • Address the cause. cause. Scratches may de- medication or a different to scratches. But if yours If your horse developed velop when a horse’s skin is treatment may be needed if seems to be constantly af- scratches after spending chronically irritated by bell the infection proves to fected when others around too much time in wet turn - boots that don’t fit or envi- be fungal rather than him are not, your veterinar- out areas, you may need to ronmental conditions such bacterial in origin. ian will want to investigate the find him a drier paddock as coarse arena footing. In The affected legs start reasons why. One possibility is or pasture. Also consider other cases, the skin is irri- to swell. If pathogens pen- that your horse has an under- longer term solutions, such tated by chemically treated etrate the outer layers of the lying disorder that affects his as laying down gravel in bedding materials. skin, a serious infection of the immune function. ARND BRONKHORST march 2017 EqUUS 474 19 EQ CASEREPORT

he words “broken jaw” sum- of Buddy’s swollen, tender jaw. mon images of gruesome The images showed a fracture in injuries, uncomfortable treat- the portion of the mandible called the Tments and long, uncertain “interdental space,” where there are recovery periods. And, when it comes no teeth, but only on the left side. to people, that often isn’t too far off. “Usually if [the mandible] breaks in But for horses, jaw fractures are not that section, it breaks on both sides,” necessarily debilitating injuries. In says Roberts. “So the fact that we could fact, most broken equine jaws are only see one break on his radiographs relatively easy to treat, with minimal made it kind of peculiar.” pain and a good prognosis. Seeing no evidence of a flesh wound This fortunate fact is illustrated by on Buddy’s jaw, Roberts ruled out a kick the tale of two jaw fractures that hap- Two incidents on the from a pasturemate or a similar “battle pened to occur, just weeks apart, at same farm illustrate injury.” Instead, she thought the gelding A and O Stables in McCoy, Virginia, how well horses can might have broken his jaw by grabbing last year. The farm is owned by Ashley recover from jaw injuries, onto something---the stall door or even Roberts, DVM, an associate veterinarian even when the causes the edge of his water bucket---with his at Appalachian Veterinary Services in and treatments are teeth and then pulling back suddenly, nearby Riner, Virginia. The horses, their very different. perhaps because he was startled. injuries and the treatments they re- “That’s a pretty common injury in quired were about as different as could By Tom Moates young horses. Foals and yearlings, be, but the end result in both cases was they’ll kind of latch onto something and a full recovery. size than the same area on the right. then spook and jerk back and it just “At that time I was pretty sure [his snaps their bottom jaw,” she says. Even Buddy: One bad move mandible] was broken,” Roberts says. though Buddy was older, this seemed Buddy, a big, bay Quarter Horse The mandible is the lower bone of the the most likely explanation, gelding boarded at Roberts’ farm, is jaw; the bone above is called the max- Roberts and Adams talked to Buddy’s an easygoing horse with a history of illa. The lower incisors are anchored owner and recommended a referral good health. He was 18 years old when to the front portion of the mandible, to the Virginia–Maryland College of Roberts found him early one November with the cheek teeth and molars em- Veterinary Medicine hospital in nearby morning standing over his bucket just bedded along its length. Behind the Blacksburg, Virginia, for potential sur- looking at his grain. teeth, the bone curves upward to form gery to stabilize the fracture. Buddy’s “When I see a horse not eating the what might colloquially be referred to owner agreed and made arrangements first thing I think about is a colic,” says as the horse’s “cheek.” to have him shipped the next day. Roberts. But Buddy was definitely not Buddy resisted Roberts’ efforts to In the meantime, Roberts kept Buddy colicking; he was bright and alert. “It examine him. “He was reluctant to let on bute through the night and soaked was like he wanted to eat but he just me look in his mouth,” she says. “I gave his evening grain in water to create a couldn’t,” she says. “He was showing him some bute and called his owner to slurry. “By that time, he was eating a interest in his grain but he just couldn’t tell her what was going on.” She decided little bit,” she says. take a bite and chew.” to head into her office to retrieve a ra- The next morning, Roberts accompa- Taking a closer look at the gelding, diograph machine and a second set of nied Buddy and his owner to the uni- Roberts noticed that the left side of hands to help. versity clinic, where surgery resident his face was swollen. Feeling carefully, Roberts returned with Kent Adams, Ricky Trahan, DVM, was part of the team she determined that the left underside DVM, the founder of Appalachian managing the case. He reassured them of his jaw---just a few inches behind his Veterinary Services, and together about Buddy’s prospects: “Horses can lower lip---was dramatically different in the pair took a series of radiographs do surprisingly well with broken jaws,” CELIA STRAIN

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says Trahan. “If you can stabilize the area, they have the capacity to eat just fine and generally heal very well.” PRIOR TO SURGERY IMMEDIATELY AFTER SURGERY Good blood circulation in the area contributes to the speedy healing of SUCCESSFUL REPAIR: Buddy’s mandible was fractured only on the left side, so the surgeon jaw fractures, he adds: “The face and was able to stabilize the area by anchoring a wire to his right canine tooth and running mouth and generally most tissues in it across the front of his mouth to a premolar on the other side. A radiograph taken two that area have a good blood supply, months after surgery confirmed that the fracture was healing well. which promotes healing and keeps infections at bay. Sure, you can get infect- veterinary school for three days, mainly area with a mild antiseptic solution. ed teeth and sinuses, but injuries to the so that his food and water intake, as Three months after he was injured, face, like a torn eyelid or a broken jaw, well as his level of discomfort, could be Buddy returned to the university typically heal very well if the blood sup- closely monitored. clinic for a recheck. By now the wire ply is not compromised.” When Buddy came home, there was gone---having broken and fallen A second set of radiographs con- was one significant change to his daily away on its own---but it didn’t matter: firmed that Buddy’s mandible was bro- routine: “You can’t let a horse graze Radiographs revealed the site was ken only on the left side, which made a with a broken jaw,” says Roberts. “If healing well. fairly straightforward repair possible. they pull on grass it will stress the Back at home, Buddy slowly made “Because the right side of his jaw was area and break the wire. He went on the transition from chopped forage stable, we were able to use that to our stall rest, essentially, but he could and soaked grain to his regular diet, advantage,” Trahan says. go out in our indoor arena because it and his owner began riding him, first With Buddy standing and sedated, doesn’t have any grass.” in a bitless bridle and then with his the surgeons anchored a wire to the To offset the lack of grazing, Roberts regular snaffle. canine tooth on the right side of the jaw. made some adjustments to Buddy’s “He has done great and has never Then they ran that wire across the front diet. “To get enough fiber into him we looked back,” Roberts says. “He of the mouth---weaving through the started adding alfalfa pellets and beet actually went to his first dressage front teeth---and attached it to the sec- pulp and rice bran---all soaked as well show recently.” ond premolar on the left side just past ---in with his feed. He was getting be- the fracture site. “The purpose of the tween a gallon and a half and two gal- Star: Just for kicks wire is to stabilize the mouth,” explains lons of mush per feeding. He could have Only 15 days after Roberts discov- Trahan. “People with broken jaws often hay, but it had to be chopped.” ered Buddy’s injury, she found Star, have them wired shut, but that’s not Trahan prescribed the nonsteroidal another Quarter Horse gelding boarded necessary with horses. You can just run anti-inflammatory firocoxib for Buddy on her property, hovering over his full wire from one side to the other and they instead of bute to reduce the risk of ul- feed bucket one morning without taking continue to happily eat and drink.” cers or other side effects. The gelding a bite. The age of this horse made the Sure enough, by evening on the day stayed on that medication for a week, sight particularly troubling: He was 33 of the surgery, Buddy had fully recov- along with a course of antibiotics. at the time. ered from sedation and happily ate Each day, Roberts inspected the wire Mentally running through the list of

RADIOGRAPHS COURTESY, VIRGINIA-MARYLAND COLLEGE OF VETERINARY MEDICINE VETERINARY COLLEGE OF VIRGINIA-MARYLAND RADIOGRAPHS COURTESY, some soaked feed. He remained at the in Buddy’s mouth and rinsed the ailments that could stop an older horse

22 EqUUS 474 march 2017 gloves to carefully explore the depths of cephapirin sodium every other day, and the wound, Roberts began finding and the wound gradually healed. Roberts removing fragments of bone. believes this additional antibiotic treat- “Some of them were as big as two ment helped prevent infection and facil- or three inches across and some of itated Star’s steady recovery. them were tiny---just a few millimeters Just as with Buddy, Star’s healing across,” she says. As best she could sur- jaw could not withstand the torque mise, Star had been kicked on the side forces of grazing, so the gelding was of the face by a herdmate and the blow kept off pasture. But, because of his had broken his jaw. age, he was already receiving complete TWO MONTHS “Surgery wasn’t really an option--- pelleted feed that included roughage AFTER SURGERY even if we did want to wire his jaw, he so his nutritional needs were not from eating, Roberts examined Star. didn’t have enough teeth left to anchor a concern. She quickly found the likely source of it to,” says Roberts. “But he didn’t nec- Throughout his ordeal, Star was a the problem. essarily need that. The best I could tell model patient. “Other than right when I “He had a large wound, about two from palpation was the main part of found it, he never stopped eating,” says inches across, at the corner of his left the mandible was stable. The bone frag- Roberts. “That is really the key to why mandible---where it began to curve ments were from a fracture, but not one he did so well. He is known here at the upward. At the time, there was no swell- that was affecting the function or stabil- barn as the Energizer Bunny---nothing ing. So I just thought it was a wound ity of the jaw itself.” gets in his way. He’s going to do his and his mouth was sore.” Roberts continued to pull bone daily routine or bust.” Roberts gave Star a dose of bute to pieces out of Star’s wound until she Star’s wound was completely closed ward off inflammation and help allevi- had about 15 to 20, a pile large enough about a month later, and the gelding ate pain and left him with his br eakfast to nearly fill a shot glass. “I got as many healed without any problems. “I was to see if he would eat anything once the as I possibly could,” she says, “and it anticipating him developing a seques- medication kicked in. Because of his was just a wound treatment from there.” trum, which is a piece of dead bone that age and missing teeth, the gelding al- Star’s advanced age made him more migrates to the surface, but he never ready was getting a slurry of complete prone to infection, even on his face, so did. I palpate his mandibles now, be- feed twice a day. in addition to a standard course of cause it’s amazing to me, and I can still “A couple of hours later I went back oral antibiotics, Roberts employed a feel a concave area,” says Roberts. “But to check on him and he had eaten wound-care technique developed for he’ll let you mess with it and he’s fine.” everything,” Roberts says, noting dairy cattle. that, even so, a thorough examination “I used an intra-mammary treatment wo horses, two broken jaws, two was necessary. “I called Star’s owner that is for dairy cows,” Roberts explains. full recoveries. These successes and told him that he had a wound “It’s an antibiotic [cephapirin sodium] Twere a result of prompt care, that I needed to look at so I needed to we use when they have mastitis, but dedicated nursing and, says Roberts, sedate him.” it comes in a sterile syringe with a the good appetites of the patients. With Star sedated and the area long sterile tip applicator that goes “Horses generally recover from jaw frac- numbed, Roberts began exploring the in the teat. What I would do is squirt tures really well, but some have a really wound and discovered it to be much that intra-mammary treatment up into hard time,” she says. “I think the key is more extensive than it appeared. “I the wound.” eating. If a fractured jaw stops a horse realized the wound was three or four Although unconventional for from eating, things get very complicated inches deep and it basically traveled horses, Roberts was confident in this very quickly and the outlook isn’t so straight up to the inside. If you feel a approach: “If it can go into the mam- good. In both cases, the horses kept eat- horse’s jaw there, it’s basically skin mary gland it’s obviously gentle enough ing and I think that made a huge differ- and bone. There’s not really any muscle to come into direct contact with the ence. It’s always nice when things turn there.” Using her fingers and sterile bone.” Roberts treated Star with the out this well.”

