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25.01.2022 Gluten sensitivitynot just an issue for humans . . .... This week currently marks Coeliac Awareness Week in Australia. Whilst coeliac disease is a condition we normally only associate with humans, recent research indicates that it may well be something we need to consider in some of our equine friends- particularly horses with inflammatory small bowel disease (ISBD). Gluten is a protein composite found in wheat, rye, barley and related grains, as well as products made from these grains. Many concentrated horse feeds are containing increased amounts of gluten. Inflammatory small bowel disease (ISBD) is a condition that results in malabsorption and maldigestion of feed. Common clinical signs and symptoms include poor body condition, decreased appetite, weight loss or failure to gain weight, mild recurrent colic, increased gastrointestinal motility, anaemia, and sometimes diarrhoea. Whilst there are many potential causes and/or contributors to the development of ISBD, research indicates that gluten intolerance may be one of these factors. Antibody responses found in human coeliac patients have also been demonstrated in some horses suffering from ISBD when fed a gluten-rich ration. Similar to humans, symptoms resolved and antibody levels normalised after adherence to a gluten free diet for an extended period of time. Some food for thought . . . #horse #horsehealth #performancehorse #thoroughbred #thoroughbredsofinstagram #naturalhorse #showhorse #ottb #yearling #horsenutrition #coeliacdisease #coeliacawarenessweek #horseowners #naturalhorse #horsefarm #dressage #showjumping #eventing

25.01.2022 Ever stopped to think about foal suckling habits? Consider these fascinating foal facts... Foals suckle about 4 times per hour, or up to 105 times daily during the first week of life.... Foals stay within one metre of their mothers up to 85% of the time, rarely venturing more than five metres away during the first two weeks after birth. Foals generally only suckle for only 30-40 second at a time, taking in 50-60ml of milk each drink. Foals are incredible in so many ways! #foal #foalsofinstagram #foalsof2020 #foalfacts #thoroughbreds #thoroughbredsofinstagram #horse #equine #racehorses #performancehorse #equinenutrition . . . @whishawrobyn

25.01.2022 Scours in foals is no joke...

24.01.2022 The importance of a WHOLE HORSE approach to health When dealing with a specific horse health or injury issue, often our first reaction is to look at the problem in isolation. For example, your horse injures one of the tendons in their right fore and your focus is on what you should do immediatelyice? stable rest? bandaging? anti-inflammatories? Whilst such factors are important considerations, the question also needs to be asked, how did this occur in the first place? Was i...t due to a slight lameness or soreness in the left fore (leading to chronic overloading of the right fore)? Inadequate variety in the surfaces you ride on- leading to repetitive overloading of the same musculoskeletal structures? Inadequate rest/recovery days (leading to decreased ability of the body to repair normal microscopic fibre damage, in addition to ongoing elevated levels of cortisol (stress hormone) production, resulting in a catabolic (break down effect on the body))? An improperly balanced diet, or diet too low in energy, leading to impaired ability to heal normal microscopic fibre damage? The use of medications which influence nutrient absorption and gastrointestinal health, decreasing the availability of nutrients essential for recovery? Poor hoof balance and/or shoeing (again, changing loading forces in the horses leg and musculoskeletal system as a whole). Using the same example, a whole horse approach must also look to changes that need to be made in order to optimise healing, promote fibre alignment, reduce scar tissue formation and prevent recurrence of the injury in the future. It addresses the importance of an appropriate and graduated return to exercise program. For truly effective resolution of any health condition, the presenting concern should be seen as a firm reminder to consider the whole horse. . . . #ottb #horse #thoroughbred #pony #equine #warmbloodsofinstagram #dressage #showjumping #eventing #horseracing #horsehealth #equinevet

24.01.2022 ULCERS in HORSES. A fascinating topic to discuss with Orla from Pryde's EasiFeed. Listen in to learn more about some of the causes, contributing factors and what you as a horse owner, manager, trainer or caretaker can do....

23.01.2022 Vaccination and performance The majority of performance, pleasure and racehorses receive regular routine vaccinations. Research has demonstrated that some vaccinations cause an elevation in the acute phase inflammatory protein serum amyloid A (SAA).... This peak inflammatory reaction is to be expected, as it is part of the immune response needed for a vaccination to initiate immunity. An important consideration is the immediate effect this may have on your horses performance. Do you routinely rest or decrease the work or training load on your horse for several days post vaccination? If not, think about the implications it could have on your horses performance, ability to recover and wellbeing . . . . . #horsesofinstagram #horse #equine #performancehorses #thoroughbred #horseracing #dressage #showjumping #eventing #warmbloodsofinstagram #quarterhorse #horsehealth #ottb

21.01.2022 ***COVID-19 UPDATE*** Throughout these challenging times of COVID 19, Optim Equine is continuing to operate business and support clients and the equine community. I am continuing to attend to Victorian clients requiring in person visits for their horses- following strict safety and hygiene protocols as per government regulations.... For interstate and international clients, and local clients where appropriate: email, phone and video consultations are available. For those clients requiring treatments, please rest assured that these are still available. Please do allow extra time for them to arrive due to slowed postal services. To all my clients- local, national and international, thank you for your continued support. More than ever, the health and wellbeing of our horses, ourselves and the wider community is paramount. . . . Pre-COVID 19! @whishawrobyn . . . . #horsehealth #horse #equine #equinehealth #racehorses #performancehorse #ottb #golocal #wellbeing

20.01.2022 With stud season rapidly approaching in the southern hemisphere, NOW is the time to be putting strategies into place in order to optimise reproductive outcomes in the broodmare, and help to ensure she has the healthiest foal possible. Join me on Wednesday June 3rd at 8 PM (AEST) to learn what you can do to achieve exactly that (link below). This free webinar is not to be missed... https://optimequine.webinarninja.com/live-webin//register

