Conversations in Equine Science

This week Kate and Nancy discuss lightening strikes in animals and how to lessen the odds of having a horse struck by lightning. Research Reference: Gomes, C., (2012). Lightning safety of animals. International Journal of Biometeorology (56), pp. 1011–1023. Link: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00484-011-0515-5 Additional Information: https://www.weather.gov/safety/lightning

This week Nancy and Kate discuss the Equine Personality Test (EPT) and it's reliability scores. Research Reference: A. Jolivald, K. Yarnell, C. Hall, C. Ijichi (2022). Do you see what I see? Investigating the validity of an equine personality questionnaire. Applied Animal Behaviour Science., 248, Article 105567 Link: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0168159122000259

This week Kate and Nancy discuss a hindlimb massage routine that improved hindlimb gait flexibility and symmetry in a peer reviewed research study. Research Reference: Mabbutt, C., Yarnell, K., and Ferro de Godoy, R. (2022). Comparative Exercise Physiology Vol. 18 (5), pp. 419-426 Link: https://www.wageningenacademic.com/doi/epdf/10.3920/CEP220022?role=tab

This week Nancy and Kate discuss an equine exercise program using Gymnastic Training coupled with Dynamic Mobilization Exercises to improve stride quality and strength. Epaxial muscles also were targeted for increased muscle strength and size. K. de Oliveira et al., (2015). Gymnastic training and dynamic mobilization exercises improve stride quality and increase epaxial muscle size in therapy horses⁠. Journal of Equine Veterinary Science, Vol 35, pp. 883-893. Link: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0737080615005067?via%3Dihub#preview-section-cited-by

This episode Kate and Nancy discuss goniometry in horses and humans. They also have additional content from an orthopedic professional (for humans) talking about the practice of using goniometers. Research Reference: Liljebrink , Y. and Bergh , A. ( 2010 ). Goniometry: is it a reliable tool to monitor passive joint range of motion in horses? Equine Veterinary Journal 42 ( Suppl. 38 ): pp. 676 – 682 . https://beva.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/epdf/10.1111/j.2042-3306.2010.00254.x App Store GoniMeter Plus (free) Link: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/goniometer-plus/id1081939665

Nancy and Kate discuss static and dynamic stretching and how implementing a stretching program, in your routine, can help your horse's performance and also prevent injuries. Research Reference: A. Frick, (2010). Stretching Exercises for Horses: Are They Effective? Journal of Equine Veterinary Science, Volume 30 (1), pp. 50-59. Link: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0737080609007072 Contact Information for Dr. Frick: e-mail: [email protected]

This week Kate and Nancy discuss a paper that evaluates the effects of chiropractic therapy on sport horses. Evaluations are done via static bioimpedence and dynamic acoustic myography. Research Reference: Acutt, E.V.; le Jeune, S.S.; Pypendop, B.H. Evaluation of the effects of chiropractic on static and dynamic muscle variables in sport horses. J. Equine Vet. Sci. 2019, 73, 84–90. Link: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0737080618304015

This week Kate and Nancy discuss a paper that proposes owners and riders can measure and categorize bit lesions to assist them in the management of bitted horses. These measurements can also assist in research across the board by offering measurable comparisons. Research Reference (Open Access): Tuomola K, Mäki-Kihniä N, Kujala-Wirth M, Mykkänen A and Valros A (2019) Oral Lesions in the Bit Area in Finnish Trotters After a Race: Lesion Evaluation, Scoring, and Occurrence. Front. Vet. Sci. 6:206. Link: https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fvets.2019.00206/full

This episode Nancy and Kate discuss 2 papers; the first is a paper that gives an update on the current understanding of Equine Asthma and also gives the future direction of research goals for this devastating disease. The 2nd paper tracks a molecule, IL-8, which has been found to signal equine allergic immune responses. This may be a component as to how horses and humans develop allergic responses. Both papers are referenced below. Couetil, L., Cardwell, J. M., Leguillette, R., Mazan, M., Richard, E., Bienzle, D., Bullone, M., Gerber, V., Ivester, K., Lavoie, J. P., Martin, J., Moran, G., Niedźwiedź, A., Pusterla, N., & Swiderski, C. (2020). Equine Asthma: Current Understanding and Future Directions. Frontiers in veterinary science, 7, 450. https://doi.org/10.3389/fvets.2020.00450 Elisabeth M. Larson, Susanna Babasyan, Bettina Wagner; IgE-Binding Monocytes Have an Enhanced Ability to Produce IL-8 (CXCL8) in Animals with Naturally Occurring Allergy. J Immunol 15 May 2021; 206 (10): 2312–2321. https://doi.org/10.4049/jimmunol.2001354

