New device aims to help asthmatic horses breathe more easily

The new equine respirator (Tim Brouk)

A novel collaboration between Purdue University’s College of Health and Human Sciences and the College of Veterinary Medicine may offer significant relief for horses suffering from asthma—a common respiratory condition often triggered by inhaled particles such as mould spores found in dusty hay.

Equine asthma, like its human counterpart, is frequently linked to allergic sensitisation to airborne irritants. While a range of treatment and management options exist, the most effective strategy remains straightforward: minimise exposure to the particles that trigger the condition. This is typically attempted by soaking or steam-treating hay to reduce airborne dust. However, researchers at Purdue have taken this one step further by developing a wearable device that could filter out harmful particles before they even reach the horse’s airways.

At the heart of this innovation is an equine respirator—a specially designed breathing mask that attaches directly to a horse’s bridle or head collar. The device allows the horse to breathe filtered air through an intake positioned over the bridge of the nose, while exhalation occurs through valves located near the nostrils. Crucially, the design allows horses to eat and drink while wearing the respirator, making it suitable for continuous use in dusty environments like stables or arenas.

The project was born out of a cross-disciplinary partnership. Dr. Jae Hong Park, associate professor of Health Sciences, had been working on developing human respirators, especially for welders working in manufacturing facilities. His research caught the attention of Dr. Laurent Couëtil, a professor of Large Animal Internal Medicine in the College of Veterinary Medicine, who wondered if a similar approach could be adapted for equine use.

Momentum built when Chang Geun Lee, a Ph.D. candidate in Health Sciences with a background in mechanical engineering and industrial design, joined Park’s lab. Lee brought a unique combination of technical skills and practical design experience that proved instrumental in creating a functional and comfortable respirator for horses.

The team, which also includes Laura Murray, RVT and research technologist in the Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, spent months designing, prototyping, and refining the respirator. Their efforts have culminated in a practical tool that could significantly improve the quality of life for horses affected by respiratory issues—particularly those regularly exposed to dusty environments.

By combining expertise in health sciences, veterinary medicine, and engineering, this collaboration exemplifies the power of interdisciplinary research to solve real-world problems—and could mark a significant advance in the management of equine asthma.

The research team are now looking to see if the device could be made available for general use.

For more details, see: 

https://vet.purdue.edu/news/asthmatic-horses-can-breathe-easier-thanks-to-purdue-health-and-human-sciences-and-college-of-veterinary-medicine.php

Help Advance Neonatal Foal Care – Share Your Experience with the Madigan Squeeze Technique

(c) Pfluegler | Dreamstime.com

 Have you used the Madigan Squeeze Technique on neonatal foals? Dr. Monica Aleman and Dr John Madigan of UC Davis are inviting veterinarians, breeders, farm managers, and horse owners to share their experiences as part of a vital study aimed at improving outcomes for foals with Neonatal Maladjustment Syndrome (“dummy foal”).

Neonatal Maladjustment Syndrome (NMS) is a condition seen in newborn foals that affects their behaviour and awareness. Foals with NMS may not recognise or bond with their mother, may not suckle normally, and can seem disoriented. More seriously affected foals may develop seizures. NMS was once thought to be caused by lack of oxygen during birth, but recent research suggests it may also be linked to high levels of calming hormones (neurosteroids) that usually decrease after birth but sometimes remain too high.

 

The Madigan Squeeze Technique, developed by Dr. Madigan, involves applying steady pressure using soft ropes wrapped in 3–4 loops around the foal’s chest and rib cage for approximately 20 minutes. This mimics the natural birth process and is believed to reduce neurosteroid levels that keep foals in a subdued, sleep-like state in utero. The foal typically lies down and enters a calm, trance-like state, then awakens more alert—often with improved responsiveness.

 

Drs. Aleman and Madigan are collecting real-world data on the technique’s effectiveness and application. Whether you’ve experienced remarkable recoveries, faced challenges, or simply observed how the technique worked, your insights are essential.

