horse health

The UK’s leading equine health & well-being magazine August/September 2008 £4.75

By Louise Cordell

THE Newmarket racing industry couldbe under threat from proposedchanges to the National Air TrafficServices.New research has suggested thatinvestment in the area could dry up ifplanned alterations to Stansted andLuton airport stacking locations goahead. The study was carried out byBidwells on behalf of the multi-million pound horse racing and studmarket industry in Newmarket. It revealed that if one key player inthe industry left the area as a resultof NATS changes, 93 per cent of studowners believed there would be animpact on their business and futurebusiness decisions.The result would be the possiblemovement of the industry away fromNewmarket and potentially out ofthe UK altogether. Alaistair Watson, chairman of theNewmarket Stud Farmers Associ-ation, said: “We accept that provisionneeds to be made for ‘stacking’ inthis area. However, the currentproposals will have the worst possibleeffect, particularly on the thorough-

bred breeding industry. Our researchshows the most important factor toinvestors, after availability of servicesand land, is the high environmentalstandards of the area. There is thepotential that breeders will perceivethe stacking aircraft to be damagingto this environment.” Thoroughbred breeding in Newmar-ket is big business, employing over2,000 full-time staff with the industryas a whole worth over £135m to thearea. It occupies over 9,000 acresover which incoming flights willstack, under the new plans. Louise Kemble, chief executive of theThoroughbred Breeders Association,said: “We are particularly concernedas Newmarket is the centre of breed-ing in Great Britain. As we have ourmost valuable stallions there we wantthe correct environment and infra-structure in place to support them. “The TBA is behind the NewmarketStud Farmers Association 100 percent and we have written toministers within Defra and theDepartment of Culture Media andSport to point out the negativeeffects of these moves on theindustry as a whole.”

Over 250 horses from all overthe world will be flying intoHong Kong for this year’sOlympic Games.Biosecurity measures will beessential to ensure that theydo not bring in infection orcontract any of the insect-borne diseases prevalent insouth-east Asia. Professor Josh Slater of theThe Horse Trust’s Scientific

Sub Committee has now beseconded as biosecurityadvisor to the event and will beresponsible for getting theinternational horses safely intoHong Kong and throughquarantine.Pictured are LauraBechtolscheimer and MistralHojris of the Olympic DressageTeam. Picture: Lewis Harding Ltd

Fears overNewmarketrace industry

HORSE HEALTH I NEWS 3

EDITORIAL

GROUP EDITOR:

Andrew HarrodTel: 01226 734639email: [email protected]

EDITOR:Christine [email protected]: 07825 097 464

Reporter Louise CordellTel: 01226 734694 [email protected]

PRODUCTION

STUDIO MANAGER:Stewart Holt [email protected]

DEPUTY GROUP EDITOR:Judith [email protected]

ADVERTISING

SALES AND MARKETING DIRECTOR:

Tony Barry

PRODUCT MANAGER:

Claire McleanTel: 01226 734333 Fax: 01226 [email protected]

Whilst every effort is made to ensure the accuracy of allcontent, the publishers do not accept liability for error,

printed or otherwise, that may occur.

Horse Health is registered withthe Audit Bureau of Circulations.

Feeding and Nutrition Pages 11-15

Equine Breeding Page 18

Going for Gold Page 26

BEVA Preview Pages 28-29

Crimean War Disease Pages 30-31

African Horse Sickness Pages 32-33

Forge Pages 34-35

Bloodstock matters Pages 36-37

Dentistry 8

Classified Page 39

Inside ...

Births mark breed hopesFOUR Exmoor pony foals have beenborn at RSPB Snape Warren naturereserve, raising hopes for the rarebreed’s future. The ponies are listed as endangeredby the Rare Breeds Survival Trust,which has loaned the herd to theRSPB, and these are the first foals tobe born in the group. Ian Barthorpe, RSPB spokesman,said: “The RSPB uses the Exmoorponies to help maintain heathlandand acid grassland at some of ourSuffolk nature reserves in optimumcondition for birds such as nightjarsand woodlarks. “These ponies were first brought toSnape Warren last summer, andwe’ve also taken them to our NorthWarren nature reserve. “They are an important managementresource, and very popular withvisitors.”

Because the Exmoor ponies are sorare, a stallion called Lysander, withan important rare bloodline, wasbrought in to sire the RSPB’s firstfoals. The foals include three fillies,which will prove particularlyimportant in increasing the geneticdiversity of the breed, and a colt. All four will also be named afterbirds, beginning with the same letteras their mother.Richard Clarke, RBST chief executive,said: “Some of our livestock breedsare at a risk of extinction, not onlybecause of low numbers, but alsobecause the genetic diversity of somebreeds is narrowing. “Purchasinglivestock from specific bloodlines andworking with organisations like theRSPB, and with farmers, is puttingconservation theory into practice toensure the survival of breeds like theExmoor pony.”

Survey probes licensing issue

The Tack Shop... a guide tothe latest inquality ...

Pages 19-23

Dunkery Garganey with filly Goldcrest Picture: Andy Needle, RSPB

By Louise Cordell

A LIVERY welfare survey has beenlaunched to discover whether alicensing system for UK yards isneeded.

Livery yards are very popular in theUK for those people who are unableto keep their horses and ponies athome.

However, there is no record of howmany horses are currently at livery orindeed the number of operatingyards and their welfare standards.

Now, leading equestrianorganisations including the BritishEquine Veterinary Association, WorldHorse Welfare, the British HorseSociety and the RSPCA have joinedforces to address the situation.

The group will be asking the general

public about their local livery yard togain information about the numberof yards, a general picture of therange and standard ofaccommodation and the servicesthey offer.

Chris House, BEVA chairman andworking party chair, said: “We are inthe early stages of discussions aboutlicensing Britain’s livery yard systemto ensure better welfare standardsfor horses kept at livery.

“However, there is currently a void ofinformation about these yards.

“Working party members agreedthat it was necessary to survey thoseinvolved with this important industryto gather the facts about standardsbefore any decisions are made.”

Horse owners, grooms, yard owners,veterinary surgeons, farriers and

other equine professionals are nowbeing asked to complete an onlinesurvey at www.liveryyardsurvey.co.ukfor any yards they have first handknowledge about.

Tony Tyler, WHW deputy chiefexecutive and a member of theworking party, said: “We are notseeking to impose a gold standardon livery yards, but we believe thatthere may be holes in the currentsystem that lead to welfareproblems.

“We must find solutions that makeimprovements for vulnerable horsesat the bottom end of the market.”

Visitors to the site will be able tocomplete the survey confidentiallyand the results will be reviewed inSeptember to establish what furtheraction, if any, is necessary.

Nomination callTHE Blue Cross is calling fornominations from veterinary practicesacross the country for its VeterinaryNurse of the Year Award. Thecompetition aims to recognise thecontribution of nurses in educatingthe public about responsible petownership and the welfare of pets inthe community. The nomination formis on The Blue Cross website at:www.bluecross.org.uk/ BVNA2008.

HORSE HEALTH I NEWS4

By Louise Cordell

THE Donkey Sanctuary’s 21stanniversary celebrations have beentaking place on Lamu Island, Kenya,where donkeys are more popularthan cars.

The ‘Independence Day for the LamuDonkeys’ was held by the charityworkers who help care for andprotect the 2,000 donkeys living onthe island, where the town’s streetsare too narrow for cars.

The celebrations were attended bycharity staff, religious leaders andlocals and involved a special ‘Uta’dance and show illustrating howmuch easier life can be if ownerscare for their donkeys properly.

Abdalla Rifai, who runs the LamuSanctuary, said: “This was a veryspecial celebration for me as I havebeen involved since the very first daywhen the Sanctuary’s founder, DrElisabeth Svendsen visited to look fordonkeys. I have seen many changesover the years and one of our succ-esses is that we have helped reducethe traditional practice of bleeding adonkey, or burning them with hotirons to treat illness; now donkeyowners come to us for help.”

The charity provides free veterinarytreatment to all the donkeys on theisland and runs a twice yearlydeworming programme.

It has also constructed new wateringfacilities, introduced an annual ‘bestcondition donkey’ competition and istraining community animal healthworkers on the surrounding islandsto provide basic veterinary care.

A donkey on Lamu island

Sanctuary inanniversarycelebration

Saddle fitter warningHORSE owners are being advised tocheck their saddle fitter’squalifications after a series ofmisleading claims have beendiscovered. In a statement from the Society ofMaster Saddlers, Pat Crawford said:“It has come to the Society ofMaster Saddlers’ attention thatcertain individuals, none of whomare Society members, have beenadvertising themselves as ‘fully SMSqualified’ or ‘trained by the SMS’,the implication being that they areSMS qualified, registered saddlefitters. In the particular casesmonitored by the Society, theindividuals concerned attended aSociety of Master Saddlers’ Introd-uctory course in saddle fitting.“This course is exactly that: anintroduction to saddle fitting. It isopen to equine vets andphysiotherapists and othersprofessionally employed in theequestrian industry as well asSociety and British Equestrian TradeAssociation members. Attendanceof the course is an obligatoryfoundation for those intending togo on to take the Society’s fittingcourse and assessment.“In order to be accepted on anSMS qualified saddle fitter’s course,candidates must be Society

members or employed by amember and they are onlyaccepted if they have proof of anabsolute minimum of three years’saddle fitting experience.“The assessment itself is verycomprehensive and requires thecandidate to have a goodknowledge of equine anatomy,musculature and movement.“They must be able to provide fulldescriptions of horses includingageing, any asymmetric musculardevelopment or gait malfunctions.“It is also necessary to have a basicunderstanding of human anatomy.Candidates are assessed on theirknowledge of saddlery for specificdisciplines and, most important ofall, they must prove ability to fitsaddles for horses of varying agesand differing conformation.“The Society is prepared to involveTrading Standards and theAdvertising Standards Authority incases of individuals misrepresentingthemselves as ‘SMS qualified’.“Horse owners are advised tocheck if they are in any doubtabout credentials before using theservices of a saddle fitter unknownto them. The Society’s websitewww.mastersaddlers.co.ukincludes up-to-date lists of allregistered qualified saddle fitters.”

‘Huge task ahead’ON the first anniversary of theEmergency Services Protocol, BEVAand BHS have warned that there isstill a huge task ahead. Despite a successful first year withprogress being made on minimisingdelays in injured animal receivingveterinary care, the organisationsreminded the industry there is still alot to be done. Josh Slater, BEVA senior vicepresident, said: “When the BHS andBEVA launched the Protocol last year,we were well aware that it was onlythe start of what will undoubtedly bea long term initiative for improvingsafety and standards for all thoseinvolved in large animal rescue.BEVA’s role has expanded wellbeyond its initial remit of providing alist of equine veterinary practicesthat could be called upon to assistthe emergency services in incidentsinvolving horses. “Hampshire Fire and Rescue Servicehave been invaluable in helping ustrain our vets in rescue techniquesand we aim to encourage as manyvets as possible to attend our rescue

and emergency medicine course. “Providing veterinary care to horsesin emergency situations is adangerous activity and one thatrequires specialist knowledge andexpertise.”His comments follow theannouncement at June’s AnimalRescue Conference that the ChiefFire Officers Association is toestablish an Animal Rescue PractitionGroup. The group will be chaired byHampshire Fire and Rescue Serviceand will aim to develop nationalstandards for animal rescue trainingfor fire and rescue services andestablish accreditation for training. Mark Weston, BHS director ofaccess, safety and welfare, said:“The continuing development of theESP procedures will help to ensurethat those equine that areunfortunate enough to be involvedin an accident are treatedexpeditiously and in accordance withbest practice. We are delighted thatthe CFOA is taking this importantstep to develop standards further foranimal rescue.”


A BLUE Cross horse and his ridinggroom have been selected to takepart in Dressage UK’s prestigioustraining programme. It is hoped that the training will helpbuild Blue Cross Ryan’s experience,helping him to find a new loan homewhere his potential as a competitionhorse can be realised. The seven year old Irish Sport Horsewas signed over to the charity a yearago and needed six months of boxrest to recover from a flexor tendoninjury.While being brought back into workhe was entered into some local

dressage competitions by his riderAnnalisa as part of his rehabilitationprogramme and his natural talentwas spotted by Dressage U21s UKorganiser Carol Hogg. She said: “Blue Cross Ryan is a superambassador for the excellent workcarried out by the Blue Cross. Hegenerates plenty of attention whenhe is out and about on the showcircuit as he is a good looking andbig moving young horse with somuch potential. It is lovely to be ableto help the charity by providing someadditional training for Ryan andAnnalisa this year. ”

Blue Cross Ryan and Annalisa Burge

Boost for Blue Cross horse

Horsebox safetywarning afterspate of incidentsBy Louise Cordell

HAMPSHIRE Fire and Rescue Servicehave issued a horsebox safetywarning following a spate of seriousincidents in the county.

Recently firefighters have rescued a15 year old horse stuck by its offhind in a horsebox, a New ForestPony that put its leg through thefloor of a trailer and an Irish SportHorse that had punched its waythrough two partitions.

A Fresian gelding was also treatedafter launching itself over thepartition of a lorry, falling outthrough the back door and on to thetarmac.

Watch manger Jim Green said: “Anyanimal trapped in a confined spacepresents a highly dangerous,unpredictable situation.

“This type of incident requires theimmediate attendance of a trainedanimal rescue team, working closelywith a vet who will assist with

chemical restraint, triage andaftercare.

“Animals in distress cause people torush in to help but this may well leadto serious personal injury as therecent incidents show.

“We would urge owners not to enterany confined space with a distressedhorse.”

