The Pulse - Winter 2013 by The Pulse OCTRA

Ontario Competitive Trail Riding Association Spring 2012

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The Pulse Winter 2013

Presidentâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Message Doug Price The weather outside is frightful, but the fire is so delightful, ...

your voice heard. That's the nuts and bolts. I hope everyone had a great Christmas and a safe New Year's. And that 2013 is your best ride season ever!

So exactly why am I bundled up to my ears, heading to the barn, to tack up my furry beast, so we can fight our way through the snow drifts?

Doug

Likely for the same kind of reasons you do I expect. Once that first mile or so is behind you, the physical discomfort's forgotten and the magic of an absolutely silent, forest trail makes the rest of the world fade into the background. That is until a low hanging, snow laden branch brings one back to winter's realities.

Letter from the Editor

As the New Year rolls around I hope you can look back fondly on the riding season just past and with anticipation to the one on the horizon. Gayle and I celebrate Winter Solstice with friends and neighbours every year. A bonfire in a grove of Scotch pine until everyone is appropriately chilled then into the house for hot snacks and maybe a dram of Scotch to warm the heart. It signals a new start. However you get your new year started I hope your plans are just a little bit ambitious maybe even outrageous. OCTRA turns the page with the awards banquet. Lots of folks are busy planning and organizing. It should be fun and I hope you'll be able to come out and support it. The board has been working diligently on the business meeting portion of the AGM. First, to trim away things we don't need to deal with and to simplify those that we do. There are one or two new resolutions that I expect will generate a fair bit of discussion. And that's good. Whether an idea is accepted or not the work of considering it confirms what we want out of our club. And that's the whole point, it's your club, you have to participate, make

Sarah Cuthbertson Looking for the positives in any situation is not just a skill, but a habit of mine. Winter can be a miserable time of year for me as a rider, I have never been a fan of cold, snow and ice. Winter sports just mean a cold wet mess in my socks and my favourite TV shows being replaced by hockey games (yes I may be the only one happy in the NHL lockout!). However, the early nights and lack of motivation to get out in the white stuff has proved quite fruitful for me. This issue has seen the most submissions since I took over the pulse. I am guessing, I am not the only one who turns over my reins for a keyboard this season. Nothing warms my winter like a fresh story in my inbox. Snuggled up in a blanket with some tea (and a box full of my favourite chocolate friends), I look forward to lots of reading and sharing between us all! Sincerely, Sarah Cuthbertson 2

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The Pulse Winter 2013

A Letter of Thanks Paul Mann To all O.C.T.R.A. members, Thank you for all of your well wishes and contributions. It was well appreciated and of great help to both Barb and I. I would like to start by also saying thanks to everyone who helped me out until emergency crews arrived .

Nurses came to change dressings and physio came to give me exercises to do. Time seemed long. Oct 11, On my visit back to the doctors in Kingston, x-rays showed everything healing well so I can now put 25% weight on my right leg and drive again. Yahoo! I am expected to make a full recovery but cannot return to work until February and cannot ride a horse until summer 2013!

I don’t remember much at first until I came to, on the ground, spitting dirt out of my mouth. It was August 19th, a nice morning, a great day for a ride at Seoul’s Corners. I saddled up Samson and got on to warm him up. Things were going well, I stopped to let him graze, and all of a sudden he began to buck with all four feet off the ground. I remember coming down hard onto the pommel of the saddle and feeling severe pain. At this point I passed out and don’t remember anything until I came to on the ground.

Samson is enjoying his rest and getting a little too fat.

I was first taken to Perth Hospital for evaluation and then quickly shipped off to Kingston Hospital. When I arrived, I was taken to emergency surgery where they temporarily pinned me back together and then placed me into intensive care.

On behalf of the Arabian Association of Eastern Canada just wanted to let OCTRA know how much all of your assistance was appreciated with the booth at this year`s Royal Winter Fair.

After two days I was taken for another MRI. This time they found I had internal bleeding, so back for another surgery, which they fixed by a temporary artery block and then back up to ICU. Friday, August the 24 arrived and I had surgery for the final fix, which is four pins and a metal plate in my pelvis and one pin in my hip. After three days of bed rest, physiotherapy came in for two days of rehab to get me ready to go home with orders for no weight bearing on my right leg WHATSOEVER for the next six weeks! On Aug. 29 I was released from hospital and on my way home to recover. For two weeks I was mostly bedridden.