 

“Your experiences - whether as a veterinarian, breeder, farm manager, or horse owner - are invaluable in helping us assess how widely the technique is used and how effective it has been,” they note.

 

By contributing, you'll help shape a forthcoming report on neonatal foal care that will be shared with the broader equine community - advancing research and potentially improving foal survival rates worldwide.

 

 

Take the survey here:

 

 https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/M3J2P32 

Electroacupuncture offers hope for horses with headshaking syndrome, study finds

(c) Dunkel et al 2025 CC BY 4.0

A recent study from the Royal Veterinary College (RVC) has indicated that electroacupuncture
could assist horses suffering from trigeminal-mediated headshaking (TMHS), with nearly two-thirds of treated horses showing improvement.

TMHS is a neurological disorder that causes horses to involuntarily shake or flick their heads. The condition is linked to the trigeminal nerve, which may become overly sensitive and react strongly to normal stimuli such as sunlight, wind, or touch. Affected horses may exhibit signs such as repetitive headshaking, snorting, or rubbing their noses.

TMHS is painful and potentially dangerous, often making riding difficult. In severe cases, it may lead to euthanasia if quality of life cannot be maintained. The exact cause remains unknown, and there is currently no cure.

Electroacupuncture (EA) is a treatment combining traditional acupuncture with electrical stimulation. Fine needles are inserted at specific points, and a mild current is passed through them. This is thought to influence nerve activity and pain perception, which can be beneficial in conditions involving nerve dysfunction like TMHS.

Unlike more invasive nerve therapies such as PENS (percutaneous electrical nerve stimulation), EA can be performed in a regular stable environment and does not usually require sedation or specialist equipment.

The research was led by Professor Bettina Dunkel, Head of RVC Equine, with final-year veterinary student Georgia Hildon and four external collaborators. It is the largest study to date examining the effectiveness of electroacupuncture for TMHS.

In this retrospective study, information was gathered from veterinary records and follow-up with owners of cases treated between 2015 and 2024. Data was available from a total of 179 electroacupuncture treatments on 42 horses.

Information collected included the horse’s medical history and TMHS severity, the number of treatments given and the changes in severity of headshaking before and after treatment (graded 0–3).

Analysis of the data showed that EA was well tolerated by all horses, with no significant complications reported. The researchers found:

·      64% of horses improved after their final treatment.

·      33% had complete resolution of headshaking signs.

·      31% showed no change, and 4.8% worsened after treatment.

·      Average headshaking severity dropped from grade 3 (severe) to grade 1 (mild).

This study supports electroacupuncture as a safe option for managing TMHS -   especially for horses that do not respond to traditional treatments.

While it doesn’t work for every horse, the results are promising, given how challenging TMHS is to treat.

The researchers suggested that refining the treatment protocol—such as adjusting the duration or frequency of EA—could lead to even better results. They emphasise that it is also important to rule out other possible causes of headshaking (e.g., dental problems, allergies) before starting EA.

Professor Dunkel said: “Electroacupuncture is a viable treatment option for horses suffering from this devastating disease. We are very pleased with the results of the study and hope that it will encourage veterinarians and horse owners to pursue this treatment option.”

For more details, see:

Dunkel, B., Hildon, G.L., Coumbe, K. M., Busuttil, E., von Schweinitz, D. & Devereux, S. (2025) Electroacupuncture as a treatment for suspected trigeminal nerve-mediated head-shaking in 42 horses. 

Equine Veterinary Education, 00, 1–7. 

https://doi.org/10.1111/eve.14135

Laryngeal tie-forward surgery for treatment of intermittent dorsal displacement of the soft palate in horses

Laryngeal tie-forward (LTF) surgery has been shown to be an effective treatment for intermittent dorsal
displacement of the soft palate (iDDSP) in horses in a recent study 

iDDSP is a dynamic upper respiratory tract disorder that occurs during exercise, particularly in racehorses and performance horses. It involves the soft palate displacing dorsally above the epiglottis, which can lead to partial obstruction of the airway. This displacement often results in a characteristic gurgling noise, exercise intolerance, and poor performance. 

