Health & Welfare - including Strangles Awareness Week details, equine first aid, update on allergen avoidance, the tooth and hoof maintenance guide, and skin health advice

Returning for 2021... STRANGLES AWARENESS WEEK

Anational week of action encouraging people from across the equestrian community to speak out about their experiences of the infectious disease Strangles is returning this year.

Strangles Awareness Week 2021 will take place from 3rd to 9th May with the aim to provide horse owners, yard managers, vets and equine professionals with a platform to share their own stories and promote support for those affected by the disease. This special week is a collaborative effort between the British Horse Society, Intervacc, Keeping Britain’s Horses Healthy, Redwings Horse Sanctuary, Scotland’s Rural College’s Premium Assured Strangles Scheme (PASS), Surveillance of Equine Strangles (SES), The (Dick) Royal School of Veterinary Studies and World Horse Welfare who have brought together their decades’ worth of experience of either caring for horses with Strangles, supporting those coping with outbreaks or research into the disease. An online survey aimed at yard managers, conducted last year, identified fear as one of the main barriers to talking about the disease with 58% of respondents believing that just speaking publicly may lead people to suspect an issue, ultimately affecting their business’ reputation. This sadly leads to many dealing with financially and emotionally devastating outbreaks in silence, allowing the highly contagious illness - the most prevalent equine disease in the UK - to spread further. It is hoped by encouraging more equestrians to speak out about their experiences, people will have the confidence to seek help and advice. Last year’s Strangles Awareness Week reached more than half a million people through social media, with well-known equestrians such as Joe Stockdale sharing the Week’s posts and messages - and it’s hoped more will get involved this year. As well as practical information and free resources to support those who may be tackling outbreaks, this year’s event also includes a series of podcasts with figures from across the equestrian community sharing their experiences of Strangles and encouraging others to take up constructive conversations about the disease’s prevention

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PEACE OF MIND FOR PARASITE CONTROL with the All SeasonsSubscription Service

Could you say hand on heart that you worm egg count your horse every 12- 8 weeks and you’re always up to date with parasite control? With the best intentions time speeds by and busy horse owners can inadvertently find themselves behind on their plans.

Let Westgate Labs take the worry out of worming for you! To make following a best practice parasite control programme as easy as possible they designed the award winning All Seasons Subscription Service. This gives you a tailor made testing programme designed to take the guesswork out of managing this important aspect of horse’s health. It’s proven a very popular option with horse owners and it won a coveted British Equestrian Trade Association (BETA) Business Award in 2020. For one simple monthly subscription payment, clients receive a bespoke plan for each horse and all the tests needed to target the right parasites at the right time of year direct to their door. In addition to a regular schedule of worm counts and EquiSal tests for redworm, roundworm and tapeworm, the subscription also covers any incidental tests that might be required for pinworm, lungworm or liver fluke plus, reduction tests to check for drug resistance and sand testing to monitor sediment levels in the dung and help reduce the risk of sand colic. Operations Director Kristy Hodgson commented: “We designed the service on the back of feedback from our customers who tell us how worried they get about making the right choices for their horses and how, even with the best intentions, the gaps between testing can slip when juggling all those other pressures of work and family life. “The ability to spread the cost into small monthly payments is also something our customers value. They love how easy it is and tell us it brings peace of mind that enables them to get on with enjoying their horses.” The service hit the spot with subscribers too. “I love the fact I only medicate my horse when there is a need to do so. Westgate’s subscription is so easy to use. They send out everything, you do the sample and post it back, bish bosh jobs done and the results come to me via email,” commented subscriber Kirsty M. “Another top delivery from Westgate Labs yesterday. Tapeworm and worm count time. Invaluable for busy people to ensure top care for your horses. Very efficient service, quick turnaround. Brilliant!” said subscriber Lesley W. Consultant vet to Westgate Labs, Carolyn Cummins MVB Phd MRCVS commented: “The intervals for testing are based on the worm life cycles we’re testing for, the relative risk of the individual horse and the parasite challenges they might meet in their environment. Unintentionally lengthening this time between testing or treating could easily allow a parasite burden to get out of hand and become a threat to horse health.” With subscriptions starting from £6.50 per calendar month for a healthy adult horse programme the All Seasons service is an affordable way to manage parasite control. There are options for young and highrisk horses too which include more frequent testing.