During this time all the support I received, greatly helped my recovery. SO A BIG THANK YOU TO EVERY ONE. Paul Mann

AHA Thanks from the Royal

Your pop up banners added so much—they attracted attention as people wanted to see who the photos were of. The owners and horses (Linda Klarner & I`m No Angel, Solstice Pecile & Glorious Song IA, Emma Webb & CWN Felen Zillary) did a wonderful job with the ring demos and video display. A tshirt was donated by Bob Coleman for our draw specifically for the ballots received on Saturday Nov 3rd, and this was won by Taja Farrell Sonnenburg of Frankford, and owns an Arabian mare. To all of the booth volunteers from OCTRA I send out a hearty thank you! Your attendance was welcomed and all of the hours were greatly appreciated. 3

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The Pulse Winter 2013

Trust OCTRA feels this was a worthwhile experience and look forward to discussing further co-operative opportunities in the near future. Thanks again and wishing everyone the very best during the holiday season & in 2013! Respectfully, Jane Whitwell

OCTRA BANQUET BASH Saturday, February 16th, 2013 COBOURG BEST WESTERN (905) 372-2105, fax (905) 372-5905 930 Burnham St, Cobourg Annual General Meeting 1 pm to 4:30 pm

Call for Articles

Cocktail Hour 6 p.m. Buffet 7 p.m.

To anyone who would like to contribute to the Pulse, please send submissions to Cuthbertson.sarah@gmail.com. I am looking for articles, reviews, photos, announcements to include in the Spring issue of the Pulse. Deadline for submission is March 15th. Due to the year we have had, I am particularly looking for someone to write up a research piece and/or product reviews on safety equipment including helmets and vests. Also, if you know of any other innovative trends in equestrian safety, send it forward! Please note this is not a means to advertise, and should offer practical unbiased information. Looking forward to hearing from you -Sarah

Awards begin 7:45 p.m. Dancing following awards until 1 a.m. BANQUET TICKET: Adults 55.00 Juniors 35.00 http://www.octra.on.ca/tickets or from any OCTRA BoD member. ROOMS: 99.00 plus taxes Contact the Cobourg Best Western (905) 372-2105. Mention the OCTRA banquet. Silent Auction: Please bring donations for the auction tables, horsey related or not, itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s all welcome. Money raised goes toward special long distance events. Contact Marion Shearer with what you might bring marionshearer@rogers.com or (905) 640-7915. Directions: Hwy 401 to exit #472, take Burnham St., south; at Elgin St. (2nd lights), turn left; then an immediate right into the parking lot. Celebrate our accomplishments! Fun for everyone!

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The Pulse Winter 2013

Written by Emma Webb, Edited by Daniel Dunn

A few weeks later on September 2nd it was to White Cloud Michigan where I did my first hundred for me and CWM FELEN Zillary and we came in 1st, additionally we won Best Condition.

This year was an amazing year for me, that started off in Williston Florida for two FEI two star 75 mile races where I used two of Jan Worthingtonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s horses. I used Impact PSY on March 1st where I came in 7th place. Then on March 3rd, Serloki, where I came in 2nd.

Just for fun we took a trip back to Chatsworth Ontario on Sept 13 where I did the 12 mile training ride on Irish limerick. After his warm up, all the preparation was ready for Mansfield Ontario on September 30th where we did the 25 mile Set Speed ride with a 9th place finish.

After that crazy event, I was off to Asheville North Carolina on May 5th where I did a FEI two star 75 mile race and rode CWM FELEN Zillary and came in 8th.

A while later when the weather turned cold and the leaves turned colourful in northern Ontario we decided to head south, to Williston Florida on December 15th for a FEI two star 75 mile race. On one of Robert Geilenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s horses; Vagas, a 7th place finish was a great result and that's what we wound up with!

Emma Webb, World Ranking: Top 10 FEI U21 Young Riders 2012

Soon after that I went to Chatsworth, Ontario and went 6 miles on Irish Limerick our young thoroughbred who hasn't exactly been introduced to endurance yet, nevertheless he performed exceptionally well for a 5 year old horse under pressure. Shortly after on May 19th I was in Mansfield Ontario for a 50 mile endurance ride on CWM FELEN Zillary we came in 8th. A few weeks later we were both back in Ontario for a few events starting with the event on June 16th which was a 12 mile night ride followed shortly thereafter by a 32 mile CTR where we came in 4th place. A few weeks later we were in the Ganaraska forest in Ontario where we did the 50 mile endurance ride and came in 2nd... Needless to say my schedule so far had been pretty hectic, but it kept going on!

The 2012 season had its ups and downs but was a great year! Hectic schedule, awesome support from Nancy and Bob, behind the scenes support of my family, lots of fun, and a lot of great times with friends. Professional horseback riding takes a lot of time out of your life, it is a lifelong devotion to this fabulous sport.

