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Joint Care for Equine Athletes

Check out M.C. Diamond Friends with there all new updated website healthysteps.com Why Healthy Steps is different? One of their great products they offer is “Joint Eze”. “Joint Eze” is a Full Spectrum Glucosamine/Chondroitin Supplement that is one of only a couple of products that combines four types of Glucosamine with an ample amount of Sodium Ascorbate and Manganese for total absorption. “Joint Eze” eliminates all the guesswork because, “Joint Eze” contains only the intended quality of compounds in a pure power concentrate. You have a peace of mind and complete control over the accuracy and administration of each dose. Liquids and fillers are prone to inaccuracy, separation and sedimentation making it impossible to judge the proper dose. Go to Healthy Steps Joint Eze for more info. Also at M.C. Diamond Ranch we carry Ice BootsPro Kold icing made easy. Check them out at “M.C. Diamond Ranch“. There are some major features using the “Pro Kold” ice boot over other methods and boots. #1 Allows ice treatment-without exposing hoof to water. Encapsulated, refreezable water solution eliminates cracked hooves and fungus infections resulting from prolonged water contact; also reduces stall and stable clean-up normaly resulting from use of ice or water. #2 Convenient-Unit construction with straps attached makes installation simple and ice pillows stay in place while thawing instead of slipping to bottom of wrap. #3 Affordable- Wraps can be purchased individually. #4 Durable-Nylon casing and industrial grade polymers ensure  long life with repeated usage. Wrap can be hosed off and air dried. #5 Provides Mobility-Panel design allows horse to be mobile while receiving ice treatment. Ice treatment can be used for up to 2 hours without personnel standing by. Take a look at the “M. C. Diamond Pro Pack” comes with 1 hock rap, 2 short and 2 long ice boots with a insulated travel bag , makes a great set!

Horses and Other Livestock Can Thrive in Cold Weather

Seeing horses and other livestock outdoors during frigid winter weather may trigger concerns from the public about the welfare of these animals. What most people don’t understand is that most livestock can remain comfortable in low temperatures, say experts in Penn State’s College of Agricultural Sciences.

Unlike humans, horses acclimate to cold weather by developing fatty tissue that “winterizes” them, according to Ann Swinker, associate professor of equine science.

“Even in cold weather, horses prefer to be outdoors,” said Swinker. “The last thing you want to do is put an animal that is acclimated to the cold weather in a heated environment. If the horse is in good physical condition with a good body-fat ratio, it will be fine.”

When horses exhibit cold stress, typical comfort-seeking behavior is expressed, such as huddling together and seeking shelter from wind. Foals will curl up to minimize body surface area. Shivering is also a sign of cold sensitivity. This happens when a horse might not have enough body fat or energy to keep warm.

“People need to watch body condition score during winter to make sure the diet is meeting the energy needs of the horse,” said Dr. Robert Van Saun, extension veterinarian and professor of veterinary science. “The energy requirement to maintain a horse on a daily basis is going to increase. Depending on temperatures, there are some calculations for horses as well as other species in which, for every degree below the lower critical threshold temperature, you increase energy requirements by about 10 percent. We usually talk about 25 percent increase during these winter months. Adding a half-amount more of grain or fat sources to the diet is very important to accommodate the cold.”

Horses also increase body metabolism through various physiological mechanisms. Bacterial fermentation of forage in the hind gut of the horse can generate a tremendous amount of heat. As a result, horses can tolerate much colder weather than humans. Adding fiber to the diet will increase heat of fermentation.

Endocrine systems perform other essential physiological functions a horse needs to stay warm. To conserve central body core temperatures, the thyroid gland produces the hormone thyroxin to increase metabolic rate and provide warmth. Swinker noted that horses have another innate defense against cold weather.

“A long winter hair coat serves as insulation by reducing the loss of body heat and provides the first line of defense against the cold,” she said. “Its insulating value is reduced when the horse becomes wet and/or is covered with mud. This is why it is important to provide regular grooming and windbreaks—whether man-made or natural, such as tree lines or shrubs.”

Horses have guard hairs which serve as an external hair coat in winter that protects the animal from excessive moisture. However, Swinker points out, not all horses have guard hairs.

“Show horses with hair coats that are artificially short should not be turned outside in bitter winter cold without a blanket or windbreak,” Swinker explained. “If you do have a show horse that is housed in a barn during most of the winter, the barn should be adequately ventilated to reduce the risk of respiratory disease. Proper ventilation eliminates excess moisture and condensation buildup. Care also should be taken to prevent a direct draft on the horse; this will cause stress and additional problems.”