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A ﬁ eld guide

irst the good news: The vast to majority of the time, those Fcracks, chips and dings you fi nd on HOOF your horse’s hoof walls will be harmless blemishes. Then there’s the bad news: On rare occasions, a hoof CRACKS crack may be a serious problem that leads to unsound- When a defect appears in ness. Or a persistent crack may the wall of a horse’s hoof, be a sign of chronic trouble. In a worst-case scenario, a deep it’s important to be able crack may provide an entryway to distinguish a cosmetic for potentially life-threatening infections inside the foot. fl aw from a serious The key, of course, is to be able to distinguish the problem. difference. “Many of the cracks that we see out on the farm, probably at least 90 percent, are not going to cause lameness,” says Dean Moshier, a farrier in Delaware, Ohio, whose cli- ents include pleasure horses as well as top-level athletes. HORIZONTAL “Most are just superfi cial CRACK cracks, where the surface of the hoof wall looks rough and layered like shingles TOE on a roof.” CRACK Still, it’s a good idea to keep an eye on hoof cracks. Some that are minor to start with may worsen, and if your horse’s hoof cracks seem to be chronic, it’s a good idea to fi gure out why and take steps to prevent them. Here’s what HEEL QUARTER CRACK CRACK

CELIA STRAIN you need to know.

26 EQUUS 474 March 2017 By Heather Smith Thomas CAUSES OF HOOF CRACKS Hooves generally crack blow to the hoof can cause are usually the result of an under pressure from some injury, and cracks may also injury or a gravel abscess sort of trauma. The forces develop due to repeated con- that blew out at the coronary contributing to the crack can cussion, such as the horse band,” says Moshier. originate within the hoof---if who gallops on unforgiving “Horizontal cracks are not there are balance problems footing or who stomps at ﬂ ies normally lameness related, from poor or neglected farri- incessantly on hard ground. even though the initial cause ery work, for example, or con- Genetics also plays a role of that crack could have been formation issues that place in the strength and thick- a lameness-causing abscess unusual strains on the hoof ness of a horse’s hoof walls--- or foot injury,” he adds. “The wall. And, of course, cracks some horses are simply more crack itself is nothing to can be caused by external prone to cracks than others. worry about. It will eventually traumas---any single serious “A strong foot can withstand grow out.” or overcome a lot of adverse ANATOMY factors, but a weaker foot may TOE not be able to handle it,” says QUARTER Steve Norman, HOOF a farrier from WALL Georgetown, Kentucky. SOLE “Some horses just have more Horizontal cracks that run WHITE structural integrity in the parallel to the ground are LINE feet, and certain breeds have almost always the result BARS stronger feet than others.” of an abscess that drained Finally, one type of hoof through the coronary wall defect---horizontal band and disrupted the cracks that run parallel to formation of horn. the ground---is almost al- FROG ways caused by an abscess As the horizontal hoof that drained through the crack nears the ground, coronary band and tempo- your farrier may take steps rarily disrupted the forma- to stabilize the “loose” piece HEEL tion of horn, creating a gap. so it does not break off pre- BUTTRESSES Horizontal hoof cracks gener- maturely. “Sometimes at ally are not serious and will that point I take out the grow out without causing unattached wall below the

problems. “Horizontal cracks crack,” says Moshier. DUSTY PERIN

March 2017 EQUUS 474 27 THE MOST COMMON HOOF CRACKS TOE You’ll hear many terms disruption at the coronary CRACKS for hoof cracks---sand band affects the production cracks, weather cracks, of new, healthy horn. grass cracks, etc.---but the Vertical cracks are further most basic way to describe defi ned by where they appear these defects is according to on the hoof wall: their location and direction. • Toe cracks occur Toe cracks appear on the These indicators also offer in the front third of front third of the hoof. clues to the origin and sever- the hoof. Because the Those that originate at ity of the problem. hoof wall is thickest DUSTY PERIN the bottom edge of the Vertical cracks, which and strongest at the wall are typically just a run perpendicular to the front of the hoof, cosmetic concern likely ground, are the most com- serious cracks at the to be eliminated at the mon. The reason has to do toe are less likely to next trimming. with the anatomy of the be caused by external hoof wall itself. Like human injuries. However, ab- fi ngernails, hoof wall is com- scesses, bruises and posed mainly of a protein other internal issues that called keratin, which forms loosen the bond between tubules---structures that look the hoof wall and the under- like densely packed drink- lying connective tissues can ing straws. These tubules create weakness in the struc- run vertically down the hoof, ture that may result in from the coronary band to a deep crack. the ground, and give the Chronic toe cracks can hoof much of its structural also occur in horses with strength, like the rebar in conformation issues that in- concrete. Weaknesses that crease stresses on the front allow cracks to form are of the hoof. “Abnormally high much more likely to develop or low coffi n bone angles ARND BRONKHORST Because they can weaken the entire hoof, deep vertical between the parallel tubules cause toe cracks,” says Steve cracks (above) and those that originate at the coronary band than across them. Kraus, BS, CJF, head farrier and grow downward (below) are considered serious. Location determines how of the Cornell University serious these cracks are College of Veterinary likely to be. Those that origi- Medicine. “Often, long nate at the bottom edge of the pasterns and low-angled hoof wall and climb upward heels cause the front of the are typically just a cosmetic hoof to extend too far ahead concern that is likely to be of the leg.” As the horse eliminated at the next trim- walks, the breakover places ming. Vertical cracks that extreme leverage on the in- originate at the coronary side of the hoof wall, which band and grow downward can bend the wall inward are more worrisome, espe- and cause cracks. cially if they’re deep, because “When a hoof has an DUSTY PERIN

28 EQUUS 474 March 2017 QUARTER CRACKS

location, says Kraus: “If you TRIAGE FOR drop a plumb line down from the front of the horse’s shoul- CRACKED der, it will point to the crack.” HOOVES ARND BRONKHORST An underrun heel and When you notice a crack long toe also places stresses you’d never seen before, you on the quarters with each need to make a decision: Do step. The prying forces will I need to call a farrier right separate the hoof wall at the away? Or can this wait until Because they bottom fi rst, and the crack our next scheduled visit? affect a portion will grow upward. Its edges You’ll need to get a close of the hoof wall will spread apart as the look at it. that fl exes as horse bears weight. In general, the severity the horse bears • Heel cracks occur at of a crack depends upon its weight, quarter the rear of the hoof, below depth. Even if they’re long, cracks tend the heel bulbs. Like quarter cracks that are limited to the to cause more cracks, these, too, are likely outer layers of the hoof wall trouble than to cause lameness. A shoe are usually not serious. Most toe cracks. that shifts to the side or is too will grow out with the wall These cracks are small to support the entire and eventually be trimmed more likely to be heel to begin with is a com- off with no harm to the unstable and mon cause of a heel crack. horse. It is, however, a good cause lameness. The portion of the heel that idea to keep an eye on these overhangs the end of the blemishes to make sure they shoe may split vertically; the do not develop into more sig- edges of the crack will slide nifi cant injuries. up and down past each other The cracks to worry about with each step. extend deeper into the hoof Overstrikes, when a horse wall---enough to weaken it. hits the coronary band of a Call your farrier right away abnormally high coffi n bone caused by conformation front foot while overreach- if you discover a hoof crack angle, the hoof will land toe defects in the legs, such ing from behind, are another with any of these signs: fi rst, which also puts exces- as legs that toe out. “When common cause of both heel • Instability of the hoof sive force on the inner hoof the hoof is out of balance it and quarter cracks. “A blow wall. Watch as a friend walks wall, creating the crack,” creates too much pressure to the coronary band causes your horse a few steps on says Kraus. on one side of the capsule,” a bruise and damage to those hard, level ground. Does the LOWER PHOTOS: DUSTY PERIN LOWER PHOTOS: • Quarter cracks develop says Tommy Boudreau, a far- tissues,” says Boudreau. “If hoof wall shift as the horse along the side of the hoof; rier in Mineral Wells, Texas. there’s not enough blood places his weight on it? If you these tend to cause more “This will push into the supply in the damaged area pick up the hoof and handle trouble than toe cracks be- coronary band and cause it that took the blow, this can it gently, you may be able to cause the wall is thinner and to jam up. With all the extra cause a quarter crack. If the feel the instability on each must fl ex as the hoof bears pressure in one spot on that horse overreaches and hits side of the crack. weight. Any cracks in the side of the foot it can make it the coronary band, it is usu- • Draining fl uids. Any side of the hoof will be less break out and crack.” ally somewhere in the area blood or pus that appears stable and are more likely to These conformation between the region of the around the edges of the crack lead to lameness. faults tend to create chronic heel nail and the buttress--- may indicate that the fi ssure Quarter cracks are often cracks in a predicable the back part of the foot.” has penetrated all the way to

