HAT Chat Articles – May 2007
A
word from our President
One
of the delights of working as a volunteer at our HAT events is getting the up
close and personal stories. At our Spring Show, a 28-year-old mustang carried
his young, enthusiastic rider to victory and placing in performance, halter,
and showmanship classes. Joey’s previous career was that of a trail horse; he
simply followed the horse in front of him. Venturing out into the arena by
himself, guided by his adept little rider must have been huge for Joey!
A
veteran show mare was respectfully ridden by a young girl making her horse show
debut while her gleeful, little sister in pink took home the blue ribbon in the
Lead Line class on the same lovely mare. Do you remember your very first show?
During
construction of our trail course bridge, no one envisioned the day it would
need to support a 2,000 pound draft horse! Not to mention the looks of awe and
wide berths given to the Belgian and the spotted mule by the other horses.
Rumor has it that Murphy is taking his Grand Champion Gelding title in stride,
while Spud is making the most of his Reserve Champion status! Everyone left a
winner!!!
Those
in attendance enjoyed the fun and diversity of yet another successful HAT horse
show, the result of many people working together and giving of their time. Each
and every person and horse are truly appreciated!
I
invite you to come join our events! See details in this issue for a Trail Ride
and Family Riding Day in May, a free Youth Clinic in June, and ongoing Adult
Horsemanship series where auditors are welcome. We look forward to your
participation.
Happy
trails,
HAT Mother’s Day Trail Ride Changes
Following a recent survey of trail conditions at
All HAT members, family, and friends are invited to come out
to Big Mineral Equestrian Camp on Saturday, May 12 at 10am and “saddle up” for
St. Jude Children’s
Big Mineral Equestrian Camp is located on
Reminder: HAT “Family Riding/Schooling
Days” Begin May 17
We’d like to remind everyone
about our first monthly riding day coming up at the Texoma Quarter Horse
Association (TQHA) Arena in
There is no charge for coming
out to ride; donations toward the upkeep of the arena are appreciated. We look
forward to seeing you at the TQHA Arena on the 17th!
Youth Clinic Coming Up June 9
Hey kids – it’s almost Youth
Clinic time! The 5th annual HAT Youth Clinic will be held on June 9th
at Loy Lake Arena in
Our 2007 Youth Scholarship recipient
will also be announced at the clinic. This is our fourth consecutive year of
offering the $500 scholarship, which benefits a Texoma-area high school senior
who has been involved with equestrian activities.
Parents, be sure to bring
your children out to the Youth Clinic for a great day of learning and fun!
We would like to give “a tip
of the HAT” to:
·
All our
volunteers who worked at the Spring Open Show. Without your generous
contributions of time and energy, the show would not have been a success!
·
Mick Clark and JP
Forget for offering their time and expertise to HAT, which allowed us to offer
excellent clinics on Horsemanship and Reining.
·
Teddy Johnson for
donating the use of his arena on short notice for one of our Adult Horsemanship
Clinic sessions when our originally scheduled arena was rained out.
·
The Texoma
Quarter Horse Association (TQHA) for allowing us to use their arena for our
monthly Family Riding/Schooling Days and our October 20th Open
Weanling/Yearling Futurity and Open Show.
THANK YOU!
State/Local
News
Human Gene Technology May Show Horse Traders Where to Place Their Chips
College Station (April 18) – Horse trading could come
down to a computer chip, thanks to research done at Texas A&M University’s
College of Veterinary and Biomedical Sciences.
Dr. Loren Skow, professor of integrative biosciences
and a member of the faculty of genetics, and his collaborators are on the cusp
of developing whole genome high throughput genetic analysis, better known as
DNA chips, for horses. His group is particularly interested in the genetic
susceptibility of horses to certain diseases.
“When this is concluded, we will have all of the known
genes of the horse on a small silicone chip, so we can look at gene expression in
different tissues before and after exposure to a pathogen, or identify genetic
differences among individuals that help determine susceptibility to disease,”
he said.
This information will be used in research; however,
Skow expects in several years, horse owners will be able to use it in making
decisions about their horses’ health.
Presently, this type of technology is available for
humans as well.