On July 15th we were in Flesherton Ontario where we did the 36 mile CTR and came in 3rd, right after the ride we were off to Lexington Kentucky where the North American Junior Young Riders Championship which is a FEI four star 75 mile race at which I rode Serloki again, and came in 7th individually, and won the gold for the team. A few days later on August 4th we were in new Lowell Ontario for a FEI two star 75 mile race where I was back to riding CWM FELEN Zillary and came in 2nd.

Emma and CWM FELEN Zillary presenting at the Spirit of the Horse, Royal Winter Fair 2012. Wendy Webb Photography

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The Pulse Winter 2013

An Interview with Canadian Champion Rider Earl Baxter Vintage article - By Donna Snyder-Smith, Trail Blazer Magazine 1990 As the median age in America begins to shift upward, many who find themselves in their 40's, 50's and 60's, also find the dream of excellence, which culminates for the amateur sportsman in the Olympic Games, has not left their lives. At age 49, Earle Baxter is an endurance rider and if one is to believe the evidence of his record, he is a part of a successful athletic team with Olympic potential. A recent conversation with Earle at his home in Ontario, Canada, gave insights into a humble and thoughtful man. Earle, what drew you to horses in the beginning? We had work horses and ponies. As kids, we'd spend all day riding and playing in the bush with our ponies. We didn't have saddles, just rode bareback, everywhere we went. With such a wide variety of activities in which to compete with horses, why choose endurance riding? The longevity of the sport. Living and camping with the horses and riding in unknown areas. It takes hours and hours to get ready for a show or a flat race, and then it's all over in a few minutes. Endurance gives me an excuse to travel, see different parts of the country and meet people with similar interests, and do lots of riding. It also gets me away from business pressures and gives me a goal for my breeding program. It never ceases to amaze me, when I think back, how little I knew when I started. It's scary when you realize how much there is to

know. The very first ride I went to was a competitive ride. I was invited and didn't know what it was all about. I didn't know how to follow ribbons or anything. It was a terrible experience. I just couldn't believe that I was so ignorant about so many things involving horses, especially after being around them for so long. I thought "there's just no way I'm going to let this be the way I'm going to quit." The experience just made me determined to learn, then I was hooked. How important is winning? Competing is winning for me. Being proud of my horse and of the job he is doing for me. Also knowing he enjoys what he is doing, that is winning. My goals are to always finish with lots of horse left and with my weight, (245 with tack) to do that ride after ride, year after year on a couple of horses, that's what says you're a winner. I like to Top Ten, and when it happens, it's a bonus, it's great. But it breaks my heart to see people racing flat out for 7th, 8th, or 9th place. It hurts even more to see them racing for 39th place. I know they couldn't do it if they really knew how much they can hurt their horses in that last mile, five miles, whatever. The horse will always gallop home, but they pay the price. We've all made some poor decisions; ones we wish we could go back and undo, but I see too much of it, too often. lt's how my horses and I do as a LONG TERM team that is important to me. What type or brand of saddle do you use? I have an Orthoflex, a Gorenschuk and a Canadian Trooper Saddle. I like to keep a saddle for each horse I ride, and all 3 saddles are very different. I use the Orthoflex on my Arab, Rushcreek Pawnee. It fits well and he seems to like it. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s not a comfortable saddle for me though. My Gorenschuck is 10 years old and very comfortable. It fits wide backed horses well. I like using it on my young horses too, since it gives a closer contact than my other saddles. The Canadian Trooper, my most recent saddle does not fit really short backed horses but fits just about every other size and shape you can find and is very 6

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The Pulse Winter 2013

comfortable and balanced. The most important thing in a saddle is the balance and fit. A lot of saddles are too narrow or put too much pressure just behind a horse's withers. With my weight, I have to be really careful and my horses backs change during training and during the competitive season, so sometimes it's necessary to change saddles. A rider always has to be aware of those things if they want to do the best by their horse, keep them sound and be able to win. What type of pad do you prefer? I use washable wool pads on all my horses. My horse is my partner and friend. When we're training, he is working for me, and when we compete, I work to make things as easy as possible for him. A horse's mental health is just as important as his physical health, I've found. Are you aware that Best Condition was not awarded at the 1989 Tevis? What do you think about that decision?

Also, whether endurance riders like it or not, we need a dress code and that would include helmets, all the time. In Canada, we must wear helmets at all competitions. I hated it at first, but now I truly believe it is very important. You really forget you are wearing one after a while. Also, I believe ride insurance will force the issue within a short period of time. What I don't like about endurance riding going into the Olympics is all the political stuff. That tends to split the feeling of community and pit one rider against another. I don't like that. How was the sport of Endurance Riding changed since you first started competing? When I first started, 12 years ago, 5 hours won a 50, and 16 hours won a hundred. Also, many rides had fewer than 20 entries. It's not that way anymore. Riders are becoming a lot more educated, and they are also a lot more competitive. What technology do you think will change or influence the sport in the next decade?