Horse and pony owners are beingencouraged to always check that thefloor of the vehicle is in goodcondition, make sure the trailer isserviced regularly, regularly checktyres for signs of wear and tear andalways make sure they carryemergency numbers for their vet andbreakdown company.

Drivers are also advised to ensurethey control their speed, drivesmoothly, make sure the combinedweight of horse and trailer does notexceed the safe towing limit andcheck the horses are wearing thecorrect travel protection.

Wound library is launchedAN ONLINE ‘Wound Library’ has beenlaunched to help vets access anddevelop new techniques andtechnologies for animal woundmanagement.The site will provide a chance for vetsto trial the most up to date products inreturn for honest evaluations of theirsuccess and usefulness.It is hoped that the data gained willcontribute to what is currently a verypoor evidence base for ‘modern’wound management methods inveterinary practice.The library will also provide a database

of case outcomes by wound type,animal type and product type,educational material and references forfurther research.In the future it is hoped the site will beused as a source to develop furtherresearch, as an evidence base forclinicians and a foundation to developnew techniques, specific to veterinarypractice.Membership forwww.vetwoundlibrary.com is availablefor an annual fee of £38 which will beused to support its future growth andmaintain its independence.

EQUESTRIAN consumers’ buying habitsand attitudes to topical issues are to beanalysed by the British Equestrian TradeAssociation.The organisation is hoping to createEurope's largest source of equestrianresearch, made up from the view ofindependent riders, owners, breedersand trainers, plus livery yard and ridingschool proprietors.Professionals and amateurs are beinginvited to join the web based project,known as the Equestrian ConsumerResearch Panel.Claire Williams, BETA’s executivedirector, said: “The non-bias of thepanel will be an important feature ofthe research. The challenge for manyorganisations and companiesundertaking their own research is that

they tend to cavass existing customersor interested individuals.“This project is a first for theequestrian sector in the UK andconstant maintenance will ensure itremains contemporary and relevant.“We envisage running regular surveysthat are custom-designed tocompanies’ requirements, together withmore generic research on topicalequestrian issues.“The result will be vital information forboth commercial recipients and thosewho need to know what’s happeningin the horse world.”Applicants to join will initially be askedto provide details of their equestrianinvolvement, and then to completeconfidential, specific researchquestionnaires.

Attitudes to be analysed

THE Combi+System is a realinnovation: not only does it combinethe two therapies, it also covers andtreats the whole horse from the tailto the top of the neck.

It works in sequence supportingvenous blood flow and the lymphaticsystem and comes with 18programmes, nine of which arepreset to suit horses in everydaywork.

The other nine programmes can beset to varying frequencies, intensityand duration to suit the horse’sindividual needs.

Therapy Leg Wraps, Hoofpads andLaser and TENS equipment can alsobe run from the same control box.

The Combi+System is used by manytop riders to promote suppleness,relaxation, health and well-being intheir horses.

Chris King, winner of Barbury Castleand Blenheim 2007, said: “TheSecret Weapon lived in his CombiSystem during Bleinheim week and

look how it helped him!

“He has never felt better. There is nobetter system on the market. It reallydoes work!”

Prices for systems start at £1,550including VAT for either massage-onlyor pulsed electromagnetic-only anddemonstrations are available onrequest. All systems are in stock andavailable to hire, hire/purchase andpurchase.

See www.fmbs.co.uk for moreinformation, or call 01628472440 / 07885 539312.

‘There isno bettersystem onthe market’

Picture courtesy of LucyMathews Photography


A response to The Advantages ofHerbal Parasite Control(April/May Issue) from Dr ColinRoberts BVSc PhD FRCVS:Articles such as this appear to becalculated to discourage the rationaluse of safe, modern drugs to treatpotentially life-threatening equinedisorders in favour of theirreplacement by unproven, so-callednatural, alternatives. If a treatment is proven to beeffective and safe it should beemployed when appropriate, if it isineffective and/or unsafe it should bediscarded. Artificial categorizationssuch as ‘alternative’ and ‘traditional’merely confound an alreadycomplicated field.It is true that resistance of targetorganisms to antibiotics andanthelmintics represents a potentialmajor threat to the health of humansand animals alike, but this merelyserves to emphasise the importanceand current effectiveness of thesedrugs in modern medical andveterinary therapeutics. An important factor in thedevelopment of resistance to thesedrugs is their irrational use and thelatter is frequently seen whenuntrained persons control theirdistribution. The article however,contends that some herbal‘repellents’ have been proved ‘tohave outstanding results, even

bettering the performances offamiliar pharmaceutical products’’, ifthis is so, then why have they notbeen licensed as accreditedwormers?There is much talk of ‘proof’ of theefficacy of herbal products, but thescientifically-tenable studies todemonstrate this, carried out usingrobust investigative techniques andpublished in peer-reviewed journalsare lacking. As Williams and Lamprecht (2007)put in it their review article in TheVeterinary Journal only last year,‘Most herbs and functional foodshave not been scientifically tested;this is especially true for the horse’.I should state that as I am not in firstopinion practice and hence I cannotbe said to have any vested interest inthe prescription or promotion of so-called ‘conventional’ anthelminticsand antibiotics. As an equineclinician, my loyalties lie with thefostering of rational, evidence-basedtreatment of sick horses such thattheir diseases are handled efficientlyand safely whilst the development ofresistance to therapeutic agents bybacteria and parasites is minimised.In my opinion, articles such as theone that I have discussed here do adisservice to the efforts of theveterinary profession and, far, farmore importantly, to the health andwelfare of our horses.”

In response ...

Professor takeson Olympic rolePROFESSOR Josh Slater of The HorseTrust’s Scientific Sub-Committee hasbeen seconded as biosecurity adviserto the Olympic Games in Beijing.

Professor Slater, who also sits on theAfrican Horse Sickness WorkingGroup, will be based in Hong Kong,where the equestrian events arefocused.

Three groups of people are involvedin maintaining horse health duringthe Games - those who run theevents ‘on the ground’, a group ofvets mostly from the Hong KongJockey Club working alongside theinternational team vets and theInternational Equestrian Federation,which deals with the regulatoryaspects of the competition including horse passports andrandom testing.

Finally, Professor Slater will lead thegroup responsible for getting theinternational horses safely into HongKong and through quarantine.

As with previous Olympic events,there is a stringent protocol to beobserved before the horses areallowed to fly to Hong Kong.

The first phase is testing andcertification that they are free of a

specified list of diseases; then aperiod of quarantine.

All of Europe’s Olympian horses willgather at Stansted, complete withtheir health certificates, before flyingto Hong Kong at the end of thismonth.

On arrival, they will again enterquarantine in a purpose-built facilityat the Hong Kong Jockey Club ShaTin Racecourse, with air-conditionedinsect proofed stables designed tominimise risk of disease transmissionand with dedicated exercise grounds.

Once safely through quarantine, itwill be possible for the competitionsbegin.

Professor Slater said: “My work is tosupervise the import and quarantineprocess in Hong Kong. “The Chineseauthorities have appointed localadvisers at collection hubs aroundthe world who will work with thelocal animal health offices to dealwith any issues that arise.

“I will work with the Hong Konggovernment authorities to advise onany issues relating to biosecurity andinfectious diseases that may emerge.

“This is very exciting and I am thrilledto have the opportunity to do this.”

Firm sponsors training manualTHREE specialist registrars fromLiverpool are on their way to trainmedics supporting the equestrianevents programme at the Olympicsthis summer.Össur has sponsored thedevelopment of a manual,Emergency Care at EquestrianEvents, which will form the basis ofa three-day pre-hospital trainingcourse for 150 doctors, nurses andparamedics in Beijing.Dan Perry said: “Given theshortage of training programmesdesigned specifically for theequestrian world, we decided to

establish a course designed forhorse trials, using tailoredtechniques and the most advancedequipment.“We are looking forward to sharingour knowledge.”Trainees will learn all disciplines inthe skills in managing equestriantrauma patients in the field.A focus on initial management ofthe severely injured casualty,including defining the priorities inmanagement from acute lifethreatening interventions topatient handling will be covered.

ELLEN Collinson’s Super Iron productis recommended by racehorsetrainers, eventers, show jumpers,dressage riders and hackers alike.

It keeps horses looking good and atpeak performance, even if the horsehas had a hard campaign.

It also has fantastic results for horsesthat need to look good under lightsor who get judged on turn out.Many breeders swear by it whenpreparing yearling for the sales too.

Super Iron is a high iron supplementwith excellent conditioning powder.

It improves coat, enriching colour,aiding appetite and general wellbeing.

There are many products on themarket that contain iron, but non-herbal iron needs to be fed withcaution. It can be harsh on the liverwhich can then lead to otherproblems.

Super Iron, is made up of herbal iron

which is gentle on the system andhas no side effects to the liver. Thebenefit of giving herbal iron is thatdue to the iron having already beendigested and assimilated by theplant, it is much easier for the horseto absorb.

Super Iron can be order directly fromEllen Collinson Herbal Products, viatheir websitewww.EllenCollinson.co.ukalternatively contact the office on0845 260 3602.

All products in the Ellen CollinsonHerbal Products range contain nosubstances on the FEI and JockeyClub banned substance list so horsescan compete whilst taking theseproducts.

Advertiser’s announcement

Keepinghorses atpeakperformance


A DEMONSTRATION of how to bombproof even the most nervous horsewas put on by Strathclyde police forlocal BHS members.

The mounted division gave thelecture demonstration to show howthe horses dealt with flags, bannersand noisy crowds during marches.

The show also gave an insight intothe force’s training methods andideas on how riders and ownerscould bombproof their own horses.

Using everyday items such as plasticbags, a mattress and balls theofficers showed how they

bombproofed the horses and howthey use drums, hooters and whistlesto familiarise them with varioussounds.

Mounted officer, constable GillianSleight, said: “When we purchase apotential police horse we haveprecisely four weeks to decidewhether they are going to be up tothe strains of the job, so we like toselect a horse that is calm and placidand easily bribed by food. They alsomust have tremendous presence andbe able to learn to stand still forhours. After that it is just a matter ofpractise.”

Five-year-old new recruit Nerston learns about drums encourage bymore experienced mare Kilmamock Picture: Pam Scott

Bomb-proofing demo

Federationchairmanis appointedBy Louise Cordell

KEITH Taylor has been appointed asthe new chairman of the BritishEquestrian Federation.

The current chairman, Hugh Thomas,decided to stand down after his firstthree year term in office and a BEFcouncil ballot was held to choose between three potentialcandidates.

Keith said: “I am delighted that themembers of the council have hown their confidence in me to lead the board of directors aschairman.

“I will be working very closely withthem as the Federation and itsmember bodies take the next vitalsteps in building on the successachieved to date.”

Keith Taylor is currently managingdirector and CEO of Guinness Nigeria

Plc and has 30 years of internationalmanagerial experience with DiageoPlc and Mars Inc.

He has been awarded full UniversityColours for equestrian achievementand has had a lifelong involvementin equestrian sport.

He also owns and is currentlydeveloping Seagry Stud as abreeding centre for dressage horses.

Linda Whetstone, BEF council chair,said: “We were very pleased to havesuch strong candidates to choosefrom; it was a difficult decision butwe were grateful that such wellqualified people were prepared tostand.

“I believe that Keith Taylor’sconsiderable managementexperience and his lifelong interest indifferent aspects of equestrian sportwill be important assets in his newrole.”


Editor’s insight...FOR international and professionalriders the competition season neverstops, but at a more grass rootslevel, now is the time horses andponies are putting on their ‘Sundaybest’ and travelling across thecountry to compete.

Whatever the level, it is ourresponsibility to minimise the riskof spreading disease, whether thatbe observing simple safe practiceand not allowing ponies to grazearound the showground, or drinkout of communal troughs – one ofthe most common ways to pick upstrangles, or when travellinginternationally and strictlyfollowing quarantine and biosecurity procedures.

This month Horse Health focusesstrongly on the transmission andcontrol of disease.

The Emerging Exotic Diseasesseminar hosted speakers fromacross the world who collectively,clearly assessed the risks andpreparations we have in placeshould WNV or African HorseSickness arrive in the UK.

Duncan Hannant concludes hislook at these diseases with anoverview of AHS, and the seminarreport adds the detail.

Equine Influenza continues tothreaten the industry, and wethank Mark Riggs of Merial for hisexplanation of how this viruscontinually evolves, and AlisdairKing of Intervet, who examines thelatest technology behind thedevelopment of vaccines.

Whilst many diseases remainbeyond our control no matter howvigilant we are, one disturbing

recurrence is not.

Professor Derek Knottenbelt detailsCrimean War Disease whichalthough is not common, it isbecoming more frequently seen,and is often the result of blatantneglect. Ignorance should not bean excuse for suffering and horseowners, along with othersassuming responsibility for animals,clearly have a duty of care.

On a lighter note, we are delightedto introduce a new regular feature,‘Bloodstock Matters’ whichlaunches with a report onthoroughbred foals anddevelopmental orthopaedicdisease, and with an interview withLouise Kemble, chief executive ofthe Thoroughbred Breeders’Association, defining her role andthat of the organisation.Christine Keate

THE UK’s first ever Holistic HorseShow is taking place this autumn inEssex and Horse Health has fourpairs of tickets to give away.

The show is taking place on 24, 25and 26 October and is dedicated toshowing owners how the manyaspects of holistic horse care cantransform their relationship withtheir horse.

Highlights will include internationaldressage rider Lucinda McAlpineproviding a dressage to music displayand a loose jumping demonstration

to highlight the importance of ‘play’in teaching horses to jump, equinebiomechanist Gillian Higgins fromHorses Inside Out, taking visitors onan anatomical journey showing howthe equine body works and leadingwestern rider David Deptford and hisSovereign quarter horses joining upwith canine freestyle handler RichardCurtis for a unique demonstration.