The condition is intermittent and may only occur during intense work, which complicates diagnosis. The best way to confirm the diagnosis is using overground endoscopy (OGE), observing the horse’s upper airway during exercise under natural conditions

Another condition frequently observed in association with iDDSP is Palatal instability (PI). It is characterised by abnormal movement or fluttering of the soft palate during exercise, which may precede or predispose to full dorsal displacement. The presence of PI is often considered a potential risk factor for the development of iDDSP.

A retrospective case series conducted by Tim Barnett and colleagues investigated the efficacy of LTF surgery by analysing OGE findings and subsequent racing performance in horses diagnosed with iDDSP. The study focused on horses that had been definitively diagnosed with iDDSP, had undergone LTF surgery, and had at least one postoperative OGE evaluation. A full report of the work is published in the journal Veterinary Surgery.

Analysis of the records showed that seventy five percent of horses that had undergone LTF had no evidence of iDDSP on postoperative OGE. There was also a 23% reduction in the presence of palatal instability on OGE after LTF. 

In 16 horses, soft palate thermocautery (SPTC) was performed at the same time as LTF. However, this additional intervention did not reduce the incidence of iDDSP beyond what was achieved with LTF alone, indicating no added benefit. 

There was a 22% increase in the number of horses that raced and an 18% increase in those achieving placings following LTF surgery, indicating a positive impact on athletic performance.

 

The authors also found that horses that continued to have suspected upper airway impairment after the tie forward operation were likely to have continued iDDSP. 

They conclude that laryngeal tie-forward surgery is a reliable and effective treatment for iDDSP in horses. While soft palate thermocautery is often employed with the aim of enhancing soft palate stability, this study suggests it does not improve outcomes when used in conjunction with LTF. Furthermore, ongoing respiratory noise or performance issues post-surgery should prompt repeat OGE, as they may indicate persistent or recurrent iDDSP.

 

For more details, see:

 

Barnett, Timothy P., Colgate, Victoria A., Robinson, Natalie, Smith, Lewis C. R., Palmer, Lorraine, Barakzai, Safia Z.

Overground endoscopic examination following laryngeal tie-forward in horses with dorsal displacement of the soft palate

Veterinary Surgery (2025)

https://doi.org/10.1111/vsu.14245

University of Minnesota Study Investigates Genetic Influence on PPID Treatment Response in Horses

A research team at the University of Minnesota is investigating the role genetics may play in how
horses respond to treatment for pituitary pars intermedia dysfunction (PPID), commonly known as equine Cushing’s disease. This condition, which affects up to 30% of older horses, can have serious consequences ranging from diminished performance to death.

 

PPID develops when neurons in the hypothalamus become damaged, resulting in the loss of control over the pituitary gland’s pars intermedia. While there is currently no cure, treatment focuses on slowing disease progression and managing clinical signs. The gold-standard medication for PPID is pergolide, a dopamine receptor agonist originally used to treat Parkinson’s disease in humans. Pergolide helps compensate for dopamine loss in hypothalamic neurons and is the most widely prescribed drug for PPID.

 

However, horses vary significantly in their response to pergolide. Treatment success rates are reported to range from 60–80%, but comparisons across studies are difficult due to differing definitions of “success.” Additionally, adverse effects are relatively common, with some studies reporting anorexia in up to 32% of treated horses. Other side effects may include colic, weight loss, and behavioural changes. These reactions often lead owners or veterinarians to reduce or discontinue treatment - causing symptoms to return or worsen and allowing the disease to progress.

 

It is well established in human medicine that genetic differences can influence how individuals respond to medications. Now, the same principle is being explored in horses.

 

The study, led by Dr. Molly McCue and Dr. Lauren Hughes from the UMN Equine Genetics and Genomics Laboratory, in collaboration with Dr. Dianne McFarlane from the University of Florida, aims to uncover genetic factors that affect pergolide response and adverse event susceptibility in horses with PPID.

