Watch National Equine Forum 2024 Sessions Online for Free

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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

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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

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 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

Working towards a sarcoid vaccine

Equine sarcoids are the most frequently diagnosed skin tumours in horses. Although they are generally non-malignant, they can be highly problematic. 

Sarcoids are believed to be associated with bovine papillomavirus type 1 (BPV1). The virus is implicated in the transformation of equine skin cells, resulting in tumour development. Although the exact transmission route is not fully understood, BPV1 DNA has been detected in many equine sarcoid lesions, strengthening the link between the virus and the disease.

Currently there is no universally effective treatment, and if treatment fails the sarcoids will often come back worse than they were in the first place. Although the disease is rarely life-threatening, many horses with sarcoids are euthanased because the condition is untreatable or because the horse is unsellable.  

Various treatment options are available for equine sarcoids, including:  surgical removal, laser excision, cryotherapy (freezing the tumour), topical and intralesional chemotherapy and immunotherapy.

However, treating sarcoids is challenging due to their high recurrence rates, especially following surgical removal. Residual tumour cells left behind during surgery often lead to regrowth, making long-term management difficult.

Currently, there is no approved vaccine available to prevent or treat equine sarcoids. However, given the association with BPV1, the development of a vaccine could potentially offer protection against the disease.

Researchers at the Maxwell H. Gluck Equine Research Center, University of Kentucky, Lexington, have made a significant step toward developing a sarcoid vaccine.

A team led by Olivia Jacob and colleagues has developed an experimental vaccine using a recombinant baculovirus vector. This vaccine expresses the L1 protein of BPV1.

(The L1 protein is a major structural component of the BPV1 viral capsid. It plays a key role in triggering the immune system to recognize and neutralize the virus, making it a prime target for vaccine development.)

The researchers conducted a trial involving 15 horses. Ten healthy, sarcoid-free horses received two doses of the experimental vaccine, administered three weeks apart. Five control horses were injected with a placebo vaccine containing only the culture medium.

Blood samples were collected before and after vaccination to assess the immune response.

Vaccinated horses produced strong neutralising antibody responses, with antibody titres ranging from 40 to over 1280. In contrast, the control horses showed no detectable immune response.

The researchers concluded that since neutralising antibodies are recognised as an indicator of protection against BPV1, this experimental vaccine has the potential to protect horses from developing sarcoids.

The study offers promising evidence that a BPV1-based vaccine could provide immunity against equine sarcoids. Although still in the experimental stage, the vaccine demonstrated a good safety profile and the ability to elicit a strong immune response in horses. If further trials confirm its effectiveness, this vaccine could provide a novel tool in preventing and managing equine sarcoids, significantly improving equine health and welfare.

For more details, see:

 

O. Jacob, B. Hause, K. Peters-Smith, E.N. Adam, A.E. Page, C. Floyd, C. Tucker, L.G. Eertink, D. Wang, F. Li,

Safety and immunogenicity of a sarcoid vaccine in horses,

Journal of Equine Veterinary Science,(2025) 146, 105381,

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jevs.2025.105381

Investigating changes in salivary oxytocin in horse with EGUS

(c) Dahlskoge Dreamstime.com

 Gastric ulcers are common in horses, with studies indicating their presence in approximately 60% of sport horses and up to 90% of Thoroughbred racehorses in training.

Gastric ulcers have been associated with various non-specific clinical signs, including weight loss, reduced appetite, poor physical condition, dullness, colic, diarrhea, poor performance, and behavioural changes. However, many adult horses with gastric ulcers exhibit no obvious signs.

Equine gastric ulcer syndrome (EGUS) is categorised into two types: equine squamous gastric disease (ESGD) and equine glandular gastric disease (EGGD). A definitive diagnosis requires gastroscopy, a relatively straightforward yet costly procedure.

There is growing interest in identifying biomarkers to assess gastric health non-invasively. One such biomarker is oxytocin, a peptide hormone that plays a role in stress regulation and gastric protection. Salivary oxytocin has been explored as a potential welfare indicator due to its antiulcer and gastric antisecretory properties. It helps reduce acid production and promotes mucosal protection by enhancing blood flow to the stomach lining. Additionally, as oxytocin is involved in social bonding and stress regulation, it may help prevent stress-induced ulcers.