“We can perform a DNA chip analysis and come up with a
list of genetic markers that will identify individuals at highest risk for
different diseases, whether it be breast cancer or diabetes,” he said. “Gene
profiles can be used to establish a risk factor, and a person can make
lifestyle choices to minimize those risks. We expect to do the same thing for
horses.”
The development of a DNA chip that provide information
about genetic predisposition to disease came about because of earlier research
done in Skow’s laboratory at Texas A&M.
“In general these are diseases that involve infectious
agents, although in some cases they are auto-immune diseases or allergies,” he
said. “We’re interested in the genetic variation that makes an animal more or
less susceptible to immunological disorders or infectious diseases.”
Skow studies the major histocompatibility complex region
– a region of DNA present in all mammals’ genomes – associated with more than
100 genetic diseases in humans, including multiple sclerosis and diabetes.
Susceptibility to any viral, bacterial or parasitic
disease, allergies or auto-immune disorders may be influenced by the genes in
the major histocompatibility complex, he said.
The early work on the horse genome at Texas A&M
was supported in part by the Texas Equine Research Account. The account is
funded by the education code of the Texas Racing Act in 1995. An 11-member
committee advises and assists the director of the Texas Agricultural Experiment
Station in administering the account, said Dr. Mark Hussey, associate director
for programs.
“Twelve years later we have the whole genome sequence
of the horse (available for viewing online at www.broad.mit.edu/mammals/horse),
which is pretty amazing,” Skow said. “When we had our first meeting in
Members of the committee are from
Texas A&M,
Writer: Edith
Chenault, 979-845-2886, EChenaul@ag.tamu.edu
Contact: Dr. Loren
Skow, 979-845-3194, lskow@cvm.tamu.edu
National
News
ELCR “Trail
Trotters” Program Now Managed By AQHA
During
the 2007 American Quarter Horse Association (AQHA) Convention, the AQHA
Recreational Riding Committee approved to implement and manage the Trail
Trotters program originally created by the Equestrian Land Conservation
Resource (ELCR, website www.elcr.org).
“This is an exciting new program that AQHA is ready to implement into our recreational riding activities,” said AQHA President Frank Merrill. “Trail conservation is an important issue that we look forward to promoting.”
National Trails Day is an
annual event celebrated every June since 1992 that involves trail restoration
projects across the country. This day unifies horseback riders and other trail
users in an effort to build and strengthen relationships between local
equestrian communities, the forest service, and other land managers for the
long-term stewardship of trails.
With AQHA now directing this
program, National Trails Day will become a month-long project rather than just
a one day event. This June, equestrians are encouraged to complete trail conservation
projects. As before, the program also involves competition as groups vie for
National Stewardship Awards, which are awarded based on the community
involvement and sustainability of their project.
Trail Trotters Program Benefits:
·
Help the Forest Service recruit volunteers for
trail stewardship
·
Educate equestrians on trail stewardship so that
they will be effective advocates in the horse community
·
Accomplish maintenance goals for trails and
trailheads with land management
·
Improve stewardship of land owned by horsemen
that are adjacent to or critical to Forest Service land
·
Build and/or strengthen relationships between
local equestrian communities with Forest Service land managers for the long
term stewardship of trails, trailheads and campgrounds
If you would like to start or register your
Trail Trotters program with AQHA, please contact Stephanie McCommon at stephaniem@aqha.org or call (806)
378-4633. In addition, AQHA is
seeking a new name for the Trail Trotters program to recognize its new
affiliation. Suggestions can be sent to Stephanie by May 25 either by e-mail or
regular mail to McCommon’s attention at
For more information on Trail
Trotters, visit AQHA at www.aqha.com/recreation/trailtrotters/index.html.
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Churchill Downs To Honor Barbaro, Jacksons On
Churchill Downs will honor
the late 2006 Kentucky Derby winner Barbaro and his owners, Roy and Gretchen Jackson,
in a winner’s circle ceremony at this year’s
The Jacksons, who will attend
the 133rd Kentucky Oaks and Derby as honored guests of Churchill Downs, will be
recognized for their outstanding dedication to Barbaro, who suffered a life-threatening
injury in last year’s Preakness Stakes and was humanely euthanatized in January
after developing laminitis and other complications related to his original
injury.
“Roy and Gretchen Jackson
achieved racing’s highest honor when their homebred, Barbaro, claimed the roses
in last year’s Kentucky Derby,” said Churchill Downs president Steve Sexton.