This week Kate and Nancy discuss the equine vertebral column and how this research discovered breed differences in the anatomy of the vertebral column. Research Reference: Spoormakers, T.J.P., Veraa, S., Graat, E.A.M., van Weeren, P.R. and Brommer, H. (2021), A comparative study of breed differences in the anatomical configuration of the equine vertebral column. J Anat, 239: 829-838. https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/epdf/10.1111/joa.13456

This episode Nancy and Kate discuss medical students gaining insight and empathy skills by working with horses. These medical students were also able to lessen their own stress levels by being around horses and learning about them. Research Reference and Link (Open Access): Chakales P A, Locklear J, Wharton T (2020). Medicine and Horsemanship: The Effects of Equine-assisted Activities and Therapies on Stress and Depression in Medical Students. Cureus 12(2): e6896. https://www.cureus.com/articles/23219-medicine-and-horsemanship-the-effects-of-equine-assisted-activities-and-therapies-on-stress-and-depression-in-medical-students#!/

This week Kate and Nancy discuss a paper detailing the negative effects that adiposity fat can have on the health and welfare of our horses. Research reference/link (open access): Pratt-Phillips, Shannon, and Ahmad Munjizun, (2023). "Impacts of Adiposity on Exercise Performance in Horses" Animals 13, no. 4 https://doi.org/10.3390/ani13040666

This week Nancy and Kate discuss the findings of a research paper comparing the electrocardiograms of the Televet ECG device with the Equimetre fitness tracker. Research Reference: Ter Woort, F., Dubois, G., Tansley, G., Didier, M., Verdegaal, E.L., Franklin, S. and Van Erck‐Westergren, E., 2023. Validation of an equine fitness tracker: ECG quality and arrhythmia detection. Equine Veterinary Journal, 55(2), pp.336-343. Link: https://beva.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1111/evj.13565 Thanks everyone for listening in so regularly! Please let us know if you have any research inquiries.

This episode Kate and Nancy discuss Equine Cervical Pain, clinical signs and treatment. Research Reference/Link (open access): Story, Melinda R., Kevin K. Haussler, Yvette S. Nout-Lomas, Tawfik A. Aboellail, Christopher E. Kawcak, Myra F. Barrett, David D. Frisbie, and C. Wayne McIlwraith. (2021). "Equine Cervical Pain and Dysfunction: Pathology, Diagnosis and Treatment" Animals 11, no. 2: 422. https://www.mdpi.com/2076-2615/11/2/422#app1-animals-11-00422

This week Nancy and Kate discuss a study involving harness trotters and the rein tension that occurred in different gaits. Research Reference/Link (open access): Egenvall A, Byström A, Pökelmann M, Connysson M, Kienapfel-Henseleit K, Karlsteen M, McGreevy P and Hartmann E (2022) Rein tension in harness trotters during on-track exercise. Frontier Veterinary Science. 9:987852. https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fvets.2022.987852/full

This week Kate and Nancy discuss the theory of "Flow" and is it possible to achieve/measure it in horses and other animals. Research Reference and Link (open access): Hintze, S. and Yee, J.R. (2023), Animals in flow – towards the scientific study of intrinsic reward in animals. Biological Reviews. https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/epdf/10.1111/brv.12930

In this episode Nancy and Kate discuss a paper on the effects of inactivity, moderate exercise and uncontrolled stress on the learning capability of horses. Research Reference and Link (Open Access): Henshall, C., Randle, H., Francis, N. et al (2022). The effect of stress and exercise on the learning performance of horses. Scientific Reports, 12, 1918. https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-021-03582-4

This week Kate and Nancy discuss the newest research paper by Professor Brian Nielsen Of Michigan State University. Research Reference and Link (Open Access): Nielsen, B.D. A Review of Three Decades of Research Dedicated to Making Equine Bones Stronger: Implications for Horses and Humans. Animals 2023, 13, 789. https://doi.org/10.3390/ani13050789

