By the EIE Editorial Staff
Barn cats can be amazing allies for horse owners, providing both direct and indirect benefits and a great greeter when you visit your horse at the barn! The barn environment may also be a place where cats who are otherwise unadoptable can live a happy and fulfilling life. Here are some of the benefits of having a barn cat.
Overall, barn cats can be valuable additions to a horse farm, offering natural pest control, companionship, and contributing to a healthy environment. But remember, proper care and responsible management are essential for everyone's well-being.
Read more about cats in the special edition of National Geographic’s Secret Life of Cats.
You can find more interesting stories in our section on Health & Education.
Featured on PBS stations nationwide, this shortumentary takes an in depth look at the advances in equine veterinary care available at Rood & Riddle Equine Hospital and how these advances are helping all equine athletes.
Read more: Rood & Riddle: Advances in Equine Healthcare (6:37)
Michigan, a state renowned for its natural beauty and outdoor activities, offers an array of stunning horseback riding trails that cater to riders of all skill levels. From the dense forests of the Upper Peninsula to the rolling hills of the Lower Peninsula, Michigan’s diverse landscapes provide a picturesque backdrop for equestrian adventurers.
This article delves into the best horseback riding trails across the state, highlighting the unique characteristics and experiences each one offers.
Sleepy Hollow State Park, nestled in the heart of Michigan, boasts over 20 miles of trails that wind through over 2,600 acres of rich forests and open fields. The park’s trail system is designed to cater to horseback riders, offering a peaceful escape into nature.
Riders can explore the diverse habitats within the park, from dense woodlands to serene lake shores, making it a perfect location for those seeking a tranquil riding experience. The well-marked trails and scenic surroundings provide a stunning setting for both leisurely rides and more adventurous excursions.
Located in southeastern Michigan, Brighton Recreation Area offers more than 18 miles of trails specifically designed for horseback riding. This area is a haven for equestrian enthusiasts, featuring a diverse terrain that includes rolling hills, open meadows, and dense forests. The variety of trails caters to riders of all skill levels, from beginners to experienced equestrians.
The park’s equestrian camping facilities also allow riders to extend their visit, providing an immersive outdoor adventure. Brighton Recreation Area’s well-maintained trails and beautiful landscapes make it a must-visit for anyone looking to explore Michigan’s natural beauty on horseback.
Waterloo Recreation Area, the largest state park in the Lower Peninsula, offers an extensive network of horseback riding trails covering over 20 miles. The park’s vast landscapes encompass rugged terrains, open prairies, and serene lakes, offering riders a diverse range of experiences. The trails are well-suited for both leisurely rides and more challenging adventures, allowing riders to customize their experience based on their skill level and interests.
The park’s commitment to preserving natural beauty while providing recreational opportunities makes it a standout destination for horseback riders seeking both adventure and tranquility.
Yankee Springs Recreation Area, with its rich history and natural beauty, offers over 12 miles of trails that take riders on a journey through Michigan’s past. The area’s trails wind through landscapes shaped by the last Ice Age, offering breathtaking views and a unique glimpse into the region’s geological history. Riders can explore the diverse ecosystems within the park, from dense forests to wetlands, while enjoying the tranquil beauty of the area.
The well-preserved natural and historical features of Yankee Springs Recreation Area make it an ideal destination for those looking to combine their love of horseback riding with an appreciation for Michigan’s natural and cultural heritage.
For those who appreciate the beauty of nature and the thrill of exploration, Michigan online casinos present a different kind of adventure. These platforms offer a wide array of gaming options, allowing enthusiasts to embark on thrilling journeys from the comfort of their homes.
Whether you’re traversing the scenic trails of Michigan on horseback or navigating the exciting world of online gaming, Michigan offers unique experiences that cater to all kinds of adventurers, making it a must-visit destination for both outdoor and gaming enthusiasts.