For your chance to win a pair oftickets send your name and addresson a postcard to Horse HealthMagazine, 47 Church Street,Barnsley, South Yorkshire S70 2AS.

Lucinda McAlpine Richard Curtis

Show tickets up for grabs

Ragwort call toJersey landownersLANDOWNERS in Jersey are beingasked by the government to takeaction to control ragwort.

The Environment Department hassaid that the weed is spreadingrapidly because of the currentweather conditions and isbecoming a serious threat to theisland’s livestock.

The island's farmers have beenwarned that the plant is verydifficult to remove once it hasbecome established, producingseeds that can stay dormant in thesoil for up to 20 years.

Deputy Anne Pryke, assistantminister of planning andenvironment said: “As in previousyears we would advise thatpreventing the spread of this

injurious weed is important for thewellbeing of the island’s grazinganimals, and landowners andoccupiers should take all measuresto assist in its control.”

The authorities have also pointedout that applying herbicides cantemporarily make ragwort moreappealing to grazing stock.

Wilting makes the plant morepalatable and most poisoningsoccur after eating contaminatedhay, silage or dried grass.

Finally, landowners have beenreminded that control of ragwortis a legal responsibility of theoccupier and if necessary, noticescan be served and regulatoryaction taken to prevent itsspreading.

HORSE HEALTH I 11Feeding and nutrition

Mycotoxins can occur on growing,harvested or stored cereal and foragecrops.

Invisible to the naked eye, these toxicchemicals are produced by sometypes of mould growth under certainenvironmental conditions.

Mycotoxin poisoning has thepotential to suppress the immunesystem and cause a wide range ofconditions, ranging from sub clinicalsymptoms such as general lack ofform, hypersensitivity and loss ofwell-being, through to possible liverdamage and, in cases of severeexposure, death.

They have also been cited as apossible factor in Grass Sickness.

As a known hazard to human andanimal health, mycotoxins aresignificant enough to warrantregulation to limit their presence infood intended for humans oranimals.

However, one of the key difficultiesin identifying risk is that mycotoxinscan be present in feed or foragewithout the presence of mould.

Equally, not all mould growthindicates the presence of mycotoxins.

Should I be concerned?

Just as we live with various strains ofunfriendly bacteria, so we mustexpect to come into contact withmycotoxins.

However, just as some bacteria havethe ability to cause harm in certaincircumstances, so high levels ofexposure to mycotoxins, or exposurein more vulnerable equines, canresult in some sort of negativereaction.

Risk groups include those whoseimmune system may already beunder pressure such as youngstock,

broodmares, veterans, performancehorses, poor doers or sick equinesfor example.

What can I do to protect myhorse?

More equine specific research isrequired, but leading figures in theindustry agree that it is an arearequiring attention.

In the meantime, horse owners canfollow some basic precautions tohelp reduce potential exposure tomycotoxins:

Quality first – always feed goodquality cereals, compound feeds andforage from a reputable source, storein a cool dry place and do not usebeyond the sell-by date.

Boost the immune system – abalanced diet with good levels ofantioxidant vitamins, prebiotics andyeast cultures, can aid general healthand boost immunity.

Haylage – experts recommend usinginoculants plus stabilizers to reducethe presence of mycotoxins occurringduring manufacture, big bales shouldbe well wrapped with at least sixlayers of plastic and open balesshould be used within two to threedays.

Hay – mycotoxins occur in damp,humid and drought conditions andare more prevalent on mature crops,so hay is more prone to a higherlevel of contamination than haylage.Be aware of harvesting conditionsand check that hay was fully driedbefore baling.

Hygienic practices – keep feed, waterbuckets and feed bins clean asincidence of contamination has beenfound on feed/water buckets, as wellas feed bins that have not beenemptied properly before refilling.

Mycotoxins – thehidden danger

Finding a patch of mould in hay or haylage is notgenerally a cause for concern, however with mycotoxinsbecoming an increasing threat, Alltech UK offers itsadvice.

HORSE HEALTH I12 Feeding and nutrition

By Jane Buchan

THE key to successful weaning lies ingood preparation.

Correct nutrition is one aspect ofthat preparation which can startwhilst the foal is still suckling andwhich is not only important for thegeneral well-being of the foal, butcan have particular implications forits future.

The Evolving Digestive Tract:Horses, like other mammals, aredependant on enzymes to breakdown nutrients.

Enzymes are specific to differentnutrients and ingredients so theirlevels will vary according to thehorse’s diet.

Young mammals start with increasedlevels of lactase, the enzyme thatdigests milk, which gradually declinesas levels of other enzymes increase.

At around three to four months ofage the foal is beginning to be ableto digest cereal grains and legumes(soya, beans and peas) moreefficiently, as levels of amylase andprotease enzymes are increasing.

This is the time to introduce the foalto traditional concentrate feeds,encouraging the gradual change ofthe system and helping reduce therisk of digestive upsets, andassociated drop of condition, whenthe milk supply is removed.

Supporting Growth:There is often a reluctance to feed

foals, particularly those who arenaturally good-doers, for fear ofcausing growth problems, withprotein wrongly labelled as theculprit.

It is now recognised that it is a highenergy (calorie) intake withinsufficient minerals which can leadto these problems, as this creates anincreased rate of growth without thenutrients required to build the tissuesto support the growth.

Monitoring your youngster’s growth,by regular weightaping and plottingthe rate of growth on a chart, canact as an early warning system tohighlight potential growth-relatedproblems.

Youngsters that are growing veryrapidly will produce an upright curvewhich is an indication that theenergy content of the diet may needto be reduced.

Conversely, a very flat curve suggeststhat the foal is not growing andwould benefit from additionalcalories, which can be supplied by amilk-based creep feed up to threemonths of age and then by atraditional stud feed.

Keep it Steady:Maintaining a steady rate of growthis essential to try to avoid thedangers of growth problems, whichaffect the growing skeleton andassociated tissues and which couldultimately have an effect on a foal’ssoundness and ability to perform asan adult. Continued on Page 13

Carefulmonitoringof thefoal’sgrowth iskey tosuccessfulweaningPicture:RocksFarm Stud

Good preparation is key

HORSE HEALTH I 13Feeding and nutrition

Continued from Page 12

So for foals who hold their conditionwell both before and during theweaning process, a speciallyformulated stud balancer is ideal, asthis will provide essential protein,vitamins and minerals to supportgrowth but with a minimal caloriecontent.

For those who require some help inmaintaining condition, a traditionalstud mix or cube will provideadditional calories but must be fed atrecommended rates to supply thenecessary supporting nutrientsrequired.

At the time of weaning, the foalshould be receiving sufficientnutrients from a stud ration tomaintain weight and consistentgrowth when the milk supply isremoved.

Supporting the Gut:So, before the foal is finallyseparated from its dam it will be wellestablished on its own concentratediet and should also be eating grass and any other forage sourcewhich it will remain on afterweaning.

The fibre digesting and other hind gut bacteria of any horse can be disrupted by stressfulsituations with associated reductions in gut efficiency andpotential digestive upsets like loosedroppings.

Feeding a digestive enhancer, such asa prebiotic, before, during and afterthe weaning process can help boththe mare and the foal through thestressful time by supporting thebeneficial bacterial populations andhelping maintain a healthy balance inthe gut.

What About the Mare?Having focused very much on gettingthings right for the weanling, thewelfare and nutrition of the mareshould not be forgotten.

Once removed from the foal, thecalorie content of her diet should bereduced until her milk supply hasdried up, although it is preferable tokeep a vitamin and mineral sourceavailable, like a specially formulatedblock or lick, or continue to feed alow calorie balancer.

Her diet will then depend on

whether she is in foal again,returning to work or simplyremaining roughed off and also onhow well she has maintainedcondition through lactation andweaning.

If she is in foal again it is vital to feedto support the growing foetus so astud mix or cube should be fed atrecommended rates, or a studbalancer if fewer calories arerequired.

Ensuring she receives a fully balanceddiet at all times will help her replacethe body reserves which have beendrawn on by having a foal and helpher return to work or prepare for thenext covering.

Healthy Future:How you wean your foal will dependon your particular circumstances andhow mare and foal cope withseparation will depend on them asindividuals.

However by taking care beforehand,you can help reduce the stress andhelp ensure that both foal and damhave a strong and healthy future.

� Jane Buchan is a nutritionist forBaileys Horse Feeds

‘The welfare andnutrition of themare should notbe forgotten’

‘At the time ofweaning, the foalshould bereceiving sufficientnutrients from astud ration tomaintain weightand consistentgrowth when themilk supply isremoved’

HORSE HEALTH I14 Feeding and nutrition

By Kate Jones

TO achieve success you must notforget to keep your horse feeling inhis prime and able to perform to hisbest on competition day. Nutritionalsupport plays a large part in gainingpeak athletic performance.

One factot to consider whencompeting and travelling horses isreplacing the lost salts from thesystem. Sodium chloride, that is,normal salt, is the most importantand some horses should besupplemented daily year round.

But for those working harder andtraveling regularly you shouldupgrade basic salt to electrolytes,which provide all four body salts, ie.sodium, calcium, potassium andmagnesium.

Failure to replace these body saltscan affect the thirst mechanism byfailure to replace lost water, thusleaving the horse prone todehydration.

There may also be a loss of appetite.Ultimately repetitive, excessive

sweating can lead to de-mineralisation, depriving muscle,bone and cartilage of the nutrientsessential to post-exercise repair.

Of course clean, fresh water shouldalso always be available.

Electrolytes can be fed in feed orwater, but training your horse, whilestill at home, to take them in thewater can help to disguise the tasteof different water when you’restaying away from home.

However, electro salts are not theonly nutrients lost in sweat.

Iron, an essential trace element, islost at a rate of around 25mg perlitre of sweat.

Performance increases both therequirement for iron, by up to 40 percent, and at the same time theamount lost through sweat, thus itmay be beneficial to supplementyour competition horse if he showssigns of iron deficiency.

Anaemia is the most obvious sign ofiron deficiency, which shows itself inthe horse as lack of stamina,

laboured breathing and poorperformance.

Iron deficiency should be obvious inany blood test taken, if you aretaking veterinary advice forperformance in your horse.

Anaemia is also a factor in postexercise recovery, which is importantif your horse may be required towork all weekend at thechampionships.

If using an iron supplement forstamina in your competing horseensure it also contains the B groupvitamins, particularly folic acid andvitamin B12, as these are necessaryfor haemoglobin production in theblood which transports oxygen tothe muscles and, hence, also vital tostamina and performance.

Transport stress:

A significant consideration whencompeting some distance away isthe stress of traveling your horse. Ithas been suggested that every mile ahorse is transported by road isequivalent to him hacking thatdistance. So remember to allow your

horse sufficient time to recover fromtraveling before asking him tocompete. The longer the journey thegreater the risk of travel relatedrespiratory stress, triggered by theenclosed atmosphere, shared airspace, stress of traveling andincreased temperatures.

Don’t tie your horse too short, asstanding with his head held highdoesn’t allow natural drainage fromthe nostrils.

Horses at particular risk from travelstress are those with a history ofrespiratory disease, and thosetraveling particularly long distances.

If your horse is at risk from a travelbug then consider supporting lungfunction with naturally sourcedantioxidants to flush out theassociated toxins from the system.

The risk of respiratory stress is alsoincreased by traveling too quicklyafter exertion, so give your horsechance to recover well from hisclasses before heading home. � Kate Jones BSc(Hons) isnutritionist at NAF

Supplementary benefits forsuccessful competition

The correct nutrition can help performance on competition day.


THE welfare of the competing horsesis a top priority for Burghley Horse Trials and a large team ofexperts is constantly on hand tomake sure they are well taken careof.

FEI veterinary delegates are availablein the warm up and finishing areas,in the site stables and teams of vetscovering every section of the crosscountry course.

On top of this there are privateveterinary surgeons who are therelooking after individual or teamhorses.

Burghley FEI veterinary delegate,Michael Gibson, said: “Animalwelfare is the top priority for us.

“We cannot allow anyone tocompete on an unfit or lame horse.

“There are various inspections alongthe line – when the horses arrivethere is a health inspection and weensure that their vaccinations complywith FEI regulations.

“Then there is a public inspection onWednesday by the Ground Juryassisted by the veterinary delegatesand any horses that are not fit to goon are failed and out of thecompetition or, if there is anyuncertainty, they are held for a more

in depth check.

“We are looking to see if there isanything wrong that will affect theanimal over the events of the nextfew days.”

Checks are also carried out at theend of the cross country course withtemperature, heart and respiratoryrates being taken and any immediateinjuries dealt with.

Horses are usually kept in thefinishing arena to cool off until thevets are happy that they are in asatisfactory condition to be allowedback to the stables.

Any animal that is found to beparticularly distressed is taken backto the stables by horse ambulance.

These ambulances are also

positioned at various pointsthroughout the course so that anyhorse can be transported backquickly in case of injury.

There is a veterinary clinic therewhere horses can be dealt with inpeace and quiet away from thegeneral public, with x-rays andscanners available if needed.

All normal procedures can be carriedout, however if it is a question ofserious surgery under generalanesthetic then they will be trans-ferred to Newmarket or back to theowner’s own veterinary surgeon.

In the case of any injury, orsuspected injury, it is up to the vetsto decide if the horse is fit to carryon in the competition.

Michael added: “Obviously there ispressure on the rider to want tocontinue, especially if they arecompeting as part of a team, but ourtop priority is the horse.

“On the course you are in thereferees position of having to makevery rapid decisions.

