Human-computer interaction (HCI) is already well established. The emerging scientific discipline of animal-computer interaction (ACI) looks at the relationship between animals and technology. By bringing together experts in animal computer interaction, equitation science, ethology, animal behaviour and biomedical engineering the aim of HABIT is to develop a software programme that will automatically identify the behaviour
Continue Reading...Shock Wave for Suspensory Ligament Healing
My veterinarian recently diagnosed my 14-year-old Quarter Horse mare that competes in barrel racing at rodeos and jackpots with proximal suspensory desmitis. He mentioned shock wave therapy as a treatment option, but I’m curious: How quickly does it heal these types of injuries? I’m finding good things about the therapy, but minimal on the speed
Continue Reading...Why Do Horses Buck?
Skippy was almost aptly named. He didn’t skip, but he did hop and jump. And to his owner’s great regret, Skippy bucked. “He was a horrible ride,” recalls Amber Cash of Newark, Delaware. “He kicked, he bucked, he bit, he would run and not stop. I thought I could train it out of him, but
Continue Reading...USEF Amateur Task Force Completes Work on Amateur Status Rule Updates
Since its creation in early 2021, the USEF Amateur Task Force has worked to clarify and update the rules surrounding amateur and professional status for adult competitors at licensed events. US Equestrian is pleased to announce that the Task Force has completed its assignment. The Amateur Task Force consists of representatives from across US Equestrian-affiliated
Continue Reading...The Dutta Corp. U.S. Dressage Team Wins Second Place at FEI Dressage Nations Cup – The Netherlands
Rotterdam, The Netherlands – The Dutta Corp. U.S. Dressage Team had a successful week at CHIO Rotterdam, bringing home a second-place finish in the FEI Nations Cup – The Netherlands CDIO5*. The team consisted of Katie Duerrhammer and Paxton, Ben Ebeling and Illuster Van de Kampert, Ashley Holzer and Valentine, and Alice Tarjan and Serenade MF.
Continue Reading...One in four horses’ bits don’t fit, research finds
Many owners are using bits that do not fit, new research suggests, as the importance of giving more consideration to a horse’s breed, age and sex in mouthpiece choice is highlighted. In the study, researchers from the University of Helsinki looked at the variation in oral dimensions between 554 horses and ponies – including types such as warmbloods, Connemaras
Continue Reading...13 bridles you might like in your tack room
The best bridles for your horse won’t be the same as the best bridle options for his field mate – it all depends on the size and shape of his head, what discipline you do, how he goes and what works for him. If you’re not looking for an anatomical bridle, but something a bit more traditional, a
Continue Reading...Stay Hydrated During a Summer Training Session
When summertime rolls around, the sun is blazing, humidity is high, and the temperatures are close to being in the triple digits, it’s hard to think about a long training session with your horse. When he’s sweating just from standing in his stall or pasture it seems like it would be impossible to keep him
Continue Reading...Which Vaccines Are Needed?
These diseases include West Nile Virus, and Eastern and Western Equine Encephalomyelitis (EEE/WEE). These are considered “core vaccines” and are recommended by the American Association of Equine Practitioners (AAEP). “In addition, several diseases warrant risk-based vaccines,” says Jessica Morgan, Ph.D., DVM, DACVSMR, of the University of California-Davis. “Some diseases, like influenza, are not vector-borne but
Continue Reading...A new way to evaluate loss of muscle mass in horses
A new scoring system developed by researchers at the University of Kentucky (UK) and beyond, promises to take some of the guesswork out of detecting and monitoring loss of muscle mass in horses. The Muscle Atrophy Scoring System (MASS) is similar to the Body Condition Score (BCS) system, the nine-point scale designed to assess equine body
Continue Reading...When Resistance Develops Suddenly
When a horse becomes resistant out of the blue, it’s important to determine the reason for the resistance. Trainer Tim Hayes discusses how to fix the problem. Q: I’ve owned my 6-year-old Fox Trotter gelding for three years, but just last year he started to periodically balk when my husband or I rode him. He stops
Continue Reading...Karl Slezak and Fernhill Wishes 14th at CCI5*-L Luhmühlen
Karl Slezak of Tottenham, ON, and Fernhill Wishes (Chacoa x Gildawn Diamond) finished in 14th place in their first appearance at the Luhmühlen CCI5*-L event held June 16-19, 2022 in Salzhausen, Germany. Luhmühlen Horse Trials is one of seven five-star events in the world. Renowned course designer Mike Etherington-Smith has set the tracks at this
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