20.01.2022 JUST WANT PEOPLE'S THOUGHTS ON WHAT TO FEED MY HORSE. THEY ARE CURRENTLY GETTING 1 dipper of chaff 1/2 dipper microbeet 1 dipper gumnuts... Oil 1 cup bran 1scoop oats Brewers yeast Salt . Multivitamin Chamomile flowers Hay Firstly, kudos that you genuinely care about what you are feeding your horse. Secondly, well done for recognising that diet is an essential contributor to your horses wellbeing. But please stop for a moment. Who are you seeking advice from? Someone who's profession involves addressing equine diets and health and is suitably qualified, experienced and comes recommended? Or some person/people youve never met, you have no idea about and who havent taken a full case history of your horse? Before you even START to formulate a diet, has whoever is making recommendations considered: Your horses age, breed? Pasture turnout and availability ? What type of exercise your horse is getting (if any)? And how much, and at what level? Are you competing or planning to compete, and at what level? What are your goals? What climate is your horse kept in? Is he (or she?) rugged, stabled? When was your horse last drenched? Had their teeth attended to? If your horse is on any medications? Has any concurrent health conditions? What current body condition are they in? Do they tend to be a good or poor doer? Whats their manure like? Temperament? What type of chaff and oil are you using? Are the oats whole, rolled, micronised? What multivitamin? How much? Scoop size? Are you using an overflowing 1L dipper or a scantly filled 0.5L dipper? (hint- feed weight is more relevant than scoop size) Think of it a little like this A person called Morgan asks you what you think about their diet. Morgan usually has a green smoothie for breakfast, a toasted cheese and ham sandwich for lunch, sometimes a piece of fruit for afternoon tea and a Lean Cuisine meal for dinner. Great. Is Morgan 55 or 18? Is Morgan a full time athlete, weekend warrior or has a desk job and never exercises. Does Morgan go outside and have regular sun exposure? Does Morgan smoke? Is Morgan actively trying to lose, maintain or gain weight? How are Morganss energy levels? Whats Morgans mood like? Does Morgan have any health conditions (asthma, heart disease, hay fever) What medications has Morgan taken previously? Heck, did you even ascertain Morgans gender?. Sure, there are core basics that should be applied to horse (and human) nutrition. But for feed plans to be effective and in the very best interests for a horses health and wellbeing, they need to be applied in an individualised, holistic manner.

20.01.2022 NERVY or ANXIOUS HORSE? Consider your own mood Theres a nice little research paper which supports the theory many horse people know wellyour own anxiety can directly influence your horses behaviour, making them more likely to be nervous when led and ridden. Horses have been shown to have an elevated heart rate in direct response to an elevated heart rate in the person leading or riding them.... To think beyond the scope of the study, stop and take a moment to recall the times when youve been in a rush, irritated, impatient or in a bad mood when riding or handling your horse. How did the horse behave? On the other hand, when you were relaxed, happy, felt as though you had all the time and not a care in the world, how did your horse behave? Not all anxious horses are anxious of their own accord . . . . #horse #equine #ottb #performancehorse #ponies #dressage #showjumping #eventinghorse #ottb #horseriding #warmbloodsofinstagram #sporthorse #horsehealth

20.01.2022 My horse seems to be urinating excessivelywhy? There are several possible causes of excessive urination in horses. The most frequent reason that horses urinate excessively is due to excessive water intake. This is most commonly a habitual behaviour known as psychogenic polydypsia. It is a condition found almost entirely in stabled horses and may result from boredom.... Another common cause is a diet excessively high in protein. Upon digestion, dietary protein is broken down into its constituent amino acids, which are essential for numerous bodily functions. However, protein (amino acids) consumed in excess to a horse’s requirements need to be broken down and the nitrogen they contain eliminated from the body. The primary mode of excretion of these is in the urine.Therefore, horses consuming diets containing far more protein than required or large amounts of low-quality protein will urinate more. Changes in patterns of urination should always be investigated further, as they can be indicative of health problems such as insulin resistance, PPID (often referred to as Cushing’s Disease), cystitis and urinary disease. . . . @whishawrobyn . . . #horse #horsehealth #equinemedicine #equinemetabolicsyndrome #ppid #horsediet #horsenutrition #equestrian #showhorse #thoroughbredsofinstagram #ottb

20.01.2022 Just wanted peoples thoughts on what Im feeding my horse. They currently get 1 dipper of chaff 1/2 dipper microbeet 1 dipper gumnuts... Oil 1 cup bran 1scoop oats Brewers yeast Salt . Multivitamin Chamomile flowers Hay Firstly, kudos that you genuinely care about what you are feeding your horse. Secondly, well done for recognising that diet is an essential contributor to your horses wellbeing. But please stop for a moment. Who are you seeking advice from? Someone who's profession involves addressing equine diets and health and is suitably qualified, experienced and comes recommended? Or some person/people youve never met, you have no idea about and who havent taken a full case history of your horse? Before you even START to formulate a diet, has the person who is making recommendations considered: Your horses age, breed? Pasture turnout and availability ? What type of exercise your horse is getting (if any)? And how much, and at what level? Are you competing or planning to compete, and at what level? What are your goals? What climate is your horse kept in? Is he (or she?) rugged, stabled? When was your horse last drenched? Had their teeth attended to? If your horse is on any medications? Has any concurrent health conditions? What current body condition are they in? Do they tend to be a good or poor doer? Whats their manure like? Temperament? Appetite? What type of chaff and oil are you using? Are the oats whole, rolled, micronised? Which multivitamin? How much? Scoop size? Are you using an overflowing 1L dipper or a scantly filled 0.5L dipper? (hint- feed weight is more relevant than scoop size) (Continued in comments) . . . . #horse #horsehealth #equinenutrition #performancehorse #eventingnews #showjumping #dressage #thoroughbredsofinstagram #warmbloodsofinstagram #horseracing