“Just like anything else, once you seethe replay you may think you couldhave done things differently, butthere is a lot of pressure as yourdecision may have considerablebearings on both the rider and horsein that competition and in thefuture.

“I always try to be as diplomatic aspossible, emotions are alwaysrunning high, but we always keepthe animal’s welfare as our toppriority.

“We also have considerable expertback up on site, so we can getsecond and third opinions on anytricky situations which is very useful.

“It also helps that mostly thecompetitors are very knowledgeableand very experienced.

“We are able to communicate anyproblems to them easily and they arealways more concerned with thehorse’s welfare than anything else.”

Trials’ priority is animal welfare‘There are various inspections alongthe line – when the horses arrive there is a health inspection and weensure that their vaccinations complywith FEI regulations’


Aromatherapyand its potential benefits for horsesBy Violaine Chassaing

AROMATHERAPY involves the use ofessential oils to prevent or cureillnesses and improve health and well-being.It is a remarkably effective naturaltherapy, which relies on therelationship between the activeprinciples contained in essential oilsand the therapeutic properties derivingthere from.They are 100 per cent naturalsubstances and are particularly wellsuited to horses due to their greatsensitivity and their acute sense ofsmell.Using essential oils neverthelessrequires in-depth knowledge, giventheir high concentration and activeprinciples.The same plant can produce essencesof completely different composition inits various organs or depending on thelocation or conditions in which itgrows.Therefore it is crucial to know the exactorigin of the essential oil before usingit for any therapeutic purpose.In this context, modern scienceprovides us with an essential tool, the‘chemotype’, which defines the precisebiochemical components present in anessential oil and its therapeuticproperties.If two chemotypes are biochemicallydifferent, even if they have originatedfrom the same plant, they will present

different therapeutic activities andvariable toxicities.Essential oils have many otherproperties such as insect repellent,anti-dandruff, draining, digestive, tonicand energising properties.They can also have an effect on thepsyche through olfaction.For example, some of them will behelpful for fearful, anxious or irritablehorses, for over excited stallions, tohelp regulate heats of a mare, tofacilitate weaning of a foal or improvecertain behavioural problems like tics.Conclusion:While it is clear that essential oils canbe very beneficial for the health andwell-being of horses, it is important toemphasise that they are extremelypowerful and that they may, eventhrough they are 100 per cent natural,potentially be harmful if used withoutin-depth knowledge.It is perfectly possible to safely usecertain essential oils to remedy minorailments of the horse on a day to daybasis, however any intention to treat amore serious condition will require theintervention of a qualifiedaromatherapist, acting in associationwith a veterinarian.Essential oils nevertheless remain awonderful tool to help prevent illnessand stimulate the body’s self healingcapabilities.� Violaine Chassaing is manag-ing director of Horsessentials Ltd

These are some examples of themain properties of essential oils,examples and the main potentialapplication for horses.However, please note that some ofthe oils mentioned requireprecautions for use and you shouldalways get advice from a qualifiedaromatherapist before usingessential oils, or use ready madeproducts.Main Properties: antibacterial,antifungalExample Oils: cinnamon, oregano,tea tree, clove, thymeIndications for Horses:bacterial/fungal skin affections,bacterial respiratory affections,thrushMain Properties: antiparasiticExample Oils: ajowan, clove, teatree, Atlas cedar, Roman chamomile

Indications for Horses: parasitic skinaffections, intestinal parasites

Main Properties: antispasmodic

Example Oils: basil, tarragon,lavender, wintergreen, Italianeverlasting

Indications for Horses: stiff muscles,recovery after workouts, dry coughsand intestinal spasms

Main Properties: antiallergic

Example Oils: tarragon, blue tansy,Roman chamomile

Indications for Horses: respiratoryand skin allergies

Main Properties: healing

Example Oils: lavender, Italianeverlasting, rockrose, myrrh

Indications for Horses: burns, smallinjuries, cracked skin, skininflammations and irritations

Know your oils ...

HORSE HEALTH I18 Breeding matters

At one end of the spectrum it is theintention to reduce the incidence ofindiscriminate breeding, the productsof which are more likely to becomewelfare cases and, at the other, tosupport the continual improvementof British bred sport horses andponies and to recognise and sustainthe quality of our native andindigenous breeds.

The Thoroughbred Breeders’Association is the lead body forbreeding in the racing thoroughbredsector, the British Horse Society’sHorse and Pony Breeds Committeefor the native, indigenous andrecreational sectors, and BritishPerformance Sport Horses and Poniesfor that sector.

Some breeders are extremely well-informed and able to findinformation on available sires, theirgrading data, performance records,and those of their siblings andprogeny.

However, not everyone has thisunderstanding, so the informationneeds to be more readily available inorder for breeders to decide onpotential parings to increase thelikelihood of the next generationbeing successful in competitionand/or in the breeding barn.

The new National Equine Database,with its Government fundeddevelopment, and data provided bythe eighty plus UK Passport IssuingOrganisations and competitiondisciplines will be a data reservoir.

Equine identification, pedigree,performance and grading data willbe available for every horseregistered in the UK.

A mechanism is also developing forthe inclusion of horses residing in theUK with passports and registrationdocuments from other EuropeanUnion countries.

Once logged on to NED Online,which will be available as soon asthere is sufficient data, users will, forexample, be able to research aparticular sire, his pedigree, view hissiblings, progeny, and his progeny’sprogeny.

They can review his performancedata to build a more detailed pictureof his ability to pass on his owngenetic merit for particulardisciplines, and levels ofperformance, to the nextgenerations.

The same information will also beavailable for the dam line.

If the plan is to breed successfuleventers for the amateur rider, theuser may look for combinations todecide which dam line crosses bestwith which sire line to produce thoseexcelling at novice and intermediatelevel, with the temperament anddisposition to be marketable to thatsector.

If the plan is to breed top flightdressage horses, a different set ofNED reports will inform thosebreeding decisions.

Reports available to download fromNED Online will include lifetimeperformance indices for competitionand show horses (known as NPI’s orNED performance indices) - providedby the performance disciplines suchas British Eventing, British ShowJumping Association and BritishDressage.

Grading data will be provided bystudbooks, both for stallions andmares, including racing results andevaluation data provided by the BEF’sFuturity evaluations.

In excess of 500 young performancesport horses and ponies will beassessed this year, and, there will bean increasing capacity to include any verified data for which peoplehave a need, if there is a body tosupply it.

Aligning itself with the Strategy forthe Horse Industry, the BEF’s missionto breed ‘more horses’ means in factthat we aim to breed ‘better qualityhorses’ and very soon, the tools willbe more readily available in supportof this mission.

The Strategy for the Horse Industry in England and Wales calls for the setting-up of lead bodies for differentsectors of the breeding industry. Their job will be to ‘capitalise on data contained in the National Equine Database,to help improve the quality and breeding of our horses and ponies and to better select animals for breeding’. TheBritish Equestrian Federation’s head of equine development, Jan Rogers, explains how.

More data for better breeding

Pictures: SueCarden

20

UVISPORT is a range of sunscreendesigned for people with outdoorhobbies or jobs.

The convenient delivery methods ofsingle sachets and lip screen on alanyard means it is practical and easyto use. .

The lipscreen even has an indicator capthat turns red to indicate dangerouslevels of UVA.

The lotion is easily absorbed and non-greasy making it very quick to apply

TRAIN to give pain relief with EquineBowen Therapy.

Lotty Merry, Equine Bowen Therapistand tutor, explains how this gentle, yethighly effective, hands-on therapy, canbe used to help alleviate a number of

ailments, including sore and painfulmuscles, backs, shoulders, poll andflexion issues, lameness, plus range ofmovement restrictions.

Bowen also helps to realign internally,including the respiratory (dust

allergies, headshaking), lymphatic(improved immunesystem) andreproductivesystems.

Thumbs and fingersare used to createa rolling move,allowing openingof the fasciabeneath the skin,which helps thecorrect messages

to be received by the brain.

Bowen also provides a great de-tox,cleansing the system of toxin built up

A course of three treatments, oneweek apart are recommended initially,with follow up maintenancetreatments every few months whichhelps with injury prevention.

Horses with behavioural issues orexperienced trauma, either mental orphysical, benefit greatly often resultingin positive character changes.

During training at Rose Farm Collegeof Equine Studies in Somerset, anEquine Bowen Therapy (EBT) studentwill cover the full Bowen Treatment,plus relevant topics including saddlefitting, hoof care, nutrition, dentistry,stretch routine and strengtheningexercises.

Equine Bowen Therapy Uvisport

THIS new product from PegasusHorseshoes Ltd has beenmanufactured from high quality Britishsteel with superior wear resistantproperties to withstand extremeabrasion.

The high durability range of shoes aremost suitable for horses engaged inlong periods of roadwork whichgenerates rapid wear in the cheap

common mild steel imported shoeslargely obtainable throughout the UK.

The initial concept was developed forcarriage horses, it was found after sixmonths trial most horses achieveddouble the time between shoeing, thissuccess was also repeated on hunters.

The benefits of the Pegasus H.D. rangeof shoes are three fold.

For the horse they normalise timebetween shoeing, for the horse ownerthey reduce shoeing cost and for thefarrier they offer an opportunity topromote extra business.

Pegasus has in stock a complete rangeof shoes made from four sections ofsteel to suit most working horse andpony.

Pegasus horse shoes

THE Bavarian company Otto Sport willprovide high-tech riding surfaces in the‘Kentucky Horse Park’ arenas which willbe the venue for the 2010 WorldEquestrian Games.Experienced in the construction ofriding arenas for more than 20 years,

the family-run company startedbuilding a Main Stadium measuringalmost 70,000 sq ft. and a warm-uparena of about 19,500 sq ft in July.For the 2010 Games, the constructionof another Outdoor Stadium and twowarm-up arenas is intended. The secret

of thespecialridingsurface isinvisible,the OttoSport RidingMat Systemset underthe sandlayer is

characterized by excellent drainagefeatures so the arena can be used evenafter persistent precipitation.Among professional and leisure riders,the Otto perforated mat is also valuedfor its non-slip properties and theability to absorb shock.Therefore, safety of both horse andrider is ensured.The qualities of the new arena will beproved during several high-levelcompetitions that will take place priorto the World Equestrian Games: TheRolex Kentucky Three-Day Event, thelargest annual equine competition heldat the Kentucky Horse Park, is one ofthe challenges in the spring of 2009.

OttoTHE Flexisoft Pro-Safe Boot is thelatest development in Eskadron’sLudger Beerbaum Flexisoft range. Stillwith the revolutionary integratedflexible zone for optimum movement,the Pro-Safe has a double wrap-aroundshell, giving extra protection andsupport, along with a second velcrofastening section for maximumstability and security.The inner padding isanatomically formed foran even better fitaround the tendons andergot.The boot is available infront tendon and hindfetlock in Black, White;Grey; and Navy.

Eskadron

21

BELSTANE’S Country Essentials rangeincludes a wide selection of cleverportable storage ideas from bottlecoolers and cooler bags that clip onto the saddle to hanging organisersand bucket organisers to keep allyour necessities at hand.

The range comes in a selection ofcolours, some bags coming in variousprints such as camo and horse shoe

designs.

There is alsothe option ofteaming upthe bags withmatchingMuckBootsand Heritagegloves.

THE Equine Speedskip is an innovativeBritish made product produced usinghigh quality materials and designed toreduce workload, bedding costs andtime spent mucking out stables,paddocks and menages.

It is of a robust construction with agenerous sized scoop having a wideopening for ease of filling and largeholding capacity.

The rake is strong and versatile andhas been specially designed to be thecorrect length to make it very effective

for collecting heavy waste andminimising back strain.

As the rake is so quick and easy to useit not only speeds up mucking out, butenables only the manure to beremoved, helping to reduce beddingand manage surface wastage.

As many horses are now turned outfor the summer the Equine Speedskiphas proved to be brilliant on pastures,again making the process quicker andeasier.

MONARCH Equestrian are specialistmanufacturers of internal stables andhorse exercisers and were establishedin 1964.

A family business, which has thebenefits of expertise in bothengineering and equestrian fields.

The owners are life long horse owners,competitors and breeders and havecombined this knowledge to developmany innovative products.

The latest design, the Monarch Barn,has been well received across theequestrian world.

The modular design provides anaffordable way of providing a highquality internal barn system, which canbe tailored to meet a variety of needs.

The unique use of a bronze tinted

polycarbonate roof gives a very lightand airy feel to the whole building, thefiltered light means that the buildingremains cool in summer and warm inwinter and, added to this, specialattention has been given to ventilation,so often a problem in internal barns.

Built it roof ventilation is supplementedby large double entrance doors ateither end of the building and theoption for each stable to have externaltop opening doors or windows, soeven in the hottest weather a good airflow can be maintained.

TERRA-VAC machines have beenspecially designed for over 25 years forclearing horse droppings, soiled stablebedding, acorns, leaves, hedgeclippings, grass cuttings and generaldebris around the yard.

The Terra-Vac Colt can be easily towedby a ride-on mower or ATV.

It is powered by a 13hp petrol engine,10hp diesel engine or PTO driven.

The Colt is as efficient at clearing openareas with its ground scoop as it is intricky confined spaces with it’s wanderhose.

For larger requirements the PTO drivenTerra-Vac Stud models are ideal.

It is the first choice of many

racecourses and studs of not only theUK but Europe, New Zealand andAustralia.

The Terra-Vac All Purpose Sweeper isthe professional approach to clearingextensive areas.

Not only for keeping paddocks free ofdroppings; it is ideal for scarifyingtherefore enhancing growth for goodgrazing.

This model has a 7m? hopper capacityand can cover up to 10 acres per hour.

