A horse’s ridden or even competitive career doesn’t have to end just because of an OA diagnosis. It might just take a little more care and planning to keep him healthy, happy, and comfortable. Work with your veterinarian to provide appropriate support, plan workouts carefully, and implement management techniques to support healthy joints. In this excerpt from Ask TheHorse Live, Katie Ellis, DVM, MS, Dipl. ACVSMR, of the University of Georgia, weighs in on the importance of keeping horses with joint disease fit and active. 

This podcast is an excerpt of our Ask TheHorse Live Q&A, “What You Need to Know About Equine Degenerative Joint Disease.” Listen to the full recording here.

About the Expert

Katie Ellis, DVM, MS, Dipl. ACVSMR

Katie Ellis, DVM, MS, Dipl. ACVSMR, is a clinical assistant professor and section head of field services at the University of Georgia’s College of Veterinary Medicine, in Athens. Her research interests include equine rehabilitation and musculoskeletal imaging.

Degenerative suspensory ligament desmitis (DSLD) is a complex, progressive condition that causes pain and lameness in horses. Though researchers currently consider DSLD to be uncurable, they are working to better understand the degenerative changes that occur in the suspensory ligament and identify genes potentially involved in the development of DSLD. In this excerpt from Ask TheHorse Live, Katie Ellis, DVM, MS, Dipl. ACVSMR, of the University of Georgia, answers a reader’s question about how she can reduce her horse’s joint pain if he also has DSLD. 

This podcast is an excerpt of our Ask TheHorse Live Q&A, “What You Need to Know About Equine Degenerative Joint Disease.” Listen to the full recording here.

About the Expert

Katie Ellis, DVM, MS, Dipl. ACVSMR

Katie Ellis, DVM, MS, Dipl. ACVSMR, is a clinical assistant professor and section head of field services at the University of Georgia’s College of Veterinary Medicine, in Athens. Her research interests include equine rehabilitation and musculoskeletal imaging.

Typically, veterinarians use a thorough physical and lameness examination to localize pain to one area of the horse’s body. Then they use diagnostic imaging to find the pathology that’s causing pain. In this excerpt from Ask TheHorse Live, Katie Ellis, DVM, MS, Dipl. ACVSMR, of the University of Georgia, in Athens, and Howland Mansfield, DVM, CVA, CVMMP, of American Regent Animal Health, describe the common imaging modalities used to diagnose joint disease in horses. 

This podcast is an excerpt of our Ask TheHorse Live Q&A, “What You Need to Know About Equine Degenerative Joint Disease.” Listen to the full recording here.

About the Experts

Katie Ellis, DVM, MS, Dipl. ACVSMR

Katie Ellis, DVM, MS, Dipl. ACVSMR, is a clinical assistant professor and section head of field services at the University of Georgia’s College of Veterinary Medicine, in Athens. Her research interests include equine rehabilitation and musculoskeletal imaging.

Howland M. Mansfield, DVM, CVA, CVMMP

Howland M. Mansfield, DVM, CVA, CVMMP, of Summerville, South Carolina, received her DVM from Tuskegee University School of Veterinary Medicine, in Alabama, and completed internships in both general equine medicine and surgery and in advanced equine reproduction. She is certified in both veterinary acupuncture and veterinary medical manipulation. She has practiced along the East Coast over the course of 14 years, in addition to time in Germany providing veterinary care for some of the most elite show horses in Europe. In 2012 Mansfield was named by the South Carolina Horseman’s Council as the Horse Person of the Year for her efforts in equine rescue and in combating animal cruelty. She joined American Regent in 2023 as a technical services veterinarian where she can support the welfare of and improve health care for horses and small animals throughout the U.S.

Equine orthobiologics broadly defines an array of innovative medical therapies that can help a horse’s body repair, replace, restore, and regenerate cells and tissues that have been damaged by injuries and conditions such as osteoarthritis. In this excerpt from Ask TheHorse Live, Katie Ellis, DVM, MS, Dipl. ACVSMR, of the University of Georgia, in Athens, describes the pros and cons of using orthobiologics to manage joint disease in horses. 

This podcast is an excerpt of our Ask TheHorse Live Q&A, “What You Need to Know About Equine Degenerative Joint Disease.” Listen to the full recording here.

About the Experts

Katie Ellis, DVM, MS, Dipl. ACVSMR

Katie Ellis, DVM, MS, Dipl. ACVSMR, is a clinical assistant professor and section head of field services at the University of Georgia’s College of Veterinary Medicine, in Athens. Her research interests include equine rehabilitation and musculoskeletal imaging.

Feeding senior horses (typically considered over the age of 15) doesn’t have to be complicated. Some need adjustments to their nutrition as they continue to age based on their health status and body condition. Read on to better understand older horses’ nutrition so they remain happy and healthy into their golden years. Sponsored by Sentinel.