March 2017 EQUUS 474 29 A coronary TREATMENT OPTIONS band injury The basic approach to using various materials and can temporarily managing any hoof crack, techniques, including metal disrupt the no matter how serious, is to plates or steel wires. “If there production of stabilize the hoof and keep is a lot of movement in the hoof horn, the horse comfortable while crack, we might have to lace resulting in new horn grows in and the it together,” says Moshier. defects in damaged section is trimmed “This can be done by putting the hoof wall. away---this can take up to a horseshoe nails across the year for cracks that started at crack to hold it together the top of the hoof. “Trauma or lacing with stainless to the hoof, such as an ab- steel threads.” scess, seldom requires more Another option is to repair than good regular trimming cracks and replace lost hoof Any hoof crack and in some cases a properly wall with products that fi ll in that is unstable or fi tted shoe,” says Heather the gaps with materials such causes lameness O’Brien, a farrier from as acrylic or polyurethane. is cause for a call British Columbia. In more severe cases, the to the farrier. Bar shoes are often used patches may be reinforced to help support cracked with fi berglass. “These stabi- hooves. “In most cases the lize the cracks---essentially farrier will put clips on the gluing it to keep the edges shoe---on each side of the stable so they won’t be mov- crack---to help prevent ing as the crack grows out,” movement,” says Moshier. explains Moshier. “It depends on the case.” The patch material will Not all cracks spread apart then be trimmed away as when weighted---some toe the hoof wall grows out. “If cracks roll inward and “over- you apply the patch properly, lap” when the horse puts you can just keep trimming weight on the foot. “While the patch just like the hoof people tend to think that wall as it grows down,” says we need to stabilize that Boudreau. “If everything PHOTOS BY DUSTY PERIN crack by keeping it together, works the way it is supposed the interior of the hoof. between regular visits to look some types of crack repair to, it will grow right on off • Pain or lameness. Any at a crack. “My answer is involve keeping the edges and then you’ll have a strong, soreness or unsoundness, that they should call the far- of the crack apart, so they healthy foot again.” however minor, is worth rier when the horse is lame don’t roll inward,” he adds. For the most serious investigating. as a result of the crack,” he “Clips, in this case, won’t do cases, when a horse is sig- • Involvement of the coro- says. If they’re still in doubt, much good.” nifi cantly lame and his nary band. Any injury at the he adds, “I ask my owners More extensive measures long-term soundness is at coronary band can affect the to take pictures of the feet may be needed to manage risk, the farrier will need to growth of future hoof wall. with their phone, so they can cracks that are unstable. work in conjunction with a Moshier says he runs into send a photo to me to ask if “Lacing,” for example, in- veterinarian, who can pre- many people who are unsure it’s something they need to volves binding the two scribe medications to relieve whether to call the farrier worry about.” sides of the crack together pain and control infections.

30 EQUUS 474 March 2017 The basic approach to managing any hoof crack is to stabilize the hoof and keep the horse PREVENTIVE MEASURES comfortable while Simply keeping your horse is likely to have weak, shelly new horn grows healthy---with balanced nu- hooves as well as dull, coarse in and the damaged trition, not overweight, and hair. Biotin is the primary section is plenty of turnout and exer- ingredient in supplements trimmed away. cise in good footing---will go intended to improve hoof

DUSTY PERIN a long way toward keeping health; many also contain “Lacing” his hooves strong as well. minerals such as copper and involves binding Beyond that, you can take zinc as well as amino acids the two sides additional steps to reduce and omega-3 and -6 fatty of the crack the risk of hoof cracks: acids. If you suspect your together using • Stay on schedule with horse may benefi t from a various materials your farrier. Whether the hoof supplement, consult and techniques, horse is barefoot or shod, with your veterinarian or including regular visits from your far- an equine nutritionist to metal plates or rier are important to keep assess his diet and create wires (left). his feet properly trimmed a healthier overall ration. and balanced in accordance • Stop the stomping. with his conformation. Flares Horses harassed by stable that form at the bottom of fl ies in the summer will overgrown hooves can eas- stomp their feet repeatedly--- FRAN JURGA ily form cracks. “When the which can lead to hoof hoof wall gets too long it cracks if they’re on hard, dry will bend, then crack,” says ground. Fly sprays will repel O’Brien. “Debris from the stable fl ies, and a number of environment can become management strategies can embedded in the crack, espe- help keep insect populations cially if the horse is barefoot, under control. These fl ies causing abscesses and even breed in decaying organic white-line disease.” matter, so clean up soiled • Use traction aids only bedding and manure from Materials such as acrylic, polyurethane or carbon fi ber (above) when needed. Calks, rims, turnout areas daily, and treat may be used to repair cracks and replace lost hoof wall. In borium and other traction manure pile with insecti- severe cases, the patches may be reinforced with fi berglass. devices may be invaluable cides or larvicides. If fl ies if you often ride on slick remain a problem, consider In some cases, dead or dy- any hoof imbalances or other surfaces, but they can add outfi tting your horse with fl y ing tissue may need to be stressors that caused the stresses to the hooves and boots, which cover the legs

FRAN JURGA removed, and x-rays may be crack in the fi rst place. “The legs that can lead to cracks. and prevent the pests from needed to look for the posi- one thing consistent in all Your farrier can advise you landing on your horse. tion and potential injuries successful recoveries from on the most appropriate • Keep an eye on footing. to the coffi n bone and other a crack is the proper balanc- shoes for the type of riding Galloping over hard ground structures within the foot. ing of the foot to the horse’s that you do. poses an obvious risk of Even as the work to stabi- conformation,” says O’Brien. • Add a supplement, if cracks, but traveling through lize the hoof is underway, it “Without this, the crack will necessary. A horse whose deep, soft footing also places is important to adjust trim- keep returning until proper diet is defi cient in important stresses on the hoof that ming and shoeing to address balance is restored.” vitamins and trace minerals can cause injury to the

March 2017 EQUUS 474 31 hoof wall. Out on the trail, on hand, you can tighten the slow to a walk when you WHEN CRACKS ARE CHRONIC clinches. If the shoe is on encounter ground that is the verge of falling off, your If your horse consistently develops cracks in the same either deep and soft or hard safest option may be to re- location, you’ll want to work with your farrier to understand why. and rocky, and drag your move it entirely. “I advise One possibility is that the hoof isn’t balanced properly or that arena frequently to keep the people, when cleaning the the horse has a conformation issue—such as a clubfoot, or footing uniform. feet, to pick the white line crookedness in the legs that places more weight on one side of • Avoid the wet/dry and clear everything out the hoof—that creates stresses that repeatedly cause cracks. cycle. When hooves get wet, of it. That’s the area to look “Some problems tend to be chronic, due to the way the they soften and swell; when at closely,” says Moshier. horse lands and loads the foot,” says Dean Moshier, a farrier in they’re dry, they stiffen and “Look for any blackness in Delaware, Ohio. “If this type of foot is neglected it will have more contract. Horses can adapt the white line because that’s problems.” The incidents of cracking can often be reduced with to either condition, but alter- a sign of infection.” attentive care from a farrier to balance and support the hoof. nating between the two on a Another type of chronic crack develops after an injury to daily basis can loosen shoes robably the best the coronary band causes permanent scarring that disrupts the and cause cracks. advice of hoof crack production of new hoof wall, creating a permanent defect on the “It’s not just the horse prevention and man- hoof. Your farrier will evaluate the severity of your horse’s case. P that’s constantly standing in agement is simple: Get to Shallow defects may be relatively harmless, although it’s still a mud, or a horse that lives in know your horse’s hooves. good idea to monitor them closely. a dry desert environment,” As you handle his feet, give “The coronary band has been injured at some point in the says Moshier. “The biggest the hoof walls a once-over. horse’s life,” says Moshier. “This creates a weakened area of the problems occur when horses Also consider taking photo- foot where the hoof horn doesn’t grow quite as strong below that are always alternating, such graphs of your horse’s scar in the coronary band. Sometimes this is a single line down as going from a stall bedded hooves occasionally; these the hoof, and sometimes it can be a striated line with layers. in kiln-dried shavings to be- may help you determine if a Those generally don’t cause lameness.” ing turned out in the muck crack you’ve spotted is new or wet pastures.” If your turn- or if a preexisting defect is outs are chronically muddy, getting worse. look for ways to improve “Talk to your farrier about drainage. Laying gravel what is normal for that foot, in high-trafﬁ c areas may and what isn’t, and be able to also help. recognize any new cracks,” • Inspect your horse’s Moshier says. “I had a client hooves daily. Picking out who became very worried the hooves is an essential about a crack she noticed. part of good horsemanship, I got there and looked at it, but as you do this chore, As you pick and it was a scar type crack take some time to inspect out your from a weakness in the wall. the overall health of the horse’s This crack had always been hoof: Run your hand over hooves there, but it was the ﬁ rst time the hoof wall and coronary take some she’d seen it.” band to feel for defects. Look time to Keeping your horse’s for dark spots on the sole, inspect hooves healthy and strong which could indicate bruis- the overall requires attentive care. But if ing. Wiggle the shoe to check health of you can prevent serious hoof for looseness---if you have a each foot. cracks, you’ll give him a solid

ARND BRONKHORST farriery tool called clinchers foundation for a lifetime.

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40 EQUUS 474 March 2017 felt as if I was When I met him in the world’s person, Dakota seemed to be all the most informed horse shopper ad promised. He was quiet and patient. before I bought Dakota. I had Nothing I could do rattled him. Loud been a rider for decades, and noises and ﬂ apping arms, he took it all Even though I am in the last two years, I’d been in stride. I was told he was being sold an experienced searching for a trail horse to because of family hardship. When I tied horse owner I Istep into the shoes of my trusty Quarter him up, away from his herd, he didn’t Horse, who turns 23 this year. act the least bit concerned. He seemed was taken in by I had done my research. I had stud- calm, self-assured, bombproof---just the a savvy seller. ied up on conformation, breeds and sort of trail horse I was looking for. It Here’s how I’ll temperaments. I talked to trainers and helped that he had a gorgeous coat and brokers and had been to auctions and soft brown eyes. protect myself sale barns. I met with private sellers. I I fell in love and my emotions over- in the future--- had petted and poked seemingly hun- whelmed me. I stopped thinking ration- and you dreds of horses and ridden a few. I knew ally, and nothing could stop me from exactly what I wanted---a smooth-gaited buying this horse---not even a warning can, too. horse with sturdy, compact conforma- from a lady I’d met at McDonald’s, who tion---and scrutinized every detail about noticed my jodhpurs and struck up a each sale prospect, passing up one conversation. “I’m in town to check out horse after another. a horse,” I told her, and asked for direc- Then I met Dakota, a tall Appaloosa tions to the barn where Dakota was By Dee McVicker gelding. He was not the horse I boarded. “You be careful,” she warned.

en “They’re shysters there.” Ev Later, I would ask a sheriff’s m deputy to meet me at that very same myy McDonald’s. riddde But, at the time, I was dead certain easyy to that I had found “the one.” And all of my he w preparations and research were pushed do nnoto come along very often. aside. Never mind that I had not seen