19.01.2022 Marbles.not a smart idea. A practice which is (fortunately) becoming less common, but still occurs too often is the use of marbles to suppress/prevent oestrus in the filly or mare. The practice involves placing a marble in the uterus within 24 hours after ovulation, based on the premise that the marble can help the corpus luteum (CL) on the ovary to remain, thereby aiding the production of high levels of progesterone and mitigating significant rises in oestrogen (the predomi...nant hormone associated with oestrus). There are many things to consider with this practice. Firstly, it is not effective in all cases and lacks substantial evidence for clinical efficacy. More concerning is the safety and potential repercussions of the practice. The use of marbles can result in chronic uterine fluid accumulation, uterine infection, damage to the cervix, fibrosis, adhesions and endometritis- all being serious health consequences. And whilst it may be the last thing on your mind- if someone wants to breed from the mare down the track, complications from the previous use of marbles can pose significant reproductive challenges. Marbles don’t always remain in place where they are inserted, and can prove difficult to remove in some mares. There are many instances where marbles have shattered in mares- leaving glass shards in the uterus. NOT. NICE. Even in cases where marbles remain in place, it is important to note that they will not be effective in mares who display ‘mareish’ symptoms for reasons other than when they are in heat, or when they are in transitional phases of their cycle (late autumn and early spring) when they are not ovulating and producing corpora lutea. Don’t lose your marbles.don’t stick them in places they shouldn’t go.. . . . @whishawrobyn . . #horsesofinstagram #mare #fillies #estrus #performancehorse #racehorse #eventinghorse #showjumping #dressage #equestrian #ponyclub #ottb

19.01.2022 No competitions...what now? . . .... For those of you who regularly compete your horse(s), its understandable that you are disappointed at missing competitions and events. You may even be confused as to what sort of work to be doing with your horse, with no competitions in the foreseeable future. This current period of time however, presents many opportunities, which when embraced, are in the best interest and development of your horse. Dont be afraid to give your horse a little time off, or at the very least- reduce the intensity and take the pressure off. Like human athletes, horses too can develop burnout if they do not have periodised training programs. Human athletes never maintain 100% intensity year round- yet somehow we can forget to apply this to our horses, expecting them to be in peak condition and performing at the same level constantly. Prolonged hard work, travel and competitions can lead to increased levels of stress hormones (such as cortisol), having a negative impact on gut microflora, immune health, temperament, gut health and body composition. Both physical and/or mental/emotional stress on a horse can contribute to a horse becoming sour, reduce their capacity to recover after work, and increase their risk of illness and injury. So use this period of time to give your horse a chance to recover reaping the benefits of reducing their injury risk, allowing little niggles to settle, and mentally allowing them to chill out. After a little period of down time, build up a base level of fitness and work on basic areas where you as a rider and horse person can improve (which often get neglected when in peak competition season). Ride purely for enjoyment. Get in tune with your horse. And know that as much as we may love competing, there is beauty and freedom in the simple pleasure of just connecting with your horse. . . . #equestrian #dressage #showjumping #dressagehorse #eventinghorse #thoroughbred #thoroughbredsofinstagram #ottb #equine #equinevet #warmbloodsofinstagram #horserider #ausequestrianteam #usequestrian

19.01.2022 Horse people. We are some of the busiest people about. There just never seems to be enough hours in the day. There are always horses to feed, groom, check, ride, poo to pick up, etc. Our horses and their health come first, with our own health and wellbeing given little (if any) thought and attention. Yet, now more than ever, we are being somewhat forced into reflecting and changing what we do. Taking care of your own health is essential, both on a personal and global level. W...ith most of us experiencing significant shifts in our daily routines, now is the perfect time to implement practices to support our own health. Remember that some of the most basic and simple things reap the most significant health benefits Some suggestions include: *Getting out into fresh air. Even when respecting social distancing and isolation (where applicable), most of us are fortunate enough to be able to get outside into fresh air. The benefits of this are immense- both in terms of supporting immune function and the production of neurotransmitters (natural chemicals the body produces that influence our mood) which help as to feel good. *Where possible (and again, respecting social distancing), engage in gentle, regular exercise. This can include walking, or even skipping or playing hopscotch with kids. Gentle, regular activity supports immune function and neurotransmitter production and function. *If you have a garden, now can be the perfect time to tend to it. *SLEEP! Getting sufficient quality sleep is one of the best contributors to healthy immune function and mental health. It is also tends to be one of the things horse people compromise the most. *Drink plenty of water, remembering that herbal teas can help you reach your daily quota. *If you have an essential oil diffuser or burner, try different essential oils to help uplift your mood, promote relaxation and support wellbeing. Just be sure to use 100% pure essential oils (not synthetic fragrances). What are you doing today for your own health? Please share your health practices... #horse #healthyfitrider #wellbeing #equestrian #naturalhorse #equinevet #dressage #eventing #ottb

17.01.2022 SHOULD I FEED MY HORSE APPLE CIDER VINEGAR? Apple cider vinegar (ACV). Some people think its a magical cure all for every possible imagined horse illness or condition Giving Sammy ACV in his feed has DEFINITELY made his arthritis better. Since Starlight has had ACV she has stopped spooking. Tommy looks so much trimmer since I started giving him ACV. Bobs coat is so shiny now Im using ACV.... Some people think its a bottle of junk. So whats the truth? To be honest, neither I openly recommend the use of ACV to many of my clients who wish to use it (although there are other mediums which achieve some of the below points which Im also very happy for them to use!) ACV is a readily accepted liquid useful to dampen feed (this is important to help reduce inhaled particulate matter which is ALWAYS beneficial). It also useful to help incorporate powdered supplements into feeds. There is some inferred research from other species that it may help to regulate blood glucose levels. How you interpret information is important though- thinking you can feed your fat little insulin resistant pony plenty of highly concentrated sweet feed and offset it with a bit of apple cider vinegar is like justifying eating a whole family sized packet of Tim Tams for breakfast and feeling smug coz you wash it down with a glass of skim milk Contrary to popular belief, when fed in average quantities to horses, ACV it is not a particularly rich source of nutrients (including minerals). There is very little quality evidence to substantiate ACVs efficacy as being helpful in relieving inflammation and arthritic symptoms. Quite honestly, you would be far better off having your horses overall diet, body condition, hoof care, supplement intake and exercise/training/competition regime reviewed - these would yield far more significant and favourable impacts on the arthritic horse. Whilst Im all for promoting natural health and using natural products, we need to combine this with available research, critical thinking and analysis and practicality in relevance to managing and caring for our horses.