With the high cost of fuel someengine driven machines can cost £6per hour to run adding up tothousands of pounds per year,however, all Terra-Vacs can be PTOdriven, reducing costs to a minimum./

Terra-vac

Equine Speedskip

Belstane

Monarch

ABSORB-A-BED is a highly absorbentbedding produced to give you dryer,cleaner horses.It is ten times more absorbent thanstraw, and five times more absorbentthan shavings or flax.As a result Absorb-a-Bed extends thelife of your bedding, cuts down yourmuck heap by 50 per cent and greatlyreduces stable odour.Absorb-a-Bed can be used on rubbermats, with small amounts of beddingneeded once the initial bed is laid.For deep beds it can be used inconjunction with your regular beddingas an absorbent.Absorb-a-Bed is made from the shortfibres of paper re-cycling; thereforewe effectively make use of a waste

product.Thus it is environmentally friendly,100 per cent biodegradable and canbe spread onto your land.The initial wet paper sludge isprocessed and heat treated to 94 percent dry matter for comfortable,hygienic bedding which is availableall year round.

EQUISORB, the premium quality flaxbedding, has numerous attributeswhich make it particularly attractive tocommercial yards.

To start with, the extremely highabsorbency makes mucking out simpleand speedy as wet areas need only beremoved once or twice a week.

Consequently labour costs diminishand the muck heap reducesdramatically in size (compared with

traditional materials) so muck removalcosts are minimised.

Plus, in most stables, once the bed isestablished less than one bale ofbedding per stable per week is all thatis required.

Due to the introduction of a directdelivery system, yards purchasingsignificant quantities may now alsomake further savings.

Customers purchasing a minimum of378 bales can be supplied direct fromthe continent.

This arrangement minimises transportand storage costs and the resultantsavings are passed to the customer.

This development has been inspired byRobert Henson, whose name will befamiliar to many, as he has spent half alifetime researching and marketingbedding materials.

Consequently his knowledge andexpertise in this area are second tonone and there are few persons morecapable of offering advice and supportin this field.

Equisorb Absorb-a-bed

THE Tuffa range has always cateredextremely well for a wide range ofboot and chap sizes, with manyfootwear styles available up to a man’s15 (Eur 50) and chaps and gaiters

fitting up to a 20 inch calf.

The chaps also include sizes for theshorter leg which are available in allwidths.

Tuffa

EQUICAST can be used as a ‘spare tyre’, applied by the owner, until a farrier canreplace a shoe. It can also be used therapeutically to restore hoof wall integrity: asin long toe low heel syndrome, quarter cracks, shelly feet and white line disease.Much depends on what is needed and one’s level of knowledge.It works by adding temporary support in three areas, firstly at the widest part ofthe hoof between the first nail and the last nail holes, secondly by increasingground contact in the heels and frog area (caudal support), and finally bymanaging lateral expansion the medial wall supports the lateral wall.It is different from conventional shoeing methods as it supports the whole hoofcapsule as well as the bottom of the hoof.Equicast can be applied in three different ways, on a hoof where they shoe in thenglued or nailed on, over any kind of shoes or on to a bare foot; each methodaddressing a specific problem.

Equicast

22

APART from their legs, the mostvulnerable part of the performancehorse’s anatomy is its back.

Not designed to take a rider’s weight,and required to flex both horizontallyand vertically during work, manyhorses suffer from back pain andstiffness.

A holistic approach to protectingyour horse’s back will optimise notonly his physical performance, butcan also be enormously beneficial forhis relaxation and recovery afterwork.

Use of the Equilibrium Therapy

Massage Pad has been clinicallyproven to improve flexibility andstride length in horses without anydiagnosed back stiffness.

Easy to use, effective and extremelyaffordable, the Eqilibrium TherapyMassage Pad is ideal for use onhorses recovering from injury or withback problems, or simply to maintainsuppleness and performance incompetition horses.

Combining use of the Massage Padwith the Therapy Magnetic Back Padand Magnetic Quarters Pad willfurther enhance healing and thewellbeing of your horse.

The Vitaflex magnets used in theTherapy Magnetic range work byusing strong, circular and permanent

magnetic fields of alternating polesequences.

This increases magnetic charge to thecell membrane, thereby improvingthe cells ability to regenerate.Magnetic Therapy is ideal for horsesrecovering from injury, stiffness,arthritis or those that are sensitiveand cold backed and, together withthe Therapy Massage Pad, will helpto keep your horse’s back in tip-topshape so he can perform to the bestof his ability.

Eqilibrium

23

HORSE HEALTH I24 Vaccinations

By Alasdair King

IN the fight against new strains ofexisting equine viruses and the threatof diseases which were previouslynot endemic to an area, such asWest Nile Virus in the UK, continualresearch and development isessential.However, the development of newvaccines is a multi-layered process,which can take up to 11 years andcost in excess of £60m, so it is littlewonder that there are only a handfulof companies operating in this field,and few with the facilities to bringvaccines to market, from concept tofield.

Once a vaccine is developed, it mustbe authorised by the relevant bodyto ensure it is safe, is of a highquality, and that it’s efficacious.Safety is always paramount, and theanimal, owner, user and environmentare considered in the preparation ofany new product.

Vaccine Developments:A key element in vaccinedevelopment has been to improvedelivery systems and vaccine researchnow concentrates heavily in this

area.

Some modern ‘flu vaccines stillincorporate adjuvants of earlyvaccines, such as aluminium.

However, developments in vaccineresearch have led to other adjuvantsbeing identified and deployed, suchas carbomers (acrylic acid).

These traditional adjuvants rely onproducing a depot from whichantigen is released over time andwhich may cause irritation at thesite.

One of the latest developments invaccine technology is ISCOM-Matrix,a biological delivery system, whichdoesn’t rely on a depot.

It stimulates the immune system andtransports the antigen to key sites inthe body to encourage theproduction of circulating antibodies.

Unlike a depot vaccine, which canlast for weeks to months, 95 percent of the vaccine is removed fromthe injection site within hours.

The Chimera story:Whilst in the UK most of the currentinterest is in vaccine developementfor equine flu, the very real threat of

more exotic diseases makes worktaking place further afieldincreasingly important.

One exciting development in vaccinetechnology in recent years has comeabout using elements of one of thefirst effective human vaccines, anattenuated vaccine for Yellow Fever.

The Yellow Fever vaccine, using astrain YF-17D which cannot causedisease, is well documented ashaving a high level of safety andefficacy.

West Nile Virus is a viral diseasewhich affects the central nervoussystem and causes encephalitis ininfected horses.

West Nile Virus was previously seenonly in Africa, Asia and SouthernEurope, but is now endemic in theUS. The virus is carried by birds andis spread by the bite of an infectedmosquito.

It has been reported in humans andhorses, although there is no clinicalevidence to suggest that it can bedirectly transmitted between species.

Whilst no cases have been reportedin the UK, the increased risk of exotic

diseases due to climate change andinternational movement of animalshave made West Nile Virus of keyinterest to the UK.

WNV has become the focus for newtechnologies in vaccine developmentfor both horses and humans, andhas resulted in the first vaccine touse chimera technology.

A chimera vaccine is created bycombining elements of two similarviruses to create a vaccine which willnot cause disease but stimulates astrong immune response.

WNV and Yellow Fever share verysimilar characteristics, and it hastherefore been possible to create avaccine against WNV by taking theattenuated human yellow fevervaccine strain and replacing sectionsof the virus wall with fragments ofthe structural cells of WNV.

This technique is currently availablein an equine vaccine produced in theUS by Intervet/Schering PloughAnimal Health, and is also beingdeveloped to create a humanvaccine, putting chimera amongstthe most exciting developments inveterinary medicine in recent years.

Whilst there may not seem to be acurrent need for a WNV vaccine inthe UK, the development of modernchimera technology ensures thatshould the worst happen, the multi-million pound equine industry wouldhave some protection.

It is this safety net that is at the coreof all effective vaccine development– identifying where there may be aneed and where there is an answerto that need.� Alasdair King BVMS, CertVOphthal,MRCVS is veterinary manager atIntervet/Schering-Plough AnimalHealth

Innovations and advances inequine vaccine development

‘Once a vaccine is developed, it mustbe authorised by the relevant body toensure it is safe, is of a high quality,and that it’s efficacious. Safety isalways paramount, and the animal,owner, user and environment areconsidered in the preparation of anynew product’

HORSE HEALTH I 25Vaccinations

By Mark Riggs BVetMed MRCVSof Merial Animal Health

LAST year in the UK there were anumber of EI infections recorded andwith less than half of our equinepopulation receiving regular vaccin-ations, ongoing protection and vigil-ance is essential in order to keep thiscontinually evolving disease at bay.

Human influenza demonstrates howquickly the virus can change andadapt; as a result the vaccines areupdated on a yearly basis.

This is due to influenza’s ability tomutate and change over time, aprocess called Antigenic drift.

These changes, or drifts, allow theinfluenza virus to evade andovercome the immune system andremain circulating in a givenpopulation.

It is one of the major reasons why EIoutbreaks continue to occurthroughout the world. To understandthis drift process we need to look atthe virus itself. *See Fig. 1 and Fig. 2

There are two major surface proteinsused by the virus to aid the infectionprocess. Haemagglutinin (H)receptors attach the virus to therespiratory system, andNeuraminidase (N) receptors allowthe virus to get into the cell to start

reproducing.

Following infection or immunisationwith vaccines, the horse’s immunesystem recognises the H receptor asthe target to attack.

However, changes in the shape ofthese receptors can have devastatingconsequences.

Viruses with changed H receptorshapes are much more capable ofevading the immune system andcausing clinical disease.

Different H and N components makeup the influenza viruses in differentspecies and certain viruses haveevolved to be capable of infectingmore than one species. It is thisrecombination of different H and Ncomponents that is known asAntigenic Shift, and has beenresponsible for some of the recenthuman influenza epidemics.

Developing strains:The H component is the primarytarget for the immune system and istherefore the active ingredient in allequine vaccines.

So any changes in its structure(antigenic drift) are closely monitoredby an international ExpertSurveillance Panel (ESP) which is rununder the umbrella of the World

Organisation for Animal Health(known as the Office Internationaldes Epizooties, or OIE).

Through this surveillance and analysisa detailed picture of outbreaks overthe years has been formulated andcontinues to be constantly updated.

The more closely vaccine strains arematched to field strains the morespecific the protection offered.

As a result of this continual update,the ESP periodically makesrecommendations for allmanufacturers of equine vaccines toinclude these recent strains.

The similarity between some strainsmeans it is not necessary to includeevery one in the vaccine. However,some vaccines contain strains fromas early as 1956, others as recentlyas 2003.

As time passes and the influenzavirus continues to evolve, theprotection offered by the oldervaccine strains will diminish.

Therefore, through the process ofantigenic drift, regular vaccineupdates are required to maximiseprotection.

As in the human field, constantvigilance is required to monitor howthis highly infectious equine virus ischanging.

In an outbreak in Newmarket in2003, a particularly virulent straincaused clinical signs of EI, even inhorses assumed to be protected bytraditional vaccines.

One of the key factors thought to beat the root of this was a field andvaccine strain miss-match.

The South African outbreak in 2003brought horse racing to a standstill,and the major Australian outbreaklast year demonstrated just howrapidly this disease can spread.

Infected airborne droplets along withcontaminated tack and equipmentcan lead to an outbreak situationwithin a matter of days.

Be prepared:With the ever increasinginternational travel of our horsepopulation the risk of equineinfluenza remains high and weshould all be prepared as best wecan.

Owners, vets and vaccinemanufacturers who have aresponsibility to maximise theprotection offered by vaccination,must take responsibility. It is not justthe travelling competitor who is atrisk, the retiree in the field is equallysusceptible.

Although last year’s equine influenza (EI) outbreak in Australia entered a naive ‘flu free’ population, there werealso outbreaks in countries that have vaccination programmes in place. Mark Riggs explains why EI continues topose a threat, and what we can do to help minimise the chances of encountering the disease in the UK.

Above: Figure 1 and left: Figure 2

Why complacencyis not an option ...

26

The difference between being very good and being world class is thesmallest of margins. Competitively only a very few make that finaltoughest push, to take them onto the world class stage. The basicingredients all have to be in place to be a contender, natural talent,commitment and, in the equine world, the right horses. Twenty-year-oldInternational show jumper, Ryan Prater, has proved he has all of theseattributes and Horse Health are following his progress in a series offeatures, as he reviews his practices and attends to the fine tuning, whichhe hopes will help him make that transition.

GOING FORGOLD

By Christine Keate

TERRY Horgan of Baskerville Horganand Partners, the equine arm of theHampden Veterinary Hospital, hasbeen Ryan’s vet for as long as he canremember. As a former member of the Irishthree-day event team, Terry’s interestand experience in the managementof competition horses provides vitalsupport to Ryan and his team.

He said: “Any of the top riders willsay that there are only so manyrounds a horse will jump in hislifetime.

“The knack is to minimise the impactof these by assessing the risk level,taking into account the condition ofthe horse, what is at stake, and thecondition of the ground.

“If a rider goes into a jump offknowing the chances of winning arefor some reason greatly reduced, hewill change his tactics to jump asteadier less stressful round than ifhe was likely to win.

“The work is done however, longbefore that stage is reached.

“The current show jumper type is astrong bodied, propulsive horse,which needs a big muscle mass inorder to perform.

“A 550kg horse landing over a fencewill exert 652kg of force per squaremetre.

“Genetics and breeding will dictatethe inherent level of ability, but onlyif the training, technique,conditioning and the temperament

of the horse, together with theground conditions on the day are alloptimised, will the horse beconsistently successful.