March 2017 EQUUS 474 41 Dakota’s veterinary records or even met his owner. So what if some of the details seemed a little sketchy. In the blur of those few hours, excitement and hope overtook my judgment and common sense. I convinced myself that the attri- butes I’d been seeking in my new horse were not all that important: Dakota was the horse for me. But I was soon forced to come to my senses. A few hours after I drove off with Dakota, he began weaving, lip fl apping and displaying other nervous habits. Immediately, I tried calling the previous owner; no answer, no returned call. Only then did I realize that the bill of sale in my hand could be invalid: It had been signed by the barn owner on behalf of the owner, whom I never met in person. I discovered Dakota had other issues, too. He was “chargey” on the trail and buddy sour---not at all the horse advertised or the behavior I had seen when I tried him out. After repeated unan- swered calls to the previous owner, and an uncooperative barn owner, I began to wonder if my dream horse was dangerous or stolen or had been drugged. I called the local sheriff’s offi ce and was told that they didn’t have the legal authority to intervene but that a deputy could escort me back to the barn and write up an incident report so a record would be on fi le in the event of a lawsuit. Mind you, I saw Dakota for the fi rst time on Thursday, bought him on Friday Call me cynical, evening and by Sunday morning, I was but when I see a hauling him back to the boarding barn horse advertised as with a sheriff’s car behind me. The sher- “no kick, no bite,” iff’s deputy stood by while I returned I immediately Dakota, and the barn owner agreed to give me my money back in full. wonder why they What was I thinking? I wasn’t. This left out “no buck, was one of those cases that we are all no rear, no bolt.” warned about---when emotion and

PHOTOILLUSTRATION BY CELIA STRAIN; HORSE PHOTO DUSTY PERIN PHOTOILLUSTRATION wishful thinking overwhelm rational

42 EQUUS 474 March 2017 decision making. I wanted Dakota to be chances are she hasn’t worn a saddle in the right horse for me, and that desire a long, long while. Call me cynical, but clouded my judgment in ways I refused when I see a horse advertised as “no to see. And if it happened to me, an in- kick, no bite,” I immediately wonder why formed horse shopper, don’t be too sure they left out “no buck, no rear, no bolt.” it can’t happen to you, under the right If I’m not satisfi ed with an answer, I circumstances. Just in case, here are try asking the question in a number of eight red fl ags that I missed the fi rst time around, along with the ways that I This horse had apparently done am protecting myself in my continuing everything. He’d been a lesson search for a new horse. horse, a ranch horse, a therapy Red Flag: I got incon- horse—and he was that wonderful sistent answers from the horse that an older lady rode seller. One minute, “all over before he was sold to Dakota’s owner was selling him the current owner.” because she had lost her job, the next, because she was moving. The barn OD TO BE different ways. This is an old interroga- owner told me Dakota had been pur- GO T tion trick and it works. Finding out as O RU chased from a private owner a year ago, O E much as I can about a horse before I see T . and then in the next breath, that he had . . it is a safeguard against my emotions been bought from a broker out of state. taking over when there’s a real, live ani- Regrettably, I didn’t press for further mal in front of me. explanation, so convinced was I that the horse standing before me was the calm, Red Flag: Dakota sane animal advertised. seemed too good to be true. This horse had appar-

Rule: I ask important questions ently done and been everything. He’d on the phone, by email or via been a lesson horse, a ranch horse, a text fi rst, before seeing a horse. therapy horse and that wonderful horse Pertinent questions vary with some older lady rode “all over before he different situations, but for virtu- was sold to the current owner.” On the ally all, I start with these: Why spookiness scale of one to 10, he was a is the horse for sale? How long zero. And for every obvious fl aw, there has the owner had him or her? was a good reason. The reason why I What is his training? How couldn’t get him to move off of my leg spooky is he? Where is he in was because he was desensitized to the herd social hierarchy? Is kids climbing all over him. The reason he buddy or barn sour? Does why it was hard to get him to canter was he have any bad habits? because of the slippery footing. In truth, I now listen to what the seller if there were any fl aws in this horse, I has to say but also note what’s wasn’t about to hear it. left unsaid. I’ve learned that “needs a job” could mean a Rule: I pause, take a breath and horse is a handful, and that do a reality check. A horse with a when a person tells you a mare beautiful head and fl owing mane may is “too good not to be ridden,” run off with your emotions but not so

March 2017 EQUUS 474 43 easily your reason and intellect. Now, as ultimately, the horse. Of course, there agreement was the seller’s signature, soon as I arrive at the seller’s property, are exceptions---good horses can end nor did I actually have documentation I take in the barn, the owner, every- up in bad situations---but for my comfort giving the barn owner the right to sell thing about the environment before I level, anyway, I need to see a relation- the horse on the owner’s behalf. even set eyes on the horse. Is the barn ship between the owner and the horse. Go ahead, paper-mache a dozen red well-kept? Are the horses happy? Does ﬂ ags to my face. the owner seem relaxed and trustwor- Red Flag: The horse thy? I need to do a heavy-duty reality didn’t come with any Rule: I make the sale contingent check. If the details don’t add up and veterinary records or upon receiving all requested docu- align with the information I’ve been registration papers. By the time I mentation, such as registration given on the phone, I keep asking ques- got around to asking for important papers and veterinary history. I might tions or assume the worst.

Red Flag: The seller didn’t seem interested in where Dakota would end up. Setting aside the fact that I never even met the seller in person, not once did the barn owner ask me where I Red fl ags go planned to keep Dakota or how I up for me if planned to take care of him. And why was the seller not there to meet me? a horse has Who sells a beloved horse to a total passed through stranger without meeting them? The too many hands seller said on the phone that she was because I miss too emotionally wrought over having to sell him because Dakota was so special. out on that But apparently he was not special important enough for her to return my calls when information it was obvious that Dakota was a dedi- about the seller cated weaver and needed a home with and, ultimately, full-time pasture turnout. the horse. Rule: I look for signs of the relationship between owner and horse. documents, the hook was in. I didn’t be worried about what they’ll If someone has bonded with the horse, push for veterinary records because I show, but I ask for the veterinary he’s probably a lovable horse. He’s prob- would have been heartbroken if they records anyway. And while I’m at ably well cared for and trained. Without revealed some problem like frequent it, I request a list of previous owners, that human bond, whether it is with a colic or laminitis that would have made as well as insurance records that will rescuer, a broker or a young girl selling the purchase unwise. Even though reveal any preexisting conditions. I also her horse to go to college, the horse is Dakota was advertised as an Appaloosa, want all registration papers as well as likely to have gaping holes in his train- and clearly showed the breed’s mark- show affi liations and records. No docu- ing. He might even be dangerous. Red ings and conformation, registration ments, no sale. fl ags go up for me if a horse has passed papers were not available. The only doc- “You need to look that seller in the through too many hands because I miss ument I walked away with was a bill of eye and say, ‘I want every single medi- out on that very important informa- sale, and later, I wasn’t even sure if I cal record you have on this horse, and tion that tells me about the seller and, had that. Nowhere on the purchase I want your insurance. And I want to

44 EQUUS 474 March 2017 know Red Flag: I had no happen to be in the market for a trail where opportunity to try the horse, so I expect any horse I’m seri- you got this horse for the intended ously considering to be sure-footed, horse from, use. Dakota was advertised as not be- behave well away from the arena and when you ing barn or buddy sour, and by all indi- to possess a calm and sensible dispo- got this horse and I want cations on my ride around the boarding sition. Foremost, he has to like going the name of the person who sold you stable, he wasn’t. Still, I hadn’t ventured out on the trails, and he has to be able this horse,’” advises equine attorney very far from his barn, and I had no to hack out alone or in a large group. I Robyn Ranke, Esq., of San Diego, an idea what he would be need to spend at least two hours in the equestrian, experienced trial attorney like going out on the saddle and on the trail before I even and equine legal consultant. trail with other horses. consider buying the horse. I ask for a record of previous owners as well as insurance documents that will reveal any preexisting conditions.

A prepurchase veterinary examina- When I asked to take the horse off the Red Flag: I proceeded tion is a good idea, but it won’t give you property for a trail ride before I bought against the counsel of an as much information on the horse as him, the barn owner said “no.” Taking expert and friends. Before these key documents, which describe it at her word that Dakota was as ad- making the trip to see Dakota, I had the animal’s history, says Ranke, who vertised, I bought him anyway. On my called local horse expert Dan Knuth, was one of the attorneys in the high- ﬁ rst ride out, I was dismayed to dis- who is known among my group of rid- proﬁ le Ann Romney case involving the cover he was buddy sour. ers for his good horse sense. But he was sale of an Oldenburg with ringbone. out of town at the time. Over the phone, As for the purchase agreement, from Rule: I insist on a thorough trial. however, he advised against the pur- now on I will make sure it is legally If I were in the market for a barrel chase. And incredible as it is to me now, binding and that I see a legal ID of the horse, I’d make sure he could do bar- my friends never even saw Dakota until person selling the horse, and that it rels. If I were searching for a jumper, after I bought him. But they each saw matches all the other records available. I’d make sure she could jump. But I the warning signs beforehand and tried

March 2017 EQUUS 474 45 the footing was soggy from overnight rain and Dakota slipped on turns so she brought him back down to a trot. I realize now that I essentially bought a horse whose training I knew nothing about. I shouldn’t have been too surprised then when on my ﬁ rst ride out, he evaded the bit and was obstinate at the stop.

Rule: I require a detailed history of the horse’s training, and have the owner ride him fi rst, then ride him myself---a lot. From now on, I want to know as much as possible about a horse’s training and see him perform at all gaits. I want to see him stop, back and move off of pressure. I want to see how he responds to the bit, how easy he is to push into a canter, and how fl exible he is. I want to watch him from various vantage points from the front, back and side. Only then can I set foot in the stirrups and be able to get a feel for how to dissuade me from buying him. When I asked to the horse will respond to my cues. tried to warn me about the horse’s size and another reminded me that I’d origi- take the horse off the Red Flag: I’d heard nally been searching for a gaited horse property for a trail negative things about the or a steady Quarter Horse. ride, the barn owner boarding barn where the horse was kept. When the lady at Rule: I bring along an expert to said “no.” McDonald’s said the boarding barn was evaluate the horse. My friends can not to be trusted, I should have paid for look, too---after all, no one knows my I can bring my trusted horse friends my iced coffee and headed home. But I personality, riding goals and abilities along to look at a horse. And they can was convinced she was talking about better than they do. Once, after explain- spot things that I often overlook. But I another barn, even though I had a gen- ing to a friend what type of horse I want- never forget that I need an expert, objec- eral unease about the seller I spoke to ed as I squirmed in the saddle, she gave tive evaluation---and that I am the one on the phone twice and the barn owner me some very useful advice. “I think you who will be riding the horse. After all, who represented the horse on the sell- need a horse that’s going to let you do how many of my friends would actually er’s behalf. I placed my trust in them that,” she said, pointing to the way I was enjoy riding my current horse? Exactly. anyway and bought a horse that I was sitting and shifting about. That is the told didn’t buck or rear. Only after the kind of input I need when evaluating a Red Flag: I knew seller hadn’t returned my calls the next horse. But I never forget whose horse it’s little about Dakota’s day did I realize that everything I’d going to be. And, I also know it would training. I watched the been told about the horse was suspect. be easy for my friends to talk me into a barn owner trot him a distance, but the horse that just doesn’t fi t my riding style. rest of the time he was ridden at a walk. Rule: I research the reputation So my rule is that I need to have an The barn owner brought him up to a of the seller and check references.