Researchers aimed to investigate differences in salivary oxytocin levels in horses with and without gastric ulcers while also validating an AlphaLISA-based immunoassay for measuring oxytocin in horse saliva. A report of the work is published by BMC Veterinary Research. 

The study involved 102 horses, which were divided into five groups:

·       25 horses with both ESGD and EGGD

·       23 horses with only EGGD

·       21 horses with only ESGD

·       19 horses with other diseases

·       14 healthy horses

Diseased horses were admitted to the Large Animal Teaching Hospital at the University of Copenhagen, Denmark, while healthy horses were sampled at the Veterinary Teaching Hospital of the University of Extremadura, Spain. All examinations took place between February 2022 and March 2023.

The research team found that the assay demonstrated high precision and accuracy for measuring oxytocin in equine saliva. They highlighted the advantages of the AlphaLISA method over conventional ELISA kits, including the elimination of washing steps and the need for a lower sample volume (10 µL vs. 100 µL for ELISA). They point out that this is makes it a more practical option in clinical settings.

Their results showed that healthy horses had higher salivary oxytocin levels compared to those with EGGD or both EGUS types. Horses with only ESGD also had higher oxytocin levels than those with EGGD or both forms of EGUS. Additionally, horses with other diseases had higher oxytocin levels than those with EGGD or mixed EGUS cases.

The findings suggest a potential link between lower oxytocin levels and EGGD or mixed EGUS cases. However, further research is necessary to fully understand oxytocin's role in EGUS development and progression.

For more details, see: 

 

Botía, M., Muñoz-Prieto, A., Martínez-Subiela, S., Martín-Cuervo,^, M.,  Hansen, S. ,  Manteca, X. , Joaquín Cerón, J.,  López-Arjona, M.

Oxytocin in horse saliva: validation of a highly sensitive assay and a pilot report about changes in equine gastric ulcer syndrome. 

BMC Vet Res (2025) 21, 90 

https://doi.org/10.1186/s12917-025-04569-3

Enhancing welfare in horse breeding

(c) Zuzana Tillerová. Dreamstime.com

 Researchers at Hartpury University are working with the World Breeding Federation for Sport
Horses (WBFSH) on a research project to improve equine welfare in horse breeding.

WBFSH, which represents 86 studbooks across 36 countries, serves as the key link between sport horse breeding and international equestrian sport. As the only global federation of studbooks for sport horses, WBFSH collaborates closely with the Fédération Equestre Internationale (FEI) to support breeders and advance sport horse development.

This research aims to provide fact-based recommendations and achieve measurable improvements in the welfare of sport horses worldwide.

The project, led by Hartpury University’s Head of Research, Prof. Jane Williams, followed a three-stage approach, combining industry consultation with a review of existing research.

First, interviews with 17 WBFSH members identified key welfare concerns in horse breeding. Next, a systematic review of scientific literature explored breeding practices, conditions, and interventions affecting horse welfare. Finally, focus groups were held with industry experts and leading academics in equine welfare.

The interviews highlighted three main welfare areas across the breeding cycle: selection of breeding stock, management of breeding stock, and care of foals and young horses. The literature review revealed that existing research often fails to take a holistic view of horse welfare needs.

Prof. Williams commented: ​ “Our research has demonstrated that welfare in horse breeding practices is still under-researched. ​ Our systematic review of the existing literature has highlighted areas where further work is needed. ​ We also found that to translate our findings into improving horse welfare in practice, we need to support a strong implementation strategy that is accessible and achievable.”

She added: “​ We are grateful for the support from the WBFSH not only in funding this research project, but also in their unwavering commitment to ensuring its findings lead to real improvements in horse welfare worldwide.”

The next step is for WBFSH to work with its member studbooks to implement the project’s findings. This includes incorporating a welfare statement into its statutes and promoting the consideration of behaviour, health, and longevity in breeding strategies. WBFSH states that it will also continue working with industry partners to prioritise equine welfare and support breeders through clear communication, resources, and webinars.

Study into early detection of injury risk

Racing Australia’s Research and Development Fund, in collaboration with the Equine Genetics
Research Centre (EGRC) and Telemedvet, has announced a joint investment exceeding $400,000 for a 12-month project aimed at studying a serum biomarker in the clinical investigation of equine musculoskeletal injuries. This initiative has the potential to develop real-time capabilities that could help prevent injuries to both horses and jockeys.