Researchers know that one of the best ways to reduce your horse’s risk of gastric ulcers is by providing him with consistent access to a high-quality forage. However, overweight horses might need a reduced amount of forage to facilitate healthy weight loss. Patty Graham-Thiers, PhD, of Emory and Henry University, in Emory, Virgina, describes the best ways to help an ulcer-prone horse lose weight.

This podcast is an excerpt of our Ask TheHorse Live Q&A, “Managing Your Horse’s Weight Through Thick and Thin.” Listen to the full recording here.

About the Expert

Patty Graham-Thiers, PhD

Patty Graham-Thiers, PhD, has 30 years of experience in higher education equine studies programs. She grew up in Massachusetts and received her BS in animal science from the University of Massachusetts at Amherst. She then earned her MS in equine nutrition from the University of Florida and PhD from Virginia Tech in equine nutrition and exercise physiology. She taught at Virginia Intermont College and currently teaches at Emory & Henry University in their Equine Studies Program. Her research focuses on protein and amino acid nutrition of exercising horses, and she also served on the National Academy of Science committee that published the 2007 Nutrient Requirements of Horses 6th edition.

Pasture makes up a large portion of the forage in many horses’ diets, but how can owners calculate exactly how much their horse eats when he is grazing? Kelly Vineyard, PhD, of Purina Animal Nutrition explains the best way to estimate how much grass your horse eats during turnout, and how to factor that into his daily forage ration.

This podcast is an excerpt of our Ask TheHorse Live Q&A, “Managing Your Horse’s Weight Through Thick and Thin.” Listen to the full recording here.

About the Expert

Kelly Vineyard, MS, PhD

Kelly Vineyard, MS, PhD, is a senior nutritionist in equine technical solutions with Purina Animal Nutrition. She consults with veterinarians, professional riders, and horse owners across the United States and is directly involved with new product innovation, research, and technical support at Purina. Vineyard earned her BS in animal and dairy sciences from Auburn University and her MS and PhD in animal sciences from the University of Florida. Her doctorate research focused on the effects of omega-3 fatty acid supplementation on immune function in horses. Vineyard is a frequent lecturer on equine nutrition topics, with expertise in omega-3 fatty acids, immune function, and performance horse nutrition. She is an avid dressage rider and is proud to have earned her USDF bronze and silver medals on an off-track Thoroughbred.

As horses age, their dentition often decreases, putting them at a greater risk of choke or gastrointestinal problems, so if your senior horse is underweight, how do you help him gain weight without putting him at risk of further health problems? Kelly Vineyard, PhD, of Purina Animal Nutrition discusses the safest ways to add calories to a senior horse’s diet in this excerpt from Ask TheHorse Live.

This podcast is an excerpt of our Ask TheHorse Live Q&A, “Managing Your Horse’s Weight Through Thick and Thin.” Listen to the full recording here.

About the Expert

Kelly Vineyard, MS, PhD

Kelly Vineyard, MS, PhD, is a senior nutritionist in equine technical solutions with Purina Animal Nutrition. She consults with veterinarians, professional riders, and horse owners across the United States and is directly involved with new product innovation, research, and technical support at Purina. Vineyard earned her BS in animal and dairy sciences from Auburn University and her MS and PhD in animal sciences from the University of Florida. Her doctorate research focused on the effects of omega-3 fatty acid supplementation on immune function in horses. Vineyard is a frequent lecturer on equine nutrition topics, with expertise in omega-3 fatty acids, immune function, and performance horse nutrition. She is an avid dressage rider and is proud to have earned her USDF bronze and silver medals on an off-track Thoroughbred.

The most accurate way to measure your horse’s weight is on a scale, but because that is not accessible to many horse owners, weight tapes or body condition scoring your horse might be the best way to assess his condition. In this excerpt from Ask TheHorse Live, Patty Graham-Thiers, PhD, of Emory and Henry University in Emory, Virginia, explains how to accurately measure your horse’s body condition score and determine what a healthy weight is for him.

This podcast is an excerpt of our Ask TheHorse Live Q&A, “Managing Your Horse’s Weight Through Thick and Thin.” Listen to the full recording here.

About the Expert

Patty Graham-Thiers, PhD

Patty Graham-Thiers, PhD, has 30 years of experience in higher education equine studies programs. She grew up in Massachusetts and received her BS in animal science from the University of Massachusetts at Amherst. She then earned her MS in equine nutrition from the University of Florida and PhD from Virginia Tech in equine nutrition and exercise physiology. She taught at Virginia Intermont College and currently teaches at Emory & Henry University in their Equine Studies Program. Her research focuses on protein and amino acid nutrition of exercising horses, and she also served on the National Academy of Science committee that published the 2007 Nutrient Requirements of Horses 6th edition.

Historically, corticosteroids were the mainstay of equine osteoarthritis treatment, but researchers have found that 2.5% polyacrylamide hydrogel (PAAG) might show promise as a new treatment option. Jennifer Feiner Groon, VMD, of The Feiner Equine, in Ringoes, New Jersey, explains what PAAG is and why veterinarians select it to treat horses with joint disease.