www.westgatelabs.co.uk/ subscribe/

MORE EVIDENCE SHOWS TRADITIONAL FREQUENT WORMING IS UNNECESSARY

New research, from leading equine parasitologist Dr Martin Nielsen, has provided more evidence to show that reducing worming (or more correctly, de-worming) intensity, does not have any adverse health risks to horses. The work confirms that the traditional approach of frequent routine de-worming at predetermined intervals, without the use of diagnostic testing is unnecessary.

To help share the results of this significant study Dr Nielsen has produced two short explanatory videos, one for vets and one for horse owners. The videos are being shared by BEVA to spread the word. “Internal parasites, predominantly strongyles and ascarids, are omnipresent at equine yards,” said Dr Nielsen. “But a persistent growing resistance to the anthelmintics we have available is challenging us to find more sustainable and yet effective parasite control programmes. “De-worming every six to eight weeks and rotating between products is still very common around the world but this sort of carpet bombing is completely unnecessary and drug rotation does not prevent drug resistance. Many people are not comfortable with de-worming less frequently, thinking it will compromise horse health, but our study shows that this is not the case; no adverse health effects were seen that could be ascribed to scaling down deworming intensity.” David Rendle, Chair of BEVA’s Health and Medicines Committee said: “Spreading this information will hopefully encourage any horse owners who have not done so already to change from their oldfashioned habits of frequent de-worming, to a diagnostic test-led, or at least a more strategic approach with routine drug-resistance testing. In so doing we can help avert the potential equine welfare crisis that all are agreed will inevitably ensue if the equine industry continues with the indiscriminate use of anthelmintics.”

ALWAYS KNOW WHICH PARASITE YOU ARE TREATING

Zoetis Inc. is reminding horse owners to be worm aware and always know which parasite they are treating and why.

“Reducing the use of wormers by only using them when you know what you are targeting and why, such as when treating for encysted small redworm, together with using diagnostic tests and regular drug resistance testing are the most effective ways to minimise the risk of drug resistance,” said Dr Wendy Talbot, National Equine Veterinary Manager at Zoetis. Between December and April, the biggest parasite threat to adult horses is encysted small redworm (ESRW) and all adult horses should have been recently tested or treated using a five-day course of fenbendazole or a single dose of moxidectin. “It is important to note that there is widespread resistance to fenbendazole, so a resistance test is advisable, prior to using this product. It’s also vital to remember that treating with a wormer that does not specifically target encysted small redworm (ESRW) can actually increase the risk of a horse with a high ESRW burden developing larval cyathostominosis, which is a potentially fatal disease,” advises Dr Talbot.

www.horsedialog.co.uk

PASTURE MANAGEMENT:

TO REDUCE WORM RE-INFECTION

Every smallholding and private paddock is different, but clearing up after horses, donkeys or ponies is something we all have in common.

Created out of necessity, the SCH Equestrian Powered Brush (EPB) is for customers requesting something –anything – to make this perpetual and relentless task quicker and easier. Over the past 33 years, SCH has created and refined many equestrian machines, but none more useful than the EPB, which will allow you to spend longer with the horses and less time clearing up. The regular removal of droppings promotes healthy grass and reduces dropping related diseases. Four rows of height adjustable brushes rotate at variable speeds to flick the droppings into the plastic rotproof rear collecting box. A reliable 5.5Hp Honda engine drives four rows of heightadjustable brushes. The machines speed-reduction gearbox incorporates a centrifugal clutch which allows the brushes to stop revolving when the engine speed is low - a necessary feature when moving from heap to heap. To use the EPB tow it over the droppings and the powered brush will pick them cleanly off the ground and throw them into

EQUINE FIRST AID: BE READY IN AN EMERGENCY

Would you know how to help your horse whilst keeping yourself safe? Join the World Horse Welfare webinar on Wednesday 3rd March at 7pm to learn from equine vet, Chris Tuffnell, and registered veterinary nurse, Chris Shaw, about what to do in an emergency.