Well, I wasn't there, so in all fairness I couldn't say about that particular ride, but I crewed a ride once where they did not award B.C. and I felt it was the right decision. I wish more vets would withhold B.C. if the situation warranted.

Heart rate monitors, training methods (such as T.E.A.M.), feeding, sports medicine, coaching; every day we learn about something new coming up relative to our sport. There is an incredible amount of technology which can influence ride results now, and I don't believe we've even scratched the surface.

What do you think such a decision at a ride as prestigious as the Tevis says about the sport of Endurance Riding?

If you were designing the Olympic course, what would it include?

I hope it means the standards of our sport are being raised and that is good. Especially since we hope to one day be an Olympic sport.

It would be as varied and challenging as possible. I don't think it's possible to produce a perfect course because of the constant variables in weather. We all know that a simple course can become deadly in high temperatures and humidity, just as a very difficult course can become relatively easy if it is cool and there is no humidity. I'd want an Olympic course to test a rider's horsemanship somehow, as well the condition and athleticism of the horse.

Would you like to see Endurance Riding become a part of the Olympics? Yes, and I'd do a lot to help that along. I feel we need tighter controls in horsemanship, sportsmanship and soundness.

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The Pulse Winter 2013

Are you familiar with T.E.A.M. or Centered Riding or PBM?

Share a little about your conditioning schedule with us.

Yes, I am familiar with all three. We have attended two full day and 1 four day TEAM clinics. We've had a TEAM practitioner come out to the farm a few times this summer. Rushcreek Pawnee was having trouble getting tense and hard to control as a result of a hip injury I had and how poorly I was riding afterward. We also used lots of TEAM at the North American Championship Race. It really works. As far as the Centered Riding is concerned, I feel it wouldn't hurt every one of us to go through a Centered Riding course. Poor riding causes fatigue and lameness in both horse and rider and there is lots of that out there. PBM pads are great. They will help make a sore backed or lame horse much better. I don't believe in using them all the time but more as an emergency tool; everyone should own one. However, a true cure will only come when you look for the root of the problem which is usually a poor fitting saddle or an unbalanced rider.

It depends on the horse of course. With a seasoned horse, I start training at the end of January. I usually begin with about 4 or 5 miles of walking in the deep snow, about 3 times a week. I work up to 2 hours, 4 times a week by the end of February. March is very cold and windy here and we alternate working on long slow distances and riding dressage in our arena. In April we step it up a bit with shorter, faster workouts and long 4 hour rides once a week. We don't start competing till late April. A young horse will have a completely different program. We start our young horses around two and a half by teaching them ground manners. At 3 we begin by going out on short, fun rides in the company of an older, experienced horse. They learn to cross water and bogs, go up and down hill correctly and get used to traffic and trailering. At 4 they learn basic dressage and begin their training for competitive rides. At 5 we teach them to jump a simple course, trot and canter downhill and do a little galloping with them. We usually do 5 or 6 competitive rides and a few slow endurance rides late in their 5th year. At 6, we do maybe 6 60 milers; not fast yet, and a 2 day Competitive ride or a 75 mile endurance ride. We do a slow 100 late in the season. At 7, they do it all. They last for a long time that way, and compete well into their teens. Our horses always get a week off after every competition, and 2weeksoff after a 100. Our competition horses are off completely from October till January each year. That's when we start our young ones. If they didn't have a full competitive season, they're ridden in dressage during that time. We have a saying, "all horses know how to run, what you have to teach them is how to walk." I really lucked out with my stallion, Middlemarch. He is of the old Rushcreek bloodlines and he has really been the one responsible for my having the opportunity to ride train and compete on some super horses. His sons and daughters are all champion Endurance and Competitive animals. Without him, I don't believe I'd have done as well as I have. I bought Pawnee because my home bred horses were still too young to compete at the time. He is an incredible horse, although not necessarily an easy one since he gets upset easily and tends to be tense. His forte is 100 milers. He's 9 this year, and I feel just starting to come into himself. I look forward to many more years of successful competition.

How many horses do you condition for competition? I like to keep 2 horses going for myself each season; my seasoned horse, Pawnee and then a younger horse. That way if I feel Pawnee needs a rest, and I want to ride, I just take the younger horse. It gives them lots of experience without the stress of too many rides.

Does anyone besides you ride your competition horses? Yes, my wife Lesley rides my horses in dressage and jumping to keep them balanced and supple. We also have four other riders who help us train and compete our horses. How much time do you allocate for reading or going to clinics to stay abreast of the latest developments? We read everything and anything relative to our sport. We go to as many clinics as we have the opportunity to attend and we watch any type of educational video we can get our hands on. You can never stop learning in this sport. When I can't go, my wife goes and then comes home and shares what she's learned with me.

