When you see a horse trailer heading down the road, do you wonder where it’s headed and why? How long its trip will be? Or how the horses inside are managed? Well, you’re not alone. Researchers have the same questions, and they’re seeking horse owner input to determine the answers. 

Alan Loynachan, DVM, PhD, Dipl. ACVP, has been named interim director of the University of Kentucky Veterinary Diagnostic Lab, effective March 1. Craig Carter, DVM MS PhD Dipl. ACVPM FNAP and former director retired after almost 15 years at the helm.

Indoor arenas are affected by a host of variables including air temperature, humidity, ventilation, air speed, horse activity and outdoor conditions.

Looking for a place to learn about horse care and management topics from University of Kentucky and other Cooperative Extension specialists? One Facebook stop that aims to educate horse owners on timely topics related to horse care and management is “Equine Extension with Dr. Bob,” found at https://www.facebook.com/hayoatsandeverythinghorses.

Tall fescue is grown on an estimated 35 million acres across the United States. In Kentucky, it can make up at least 20% of any given pasture. While most often a safe grass for consumption, it can bring hazards.

Dr. Barry Ball describes what he learned as the University of Kentucky’s Clay Endowed Chair in Equine Reproduction and over his 35 cumulative years of research.

The University of Kentucky received a grant to determine hay perceptions in the equine market, including package size, hay type and perceived quality. This survey will provide insight into the national horse hay market from the perspective of hay producers.

According to Martin Nielsen, DVM, PhD, parasitologist at the University of Kentucky Gluck Equine Research Center, while the horses have a lot of parasites, they are healthy. He and his team recently published a study describing parasite infection patterns in these horses over the course of a calendar year. 

As technology associated with advanced imaging and diagnostic modalities progresses, more attention is being given to equine vertebral column pathology. The vertebral column serves important roles in protection of the spinal cord and locomotion. Therefore, diseases that impact the vertebral column can have a significant impact on equine health and rider safety.

The University of Kentucky College of Agriculture, Food and Environment is joining other land-grant institutions to bring a new online platform to assist farmers in improving their on-farm practices. In conjunction with Mississippi State University, the University of Wisconsin-Madison, University of Arkansas and University of Illinois, the platform allows farmers to access and submit videos and podcasts aimed at getting started and having success with soil health and regenerative practices.