Conversations in Equine Science

Join Kate and Nancy as they interview Tom Brodahl on the advantages of using water treadmills for the rehabilitation and conditioning of our equine companions and athletes.
www.hudsonaquatic.com
To contact Tom about the treadmills and/or spa: info@hudsonaquatic.com

Reference List:
Barrey, Eric (2014). 'Biomechanics of locomotion in the athletic horse' Ch. 10 in Hinchcliff, KW, Kaneps AJ, & Geor, RJ. Equine Sports Medicine and Surgery, Saunders, Edinburgh. pp. 189-209.
Lameness Lab #1: https://youtu.be/PQ3iyoiZwA0

Research Reference:
Greco-Otto, Persephone et al., 2017. "Workload of horses on a water treadmill: effect of speed and water height on oxygen consumption and cardiorespiratory parameters". BMC veterinary research, 13(1), p.360.
Industry videos:
ECB:
https://youtu.be/NoFq_BOXcxU
Hudson Aquatics:
https://youtu.be/o-egugRbfJk

Research Reference:
Catalano, Devan N et al., 2019. The Effect of Goldfish (Carassius auratus) on Water Quality in Horse Stock Tanks. Journal of equine veterinary science, 79, pp.73–78.
Key "takeaways" :
Keep tanks clean. Water odor, temperature, turbidity and color will determine intake.
Horses should drink 1 gallon of water per 100lbs or for a 1,000 lbs horse = 10 gallons per day. Preferably 10 to 15 gallons/day. A horse eating fresh grass (pasture) will require less water while a horse eating hay usually requires more water.
A mentally and physically thriving horse is usually given required amounts of forage, water, movement (turnout) and social interaction with conspecifics.

Research Reference:
Bulmer, Louise S et al., 2019. High-starch diets alter equine faecal microbiota and increase behavioural reactivity. Scientific reports, 9(1), pp.18621–11.
The equine digestive tract is better suited to a high fiber-fat low starch diet. This type of diet results in healthier microbial populations within the intestines and results in a more settled pattern of behavior. Horses are designed to eat small amounts more frequently mimicking grazing/trickle feeding behavior.

Research References:
McBride, Sebastian D & Mills, Daniel S, 2012. Psychological factors affecting equine performance. BMC veterinary research, 8(1), p.180.
For optimal performance of our equine partners we need peak physical fitness and a correct psychological state. Within that psychological state there are 3 components; Temperament, Mood and Emotional Reactions.
Stereotypical Behaviors and Persistence Article:
Hemmings A, McBride SD, Hale CE: Perseverative responding and the aetiology of equine oral stereotypy. Appl Anim Behav Sci 2007, 104(1–2):143–150.

Research Reference:
Lamperd, W., Clarke, D., Wolframm, I., Williams, J.(2016). What makes an elite equestrian rider? Comparative Exercise Physiology, 12(3), pp.105–118.
Wolframm, I., Williams, J., Marlin, D. (2015). The role of personality in equestrian sport: an investigation. Comparative Exercise Physiology 11: 133-144.
Books Recommended:
"Outliers" by Malcolm Gladwell and "How Good Riders Get Good" by Denny Emerson

A Preliminary Study Investigating the Influence of Auditory Stimulation on the Occurrence of Nocturnal Equine Sleep-Related
Behavior in Stabled Horses. (2019)
Naomi Hartman , Linda Margaret Greening *
Equine Science Department, Hartpury University, Gloucester, Gloucestershire, UK
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CxPcnhcWzjY (Beethoven's 9th Symphony used in the above referenced research paper).

Kate Fenner is an Equine Scientist (BEqSc (Hons), Charles Sturt University), PhD candidate (Sydney School of Veterinary Science, University of Sydney), equestrian coach (Equestrian Australia and British Horse Society), horse trainer (John and Josh Lyons Certified Trainer). Kate has ridden, trained and competed in Dressage, Jumping, Western and polo in Australia, Europe, USA and Asia.
After years of experience starting horses for clients, Kate feels strongly that owners are best served by learning to train their own horses. As a result, she founded Kandoo Equine and has developed a series of ethical, easy to follow, step-by-step guides that are suitable for horses and riders of all levels.
She is currently completing her PhD on the development of the Equine Behavior Assessment and Research Questionnaire (E-BARQ).
Contact Information: kate@kandooequine.com.au

Kate and Nancy discuss the benefits of the E-BARQ standardized tool for assessing horse behavior.. This application collects data on horse behavior, management and training. Horse behavior is a reflection of each horses' management and training. The platform is hosted by the University of Sydney.
We encourage every horse enthusiast, researcher, professional and practitioner to participate in E-BARQ!
Link: www.e-barq.com
Next week Kate and Nancy will be interviewing Kate Fenner who has worked on E-BARQ as her PhD project. She also owns Kandoo Equine. Check out her website or email us with questions you want us to ask her. www.kandooequine.com
Thanks everyone!