“With regard to supporting jointfunction, less damage is likely tooccur when the horse is fit andfuelled to do the job.

“Adequate nutrition is vital, mostmanufacturers have feeds targetedspecifically at the competition horse,and nutritionists who are able toadvise on the finer details.

“One of the key problems faced byshow jumpers is cartilagedegeneration. Surrounding the boneends, cartilage allows joints toarticulate easily and smoothly, andprotects by absorbing the shock frommovement.

“Excessive strain can causedegeneration, and pain, if the bonesare no longer protected fromcontacting with each other.

“The body then responds by creatingmore bone which worsens theproblem.”

There are a variety of products onthe market to improve theregeneration of cartilage within thejoint. Look for those containingrecommended levels of chondroitinand glucosamine.

There is such a diversity of qualityhowever, it is worth looking for onethat has an identifiable source, andthat is consistent in quantity andpurity.

Terry added: “Bandaging the legs

acts rather like a pair of supporttights.

“It keeps them warm, particularly atnight, so the blood flows more easily,boosting circulation, which in turn isimportant to aid post competitionrecovery.

“The same applies when travelling.

“The care employed on a longjourney home, is important.

“Offering water regularly, changingthe rugs and moderating the air flowwill all impact on the rate, andextent of recovery.

“Performance can be greatlyimpaired by any kind of chronic pain.

“Correctly fitting tack will helpreduce the incidence of low gradepain.

“Even boots should be horsespecific. They mould to the legs andswapping them from horse to horseis a bit like wearing someone else’sshoes, even if they are the same sizeas your own, they do not feel ascomfortable.”

New technologies in themanufacture of boots, has lead to ahuge variety on the market.

The need to protect the limbs fromover-reach injury has to be weighedagainst fact that anything on thelegs is going to impair the horse’sability to feel.

Recent developments to reduce thetransmission of shock from impactinclude incorporating into the boot,a shock absorbing film ofpolyurathene gel.

The hard work we have put in isnow paying off.

I took all my team to Addingtonand they were brilliant. Safaro, thenew young stallion jumped adouble clear in the second roundof the Foxhunters and is nowready to move onto bigger tracks.

Whisker jumped a double clear inthe Grand Prix but I pulled himfrom the jump off, he dideverything I asked of him and Iwanted to save him for theEuropeans.

Otage also jumped double clears

and even though we were drawnfirst in the jump off he was so fastno one could touch him and wewon the class. He also won at theGreat Yorkshire Show, with Vinniepicking up second. Whiskerproved his worth as a team horseat the Europeans.

He had a pole in the first round,was off the boil a bit in thesecond, but jumped a fantasticfast clear in the final round whichhelped the team secure bronze. Hisnext big outing will be on theSenior Team in the Nations Cup.

Ryan’s Update

Attending to the details ...

The risk levelof jumpingcan beminimised bytaking intoaccount thecondition ofthe horse andthe ground.Pictures: SueCarden New technology has led to a huge variety of boots on the market.

HORSE HEALTH I28 BEVA Preview

FOR the first time BEVA congress willbe in Liverpool at the newly openedArena and Convention Centre. Theconvention centre is located on thebanks of the famous Mersey Riverand offers state-of-the-art facilities.

BEVA Congress is Europe’s pre-eminent equine veterinary congressattracting delegates and exhibitorsfrom around the world and offeringan exceptional scientific and socialprogramme.

There will be a five parallel sessionscientific programme retaining manyof the successful features of previouscongresses.

The John Hickman Memorial lecturewill be delivered by the world-renowned equine neurologistProfessor Joe Mayhew from MasseyUniversity and is titled ‘Equineneurology: watching horses behavingstrangely’.

New this year is the prestigious SirFrederick Hobday lecture which willbe given by Dean Richardson fromthe University of Pennsylvania, titled‘They fix horses don’t they? – The

past, present and future of equinefracture repair’.

In addition to which there will besessions on palmar foot pain, foalorthopaedics and colic,ophthalmology and neurology, andreproduction.

There will also be sessions on EIPH,and Dentistry, Diseases of theParanasal Sinuses, and Anaesthesiaand Analgesia in practice.

There will be an infectious diseasesupdate, including a report on thedevastating Australian outbreak ofEquine Influenza.

The popular session on Imaging inPractice returns again this year, asdoes the ever popular LamenessDiagnosis Panel.

There are also sessions in recentadvances in Orthopaedics, ClinicalPathology and Cardiology, and FoalCare for the Practitioner.

As in previous years there is a day oflectures dedicated to equine nursing,and there will also be a day oflectures on practice management.

BEVA congress is also well known forits lively, friendly social programmeand this year the President’sReception on the first evening ofCongress heads for Morocco withguests being promised belly dancersand flying carpets.

The evening starts with cocktails andsupper will be a delicious feast ofthe complex flavours and subtlefragrances that characteriseMoroccan dishes, which are inspiredby African, Arabian and Europeancuisine.

On the Thursday of Congress Virbacare inviting delegates to join them in

the celebration of their 40th birthdayparty and the following evening isthe legendary BEVA dinner/dance.

The evening begins with a drinksreception and live music followed bydinner and dancing to the earlyhours.

Finally, the Farewell party is beingheld at a replica Cavern Club andthe evening will celebrate the musicof The Beatles.

There will be an opportunity to tourthe Beatles Museum then dinnerfollowed by dancing to Beatlesclassics.

Congress attracts delegatesfrom around the world

HORSE HEALTH I30 Crimean War Disease

By Derek C Knottenbelt OBE,BVM&S, Dip ECEIM, MRCVS

PROBABLY the most serious pasternand cannon dermatitis is the chronic,often debilitating form known as‘Greasy Heel’ or Verrucose PasternDermatitis, which has beenrecognised historically, particularly inmilitary horses, for hundreds ofyears.

Although the disease remains rare,more cases are being reported andneglected cases are a common causeof cruelty investigations andprosecution.

Many milder conditions becomeprogressively more serious withsecondary infection, exudation andskin maceration (derived either fromexudate, poor conditions orinappropriate care).

Several factors must combinetogether before the classical form ofthe disease develops.

The disorder is almost exclusivelyrestricted to horses with featheredlegs and those with a high pasterncircumference and tufted fetlocks arereported to be most liable and mostseverely affected.

It affects white skinned legs far morefrequently than coloured, but it isimportant to realise that colouredlegs can be just as seriously affected.

A primary cause of skininflammation:Frequently the horse will havesuffered from leg mange, howeverbacterial infections, skin macerationby persistent soaking in water ormud, and skin irritation are ofteninvolved.

Chronic self-trauma from rubbingand lack of skin hygiene are alsocommonly implicated, as is persistentneglect of the early signs of pasterndermatitis.

Neglect is probably the biggest singlefactor involved.

Many cases have early signs such asscaling, pruritus and plaques

resulting from vasculitis, self traumaand infection that are eitheroverlooked, ignored or treatedinappropriately.

This is the stage at which the courseof the disease is dictated, as earlyrecognition and aggressive,persistent treatment will resolve theproblem.

In verrucose pastern dermatitis theunderlying cause is usually a wintercondition, but heat, flies and atendency to neglect horses in thewarmer months, makes it a primarilysummer presentation.

What does it look like? The advanced stages of thecondition can be readily recognised

by the odour of rotting flesh and thevarious degrees of matting,discoloration and greasy exudate onthe limb hair.

There is usually significant secondaryself trauma, infection and skinexudation with maceration.

Often the secondary skin changesare so chronic and severe that theoriginal cause cannot be established.

The resulting proliferative ‘masses’can easily be mistaken for tumours(sarcoids in particular) andgranulation tissue.

The condition has been divided intofour clinically recognisablecategories:

Group One: Scaling dermatosis – theearliest stage of the condition.

Group Two: Hyperkeratotic,hyperplastic plaque like dermatosis –this arises as a result of self traumaor infection.

Group Three: Tumourous skinthickening – initially thickening isgeneralised and there may be adegree of skin folding.

Group Four: Verrucose lesions withnodules of hyperplastic ulcerated andexudative thickened skin, scar tissue,

often with extensive skin folding anddeep clefting. Secondary infectionand infestations are common andthe animal may be lame anddebilitated.

Secondary bacterial infections areinevitable and in summer fly strikecan develop over a period of five toseven days.

Some cases are itchy, which adds tothe trauma of the skin and somehorses may chew at the affectedlegs.

Metabolic effects can occur includingdebility, weight loss and bloodchanges including anaemia, lowblood protein and a reducedimmunological status.

Lameness and general leg fillingindicate deeper infection and a moresevere state.

The disease is always a significantwelfare issue and where it occurs theowner can justifiably be accused ofneglect.

Not many horses recover withoutenormous effort, cost and discomfortboth to the patient and theattending vet and farrier.

Continued on Page 31

Why early signsmust not be ignored

Itching adds to the trauma of the skin.

‘Many cases have early signs such asscaling, pruritus and plaques resultingfrom vasculitis, self trauma andinfection that are either overlooked,ignored or treated inappropriately’

HORSE HEALTH I 31Crimean War Disease

Continued from Page 30

The characteristic nodules could bemistaken for true warts, sarcoids oreven proud flesh and so swabs andbiopsies may be taken simply toeliminate these.

These conditions may co-exist,complicating treatment and thevariety of bacteria makes antibioticselection difficult and few willactually reach the site of thebacteria.

What about treatment?Treatment is extremely difficult in anybut the earliest stages of thecondition.

The main initial objective is to reducethe exacerbating secondary factorsand to render the skin inhospitableto the opportunistic pathogens thatmay cause complications.

The most important aspect is toremove all the hair, then all infectionand infestation must be removedfrom the affected skin.

The almost invariable bacterialinfection and the occasional myiasiswill require specific treatments;usually close clipping of the skin andremoval of necrotic tissue, anantiseptic wash and application ofmodern antibacterial dressings.

Topical antiseptic washes (e.g.chlorhexidine possibly withmiconazole) are essential.

A general anaesthetic may even berequired as treatment can be verypainful with access to four feetdifficult in the conscious horse.

It is vital that all washes and rinsesare undertaken with warm water ascold water washes are far lesseffective and strong chemicals mustbe avoided because they will further

inflame the skin.

The control of infection may takesome time, but usually there will bea significant improvement as soon asinfection is resolved.

Once this is achieved, it is preferableto leave the affected limbs open tothe air.

Repeated clipping of the hair may berequired and antibacterial dressingsmay be reapplied.

Treatment of myiasis may beproblematic because the conditioncan develop rapidly and repeatedly.

The maggots can penetrate deepclefts and therefore are difficult toidentify and remove.

The washed limbs should be blotteddry and kept as dry as possiblethereafter.

Reduction in the overall degree ofinflammation is the best approachbut this can be difficult to sustain.

Where the ‘grapes’ are present, it isbest to remove all the abnormaltissue surgically using thermocautery,laser or sharp surgery.

Poulticing, caustic applications andso on simply make the ‘grapes’bigger and more aggressive.

There is little likelihood that all theabnormal skin can be removed andin any case this is a severe and verybloody surgery which is usuallyperformed using a tourniquet undergeneral anaesthesia to limit theblood loss and pain.

At the same time any exacerbatingfactors such as persistent wetting,matting of hair and other skintrauma have to be eliminated as faras possible.

All the hair should be clipped downto surgical level and maintained thisshort for the duration of the

treatment period and the horse mustbe removed from any muddy or wetpasture.

Strong desiccating chemicals such asalcohol and astringents currentlyavailable may cause cracking andfurther exudation so they areprobably contraindicated.

Non-steroidal anti-inflammatorydrugs and antibiotics (topical andsystemic) may be indicated.

Thick creams and lotions should notbe applied if avoidable.

Water-soluble-base steroid creamshave been used but at least initiallyshould probably be avoided. Sprayforms of hydrocortisone can be veryhelpful but have to be very carefullycontrolled.

Many cases take years to recoverfully and some have permanent skinthickening and a tendency torecurrence.

Prevention: It is entirely possible to prevent thisdisease, it takes only a modicum ofnormal care with the recognitionthat early signs are important andrequire proper veterinary attention.

Trying to deal with this without theproper support is wrong andpotentially dangerous, wantoncruelty by applying severe chemicalsand inappropriate management istotally unacceptable.

It is absolutely clear that preventionis better than cure.

The disorder is almost exclusively restricted to horses with featheredlegs.

The disease is always a significant welfare issue

All hair should be clipped down and maintained this short for theduration of the treatment.

HORSE HEALTH I32 African horse sickness

By Duncan Hannant

THE establishment of BlueTongueVirus (BTV) in British farm stock lastyear and the recent extendedincursions of AHS into Europe, haveled to increased concern that itmight reach Britain. Does this mean that the stage is setfor African Horse Sickness Virus(AHSV) to cause disease in Britishhorses?

What is African Horse Sickness?This is a highly fatal and infectiousdisease, which affects horses, mulesand donkeys.

It is caused by an arbovirus(arthropod borne virus) and so comesunder the same grouping as WestNile Virus.

There are nine strains (serotypes) ofthe virus, with the horse requiringimmunity to every single one.Although it is highly infectious in thepresence of the vector, the disease isnot directly contagious betweenanimals.

The most serious infections occur inhorses and mules; zebras and Africandonkeys rarely develop seriousclinical signs.

Zebras, which are oftenasymptomatic, are thought to be thenatural reservoir hosts in mostregions of Africa.

Dogs can also be severely infected by

the virus, usually by eating infectedhorsemeat.

The disease is endemic in sub-Saharan Africa and has spread as farnorth as Morocco and the MiddleEast.

The disease in horses:

Once the virus has entered the body,it replicates in local tissues and israpidly transported to all parts mainlyvia the bloodstream.