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The Pulse Winter 2013

Dressage-ing Your Way To Trail Success – The Circle By Kathy Farrokhzad When travelling down the trail, do you notice if your horse is on the forehand? Can you tell if your horse is moving in a crooked manner, Sue and Batique practicing at home perhaps putting more stress on one side than the other? Do you have training problems that may not interfere with finishing the ride, but might make things difficult at times – enough to cause you concerns about your or your horse’s safety?

What do dressage exercises do for the trail horse? Stretching/Releasing/Bending/Strengthening If riding were a language (which in fact, it is), then the alphabet would be based on the above qualities of movement. The foundation for all movements begin with the horse's ability to stretch, release, bend and be strong. All four qualities combine to allow the horse to work as correctly and as efficiently as possible over many miles of trails. A horse that can release tension and remain athletic at the same time can move in a way that keeps him sound and physically functional for years to come. If any one component is missing, then the horse runs the risk of joint/muscle/tendon injury. One of the most fundamental exercises in basic dressage is the 20-meter circle, the place where all correct movement begins. The Essential Circle At the basis of all stretching, bending, suppling and strengthening is the essential circle. The primary intention of riding a circle is to help your horse loosen in the muscles and develop suppleness in his movement. It evens out the horse’s ability to bear weight in the hind end and stretches both sides of the horse.

If so, then dressage might be the missing link in your training program. With the winter season ahead of us, this could be just the time for you to introduce a new angle to your offseason rides that might result in benefiting your horse during competition. At its essence, the French term, dressage, means "training". In effect, all we do when we ride "dressage” is develop a better training regimen for both our horses and ourselves. Regardless of discipline, solid basic training is what every type of riding is based upon. Even at its most basic level (or perhaps, especially at the most basic levels), dressage holds a value to horses of all disciplines. Done well, it presents an opportunity for you to analyze your horse's way of going, strengthening weaknesses and evening out imbalances in movement. Additionally, it promotes the development of your basic riding skills, strengthening weaknesses and reducing inconsistencies in your aids. Both are critical to your horse's success in performance, and your success as a rider.

What does a circle look like? A correctly ridden circle is even and round. I know – that must sound obvious! However, unless you have spent hours on perfecting the circle, you will agree with me that it is easier said than done!

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The Pulse Winter 2013

Regardless of where you position the circle in the riding ring, it should be evenly spaced and round. You must end the circle where you began it, and the diameters should be even – if it is a 20 meter circle, there should be twenty meters from end to end regardless of where you are currently positioned. The “NOT” Circle There are many variations of the not circle – and all of them are not circles! A – This circle is one of the most common not circles mainly because of its pseudo-roundness. While you are riding the figure, you are quite sure that you have completed a round figure. That is, until you either look at the footprints in the sand or listen to your instructor’s feedback! This circle does not start nor end at the same place and isn’t quite evenly round. The horse probably fell in to the middle shortly after the beginning of the circle. B – This is another common not circle because it is so easy to lose sight of the second half of the circle. Riders often start with good intentions (staying round through the first two quadrants of the circle), and through various inaccuracies – maybe the horse falls in to the middle, or the rider pulls on the inside rein too strongly – the circle ends in an abrupt straight line. C – Here is another common error – the circle that follows the rail. In the end, you discover that you made a rectangle that basically left one rail and headed straight to another. This figure completely negates the purpose of the circle as the horse doesn’t bend through the body. On the other hand, a well-ridden square – OFF the rail – is an extremely beneficial exercise although not at all what we are discussing here. D – Despite the fact that this final not circle is ever so close to being true, it is not even through the quadrants and therefore ends up becoming more of an oval than a circle. Once again, the horse can avoid bending on the long sides and likely uses the rail as a guideline on where to go.

The Healthy Horse Especially in the discipline of long distance trail, we want horses to live long and thrive in their work until old age. Working on accurate circles will improve your horse’s capacity to bear weight evenly, release tension and encourage stretching on both sides of the body. Adding dressage exercises into your winter riding routine will always reap benefits in several areas at once. More than anything, improving the horse's ability to carry the rider's weight in a manner that not only prevents damage, but in fact improves the horse's health and well-being, is what all good riding should endeavour to produce.

Bio: Kathy Farrokhzad is an EC coach, owner of four wonderful horses, dressage rider and writer of the blog, Horse Listening. A long distance rider of many years ago (who's counting?), she continues to hear the pulse of the trails wherever she goes!