 

“Our goal is to identify genetic variants that influence treatment outcomes,” explain the researchers. “If we find specific alleles that predict poor response or higher risk of side effects, this could lead to more personalised treatment—such as adjusted dosing strategies to improve safety and effectiveness.”

 

“As a veterinarian, I understand just how devastating PPID can be for horses and the owners that love them,” said Dr. Hughes in a UMN College of Veterinary Medicine news release. “I’m very excited about the potential of this research to improve how we diagnose, treat, and manage this important disease.”

 

The research team is actively seeking suitable horses to enrol in the study. They are looking for horses that meet the following criteria:

• Over the age of 15 at time of PPID diagnosis
• Diagnosis made by veterinarian and diagnosis included bloodwork
• Horse has/had clinical signs consistent with PPID (long shaggy haircoat, muscle atrophy, changes in mentation, or recurrent infections)
• Horse has been on pergolide therapy for a minimum of 6 months and has had recheck blood values (including ACTH, TRH stim, or dexamethasone suppression blood work)

 

If your horse meets the criteria, you are encouraged to participate. Your involvement is essential - this research would not be possible without the support of dedicated horse owners and their animals.

 

For more details, see:

 

https://vetmed.umn.edu/equine/research/equine-genetics-and-genomics-laboratory/projects/equine-pituitary-pars-intermedia-dysfunction-ppid/pergolide-study/pergolide-study-participation-requirements

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kZl2WvUBt1w

Watch National Equine Forum 2024 Sessions Online for Free

(c) Lifeontheside | Dreamtime.com

This year’s National Equine Forum (NEF) tackled some of the most important topics shaping the
future of the equestrian world. Whether you're a professional, amateur, or horse owner, there's something for everyone.

All sessions are now available to watch online for free.

Highlights from the 2024 NEF Programme:

Equine Grass Sickness. Professor Bruce McGorum (Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies) shared exciting new research suggesting that a neurotoxin produced by pasture microbes—with similarities to snake venom—may be the cause of equine grass sickness (EGS).

This discovery opens the door to better diagnostics and potential treatments. Ongoing research includes the development of an EGS biobank and a weather app to help predict risk.

Atypical Myopathy – The Risk from Sycamores Professor Richard Piercy (Royal Veterinary College) explained that atypical myopathy is caused by the toxin Hypoglycin A, found in sycamore seeds, seedlings, and leaves.
The risk varies each year and even between trees. Toxin levels are highest in seedlings, and the toxin remains active even in hay or after mowing. Prevention tips include:

• Avoid grazing near sycamore trees
• Use hay racks
• Bring horses in at night

Other Key Topics Included:

Equine Nutrition: Safe feeding practices, the essential role of forage, and where to find trustworthy nutrition advice.

Equine-Assisted Services: The many ways horses support human wellbeing, both in and out of the saddle.

“Being able to communicate current knowledge on equine health and welfare and our human relationship with horses with so many people was an absolute privilege,” said NEF Chair Tim Brigstocke. “It is with grateful thanks to our generous sponsors, friends and live streaming supporters that we have been able achieve record numbers of delegates this year. Sharing and debating across the sector in a non-partisan way is at the heart of the NEF and this year’s event has demonstrated how unified we are, for the good of the horse.”

 

Sessions from NEF25 have been posted on NEF’s YouTube channel<https://www.youtube.com/c/nationalequineforum>; 

Cloning Offers New Hope for Genetic Diversity in Przewalski’s Horses

(c) Slowmotiongli | Dreamstime.com

A recent report highlights how cloning from cryopreserved cells can help increase genetic diversity in Przewalski’s
horses—an endangered species whose entire population today descends from a very limited number of wild ancestors.

