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Research Shows Horses More Susceptible To COVID-19 Than Other Species

New research shows that horses seem to be at greater risk of contracting COVID-19 than other species. Researchers believe their close relationship with humans may be to blame for a greater susceptibility.

Vanderbilt University utilized experts in virology, genetics, structural biology, chemistry, physiology, medicine, immunology and pharmacology worked together to create a tool that would predict animal susceptibility to COVID-19 infection. The scientists determined that horses and camels were most at risk and suggested that they be closely monitored and tested for infection.

The researchers identified five amino acid sites that indicate virus susceptibility or resistance; they then created an algorithm to predict susceptibility. Jacquelyn Brown, a staff scientist at the Vanderbilt Institute for Integrative Biosystems Research and Education, is an equestrian who initiated the project, noting that horses have a large respiratory system, and many are regularly have their mouths and nostrils touched by humans.

The research team is hopeful that their findings will help protect pets, food sources, wildlife and people. The algorithm the team created can be modified to predict susceptibility to other viruses; there is also hope that the research will be used to help develop drugs to inhibit virus transmission.

Drs. Matthew Alexander, Clara Schoeder, Jacquelyn Brown, Charles Smart, Chris Moth, John Wikswo, John Capra, Jens Meiler, Wenbiao Chen and Meena Madhur determined that there as an intermediate risk for COVID-19 susceptibility in cows, sheep and goats; the most susceptible animal is the rhesus macaque.

Read the full study here.

Majority Of Equine Owners Cannot Detect Lameness

A new study shows that the vast majority of horse owners cannot determine if a horse is lame under saddle. However, scientists note that owners who pay close attention to equine behavior may pick up on clues that the horse is in pain even if they can't determine if it's lame while being ridden, reports The Horse.

The ridden horse pain ethogram (RHpE) is a list of 24 behaviors that have been scientifically confirmed to relate to pain; when the pain is removed, the behaviors disappear. The behaviors include things like pain-related facial expressions and pinning of the ears for at least five seconds. Lame horses showed at least one-third of the behaviors included in the ethogram.

Dr. Sue Dyson and a team of scientists applied the ethogram to 60 riding horses in the United Kingdom. The horses were given lameness exams and checked for saddle fit. They were then assessed for the presence of absence of the 24 behaviors listed in the ethogram while being ridden by their regular riders; all riders believed their horses were sound.

The study showed that 73 percent of the horses showed subtle, intermittent lameness in one or more legs; more than 50 percent of horses demonstrated a gait abnormality like bunny hopping or not stepping underneath themselves at the canter.

Lameness was strongly linked to a RHpE score of eight or more. The most-common behaviors included pinning the ears for at least five seconds, staring intently for at least five seconds, dragging the back feet or stumbling repeatedly.

Dyson says that riders missing lameness in their horses is not indicative of lack of attention, but more reflective of their lack of training in recognizing pain-related behaviors. Riders who learned to ride in lesson programs may have always ridden horses that were exhibiting pain-related behaviors, but were not taught that the behaviors indicated discomfort.

Dyson says owners and riders must become more educated to recognize pain-related behaviors and understand that the demonstration of eight or more of the behaviors indicated that the horse is in pain.

Guest Speakers Announced For American Horse Council’s National Issues Forum

Join professionals from all facets of the equine industry to learn and explore current issues facing the horse community. On Wednesday, October 28th, The American Horse Council (AHC) National Issues Forum will feature four outstanding presentations, all given in Eastern Standard Time:

At 11 a.m., AHC staff, and possibly a guest staffer from the Senate, will provide a legislative and regulatory update and overview of numerous industry initiatives underway to help position the equine industry for the future. In advance of the November election, AHC will share insights into a first-time list of “top ten” congressional incumbents whose success would bode well for the industry moving forward. Horse enthusiasts will learn how COVID-19 restrictions have impacted this year's agenda, including advocating for Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) and tax flexibility to provide relief for equine business. On the labor front, horsemen and women will also learn more about the continuing need for guest worker visa flexibility. While the pandemic has added items to the agenda, it has also given new “urgency” to other priorities, including passage of the “Great American Outdoors Act of 2020.” Pushing this landmark trails bill over the finish line serves as a “text book” example of putting “horsepower” into the industry's grassroots network.

At 1 p.m., join David Fuscus, CEO of Xenophon Strategies, to hear about best practices for crisis management. The number and severity of crisis situations that now confront companies and organizations–and put their reputation, profits, and future at risk – underscore the importance of knowing how to communicate about and deal with a crisis. David has been heavily involved in crisis communications and has worked with the media on major national and international crises, including representing the airline industry following the 9/11 terrorist attacks and playing a key communications role in eleven major airline accidents.

At 2 p.m., look for an exciting and entertaining presentation by American Dude Ranch Association members on outdoor riding destinations featuring Russell True of the White Stallion Ranch and Cheri Amos-Helmicki of the Bar Lazy J Guest Ranch.