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The Pulse Winter 2013

Ayurveda what?... By Theresa Gilligan This is the number one question I get asked, and it’s my favorite to answer. Treating horses “naturally” is gradually resurfacing as horsemen and woman alike embrace the fundamental values of alternative medicine, treatments and training. As we head out of the Piscean age, ruled for over 2200+ years, and into the age of Aquarius, marked by the Mayan calendar. Yes folks! The significance of the “end of the world” was not some great apocalyptic event to crumble the physical world, but merely the transition of one astrological rule to another. Piscean age represented money, power and control and the transition into Aquarius marks the values of love, unity, integrity and a ‘back to roots’ approach to nature, where progress is not just improvements in science and technology, but encompass all theories equally. Ayurveda, an age old whole medicinal system established in India over 5000 years ago, supports the balance of mind, body and soul. This is done via whole herb consumption and the touch component such as massage, acupuncture, reiki et al. One of the most important beliefs in Ayurvedic treatment is establishing your dosha; Vata, Pitta or Kapha. Those three constitutions or doshas establish your personal profile and are based on your body type, accompanying personality and identify areas of the body that are governed by the dosha. Your horse will fit the profile of one when balanced properly. (please visit www.neachai.ca for the full profile description for your equine) What is very exciting for us as horse owners, is that finally there is a treatment that doesn’t group us all together that sees our horses as individuals, that one drug or medical product can’t effectively treat every horse. Having personally treated and seen the results from using this incredible practice it is truly profound. As horse people,

we strive to achieve results. Whether in the show ring, racetrack or relating to overall health. In animal sciences we have progressed exponentially over the last 50 years alone, but what stumps me during my research, is if the new synthetic chemical substance created to be the next wonder antibiotic is derived from botanical extracts…why wouldn’t you utilize the entire herb for treatment instead? I shall merely infer that one is patentable and can generate enormous revenues among a particular industry and one cannot.

As I say in my seminars, I am not a “tree-hugging naturalist” at all - not that there is anything wrong with that - in fact, I have been in corporate finance for 14+ years, but my quest for answers led me to an incredible place where the answers were based on the roots of the problem and not treating the symptoms. Where I suddenly understood that every horse represents an individual influence and each dosha governs various systems of the body. It all makes sense now and it’s so amazing when clients actually walk away with their questions answered then having even more when their previous medical practitioner left. 11

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The Pulse Winter 2013

Diagnosing and Treating Gastric Ulcers in Horses Reprinted with permission from the Center for Equine Health, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis (UC Davis). A common case of heartburn can bring intense discomfort, even pain, to a person. Imagine your horse trying to perform with a stomach ulcer. Did you know that the clinical signs of ulcers in horses are subtle and nonspecific and might be reflected in a slight attitude change, a decrease in performance, or a reluctance to train? Gastric ulcers are common in horses. Their prevalence has been estimated to be from 50% to 90%, depending on populations surveyed and type of athletic activity horses are engaged in. Gastric ulcers can affect any horse at any age. Foals are particularly susceptible because they secrete gastric acid as early as 2 days of age and the acidity of the gastric fluid is high. Foals that have infrequent or interrupted feeding, or are recumbent for long periods have been found to have lower gastric fluid pH (aqueous solutions with a pH less than 7 are acidic), suggesting that milk has a protective effect against ulcers and that recumbency increases exposure of the stomach to acid. In adult horses, gastric ulcers occur more frequently in horses that perform athletic activities, with the highest frequency found in Thoroughbred racehorses (80-90%), followed by endurance horses (70%), and show horses (60%). Researchers have found that exercise increases gastric acid production and decreases blood flow to the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. In addition, when horses exercise, the acidic fluid in the stomach splashes and exposes the upper, more vulnerable portion of the stomach (squamous mucosa) to an acidic pH. Why are gastric ulcers so common in horses? First, the stomach of the horse is smaller compared with the stomach

of other species. Because of this, horses cannot handle large amounts of food; rather, they are built to graze and eat frequent, small portions of feed for extended periods of time. In a natural grazing situation, the horse requires a steady flow of acid for digestion, so a horse's stomach produces acid 24 hours a day, 7 days a week--up to 9 gallons of acidic fluid per day, even when not eating. In a natural, high-roughage diet, the acid is buffered by both feed and saliva. Second, understanding the horse's anatomy, it is possible to see how ulcers could be considered a "manmade" disease. When horses are fed two times per day, the stomach is subjected to a prolonged period without feed to neutralize the acid. Furthermore, high-grain diets produce volatile fatty acids that can also contribute to the development of ulcers. Other risk factors for developing gastric ulcers include physical and environmental stress such as transport stress and stall confinement (intermittent feeding and lack of exposure to other horses). Recent studies have demonstrated that a few hours of transport can induce gastric ulceration in horses that had none prior to departure, as determined by gastroscopy. Finally, chronic administration of some non-steroidal antiinflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)--such as phenylbutazone, flunixin meglumine or ketoprofen--can decrease the production of the stomach's protective mucus layer, making it more susceptible to ulcers. Anatomy of the Horse Stomach The horse's stomach is divided into two distinct regions: the squamous region at the top (considered a continuation of the esophagus lining) and the glandular mucosa at the bottom (similar to the human stomach). The bottom part is glandular and secretes gastric acid. However, this region also produces mucus and bicarbonate, which protect the mucosa from acid exposure. So even though this region is also exposed to acid for several hours a day, it is not a common place for ulcer formation. When ulcers do form in this region of the