17.01.2022 Reducing the risk of OSTEOCHONDROSIS (OC) & OSTEOCHONDRITIS DISSENS (OCD) Osteochondrosis (OC) and osteochondritis dissens (OCD) are two of the most common juvenile osteochondral conditions (JOCC). OC is a disease that causes lesions in the cartilage and bone of growing horses joints. It is a result of cartilage failing to properly turn into bone. OCD occurs as a progression of the OC: resulting in the formation of a cartilage flap or osteochondral fragment.... Like many health conditions, there are numerous potential causes and contributing factors to the development of both OC and OCD. One such factor which has been identified to increase the risk of developing osteochondral lesions is restricted turnout of foals. Research has demonstrated that foals (particularly those younger than two months) who are able to exercise freely in a moderate sized paddock, have a much lower risk of developing osteochondral lesions when compared to foals that are stabled. An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. Sound management and feeding practices can save a lot of time, heartache and expense. Getting back to the basics and not overly protecting our horses can go a long way to ensuring we have the happiest, healthiest athletes. . . . . #horsesofinstagram #equine #thoroughbredsofinstagram #thoroughbred #warmblood #standardbred #horsehealth #horseracing #dressage #horsebreeding #ottb #equinevet #horsenutrition #horsestud

17.01.2022 EQUITANA Australia. It’s almost here! Super excited to be presenting this year on two popular topics relevant to all horse people: GUT HEALTH IN THE HORSE and THE ROLE OF SUPPLEMENTS. Super Ticket Presale is on this Friday at 9am...Trot to it!

17.01.2022 FILLIES, MARES, HORMONES & P-E-R-F-O-R-M-A-N-C-E Do you train, own or ride fillies or mares? Have you previously, or do you use altrenogest/Regumate or other synthetic progestin products to control their cycles or regulate their behaviour? Would you still give them such substances if you knew that it significantly decreased muscle mass and strength, recovery and performance?... Animal research has demonstrated that manipulating hormone levels to keep oestrogen levels low, results in decreased muscle mass and strength and an increased risk of muscular and bone injuries. Altrenogest and synthetic progestin products suppresses oestrus (and thus normal peaks of oestrogen production) in mares and fillies. A good trainer or rider knows how to work with fillies and mares. A smart trainer or rider knows the importance of allowing the natural hormonal cycles of mares and fillies. An excellent one knows how to capitalise upon fillies and mares natural peaks in oestrogen to optimise their performance and recovery and and how to schedule competitions/races in accordance to her cycle. . . . . #fillies #mares #thoroughbred #thoroughbredsofinstagram #ottb #warmblood #dressage #dressagehorse #showjumping #hunterjumper #equine #equinesofinstagram #performancehorse

15.01.2022 PROBIOTICS and HORSES Probiotics are live microorganisms that, when administered in adequate amounts, confer a health benefit on the host. These microorganisms, which consist mainly of bacteria but also include yeasts, are found in a wide range of equine feeds and supplements. However, not all foods and supplements labelled as containing probiotics have proven health benefits. Health benefits of probiotics are strain specific, condition specific, and dose specific. Specific... strains have specific actions and affinities for different parts of the horses gastrointestinal tract (GIT). What does this mean? It means that if you want to change a particular aspect of your horses health, and probiotics are indicated in helping achieve this, then you want to be using the specific probiotics which are indicated in modulating that aspect of the horses health. Think of it a little like this Take a high level dressage rider. Now they could ride their horse in a stock saddle. Or a racing pad. Or an all purpose saddle. Or even a jumping saddle. Theyre all saddles. Theyre all made to be ridden in right? Sure, theyre all saddles, they can all be ridden in, but different situations dictate the use of different saddles. If youre trying to achieve specific results in a specific discipline, youre going to use the most appropriate equipment. Youre hardly going to try to do a piaffe pirouette in a racing pad. Different breed, size and shaped horses dictate what saddle fits best too. Not to mention the quality of the saddle If youre going to invest the time, effort and money into supplementation, make sure it fits YOUR individual horse and specific situation. . . . #horse #horsesofinstagram #horsehealth #equine #equinenutrition #dressage #showjumping #eventing #thoroughbred #warmblood #ottbsofinstagram #horsevet #foals #stockhorse #horseracing

15.01.2022 POST VIRAL SYNDROME: My horse has never been right since. It may have started out with your horse being a little off or flat. He may have briefly spiked a temp, had a snotty nose, or performed below expectations. Blood tests may have indicated a viral infection. Nothing remarkable, but the horse wasnt quite right either. As nothing looked drastically wrong, you rested him for a day or two then got back to work. Yet hes never been right since Post viral syndrome (whils...t not a readily recognised term in relation to equines) is something I most commonly see in racehorses, high level performance horses, eventers, showjumpers, and dressage horses. These horses have been unable to achieve their prior level of performance or training, yet their bloods have returned to normal and there is seemingly no explanation for their decreased level of performance, even after extended periods of spelling/rest. Why is this so? The condition is complex and multifactorial, but likely centres around changes in gastrointestinal microflora and immune function, associated alterations in inflammatory cytokine and hormonal expression, in addition to changes in mitochondrial function. The great news is there is plenty that can be done to help these horses return to (or even) exceed prior levels of performance. . . . . . #equine #equinesofinstagram #thoroughbred #racehorses #performancehorse #showjumping #eventing #dressage #horsehealth #horsevet #warmbloods #ottbsofinstagram

15.01.2022 PLACENTITIS: Think about it Placentitis. It is the most common cause of late pregnancy loss in mares. It causes many a stud manager and breeder a lot of grief. It costs a lot of money and time. And it goes without saying that it has non favourable effects on both mare and foal. Yet current routine approaches arent necessarily addressing all contributing factors to this problematic condition, and doing so in a way that optimises both mare and foal health....Continue reading