Experts will teach you how to assess an equine emergency quickly and accurately, and will give you tips on how to manage these stressful situations. Knowing when to call the vet and applying effective first aid can be the key to success or failure when a horse has an injury. The free-to-attend webinar will cover common emergencies such as wounds, bleeding, and fractures, you will learn what to do – and what not to do – to give your horse the best chance of recovery. Plus by registering for the webinar through Zoom you will be able to take part in the various polls, ask questions during the live Q&A session with the speakers.

www.worldhorse welfare.org

the rear collection box. Emptying couldn’t be easier –turn the winch to effortlessly lift and tilt the collecting box. The task of dropping removal never ends, and the EPB can potentially save hundreds of hours of labour per year. The durable chassis is constructed from solid welded steel, and the Honda-built engine offers maximum reliability. When combined with SCH’s dedicated spare parts team, the robust British-made machinery will save you time and cost in labour for many years to come. For a free 80 page brochure featuring over 200 British built machines designed explicitly for smallholders, visit:

www.schsupplies.co.uk

WHEN YOUR GOLD MEDAL WINNING RIDE GOES LAME...

When you are sponsored by a company that manufactures equine first aid products you don’t ever want to have to find out how good the products are.

However, that’s exactly what happened to Robinson Animal Healthcare sponsored rider, Sophie Wells, when one of her top horses recently went lame with an abscess.

C Fatal Attraction

(Jorge), Sophie’s Gold Medal winning ride from the Paralympic World Equestrian Games in 2018, suddenly went lame following a lesson. Sophie immediately called out the farrier who didn’t initially get a reaction when he applied hoof testers. The following day Jorge was much worse, so Sophie called her vet and this time he did react to the hoof testers. The vet removed Jorge’s shoe and had a little dig around in the hoof and

Above: Prior to poulticing Sophie tubbed Jorge's foot; Above right: Sophie poulticed Jorge’s hoof with Animalintex; Right: Sophie used Animalintex, Veterinary Gamgee and Equiwrap Coheshive Bandages in the treatment of Jorge's abscess

recommended that Sophie tubbed the foot for several days and applied a hot poultice. Sophie hot poulticed the hoof for three days and applied a dry poultice on the fourth day using Animalintex, which softened the foot nicely to release the pressure and ease Jorge’s discomfort so the farrier was able to put the shoe back on. Said Sophie: “The Animalintex was so easy to use. I cut normal Animalintex to shape first as I needed it to go up the side of his foot slightly where there was a crack, to encourage any dirt out, and then used the hoof shaped Animalintex pads. “I applied some Veterinary Gamgee on top of the Animalintex to make sure there was even pressure across the foot and then secured it all in place with Equiwrap Cohesive bandages. Jorge’s colour on the yard is purple so he had to have purple bandages! “The Equiwrap bandages were really effective at holding everything in place as he walked around the stable. “It’s inevitable with horses that at some point you will need to reach for your first aid kit, so I am just very grateful that my kit was stocked up thanks to Robinson Animal Healthcare.”

www.robinsonhealthcare.com

AN IMPORTANT PRODUCT IN

YOUR FIRST-AID KIT

Horses and ponies are notoriously good at getting nicks, cuts, grazes, broken skin areas and bites. It is therefore essential to have a proven antibacterial protective cream in your first aid kit.

FiltaBac by Aniwell is a robust antibacterial wound protection cream, proven to protect and prevent damage to skin areas prone to exposure from the environment including rain, mud, sun and insects. FiltaBac will stay in place, allow the wound/skin to breathe, serum to be expelled and provide protection to the skin. FiltaBac assists with natural wound healing and of course is a total sun reflector. A moderately thick layer of FiltaBac should be applied as soon as an area requires cover. If you are unable to clean the area first, apply immediately to protect from further damage and then cleanse with water, pat dry and reapply. Apply to the affected area daily for two days (no cleansing between) and on the third day, gently wash the area, without damaging new skin cells, pat the surrounding tissue dry and reapply.

www.aniwell-uk.com

Everything You Need FOR A PERFECT POULTICE

An abscess may come on suddenly, leaving your horse in considerable discomfort, and even the smallest wound can become infected in just a few hours, so prompt treatment is vital.