The Przewalski’s horse (Equus przewalskii), once extinct in the wild, was saved through being bred in captivity and later reintroduced into its native habitats. This recovery program has been highly successful - with approximately 3,000 individuals alive today. However, it is important to recognise that all these horses trace back to just 12 wild-caught animals, captured between 1898 and 1947. As a result, the current global population is genetically narrow, with only five founder lineages represented in today's horses.

To address this genetic bottleneck, scientists are exploring advanced reproductive technologies, including cloning from cryopreserved cells. This approach could either restore lost genetic variation or amplify the presence of underrepresented lineages in the population. Such efforts rely on biological materials preserved in biobanks specifically for conservation purposes.

Since the 1970s, the San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance’s Frozen Zoo® - a major component of their Biodiversity Bank - has stored cells and tissues from 575 Przewalski’s horses spanning many generations. Among these samples was one from a stallion known as Studbook Number 615, or "Kuporovitch," who lived from 1975 to 1998. Despite his valuable genetics, Kuporovitch was underrepresented in the breeding program, making him an ideal candidate for cloning.

In a study published in the journal Animals, Ben Novak and colleagues reported the successful birth of two healthy clones of Kuporovitch. These clones were created using cross-species somatic cell nuclear transfer - a method in which the nucleus of a preserved Przewalski’s horse cell is inserted into an enucleated domestic horse ovum (egg), which is then implanted into a domestic horse surrogate mother. The first clone was born in 2020, followed by a second in 2023.

Both clones were genetically verified using standard pedigree genotyping, and one clone’s identity was further confirmed through whole-genome sequencing. 

The research team point out that this is the first time multiple clones of an endangered species have survived the perinatal period, marking a significant achievement in conservation science.

They add that, although only two clones were produced, both attempts at cloning were successful, demonstrating the reproducibility and reliability of cloning for genetic rescue purposes for the endangered Przewalski’s horse. 

This breakthrough makes the Przewalski’s horse only the fifth endangered species to be successfully cloned, and one of the first where cloning has been used as an active tool for conservation management. It opens the door to more strategic use of biobanked genetic material in future recovery efforts - not just to prevent extinction, but to enrich and diversify the genetic makeup of rebounding populations.

 

For more details , see: 

 

Novak, Ben J., Oliver A. Ryder, Marlys L. Houck, Kelcey Walker, Lexie Russell, Blake Russell, Shawn Walker, Sanaz Sadeghieh Arenivas, Lauren Aston, Gregg Veneklasen, and et al. 2025. 

Endangered Przewalski’s Horse, Equus przewalskii, Cloned from Historically Cryopreserved Cells 

Animals (2025) 15, no. 5: 613.

https://doi.org/10.3390/ani15050613

Leg mites and CPL in Belgian draft horses

(c) Hortensja Buckietowa CCbySA4.0

 A recent study provides evidence of a strong link between Chorioptes bovis mite infestation and
Chronic Progressive Lymphoedema prevalence in Belgian draft horses.

Chronic Progressive Lymphoedema (CPL) is a debilitating condition of the lymphatic system in horses, characterised by chronic inflammation, fluid accumulation, and progressive skin changes. Over time, the skin becomes rough, scaly, and thickened, with the formation of deep folds and creases. The skin folds can trap dirt and moisture, creating an ideal environment for bacterial and fungal infections.

 

In advanced cases, horses may experience pain and stiffness, leading to lameness.

CPL occurs most commonly in draft and heavy horse breeds, particularly those with heavily feathered legs. Such breeds are also prone to infection with Chorioptes bovis (mange mites)

Commonly affected breeds include: Shire Horses, Clydesdales, Belgian Draft Horses.

 

A study conducted by Marieke Brys and colleagues at the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Belgium, investigated the prevalence of CPL and Chorioptes bovis mite infestation in two horse breeds. A full report of their work is published in Veterinary Research Communications.

 

The research team examined 156 Belgian draft (also known as Brabant) horses and 142 Belgian warmblood horses.

 

They performed clinical examinations to assess for signs of CPL and took skin scrapings from the lower legs to detect the presence of Chorioptes bovis mites, a common cause of mange in horses.