This podcast is an excerpt of our Ask TheHorse Live Q&A, “Preventive Equine Joint Care.” Listen to the full recording here.

About the Experts

Jennifer Feiner Groon, VMD

Jennifer Feiner Groon, VMD, is an equine veterinarian with a focus on sports medicine. Graduating from the University of Pennsylvania’s School of Veterinary Medicine in 2006, she has since built a successful practice, The Feiner Equine, where she splits her time between Central New Jersey and Wellington, Florida. Groon’s career has been marked by a diverse range of experiences. Prior to establishing her own practice, she served as a member of the Hagyard Equine Medical group in Lexington, Kentucky, and an ambulatory veterinarian at MidAtlantic Equine Medical Institute in Ringoes, New Jersey. She served as the Head of Quarantine and a USEF/FEI Veterinary Apprentice at the 2007 Beijing Welcome Games Test Event and the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games. She was actively involved with the Area II and Area VIII Eventing Teams during the 2009 FEI Adequan North American Junior and Young Rider Championships. In 2010, she was in charge of the quarantine efforts at the Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games. In her free time, she competes in hunter and jumper disciplines. She loves sharing her passion of everything about animals with her family.

Veterinarians commonly use joint injections to treat joint disease in horses, but how do they decide which product suits each case? Jennifer Feiner Groon, VMD, of The Feiner Equine, in Ringoes, New Jersey, describes the pros and cons of the most commonly used joint injection options and how veterinarians select the right one for your horse.

This podcast is an excerpt of our Ask TheHorse Live Q&A, “Preventive Equine Joint Care.” Listen to the full recording here.

About the Experts

Jennifer Feiner Groon, VMD

Jennifer Feiner Groon, VMD, is an equine veterinarian with a focus on sports medicine. Graduating from the University of Pennsylvania’s School of Veterinary Medicine in 2006, she has since built a successful practice, The Feiner Equine, where she splits her time between Central New Jersey and Wellington, Florida. Groon’s career has been marked by a diverse range of experiences. Prior to establishing her own practice, she served as a member of the Hagyard Equine Medical group in Lexington, Kentucky, and an ambulatory veterinarian at MidAtlantic Equine Medical Institute in Ringoes, New Jersey. She served as the Head of Quarantine and a USEF/FEI Veterinary Apprentice at the 2007 Beijing Welcome Games Test Event and the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games. She was actively involved with the Area II and Area VIII Eventing Teams during the 2009 FEI Adequan North American Junior and Young Rider Championships. In 2010, she was in charge of the quarantine efforts at the Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games. In her free time, she competes in hunter and jumper disciplines. She loves sharing her passion of everything about animals with her family.

Loosening your horse up before a workout and cooling him down properly afterward can help reduce his risk of injury and improve performance. Jennifer Feiner Groon, VMD, of The Feiner Equine, in Ringoes, New Jersey, describes the ideal techniques at the beginning and end of your ride to improve your horse’s long-term soundness and limit his risk of developing joint disease in this excerpt from Ask TheHorse Live.

This podcast is an excerpt of our Ask TheHorse Live Q&A, “Preventive Equine Joint Care.” Listen to the full recording here.

About the Experts

Jennifer Feiner Groon, VMD

Jennifer Feiner Groon, VMD, is an equine veterinarian with a focus on sports medicine. Graduating from the University of Pennsylvania’s School of Veterinary Medicine in 2006, she has since built a successful practice, The Feiner Equine, where she splits her time between Central New Jersey and Wellington, Florida. Groon’s career has been marked by a diverse range of experiences. Prior to establishing her own practice, she served as a member of the Hagyard Equine Medical group in Lexington, Kentucky, and an ambulatory veterinarian at MidAtlantic Equine Medical Institute in Ringoes, New Jersey. She served as the Head of Quarantine and a USEF/FEI Veterinary Apprentice at the 2007 Beijing Welcome Games Test Event and the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games. She was actively involved with the Area II and Area VIII Eventing Teams during the 2009 FEI Adequan North American Junior and Young Rider Championships. In 2010, she was in charge of the quarantine efforts at the Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games. In her free time, she competes in hunter and jumper disciplines. She loves sharing her passion of everything about animals with her family.

Osteoarthritis (OA) causes lameness in horses, leading to poor performance and often shortening sport horse careers. In this excerpt from Ask TheHorse Live, Sarah le Jeune, DVM, CVA, Cert. Vet Chiro, Dipl. ACVS, ACVSMR, of the University of California, Davis, explains how owners can help protect a young horse’s joints from OA development later in life.

This podcast is an excerpt of our Ask TheHorse Live Q&A, “Preventive Equine Joint Care.” Listen to the full recording here.