PHOTOILLUSTRATION BY CELIA STRAIN; PHOTOS: SHUTTERSTOCK, 123RF.COM SHUTTERSTOCK, BY CELIA STRAIN; PHOTOS: PHOTOILLUSTRATION expert like Dan evaluate any horse I buy. canter a few times in a round pen, but Just about everything about a horse’s

46 EQUUS 474 march 2017 For the dream of a better life. This is why I do it.

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48 EQUUS 474 march 2017 past---good and bad---is fi ltered through Epilogue: A happy ending doesn’t hurt to also do a prepurchase the seller. There is no possible way to drug-screening test, she adds. determine suitability in the time and A few months after this article was Ranke also suggests getting a written circumstances given for buying a horse. written, I met my new trail partner disclosure statement signed by the seller, There has to be a level of trust between Tucker, an 8-year-old palomino the seller’s agent, and your trainer if it seller and buyer. For my comfort level, I Quarter Horse gelding whose previous applies. “If your trainer is representing you need to know the seller’s reputation. If owner rode him sidesaddle as part of in the purchase of a horse and happens she’s a broker, I’d like to know who she an escaramuza drill team that performed to know the seller, or gets a commission has sold to in the past---and I want to at charreada events. on the side, they have to disclose it,” check references. If she’s a private sell- Tucker became available because his she says, adding that there has been a er, I’d like to know who she rides with young owner decided to pursue other crackdown on dual agency commission on a regular basis. The horse communi- high school interests. Looking back, I disclosure in her state of California in ty is relatively small and tight-knit, and can’t say there was a defi ning moment recent years. it’s not hard to fi nd out the reputation of when I thought, He’s the one. But what if, after taking these a seller if you just ask around. But something clicked in me when precautions, you still end up with a lame I fi nally went to load him up and his horse or a bucking bronco? Talk to an s painful as it was, my experi- family tearfully lined up to take a pic- attorney about your options. Each state ence buying Dakota could ture with him one last time. I realized has its own body of laws related to fraud, Ahave been much worse. And I then that this horse was loved, and which might encompass nondisclosure of am wiser because of it---not just about that was a pretty good sign I’d made issues such as bucking or lameness. evaluating sale prospects but under- the right decision. Unfortunately, Ranke warns, as with standing my own idiosyncrasies as well. Tucker’s past training, willing nature any legal action, “you have to prove There are no guarantees, of course, but and calm disposition have made him the your case, and that’s very expensive and I am confi dent that I will be able to fi nd ideal trail horse for me. Most weekends very diffi cult.” just the right horse if I just follow these we can be found exploring the trails in few simple rules. my home state of Arizona.

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Call 1-800-461-8898 or visit SmartPak.com/SmartHoof to order C After 20 years of chasing scant evidence, a determined woman Paso Fino fi nally gains access fi rst traveled to Cuba in the sum- more than the sweat of their brows and to one of Cuba’s mer of 1995 to fi nd my grandpar- the strength of their horses, animals ents’ relatives. The two sides of central to their way of life and sense of best-kept secrets. the family---those who emigrated self. I longed to meet them, to see the to Florida after the 1959 revolu- place of my grandmother’s childhood Article and photographs by tion and those who stayed behind---had and to learn about their horses. María del Carmen Martínez, PhD had no contact for 36 years. I had no address, but I did have the Still, I had grown up hearing stories name of the family farm, La Merced, and of my family: My grandfather came from a working knowledge of the family tree. mariners who fi shed the waters around So I made my way into the countryside--- Baracoa, a small town near the eastern by bus, then car, horse-drawn carriage tip of the island. My grandmother’s and on foot. I was rewarded at every people were fl inty, plainspoken farmers turn with jaw-dropping vistas: verdant who lived in the interior, many miles fi elds presided over by hundred-foot SPLENDOR: On a trip through the from Baracoa. Here, I was told, my great- royal palms. Every so often I encoun- Cuban countryside, a visitor is uncles farmed a homestead with little tered a campesino with a little horse likely to encounter many horses.

March 2017 EQUUS 474 51 carrying a load of fi rewood or pine- apples. Invariably, the locals tipped their hats to me, surprised to meet a sweaty, fl ushed foreigner. Finally, near the region called Veguita del Sur, I knocked on the door of a farmhouse, my heart in my stomach. These people had no way to know I was coming. A wizened man and woman with kind eyes appeared in the door- way. Before I could say a word, my aunt reached out and hugged me. Apparently, the family resemblance was strong enough to be met with celebration. “THOSE WHO RIDE” As we began our visit with a stroll around the yard, two mares---a buck- skin and a grullo---in neat bamboo so sore or sunburned, and I have never value of a horse, particularly for breed- pens behind the house nosed into the felt so free. My uncles’ horses were a ing purposes. conversation. They stood 13 hands and pleasure to ride---steady, willing and I haven’t spent my career studying weighed about 800 pounds at most, and fearless with a fl uid metronomic trot equine breed genetics, but it seemed their conformation was not what I was that covered a lot of ground. In addition, clear to me that these Cuban Criollos used to seeing: Neither mare’s head these lovely horses provided the family most likely belong to a group called showed any trace of Arabian ancestry, with essential power for tillage, for haul- “Colonial Spanish horses”---breeds de- nor was there a crest in the neck. Their ing by cart and for transportation by car- scended from the horses the Spanish manes and low-set tails were sparse. I riage---all basics of survival. My uncles brought to the New World. This group found them well-balanced and attrac- also used them to work their herds of includes North American Spanish tive. “What breed are those?” I asked. sheep and goats, which provide much- mustangs; the Florida Cracker Horse My uncles looked at one another, as needed milk and meat. As one of my (also known as the Seminole Pony); the if the question had never occurred to uncles said, “There are those who walk, Paso Finos of Puerto Rico, Colombia them. “They are like us, criollos!” and there are those who ride. Thanks be and Peru; the Brazilian Mangalarga “Criollo” refers to people and horses to God, we ride.” Marchador; and the Criollos of of Spanish ancestry but born in the New Argentina, Uruguay, Venezuela and World. “Is that a breed?” I asked. CUBAN CRIOLLOS other South American countries. My uncle thought for a moment and The foundational stock, governing Spanish Colonial horses were cre- replied: “They certainly don’t have any bodies, published standards and a ated in the cauldron of the New World, papers. Besides, a breed is a breed registry have yet to be established for where isolation and harsh conditions when important people say so. And we the Cuban Criollo. These horses do, produced a distinctive type: small, are not important people. There is work however, possess qualities that typically resistant to fatigue and disease, able to to do, so come inside. You can take the defi ne a breed: consistent, clearly thrive despite foraging in bleak scrub gray mare, Paloma, down to the river for identifi able characteristics, as well and highly intelligent. In 1520, the a swim after lunch.” as uniformity in conformation, temper- Spanish Crown placed an embargo on I spent the next several weeks riding ament and action that remains true the export of horses from Spain, so the bareback and double with my cousins over generations. It is this standard, New World breeds---especially those across fi elds and beaches and through transmitted orally, that local horsemen isolated on islands---continued to prop- clear, cool streams. I have never been and -women use to determine the agate from relatively small numbers.

52 EQUUS 474 March 2017 A HISTORICAL breeds are they?” With much patience authors Henry ISLAND TREASURES: he replied that these were “stepping Davenport In addition to the MYSTERY horses,” but there was little else he Northrop and Paso (left), Cuba’s As I got to know my uncles’ horses, or anyone else could tell me. I soon Señor Gonzalo native breeds it occurred to me that surely an island stopped pestering everyone and simply de Quesada de- include the Cuban settled by the Spanish in 1511 must began to learn everything I could about scribe a horse Pinto (center) have developed its own native breeds. the horses at hand. with a comfort- and the Cuban Puerto Rico, a nearby Spanish Colony, After I returned to the United States, able gait “pe- Trotter (above). developed its own version of the Paso I began researching Cuban horses, culiar, it would Fino, a small, gaited breed valued as a fi xated on the possible existence of a seem, to themselves” and refer to a “fast riding horse. Did Cuba? Cuban Paso Fino. Through university walk” and a “rapid gait” that correspond I suspected it did, given what I know exchanges, I gained access to a few to those we see today in Pasos. Indeed, of Cuba’s history. The island has no Spanish-language articles about horses they wrote, refl ecting the classic test mineral wealth, but it was a common in general on the island. But I found no for this breed, “Some of the horses have stopover for Spanish excursions into book specifi cally about Cuban breeds a movement so gentle that a rider can the New World. Historians record that in any global library database. Precious carry a full glass of water without spill- on these stops the conquistadors often little had been published in Cuba, ei- ing.” If these horses still existed, where acquired island-bred horses, because ther. The Cuban Association for Animal were they? they were hardy and better adapted to Production had produced a small Then, in 2008 I came across the extreme climates than those brought manual, Manual Equino, which deals International Encyclopedia of Horse from Europe. Had descendants of those primarily with the care of horses and Breeds, by Bonnie L. Hendricks, pub- horses survived through the centuries? provides only a few brief notes on lished just one year before. In it, I When I asked my uncles about Cuban horse breeds. found entries for four native breeds--- Cuban Paso Finos, one remarked, “Well, I found some historical references. the Cuban Trotter, the Cuban Pinto, I have heard we have our own caballos Travelogues written in the 19th century the Patibarcina [sic] and, yes, the de raza [or “breed-horses”] in the cen- describe horses with the conformation, Cuban Paso. I packed up my passport, tral regions of the island. But I have movement and temperament of a Cuban maps, tape recorder, camera and horse never seen one way out here.” Paso Fino. In War in Cuba: The Great height-and-weight measurement tape I continued to press: “Yes, but what Struggle for Freedom, published in 1896, and boarded a plane.