To treat an abscess or an infected wound you will need to apply a hot, wet poultice, so there are a few essential items that you will always need to keep in your first aid kit to form a capsule poultice kit. What to include in a poultice kit: • A licensed poultice such as

Animalintex which contains an antiseptic to clean and prevent re-infection and natural poulticing agent, Tragacanth, which, when it reacts with water, draws out any infection and creates a clean wound area for the wound to heal. • Veterinary Gamgee to use as padding on top of the

Animalintex. • A cohesive bandage such as

Equiwrap to hold everything in place. • A clean container, such as a shallow tray to soak the

Animalintex in. Do not use a bucket, unless it has been sterilised first. • A hygienic sponge and salt to clean the hoof or wound thoroughly prior to poulticing.

A mix of a level teaspoon of salt per pint of previously boiled water will help prevent further infection. • Duct tape to help keep everything in place when poulticing a hoof to help stop

the shoe breaking through the bandage and keep it dry. Keeping all of these important items together in one place as a poultice kit will save time and stress when faced with an injured horse or one that refuses to put weight on their foot due

Always contact your vet if you have any concerns about a wound or abscess.

to the agony of an abscess. Remember to regularly check the use-by-date on the packaging of a licensed poultice and replace when necessary.

www.robinsonhealthcare.com

THE PROCESS FOR TREATING... Milly’s painful eye

Milly was referred to the specialist ophthalmology service run by Cambridge Equine Hospital and Dick White Referrals for treatment of a painful eye. She had been seen by her referring vet initially and had been diagnosed with a corneal ulcer, but unfortunately this was not responding to treatment. Milly had lost her right eye two years ago, making it critical to resolve the problem in her left eye to save her vision.

The cornea forms the outer clear surface of the eye and is made up of five layers. Corneal ulcers are common in horses, and normally resolve quickly if there are no factors preventing healing. They are most commonly caused by trauma, but may be caused by other conditions affecting the eye. When a corneal ulcer is healing the surface layer (the epithelium) must stick down to the thick middle layer (the stroma). If this does not happen the ulcer will fail to heal. Milly’s vet had identified this problem, and had carefully removed the loose edges of epithelium at home – this is frequently all that’s needed. Unfortunately, Milly’s eye had not responded to treatment as hoped. Milly was examined carefully under sedation in order to rule out any underlying disease process that may prevent the ulcer from healing, before a minor surgical procedure (‘superficial keratectomy’) was performed to remove part of the abnormal middle layer of the cornea which was failing to stick to the overlying epithelium. This can be performed with the horse under sedation, and usually does not require a general anaesthetic. Nerve blocks are used to relax the upper eyelid, and local anaesthetic is applied to the surface of the eye. The cornea is cut carefully with a setdepth knife to a maximum depth of 350µm, which means that only the most superficial part of the cornea is removed. Milly was sent home the same day to continue to receive antibiotic eye drops, and pain relief in her feed. Millywas re-examined two weeks later, confirming that the ulcer had successfully healed. She has not shown any signs of pain since the procedure was performed, and continues to do well.

Top: A stain (‘fluorescein’) is applied to the surface of the eye, turning ulcerated areas green (arrow). Image A shows Milly’s eye when she was first seen, image B shows Milly’s eye after surgery when the ulcer had healed, showing no more stain uptake. The white areas of cornea will continue to improve in appearance as the eye continues to heal over time. Above: Milly sedated in stocks before surgery.

Article supplied by:

Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Cambridge

www.vet.cam.ac.uk

VAPORISING SERVICE TO ELIMINATE VIRUSES

In the aftermath of the equine influenza crisis and in the midst of a coronavirus pandemic, biosecurity for you and your horse has never been more important.