About the Experts

Sarah le Jeune, DVM, DACVS, DACVSMR, CVA, Cert. Vet. Chiro

Sarah le Jeune, DVM, CVA, Cert. Vet Chiro, Dipl. ACVS, ACVSMR, focuses on the diagnosis and treatment of lameness and various performance-related musculoskeletal injuries by an integrative whole horse approach. She is the chief of the Equine Integrative Sports Medicine Service at the University of California, Davis, and is also a board-certified equine surgeon and member of the UC Davis Equine Surgery faculty since 2003. She is certified in veterinary acupuncture, veterinary chiropractic and in thermographic imaging. She is the founder and chair of the International Task Force on Laterality in Sport horses.

Insect bite hypersensitivity (IBH, also known as sweet itch) occurs when a horse has an allergic reaction to insect bites. The condition can cause extreme itching and be tough to treat—it often doesn’t respond to antihistamines, which are a common approach for managing other equine allergies. In this excerpt from Ask TheHorse Live, Jonathan Yardley, DVM, of The Ohio State University and Susan White, DVM, MS, Dipl. ACVIM, of the University of Georgia describe other options for treating horses with difficult cases of IBH.

This podcast is an excerpt of our Ask TheHorse Live Q&A, “Managing Horses With Allergies.” Listen to the full recording here.

About the Experts

Jonathan Yardley, DVM

Jonathan Yardley, DVM, is a graduate of Tufts School of Veterinary Medicine. He began his career with a private practice internship, before joining a prominent racetrack practice, Teigland, Franklin and Brokken, where he specialized in caring for an elite clientele of Thoroughbred racehorses. In 2014 Yardley shifted from private practice to academia as an ambulatory, clinical-track veterinarian in the Equine Field Service department at The Ohio State University’s College of Veterinary Medicine, where he currently serves as an associate professor. As the equine rotating internship director, Yardley is committed to fostering an enriching learning environment that empowers interns to develop their clinical and critical thinking skills throughout their yearlong internships. Dedicated to veterinary wellness, Yardley serves as co-chair of the College of Veterinary Medicine Health & Wellbeing Committee, championing evidence-based strategies for health care improvement. He hosts the podcast “Horse Talk with Doc,” where he shares valuable insights into equine health and well-being. Outside of his professional pursuits, Yardley is an avid curler who enjoys traveling with his wife. They share their home with three beloved four-legged Doodles.

Susan L. White, DVM, MS, Dipl. ACVIM

Susan L. White, DVM, MS, Dipl. ACVIM, is the Josiah Meigs Distinguished Professor, Emeritus of Large Animal Medicine at University of Georgia’s College of Veterinary Medicine. White has a long-standing interest in equine dermatology, lectures on the topic extensively nationally and internationally, and maintains an equine dermatology consulting service.

Imported horses might develop allergies to irritants unique to the United States. Susan White, DVM, MS, Dipl. ACVIM, of the University of Georgia explains why a horse might show signs of allergies only after import and what other factors could cause these behaviors in this excerpt from Ask TheHorse Live.

This podcast is an excerpt of our Ask TheHorse Live Q&A, “Managing Horses With Allergies.” Listen to the full recording here.

About the Experts

Susan L. White, DVM, MS, Dipl. ACVIM

Susan L. White, DVM, MS, Dipl. ACVIM, is the Josiah Meigs Distinguished Professor, Emeritus of Large Animal Medicine at University of Georgia’s College of Veterinary Medicine. White has a long-standing interest in equine dermatology, lectures on the topic extensively nationally and internationally, and maintains an equine dermatology consulting service.

Horses with allergies often need lifelong management and veterinary treatment to keep clinical signs at bay. Susan White, DVM, MS, Dipl. ACVIM, of the University of Georgia, and Jonathan Yardley, DVM, of The Ohio State University discuss the uses for and efficacy of allergy shots for horses in this excerpt from Ask TheHorse Live.

This podcast is an excerpt of our Ask TheHorse Live Q&A, “Managing Horses With Allergies.” Listen to the full recording here.

About the Experts

Susan L. White, DVM, MS, Dipl. ACVIM

Susan L. White, DVM, MS, Dipl. ACVIM, is the Josiah Meigs Distinguished Professor, Emeritus of Large Animal Medicine at University of Georgia’s College of Veterinary Medicine. White has a long-standing interest in equine dermatology, lectures on the topic extensively nationally and internationally, and maintains an equine dermatology consulting service.

Jonathan Yardley, DVM

Jonathan Yardley, DVM, is a graduate of Tufts School of Veterinary Medicine. He began his career with a private practice internship, before joining a prominent racetrack practice, Teigland, Franklin and Brokken, where he specialized in caring for an elite clientele of Thoroughbred racehorses. In 2014 Yardley shifted from private practice to academia as an ambulatory, clinical-track veterinarian in the Equine Field Service department at The Ohio State University’s College of Veterinary Medicine, where he currently serves as an associate professor. As the equine rotating internship director, Yardley is committed to fostering an enriching learning environment that empowers interns to develop their clinical and critical thinking skills throughout their yearlong internships. Dedicated to veterinary wellness, Yardley serves as co-chair of the College of Veterinary Medicine Health & Wellbeing Committee, championing evidence-based strategies for health care improvement. He hosts the podcast “Horse Talk with Doc,” where he shares valuable insights into equine health and well-being. Outside of his professional pursuits, Yardley is an avid curler who enjoys traveling with his wife. They share their home with three beloved four-legged Doodles.