This week Nancy and Kate discuss Kate's research paper that was recently published in the Frontiers in Veterinary Science Journal. Elte Y, Acton K, Martin J, Nielen M, van Weeren R and Wolframm I (2023) Engage and enjoy–investigating predictors of employee engagement and work satisfaction in equine veterinary professionals. Front. Vet. Sci. 10:1036388. doi: 10.3389/fvets.2023.1036388 Link (open access): https://eprints.ncl.ac.uk/file_store/production/289354/C0AEFFCA-8F7F-46C2-A0C4-A217DBF85AB3.pdf

This week Kate and Nancy discuss a paper by Hilary Clayton on force and pressures of two styles of dressage saddles; treeless and conventional. Research Reference and Link (this paper is not open access): Hilary M. Clayton, Katherine A. O’Connor, LeeAnn J. Kaiser, (2014). Force and pressure distribution beneath a conventional dressage saddle and a treeless dressage saddle with panels, The Veterinary Journal, Volume 199, Issue 1, pp. 44-48. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S109002331300508X?via%3Dihub#section-cited-by

This episode Nancy looks into a recent research paper that analyzed interview responses from registered Equine Behaviorists on how well their clients detected fear and anxiety behavior in horses. Research reference and link (Open Access): Rogers, Suzanne, and Catherine Bell. 2022. "Perceptions of Fear and Anxiety in Horses as Reported in Interviews with Equine Behaviourists" Animals 12, no. 21: 2904. https://doi.org/10.3390/ani12212904

This week Kate and Nancy discuss pre-performance anxiety and how elite riders manage and control their anxiety during high pressure situations. S. McGinn, D. Alcock, and L.J. Cameron (2018). "Straight from the horse’s mouth: understanding professional event riders’ mental preparation for maximising self-confidence prior to competition using thematic analysis." Comparative Exercise Physiology Vol 14 Issue 4, pp. 261-270. Link to research paper: https://www.wageningenacademic.com/doi/epdf/10.3920/CEP180020?role=tab

This episode Nancy and Kate discuss a research paper that compares horse turnout systems to enhance horse health and ecosystem sustainability. Research Reference and Link (Open Access): Furtado, T., King, M., Perkins, E., McGowan, C., Chubbock, S., Hannelly, E., Rogers, J. and Pinchbeck, G. (2022). An Exploration of Environmentally Sustainable Practices Associated with Alternative Grazing Management System Use for Horses, Ponies, Donkeys and Mules in the UK. Animals. 12(2), p.151. https://www.mdpi.com/2076-2615/12/2/151#B12-animals-12-00151

This week Kate and Nancy discuss a research paper detailing the effects of the cessation of training that occurred among elite riders during the Covid 19 lockdowns. Research Reference and Link (Open Access): Demarie, Sabrina, Christel Galvani, and Veronique Louise Billat. (2020). "Horse-Riding Competitions Pre and Post COVID-19: Effect of Anxiety, sRPE and HR on Performance in Eventing" International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health 17, no. 22: 8648. https://www.mdpi.com/1660-4601/17/22/8648

This week Nancy and Kate discuss a recent paper on the most current research findings in Equine Pituitary Pars Intermedia Dysfunction. Research Reference and Link: Kirkwood, NC., Hughes, KJ., Stewart, AJ (2022). Pituitary Pars Intermedia Dysfunction (PPID) in Horses. Veterinary Science, 9(10), 556. https://doi.org/10.3390/vetsci9100556

This week Kate and Nancy discuss their favorite episodes of 2022. We also reveal the most popular episodes as determined by our listeners. Thank you for your support and listenership. We appreciate each and every one of you! Happy and Healthy 2023, Kate and Nancy

This week Nancy and Kate revisit the episode with the most downloads of 2022. Reference: Mach, N., Ruet, A., Clark, A. et al (2020). Priming for welfare: gut microbiota is associated with equitation conditions and behavior in horse athletes. Scientific Reports 10, 8311. https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-020-65444-9

This week Nancy and Kate continue their discussion with Dr. Sheryl King. Dr. King is an expert on "myth-busting" horse information that occurs frequently within the horse industry. Make sure to listen to Part 1 to get her explanation on how these myths become a part of the equine management industry. This episode will discuss fact checking skills and nutrition fallacies.

This week Nancy and Kate welcome Dr. Sheryl King to the podcast. Dr. King is an expert on misinformation in the horse industry. Please direct any questions to Kate on the Conversations in Equine Science Instagram account or Nancy on the Conversations in Equine Science Facebook page. We'll pass them onto Dr. Sheree or send her a friendship request via Sheree King at her Facebook page. We'll continue Part 2 next week. Thanks for listening in !