Although animals may adapt to cold weather, Van Saun says they may need a little extra daily attention. “Ready access to water is extremely important,” he said. “Water needs to be replaced once it becomes frozen. If horses don’t drink water, they can’t eat dry food to get the energy needed to produce body heat. Water deprivation can cause colic or abdominal distress in horses.”

For more information about equine management during the winter season, contact the Equine Science Program in Penn State’s Dairy and Animal Science Department at AskDAS@psu.edu. Additional information on horse care can be found online in Swinker’s “Penn State Horse”

newsletter at http://www.das.psu.edu/equine-science/penn-state-horse-newsletter.

BBC to Broadcast Alltech FEI European Championships 2009

Alltech announced that the BBC, one of the largest broadcasting corporations in the world, will provide coverage of the Alltech FEI European Championships 2009. Thirty-two nations and 150 riders are expected to take part in the event held in Windsor, United Kingdom, Aug. 25-30, 2009. It is the first time that the European Jumping Championships and the European Dressage Championships will be held at the same venue.
 
“Set against the historic background of Windsor Castle and under the patronage of Her Majesty the Queen, the Alltech FEI European Championships 2009 promise to be an amazing prelude to the Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games in 2010,” said Dr. Pearse Lyons, president and founder of Alltech. “The BBC’s decision to broadcast the Alltech FEI European Championships 2009 reemphasizes the significance of this event, and we are delighted that their initiative will serve to bring the excitement into the homes of millions of television viewers worldwide.”
 
“The Alltech FEI Jumping & Dressage Championships represent a huge opportunity for us to highlight equestrian sport at its very best,” said Michael Cole, deputy editor of BBC Sport. “In the run up to London 2012, we know the Championships will have a big appeal, and the BBC is pleased to be able to offer equestrian fans the chance to watch the top riders in Europe compete in a major Championships held in the UK.”
 
 “The Championships are rapidly building momentum, and we are delighted they are receiving such formidable backing from international sponsors such as Alltech and now the support of our national broadcaster, the BBC,” said Simon Brooks-Ward, show director of the Alltech FEI European Championships. “The plan to stage both the FEI Dressage and Jumping Championships at the same time in Windsor is being very well-received, and we are encouraged by the number of people who have already booked their seats for the Championships.”
 
The BBC’s programming will include coverage of the individual finals of the dressage and jumping as well as the team jumping competition. For ticketing and further information on the confirmed program of events, visit http://www.alltechwindsoreuropeans.com/

Census Reveals Horse Populations

The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Agricultural Statistics Service recently released data collected from its 2007 Census of Agriculture. These include U.S. livestock numbers for the horse and pony category, as well as the mule, burro and donkey category.

The total number of horses and ponies in the U.S. in 2007 as found by the Census is 4,028,827, with 575,942 of those animals residing on farms. That is up nearly 385,000 from the 3,644,278 horses and ponies that were counted when the last Census was taken in 2002.

The total number of mules, burros and donkeys in the U.S. in 2007 as found by the Census is 283,806, with 99,746 of those animals residing on farms. That is up nearly 180,000 from the 105,358 mules, burros and donkeys that were counted when the last Census was taken in 2002.

A map of the horse inventory in the U.S. can be viewed at: http://www.agcensus.usda.gov/Publications/2007/Online_Highlights/Ag_Atlas_Maps/index.asp

Tables containing information found in the study, including a breakdown of horses and ponies by state, can be viewed at:

http://www.agcensus.usda.gov/Publications/2007/Full_Report/usv1.pdf

Molly Powell Bits

For the best price and all the new styles for 2009 M.C. Diamond Ranchhas all the Molly Powell Bits. If you need to help a sensitive horse in a turn or if a horse is very bendy and wants help balancing himself you should find the bit in the complete  line of  Molly Powell Bit at M.C. Diamond Molly Bits.

The two bits I put on this post I like a lot. Molly Powell “The Rookie” 3/8″ Twisted Sweet Iron  dog bone 5” Cheeks, 5 1/2″Mouth. This is one of my favorite bits to use on my colts that are just getting into a shank bit. The 3-piece mouth in this bit allows me to introduce the curb chain to my young horses and still keep them confident when I pull on them in the turns. If you ride young horses, you need to add this bit to your collection.