Proper levels of the steroid hormone progesterone is vital to maintain a mare’s pregnancy. Learn what those levels can tell you about the mare, the role it plays in her pregnancy, and how it can be measured in this infographic.

Commonly known as “heaves,” equine asthma is a serious condition that calls for proper diagnosis, management, and veterinary treatment. In this excerpt from Ask TheHorse Live, Susan White, DVM, MS, Dipl. ACVIM, of the University of Georgia answers a listener’s question about common treatment approaches and long-term prognosis for horses with asthma.

This podcast is an excerpt of our Ask TheHorse Live Q&A, “Managing Horses With Allergies.” Listen to the full recording here.

About the Expert

Susan L. White, DVM, MS, Dipl. ACVIM

Susan L. White, DVM, MS, Dipl. ACVIM, is the Josiah Meigs Distinguished Professor, Emeritus of Large Animal Medicine at University of Georgia’s College of Veterinary Medicine. White has a long-standing interest in equine dermatology, lectures on the topic extensively nationally and internationally, and maintains an equine dermatology consulting service.

Horses frequently get scrapes and small wounds that are easily treatable with topical antibiotics. But what type is the best to choose? When and why should you use them? Find out in this infographic on the basics of topical antibiotics.

Preparing funds and arranging a caretaker for your horses can help ensure their well-being if they outlive you. Jorge Colón, DVM, MBA, of Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine, in Ithaca, New York, and Wendy Krebs, DVM, of Bend Equine Medical Center, in Oregon, discuss options for being prepared in this excerpt from Ask TheHorse Live. 

This podcast is an excerpt of our Ask TheHorse Live Q&A, “Budgeting and Planning for Horse Expenses.” Listen to the full recording here.

About the Experts

Wendy Krebs, DVM

Wendy Krebs, DVM, is a partner at Bend Equine Medical Center in Bend, Oregon. She grew up in Western Oregon, where she participated first in 4-H and later in eventing. She graduated from Oregon State University College of Veterinary Medicine, in Corvallis, in 2002 and performed a yearlong equine internship, followed by a four-year American College of Veterinary Surgeons equine surgery residency. Her practice interests include surgery and performance horse care, as well as comprehensive preventive care. She lives on a small working ranch in Tumalo with her husband, two young children, and a bevy of animals, including nine horses. She enjoys riding her Oldenburg mare, Aria, emergency-schedule permitting.

Jorge L. Colón, DVM, MBA

Jorge L. Colón, DVM, MBA, is an associate professor of practice in financial and organizational management at the Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine (CVM), in Ithaca, New York, and serves as the director of business education for the Cornell Center for Veterinary Business and Entrepreneurship. He received his BS and DVM from Cornell and his MBA from the College of Business at Colorado State University, in Fort Collins. Colón spent the first 25 years of his professional veterinary career as an equine ambulatory veterinarian in Lexington, Kentucky, concentrating in the areas of equine reproduction, neonatology, radiology, and Thoroughbred sales. He transitioned into academia in 2020, where he is now tasked with the development and implementation of the veterinary business educational curriculum at the Cornell CVM and with the management and administration of the Cornell CVBE Certificate in Veterinary Business and Management.

While equine euthanasia is a compassionate option to have as a horse owner, what steps should you take if financial constraints are driving this decision? Wendy Krebs, DVM, of Bend Equine Medical Center, in Oregon, explains how to decide if euthanasia is the best choice. She also describes alternatives to euthanasia in this excerpt from Ask TheHorse Live. 

This podcast is an excerpt of our Ask TheHorse Live Q&A, “Budgeting and Planning for Horse Expenses.” Listen to the full recording here.

About the Expert

Wendy Krebs, DVM

Wendy Krebs, DVM, is a partner at Bend Equine Medical Center in Bend, Oregon. She grew up in Western Oregon, where she participated first in 4-H and later in eventing. She graduated from Oregon State University College of Veterinary Medicine, in Corvallis, in 2002 and performed a yearlong equine internship, followed by a four-year American College of Veterinary Surgeons equine surgery residency. Her practice interests include surgery and performance horse care, as well as comprehensive preventive care. She lives on a small working ranch in Tumalo with her husband, two young children, and a bevy of animals, including nine horses. She enjoys riding her Oldenburg mare, Aria, emergency-schedule permitting.

Routine and emergency veterinary care can be very costly depending on the procedure, illness, or injury. Wendy Krebs, DVM, of Bend Equine Medical Center, in Oregon, explains how preparing for routine expenses and potential emergencies by budgeting can help horse owners achieve financial security in this excerpt from Ask TheHorse Live.    