Highland Recreation Area offers a unique equestrian experience with over 12 miles of horseback riding trails that traverse through varied landscapes. The area’s trails offer stunning views of rolling hills, dense forests, and open fields, providing a diverse backdrop for riders. The park’s equestrian facilities, including a dedicated horseback riding campground, make it a popular destination for riders looking to immerse themselves in nature.
Highland Recreation Area’s commitment to maintaining its natural beauty while offering recreational opportunities makes it an excellent choice for equestrians seeking a memorable riding experience in Michigan.
Pinery Park, located in the heart of one of Michigan’s bustling cities, offers a unique urban equestrian getaway. The park features several miles of trails that provide a peaceful escape from the city’s hustle and bustle.
Riders can enjoy the scenic beauty of the park’s natural landscapes, including wooded areas and open spaces, making it an ideal location for a relaxing ride. Pinery Park’s convenient location and tranquil setting make it a perfect choice for riders seeking an equestrian adventure without straying far from urban comforts.
Ortonville Recreation Area, with its picturesque landscapes and extensive trail system, offers horseback riders a scenic retreat. The area’s trails wind through a diverse range of ecosystems, including forests, meadows, and wetlands, providing a rich sensory experience for riders. The trails are well-marked and maintained, ensuring a safe and enjoyable ride through the area’s stunning natural beauty.
Ortonville Recreation Area’s serene setting and excellent facilities make it a top destination for those looking to explore Michigan’s landscapes on horseback.
You can find more intriguing articles in our section on Travel & Tourism.
By Kentucky Equine Research Staff
Many horse owners are familiar with using artificial lights on broodmares to advance the breeding season or on show horses to help keep short, slick hair coats. Recently, Japanese researchers used artificial lighting on young, growing Thoroughbreds and found that extending a yearling’s photoperiod in winter increased muscle mass. The use of artificial lights to manipulate muscling may offer a unique way of helping prepare young horses for their two-year-old careers.
Previous research found that young Thoroughbreds bred in northern Japan, Hokkaido, suffer a decrease in growth rate in the winter between weaning and the first year and again between the first and second year of life. Further, there is a lower rate of increases in body weight, height at withers, girth circumference, and cannon bone circumference in the winter between the yearling and second year compared to young horses reared in southern Japan where the photoperiod is longer.
The increased rate of growth in Thoroughbreds raised in southern Japan is thought to be, at least partly, attributable to the activation of hormones involved in the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis as well as the growth hormone-insulin-like growth factor-1 axis as the photoperiod lengthens.
Another published study in Japan reported that the growth rate and shedding of winter coats were accelerated by applying extended photoperiod confirming that photoperiod affects more than just reproductive hormones.
Hoping to build on the current data, veterinarians from the Japanese Racing Association and Tokyo University placed 41 Thoroughbred yearlings under artificial lights to provide 14.5 hours of daily light from December 20th until April 15th. They measured body weight and fat-free mass throughout the extended photoperiod, comparing those measurements to 32 Thoroughbred yearlings maintained under natural lighting only. All horses were in northern Japan, in Hokkaido, a similar latitude as southern France and the Great Lakes in North America.
“One key finding of the study was that extending the photoperiod decreased the decline in growth rate in colts compared to those raised without lights, but the same effect was not seen in fillies,” said Ashley Fowler, Ph.D., a Kentucky Equine Research nutritionist.
Further, fat-free mass increased with age in both colts and fillies with the extended photoperiod, but the effect of extending the photoperiod on fat-free mass was more pronounced in colts than in fillies.
“These results support the idea that fat-free mass increases with longer day length. This may be a result of activating the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis and increasing circulating insulin-like growth factor-1 levels that play a role in muscle growth and development; however, further research is needed to elucidate those pathways more explicitly,” Fowler said.
Based on these results, artificial lights may be used in concert with modified training practices during the winter months to prepare young horses for competition as two-year-olds.
“To support increased muscle mass and training loads, bone density should also be considered. Triacton contains bioavailable calcium and other bone-building nutrients to help increase bone density in growing and exercising horses,” shared Fowler.
Read more: Extending Photoperiod for Muscle Development in Young Horses
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