March 2017 EQUUS 474 53 annd c summer of 2010. He told me that in FOLLOWING eve Cuba, the task of establishing, recogniz- LEADS Wright IV, a Florida cattleman whose ing and formalizing breeds is governed I returned to Cuba many times over family owned one of the largest cattle by the state. Standards of perfection, the last two decades, and I learned ranches in Cuba prior to 1959. Now, studbooks and registries are managed more about the local horses on each Wright is involved in humanitarian at a national level. He explained that visit. It has not been easy. At times it projects, and his primary interest is for a horse to be “accepted as a breed” was like a strange game of hopscotch, revitalizing the Cuban cattle industry. in Cuba, it must be approved by a state in which one farmer or rancher would In January 2010, he asked me to join a appraiser who examines documentation guide me to the next in a chain stretch- delegation to Havana and helped me on the horse and considers the “expres- ing through small towns with names secure the permissions I needed. sion” of the animal’s characteristics like Camajuani and Caibarién. Not In the end, though, completing my as judged against the breed standard. everyone was friendly or helpful, of quest required an audience with a high- Bloodlines alone are not enough. course, but many drew me maps, of- ranking Cuban offi cial, Comandante Controlled crossbreeding is permitted, fered me goat meat and coconut cakes, Guillermo García Frías, who granted me but the state is keen to preserve the and shared their knowledge of the access to state-run breeding facilities. traits of its island’s native breeds. island’s history, geography and family Today, Cuba’s four native national In a 1958 jeep, Carreras drove us to genealogies. These “living libraries” breeds are raised on almost 100 state Pinar del Rio to visit a farm where reg- made my search possible. farms. According to Gen. Lino Carreras, istered Cuban Pintos were bred. And so I also cultivated relationships the Chief of the Genetics Commission began an offi cial tour that would span with veterinarians, historians and ge- at the Offi ce for the Protection of Flora the length of the island. Next I would neticists around the island. Armando and Fauna, the breeds are offi cially rec- travel to Holguin, to visit farms that bred Cuesta Guillén, DVM, of the University ognized as “native national treasures”; the Cuban Trotter and the Patibarcino. of Granma in Bayamo, shared his vast that is, they are considered part of the And, fi nally, my trip would lead to knowledge of Cuban equine genetics “people’s patrimony.” Carreras says Bayamo, where I would at last be intro- these horses receive the best nutrition, duced to the Cuban Paso Fino. veterinary care and training available. I learned all this when I met Gen. THE CUBAN PASO FINO Carreras on a trip to Cuba in the Located in Bayamo, 450 miles east of Havana, La Loma farm has large, well- built stables, an offi ce, a roofed seating area, at least four large paddocks that I could see, and many acres of pastures. When we arrived, I was introduced to the ranch hands---about 20 in all--- served coffee and given a chair in the shade by the barn. And then I met my fi rst registered Cuban Paso Fino. Orgullo was a bay stallion with an elegant bearing. At fi rst he stood perfectly still in the sunshine, his eyes focused into the distance. Then he erupted with a fi erce, ear-piercing

MAJESTY: Orgullo, a stallion kept at a state-run farm, exemplifies the conformation of the Cuban Paso Fino.

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Nov. 9–12, 2017, Eastern States Exposition, W. Springﬁeld, MA. © 2017 Equine Affaire, Inc. CUBA’S OTHER Laminitis affects NATIVE BREEDS hundreds of • The Cuban Pinto resulted from horses every day. crossing Cuban Criollo horses with Quarter Horses and Thoroughbreds. The Are you prepared coat pattern may be tobiano or overo. to save your horse? • The Cuban Trotter is a riding horse that came from crossing Cuban Criollo IceHorse’s patented Cold horses with Canadian horses imported during the Colonial era. They are Capsule™ Ice Formula is predominately solid black or bay and proven effective by leading are known for their smooth trot. scientiﬁc studies and is • The Patibarcino is a riding horse that the preferred treatment of came from crossing Cuban Criollos with top equine veterinarians. Andalusians and Barbs. Their coloring is a distinctive gray, called gateado, that can appear in various tones, including blue dun, slate dun and silver dun.

IceHorse.net Source: International Encyclopedia of 800-786-6633 Horse Breeds, by Bonnie L. Hendricks

relinche---a cross between a neigh and call to war---sat back on his haunches and sprang forward, momentarily sus- pended in mid-air. I dropped my camera. His handlers were hardly surprised. When his high-spirited bad behavior was over, he was brought under control STORE and presented for my benefi t---once again the picture of grace and charm. No More Bad Rides! Over the course of my day at La Loma, Common-sense solutions to 7 riding and training problems From the Editors of EQUUS a good many other horses were brought out for my inspection. Based on my ob- Is your horse a little spooky? Barn sour? Resistant? servations of the horses I was shown, Take heart! The editors of EQUUS magazine have the Cuban Paso stands between 13 and assembled insights from the world’s leading trainers, 15 hands high and has a fi ne head with riders and equine behaviorists to help solve these and a large, kind eye. The profi le is straight other under-saddle challenges. An award-winning or occasionally slightly convex. The fore- publication known for its depth and accuracy, EQUUS head is broad; the ears are medium to provides the background you’ll need to understand your horse’s misbehavior, short and slightly curved. along with the tools you can use to change it. Don’t miss this opportunity to The neck is strong, of medium length improve your partnership with your horse! Paperback, 96 pp. and muscular, with a respectable though not exaggerated arch. The withers are slightly high, the chest is fairly broad THE EQUINE NETWORK STORE and the hindquarters are rounded and Official store of EQUUS Magazine well-muscled. The tail is set moderately low compared to other Paso Fino breeds. www.EquineNetworkStore.com The legs are strong and solid with sub- stantial cannons and well-developed

56 EQUUS 474 march 2017 joints and tendons. The mane and tail are wavy although not as abundant as Visit us at World Cup Omaha! in other Paso breeds. They are spirited (Booth 147-148) horses with lively, powerful action but even-tempered on the whole. A TASTY WAY TO

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march 2017 EQUUS 474 57 USHJA Programs Upcoming Dates and Deadlines

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(859) 225-6700 | USHJA.org how horses think

ognition is a faculty that Learning the alphabet is not of inter- In their new book, processes information, est to a horse. It is, however, gratifying Francesco De applies knowledge and to man to train a horse to perform such Giorgio and José De Cchanges preferences. It a task. What is in a horse’s interest Giorgio-Schoorl is both how the world is is an understanding of his surround- explain the perceived and the knowledge that is ings, spatial representations and social derived from that perception. Attention, dynamics; he also needs to be able to elements of memory, problem-solving and decision- solve problems and to perform pre- equine cognition making are all key elements within the confl ict (where one horse interrupts and explore how cognitive processes. two others that are starting a confl ict) they shape our Trying to understand and explain the and consolatory (consoling) behaviors. relationships mental abilities of animals often sparks A horse doesn’t need a reward for these discussion because there are several behaviors---his satisfaction is intrinsic. with horses. very different defi nitions of cognition Trying to prove intelligence by that relate to how people, including sci- creating behavioral projections from By Francesco De Giorgio entists, look at the world. The anthropo- the human world, or trying to compare and José De Giorgio-Schoorl centric view, for instance, places human capacities instead of understanding intelligence and cognition at the top of a different cognitive abilities, confuses pyramid, and tends to compare the abili- the meaning of animal cognition. It also ties of ot colors our ability to see the value of a For eexample,x the use of language particular animal or individual. and the solving of mathematical problems araree easily recognizable cognitive Equine Cognition process In nature, a horse is a cognitive ani- temptin mal because life in the wild requires it. to horhorses:s Teach them how to count, Equine cognition has been shaped by recog the evolutionary process, both by the then environmental challenges and complex of a form of equine intelligence. social dynamics. In fact, every species HoHowever,w a horse that is able to has its own particular cognitive abili- cocountu has actually learned a trick. ties and skills, as does every individual. It gives a misleading picture of Bats and spiders, for example, have a tthe true capacity and needs of developed spatial cognition that allows the horse and belittles his es- them to navigate through and hunt in sence, especially when it is their environment. achieved with food premiums “We have long since left the realm that di where animals are viewed as simple, understunderstandinga of a context. stimulus-bound responders, passive

March 2017 EQUUS 474 59 learners or robotic followers of con- Besides ditioning regimes,” wrote Russell P. recognizing a Balda, Irene M. Pepperberg, and Alan C. Kamil in their book, Animal horse’s need to Cognition in Nature (Academic explore a new Press, 1998). environment, Sadly, in today’s society, this concept we must also doesn’t yet seem to be recognized for the equine species. understand he Think, for example, of a situation has his own when a horse is taken to a new habitat. information- Many horses are expected to immedi- acquisition ately adapt without having the opportu- process. nity to explore and get to know this new environment. Although the new place is full of information for the horse, we do not perceive these elements as learning opportunities. As a result, many horses live in a blurred world full of situations and interactions they just get used to seeing but don’t really understand. Besides recognizing and accepting a horse’s need to explore a new environment, we must also understand he has his own information-acquisition process. We might not see any evidence of this process because one character- istic of cognitive learning is latency, which means that the immediate result of the learning process often cannot be seen. What was elaborated---worked out mentally---by the horse might be used in a future moment, if and when circumstances call for it. However, even if we do not see the result of the elabo- ration process, what we can do is create room for learning. This is a problem for other animals, as well. Think of a cat going outside for the ﬁ rst time. Most cats will sit on the doorstep ﬁ rst, at the border between their secure environment and the unknown, taking time to observe everything and form an idea of the situation. The human companion, however, is often too impatient because he wants

COURTESY OF LEARNING ANIMALS | INSTITUTE OF ZOOANTHROPOLOGY OF LEARNING COURTESY to see some action and a result. So he