This podcast is an excerpt of our Ask TheHorse Live Q&A, “Budgeting and Planning for Horse Expenses.” Listen to the full recording here.

About the Expert

Wendy Krebs, DVM

Wendy Krebs, DVM, is a partner at Bend Equine Medical Center in Bend, Oregon. She grew up in Western Oregon, where she participated first in 4-H and later in eventing. She graduated from Oregon State University College of Veterinary Medicine, in Corvallis, in 2002 and performed a yearlong equine internship, followed by a four-year American College of Veterinary Surgeons equine surgery residency. Her practice interests include surgery and performance horse care, as well as comprehensive preventive care. She lives on a small working ranch in Tumalo with her husband, two young children, and a bevy of animals, including nine horses. She enjoys riding her Oldenburg mare, Aria, emergency-schedule permitting.

The cost of horse ownership varies from region to region, but even basic expenses such as feed, bedding, and routine veterinary and farrier care can be very costly. Jorge Colón, DVM, MBA, of Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine, in Ithaca, New York, describes common costs associated with owning a horse and why owners have seen them consistently rise over the years in this excerpt from Ask TheHorse Live. 

This podcast is an excerpt of our Ask TheHorse Live Q&A, “Budgeting and Planning for Horse Expenses.” Listen to the full recording here.

About the Expert

Jorge L. Colón, DVM, MBA

Jorge L. Colón, DVM, MBA, is an associate professor of practice in financial and organizational management at the Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine (CVM), in Ithaca, New York, and serves as the director of business education for the Cornell Center for Veterinary Business and Entrepreneurship. He received his BS and DVM from Cornell and his MBA from the College of Business at Colorado State University, in Fort Collins. Colón spent the first 25 years of his professional veterinary career as an equine ambulatory veterinarian in Lexington, Kentucky, concentrating in the areas of equine reproduction, neonatology, radiology, and Thoroughbred sales. He transitioned into academia in 2020, where he is now tasked with the development and implementation of the veterinary business educational curriculum at the Cornell CVM and with the management and administration of the Cornell CVBE Certificate in Veterinary Business and Management.

Orthobiologics and corticosteroids are common treatments for equine osteoarthritis but what are the risks and benefits of each? Howland Mansfield, DVM, CVA, CVMMP, of American Regent Animal Health discusses each and how veterinarians choose which treatment to use for horses with osteoarthritis.

This podcast is an excerpt of our Ask TheHorse Live Q&A, “Equine Joint Care Strategies.” Listen to the full recording here.

About the Expert

Howland M. Mansfield, DVM, CVA, CVMMP

Howland M. Mansfield, DVM, CVA, CVMMP, of Summerville, South Carolina, received her DVM from Tuskegee University School of Veterinary Medicine, in Alabama, and completed internships in both general equine medicine and surgery and in advanced equine reproduction. She is certified in both veterinary acupuncture and veterinary medical manipulation. She has practiced along the East Coast over the course of 14 years, in addition to time in Germany providing veterinary care for some of the most elite show horses in Europe. In 2012 Mansfield was named by the South Carolina Horseman’s Council as the Horse Person of the Year for her efforts in equine rescue and in combating animal cruelty. She joined American Regent in 2023 as a technical services veterinarian where she can support the welfare of and improve health care for horses and small animals throughout the U.S.

Groundwork and stretching exercises can help horses build correct muscle and become more limber. Steve Adair, MS, DVM, Dipl. ACVIM, ACVSMR, of the University of Tennessee, in Knoxville, explains how to implement these into your horse’s daily routine in this excerpt from Ask TheHorse Live.

This podcast is an excerpt of our Ask TheHorse Live Q&A, “Equine Joint Care Strategies.” Listen to the full recording here.

About the Expert

Steve Adair, MS, DVM, Dipl. ACVS, ACVSMR

Steve Adair, MS, DVM, Dipl. ACVS, ACVSMR, earned his veterinary degree from Auburn University, after which he spent two years in private equine practice and completed a surgery residency at the University of Tennessee (UT). He is a professor in the Department of Large Animal Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine at the UT Knoxville and is director of the Equine Performance Medicine and Rehabilitation Center. Besides his board certifications in the American College of Veterinary Surgeons and American College of Veterinary Sports Medicine and Rehabilitation (charter member of the latter), Adair is certified in animal chiropractic by the American Veterinary Chiropractic Association and is a certified equine rehabilitation practitioner. His primary research areas include equine musculoskeletal conditions, regenerative medicine and equine rehabilitation.

Equine osteoarthritis accounts for more than 60% of all lameness cases and commonly presents with signs of pain and discomfort. Steve Adair, MS, DVM, Dipl. ACVIM, ACVSMR, of the University of Tennessee, in Knoxville, explains what signs horse owners might observe in their animals that could indicate osteoarthritis.