“While winning
“Barbaro became ‘
The ceremony honoring the
Jacksons and Barbaro will begin with a video replay of Barbaro’s stirring 6
1/2-length
Additionally, Churchill Downs
Inc. president and chief executive officer Robert Evans will join Sexton in
presenting the
Prior to the on-track
remembrance, Roy and Gretchen Jackson will participate in a book signing of the
official Churchill Downs-licensed book Kentucky Derby 132 Review, a pictorial
essay that encapsulates Barbaro’s Run for the Roses.
Legislative
Update
American Horse Council Study Finds Equestrian Recreation
Industry Has Significant Economic Impact
The American Horse Council’s Economic
Impact of the Horse Industry on the United States study includes some
impressive statistics that confirm the size and significant impact of the
recreational horse industry.
The number of horses used
primarily for recreational purposes is by far the largest segment of the horse
population by more than one million. According to the Economic Impact Study,
there are more than 1.4 million Quarter Horses being used specifically for
recreational activities. Another 228,290 Thoroughbreds and an astounding 2.3
million horses listed under “other breeds” are involved in equestrian
recreation.
The resulting effect on the
Gross Domestic Product (GDP) for the recreation industry is equally impressive
at $32 billion - $11.9 billion in direct effects and $20 billion are indirect
and induced effects.
We can break this information
on the recreation industry down even further by specifying the effect by horse
breed. Thoroughbreds have a $1.3 billion direct effect and a $3.4 billion total
effect (including indirect and induced effects) on the GDP. Quarter Horses have
an even larger impact with a $4 billion direct effect and $10.6 billion total
effect. The rest of the breeds – classified in the “other” category – have a
$6.6 billion direct effect and $18 billion total effect.
While recreational events and
activities may not always be as flashy as their racing and competition
counterparts, recreation events require thousands of employees to keep all of
the money flowing and these events running. The Economic Impact Study
converts part-time and seasonal employees into a full-time equivalent basis to
accurately determine the number of jobs generated by the horse industry. The
recreational horse industry generates 128,324 full-time equivalent positions.
Jobs associated with recreational Thoroughbreds equal 10,121, Quarter Horses
37,437 and “other” breeds 80,766.
When you add the number of
jobs generated directly by the industry and add indirect and induced
employment, those numbers go even higher. Indirect employment represents jobs
provided as a result of spending by industry providers and induced employment
represents jobs provided as a result of spending by industry employees. The
recreation industry has a total effect on full-time equivalent employment of
435,082 jobs – the largest of any segment of the horse industry.
The American Horse Council’s Economic
Impact of the Horse Industry on the United States study contains all of
these statistics and more. The comprehensive study also analyzes the racing and
showing industries, as well as breaking down all of these numbers by state for
the 15 states that participated in breakout studies.
The national and each
individual state study are available for purchase from the American Horse
Council at www.horsecouncil.org or
by phone at 202-296-4031.
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As the national trade association
representing the horse industry in
The AHC is member supported by
individuals and organizations representing virtually every facet of the horse
world from owners, breeders, veterinarians, farriers, breed registries and
horsemen's associations to horse shows, race tracks, rodeos, commercial
suppliers and state horse councils.
Equine Science News
HERDA Test Now Available
A DNA test for the autosomal recessive
connective tissue disorder HERDA has been developed by genetics researchers at
According to CU geneticist Nena Winand, DVM, Ph.D., the test unambiguously identifies normal, carrier and affected horses. Affected foals can be definitively identified at birth.
“I want this to be used as a tool for breeders,” Winand said. “This test will enable us to manage this disease by testing for it and breeding intelligently.”
HERDA (hereditary equine regional dermal asthenia) is a disease caused by a homozygous recessive gene. When expressed, it causes a collagen defect in the skin of affected horses resulting in a lack of adhesion in the deep layers of skin. Trauma to the skin results in skin wounds that don’t heal. Most affected horses have a poor quality of life and are typically euthanized.
“As with tests for other genetic disorders, we hope being able to genetically test for HERDA will aid in the humane management of affected horses, and reduce the financial loss for breeders,” Winand said.
The test can be used with hair or blood samples. Testing inquiries can be made to:
Nena Winand, DVM, Ph.D.
