Monty Roberts shares horse training ideas for horse lovers who want to educate themselves on the behavior and needs of horses. Find out more at montyroberts.com
Read more: Ask Monty: Why is my horse aggressive at feeding time? (1:22)
By Kentucky Equine Research Staff
Acknowledging the importance of treating chronic pain caused by osteoarthritis in horses, a team of veterinary scientists recently developed a novel tool called the “Equine Brief Pain Inventory” or EBPI.* With this tool, horse owners monitor chronic pain in their horses so they can identify discomfort caused by osteoarthritis, gauge response to treatment, and recognize when treatment modifications may be indicated.
“Chronic pain from cartilage damage, heat, and joint swelling due to osteoarthritis result in lameness, decreased mobility, and loss of normal function. Further, uncontrolled pain negatively affects the quality of life and welfare of a horse,” explained Kathleen Crandell, Ph.D., a nutritionist for Kentucky Equine Research. “When the amount of discomfort an animal appears to be feeling goes unrecognized by the caretaker, chances are it will be left untreated by a veterinarian.”
Currently, veterinarians manage arthritis using a multimodal treatment approach typically involving nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) including phenylbutazone or bute, regenerative therapies such as IRAP (interleukin-1 receptor agonist protein) and PRP (platelet-rich plasma), and oral joint health supplements. Kentucky Equine Research offers several research-based supplements to prevent or manage horses with osteoarthritis, such as Synovate HA.
“Horse owners consistently see their own horses and are best able to detect changes in behavior, movement, and facial expressions that indicate pain. However, as prey animals, horses tend to hide signs of discomfort to avoid attracting the attention of predators. As a result, signs of chronic pain may be overlooked by owners. This is particularly true for a condition such as osteoarthritis that may have wax-wane pain presentation,” Crandell said.
Using established strategies, researchers developed an EBPI specific to horses with osteoarthritis, mirroring closely ones that are used in human and canine patients. This tool involved a 15-question survey that polled owners about their horses’ posture, movement, facial expressions, and behavior. Owners circled a number from 0 to 10 based on the score that best describes their horses.
After extensive development, 25 owners or caretakers of horses with osteoarthritis tested the EBPI. Most of this pilot group (over 84%) found the questionnaire easy to complete and useful. The EBPI took less than five minutes to finish and had a readability suitable for 11- and 12-year-olds.
“Using this tool, owners can play a more proactive role in identifying pain so that a management plan can be created with the veterinarian. It will also allow caretakers to continuously monitor horses to address when their pain management strategy needs tweaking or updating.”
Read more: New Tool Recognizes Pain in Horses with Osteoarthritis
Julie Goodnight will demonstrate on how to properly adjust the back or rear cinch and the breast collar. This is a educational and safety video brought to you by the Certified Horsemanship Association (CHA).
Read more: Breast Collar and Back Cinch Adjustment with Julie Goodnight (6:46)
Whether you are looking to take home high-point champion or just have an overall positive experience for your young horse, here are six important items to have in tow for your next show day!
Fleece sheets are ideal to wick away sweat from riding and hauling. They also offer horses warmth and help keep them clean. Our favorite feature of this sheet is that you can customize with a monogram and choose everything from tread color to font and placement of your design. They also serve as a great extra layer beneath winter blankets for the coldest winter weather.
Match to your horse’s blanket or sheet with this personalized nylon halter. You’ll enjoy the many customization options available right at your fingertips, from color to font and more. See for yourself in this video!
This premium leather halter, with the option to engrave your horse’s name, offers a classic look that pairs perfectly with show day. Plus, Perri leather halters are crafted from wide, triple-stitched leather that is supple right from the start.
Everyone is in their Sunday best come show day, horses included! For clipping, look to this kit from WAHL for a smooth and quiet trim. The kit includes:
Organization is crucial during a busy day on the show grounds. Available in several fun colors and patterns, this handy groom tote comes equipped with multiple dividers, sturdy pockets and a padded shoulder strap. See how many items you can tote in this tote, here!
When traveling anywhere, whether for show or play, it is crucial to bring an equine first aid kit with you, should your horse become injured. We couldn’t agree more with the words from one of our customers, “Fortunately, I have not had to use this, but I am happy to have [an equine first aid kit] handy and available, in case of need.”
At Valley Vet Supply, we’re here to help you care for your horses the best way we know how, with great quality products. Visit ValleyVet.com today for your every equine and show-day need.
Our Mission — Serving the professional horse person, amateur owners, occasional enthusiasts and sporting interests alike, the goal is to serve all disciplines – which often act independently yet have common needs and values.
Equine Info Exchange is totally comprehensive, supplying visitors with a world wide view and repository of information for every aspect related to horses. EIE provides the ability to search breeds, riding disciplines, horse sports, health, vacations, art, lifestyles…and so much more.
EIE strives to achieve as a source for content and education, as well as a transparent venue to share thoughts, ideas, and solutions. This responsibility also includes horse welfare, rescue and retirement, addressing the needs and concerns of all horse lovers around the world. We are proud to be a woman-owned business.