Molly Powell Short “Shank Solid Run” with Silver Large Sweet Iron Chain Mouth. 7-1/2″ Cheek 5-1/2″ Mouth. This is a very versatile bit that I love to use on a horse that needs a little bend and a little whoa. The large chain mouthpiece is a fresh alternative to a snaffle. If you like the 3-piece bits, you’ll love this chain bit!

 You never can have to many bits.

M.C. Diamond Ranch

Farm Management Webcasts to Air

Miss Rodeo America 2009 Crowned

The annual Miss Rodeo America Pageant took place this past week at The Orleans Hotel and Convention Center in Las Vegas, Nev. The pageant runs roughly one week before the start of National Finals Rodeo, overlapping that 10-day event by two days. The ballroom venue was sold out as 27 state queens, mostly from the Western U.S., came on the stage to entertain the crowd with an opening dance number. Each queen was then individually introduced, dressed to the nines in beautiful Western evening gowns and cowboy hats.

Kelly Western Show Spurs

Look your best with impressive Kelly western show spurs. We have added 15 styles of the Kelly Show Black Steel and Antique Brown Spurs from the Rope Edge to the Star Praying Cowboy. Check out this section at M.C. Diamond Ranch Spurs all at one of the best prices on the Internet. If you are a Barrel Racer take a look at the Connie Combs Barrel Racing Spurs “Here” they come in 8 popular colors. We have not forgotten the spur straps. One of the largest sections you will find here at M C. Diamond Custom Spur Straps. If you are looking for a Horse Events or Horse Equipment we have it at  M.C. Diamond Ranch.

Mark Allen

NBHA ILLINOIS

M.C. Diamond Ranch is pleased to be hosting the Illinois NBHA Website. With event calendar, point standings, newletter, and the info for the IL NBHA members that you need to know. Also check out the Indiana NBHA webste. All the Barrel Racers looking for just the right bit M.C. Diamond Bits have over 400 styles of bits with function descrptions on the web. We carry a full line of Barrel Racing equipment from horse boots, reins, pads, breast collars and more. So come to M.C. Diamond Ranch and take a look around.

Mark Allen

New Online Tools Help Calculate Risk, Control Infection in Horses

Horse owners will be able to determine the risk of their animals catching an infectious disease and gather information about infection control thanks to two new online initiatives from the University of Guelph.  The first is an online calculator that allows horse owners to punch in their management practices and learn their animals’ risk levels. The second initiative is a blog by Ontario Veterinary College (OVC) researchers that provides information about various equine infectious diseases, along with practical tips on disease prevention and control.  The Biosecurity Risk Calculator will be launched this week at the Ontario Equestrian Federation Conference. Developed by Equine Guelph in partnership with Vétoquinol Canada, the online tool measures both risk and prevention.

“The calculator gives horse owners a good starting point by showing the potential risks currently present on their farm and the most practical ways to decrease that risk,” said Gayle Ecker, senior manager of Equine Guelph. Having a biosecurity protocol is important to reducing the risk of spreading infectious disease on any horse farm, added Caroline Desforges, biosecurity and equine product manager with Vétoquinol Canada.

The calculator will be available through the Equine Guelph website. Founded in 2003, Equine Guelph is the horse owner’s centre at U of G. Supported and overseen by equine industry groups, it’s dedicated to improving the health and well-being of horses and helps connect members of the equine industry with expertise at OVC.

Meanwhile, “EQUIDBLOG” aims to provide information and insight about equine infectious diseases to horse owners and veterinarians. The site is coordinated by Prof. Scott Weese and Maureen Anderson of OVC’s Department of Pathobiology. They are specialists in large-animal internal medicine with expertise in infectious diseases and infection control.

“Infectious diseases are prevalent in equine medicine,” Weese said. “The average horse owner commonly encounters infectious disease questions and problems, ranging from decisions about vaccination and deworming to serious illnesses in their horses. We wanted to design a web site where we could provide balanced and unbiased information in various forms, ranging from short updates about current issues to detailed information sheets about diseases or descriptions of infection control protocols.”

Weese and Anderson create blog posts every few days about timely topics related to infectious disease topics, including items in the news, outbreaks that are occurring internationally and general commentary about infectious diseases and infection control. Recent posts have included diverse topics ranging from vaccination and deworming to equine herpes virus in the United States to the use of honey for treating infections. All the information is written and reviewed by experts in the field.

Last spring, Weese and Anderson started a similar blog, “Worms and Germs,” to educate people about zoonotic diseases—those that can be transmitted between animals and humans—as well as to provide general information about topics related to animal health and pet care.