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The Pulse Winter 2013

stomach, they are usually secondary to chronic NSAID administration. The top portion of the stomach is designed for mixing of the contents of the stomach and does not have as much protection from the acid. This is the most common place to find gastric ulcers. The lining of this section of the stomach is very thin and does not have many mechanisms for acid protection. Because the horse's stomach produces gastric acid at all times, even when not eating, the squamous mucosa is exposed to acid several hours a day, which can easily erode the lining of this region. Clinical Signs The majority of horses with gastric ulcers do not show outward clinical signs. They have more subtle signs, such as: Poor appetite; Dullness; Attitude changes; Decreased performance; Reluctance to train; Poor body condition; Poor hair coat; Weight loss; Excessive time spent lying down; Low-grade colic; and Loose feces. More serious cases will show abdominal pain (colic) and/or grinding of the teeth. Some horses are found on their backs, commonly seen in foals, since this position seems to provide some relief from severe gastric ulceration. Others will walk away from food for a period of time as if they experience discomfort when the food first hits the stomach. Clinical signs of ulcers in foals include intermittent colic (after suckling or eating), frequently lying down, intermittent nursing (interrupted nursing due to discomfort), diarrhea, poor appetite, grinding of teeth, and excess salivation. When a foal exhibits clinical signs, the ulcers are likely to be severe and should be diagnosed and treated immediately.

Note that horses that look completely healthy can also have gastric ulcers. Approximately half of the horses presented for colic at UC Davis have gastric ulcers and often it is hard to know whether the colic is the result of the ulcers or the other way around. Diagnosing Ulcers The only way to definitively diagnose ulcers is through gastric endoscopy, or gastroscopy, which involves placing an endoscope into the stomach and looking at its surface. This procedure is easy to perform, is minimally invasive, and allows us to evaluate the esophagus, squamous and glandular regions of the stomach, and proximal segment of the small intestine in horses. (See a video of gastroscopy from UC Davis here.) Since feed material can prevent a complete evaluation of the stomach, horses are fasted for a minimum of 12 hours and water is withheld for four hours before examination. To minimize stress, we sedate the horse slightly with a shortacting tranquilizer. We then insert the endoscope through the nostril and down the esophagus into the stomach. The light and camera on the end of the endoscope allow the veterinarian to observe the stomach lining. The procedure is very safe, and a complete evaluation takes from 10 to 20 minutes. Some practitioners will treat a horse for gastric ulcers and look for a change in clinical behavior. This can be helpful but does not answer the question of when to discontinue treatment. Horses that improve with treatment should be scoped prior to discontinuing therapy. Prevention and Treatment As always, prevention is preferable to treatment. We have described some common risk factors that can contribute to the formation of gastric ulcers in horses. The following management techniques may assist in preventing ulcers:

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The Pulse Winter 2013

Feed horses frequently or on a free-choice basis (pasture). This helps to buffer the acid in the stomach and stimulate saliva production, nature's best antacid. Reduce the amount of grain and concentrates and/or add alfalfa hay to the diet. Discuss any feed changes with your veterinarian so that medical conditions can be considered. Avoid or decrease the use of anti-inflammatory drugs. If antiinflammatory drugs must be given, consider newer ones such as firocoxib, if appropriate. Limit stressful situations such as intense training and frequent transporting. If horses must be stalled, allow them to see and socialize with other horses as well as have access to forage. A common question asked by horse owners is, "If the prevalence of gastric ulcers is so high, do I need to treat my horse for the rest of its life?" Considering that treatment is expensive and that acid in the stomach is there for a reason, we do not recommend that horses be treated continuously. Antacids are commonly used in humans to buffer or neutralize gastric acid and protect the mucosa. However, in horses, the dose of antacids required to buffer the pH is high and would need to be used several times a day to be effective. If antacids are used for treating gastric ulcers in horses, they should be used in combination with agents that decrease acid production. Acid pump inhibitors such as omeprazole and pantoprasole stop gastric acid secretion completely. Other effective types of drugs for the treatment of ulcers are the histamine type 2 (H-2) receptor blockers such as cimetidine, ranitidine, and famotidine, which partially block acid production. H-2 receptor blockers work in a similar way to antihistamines used for allergies, except that antihistamines act on type 1 histamine receptors, while the acid blockers act on type 2 histamine receptors. H-2 receptor blockers are less expensive