Department of Molecular Medicine
C4-140 VMC
Phone: (607) 253-3608
E-mail at: njw2@cornell.edu
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Causes Of Impaction In Donkeys
Impaction is recognised as a common cause of colic in donkeys. But so far,
little is known of the causes of the condition.
Dr Ruth Cox, with colleagues at the
A report of their work is published in BMC
Veterinary Research.
They had access to the clinical records of 4596 donkeys kept on farms in
the south-west of
Impaction colic was fatal in about half (51%) of affected donkeys. This
mortality rate is higher than the similar figure for horses. The scientists suggest
that this may be partly explained by the advanced age of many of the donkeys
included in the records. The average age of donkeys in the study was 25 years.
More cases of colic occurred in the autumn. This coincided with a change to
winter housing and was associated with a change of diet and reduced exercise.
Further analysis of the records showed that older donkeys, those fed extra
rations and those that had suffered previous bouts of colic were all at greater
risk of developing impaction colic. Donkeys with a history of colic were seven
times more likely to suffer colic than were donkeys that had not had the
condition before.
Previous musculo-skeletal problems also increased the risk of getting
impaction. Donkeys with dental disease were more likely to suffer impaction
colic than those without dental disease.
The scientists conclude that colic affects the health and welfare of this
ageing population of donkeys. Both the incidence and the mortality rate are
high compared to other equine populations. Having identified some of the risk
factors, they suggest that it may be possible to manipulate them to reduce the
incidence of colic. In particular they emphasise the importance of regular
dental attention.
For more details see:
Epidemiology of impaction colic in donkeys in the
BMC Veterinary Research (2007) 3, 1
R Cox, CJ Proudman, AF Trawford, F Burden, GL Pinchbeck
© 2007 Equine Science Update
Reprinted with permission
Monthly
Poll
Last month we asked:
This month’s question: What
type of grain(s) do you feed your horses?
To vote in our monthly poll,
go to www.hat-texoma.org and scroll
down to “Monthly Poll” on the home page. The results of this month’s question
will be published in our next issue. Be sure to stop by and cast your vote!
Saddlebound
4-H News
Updates from April:
Thanks to everyone for
working so hard at our April 7th Horse Show – we really couldn’t
have done it without you!
Don’t forget we have a trail
ride coming up on May 6th at Platter Flats. We will also be doing
our community service work by picking up trash along the trail
Our next meeting will be May
14th at
Here are other events coming
up:
6/1-6/2
6/9 HAT Youth Clinic
Call me if you have any
questions 214-789-2429.
Donna Franus
Saddlebound Manager
A Judge’s
Point Of View
by Joanne Crockett
First,
I wish to thank the HAT group for inviting me to speak at your March club meeting.
Though I enjoyed the exchange of thoughts and ideas, I somehow felt I fell
short of leaving you with the impressions I had wanted to give about judges and
judging.
I
shared this feeling with Sandra Shiver, and she suggested I add some further
thoughts through your newsletter. Thus, when I read the following article I
wanted to share it with HAT in hopes of expressing what I had missed in March:
“A View From The
Center”
What it’s really like to judge a class
by
Douwe Blumberg
(reprinted
with permission of the author and original publisher Pacific Saddlebred)
Over the years many things
change, people come and go, stables come and go and new champions replace older
ones; it’s the cycle of life. One thing, however, has never changed: complaints
about judging. It is a topic guaranteed to be brought up at almost any
gathering of trainers or exhibitors at any show anywhere.
I thought it would be
interesting to share some of my experiences with judging, from which I have
learned so much that I previously did not understand. I firmly believe that
much of our dissatisfaction with our judges stems from a lack of experience and
understanding of what the job entails. I believe this to be true, because I did
not fully comprehend what goes on in the middle of the ring until it was my
turn to stand there. I have learned a lot about my preconceptions and I have
also been surprised by some problems I never anticipated.
First of all, let me assure
you that the view from your box is much more all encompassing than the judge’s
view. While he/she may be closer to the horses and have a better side view on
both rails, the judge can only see a small part of the ring at a time. This
means that you will catch more mistakes from the rail than the judge will from
the center. Judges know this but are faced with a dilemma; if you spend the
entire class spinning around like a cop trying to catch bad actors, it is
difficult to give the time required to actually judge the performances. And let
me assure you, time is of the essence, because
there is none.