The project focuses on evaluating the serum bone biomarker Osteocalcin (OC) as a potential predictor of equine lameness and fractures. Dr. Natasha Hamilton, a leading global equine geneticist and Director of the EGRC, highlights the significance of this research:

“Pilot studies have shown a correlation between OC level and abnormal radiomic scintigram findings that can indicate a horse is at elevated risk of catastrophic fracture. This study will investigate whether OC is an effective biomarker to identify at risk horses in a broader population. We are very excited to be able to support this work.”

The research is led by Prof. Dominique Blache from the University of Western Australia’s School of Agriculture and Environment, alongside a team of co-investigators headed by Dr. Peter Tually, Co-director and Nuclear Medicine Practitioner at Telemedvet. Dr. Tually envisions integrating advanced nuclear technology into Thoroughbred welfare practices:

“Our passion for horse racing and a lifelong dedication to science and advanced imaging has given us a unique perspective. The support of trainers has been essential and has shown us the enthusiasm the industry has for modern advancements. To be supported by the regulators in this important research is something we are immensely proud of.”

The Racing Australia Research and Development Fund is supported by industry contributions, with $20 from every Thoroughbred registration allocated to its investment initiatives. All research projects undergo rigorous assessment in alignment with Racing Australia’s commitment to horse welfare. Racing Australia CEO Paul Eriksson reinforces this dedication:

“Racing Australia has a national role and firm commitment to advance research and development to enhance and support positive welfare outcomes for athletes both human and horse. The Racing Australia Research and Development Fund and the EGRC led by Dr Natasha Hamilton is excited to invest in research that takes steps in assessing the risk of fractures to mitigate injuries and support trainers in managing the training schedules of their equine athletes.”

(edited press release)

Cardiac Arrhythmias and the Role of cTnI in Horses

While some arrhythmias in horses are benign and pose no significant health risks, others can
severely impact performance and, in some cases, become life-threatening. Accurate diagnosis and management are especially critical in performance horses, where cardiac efficiency directly affects athletic ability.

Unlike humans, where vascular disease can lead to heart attacks, such conditions are rare in horses. Instead, horses are more commonly affected by cardiac rhythm abnormalities (arrhythmias). The most frequent arrhythmia observed is atrial fibrillation, which can impair heart function but is often manageable.

More serious are ventricular arrhythmias—abnormal heart rhythms originating from the ventricles—which can lead to severe cardiac complications. Horses with myocardial toxicities often experience these arrhythmias, but because they tend to be intermittent, detection can be challenging.

In human medicine, cardiac damage is assessed using cardiac troponin-I (cTnI), a regulatory protein released into the bloodstream when myocardial (heart muscle) cells are damaged. cTnI is highly specific to cardiac muscle and plays a crucial role in heart contraction. Elevated plasma cTnI levels are widely used to diagnose and assess the severity of myocardial damage, particularly in coronary artery disease (commonly associated with heart attacks).

Since equine cTnI is structurally similar to human cTnI, diagnostic methods developed for humans have been adapted for use in horses. 

Researchers, led by Jonathan Foreman, at the University of Illinois Veterinary Teaching Hospital, conducted a study to establish reference values for cTnI in healthy horses, using a human chemiluminescence assay. They then compared these values to cTnI levels in horses with diagnosed cardiac disease, confirmed through electrocardiography (ECG) and ultrasonography. All full report of the work is published in Animals.

The researchers found that horses with atrial fibrillation sometimes showed mildly elevated cTnI levels, occasionally falling outside the normal reference range.

On the other hand, horses with ventricular arrhythmias had a 10-fold higher median cTnI concentration compared to those with atrial fibrillation.

These results suggest that measuring plasma cTnI levels could be a valuable diagnostic tool in horses with suspected ventricular premature contractions or ventricular tachycardia. The findings support the use of cTnI assays in equine medicine to detect and monitor cardiac disease, improving early diagnosis and management of potentially serious conditions.

For more details, see:

Jonathan H Foreman, Brett S Tennent-Brown,  Mark A Oyama,  D David Sisson. 

Plasma Cardiac Troponin-I Concentration in Normal Horses and in Horses with Cardiac Abnormalities

Animals (Basel) (2025);15(1):92. 

doi: 10.3390/ani15010092