 

They found that 144 out of 156 Belgian draft horses (92.31%) were infested with Chorioptes bovis mites. One hundred and twenty-six of the Belgian draft horses (80.77%) showed clinical signs of CPL.

 

In contrast, none of the 142 Belgian warmblood horses showed signs of CPL or mite infestation, highlighting a stark contrast between the two breeds.

 

The researchers found a significant association between mite infestation and CPL prevalence in Belgian draft horses. Horses infested with C. bovis were nearly twice as likely to exhibit CPL compared to non-infested horses.

 

The study noted a substantial absolute increase in CPL prevalence among mite-infested horses, indicating that mite infestation may contribute to the development or exacerbation of CPL.

 

The study provides compelling evidence of a strong link between Chorioptes bovis mite infestation and CPL prevalence in Belgian draft horses. The findings underscore the need for effective mite management strategies to reduce the incidence and severity of CPL, ultimately improving equine welfare and quality of life.

 

The researchers concluded that effective mite management is important for reducing the burden of CPL in draft horses. 

For more details, see: 

Brys M, Claerebout E, Saey V, Chiers K. 

High prevalence of Chorioptes bovis: an important factor in chronic progressive lymphedema in Belgian draft horses. 

Veterinary Research Communications (2025);49(3):129. 

https://doi.org/10.1007/s11259-025-10695-y

Trazodone detection in horse hair

(c) Margaret. Dreamstime.com

 Recent work has shown that trazadone can be detected in mane hair samples.

Trazodone is a pharmaceutical agent originally developed for human use, where it is classified as a serotonin antagonist and reuptake inhibitor (SARI). This means it has a dual action on serotonin receptors: it blocks certain serotonin receptors (antagonist) while enhancing serotonin levels in the brain by inhibiting its reuptake (agonist effect). This results in dose-dependent effects.

 

At low doses, it works mostly as a sedative, making the person - or animal - feel drowsy. At higher doses, it helps reduce anxiety and depression. Because of its calming effects, some veterinarians have used trazodone in horses, especially those on box rest, when confined to a stable for a long time to recover from an injury. It can help keep the horse relax and prevent stress or injury.

 

However, trazodone is listed as a prohibited substance by the International Federation of Horseracing Authorities (IFHA) and other governing bodies. Its detection in blood or urine constitutes an anti-doping rule violation, resulting in suspensions for both the athlete (jockey or trainer) and the horse involved. This classification highlights the need for robust testing methods and forensic scrutiny.

 

To detect if a horse has been given trazodone, testing is usually done on blood or urine samples. But there's a growing interest in using hair testing because it can show long-term exposure - like a record of what the horse has been given over weeks or months.

 

In recent work, Pascal Kintz and his team at the Institut de Médecine Légale in Strasbourg developed a new method to detect trazodone in horse hair. Their findings were published in the Journal of Analytical Toxicology.

 

The team received mane hair samples from two horses suspected of having been given trazodone. Using their new method, they were able to detect extremely small amounts of the drug - as little as 0.1 picograms per milligram of hair.

 

In one case, a horse tested positive for 0.4 pg/mg, supporting a previous doping violation. In the second case, trazodone was found at 9 pg/mg and 24 pg/mg in two different segments of the mane - strong evidence that the horse had been given the drug multiple times.

 

While the researchers say it's still not possible to determine the exact dose or timing of the drug just from a hair sample, this study is the first confirmed evidence that trazodone can be incorporated into a horse's hair and detected long after administration.

 

As hair testing continues to improve, it could become an important tool in protecting the fairness and integrity of equine sports.

For more details, see: 

Pascal Kintz, Morgane Baudry, Laurie Gheddar, 

Testing for trazodone, an antidepressant, in hair collected from horses, 

Journal of Analytical Toxicology, (2025), bkaf025

https://doi.org/10.1093/jat/bkaf025

BHA expands anti-doping programme to include gene doping tests

(c) Neil Wright | Dreamstime

 The British Horseracing Authority (BHA) is stepping up its efforts to protect racehorse welfare and the integrity of British racing by adding gene doping detection to its regular anti-doping programme.