14.01.2022 Travelling broodmares prior to foaling and a foals immune system With foaling season underway in the Southern Hemisphere and stud season only a couple of weeks away, breeders and stud managers should be planning the timely movement of pregnant mares. Mares which are to foal at properties different to where they are currently residing should be moved a minimum of 30 days prior to foaling. It is generally well accepted not to travel a mare close to foaling (due to increased c...ortisol levels in response to travel, which influence hormonal changes and can induce labour). What few people actually stop to consider is the importance of the environment the mare is kept in prior to foaling and the impact it has on the foals immune system. The newborn foal is entirely dependent on the antibodies provided in the colostrum by its dam (unlike humans, foals are not born with any circulating antibodies) in order to prevent/fight infection. The antibodies contained in a mares colostrum are active against microorganisms specific to that mares environment: whatever might be circulating on the farm she is kept on, as well as against pathogens the mare has confronted or been vaccinated against in the past. By ensuring mares are moved in a timely manner to the property where they will foal, they are able to stimulate colostral antibody production to local pathogens, thereby helping to pass these onto the offspring, giving their foals immune system the best chance to ward off pathogens specific to the environment it is in. . . . . @whishawrobyn . . . #foalsofinstagram #foal #maresofinstagram #thoroughbred #thoroughbredsofinstagram #horse #horsesofinstagram #horsehealth #golocal #horseracing #studseason2020 #foalingseason

14.01.2022 August 1st... the official birthday of all our Thoroughbreds in the Southern Hemisphere.. . . @whishawrobyn .... . . . #thoroughbredsofinstagram #thoroughbred #foalsofinstagram #racehorse #horseracing #happybirthday #ottbsofinstagram #studseason #equestrian See more

14.01.2022 ULCERS IN HORSES Whilst many of us use the term gastric ulcers, ulcers can occur in the horses stomach (gastric ulcers), their hindgut (colonic ulcers) or both regions. There are many factors which can cause and contribute to the development of ulcers, in addition to sustaining their presence throughout the gastrointestinal tract (GIT).... This chat with Orla from Prydes Easifeed uncovers some valuable information YOU need to know about GIT ulcers in horses. Copy and past the link below into your browser to learn more... https://www.facebook.com/PrydesEasifeedAus/videos/2620428811556195/ #horse #horsehealth #gastriculcer #ottb #equine #showjumping #dressage #racehorses #horseriding #horseracing #equinenutrition #performancehorses #eventhorse #campdrafting #pacing

13.01.2022 LEAVE THE CORD.at least for a little longer!! Once a foal has been safely delivered, many people are eager to break and clamp the umbilical cord. Where possible, let nature do the breaking. This will generally occur when the mare stands or the foal attempts to stand. By leaving the umbilicus attached as long as possible, it is likely that increased blood from the placenta passes back in to the foal (placental transfusion). In other animal models, this has demonstrated signi...ficant increases in blood volume, haemoglobin and total iron stores in the offspring. The benefits are even more pronounced in premature offspring. Once the cord has broken naturally, then go ahead and clamp and disinfect the stump. Remember its not a race. There is plenty of time to treat the umbilical stump and tend to the foal. . . . . @whishawrobyn . . . #foal #foalsofinstagram #foalingseason #equinephotography #equinesofinstagram #horse #horsehealth #broodmare

12.01.2022 SKIN HEALTH PROBLEMS in HORSES In practice, I am commonly called in to see skin health challenges in horses. From greasy heel, Queensland/sweet itch, hives, dry/flaky skin and poor coat quality. In the majority of cases, owners have already tried a multitude of different topical washes, creams and lotions, without lasting success. Whilst appropriate topical applications can be useful, especially in the case of acute flare ups of skin conditions, rarely do they ever address th...e cause- and if the cause remains, invariably the problem persists or will rear its ugly head again. Research has clearly demonstrated a close link between the health of the gastrointestinal microbiome (the balance of bacteria and other microbes which colonise the gastrointestinal tract) and skin health. Put simply, if gut health is not optimal, a horse is more likely to suffer from an array of skin complaints. To effectively resolve and prevent skin complaints, the microbiome of the gut needs to be appropriately modulated. The methods to achieve this should be multifaceted and tailored to each individual horse. . . . #performancehorse #horsehealth #equinephotography #thoroughbred #ottbsofinstagram #eventinghorse #equestrian #equestrianlife . . . @whishawrobyn

12.01.2022 VITEX/ CHASTE TREE / CHASTE BERRY & The HORMONAL mare. A common complaint I see and hear of in ridden mares is their marey behaviour, particularly when in season. Sadly, too many well meaning owners reach for a quick fix, not realising that they are not truly addressing the cause(s)/ contributing factors to their mares behaviour. One of these quick fixes is the herb Vitex agnus-cactus (commonly referred to as Vitex, Chaste Berry and Chaste Tree). The practice of self...-prescribing Vitex to your hormonal mare raises several significant issues: this herb should only ever be used with the knowledge of its clear indications and a comprehensive understanding of when it should not be used. Often overlooked is the fact that Vitex agnus cactus is commonly adulterated (substituted) with other species of Vitex- which have different properties and implications in the horse. You have no guarantee when using products which arent produced under strict therapeutic regulations that you are actually getting true Vitex agnus cactus. Very few of the marey mares I see in clinical practice actually need this herb. Generally speaking, the vast majority which exhibit pronounced behaviour when in season may be attributed to carrying excess adipose (fat) tissue, which results in increased levels of systemic inflammation and higher oestrogen levels. Stress and associated changes in cortisol levels are commonly indicated in leaner horses (race fillies and mares). Clearly identifying and addressing the real issues at hand not only provides a long term solution, but are also in the best interests of your mare. . . . . #mare #maresofinstagram #equine #horse #horsehealth #horseshowlife #equestrian #dressage #showjumping #performancehorse #ottb #thoroughbredsofinstagram