AHSV can cause four forms ofdisease:

� Horse sickness fever is usually mildand horses show only mild tomoderate fever and some swellingaround the eyes.

There is no mortality and it oftenoccurs after infection with lessvirulent strains of the virus or if thehorse has some degree of immunity.

� The cardiac or sub-acute form ofthe disease is characterised by feverwhich may last for several weeks.The main clinical finding is swellingunder the skin, particularly of thehead, neck and chest but alsoaround the eyes.

The conjunctivae may becomecongested with blood and localhaemorrhages may occur. Colic isoften a feature of the disease andmortality rates may exceed 50 percent.

� The mixed form of the disease is

the most common form of AHS andis a combination of the cardiac andpulmonary (see below) forms ofdisease.

The mortality rate is approximately70 per cent and death usually occurswithin three to six days after onset offever.

� The pulmonary form is peracute(of short duration that occurs withina few hours) and may develop sorapidly that the horse may diewithout previous indication of illness.

Usually, horses show markeddepression and fever followed bysevere respiratory distress.

Coughing spasms may occur, thehead and neck are extended andsevere sweating develops.

Under these conditions, the horseswill sometimes go down and beforedeath frothy fluid may be dischargedfrom the nostrils.

The prognosis for horses sufferingfrom this form of AHS is extremelygrave and mortality rates commonlyexceed 95 per cent. The pulmonaryform of AHS is also the form mostusually seen in dogs.

What are we doing about it andwhat is the future?

Vaccination plays a major role inprevention of AHS and in stoppingspread in the event of outbreaks.There are live-attenuated vaccines

(vaccines which contain live virus thathas been disabled so that it cannotcause disease, but will induce astrong immune response) available inAfrica and other countries whereAHS is endemic.

However, there are some concernsover the use of these vaccines incountries where the diseases is notendemic, because of the risks ofcausing disease in naïve populations.

Inactivated vaccines are the safest touse and there is much research beingcarried out to develop and test thesein research institutes in the UK(including Cambridge InfectiousDiseases Consortium, the AnimalHealth Trust, Newmarket and theInstitute of Animal Health atPirbright) and the vaccinemanufacturers, supported by BBSRCand DEFRA.

If it becomes established, the effectsof this disease on horse health andwelfare will be enormous, let alonethe impact on the many facets of theBritish horse industry.

However you can be assured thatthere is a large concerted effortbeing undertaken in order to beprepared for AHS and the possibleincursion of AHSV into the UK.� Duncan Hannant is Professorof Applied Immunology, School ofVeterinary Medicine and Science,University of Nottingham

Concerns that AHScould reach Britain

AHS Cardiac Form – swelling of the ocular and surrounding tissues AHS Peracule Form – froth filling the broncial tract

HORSE HEALTH I NEWS 33African horse sickness

By Christine Keate

NEVER has the phrase ‘cut theatmosphere with a knife’ been moreapt than at Tattersalls on 23 June, asan audience of the equine industrywatched video clips of horsessuffering from African HorseSickness. The reality that thedisease, with a higher than 90 percent mortality rate, is very likely toreach Britain within the next fewyears was shocking.

The seminar, which took an extensivelook at the threat to Britain, posedby exotic equine diseases such asAHS and WNV was hosted by theThoroughbred Breeders’ Associationand The Horse Trust. Presentationswere made by global experts andfrom the AHS Working Group whichwas established by The Horse Trustlast year to produce, a controlstrategy in anticipation of a diseaseoutbreak in the UK.

In our last issue Horse Health lookedin depth at WNV so the focus of thisreport is on the AHS aspect of theseminar.

Professor Philip Mellor of theInstitute for Animal Health, Pirbright,examined the parallels betweenbluetongue and AHS.

In the UK BTV came in via windborne midges on 5 August 2007,when a plume of wind came fromBelgium across the UK coast.

Experts are in contact daily with theMet Office for readouts of windplumes from infected areas to helpto quantify the risks.

This ability to travel on the wind mayhave enabled midge transmitteddiseases like BTV to expand.

AHS is endemic in South Africa andProfessor Alan Guthrie, Director ofEquine Research at the University ofPretoria, described the reality ofliving with an outbreak.

He suggested there are over 150species of Culicoides, and that everysingle one should be considered avector, unless proven otherwise.

Primary control is prophylacticvaccination.

Because there are nine serotypes(strains) of AHS and the horse issusceptible to every one, it means ineffect that a vaccine has to provideimmunity against nine differentdiseases.

Their control strategies during anoutbreak include vaccination andstabling at night with the use ofinsecticides and repellents.

Professor Guthrie said: “Althoughmovement over distances may beassociated with midges being blownon the wind, the most common wayof introducing infection is themovement of an animal.”

Preparations and control strategiesare in place should an outbreakoccur in the UK, and Dr Chris Ouraof the IAH Pirbright outlined these.

He said: “The IAH works on a varietyof diseases – mainly exotic virusessuch as foot and mouth (FMD) andAfrican swine fever, and we have OIEstatus (there are three in the world)as a reference laboratory. The testsavailable at IAH enable us to make arapid diagnosis of AHS and theindividual serotypes, which willenable us to instigate rapid controlmeasures or vaccination.

Dr Jules Minke of Merial, France,defined the difficulties in producing asuitable vaccine for AHS and theprogress so far.

He said: “There are similaritiesbetween AHS and WNV. Both arevector borne, have no treatmentprotocol and control relies on vectormanagement and vaccination.However, whilst good vaccines couldbe made available against WNV,there are no inactivated vaccinesagainst AHS on the market andtherefore suitable for use in Europe.

“There is, therefore, a need forefficacious safe vaccines against AHSthat can be used in a programmewhich can differentiate vaccinatedand non vaccinated animals.”

Merial’s focus of development hasbeen on the Canarypox platformwhich is used for a variety ofvaccines, including WNV and equineinfluenza.

It can work with or without adjuvantand give early onset immunity, it isideal for emerging diseases – there isno need to work with virulentorganisms because genes aresynthesised, optimised formammalian expression and can bebuilt very quickly.

The same manufacturing process forall canarypox constructs gives batchto batch consistency and is easy toscale up for large-scalemanufacturing.

Dr Minke said: “Alan Guthrie and Iagreed to produce an experimentalvaccine that he would test in horses.

“We will test this in the comingmonths and know by the end of theyear whether these canarypoxvaccines will protect against AHS.”

Finally, Matthew Hartley, DeputyHead of Exotic Diseases at Defradescribed the control measures in

place both for WNV and AHS, andhighlighted that the first UK case ofeither disease is more likely to befrom ‘jet setting’ insects or illegalmovement of horses than movementof the midge population.

As an exotic disease AHS isnotifiable.

Suspected cases would beinvestigated and isolated, horses onthe infected unit would need to bestabled and insect eradicationundertaken.

A positive result in a horse on aninfected unit would result in thatanimal being euthanased. Its historywould be traced and control zoneswould be introduced.

Whilst an outbreak of AHS is notimminent, the message of the daywas the need to be prepared.

The most exciting news was that asuitable vaccine may have beendeveloped.

Dr Chris Oura Prof Philip Mellor

Seminar views shockingvideo clips of suffering

‘The tests availableat IAH enable us tomake a rapiddiagnosis of AHS andthe individualserotypes, which willenable us to instigaterapid controlmeasures orvaccination’

HORSE HEALTH I34 Forge

By Andrew Poynton FWCF

THE state of farriery in Great Britainthrough the 1950s, 60s and into the70s suffered from the post WorldWar II decline of the horse’simportance in both commercial andagricultural sectors.

This resulted in many highly skilledcraftsmen leaving the trade.

Thankfully, there were some masterfarriers who continued to practiceand pass on their expertise to theirapprentices.

With the resurgence of the horse forrecreational use in the later 60s therewas a dearth of well trained farriers,so many people attempted to do thejob themselves, sadly at the expenseof the horse.

As a result, the Worshipful Company

of Farriers and the NationalAssociation of Farriers Blacksmithsand Agricultural Engineers, lobbiedthe government to bring aboutchanges.

This led to the Farriers RegistrationAct of 1975 with minor amendmentsmade in 1977 and 2002 to bring itin line with European CommissionDirectives.

This was and is an animal welfareact; ‘to prevent suffering by crueltyto horses arising from the shoeing ofhorses by unskilled persons; topromote the training of farriers; toprovide for the establishment of aFarriers Registration Council toregister any persons engaged infarriery, and to prohibit the shoeingof horses by unqualified persons’.

Continued on Page 35


HOW long does it take you to make a set of

heavy horseshoes by hand?

At least an hour perhapstwo.

When can you spare thetime to make them in thisbusy summer season?

On an evening after a hardday’s work.

When does the horse needshoeing?

Ah well, it’s showing onSaturday and can you dotwo whilst you’re on!

Craftsman Heavy Horseshoestake the slog out ofmaking shoes for heavydraft horses, using themsaves you time yet you need make nocompromise in quality orcraftsmanship.

Manufactured in a traditionalplain stamped pattern , theseare substantial shoes madefrom 30mm x 12mm steel.

They are available by thepair from stock, in a rangeof six sizes from 7” to 10”( toe to heel measurement )which suit most heavy drafthorse feet; this means thatyou, the farrier can select awell fitted shoe with easefor all of the heavies whichyou shoe.

We can send them to you“ next day “ with carriers.

The front and hind shoesare well shaped with ‘easy-fit’ heels, so as to avoidstone traps.

Both are toe clipped withgood strong clips.

The nail holes are stampedto take a size E10 nail,they are well placed andwell pitched which makes iteasier to achieve goodstrong sound nailing.

Craftsman Heavy Horseshoesare made by machine butthey are designed to benailed on by Craftsmen.

Craftsman heavy horseshoes

How farriers’registration actprevents crueltyto horses

Farriers are highly skilled craftsmen.

HORSE HEALTH I 35ForgeContinued from Page 34It became law that all currentlypracticing farriers should beregistered and all entering the tradecomplete an apprenticeshipculminating in passing the trade test– the Diploma of the WorshipfulCompany of Farriers.

The all time low standards of farrieryin the 60s were turned around andthe science of farriery is back ontrack promoting a high level ofcraftsmanship and theoreticalunderstanding.

However, despite representationsfrom all interested UK bodies, on thegrounds that it could have anadverse effect on equine welfare andundermine the UK’s system of formaltraining, qualification andregistration, the European

Commission (EC) requires changes toUK farriery legislation.

The particular issues the FRC hasraised are:

� Any EU member can establishthemselves in another EU nationpurely on the basis of six yearsexperience.

� That farriery is included undermetalworking, not animal welfare.

� Although the Directive makesprovision for the use of CommonPlatforms for developing common EUstandards, these have not beenimplemented.

� EU members established in onecountry may offer temporary andoccasional services in anothermember nation on the basis of onlytwo years experience and withoutany check on their competence.

� These temporary service providersmust be registered without paymentof any fee, unlike UK RegisteredFarriers, and appear to have freedomto renew their temporary statuswithout limit.

That said, it is important to keepmatters in perspective, there is noevidence of a flood of applicants asyet.

Should that change or welfare issues,or any other difficulties arise, such aswholesale abuse of the system, thesewill be reported to governmentdepartments and assistancerequested.

HORSE HEALTH I36 Bloodstock matters

Were you always interested inhorses?

“I had ponies as a child, and knewfrom quite an early age that Iwanted to work in the equineindustry, I was interested in theracing world, albeit from the outside.

“I started as a director’s secretary atthe Jockey Club, and then reallyworked my way around the industrygaining experience. I joined the TBAin 1997, as assistant to the chiefexecutive, and assumed the mantleof CE in 2003.

“The biggest change in this time hasbeen the advent of the currentBreeders’ Prizes Scheme, theexpanding importance of politicallobbying and the recentdevelopment of British BloodstockMarketing, which includes in itsremit identifying and developing newmarkets for British bredThoroughbreds.”

How is your role as chief executivedefined?

“My role, and that of the TBA, isnow all about supporting theproduction of the Thoroughbred, themare owners and those workingwithin the industry.

“Political and industry lobbying takesup between 30 and 50 per cent ofmy time.

“We work with a consultant,members of the All Party RacingGroup and Government officials,highlighting issues affecting theindustry and present to parliament inthe UK, and in Europe with MEP’sand the European TBA.

“Key areas at the moment includemonitoring of the VAT RegistrationScheme for racehorse owners,ensuring the future workability oftransport of equines in face of EUintervention, maintaining single farm

payments eligibility and, closer tohome, the new aircraft stackingarrangements for Stanstead Airportand whether this will have seriousdetrimental effects.”

How do you gather information tosupport your lobbying?

“Good statistics and informationabout the Thoroughbred breedingindustry are vital to promote itswelfare.

“On our website we offer supporton many different subjects, andencourage those who use ourservices to complete a questionnaire.

“We do not require the details ofspecific individuals or enterprises, sothere should be no concerns aboutconfidentiality, rather the overallpicture of the industry as a whole.

“This will enable us in our lobbyingand planning to quote confidently,for example, how many acres arespecifically dedicated to the industry,the age and gender of the peopleemployed within it.

“We provide support for employers,and employees, on anything fromplanning regulations to employmentcontracts.

“We have just put together apensions and insurance package, inorder to be prepared for 2012, whenall employers will be obliged toprovide this cover.”

How does veterinary research featurein the TBA’s objectives?

“Very strongly. The equine industryas a whole benefits from theveterinary research projects we helpto fund, and our currentcommitment is £250,000 a year.

“Work is being undertaken at theMoredun Research Institute to obtaina blood-testing technique to identify

specific red worm infestation, whichcould revise the practice of blanketprophylactic treatment and,therefore, the incidence of wormerresistance.