The launch of Equine Bio Genie, an Eco Friendly, allpurpose disinfectant, is being welcomed by trainers, owners and riders alike. The Equine Bio Genie Vaporising system is administered via an air assisted vapour machine which heats up the Equine Bio Genie disinfectant solution, making the active ingredient rise, enabling full coverage of a premises. For example, in the case of a stable or feed room, the rafters and beams that may be harbouring bacteria from bird droppings, can be treated as part of the rapid and thorough clean. Equine Bio Genie’s dry mist spray application offers full and easy coverage in a rinsefree formula, ensuring that you are not giving bacteria the damp conditions they thrive in.

www.equine-biogenie.co.uk

BREAKTHROUGH IN: EQUINE ALLERGEN AVOIDANCE

While much of the world only recently learned the health hazards of microscopic airborne particles, horses have been struggling with their impact for years - whether their owners know it or not!

Allergic reactions that manifest as respiratory issues, skin problems, general malaise and poor performance start as tiny airborne particles that infiltrate, irritate and trigger inflammation inside the horse's body. ‘Dust’ is the innocent-sounding description of the conduit for mold, fungi, bacteria and other allergens that activate inflammation and unfortunately, most horses’ biggest source of nutrition, hay, is loaded with these allergens. This is true even in hay of good nutrient quality and that looks and smells untainted. Breakthrough Equine nutritionist and digestive physiology expert Professor Meriel Moore-Colyer, PhD, is excited about recent findings regarding allergens that affect horses. As a graduate dean and professor at the Royal Agricultural University, Gloucestershire, she supervised a recent breakthrough study that evaluated almost 400 potential allergens from a blood sample. Conducted by Samuel White, PhD candidate, MSc, BSc, the study included twelve equine subjects with Severe Equine Asthma, a condition at the most extreme end of the Equine Asthma Spectrum. Each was exposed to the same potential allergens in a controlled environment, and blood samples revealed which triggered a reaction represented by antigens. This was the largest scale allergen assessment in Severe Equine Asthma horses to date. The results established a wide range of previously unidentified allergens and highlighted fungi and mites as the main reactants. Pollen and latex were newly identified as a problem for horses, as they are for many Colyer. The easiest and most effective way to do that is using a Haygain Hay Steamer, using steam heated to over 100°c and injected evenly through hay in a thermally sealed chest, this process eliminates up to 99% of the dust, mold, fungi, bacteria and other allergens found in hay. Visit the website to find out more about the scientifically proven health benefits of Haygain’s Hay Steamers.

www.haygain.co.uk

people. This initial study established a sound platform for future diagnostics and crutially, it enables targeted allergenavoidance regimes, which are the cornerstone to treatment. Allergen Avoidance The results of White’s study and the fast-evolving body of knowledge on allergens speak to the complexity of the subject. For example, it’s known that repeated exposure to an allergen will cause a progressively more severe response, whether that’s coughing, wheezing or decreased capacity to use oxygen at lower levels of exertion. Scientists thrive on this research, but horse owners only need to know one thing regarding allergens. “Allergen avoidance is the cornerstone to effective prevention,” asserts Moore-

BEVA: HELP REDUCE ANTIMICROBIAL RESISTANCE

The British Equine Veterinary Association (BEVA) is calling on horse owners to support vets’ efforts to reduce the risk of antimicrobial resistance by better understanding antibiotics.

Antibiotic resistance is increasing throughout human and veterinary medicine. At the same time there are no new classes of antibiotics being produced, so there is an increasing population of ‘superbugs’ which are resistant to many or all antibiotics and in some cases cannot be treated successfully. www.beva.org.uk/Protect-Me

THE HOOF & TOOTH MAINTENANCE GUIDE

Keeping horses’ teeth and hooves up to scratch is essential to maintaining their overall health. If dental and hoof care is neglected this can have knock on effects on a horse’s ability to eat, move and go about its daily life.

