Conversations in Equine Science

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

Whole Horse Hoofcare!

Nancy and Kate interview Ida Hammer of the Mackinaw Dells 2 Whole Horse Hoofcare Program. Ida talks about her journey into hoof care, equine nutrition and bodywork, and how it's all connected.
Website: https://mackinawdells2.com/index.html
Virtual Classes: https://mackinawdells2learning.thinkific.com/

Feeding the Hoof!

Nancy discusses equine hoof nutrition in preparation for next week's hoof care practitioner interview on improving hoof quality.
Research: Burns, Teresa A. (2021). Veterinary Clinics of North America: Equine Practice
Volume 37, Issue 3, pp. 669-684.
Link: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0749073921000511#cebib0010

Osteoarthritis in horses.

Brittany Davis joins Nancy as they discuss prevalence, diagnosis and treatment of osteoarthritis in horses.
Reference:
Raquel Yvonne Arantes Baccarin, Sarah Raphaela Torquato Seidel, Yara Maria Michelacci, Paula Keiko Anadão Tokawa, Tiago Marcelo Oliveira, Osteoarthritis: a common disease that should be avoided in the athletic horse’s life, Animal Frontiers, Volume 12, Issue 3, June 2022, Pages 25–36.
https://doi.org/10.1093/af/vfac026