60 EQUUS 474 March 2017 s to and activity. Refi ned social interactions need such as pre-confl ict behavior, affi liative ct these behavior (behavior that promotes group learning moments instead. cohesion) and shared exploring are then also developed. They take social Cognition dynamics into account and, in doing so, and Well-Being safeguard a cognitive context. Although the understanding of Horses can share experiences, learn animal cognition has become an impor- ZOOANTHROPOLOGY together and from each other. A young tant topic and a crucial element for the The study fi eld of zooanthropology horse can learn by observing a mature, horse’s quality of life, relatively little is includes several scientifi c, philosophical experienced horse, but a mature horse known about it. We must, therefore, not and political disciplines. Zooanthropology can also learn from a young horse. It just focus on how to train a horse but defi nes and gives direction within the is called social learning in a socio- also understand his needs and preserve interpretation of phenomena related to our cognitive context. In this context, liv- his socio-cognitive abilities. relationship with other animals, stepping ing together means living experiences Welfare, well-being and cognition outside the anthropocentric viewpoint. It is together, learning nuanced expressions are closely linked. Ignoring cognition not just a matter of study and application, in a kind of dialogue in which every means ignoring a horse’s profound but it gives an ethical direction and single relationship is unique and in and innate need to understand what is inspires a movement for years to come. It continuous development. Obviously, the happening around him, understand his refers to the cognitive ethology dimension richness of these experiences depends environment, and work out and express and does not fall into the dimension of on the individual horses involved. his own experience. classical ethology or behaviorism. Similarly, if the environment becomes Ignoring it will cause tension in the Zooanthropology recognizes the too dynamic, too competitive or if there horse, mentally, emotionally and physi- nonhuman “other” as a subject and, for are no elements that support the shared cally. Yet, the more we study horse cog- this, clearly disapproves of the use of experiences, the conditions for socio- nition from a human point of view, the coercive instruments, whether physical, cognitive learning decrease. less we know about his real emotional, emotional or mental, and certainly calls Having shared experiences is crucial social, and mental perception and un- into question all tools, methods and in creating a cognitive environment derstanding. We need to study horse approaches regarding the interpretation and offers deeper understanding of the cognition in a new way. and application of operant conditioning. context and of each other. However, it It questions animal training and opens is also important to understand that What Is a Cognitive up a new model of interpretation and putting a number of horses together Environment? application in the dynamics of animal doesn’t automatically mean that a safe Horses who live in a social context learning, recognizing animal subjectivity social environment is created. Most and an enriched natural environment and alterity (“otherness”).—Francesco De horses in our society have no family continuously process information while Giorgio and José De Giorgio-Schoorl ties or family-like groups in their living foraging, walking together, standing habitat and do not grow up together. still together and observing herdmates. Zooanthropology As in other species, horses living in recognizes the Preserving Socio- a family context have their own cultural nonhuman “other” as Cognitive Abilities transmission. Knowing each other, ex- a subject and, for this, Living together in the same fi eld is periencing moments together and hav- clearly disapproves not the same as having shared expe- ing the freedom to express themselves of the use of coercive riences in a socio-cognitive context, gives horses from a family---or family- instruments, whether especially when a herd changes contin- like group---a detailed reading of each physical, emotional uously. In many situations, horses are other that enables them to pick up on or mental . . . busy defending themselves rather than each other’s intentions by observation trying to understand each other.

March 2017 EQUUS 474 61 Preserving cognitive abilities means ensuring a horse lives in a context where there Humans can play an important role is respect for his by creating the opportunities for horses specific needs and to share social experiences with each other, such as facilitating an explora- where he can tion in the fi eld. Instead, horses are express himself often subjected to fast dynamics: Many and understand people go into a fi eld to directly take a his environment. horse out, not to spend time in the fi eld COURTESY OF LEARNING ANIMALS | INSTITUTE OF ZOOANTHROPOLOGY OF LEARNING COURTESY and notice from nearby what kind of environment and dynamics their equine companion is living in. Preserving cognitive abilities means ensuring a horse lives in a context where there is respect for his specifi c needs and where he can express himself and understand his environment. It is also making sure that he isn’t continuously exposed to pressure and expectations in his interactions with humans. Nowadays, however, most horses are placed in stressful situations from the moment they are born. Many common features of modern equine life, including premature weaning of foals, social isolation, living in non-familiar and unstable herds, behavioristic

Equine dynamics, in a they have been neighbors for a about working to understand would have been that the balanced socio-cognitive while. On the other side were information, taking it one step Shetland mare claimed context, are mostly moments of our four males—the bachelor at the time and learning to dominance toward the foal. calm understanding. The fact band. For the males, this was a take each other into account. But the Shetland mare in that that we sometimes see fi ghts moment of strong interest. The Creating an image of each situation is actually in need when horses are put together four of them stood next to each other, and of the relationship of a more slow understanding for the fi rst time shows their other, observing and taking dynamics as well, starts of the dynamics around her, social abilities have been everything in. beyond a fence. of new experiences in which affected by humans and that For the females, this was This means, for example, she fi nds she can actually the process of integration often a new situation where they that in one moment, the trust and rely upon the horses fails to respect their needs. could exchange information. Shetland mare showed a bit around her being able to read Yesterday, a change In a balanced socio-cognitive of an exaggerated, reactive dynamics and herself. was made in my neighbor’s context it is not about hierarchy behavior toward the foal (with A balanced herd searches paddock. A Friesian foal, his and dominance, understanding a rear kick), while our male for a calm life together and mother and a Shetland mare who has which rank—they Falò actually expressed a soft, preserves each other’s inner found themselves alongside are not an army. Instead, calming nickering. state.—Francesco De Giorgio our mare group, with whom getting to know each other is The usual interpretation and José De Giorgio-Schoorl

62 EQUUS 474 March 2017 training and lifestyles shaped by performance or competition goals all strongly affect the cognitive structures of horses The only one... and their welfare. As social cognition is strongly related to the perception of each horse, and depends on all the previously Nitrogen flushed and mentioned elements, we need to learn vacuum sealed in a UV resistant bag to to see a horse in this complex situation. maintain nutrient We need to adopt a more holistic ap- integrity for three proach in understanding a relationship years! dynamic that cannot be captured by or attained with a method. That would Promotes strong and be like ﬁ nding a method for a happy fast growth of the human-human relationship. hoof wall, sole, frog, Although many may have actually and heel. tried to capture it in a formula, in the end, we still have to experience every single relationship. And that is the Tel: (800) 624 1873 www.lifedatalabs.com beauty of it! Every sound relationship is a unique interaction in continuous evolution. With every new experience, everyone grows and acquires new instruments with which to see and perceive life. A relationship that lasts and is based on cognition cannot be put in a manual as if it were a mathematical equation. It requires an awareness of all the various elements within the relationship dynamic.

Adapted by permission from Equus Lost? How We Misunderstand the Nature of the Horse-Human Relationship--- Plus Brave New Ideas for the Future, published in February 2017 by Trafalgar Square Books. Available from www. EquineNetworkStore.com; 866-655-2698.

About the authors: Francesco De Giorgio is an equine cognitive etho- logist, zooanthropologist lecturer and writer. José De Giorgio-Schoorl is a speaker, trainer in the horse-human relationship (zooanthropology) and horse and people coach.

March 2017 EQUUS 474 63 EQ TRUETALE My golden

y biggest concern, return- cobblestone streets, breathing gaso- Ming to the sanctuary, was mare line and diesel fumes. On each of her

Every Christmas as a child, I wished for a horse, and every I learned that she loved carrots Christmas morning I was and was terrifi ed of water. She disappointed. But my optimism weighed over a thousand pounds lasted for years. When I became but could be frightened by a old enough to understand that grasshopper. Her skin was one has to fulfi ll one’s own very sensi- wishes, I started making plans RESCUED: After tive, quiver- for my horse. Of course I would years of hard ing with the need a farm. But my dream slightest touch. would have to wait until I retired. During her I needed a place I could support fi rst 12 months on my small pension, preferably at the sanctuary she made friends with lished an animal sanctuary.

alone in a metal enclosure looking Before I rescued her tree. A small, yappy white dog named scared, skinny and lost. All around were Canela had a diffi cult Xena would try to herd her, and Canela the cries of animals in distress, cower- life, but love and patience would pretend to be herded. The neigh- ing in fear. Men with no souls placed helped her learn bor’s horses met her at the fence line money on the meat value of these ani- to trust me. every dusk. For an hour every afternoon mals. Terror and sadness permeated the she would stand at the edge of the for- air. When Canela went on the auction By Sharyl Thompson est and gaze into the pine glade where block, I was bidding against a butcher, the rabbits and foxes lived. And then and because she was so malnourished, where Canela could jump off without there was me, her human. my bid was higher than the price per danger. As soon as her hooves landed At fi rst she seemed to regard me as pound for horse meat. on the soft grass she began to eat. The an annoying creature, like a mosquito I took her home that night in a di- driver then took the cows and calves on who bore gifts of carrots and apples. lapidated truck with a large enclosed to their destinations. She would endure my long conversa- box, which held eight cows, three calves Over the next 12 months I gradually tions just for the sake of whatever treat and Canela. When we got to the farm got to know Canela. She had survived a I brought, and when the treat was fi n- it was already twilight. The truck box hard life as a delivery horse, pulling ished she would walk away without a was backed up to a high part of the land a heavy wagon every day along backward glance.

64 EqUUS 474 MARCH 2017 One day after many, many months, scientious, on-site caretaker would she did not walk away. She stood by me watch over her and make sure she quietly, thinking her horse thoughts, got her food and apples. The only softly swishing her tail and gazing off difference would be the loss of one into the distance. I was transfi xed: She human. Would she notice? More liked me ... she really liked me. important, would she care? From then on, as much as she pre- I told her with words that I was tended otherwise, I knew better. She leaving for a while. I imagined the would return to the aloof look, barely plane going to the other continent, glancing at me, and then she would eat the fall and winter months going and leave like a very rude guest---but by. And then I envisioned the plane I knew in my heart that she liked me. returning to this continent and the And then sometimes she would bend human fi nally arriving at this very her long graceful head down to me and spot beside her. She kept on eating blow in my ear; a soft whooshing sound the grasses but I like to imagine would come out of her nose and she that she understood me. I said would nibble at my clothes with her goodbye to Canela as tears fi lled lips. She was talking to me as if I were my eyes. another horse. So, after six long months, I She began to respond when I approached the back meadow quietly. called her. Slowly walking toward The golden mare was out by the farthest fence, eating grasses. I whistled. Canela stood by me quietly, She stopped eating and softly swishing her tail and gazing lifted her head, wonder- off into the distance. I was ing where the sound transfixed: She liked me.... came from. I whistled again and called her name. She looked me, in her own time, but she would straight at me and bolted toward me. come. Then one day she began to run She was like a locomotive, churn- to me when I called her. Having a ing powerfully across the two mead- 1,500-pound horse galloping toward ows and up the hill. She thundered you at a high speed can be very un- straight to me and stopped on a dime, nerving. How could she stop at that inches in front of me, her sides heav- speed? But she would screech to a ing, her nostrils fl ared. She put her halt right in front of me. Then I saw head down to my face and smiled. she was just playing chicken with She remembered. the human. When I last saw her in the Chilean ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Sharyl Thompson autumn, we spent some time in the grew up in Northern Ontario in a meadow just hanging out. She was small town surrounded by thousands munching the grasses; I was loving of acres of wilderness. Animals and the moment and yet feeling the sad- nature nurtured her soul, and after ness of knowing that I had to leave a career in real estate, she used her the next day for six long months. savings to buy a farm in Chile to open How could I tell her that I was not a sanctuary for rescued horses and abandoning her? I knew her life unwanted dogs and cats. It is not large would continue to be good, and her and not famous, but the animals there routine would not change. A con- have a home that they love. march 2017 EqUUS 474 65 Tractor Supply is dedicated to enriching the lives of unwanted horses.

