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Hay Vs. Grass: Diet Can Affect Drug Absorption In Horses

Researchers from the University of Warmia and Mazury in Olsztyn, Poland, were curious as to why horses in their region had small strongyles that were showing resistance to ivermectin. The scientists tested the ivermectin absorption rate at different times of year.

The first phase of the study took place in May; nine warmbloods were given a standard dose of ivermectin and had their blood drawn at regular intervals to determine medication levels. Fecal samples to test efficacy were also taken before and at regular intervals after deworming.

The same protocol was repeated with the same horses in November.

The research team found that ivermectin absorption varied by season. The drug was found in the horse's blood in significantly higher concentrations in the spring, four hours after administration, than it was in the fall. However, the effect was temporary; maximum ivermectin levels were found within 36 hours after administration in both spring and fall.

The scientists suspect that this variability in absorption is related to diet, rather than time of year. In the winter, the study horses consumed hay instead of grass. Hay has more crude fiber that can absorb the ivermectin until it is broken down further in the horse's digestive tract. They noted that the slower absorption does not affect the drug's efficacy and there was complete elimination of parasite eggs in both groups within four days.

The researchers note that diet may affect the absorption of other drugs and medications administered to horses.

Retired Racehorse Project Elects New Board Members, Officers

The Retired Racehorse Project (RRP) is pleased to announce the election of a new board chair, Richard Lamb, and vice chair, Jodie Vella-Gregory, along with the addition of two new board members: Dr. Shannon Reed and Sissy Wickes. Newly elected members may serve two consecutive three-year terms.

Richard Lamb, the former vice chair, has stepped into the leadership role to take the place of outgoing chair, Sue Smith. Lamb begins his service as chair at the beginning of his second term on the RRP board, having joined in January of 2020 after several years officiating at the Thoroughbred Makeover. A popular coach and clinician, Lamb holds certifications with the British Horse Society and the United Stated Eventing Association's Instructor Certification and Young Event Horse Trainer programs and has also served as coach for the US Pony Club Team at USEF National Pony Jumper Championships and members of the 2012 US Olympic Modern Pentathlon.

Jodie Vella-Gregory, who joined the RRP board in 2021 has taken over the role of vice chair. A native of Canada, Vella-Gregory spent the early years of her career as a clinician technician at Rood and Riddle Equine Hospital in Lexington, Kentucky before shifting into the racing industry where she has since held positions with Breeders' Cup and Santa Anita Park. She is currently the vice president of Industry Relations at 1/ST RACING & GAMING. Vella-Gregory also serves on the advisory board of the Jockey Club's Safety Net Foundation and is part of the planning committee for the Horse Racing Women's Summit.

“Having been involved with the RRP since the earliest days of the Thoroughbred Makeover, it is exceptionally rewarding to me to have been elected to the board chair position,” said Lamb. “The RRP has made a profound impact on the outcome for Thoroughbreds transitioning from their racing careers and I look forward to working with the talented staff and board to position the organization for its next decade of service to the breed.”

Dr. Shannon Reed, DACVS-LA is a past Thoroughbred Makeover competitor whose commitment to the work of the Retired Racehorse Project progressed into her serving as consulting veterinarian and a driving force behind the implementation of the Thoroughbred Makeover Arrival Exam. Although Dr. Reed's career has recently shifted to focus on large animal care (she is currently a clinical associate professor of large animal surgery at Texas A&M University), she has over a decade of experience in equine surgery, has previously published peer-reviewed research on Thoroughbreds retiring from racing, and has served as a licensed state racing commission veterinarian. Dr. Reed has an extensive career in higher education and is passionate about mentoring young veterinary professionals.

Sissy Wickes is a highly regarded USEF “R” Hunter judge and trainer who has operated her own Springtown Show Stable for over three decades. An advocate for the Thoroughbred, Wickes and her husband, Tim, are also active in racing, breeding, and sales, and she has served as a repeat judge of the Show Hunter division at the Thoroughbred Makeover. Wickes joins the RRP board with extensive experience in nonprofit governance and development, currently serving on the board of the United States Hunter Jumper Association as well as board president for the Hill Top Preparatory School. Beyond her equestrian career and participation in nonprofit governance, Wickes has additional experience in media and marketing, having served as editor at large of The Plaid Horse Magazine.