11.01.2022 MY HORSE HAS TO GO ON BUTE. I KNOW PROBIOTICS ARE GOOD FOR GUT HEALTH. IM GOING TO FEED MY HORSE YOGHURT. HOW MUCH SHOULD I FEED? HOW OFTEN AND HOW LONG FOR? Gut health is a primary concern when horses are treated with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as bute. We know that the majority of NSAIDs such as bute change both the microflora of the gastrointestinal tract (GIT), as well as cause damage to the epithelial lining of the GIT, a crucial step in ulcer d...evelopment. So where does yoghurt fit into the equation? Most people are aware that yoghurt is a source of probiotics. The actual crude number and quality of probiotics varies greatly from brand to brand and even batch to batch of yoghurt. There is usually plenty of overlap between genus and species of probiotics in yoghurt. When we want a THERAPEUTIC effect in a horse, we want to be focussing on the quantity of live probiotics in a product and relevant genus, species and strains. Furthermore, we need to remember that although probiotics do play a role in helping heal the GIT epithelium, there are specific additional nutrients that are absolutely essential to promote proper healing. So whats the take home message? Giving any type of yoghurt, no matter how good quality it is, is unlikely to exert a beneficial therapeutic effect on your horse, particularly in relation to the damage to GIT epithelial integrity associated with NSAID use. For gut health to be re-instated post treatment (and even somewhat protected during conventional NSAID treatment) requires a strategic nutritional and supplemental therapeutic approach which goes beyond using probiotics alone... . . . #horses #horsesofinstagram #horsenutrition #horsesupplements #guthealth #performancehorse #ottb #dressagehorse #showhorse #showjumping #eventingnews #horseracing

11.01.2022 WEANLINGS, YEARLINGS & X-RAYS As weanling sales kick off in Australasia, its worth stopping to consider what part X-rays should play in the decision to both sell and buy. It is well known that dietary factors, management strategies and growth rates can all influence osteochondrosis (OC)/osteochondrosis dissecans (OCD) development. The weanling with radiographic abnormalities and is seemingly a write off can actually scan very well as a yearling.... Contrastingly, something that X-rays well as a weanling can end up with abnormalities that significantly reduce its sale value, and potential prospects as a racehorse. The moral of the story? Whether you’re a buyer, breeder or seller- nutrition and management throughout a young horse’s entire life is essential to promote a sound, healthy, valuable athlete. Don’t write a horse off prematurely, and don’t get complacent if your nutrition and management strategies aren’t up to scratch. Success is no accident, you can influence outcomes

10.01.2022 What type of scours does your foal have?... There are many different causes of scours in foals. Check out this, the second video in the series to learn about one of the most common causes in young foals...

10.01.2022 Why do horses wind suck and crib bite? Wind sucking or crib biting in horses is most likely to first occur in association with boredom and lack of forage/grazing. Most people are well aware that a diet high in long-stem fibre plays an essential role from a physiological and digestive standpoint in the horse. However, what is often overlooked is the crucial role constantly grazing, chewing and foraging has as a behavioural stimulus for the horse and the role this has in the b...rain. A key component of the equation is the role of neurotransmitters. Neurotransmitters are chemical messengers in the body, with some key neurotransmitters influencing specific portions of the brain, thereby effecting behaviour. There are many physiological changes thought to go hand-in hand with wind sucking and crib biting. Changes in the microflora of the gastrointestinal tract (GIT) and acidity of the hindgut are believed to be associated with the condition- with a bidirectional relationship likely (ie poor gut microflora adversely influencing neurotransmitter production and function and inflammation, and changes in neurotransmitters and inflammatory mediators associated with altered gut flora driving the windsucking/cribbing). Again a low fibre/forage diet plays an important component in adversely affecting gut microflora and acidity of the digestive tract. The use of certain medications such as antibiotics, NSAIDs (ie. bute and flunix) and ulcer medications also alter gut microflora. Low blood levels of specific antioxidants have also been demonstrated in horses which windsuck or crib. The super-interesting part of these behaviours are the way they alter receptors in the brain. The act of windsucking or crib biting activates narcotic and dopamine receptors (‘feel good’ receptors) in the central nervous system, thereby rewarding the behaviour. Thus, the more a horse windsucks or cribs, the more their brain feels rewarded- similar to human drug and alcohol addictions. When we understand this, we can understand why wind sucking collars are ineffective in many cases. Wind sucking and cribbing may be ‘simple behaviours’ but their causes and effects are complex!

09.01.2022 Sweet Itch.nothing SWEET about it. Sweet itch, Queensland itch, summer dermatitis, seasonal equine dermatitis, Culicoides hypersensitivity are all terms used interchangeably to describe the allergic skin reaction which occurs in many horses. The condition is caused by biting midges or gnats (Culicoids). Its not the actual bite that causes the reaction, but rather the insects saliva. Whilst this may not affect some horses, other horses are abnormally sensitive to the midge... saliva. There are many different species of Culicoides, and although their activity is commonly seasonal, in some regions, they are active year round. In those horses with sensitivities to Culicoides, there are two types of commonly recognised allergic responses: Type 1 which is an immediate reaction, often resulting in hives; and Type 4, which is a delayed reaction. The reactions are mediated by different chemicals in the body. Horses can experience both Type 1 and Type 4 reactions. Those horses who experience hypersensitivity reactions to Culicoides are commonly atopic, referring to their genetic tendency to develop various allergic conditions, with heightened immune responses. This in part explains why simply applying various lotions and medications to help treat the symptoms are merely a band-aid effect as they do not address the underlying atopic cause. Atopic conditions are associated with imbalances in T helper 2 and T helper 1 cells (important cells of the immune system). Whilst minimising exposure (as is feasibly practical) is important, correctly employed ingestive herbal and nutraceutical supplements, used under qualified and experienced guidance can play an incredibly valuable role by regulating T helper 1 and T helper 2 cell balances, thereby helping horses with such sensitivities. Skin conditions are so often more than skin deep, and without addressing the underlying cause, results will only ever be superficial . . . #horse #horsesofinstagram #horsehealth #horsenutrition #equestrian #equestrianlife #equine #performancehorse #equinevet #thoroughbredsofinstagram #ottb #warmbloodsofinstagram #equinetherapy #showjumping #horselover