“Other projects to which wecontribute include the AHT in itsEquine Genetics Research GeneMapping Project, and with theirresearch to develop a Stranglesvaccine.”

What do you feel you bring to theindustry?

“Apart from my energy anddetermination, my backgroundcertainly brings a great deal ofexperience and knowledge of theindustry, which can only be acquiredover time.

“So, I have my ‘business’ side, butequally importantly, home is TheElms Stud, in Northamptonshire,which my husband runs, therefore, Iam actively involved on a personallevel. This leads to a greaterunderstanding of the issues faced by

our members.

“I think it is easier for people toidentify with someone who sharestheir experiences.

“I have also received a great deal ofsupport from TBA members andenjoy the back-up of a committedteam of staff.”

What are your aspirations for theTBA?

“I would like to see the membershipcontinue to grow and, certainly, inthe light of a possible recession, tomaintain our commitments toveterinary research, education andpromotion of Thoroughbredbreeding. Breeding and racingThoroughbreds is a great Britishindustry and has a unique heritageand culture, it is also an importantaspect of rural life – which isbecoming ever more precious inGreat Britain.

“I believe we have a large role toplay in maintaining this for futuregenerations.”

Christine Keate talks to Louise Kemble, of the Thoroughbred Breeders’ Association, about its role within the equineindustry, her career and her aspirations as its chief executive.

Louise Kemble

‘My role is now allabout supporting theproduction of theThoroughbred,the mare ownersand those workingwithin the industry’

HORSE HEALTH I 37Bloodstock matters

Thoroughbred foals anddevelopmental orthopaedic diseaseBy Lizzie Drury

NUTRITION may play an importantrole in the pathogenesis ofdevelopmental orthopaedic diseasein horses.

Deficiencies, excesses, andimbalances of nutrients may result in an increase in both theincidence and severity of physitis,angular limb deformity, wobblersyndrome and osteochondritisdissecans.

Nutritional Factors as a Cause ofDevelopmental Orthopaedic Disease

Mineral Deficiencies: A deficiency ofminerals, including calcium,phosphorous, copper and zinc, maylead to DOD.

The ration fed to young growinghorses should be properly fortified toensure an adequate supply of theseminerals.

Mineral Excesses: Excess intakes ofminerals such as calcium,phosphorous, zinc, iodine, fluorineand certain heavy metals such aslead and cadmium may lead to DOD.

Full ration analysis, including forageanalysis would be required to identify these types of mineralimbalances.

Mineral Imbalances: The ration ofminerals may be as important as theactual amount of individual mineralsin the ration.

For example the ratio of calcium tophosphorous should never dip below1:1 and should ideally be 1.5:1. Highintakes of phosphorous will inhibitcalcium absorption while excesslevels of phosphorous may affectphosphorous status.

Dietary Energy Excess: Excessiveenergy intake can lead to rapidgrowth and increased body fat,which may predispose young horsesto DOD.

A recent Kentucky study showedthat growth rate and body size mayincrease the incidence of certaintypes of DOD in Thoroughbred foals(Pagan et al., 1996).

Yearlings that showedosteochondrosis of the hock and thestifle were large at birth, grewrapidly from three to eight months of age, and were heavierthan the average population asweanlings.

The source of calories for younghorses may also be important, ashyperglycemia or hyperinsulinemiahave been implicated in thepathogenesis of osteochondrosis(Glade et al., 1984, Ralston, 1995).

Foals that experience an exaggerated

and sustained increase in circulatingglucose or insulin in response to acarbohydrate or cereal meal may bepredisposed to DOD.

In vitro studies with foetal and foalchondrocytes suggest that the role of insulin in growth cartilagemay be to promote chondrocytessurvival or to suppress differentiation.

Further and more recent researchalso suggests that hyperinsulinemiamay affect chondrocytes maturation,leading to altered matrix metabolismand faulty mineralisation or alteredcartilage growth by influencing otherhormones such as thyroxin (Pagan etal., 1996; Jeffcott and Henson,1998).

Based on this information there havebeen recommendations to feedyoung growing stock diets thatproduce low glycemic responses andto monitor growth patterns toprevent accelerated growth rates orfattening.

Growth Curves And ConditionScoringThe surest way to documentexcessive energy intake is byweighing and using conditionscoring in growing horses.

Software programmes are availablethat allow breeders to accuratelytrack the growth of their youngstock and develop feeding and managementprogrammes that fit the desired rateof growth.

This is an essential part of thepreparation of youngstock, such asthe Thoroughbred foals andweanlings when it comes to salespreparation.

Thoroughbreds that will race as twoyear olds require faster and earliergrowth to realise their full potential.

Foals that are born later in the yearthat are pointed at early yearlingsales need to follow more aggressivegrowth curve than early foals or foals that will be sold in late yearlingsales.

With this type of acceleratedprogram, it is imperative that growth rate is closely monitored and feed intake adjusted to produceacceptable gains.

Growth monitoring combined withregular ration evaluations is thesafest and most effective way toproduce a sound and athleticindividual.� Lizzie Drury MSc is registerednutritionist and senior nutritionistat Saracen Horse Feeds


THE costs of printing brochures canoften be prohibitive for smallbreeders, as the time of year whenthey most need brochures or studcards does not coincide with whenthey have the cash flow to pay forthem.

Alex Wilson and Matt Wildman, ofthe bloodstock and equestrianmarketing company ThoroughbredInternational, are launching theirnew October 1st Scheme, offeringsmall breeders the chance to pay fortheir printing in October, when theyreceive their stud fees.

Alex said: “We realised that manysmall breeders are not able topromote their stallions effectively dueto cash flow and, consequently, missout on useful marketingopportunities. That is why, for the2008/9, season we are offering ournew terms. Clients will pay a depositon their job and the balance will bepaid in October.

“This will not just include printingbut design too.”

Thoroughbred International areextending the scheme for websitesand are now offering simple, easy touse sites that are self-updatable,keeping costs to a minimum.

Matt said: “It is possible to have awebsite for an individual stallion andwe can even offer studs theopportunity to sell stallionnominations via credit cards on theirsite.”

This scheme is open to members ofthe Thoroughbred Breeders’Association and to all studs thatstand stallion at fees of less than£3,000.

For further information on howthis scheme works, or for more

information about howThoroughbred International can

help call 0845 108 6385 or visittheir website,

www.ThoroughbredInternational.com

Marketingcompanylaunchesscheme Alex Wilson and Matt Wildman

HORSE HEALTH I38 Dentistry

RECENT years have seen an increasein both horse ownership and thenumber of non veterinary surgeonsoffering equine dental work.

Currently neither vets nor EDTs arerequired to sit an examination inequine dentistry.

The lack of progress in establishing alegal Exemption Order governinghow the profession may develop, isleading to disagreement betweensome vets and EDTs.

Tony Rose states the case for BAEDT:

In both 2002 and 2004 DEFRA tooksteps to produce a legal ExemptionOrder to the Veterinary Act 1966.The purpose of this was to provide aclear framework that covered thedaily working situation of examinedEDTs.

DEFRA recognized that for years,EDTs have been carrying out whatmight been seen as minor acts ofveterinary surgery – the extraction ofloose molars in aged horses,extraction of wolf teeth and the useof power equipment.

The Order directed and encouragedEDTs and vets to work together.

In 2001 the British Association ofEquine Dental Technicians wasformed following the first BritishEquine Veterinary Associationexamination in equine dentistry.

Membership is granted only to thosewho pass, is open to vets and EDTs,and the examining board iscomprised of both.

At that time there was greatoptimism among EDTs that theprofession was moving towardregulation and recognition.

BAEDT members undertook to workwithin the criteria set out in the

DEFRA proposals and BEVA was inagreement that it would promoteBAEDT members.

Since 2004 the BEVA Dental WorkingParty, a small committee of vetswhose role is to advise BEVA, hasincreasingly sought to restrict thebroad terms of DEFRA’S proposal,lobbying to reduce and restrict theprocedures EDTs may carry out.

The Working Party has recently

stated that, in its view, EDTs shoulddo no more than rasp teeth manu-ally, extract wolf teeth, use powerequipment only on sedated horsesand be banned from using forceps toremove molars and incisors.

Over the last year meetings havetaken place between BAEDT and theBEVA Dental Working Party toresolve these issues.

Technological advances have led topower equipment being usedregularly and routinely on unsedatedhorses in appropriate cases, many thousands of times each year. This renders compulsorysedation often unnecessary andexpensive, both in terms of cost tothe owner and in time to veterinarypractices.

The extraction of molars or incisorsin appropriate cases without forcepsis unworkable. Such extractions arecarried under the direction ofveterinary surgeons and inaccordance with the proposedExemption Order.

BAEDT is clear that its membersroutinely carry out the procedures forveterinary surgeons.

The Working Party’s current positionwill create difficulties in the workplace for veterinary surgeons whowish to work with specialist EDTs, isat odds with the DEFRA proposal,and is not in the spirit of thederegulation of minor acts ofveterinary surgery.

BAEDT members are of the opinionthat horse owners and veterinarysurgeons should have a choice, andthat the DEFRA proposed Exemption Order will serve the horse very well. BAEDT is committed toworking with the veterinaryprofession.

It is worthy of note that theInternational Association of EquineDentistry and the World WideAssociation of Equine Dentistry bothof whom also represent DEFRAapproved EDTs in England, do notagree with the BEVA Working Partyposition. Due to the many factorsaffecting DEFRA, the proposedExemption Order has not yet beenratified.� Tony Rose’s comments havebeen approved by the BAEDTCouncil

The use of power tools in appropriate situations on unsedated horses could be in jeopardy Picture: Sue Carden

Uncertainty for vets andequine dental technicians

HORSE HEALTH I 39Classified

THOUGH infrared ray therapy haslong been recognized for itstherapeutic benefits, a relativelyrecent innovation, in the form ofceramic fabric, has taken it to a newlevel.Ceramic fabric is woven from threadsimbedded with very fine ceramicparticles, and is designed to reflectbody heat at wavelengths within theinfrared sector (similar to thewarming and healthy rays of naturalsunlight).Within a certain range infrared raysstimulate our bodies’ watermolecules, which can effectivelyreduce inflammation. Such stimulation also generates heat,which can dilate blood vessels,promote circulation and alleviatepain.A Swedish company, Back on Track,has fully embraced this technologyand incorporated it into a range ofgarments and joint braces forpeople, horses and dogs. Recently expanding into the UK,Back on Track’s horse products havequickly made an impression onleading equestrians, includingMichael Whitaker, Bettina Hoy,Christian Landolt and Polly Stockton. Michael said: “Bloody good!“That’s it in a nutshell if queriedabout Back on Track. “I’ve had great success treatingvarious ailments with these products,and believe me, I’ve tried all sorts ofremedies on my horses over the

years. The results are obvious - endof story.”Veterinarians around the world havealso influenced the ongoingdevelopment of these products,including Dr. Jim Hamilton, DVM, ofSouthern Pines Equine Associates(USA), who has used the Back onTrack bandages and blanket on bonescan horses to keep the legs andback warm and maximize circulation. He said: “We compared regular legwraps to the Back on Track ceramicbandages and have documentedsignificant increases in circulation.”Of special significance also, was ablind study conducted at theStrömsholm Riding School on horseswith back problems. Conducted over two consecutivethree-weekly periods, half of thehorses wore only their normalblankets throughout the first threeweeks, while the other half wore aBack on Track back pad as well. At the end of the first three-weekperiod, an evaluation was carried outby both an independent veterinarianand a professional rider, with neitherinformed of which horses used theback pads. The back pads were then transferredfrom one group of horses to theother for the following three weekperiod.At the end of that term, all horseswere assessed again under identicalcircumstances to the earlier

evaluation.After correlating all information, theindications were that eight out often horses improved their gait at thetrot, and seven out of ten at thegallop.Back on Track strictly monitors thereflectivity of their ceramic fabric,assuring that the reflectedwavelength falls within parameterscompatible to the normal ‘dancing’frequency of our bodies’ watermolecules.Doing so maximizes the body’sreceptiveness to infrared rays,allowing the best opportunity forsuccessful treatment of tendon,ligament and joint problems, musclesoreness, arthritis, circulatoryproblems and a variety of otherailments.

Ceramic fabric takes therapy to new level

Royal launch for Equine Welfare ProtocolBy Louise Cordell

THE National Equine WelfareProtocol, which aims to prevent equine suffering, has been launched by The Princess Royal.

It aims to ensure that horses indanger as a consequence of crueltyor neglect will be rescued quickly andeffectively.

Paul Jepson, chief executive andresident veterinary surgeon of TheHorse Trust, said: “We are delightedthat this Protocol has come intobeing so quickly.

“After our experiences at the start ofthis year, with a horse welfare caseof unprecedented scale, we aredetermined to try and ensure that noother horses will ever have to sufferin this way again.

“This is a major step towards thisand a demonstration of howall the related organisation can work cohesively together, sharing resources, facilities andexpertise – it is a triumph for horsewelfare.”

The agreement been developed by

representatives from local andnational government, the Police andwelfare organisations and isapplicable throughout the UK

It sets out guidelines for how casesof equine neglect and abuse shouldbe reported and handled, and whatthe relevant organisations can do to

reduce the incidence of equinewelfare problems.

In a foreword to the Protocol, thePrincess Royal writes: “Thisinformation will be widely availableand will advise the public on how toreport their concerns.

“It is a ten-year plan to ensure that

all our horses, ponies and donkeysare as healthy as possible, are treatedas humanely as possible, andeveryone responsible for equinehealth and welfare understands andfulfills their duty of care.”

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