“We're excited to welcome Shannon and Sissy to our board,” said RRP executive director Kirsten Green. “They both know the RRP well and are passionate about what we do, so it's an honor to add them and their diverse skill set to our board roster.”

The entire RRP board of directors and staff extends its gratitude to the two directors who have completed their terms of service this year: Sue Smith and Pavla Nygaard, who have served since 2015 and 2016 respectively.

About the Retired Racehorse Project: The Retired Racehorse Project (RRP) is a 501(c)3 charitable organization working to increase demand for off-track Thoroughbreds in the equestrian world. In addition to producing the Thoroughbred Makeover and National Symposium, the world's largest and most lucrative retraining competition for recently retired racehorses, the organization also publishes Off-Track Thoroughbred Magazine, produces the Master Class retraining clinic series, and presents programming at major horse expos and events around the country. The RRP maintains an educational library of content to empower more equestrians to ride a Thoroughbred.

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Study: How Reliable Are Inertial Sensors Used To Detect Lameness?

It can sometimes be difficult to detect lameness with the naked eye, simply by watching how a horse moves. A variety of sensors able to quantify gait asymmetries using algorithms are now commercially available, but it hasn't been clear whether the individual who applies the sensors can affect the results.

To verify that sensors give similar measurements no matter who uses them, scientists at the Alfort National Veterinary School in France created a study to assess the sensors' repeatability. The study used three horses and four operators: two who had placed sensors before and two who had not. The system used for the study had seven wireless measurement units fitted on the head, withers, pelvis and each cannon bone.

The sensors were set 48 times; each operator set the sensors four times on each horse. Once the sensors were set, each horse completed the same exercise test. The test measured 42 asymmetry indexes: 14 in straight lines, 14 in left-hand circles and 14 in right-hand circles.

The scientists calculated total variance and standard deviation; they also sought to determine how much of the variance was attributable to the operator. They found that operators were responsible for less than 1 percent of the total variance in 81 percent of the cases. The sensor placed on the head had the highest standard deviation and the sensor on the withers showed the lowest standard deviation.

The scientists noted that the variance on the head sensor was most likely related to how tightly the operator held the horse's head; multiple movements were most likely related to external stimuli the horse moved his head to see or hear.

The research team concluded that inertial sensors are minimally affected by the operator who applies them; their results are similar whether an experienced person or a novice applies the sensors.

Treat Well: Use Food Rewards Discriminately To Create A Better Partner

It doesn't take long for a horse to connect the dots between performing a specific task or behaving a certain way and being rewarded for it – especially if the reward is a tasty treat. Though many horse owners indiscriminately offer their horses treats, they should consider things like a pat or verbal praise as a reward for specific, desired behaviors, reports EQUUS magazine.

Rewards, edible or otherwise, are the most effective way to create positive associations in a horse. A reward is anything desirable, whether that's a kind word, pat on the neck, or treat. Behavioral rewards are often better than edible rewards with regards to long-term learning in horses; these can be used to teach everything from ground manners to under-saddle expectations.

To properly reward the horse, the handler must have accurate timing, rewarding the horse within 10 seconds after a behavior or action is completed. This encourages the horse to make a connection between the behavior and the reward.

There is a fine line between encouragement and over-encouragement, which will cause a horse to become dull or immune to the positive aspects of the reward. Horses that are rewarded often are less able to be influenced as treats or pats become common. The unexpected reward garners the biggest release of dopamine, the feel-good chemical from the brain.

Reward is not just pats, praise or cookies; horses also value things like rest, being with friends, and routine, among many other things. The better the reward, the more memorable the association. Horse owners and handlers can alter the reward to adjust the value of reinforcement.

Treats should be used sparingly as they rapidly become associated with behavior – good and bad – as horses by nature always want more; a gentle touch can escalate quickly to a demand with teeth.

Read more about association and reinforcement at EQUUS magazine.

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