It’s astounding how little
time there was. This was my biggest surprise of all. I really had never
understood, and I want to share with you something that really opened my eyes
to this fact. Trainers usually figure ten minutes per class. This is a good
average. If two minutes of that are spent in the line-up that leaves eight
minutes of performance, or 480 seconds. In a ten-horse class, this means the
judge has 48 seconds to evaluate each horse. Pretty scary, right?
Wait, it gets worse! How a
judge uses those 48 seconds will differ with the individual and the type of
class, but we can make some rough estimates here. In an open class maybe the
walk takes up a quarter of the class, that means 12 seconds of watching the
walk per horse, the trot maybe 18 seconds per horse and the canter another 18.
I know this sounds ridiculous but that’s how much time you’ve got, unless you
neglect some horses. Now, in the time for each gait you’ve got to judge
individual performance, watch for mistakes and then compare the performances
and place them in order. That’s not a lot of time, especially if you’ve got a
bunch of good actors who are pretty evenly matched up. This is why a judge
can’t make spotting mistakes his/her only priority; there just isn’t enough
time.
Another dilemma I hadn’t
anticipated was that, very often (actually most of the time) you must choose
between horses who are doing things wrong. You then must try to decide which faults
bother you more so that you can place the horses accordingly. For example, you
have a harness class and one horse is clearly the winner but there are three
horses who could be second. Once horse is brilliant and gifted but skips
occasionally, another is nicely cadenced but is not as gifted and just isn’t
exciting in any way. The third has a ton of motion up front and is absolutely
walking behind. You’ve now got to be able to list those faults from least to
most objectionable so that you can tie the class. You are also very often faced
with a really nice horse making some mistakes versus a less nice horse with a
perfect go. Nobody wants to beat a nice horse with a mediocre one, so you’ve
really got to know the specs of that particular class because they will dictate
what you must do. But this also is very subjective because each judge has to
decide at what point does the good horse’s mistakes override his superior
quality of performance.
I could go on longer, but
space constraints make it impossible. In closing, however, let me say that
judges, by definition, are called upon to be “judgmental”. Judges must be
extremely decisive and quick and can’t second-guess themselves. They are also
human and they do occasionally make a mistake. They are called upon to stand in
the ring, regardless of weather and concentrate for hours on end. They
experience fatigue, eyestrain, sore feet, heat, cold, thirst and hunger just
like anybody else would. I am still in pretty good shape, yet when I finish a
day of judging I am pretty wiped out. Most judges take pride in their job and
are out there doing their best. Most of them are trying to be honest and fair.
While we may disagree from time to time or have different preferences or
priorities, we must understand that a judge is being paid for his/her opinion
and, like the saying goes, “it’s just one person’s opinion”.
Joanne Crockett is a Recorded Judge in seven USEF
divisions: Western (including Reining Seat Equitation), Morgans, Arabians,
Andalusians, Friesians, Saddle Seat Equitation and National Sport Horse. She is
also a Senior Judge for the American Miniature Horse Association and the Pinto
Horse Association. She was recently accepted to the NRHA Judge’s School.
Joanne has judged for over 20 years at events
throughout the U.S. and internationally, including numerous National
Championship Shows in Canada, Australia, and the
Extension
Service News
by Eddie Baggs,
CEA-Agriculture
Weeds Will Come
Horses,
cattle and other livestock depend on pastures as a source of nutrition. Many
species are also fed concentrates or hayed, but grazing established pastures
are the most economical and healthiest way to feed livestock. Many pastures
this year have a problem, suffering from several years of drought leaving them
with shallow root systems which lead to thin and weak stands. This opens the
door for high weed infestations produced by seeds that have been laying dormant
in the soil for years waiting for the right conditions to germinate and
flourish. What is a weed? A weed can be any plant that is out of place. Even
clover in a pasture might be considered a weed even though livestock consider
it a desirable addition.