Keeping an eye on teeth and hooves may also help owners to spot other health issues early, as problems in these areas may be indicative of broader issues. Teeth All horses should have an annual check up to make sure that their dental health is in order, and this is particularly important for veteran horses. Horses with known dental problems may need more regular re-checks. Regular checking will allow you to monitor for any signs that your horse’s teeth are causing them discomfort. These signs can be varied, but make sure to look out for quidding (spitting out half chewed food), head tossing or a marked change in how they chew their food. If dental issues are causing your horse pain while eating, they may also display a reduced appetite, weight loss or a decline in overall performance, so it is important to spot problems early on. Sharp edges on a horse's teeth can cause pain, as they can cause ulceration on the cheek or tongue, as well as problems under saddle. Ulceration can be more common in domestic horses, who have a lower fibre diet and therefore spend less time chewing food. Horses fed a higher proportion of concentrates or have a lower fibre intake will spend less time chewing their food. Their teeth are not worn down as quickly, so sharp edges can become troublesome. This can be solved by rasping the teeth, which is the process of removing sharp edges and hooks using a powerrasp or hand-rasp, normally with the help of sedation. Another common issue that your vet or equine dental technician (EDT) will look for are diastemata. Diastemata are gaps in the horse’s teeth where food can get trapped and cause inflammation. Not all horses have diastemata, although some will develop one or more during their lifetime. While flossing may be a simple solution for humans, horses can suffer gingivitis, gum recession, infection and eventually tooth loss, if diastemata are not addressed. A diastema may not be visible without using a dental gag as they are often found in the cheek teeth at the back of the mouth. Typically, diastemata

TO HELP OWNERS KEEP THEIR HORSES HEALTHY, WE SPOKE TO DR JESSICA MAY, UK LEAD VET AT THE VIDEO VET SERVICE FIRSTVET

need regular cleaning and flushing to remove packed food and prevent infection. They frequently need to be cleaned more than once a year. It may also be necessary for a vet to widen the space between the teeth, to prevent food accumulating. Hooves Regular foot trimming or reshoeing is essential, especially for veteran horses. The correct diet also helps to maintain healthy hooves. For example, biotin supplements can be given to horses to improve hoof quality. Shod horses usually need a farrier visit every four to six weeks, while unshod horses are usually seen by their farrier every six to ten weeks. Between farrier visits, you should also keep an eye on horses’ feet and movement in case problems occur. If a horse looks uncomfortable with a shortened stride or is reluctant to move, or they are lame, further investigation to find the cause will be needed. The sole of the foot should be concave and the frog should be in contact with the ground. After a horse

has been shod, the shoe should sit flat against the edge of the foot, and checking the feet twice daily will help to identify a spread or twisted shoe. During summer, horses’ hooves may be at risk of cracking due to hot weather. Cracks stemming from the bottom of the hoof upwards are known as ‘grass cracks’, and can be caused by overgrown feet or changes to the condition of the ground underfoot. Cracks originating from the coronary band, at the top of the hoof, are known as ‘sand cracks’, which can be caused by a foot imbalance or excessive stress. Cracks typically need to be stabilised with remedial shoeing, while others may require additional treatment. If you notice a crack, it is best to get a farrier’s opinion. Veterinary assistance may also be needed to facilitate treatment. As a preventative measure, keeping the feet trimmed and in good condition can help to prevent cracks. Daily care is essential for keeping horses’ hooves clean and healthy. It is important for owners to consider their horses’ surroundings, as well as the immediate care of their feet. Feet should be picked out twice a day to look for foreign objects and reduce the risk of infection. If horses are kept in damp or muddy conditions, the risk of thrush is increased, which can cause pain and chronic lameness, whilst stray stones can cause sole bruising. Clean and dry bedding is another important factor to prevent issues, like thrush.

www.firstvet.com/uk Having used shavings to bed down her ponies for many years, Sammy Moody decided to give Miscanthus bedding a try in the stable of her retired pony, Tommy.