08.01.2022 What supplements are best for building TOPLINE? This is a question I am regularly asked. Yet the answer I give is not what is always expected Firstly, lets just refresh what exactly topline is... Topline in horses is used to describe the muscle coverage over the top of the horses neck, back and hindquarters. The strength of topline muscles can influence soundness and athletic ability of the horse. Now lets briefly think of human athletes looking to increase muscle mass, strength and definition. To do this effectively they must work and utilise the correct muscle groups and fuel their bodies with proper nutrition. Exercise, engaging the correct muscle groups is needed to provide the stimulus for muscle growth and development. You cant just sit on the couch, chugging protein shakes expecting to develop strong, defined muscles. Similarly, spending hours in the gym, doing exercises that dont engage the muscles you want to develop wont help to produce the definition you are after. And working the muscles you do want to develop, but not taking in enough quality fuel (or conversely living off a diet of chips and diet coke!)- wont help to promote muscle growth. So why do we think that one supplement in a horse can replace doing the essential ground work? Or make up for an imbalanced or inappropriate diet? Spoiler alert: neither can. For topline to be developed - both exercise and diet need to be addressed. Furthermore, the state of a horses gastrointestinal (GI) health needs to be such that it can effectively digest, absorb and metabolise the foods and nutrients it is fed to fuel muscle cell growth and repair. Supplements should be viewed as the icing on the cake. No supplement can make up for improper diet or training. . . . #horse #performancehorse #ottb #dressage #showjumping #eventing #eventinglife #horseshows #horsenutrition #holistichorse #warmbloods #equine #equestrian #yearlings

06.01.2022 ULCERS...take a listen to learn a little more about this all too common condition in horses...

06.01.2022 Natural Medicine Week Here in Australia, it’s Natural Medicine Week. A time to celebrate and appreciate all the incredible things natural medicine can do for your horse (and you too !) The positive effects appropriately implemented naturopathy and natural medicine have on such a wide variety of equine cases never ceases to amaze my clients. ... Everything from infertility, equine asthma, chronic respiratory tract infections, PPID, laminitis, failure to thrive, orthopaedic developmental abnormalities, recurrent colic, narcolepsy, inflammatory bowel disease, behavioural issues, etc. Every horse is an individual. Every horse is important - whether a G1 winning racehorse, a stallion at stud, an eventing superstar, or your child’s reliable pony club mount. And every horse deserves the very best of health and care. Don’t underestimate the powerful impact of correctly implemented natural medicine. And always choose an appropriately qualified, accredited and insured practitioner . . . #naturalmedicine #naturalmedicineweek #equinehealth #naturalmedicineworks #naturalhorse #naturalhorsehealth #equinewellness #equinemedicine

06.01.2022 When ANXIETY in HORSES is not what it seems About six weeks ago, I received a call from a racehorse trainer, I need help with an anxious filly Ive got Im after a supplement to help calm her. Can you come and see her? I went to see said filly in question. As always, I took a thorough case history, including a review of all medications. This filly had recently become more anxious and irritated, despite being previously well tempered. It left the trainer somewhat puzzled a...s her change in behaviour was for no obvious reason. Whilst most behavioural and health conditions in a horse are multifactorial, sometimes there are one or two contributing factors which really stand out. This was one of those cases The filly had been put on an oral bronchodilator (containing clenbuterol), at a relatively high dose, to help with the mild case of suspected airway inflammatory disease she had. On further questioning, her anxious, irritated behaviour had started around the time of the beginning of her treatment. Clenbuterol belongs to a class of drugs known as beta 2 receptor agonists. These drugs, by their very nature, increase the production of adrenaline and noradrenaline, stimulating the central nervous system: one of the many side effects being irritability and anxiety. We went through in detail, feeding and management strategies which could be put in place to help significantly reduce both irritation and inflammation to her airways (strategies which are of benefit to all the horses in his care). In addition to stopping the use of the bronchodilator. Today said trainer happily called me just to report that the filly is calmer than ever before and in the last two weeks has been putting her best efforts to date in training. Quite often, its not a calming supplement the anxious horse needs... . . . . #horse #horseracing #thoroughbred #thoroughbredsofinstagram #horsehealth #performancehorse #horsevet #equinenutrition #horsesupplements @whishawrobyn

05.01.2022 FOALING HEAT SCOURS... Why this name is a misnomer and what YOU really need to know....

05.01.2022 WHY DOES MY WELL-CONDITIONED, WELL-FED MARE ALWAYS HAVE SMALL, POOR DOING FOALS? This week, a new client called me to consult on his mare and foal in relation to the above question. His city winning mare is a nice type with good conformation. She is in fleshy (ie well covered) body condition. In theory, she should produce nice types of foals. Yet the four foals she has delivered have all been disappointingly small, slightly weak and sub-par.... The owner forgave the mare for the first foal, as she was a maiden. The second foal he reasoned to himself, was possibly throwing back more to the sire. However, he was out of excuses for the third and fourth foals. The mare has no concurrent health conditions or logical reasons why she should spit out such disappointing offspring. Upon evaluation of her diet- the likely explanation to me was fairly clear. Whilst the mares diet was adequate in calories (energy) and maintaining her body condition, the diet was too low in protein for her requirements. Research has demonstrated that foal birth weight and size can be negatively affected when mares do not consume adequate protein during late gestation, EVEN when mares consume adequate calories and are maintained in fleshy condition. The solution? We are gradually introducing more quality protein into her diet, to ensure that her milk production is optimised, supporting both her own health and her foals growth and development. This is a strategy which will be carried forward to ensure that her future pregnancies are given the best possibly nutritional environment to grow properly and thrive... . . . @whishawrobyn . . . #mare #broodmare #equinephotography #foalsofinstagram #foal #breedingseason2020 #equinenutrition #healthyhorse #warmbloods #performancehorse