From now on, testing for signs of gene doping will be part of routine raceday and out-of-competition samples.

Gene doping involves using gene therapy techniques to artificially enhance a horse’s performance. This could mean altering a horse’s DNA or adding foreign genes to increase muscle, boost stamina, speed up recovery, or reduce fatigue and pain—none of which are allowed under the Rules of Racing.

 

Recognised as a growing threat to horse welfare, fair competition, and the future of the breed, gene doping is banned in racing worldwide.

 

To tackle this risk, the BHA has invested nearly £2 million in research at the LGC lab in Fordham. Since 2019, LGC has been working—alongside the Centre for Racehorse Studies and with support from the BHA—to develop reliable methods for detecting gene doping. These efforts have now paid off.

 

LGC’s lab has also gained official accreditation from the UK Accreditation Service, making it the first to launch this new generation of gene doping tests.

 

These tests will now become a regular part of the BHA’s broader anti-doping strategy, which includes random and targeted sampling to spot the misuse of drugs or methods that could give competitors an unfair edge or harm the horses.

 

In a press release, The BHA’s Acting Chief Executive Officer, Brant Dunshea, said:

“Testing for gene doping is a significant step forward for British racing and reinforces our commitment to safeguarding the welfare of our horses, protecting the thoroughbred breed and integrity of our competition.

Could You Help Shape the Future of Equine Science? Now’s Your Chance! Free webinar shows you how…

Horses Inside Out is on the lookout for passionate equine coaches, therapists, vets, and professionals just like you—people who bring science to life through real-world experience and a deep love for horses. If you’ve ever wanted to make a real difference in the field of equine science, this is your opportunity.

Presenting a scientific poster at a conference might sound like something only researchers do—but that’s not the case! As a busy equestrian professional, you may have thought your insights or field data wouldn’t be suitable. Think again.

The knowledge and information you gather in your day-to-day practice can be incredibly valuable. When analysed and presented effectively, it can influence future practices, inspire innovation, and help improve the welfare and performance of horses everywhere.

Could you create a scientific poster for the Horses Inside Out Conference 2026? Whether you have a case study, a small research project, or even practical field observations to share, your contribution matters.

To guide you through the process, Horses Inside Out are hosting a free live webinar with Professor Meriel Moore-Colyer. She’ll walk you through everything you need to know: 

• Choosing the right topic; 
• Structuring your poster; 
• Presenting your data clearly; 
• Making an impact with your message

📅 Date: Wednesday 21 May 2025
⏰ Time: 7pm–8pm (BST)
💻 Location: Online via Zoom

Don't miss this opportunity to gain the confidence and skills to create and present your own scientific poster. Let’s make equine science more accessible and practitioner-led.

Sign up now and get involved. Here is the link for the free webinar:

 https://www.horsesinsideout.com/events/mastering-scientific-posters

Updated HBLB Codes of practice now available

The Horserace Betting Levy Board (HBLB) Codes of Practice, first introduced in 1977, were developed in response to the growing threat of Contagious Equine Metritis (CEM) and the lack of standardised biosecurity measures in the equine industry. CEM outbreaks were causing significant reproductive issues in mares and financial losses for breeders. The introduction of the Codes aimed to establish uniform disease prevention and control protocols, helping to safeguard equine health and protect the breeding industry.

The HBLB Codes of Practice outline voluntary, yet highly recommended, guidelines designed to assist breeders and their veterinary surgeons in the prevention, management, and control of specific infectious diseases in all breeds of horses and ponies.

While the Codes were originally intended for breeding enterprises and stud farms, their value extends beyond this sector. They have become a comprehensive resource on infectious disease control, biosecurity, and equine health management, making them relevant to:

• Horse owners aiming to prevent disease outbreaks in their yards.
• Riders and trainers seeking to maintain healthy horses and implement sound biosecurity practices.
• Veterinarians using the Codes as a reference for best practices in disease diagnosis, treatment, and prevention.

