Conversations in Equine Science

This episode breaks down the current EHV-1 (EHM) outbreak in the U.S., covering clinical signs, transmission, and incubation periods.Listeners will learn about vaccine limitations, why quarantine and low-stress management matter, and practical biosecurity measures—cleaning, disinfectants (70% alcohol, hydrogen peroxide, chlorhexidine), and when to avoid bleach on dirty surfaces.Advice emphasizes keeping horses home when possible, monitoring for fever and limb swelling, and consulting your veterinarian for case-specific guidance.

Hosts Nancy McLean and Kate Acton discuss a 2025 study on how owner–veterinarian interactions affect recognition and management of pain in horses, using owners’ stories and vets’ perspectives to highlight subtle behavioral signs and practical decisions.
The episode emphasizes the importance of knowing each horse’s normal behavior, keeping compassionate communication open with veterinary teams, planning for aging horses, and making welfare-focused choices.
Research Link:
https://www.cambridge.org/core/journals/animal-welfare/article/owners-everyday-interactions-with-their-horse-painrelated-issues-and-those-of-veterinary-concern/8709217EEB13EFA934E783A03204E973?utm_campaign=shareaholic&utm_medium=email_this&utm_source=email

Nancy and Kate conclude their discussion on the current research and the Flying Lead Change book by Kelly Wendorf.
Sign up for the Kelly Wendorf clinic at the InStride episode page link.

Nancy and Kate discuss identifying and measuring the emotional states of horses.
Link to research: https://doi.org/10.1093/tas/txaf033
Book by Kelly Wendorf: Flying Lead Change.
Instride Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/in-stride/id1602148957

In this episode of Conversations in Equine Science, Kate and Nancy explore a compelling research paper titled "Retirement Risk Factors, Exercise Management, and Muscle Mass in U.S. Senior Horses" by Elisa Herbst. Published in May 2023, this paper dives into the intricacies of managing the health and exercise of senior horses in the U.S., examining factors such as retirement risk, exercise routines, and muscle mass preservation.
The hosts discuss key insights from an extensive survey involving over 2,700 respondents, highlighting the distinctions between equine professionals and hobby horse owners. They delve into the challenges faced by senior horses, such as sarcopenia and exercise management, drawing parallels with aging in humans while emphasizing the importance of physical activity and proper nutrition for maintaining muscle mass and overall health.
The episode sheds light on the significance of continued care and management as horses age, underscoring the role of dynamic mobilization exercises and hoof health in prolonging the vitality and quality of life of senior equines. Listeners are encouraged to consult with equine veterinarians and professionals before implementing changes based on this research.

This episode Kate and Nancy discuss a scoping review of 46 research papers on the effects of horseshoe type on equine gait.
Open Access Research Reference/Link:
Aoun, R., Takawira, C., & Lopez, M. J. (2025). Horseshoe effects on equine gait-A systematic scoping review. Veterinary surgery : VS, 54(1), 31–51.
https://doi.org/10.1111/vsu.14162

This week Kate and Nancy discuss rider back pain and it's association with 3 different stirrup lengths and 2 rider positions.
Research Reference:
Keener, Michaela M.1; Critchley, Meghan L.1; Layer, Jacob S.1; Johnson, Evan C.1; Barrett, Steven F.2; Dai, Boyi1. The Effect of Stirrup Length on Impact Attenuation and Its Association With Muscle Strength. Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research 35(11):p 3056-3062, November 2021. | DOI: 10.1519/JSC.0000000000003278
Link:
https://journals.lww.com/nsca-jscr/fulltext/2021/11000/the_effect_of_stirrup_length_on_impact_attenuation.12.aspx

This week Nancy and Kate discuss the new movie produced by Sue Dyson. Watch the movie at the link below.
https://youtu.be/3ulkLHqHZ3g?si=Xla9VAal6ilL85sm

Nancy and Kate discuss a research paper on adjusting human craniosacral therapy to horses.
Reference: Kanik, W.; Augustyn, J.; Tombarkiewicz, B. Adapting Craniosacral Therapy to Treat Horses. Acta Vet. Brno 2017, 86, 75–84.
https://actavet.vfu.cz/media/pdf/actavet_2017086010075.pdf
Article Link: https://www.equinecraniosacral.com/articles/hands-on-light-touch.pdf