This podcast is an excerpt of our Ask TheHorse Live Q&A, “Equine Joint Care Therapies.” Listen to the full recording here.

About the Expert

Steve Adair, MS, DVM, Dipl. ACVS, ACVSMR

Steve Adair, MS, DVM, Dipl. ACVS, ACVSMR, earned his veterinary degree from Auburn University, after which he spent two years in private equine practice and completed a surgery residency at the University of Tennessee (UT). He is a professor in the Department of Large Animal Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine at the UT Knoxville and is director of the Equine Performance Medicine and Rehabilitation Center. Besides his board certifications in the American College of Veterinary Surgeons and American College of Veterinary Sports Medicine and Rehabilitation (charter member of the latter), Adair is certified in animal chiropractic by the American Veterinary Chiropractic Association and is a certified equine rehabilitation practitioner. His primary research areas include equine musculoskeletal conditions, regenerative medicine and equine rehabilitation.

Managing horses with neck arthritis can be particularly challenging for veterinarians due to the unique anatomy of the equine neck. Steve Adair, MS, DVM, Dipl. ACVIM, ACVSMR, of the University of Tennessee, in Knoxville, and Howland Mansfield, DVM, CVA, CVMMP, of American Regent Animal Health, describe common management tactics for horses with neck arthritis in this excerpt from Ask TheHorse Live.

This podcast is an excerpt of our Ask TheHorse Live Q&A, “Equine Joint Care Strategies.” Listen to the full recording here.

About the Experts

Howland M. Mansfield, DVM, CVA, CVMMP

Howland M. Mansfield, DVM, CVA, CVMMP, of Summerville, South Carolina, received her DVM from Tuskegee University School of Veterinary Medicine, in Alabama, and completed internships in both general equine medicine and surgery and in advanced equine reproduction. She is certified in both veterinary acupuncture and veterinary medical manipulation. She has practiced along the East Coast over the course of 14 years, in addition to time in Germany providing veterinary care for some of the most elite show horses in Europe. In 2012 Mansfield was named by the South Carolina Horseman’s Council as the Horse Person of the Year for her efforts in equine rescue and in combating animal cruelty. She joined American Regent in 2023 as a technical services veterinarian where she can support the welfare of and improve health care for horses and small animals throughout the U.S.

Steve Adair, MS, DVM, Dipl. ACVS, ACVSMR

Steve Adair, MS, DVM, Dipl. ACVS, ACVSMR, earned his veterinary degree from Auburn University, after which he spent two years in private equine practice and completed a surgery residency at the University of Tennessee (UT). He is a professor in the Department of Large Animal Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine at the UT Knoxville and is director of the Equine Performance Medicine and Rehabilitation Center. Besides his board certifications in the American College of Veterinary Surgeons and American College of Veterinary Sports Medicine and Rehabilitation (charter member of the latter), Adair is certified in animal chiropractic by the American Veterinary Chiropractic Association and is a certified equine rehabilitation practitioner. His primary research areas include equine musculoskeletal conditions, regenerative medicine and equine rehabilitation.

Overweight and obese horses are at a higher risk of developing other health concerns such as musculoskeletal disorders and metabolic problems. However, when feeding your horse for weight loss, it is important to avoid allowing them long period of time between meals to reduce their risk of hindgut problems. Frank Andrews, DVM, MS, Dipl. ACVIM, of Louisiana State University, in Baton Rouge, discusses the best ways to protect your horse’s hindgut while helping him lose weight.

This podcast is an excerpt of our Ask TheHorse Live Q&A, “Understanding Equine Hindgut Health.” Listen to the full recording here.

About the Expert

Frank M. Andrews, DVM, MS, Dipl. ACVIM

Frank M. Andrews, DVM, MS, Dipl. ACVIM, is a graduate of Washington State University College of Veterinary Medicine in Pullman, Washington, where he received a DVM and MS. After a year in private veterinary practice, he completed an Equine Medicine and Surgery Residency at The Ohio State University. After 20 years on the faculty at the University of Tennessee College of Veterinary Medicine, he is currently LVMA Equine Committee Professor and Head of The Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, as well as the Director of the Equine Health and Sports Performance Program at LSU Vet Med. Dr. Andrews is Diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine, Large Animal Internal Medicine. Dr. Andrews’ has clinical and research interests in gastric ulcers, gastrointestinal disease, and endocrine diseases and is involved in clinical equine practice and has been doing scientific investigation for over 35 years.

Veterinarians and horse owners should treat each horse as an individual and work together to develop a treatment and management plan for horses with hindgut problems. Mary Beth Gordon, PhD, of Purina, describes some common treatment and management protocols for horses with hindgut problems.

This podcast is an excerpt of our Ask TheHorse Live Q&A, “Understanding Equine Hindgut Health.” Listen to the full recording here.