The
majority of pasture owners in the county have some sort of bermudagrass serving
as their predominate grass. Bermudagrass, given proper fertility and controlled
grazing, should be able to outgrow most weed problems. However, given the
circumstances, weed control may be necessary. A most important key that many
times goes over-looked in weed control is soil testing. Remember, fertility can
be an important tool in fighting weeds. This is an important first step in both
weed control and fertility. Secondly, identify the weed problem. What are we
fighting? It might not be necessary for you to be able to specifically identify
the weed, but know what “kind” it is and when it grows during the year. This
makes a big difference. Examples of weed groups that might be present are:
grassy weeds (these are monocots and have parallel venation); broadleaf weeds
(leaves with net-like veins and flowers); sedges (“grass-like” weeds
characterized by a solid, triangular-shaped with leaves extending in three
directions). These weed groups can even be further identified as annuals (life
cycle of one year and reproduced by seed) or perennials (long lived plants that
predominately reproduce through plant part like rhizomes or tubers). Different
weeds will need different control measures.
If
the fertility is addressed and weeds are identified, then the next step will be
to decide which management strategy to use. The choices would include chemical
control but are not limited to it. If chemicals are used, timing of application
is everything. Young weeds can be easily controlled with chemical, but,
spraying mature weeds is an exercise in futility. Fire is an option depending
on where your pasture is. If your pasture is terribly over run and you consider
this, make sure you get help from folks that can do this safely. A management
strategy of timely mowing coupled with good fertility can also work, especially
with annual weeds, but not overnight. Miracles will not occur quickly. Control
grazing no matter how tempting it is to leave the animals in.
Educational programs conducted by the
A Bit of Humor
How Many Horses Does
It Take To Change A Light Bulb?
Warmblood:
Light bulb? What light bulb?
Any foal: The
sun is shining, the day is young, we’ve got our whole lives ahead of us and
you’re inside worrying about a stupid burned-out light bulb?
Thoroughbred:
Just one. And I’ll rewire the barn while I’m at it.
Shetland Pony:
I can’t reach the stupid lamp.
Morgan: Oh,
oh, me, me! Pleeeze let me change the light bulb!!
Quarter Horse:
Let him do it, you can pet me while he’s busy.
Trakhener:
Light bulb? Light bulb? That thing I just ate was a light bulb?
Akhal-Teke:
Zero! AT’s aren’t afraid of the dark!
Holsteiner:
How DARE that light bulb burn out!! How DARE you ask me to change it!! OH!!
(Flouncing off)
Appaloosa:
No, don’t change it. If it’s dark, maybe no one will see me raiding the feed
room.
Arabian:
That's what we pay the help for. I’ll just chew on his shirttail while he’s at
it.
Andalusian:
Let the maid do it. I need to go roll in the mud.
Clydesdale:
Och, and ye’ll just be usin’ up the ‘lectricity, ye’ will, better tae use a wee
bit of candle...better yet tae not waste either and just gae tae sleep when the
sun gaes doon. Electiricity is verra dear.
Paso Fino:
Se señor. Some colored ones would be mucho better!
National Show Horse (fidgeting all the while): Lights? Lights? Where? Do you want me to
pose? This is my good side...no, wait, let me get my mane straight...no wait,
this angle is all wrong. No, wait, maybe this is my good side. Do you want
dramatic…or bold…or maybe sensitive...?
Shire: (Yawn)
Who cares?
Cob: Just
wait till I’ve finished my haynet before you even consider asking me to do
anything. Can’t you see I’m busy?
Tennessee Walker: (Hiccup) You’re doing it all wrong (hiccup)! You have to use all four
feet!
Ask The Vet
by Dr. Katie Hayes, DVM
Effective Feeding –
Part 2
(In Part 1, Dr. Theresa
Chappell discussed feeding for horses in training or working. In Part 2, she
discusses the special needs of broodmares and feeding for healthy hoof growth.)
Broodmares:
Eating for Two
To ensure
the best chances for your mare to get pregnant she should be maintained with at
Body Condition Score (BCS) greater than 5 on a 9-point scale (with 9 being
grossly obese), meaning that she should have a little more flesh than a typical
pleasure horse. You should not be able to see her ribs, she should have
filled-out hindquarters and a full neck. She should not have fat deposits and a
thick crest on her neck.
Mares
that are in preparation for breeding should be on an increasing plane of
nutrition. Mares should be fed more in the months prior to breeding, but they
should not become obese. Mares that are too thin approaching foaling are more
difficult to breed back, and there is an increased risk of foaling problems in
mares that are obese. This is most important in mares over 15 years old.
