No undue stress seen in therapy horses used to help war veterans – study
Findings of American study suggest that therapeutic horseback riding may provide a viable repurposing for retired or unwanted horses.
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Research
The latest science-based equine research for horse owners.
More research needed into the effects of therapy work on horses – review
“Information on the welfare of animals involved in this kind of activity is often lacking.”
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Key changes identified in the diet of Przewalski’s horses, but why?
Why were they eating scrub during winters 120 years ago? Had man driven them to it?
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The cortisol conundrum: Curious questions around the quintessential stress hormone
Researchers report that cortisol levels are not necessarily a reliable stress indicator in horses, especially those suffering from chronic stress.
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Can animals tell an earthquake is coming?
US researchers describe events which create sounds that they believe animals may respond to ahead of earthquakes.
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Horse making you feel miserable? Their sweat might be to blame
A key protein in horse sweat, latherin, is shown to be a major allergen.
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Horse riding found to significantly reduce autism symptoms in children
“Results indicate that the intervention improves some aspects of social functioning for children with autism spectrum disorder.”
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US could have 1.2 million potential homes for unwanted horses, study findings suggest
“Study points to opportunities and need to increase communication and support between individuals and organizations that have unwanted horses.”
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More pressure on the bit: Researchers talk of a significant animal welfare issue
Just-published scientific review raises welfare questions around bit use.
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New frontier for concussion testing as rugby players put to the test
Test measures biomarkers present in the saliva and urine to be done on a hand-held device.
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Horse-based therapy helped patients with multiple sclerosis – study
Study team explored the effect of hippotherapy plus standard care versus standard care alone in patients with the disease.
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Blood test predicts equine survival from atypical myopathy – study
“The scoring system proposed in this study may help clinicians with management decisions including euthanasia.”
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Toeing the line: Fresh insights into the intriguing history of the equine foot
“Digit reduction is a repeated theme throughout evolution, but going all the way to a single toe is an uncommon strategy.”
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Three horse species roamed America’s western interior in the late Pleistocene – study
Work based on examination of cheek teeth and analysis of mitochondrial DNA.
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Weight study reveals intriguing metabolic differences between male and female racehorses
Evidence in Japanese study points to possible differences in energy balance mechanisms between the sexes.
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Utrasound imaging might have a future in horse-gear manufacture
Scientist finds that ultrasound imaging can identify imperfections in hides.
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Should vet schools target students with less horse experience for extra training?
“People working with horses need to be able to anticipate and identify problems, as well as ensuring good welfare is maintained.”
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Lower race-day injury rate found among NZ’s flat-racing thoroughbreds
A collaborative approach internationally is needed to determine regional similarities or differences that contribute to injury rates.
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“To shoe or not to shoe?” Equine joint study looks at pressure loading
As a horse owner, one of the many questions you will almost inevitably ask yourself is “to shoe or not to shoe?”.
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Actions of others behind rider injuries in one in six cases, study finds
Causes of the injuries generated by other humans were grouped into five major categories.
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