Russell, his brother Michael and their families own the White Stallion and under their management the ranch is consistently recognized as an award-winning property locally, nationally and internationally. The ranch has been ranked No. 1 on TripAdvisor of 130 hotels in Tucson for 8 consecutive years and has received numerous TripAdvisor certificates and awards, including Certificates of Excellence, top customer service rankings and Hall of Fame honors. Additionally, the ranch was named “Best Family Resort” in USA Today's 10 Best Readers' Choice Awards in 2018.

Cheri and her husband, Jerry, have owned the Bar Lazy J Guest Ranch in Parshall, Colorado for 25+ years. An all-inclusive Colorado Dude Ranch vacation free of crowds, lines and stress. In addition to great lodging, you'll also enjoy exceptional meals and on-ranch activities including: horseback rides, Gold Medal fly fishing, trap shooting, Colorado River zip-line, guided hikes, mountain bikes, heated pool and hot tub, Kids' Program, unforgettable evening entertainment and much more.

At 3 p.m., join Dr. Veronica Lac of the HERD Institute to learn about expanding Diversity, and Inclusion in the equine industry. A diverse industry (in age, race, religion, nationality, sexual orientation, and gender) brings diverse viewpoints and perspectives; these elements can help develop new approaches and great new ways to appeal to participants, fans and new customers.

However, diversity does not necessarily mean inclusivity. Yes, making diversity a priority is important; but so is the next logical step: creating a culture where people from all backgrounds feel included. Inclusivity is the key to actually maintaining (not just creating) diversity.

Dr. Lac has over 20 years of experience as a corporate trainer and mental health professional, as well as a certified therapeutic riding instructor through PATH Intl. Her academic background includes a Masters in Training & Performance Management, a Masters in Gestalt Psychotherapy, and a PhD in Psychology.

And join us at 5 p.m. for our Annual Awards Cocktail Party honoring Rolapp, Hickey and Van Ness Award Winners.

The AHC is known for convening the equine industry's visionaries and leaders in an intimate three days of informative and innovative discussion on some of the most relevant challenges and initiatives facing the industry. Attendees get to participate in discussions that help shape the industry and optimize existing and emerging legislative and regulatory issues.

Registration is open and video conference logistics will be sent to registered participants along with committee meeting agendas. Learn more here.

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UK Ag Equine Students Give Back To Equine Community During Inaugural Equine Week of Service

University of Kentucky College of Agriculture, Food and Environment's Equine Programs put on its first Equine Week of Service Sept. 28-Oct. 3. Armed with sanitizer, masks and the desire to give back to the equine industry, students in a leadership program, the Wildcat Wranglers, created and implemented this week of service to give students a chance to get some hands-on experience they may be missing this semester.

“We put together the UK Equine Week of Service as a way to get out into the community, out of the classroom and off our computers during a time where we are not getting as much hands-on experience as we usually would,” said Mackenzie Johnson, a Wildcat Wrangler and UK senior studying equine science and management. “We wanted to give our students a chance to get involved in the equine industry and start making those vital connections with different industry professionals, all while doing a few good deeds along the way.”

Students, faculty, staff and alumni donated around 550 hours of volunteer time to seven local equine organizations in the Lexington area including Blue Grass Farms Charities, Central Kentucky Riding for Hope, Kentucky Equine Adoption Center, Kentucky Horse Park, New Vocations, Our Mims Retirement Haven and the Secretariat Center. Students comprised 86 percent of the volunteers.

Students in the Wildcat Wranglers coordinated volunteers and promoted the service event via social media.

Grace Camp, a UK equine science and management senior, said she feels the event was a good way to get involved off campus.

“I wanted to sign up for the UK Equine Week of Service to help give back to the amazing equine organizations here in Central Kentucky. Also, with my classes being mostly online, I thought this would be a great way to get out of my house and make a difference,” Camp said.

Anne Boggess, a UK undergraduate student who volunteered at the Kentucky Horse Park, said it was beneficial to connect the different communities through service work.

“I think the week of service is important, because it connects so many different communities in a time where everyone is trying to find a new normal. The week put good people together with a goal of doing good work for wonderful organizations,” Boggess said.

According to Kristen Wilson, academic coordinator in UK Ag Equine Programs and advisor of the Wildcat Wranglers, the inaugural event was successful and hopefully helped equine organizations in their day-to-day functions.

“One of the goals of our Wildcat Wrangler student leadership team is to build community among our equine students. The UK Equine Week of Service is such a great way for our students to serve our local equine community in an event lead by our Wildcat Wrangler team. It has been so much fun to work with them as the team's advisor and seeing their vision become a reality,” Wilson said.

James MacLeod, director of UK Ag Equine Programs, echoed her sentiments, adding that he hopes it will become an annual tradition.

“We can all be proud of everything the students have accomplished. The broad participation and enthusiasm are wonderful, with both the host organizations and the volunteers living the commitment to be the change you wish to see in the world,” MacLeod said.

This event was supported by local equine industry organizations. Additionally, Rood and Riddle Equine Hospital provided hand sanitizer to the participating organizations and volunteers.

To see recaps from the week, visit UK Ag Equine Programs' Facebook, Twitter or Instagram pages or learn more at equine.ca.uky.edu/.

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