Having heard good things about Terravesta Equine, Sammy thought this was the ideal choice for veteran Tommy. 22-year-old Sammy has owned Tommy, who is her first pony, since he was twelve, with the pair spending their younger days enjoying Pony Club activities, so understandably she wants to make sure that Tommy is comfortable in his retirement. After giving her stable a thorough clean, Sammy started a fresh bed using the Miscanthus bedding. Tommy is lucky enough to reside in a large stable that normally houses a 17hh horse and as Sammy likes him to have a full bed she used twelve bales to start the bed. Although this sounds excessive, most normal sized stables would only require half that amount if not less to create a perfectly adequate bed. Working full-time as a vet’s receptionist, Sammy found that the biggest advantage of the bedding was how much time it saved her mucking out. Said Sammy: “I am really impressed with the Miscanthus bedding; it is dust free and makes a good dense bed which is perfect to support Tommy’s joints now he is getting older. He gave it his seal of approval when he rolled in the fresh bedding as soon as I put him back in the stable. “During the week I usually just skip out the droppings and remove any wet and do a big muck out at a weekend. When I was using shavings I would remove two full wheelbarrows of dirty bedding but with the

MUCKING OUT... Made easy!

Miscanthus it only amounted to one full wheelbarrow. The Miscanthus also doesn’t stick to the droppings like shavings do and fall through the shavings fork so you don’t waste as much bedding when mucking out. This is ideal for anyone that needs to keep their muck heap small and obviously makes mucking out less time consuming. “Because I started out with a good deep bed, I also found that I didn’t need to add a fresh bale every week, only topping up the bed every few weeks which makes Terravesta Equine a cost effective choice.”

www.terravesta-equine.com

PITFALLS OF BUYING ONLINE: FOAL FOUND LIVING IN OWNER’S HOUSE

Ayoung foal is facing a brighter future after being reported to World Horse Welfare. Humphrey had been bought unseen for £250 from an online selling site and was delivered to the buyer’s home on a housing estate.

The foal lived in their garage and garden, sometimes even coming into the lounge, for two days before being reported to the charity.

The owners were very keen that others were made aware of the online pitfalls that they, unwittingly, had fallen into.

SKIN HEALTHSpring

With a lot of horses rugged over winter it is a good feeling in spring to strip off those thicker layers and see your horse start to lose his winter coat (unless of course he was fully clipped).

Some horses may come out of winter with a scurfy coat but don’t be tempted to bath your horse until the weather is warm enough. Also when it does warm up make sure that you are not shampooing your horse too frequently as this can remove naturally occurring oils and dry out the coat and skin.

What can I do to keep my horse’s skin and coat healthy?

• If your horse suffers from insect bite hypersensitivity limit his exposure to insects as much

as possible by using a fly rug and mask, avoiding turnout at dusk and dawn, making sure he doesn’t graze near water sources such as bogs or streams, use exposed paddocks without hedging or trees and remove droppings from the paddock daily.

• Correct nutrition and hydration are essential for coat

and skin health, speak to an equine nutritionist and your vet if you have any concerns about your feeding regime and horse’s health.

• If your horse has pink, exposed or sensitive skin, use a suitable

sun block when required to protect him from sunburn. For vulnerable areas on the face a mask which blocks UV light can also be used.

• Check the horse’s coat and skin regularly for any abnormalities

such as lumps, bumps, bites or lesions.

• Remove excess dirt and sweat from your horse’s coat regularly,

especially during warmer weather, to help keep flies at bay. Also remove rugs daily to ensure they are not rubbing and continue to fit comfortably. Nutrition is perhaps the most important part as certain nutrients are the building blocks HORSES NEED A HEALTHY SKIN AND COAT ALL YEAR ROUND AS THE HORSE’S SKIN IS HIS FIRST BARRIER AGAINST EXTERNAL THREATS SUCH AS THE WEATHER, BITING INSECTS AND DISEASE. HERE, THE GOLDEN PASTE COMPANY SHARE THEIR ADVICE ON SKIN HEALTH FOR THE SPRING.

of skin and hair. Certain minerals such as zinc, copper, fatty acids, and biotin are crucial so if your horse has a forage only diet adding a vitamin and mineral supplement may be necessary. If you are feeding a complete feed make sure you use the recommended amounts. The Golden Paste Company recently launched TurmerItch, a pelleted supplement specifically formulated to support a healthy skin and coat. How does TurmerItch work? The carefully selected ingredients are soothing to reduce itching, promote hair regrowth and help to repel biting insects, as well as keeping the skin healthy and the coat shiny. Insect Bite Hypersensitivity usually affects most horses from March until October but starting the ‘midge season’ primed is important for the best possible