Since their introduction, the HBLB Codes of Practice have been regularly updated and expanded to include recommendations for controlling other significant equine diseases, such as:

• Equine Herpesvirus (EHV) – which can cause respiratory disease, abortion, and neurological symptoms.
• Equine Influenza (EI) – a highly contagious respiratory infection that can spread rapidly.
• Strangles – a bacterial infection caused by Streptococcus equi, known for its painful abscesses and potential complications.
• Equine Viral Arteritis (EVA) and Equine Infectious Anaemia (EIA) – both serious infectious diseases that threaten equine health.

As a result, the Codes have evolved into an essential reference not only for breeding establishments but also for all equine professionals, owners, and riders, offering a wealth of practical information on biosecurity, vaccination, and disease management. They are an invaluable resource for anyone involved in equine care and management, providing evidence-based guidance on reducing the risk of infectious disease outbreaks and promoting the overall health and welfare of horses.

 

The HBLB Codes of Practice are freely available online and can be accessed at:

https://codes.hblb.org.uk

 

Ultrasound appearance of patellar ligaments

(c) Sergeii Kumer Dreamstime.com

 A new report highlights that ultrasonography should not be solely relied upon to diagnose patellar ligament damage as a cause of lameness in horses.

Ultrasonography is a valuable tool for evaluating soft tissue injuries, but accurate interpretation requires an understanding of normal tissue appearance. Changes in tissue structure may be mistaken for disease when they are, in fact, normal variations.

Since tendons and ligaments do not appear well on X-rays, ultrasound is a preferred method for diagnosing soft tissue injuries in horses’ legs. Ultrasonography works by using high-frequency sound waves, which are emitted from a handheld transducer. These waves bounce off different tissues, such as tendons and ligaments, and return to the device to generate a live image on the screen.

When fluid accumulates between tissue fibres, it can disrupt the normal tissue structure. Because fluid does not reflect ultrasound waves, it appears dark on the screen, while tissue fibres, which reflect sound waves, appear as white spots or lines. Fatty tissue has a different ultrasound appearance compared to fibrous tendon and ligament tissue.

Ultrasonography is increasingly used to investigate potential patellar ligament damage in horses. However, researchers question how much variation in ligament appearance is normal.

A team from the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences in Uppsala, led by Ellen Law and colleagues from the Diagnostic Imaging Clinic and the Department of Animal Biosciences, conducted a study to examine the ultrasonographic appearance of patellar ligaments (PLs) and the patellar fat pad in healthy horses.

The prospective observational study included 116 horses in training—Cavalry horses, Warmbloods, and Standardbred Trotters. To be eligible, the horses had to be in training with no reported lameness or performance issues according to their riders or trainers.

Researchers used B-mode and colour Doppler ultrasound to examine the PLs and infrapatellar fat pad in both hind limbs. They also conducted objective gait analyses on all 116 horses.

Findings showed that hypoechoic (darker) regions in the intermediate patellar ligament were common (24/116), particularly in the caudal aspect of the mid-third of the ligament. The infrapatellar fat pad typically had a hypoechoic striated appearance, except in one horse, where it was hyperechoic.

There was no association between ultrasonographic findings in the PLs and infrapatellar fat pad and lameness. 

The researchers emphasised that patellar ligament appearance varies among horses, and these variations may or may not be linked to pain. They stressed the importance of using local analgesia to accurately determine the source of lameness before making a diagnosis.

 

 

For more details, see: 

 

Ellen Law , Linda Wright , Margareta Uhlhorn , Elin Hernlund , Carolina Nilemo , Marie Rhodin 

Hypoechoic ultrasonographic findings in the patellar ligaments are common in riding and trotting horses in training (116 cases)

Vet Radiol Ultrasound (2025) 66(1):e13446

 https://doi.org/10.1111/vru.13446