Kate and Nancy wrap up their discussion of this interesting paper on the neurological exam of the horse. Reference: Caroline Hahn, (2022). Neurological Examination of Horses, Veterinary Clinics of North America: Equine Practice, Volume 38, Issue 2, pp. 155-169. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cveq.2022.05.001

On this week's episode, Nancy and Kate discuss a recent research article on the neurological exam of the horse. Research Reference: Caroline Hahn, DVM, (2022). Neurological Examination of Horses, Veterinary Clinics of North America: Equine Practice, Volume 38, Issue 2 pp. 155-169. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0749073922000219

This week Kate and Nancy discuss equestrian safety and what a survey of 1,718 respondents reveals. Research reference: Chapman, Meredith, Matthew Thomas, and Kirrilly Thompson. (2020). "What People Really Think About Safety around Horses: The Relationship between Risk Perception, Values and Safety Behaviours" Animals 10, no. 12: 2222. Link: https://doi.org/10.3390/ani10122222

This week Nancy and Kate discuss the tying up syndrome (RER) that appears to affect 8.4% of racehorses. Research Reference: https://www.nzsap.org/system/files/proceedings/trainers-perceptions-impact-different-feeding-and-management-practices-racehorses-they-identified.pdf Wood , LJ, Lancaster, B, Breheny, MR & Rogers, CW 2020, 'Trainers perceptions of the impact of different feeding and management practices on racehorses they identified displaying symptoms of recurrent exertional rhabdomyolysis', Proceedings of the New Zealand Society of Animal Production, vol. 80, pp. 90- 94.

This week Kate and Nancy delve into the research of Dr. Valberg at Michigan State University. She runs the Equine Neuromuscular Diagnostics Laboratory and is a fervent researcher of equine muscular diseases. You can access her informative webpages here. Research Reference (Open Access): Valberg, SJ, Williams, ZJ, Finno, CJ, Schultz, A, Velez-Irizarry, D, Henry, ML, et al (2022). Type 2 polysaccharide storage myopathy in Quarter Horses is a novel glycogen storage disease causing exertional rhabdomyolysis. Equine Veterinary Journal. https://beva.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1111/evj.13876

This week Nancy and Kate discuss the latest research in equine hair whorls, reactivity and laterality. 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#bib153 Previous episode on laterality and cognitive bias: https://spotifyanchor-web.app.link/e/18g054aCGub

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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/

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

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

While Kate is on hiatus, Nancy discusses horse owners and their perspectives on equine body shape and weight management. This week's research paper reveals owners thoughts, as well as, equine professionals viewpoints on helping owners see the metabolic health dangers of equine obesity. Research reference: https://beva.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/evj.13360

Kate and Nancy respond to an email from a listener who submitted a research paper for their review/discussion, on the reliability of the pinch test in determining dehydration in horses. Research Reference: PRITCHARD, J. C., BURN, C. C., BARR, A. R. S., & WHAY, H. R. (2008). Validity of indicators of dehydration in working horses: A longitudinal study of changes in skin tent duration, mucous membrane dryness and drinking behaviour. Equine Veterinary Journal, 40(6), pp. 558–564. https://doi.org/10.2746/042516408X297462

Nancy and Kate continue their discussion on veterinary physiotherapy and equine back pain. This episode targets modalities of treatment. Research Reference and link: Tabor, Gillian (2022). Veterinary physiotherapy for back pain in the horse. UK-Vet Equine (6):4, pp. 168-174. https://www.magonlinelibrary.com/doi/full/10.12968/ukve.2022.6.4.168

This episode Nancy and Kate talk about the role of a Veterinary Physiotherapist in treating horses. Research Reference: Tabor, Gillian (2022). Veterinary physiotherapy for back pain in the horse. UK-Vet Equine (6):4, pp. 168-174. https://www.magonlinelibrary.com/doi/full/10.12968/ukve.2022.6.4.168 Tune in for Part 2, next week when we discuss modalities of treatment.

This episode Kate and Nancy discuss a research study that reveals risk factors for Equine Uveitis and the proportion of cases that are recurrent. Research Reference: Malalana, F, Ireland, JL, Pinchbeck, GL, McGowan, CM (2022). Risk factors for a first episode of primary uveitis in the UK and proportion of cases that experience recurrence following this first episode. Equine Veterinary Journal; 00: pp. 1-6. Link to open access article: https://beva.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/share/UE9ZNKFTVQYTYPQUTHFB?target=10.1111/evj.13576