Conversations in Equine Science

Recurrent Exertional Rhabdomyolysis (RER)

This week Nancy and Kate discuss the tying up syndrome (RER) that appears to affect 8.4% of racehorses.
Research Reference:
https://www.nzsap.org/system/files/proceedings/trainers-perceptions-impact-different-feeding-and-management-practices-racehorses-they-identified.pdf
Wood , LJ, Lancaster, B, Breheny, MR & Rogers, CW 2020, 'Trainers perceptions of the impact of different feeding and management practices on racehorses they identified displaying symptoms of recurrent exertional rhabdomyolysis', Proceedings of the New Zealand Society of Animal Production, vol. 80, pp. 90- 94.

A look at PSSM.

This week Kate and Nancy delve into the research of Dr. Valberg at Michigan State University. She runs the Equine Neuromuscular Diagnostics Laboratory and is a fervent researcher of equine muscular diseases. You can access her informative webpages here.
Research Reference (Open Access):
Valberg, SJ, Williams, ZJ, Finno, CJ, Schultz, A, Velez-Irizarry, D, Henry, ML, et al (2022). Type 2 polysaccharide storage myopathy in Quarter Horses is a novel glycogen storage disease causing exertional rhabdomyolysis. Equine Veterinary Journal.
https://beva.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1111/evj.13876

Hair Whorls in Horses.

This week Nancy and Kate discuss the latest research in equine hair whorls, reactivity and laterality.
Research Reference:
Mark J. Deesing, Temple Grandin, (2022). Chapter 10 - Behavior genetics of the horse (Equus caballus), Editor(s): Temple Grandin,
Genetics and the Behavior of Domestic Animals (Third Edition), Academic Press, pp. 377-433
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/B9780323857529000068#bib153
Previous episode on laterality and cognitive bias: https://spotifyanchor-web.app.link/e/18g054aCGub

Behavior Genetics of The Horse

This episode Kate and Nancy discuss the genetics of behavior and how the environment may also play a role.
Research Reference:
Mark J. Deesing, Temple Grandin, (2022). Chapter 10 - Behavior genetics of the horse (Equus caballus), Editor(s): Temple Grandin,
Genetics and the Behavior of Domestic Animals (Third Edition), Academic Press, pp. 377-433
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/B9780323857529000068

Tack Fit and Use.

This episode Nancy and Kate discuss saddle, girth, bridle and bit fit.
Research Reference (Open Access until November 15th, 2022)
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0749073922000529?dgcid=author
Facebook Link:
**NEW RESEARCH REVIEW PUBLISHED** TACK FIT AND USE HILARY CLAYTON AND RUSSELL MACKECHNIE-GUIRE Published in Vet Clinic Equine - Open Access (via Desktop/Laptop) with download available for 50 days https://urldefense.com/v3/__https:/authors.elsevier.com/a/1fvdP2gKTT20QH__;!!HXCxUKc!15LmgTbfMUneKZ99pxDTGfzTSvZwyPBLK3qOzjaZMl04tMhzxBhcRgaXo4saHcTtg8yFGco0verIY0cWOgn-nwv6-A$ This short manuscript gives an overview of tack fit and use including the saddle, half pads, bridles and bits. This will also be published as a chapter in a new book out early 2023. (Via Centaur Biomechanics)
Past Episode Link on Bit Related Lesions: https://spotifyanchor-web.app.link/e/KO4fa1Q1kub

Cooling horses with ice blankets.

This week Kate and Nancy discuss a paper that investigated the effects of using an ice blanket for cooling stalled horses in hot temperatures.
Research Reference:
Ojima Y, Torii S, Maeda Y, Matsuura A.(2022). Effect of Cooling Blanket on the Heat Stress of Horses in Hot and Humid Environments. Animals. Volume 12(19): 2505.
https://www.mdpi.com/2076-2615/12/19/2505/htm

Improving Rider Fluidity with a Gymnastic Ball.

This week Nancy and Kate discuss a 2021 paper that found a positive correlation between pelvic/hip flexibility (while using a balance ball) and horse-rider interactions of quality and harmony.
Research Reference:
Uldahl M, Christensen JW, Clayton HM. Relationships between the Rider’s Pelvic Mobility and Balance on a Gymnastic Ball with Equestrian Skills and Effects on Horse Welfare. Animals. 2021; 11(2):453.
https://doi.org/10.3390/ani11020453

Dietary Iron Unlikely to Cause Insulin Resistance in Horses.

Kate and Nancy discuss dietary iron and insulin resistance.
Research Reference:
McLean, N.L.; McGilchrist, N.; Nielsen, B.D. Dietary Iron Unlikely to Cause Insulin Resistance in Horses. Animals 2022, 12, 2510.
Open Access Link: https://doi.org/10.3390/ani12192510

Understanding Horse-Human Interactions.

Nancy and Kate discuss a review that breaks down horse to human interactions.
Research Reference: : Merkies, K.; Franzin, O. Enhanced Understanding of Horse–Human Interactions to Optimize Welfare. Animals 2021, 11, 1347
Research Link: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8151687/pdf/animals-11-01347.pdf
Links to past episodes that have references mentioned in the above listed paper.
https://spotifyanchor-web.app.link/e/vamR655qAtb Speech Patterns (Baby Talk and Horses)
https://spotifyanchor-web.app.link/e/OvwhkZcrAtb Attachment Bonds
https://spotifyanchor-web.app.link/e/xMQHSAmrAtb Human Odor
https://spotifyanchor-web.app.link/e/J0EjMYsrAtb Sensory Abilities of Horses

A study on rider weight implications toward certain parameters reflecting horse welfare.

Kate and Nancy discuss a 2020 research article on rider weight and it's influence on equine salivary cortisol, heart rate, heart rate variability, conflict behaviors and gait symmetry.
Reference:
Christensen JW, Bathellier S, Rhodin M, Palme R, Uldahl M. Increased Rider Weight Did Not Induce Changes in Behavior and Physiological Parameters in Horses. Animals. 2020; 10(1):95.
https://doi.org/10.3390/ani1001009