About the Expert

Mary Beth Gordon, PhD

Dr. Mary Beth Gordon is the Senior Director of Equine Technical Innovation for Purina Animal Nutrition (Land O’Lakes, Inc.) with responsibilities to lead and guide the research and technical teams for the horse business group. Her ambitious research team has completed over 350 research protocols at the Purina Animal Nutrition Center, leading to the creation of 18 new products and 20+ reformulated products in the equine market since 2005. This research encompasses exercise physiology, growth and reproduction, and digestive physiology including palatability, intake, and microbiome work. Mary Beth earned her BS in Animal Science from Delaware Valley University and PhD in Animal Science with a specialty in Equine Nutrition and Exercise Physiology from Rutgers University. Her graduate research focused on the effects of exercise on the hormonal regulation of appetite in horses and her work was the first to characterize the appetite stimulating hormone, ghrelin, in equine. She is published in numerous scientific journals including The Veterinary Journal, Equine Veterinary Journal, Journal of Animal Science, Journal of Equine Veterinary Science and Equine Comparative Exercise Physiology. She has also co-authored chapters in textbooks such as Equine Sports Medicine and Surgery. In addition to her work at Purina Animal Nutrition, Mary Beth is active in the horse world as a dressage rider, owning multiple warmbloods that keep her very busy!

Horses commonly experience digestive problems, which can present in a variety of ways from abnormal behavior to weight loss.  Frank Andrews, DVM, MS, Dipl. ACVIM, of Louisiana State University, in Baton Rouge, explains common clinical signs that horses with hindgut problems might present with.

This podcast is an excerpt of our Ask TheHorse Live Q&A, “Understanding Equine Hindgut Health.” Listen to the full recording here.

About the Expert

Frank M. Andrews, DVM, MS, Dipl. ACVIM

Frank M. Andrews, DVM, MS, Dipl. ACVIM, is a graduate of Washington State University College of Veterinary Medicine in Pullman, Washington, where he received a DVM and MS. After a year in private veterinary practice, he completed an Equine Medicine and Surgery Residency at The Ohio State University. After 20 years on the faculty at the University of Tennessee College of Veterinary Medicine, he is currently LVMA Equine Committee Professor and Head of The Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, as well as the Director of the Equine Health and Sports Performance Program at LSU Vet Med. Dr. Andrews is Diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine, Large Animal Internal Medicine. Dr. Andrews’ has clinical and research interests in gastric ulcers, gastrointestinal disease, and endocrine diseases and is involved in clinical equine practice and has been doing scientific investigation for over 35 years.

As the site of fermentation, the equine hindgut plays a crucial role a horse’s ability to utilize fiber. Because horses are foraging animals, their diet largely consists of fiber, making this process vital to normal gastrointestinal function. Mary Beth Gordon, PhD, of Purina, explains the role of the equine hindgut.

This podcast is an excerpt of our Ask TheHorse Live Q&A, “Understanding Equine Hindgut Health.” Listen to the full recording here.

About the Expert

Mary Beth Gordon, PhD

Dr. Mary Beth Gordon is the Senior Director of Equine Technical Innovation for Purina Animal Nutrition (Land O’Lakes, Inc.) with responsibilities to lead and guide the research and technical teams for the horse business group. Her ambitious research team has completed over 350 research protocols at the Purina Animal Nutrition Center, leading to the creation of 18 new products and 20+ reformulated products in the equine market since 2005. This research encompasses exercise physiology, growth and reproduction, and digestive physiology including palatability, intake, and microbiome work. Mary Beth earned her BS in Animal Science from Delaware Valley University and PhD in Animal Science with a specialty in Equine Nutrition and Exercise Physiology from Rutgers University. Her graduate research focused on the effects of exercise on the hormonal regulation of appetite in horses and her work was the first to characterize the appetite stimulating hormone, ghrelin, in equine. She is published in numerous scientific journals including The Veterinary Journal, Equine Veterinary Journal, Journal of Animal Science, Journal of Equine Veterinary Science and Equine Comparative Exercise Physiology. She has also co-authored chapters in textbooks such as Equine Sports Medicine and Surgery. In addition to her work at Purina Animal Nutrition, Mary Beth is active in the horse world as a dressage rider, owning multiple warmbloods that keep her very busy!

Scratches, rain rot, and insect bites are especially prevalent when the weather is wet and warm. But what can you do to prevent and manage these skin problems in your horse? Susan White, DVM, MS, Dipl. ACVIM, of the University of Georgia, in Athens, describes how you can identify and treat common skin problems in humid weather.

This podcast is an excerpt of our Ask TheHorse Live Q&A, “Navigating Skin Problems in Horses.” Listen to the full recording here.

About the Expert

Susan L. White, DVM, MS, Dipl. ACVIM

Susan L. White, DVM, MS, Dipl. ACVIM, is the Josiah Meigs Distinguished Professor, Emeritus of Large Animal Medicine at University of Georgia’s College of Veterinary Medicine. White has a long-standing interest in equine dermatology, lectures on the topic extensively nationally and internationally, and maintains an equine dermatology consulting service.