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The days are getting longer, the grass is getting greener, and the winter coats are… everywhere! Spring shedding is a ritual horse owners are incredibly familiar with, and we love to hate it. However, not shedding can be an even bigger problem, so as your horses start to molt, and you wonder how horsehair got between your toes, keep an eye out for common signs that something isn’t quite right. If you notice your horse seems uncomfortable, your first plan of action should be to call your vet for an exam and put a pair of Soft Ride Boots on to help give him a comfortable resting platform that encourages hoof circulation. Happy brushing!
Soft Ride Team
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Seasonal shedding is a natural process in horses, and understanding it can help ensure their well-being. As temperatures change, horses develop thicker or thinner coats to adapt. This process, known as photoperiodism, is influenced by daylight length rather than temperature alone. During spring, horses shed their winter coats to make way for a lighter summer coat, which helps regulate their body temperature in warmer weather. This shedding process can vary depending on factors like breed, age, and health status.
Regular grooming plays a crucial role in assisting horses with shedding, as it helps remove loose hair and promotes healthy skin and coat. It's essential to use appropriate grooming tools and techniques to avoid discomfort or skin irritation. Additionally, providing a balanced diet rich in essential nutrients like protein, vitamins, and minerals supports overall coat health and shedding efficiency. Monitoring a horse's shedding patterns can also provide insights into their general health and well-being, allowing owners to adjust care accordingly. By understanding and supporting the seasonal shedding process, horse owners can ensure their equine companions remain comfortable and healthy throughout the year.
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Catching early warning signs of Pituitary Pars Intermedia Dysfunction (PPID), commonly known as equine Cushing's disease, is crucial for maintaining a horse's health and well-being. PPID primarily affects older horses and is caused by an imbalance in hormone production. Early indicators include changes in a horse's coat, such as longer, thicker, or curly hair that doesn't shed properly. Additionally, increased thirst and urination, weight loss despite a good appetite, lethargy, and muscle wasting are common signs. Owners should also watch for abnormal fat deposits, especially around the neck, tailhead, and eyes.
Many horses with Cushing’s disease have compromised immune systems. For those that also have EMS, high insulin concentrations predispose horses to laminitis. Grazing in the spring and early summer may result in laminitis more easily in PPID and EMS horses. Springtime tends to mean fast growing grass which can contain higher levels of carbohydrates and trigger a laminitic episode. Soft Ride boots help support a horse’s hoof and increase circulation in the hoof capsule. Keeping horses with laminitis, PPID, and EMS comfortable and on their feet is critical for care and recovery.
Routine veterinary exams and blood tests can help diagnose PPID in its early stages, allowing for prompt treatment to manage symptoms and improve a horse's quality of life. Treatment options may include medication to regulate hormone levels and dietary adjustments to support overall health. By recognizing these warning signs and seeking veterinary care, horse owners can help their equine companions live comfortably and happily despite PPID.
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Soft Ride on the Road - Spring Season
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Farrier Collaboration: Radiograph Assisted Management of the Equine Athlete
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NAEP along with Dr. Kit Miller and Mr. Mike Wildstein will be presenting a collaborative session centered around discussing radiographs between veterinarian and farriers - how to approach the topic, what are important aspects to focus on, and how to look at the horse’s foot conformation. The focus will be on radiographic anatomy of the foot including basic radiographic anatomy of the digit and important measurements to consider when taking radiographs for the farrier and veterinarian.
Mr. Stuart Muir will apply SoftRider shoes as part of the lab portion of this event.
Event Information:
Storm Harbor Equestrian Center
April 5-6, 2024
245 Harmony Rd.
Slippery Rock, PA, 16057
Contact: https://www.thenaep.com/events/regionalwetlabpenn
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Rood and Riddle International Podiatry Summit
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The International Podiatry Conference aims to bring together experienced equine veterinarians and farriers for skill development and discussion. The ability to meet and discuss techniques will help advance the skill set of all attending, raise new questions, formulate new areas of research, and facilitate contacts between veterinarians and farriers. This conference will feature lectures, demos, and hands-on wet labs for participating vets and farriers.
Event Information:
Rood & Riddle Equine Hospital
April 18-20, 2024
2150 Georgetown Rd
Lexington, KY 40511
Contact: https://form.jotform.com/233463971873164
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Ignite for Equine Athletes : From the Ground Up
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This conference is directed to farriers, veterinarians, equine podiatrist and footing experts. The two day conference will include topics like static and dynamic observations of the hoof, diagnostic imaging modalities, rehabilitative shoeing, and regional foot perfusion.
Equine Podiatry speakers will include: Dr. Mark Revenaugh, Dr. Mark Silverman, Dr. Bart Halsberghe, Didier Rondelez, Dr. Kurt Selberg, Dr. Lars Roepstorff, Dr Britt Conklin, Robert Jukes, Dr. Charlie Buchanan, Pete May, Kyle Kukla, Dr. David Dutton, Dr. Matt Durham, Steve Teichman, Tim Ober, Elin Hernlund, Dr. Jim Meyers, and Beau Whitaker.
Event Information:
Brazos Valley Equine and Shady Villa Hotel
April 26-27, 2024
1920 FM 2268 Salado TX 76571
Contact: https://www.igniteforequineathletes.com/from-the-ground-up
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New Developments in Management of Acute & Chronic Laminitis
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This online panel will discuss the latest research and developments in the management of laminitis in both acute and chronic cases. The discussion will be lead by Dr. Andrew Van Eps, Dr. Edd Knowles, Dr. Fran James, and Dr. Jaret Pullen.
Event Information:
Online Panel Discussion
May 7th, 2024 - local times vary
Contact: https://www.vetpd.com/online-learning-center/equine/panel-discussions/course-detail/online-panel-discussion-%E2%80%93-new-developments-in-management-of-acute-&-chronic-laminitis
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We LOVE hearing from our customers and getting updates on how your horses are doing! Please send us your story and a photo of your horse in their Soft Ride products for a chance to be featured on our social media, in an upcoming issue of our newsletter, and to be entered in a Soft Ride giveaway!
Email us here: socialmedia@srboots.com
Tag us:
Facebook: Soft Ride Equine Comfort Boots
Instagram: @soft.ride
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As we continue our drive to keep your horse on his feet, we've received more than 15 patents, ship to over 50 countries, and work with more than 6,000 veterinarians around the world, as well as every veterinarian school in the United States, Canada, Europe and Australia. And with horse owners from every discipline using our products, we can safely and proudly say, "The best in the world rely on Soft Ride."
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