During
the first 8 months of pregnancy mares should be fed a maintenance ration
according to their level of activity. At 9 months feeding should begin to
increase in quantity and in total protein levels. By the 11th month
of gestation a mare should be receiving 20% more feed and 9-10% total protein
hay and feed combined. Also her need for calcium and phosphorus doubles in the
last 3 1/2 months of pregnancy. A good mare-foal supplement can be used to
achieve this added protein and minerals such as “Grow and Win” or “Mare and
Foal”. *Caution in supplementing minerals: unbalanced minerals can adversely
affect the foal’s growth, so be sure to use a balanced commercial product.
Helpful
Hints for Feeding:
·
Vitamin C may benefit stressed mares and helps the immune response to
vaccines
·
Vitamin E daily can increase the amount and quality of colostrum
(mare’s first milk), giving foals higher immunity to disease. Vegetable oil is
high in Vitamin E
·
Vegetable oil can be used for up to 30% of caloric intake and can lead
to a better use of carbohydrates for better longevity at work
·
Omega-3 fatty acids may block some parts of the inflammatory reaction
and can increase the quality of semen
·
Omega-3 fatty acids my enhance fat metabolism and insulin sensitivity,
meaning that they may help horses with Equine Metabolic Syndrome better
metabolize feed
·
Mares fed higher protein during pregnancy have higher progesterone
(hormone the maintains pregnancy) than those fed low protein diets (<9%)
·
Vegetable oil has Omega-3 fatty acids and Vitamin E; corn oil does not
·
Mares with a history of placental disease, abortion and fetal loss
should not be fed legumes such as clover and alfalfa and should be maintained
on a lower protein diet (10-12%)
·
Alfalfa should only consist of 1/3 of a horses total diet due to a
calcium/phosphorus imbalance
·
All horses should have a free choice mineral source and fresh water
Feeding for Hoof
Growth
The
typical hoof grows about 6-10mm (1/4” to 1/3”) per month, but can vary
depending on genetics, mechanics, and diet. Which means that if your horse is
foundered and needs to grow a new hoof you are in for the long haul! There are
things we can do nutritionally to help promote healthy hoof growth.
·
The hoof requires 7-8% total crude protein for proper growth
·
A good quality commercial feed should be fed and never cut with oats
·
Oats can alter the hoof growth in animals that are predisposed to
problems, i.e. foundered horses, horses with white line disease
·
To increase protein in the diet add soybean meal. Increased protein
will not speed hoof growth, but if there is not enough it will slow down growth
·
In horses with brittle, crumbly hooves, an increase in calcium may be
beneficial. Try adding alfalfa to the diet; grass hay can be low in calcium
·
Trace minerals are important and should be offered free choice
·
To increase hardness, try adding D-biotin to the feed at the rate of
30mg per day for 6-9 months. Soybean meal and yeasts are good sources
·
Be sure to keep feet trimmed and balanced with help from a good farrier
Recipe of the Month
Orange-Ginger Beef Stir-Fry Servings: 4
|
3/4 lb |
beef flank steak, cut into strips |
1 pkg |
(10 oz) frozen broccoli florets, thawed |
|
2 tsp |
cornstarch |
1 can |
(8 oz) sliced water chestnuts, drained |
|
3 tbsp |
orange marmalade |
1/4 cup |
low sodium soy sauce |
|
3/4 tsp |
ground ginger |
2 cups |
hot cooked rice |
|
1 tbsp |
canola oil |
1/4 cup |
dry roasted peanuts |
·
Place steak
strips in a medium bowl. Sprinkle with cornstarch and toss to coat evenly. Add
marmalade and ginger, then stir until well blended.
·
Heat oil in a large
non-stick skillet over medium-high heat. Add steak mixture and stir-fry 4-5
minutes or until steak is cooked through. Reduce heat to medium-low.
·
Add broccoli,
water chestnuts, and soy sauce and mix well. Cover and simmer 5 minutes or
until thickened, stirring frequently.
·
Serve over rice
and top with peanuts.
Variation:
substitute strips of boneless skinless chicken breast for steak, adjusting
stir-fry time to ensure chicken is cooked through.