than acid pump inhibitors, but they need to be administered three times a day and only partially block acid production. Currently, there is only one treatment--omeprazole-approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for gastric ulcers in horses. In 2000, the FĂŠdĂŠration Equestre Internationale allowed the use of the gastric ulcer medications omeprazole and ranitidine during competition. Omeprazole is available as a paste formulation and it has been very effective in preventing and treating gastric ulceration in all types of horses. Although the commercial paste is expensive, it is very effective and requires administration once a day. Due to the cost of this product, some compounding pharmacies prepare and sell paste or liquid omeprazole at cheaper prices. However, several studies have shown that the amount of active omeprazole in those products is lower than the label. In addition, the ability of those products to inhibit gastric acid production and their ability to resolve gastric ulcers has been variable. Horse owners should be wary of claims for products that are not controlled or regulated by the FDA (compounded products) or evaluated in scientific studies. While those products might be less expensive, they could cost you more in the long run. We recommend treating (1) horses with severe gastric ulceration, (2) horses with clinical signs of gastric ulceration, and (3) horses that are under stressful conditions and at risk of gastric ulceration. Under these circumstances, treatment with a product that is labeled specifically to prevent and/or treat gastric ulcers and approved by the FDA should be used. Treatment should be given for a full month, followed by a recheck endoscopy to confirm complete healing. A preventative dose of omeprazole is commercially available for use around transport or stressful events. Horses with a history of gastric ulceration may benefit from proactive treatment to decrease the chances of ulcer recurrence. At this dosage, the omeprazole is less costly and could serve as a good investment in your horse's well-being.

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The Pulse Winter 2013

Feeding the Rider – Mediterranean Stewed Chickpeas

• •

1/4 tsp (1 mL) dried mint 1 cup (250 mL) whole wheat couscous

Adapted from Canadian Living by Sarah Cuthbertson http://www.canadianliving.com/food/quick_and_easy/me diterranean_stewed_chickpeas.php This recipe is one of my favourites for after a ride. It tastes best warm and is very satisfying after a long winter ride – spicy, warm, and full of protein and fibre. Make in advance. Take it with you to a ride in 2013, throw it in a pot and reheat… it will taste just as good and being easy is an added benefit! It’s also completely vegetarian/vegan if you have anyone equally picky as myself, remove the hot pepper flakes or olives if you want a milder taste.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------Mediterranean Stewed Chickpeas Photography by Yvonne Duivenvoorden This recipe makes 4 servings Fennel, tomatoes and olives add a touch of the Mediterranean to this simple chickpea stew. If you prefer, you can also serve this with whole wheat pita instead of the couscous.

Preparation In shallow Dutch oven, heat oil over medium heat; cook onion, green pepper, garlic, fennel seeds, pepper and hot pepper flakes, stirring occasionally, until tender, about 5 minutes. Stir in tomatoes, chickpeas, olives, half of the parsley and the mint; bring to boil. Reduce heat and simmer, stirring often, until slightly thickened, about 15 minutes. Stir in remaining parsley; cook for 5 minutes. Meanwhile, in bowl, stir couscous with 1-1/2 cups boiling water; cover with plastic wrap and let stand for 5 minutes. Fluff with fork. Serve with stew.

Ingredients • • • • • • • • • • •

2 tbsp (30 mL) extra-virgin olive oil 1 onion, chopped 1 sweet green pepper, chopped 2 cloves garlic, minced 1/2 tsp (2 mL) crushed fennel seeds 1/4 tsp (1 mL) pepper 1/4 tsp (1 mL) hot pepper flakes 1 (28 oz/796 mL) diced no-salt-added tomatoes 1 (19 oz/540 mL) chickpeas, drained and rinsed 1/2 cup (125 mL) sliced large stuffed green olives 1/2 cup (125 mL) chopped fresh parsley

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The Pulse Winter 2013

Stormont Endurance Results

Elaine Steele

Chanticleer Shadow 0

DNF L

25 mile MIL Location: Berwick. ON 2012-09-02 Starters: 11 Finishers: 11 Completion Rate: 100 %

50 mile END Location: Berwick, ON 2012-09-02 Starters: 9 Finishers: 8 Completion Rate: 89 % Rider

Horse

Place

Time

Krista Alderdice

Empiric

05:09:26 Best Condition

Monica Grundmann

Excalibur Legend 2