04.01.2022 Theres VERY good reason why you should do it. The bacteria, fungi, protozoa, and viruses that colonise the equine gastrointestinal tract (GIT) (collectively known as the microbiota), play many crucial roles in horse health. These microbes influence digestion, energy and nutrient production, immune health, levels of inflammation in the body, overall GIT health, body condition, and the production of neurotransmitters (chemicals which influence their mood, temperament and beha...viour). When the microbiota deviates away from what is optimal, a horse is more susceptible to conditions of inflammation, illness, pathology, GIT disturbances, ulcers and diminished nutrient and energy production and uptake. Sudden dietary changes induce rapid changes in this delicate balance of microbes and the byproducts they produce, rendering a horse more susceptible to illness. Whilst this is a broad simplification, the sudden changes in the microbes and their activity is largely indicated in many cases of colic, laminitis and other serious health conditions. When we add new feeds to a diet, or change a horses diet- we want to facilitate a G-R-A-D-U-A-L change in the microbial population and the products these microbes produce. The best way to do this is to add new feeds gradually over a 7-14 day period, slowly increasing the amounts as the microbial population adjusts. Its a simple process, which is largely overlooked: something which can save a lot of pain, heartache and expense. . . . #horse #horsehealth #equine #equinesofinstagram #foalsofinstagram #thoroughbred #ottbsofinstagram #performancehorse #horseracing #dressage #eventingnews #showjumping #warmbloodsofinstagram #equinevet #stablelife

04.01.2022 PASS ME THE LUBE Lubricant. Its used in the breeding shed without second thought. And anyone whos worked in a breeding shed knows that youd rather use a little more than a little less. And thats about as much thought as it gets.... Yet research has demonstrated that some of the most commonly used lubricants, EVEN THOSE LABELLED as NON-SPERMICIDAL, may adversely affect sperm quality. When it comes to breeding, whether by live cover or AI, you want to be optimising the number of progressively motile, morphologically normal sperm. Dont make the error of slipping up . . . . #stallion #equine #equinehealth #thoroughbred #thoroughbredsofinstagram #fertility #performancehorses #warmbloods #horsebreeding #horsestud #bloodhorse #supersperm #tdnausnz #foalsofinstagram #besmart

04.01.2022 Activated charcoal. Its one of those all natural feed additives which people often use because its good for my horse great for gut health or a good detoxifier. But is it really? Activated charcoal is very porous and binds to chemicals and toxins in the gut. I cringe when the word toxins is mentioned (and detox too for that matter) in relation to natural supplements. Generally it is thrown around with poor understanding of normal digestion and physiology of the h...orse and very little substantiation behind a supplements mechanism of action. In this instance however, Im happy to use it in relation to activated charcoals ability to bind to SOME (note- NOT ALL) noxious substances which shouldnt have been ingested by the horse in the first place. It thereby helps to prevent their absorption, potentially helping to prevent poisoning. For this I am happy to give it when used under qualified supervision. It may also (in some cases) aid in reducing diarrhoea and excessive flatulence- however, in general, I do not recommend its use for this as it doesnt address the cause, its merely a temporary band-aid measure. Now for the flip side of this all natural supplement: It interferes with the absorption of some essential nutrients required for your horses health It has the ability to hinder the absorption of some medications (important if your horse is receiving veterinary/pharmaceutical treatment) It may change the bacterial balance of your horses gastrointestinal tract (ie. it may harm good glut flora) It may cause constipation and colic in some horses. In summary, if you care about your horses health and wellbeing, do not use activated charcoal as a regular supplement. . . . #horse #horsehealth #performancehorse #thoroughbred #ottb #warmblood #horseriding #dressage #showjumping #equestrian #eventing #horseracing #equinevet #naturalhorse

04.01.2022 Ever wondered about what you may be able to do to prevent flexural limb deformities ? Or what you can do to reduce OCD risk in horses BEFORE a foal is even born? Curious about what nutrients may not be at optimal levels in your broodmares diet? Then be sure to tune into the free webinar Optimising Reproductive Outcomes in the Broodmare. Webinar is on Wednesday June 3rd at 8 PM (AEST) and will be available for viewing up to 48 hours after this time. Enter the below link into ...your browser to sign up. . . . https://optimequine.webinarninja.com/live-webin//register

03.01.2022 EQUINE ASTHMA SYNDROME Equine Asthma Syndrome is a term which encompasses both Inflammatory Airway Disease (IAD) and Recurrent Airway Obstruction (ROA). Two very common, yet largely preventable conditions in the racehorse (and often sport horse). The likelihood of a horse having Equine Asthma Syndrome increases significantly if they spend the majority of time in stables, with minimal turnout. ... Stables are full of tiny particles that can infiltrate and subsequently irritate their respiratory system. Barn air quality is difficult to visually assess: the particles that irritate the airways are generally microscopic in size. Fortunately, there are many feeding, management and supplemental strategies which can help prevent the narrowing and spasms of the air passages (bronchoconstriction and bronchospasm) and excessive mucus production associated with Equine Asthma Syndrome. Before or in addition to the use of strategic supplementation, there are three super simple steps any stable can implement to improve the respiratory health of their horses: Only muck stalls out when horses are not in the barn Avoid the use of blower vacs in barns. Only sweep the barn when horses are out. Doing these things whilst the horses are out (working and/or turned out) and allowing at least half an hour after completing the above tasks before bringing the horses back in will help to reduce the particulates they inhale. The result? Healthier, less irritated airways and horses who are better able to breathe and perform. . . . @whishawrobyn . . . #horsesofinstagram #racehorses #thoroughbred #sporthorse #performancehorse #eventinghorse #ottbsofinstagram #horsehealth #horsenutrition #stablelife