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RIDING demands if it takes her more than 10 or 15 minutes to return to normal after you Riding an older horse stop. You don’t want to exhaust her. I have a Shire/Thorough- Older horses also require more time Q bred mare who just turned to recover from exercise. Give your mare : two or three days of rest per week to al- 30 years old. She is healthy and still as spry as she was at 15. My low her body to adjust to the new work- question is this: I haven’t been on her in load. As with any athlete in training, about two years and was wondering if I stay alert for signs of lameness or chang- would hurt her if I got on her now. Her es in attitude. The increased work may 50 Best Arena Exercises back has dropped a bit but not drasti- aggravate arthritis or other conditions and Patterns: cally. I wouldn’t do anything but walk that had previously gone unnoticed. Essential Schooling for and maybe a little trotting. We might go Good luck! I hope you enjoy your English and Western out on a trail. What do you think? horse for years to come. Riders Loretta Horrigan Bruce A. Connally, DVM, MS Riders, trainers, and instruc- Hicksville, New York Wyoming Equine tors of all disciplines are Longmont, Colorado always looking for ways to keep boredom at bay—and A 30-year-old Shire cross is that’s where this handy A:remarkable in itself. If she is guide can save the day. 50 healthy and reasonably sound Best Arena Exercises and you have a true blessing that is rare in Patterns provides a terrific the horse world. Celebrate her! You do collection of upbeat ideas for essential schooling, add- need to be careful on a horse this old ing variety and challenge to who is not conditioned for riding, but it everyday workouts. certainly sounds like she could do a few laps around the pasture. Exercises are organized in Before you start, I would recom- easy-to-reference sections, including: improving the rid- mend talking to your veterinarian about THIS MONTH’S EXPERT er’s seat, increasing mobility your riding plans. A thorough physical with gymnastics, finding examination can help make sure the Bruce A. Connally, rhythm, getting supple and horse is really healthy and sound. Your DVM, MS, is founder relaxed, activating the hind- veterinarian can also help you decide and owner of Wyoming quarters, traveling straight, and achieving collection. if your mare is still able to safely be an Equine, an equine sports Spiral-Bound Hardcover, athlete again. medicine practice that 160 pp. As you recondition an aging horse serves Colorado and for trail riding, you’ll need to go more central Wyoming. He slowly than you would with a younger earned his Master of Science in large THE EQUINE one. Stick to walking on level ground animal clinical services from Michigan NETWORK STORE at ﬁ rst. You can gradually increase the State University and his DVM from Official store of Colorado State University, where he duration of the ride and trot a little, but EQUUS Magazine remember she is older now and is not also served as an assistant professor in athletic condition. A little sweat and and a senior veterinarian in the equine hard breathing means your horse is ambulatory section before leaving to www.EquineNetworkStore.com

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Product: Sportz Cove be closed to keep bugs out of the proof coating. It weighs seven pounds and Description: For a shady retreat vehicle, and built-in storm flaps offer comes with a carrying bag that can be on show days and for other adven- protection in adverse weather. The stored in the vehicle. tures, the Sportz Cove awning attaches awning extends two feet beyond the Price: suggested retail, $139.99 to the back of any mid- to full-size vehicle, and it’s made of polyester Source: Napier Outdoors; (800) 567- SUV or minivan. A mesh screen door can taffeta with taped seams and a water- 2434; www.napieroutdoors.com

The information presented in Stock & Trade is provided by the manufacturers. Inclusion in this column does not constitute an endorsement by the magazine.

MARCH 2017 EqUUS 474 69 MarketPlace CLASSIFIEDS A SHOWCASE OF PRODUCTS AND SERVICES EDUCATION/SCHOOLS/CLINICS OF INTEREST TO HORSE OWNERS Study horse courses at home. Earn grades and Certificates. www.NewHorizonsEquine.com For advertising information contact TACK/SADDLES/LEATHER GOODS Shelley Partridge at 859-327-7057 The adjustable Foal to Yearling Halter is designed to fit or email: [email protected] most foals about two months to mid yearling. See Video. www.FoalToYearlingHalter.com HEALTHCARE

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94795X © 2017 good for you to walk on, it All EQUUS classified and will not be comfortable for classified display ads the horse, either.” appear FREE on – Jim Kiser DRpowergrader.com method for internal structures, primarily bone of soft tissue (laminae) within the horse’s foot and other hard tissues, produced when x-rays caused by physical or physiologic injury. Severe EQ GLOSSARY or gamma rays pass through the body and are cases of laminitis may result in founder, an in- captured on sensor plates that transmit the data ternal deformity of the foot. Acute laminitis sets to a computer. in rapidly and usually responds to appropriate, aspiration pneumonitis---lung infl ammation DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid)---large organic intensive treatment, while chronic laminitis is a due to an inhaled substance such as food, drugs molecule that consists of two chains of nucleo- persistent, long-term condition that may be un- or misdirected mineral oil administered to treat tides wound around each other; the material of responsive to treatment. constipation or choke. which genes are made. Genes are responsible mange---contagious skin disease caused by bars---on the bottom of a horse’s hoof, the con- for the individual inherited characteristics of various types of mites. tinuations of the horny wall running forward living organisms. mastitis---infl ammation of the udder. from the heels between the sole and frog; also equine metabolic syndrome (EMS)---endo- nasogastric tube---fl exible tube inserted into refers to open spaces on the jaw between the crine disorder characterized by increased fat the nostrils and passed into the stomach to incisors and cheek teeth. deposits in specifi c locations of the body or introduce or drain fl uid (refl ux). bar shoe---horseshoe with no opening between overall obesity; insulin resistance, which leads to abnormally high levels of the hormone circu- nonsteroidal anti-infl ammatory drug the heels; forms a continuous circle; used to ex- (NSAID)---drug that contains no steroids and tend the base of support to the rear of the heels. lating in the bloodstream; and a predisposition toward laminitis in the absence of other recog- acts to reduce heat and swelling. ---water-soluble vitamin of the B complex. biotin nized causes. pituitary pars intermedia dysfunction (PPID, bolus---a large pill or a single mass of oral medi- founder---internal deformity of the foot result- Cushing’s disease)---disease caused when the cation administered all at once. ing from rotation of the coffi n bone due to si- cortex of the adrenal gland produces excessive buttress---thickened angle at the heel of a multaneous detachment from the hoof wall and amounts of hormones, including cortisol; signs horse’s hoof wall. pull by the deep fl exor tendon and gravity. include persistent long hair, thin skin, fragile bones, stupor, weakness and sweating. clubfoot---abnormally upright foot with a high frog---wedge-shaped, soft horn structure in the thyrotropin-releasing hormone stimulation heel and short toe, resulting from inability to rear of the underside of the hoof. straighten the coffi n joint. test---screening test that measures levels of ad- insulin resistance---metabolic disorder, simi- renocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) in a horse’s coffi n bone (pedal bone)---major bone within lar to type-2 diabetes, that occurs when certain blood before and after the administration of the hoof, shaped like a miniature hoof. cells in the body become less sensitive to the synthetic thyrotropin-releasing hormone (TRH); coffi n joint (pedal joint)---lowermost joint of action of insulin, and normal amounts of the used to diagnose pituitary pars intermedia dys- the leg, located where the short pastern bone hormone can no longer keep adequate amounts function, also known as Cushing’s disease. of glucose moving into the cells for use as fuel. meets the coffi n bone and navicular bone within vasculitis---infl ammation of the blood vessels. the hoof. laminae---alternating “leaves” of fl esh and hoof white line---zone on the bottom of the horse’s curvature of Spee---natural, slight arc in the horn that bond the wall of the hoof to the under- hoof where the insensitive laminae and the occlusal (chewing) surface of the molars. lying bone. interlaminar horn attach the wall to the margin digital radiography (digital x-rays)---imaging laminitis---infl ammation of the sensitive plates of the sole.

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March 2017 EqUUS 474 71 EQ BACKPAGE I

d In card when a friend says she friend th denly Iyou? I don’t mean the friend to tell t’s hind easy. To a horse-crazy child, you flat to ay don’t is hot and full of flies, the child rope. n sneak a lead-line walk and feeding your watch horse treats. The sponsoring adult the la ce electr for thinking of this adventure, and No! I ht must of wish fulfillment. negat th delive r keepi why, exactly. If he’s considering Ye buying a horse, or she’s interested ters. A But Sharing your passion h sometimes, a friend will just say, “Hey, for horses with the people alters the day you’d planned to spend I’d like to come out to the barn with you close to you can be messy with your horses. But lately, as I’ve sometime.” The next step is to see if she and complicated. But grown older and started to puzzle more will say it just once, then let it slide. But don’t let that stop you. over the way we interact with each oth- certain people won’t. They’ll remind er and how our animals figure in those you. Maybe they pick their own apples By Eliza McGraw interactions, I’ve come to think of the out near the barn, or their cousin used barn visit as a hallmark of real friend- to live over there. “I know right where someone else’s eyes, and I just can’t do ship. Because isn’t it a sign that your that is,” they say. it. Everything is too familiar and dear, friend wants to see you close up, as So you say “OK” and make a date. tractor to tack room to jump standards. you really, truly are? That friend has There’s no template for this event, as So I just have to wait for the questions figured it out: Something’s missing there would be for a child’s visit. (Pat, and commentary: What’s this one’s in the place they got to know you. ride, photo, treats, done.) It’s not as if name? What do you call the horse that The real you, she can see, is never someone has decided to accompany you looks like a spotted cow? So that’s what entirely there at a party, in the office, to a workout class or a favorite restau- a real hayloft looks like! at the gym. Most people don’t see rant, where the agenda that, but a friend does, and is set. Once your friend wonders about it. One arrives at the barn--- day, she realizes: This has where to park? (No, not something to do with next to all the trailers.) those horses. Can the dog come? So clear your day (No.) I often try to look and welcome those at the boarding barn friends. Because somewhere I’ve kept horses one who comes to the for 16 years through barn really cares.

72 EqUUS 474 march 2017 The ﬁrst supplement clinically proven to reduce

“A randomized, controlled trial of the effects of resveratrol administration in performance horses with lameness localized to the distal tarsal joints.” – Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association September 15, 2016, Vol. 249, No. 6, Pages 650-659.

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