Characterization of Horse Use in Therapeutic Horseback Riding Programs in the United States: A Pilot Survey.

With increasing public scrutiny on animal welfare, it behooves those involved in the equine industry to revisit best management practices to ensure these support healthy horses. There is little published research on how horses are used in the equine industry, particularly in therapeutic horseback riding (THR) programs. Although there is a large amount of information on the benefits of THR programs to the participants, there is little published information available about the horses. Therefore, the objective of this survey was to gather data regarding horse use and care in Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship International (PATH Intl.)-affiliated THR programs in the United States to help establish a foundation for a standard of care. A 20-question survey sent to 659 PATH Intl.-affiliated THR programs returned a 40% response rate. Demographics demonstrated that the median number of horses in each program was 10; geldings outnumbered mares; most horses were between 16 and 20 years of age; and Quarter Horse or stock-type breeds predominated. Median session length was 8 weeks and median lesson length was 45 minutes. Horses were typically ridden by clients 4 days/week and 2 hours/day. Most horses were donated to the programs, participated for approximately 7 years, and left because of aging. Limb lameness and back soreness were the top health issues noted, with only a small percentage of colic and ulcers reported. More horses received nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs for a lameness issue, chiropractic adjustment, and massage than any other supplemental care or complementary therapy. Based on data gathered in this survey, THR horses were not worked excessively. Horses were ridden less than PATH Intl.'s maximum recommendation of 6 hours/day and 6 days/week and less than those used in university programs. Horses in THR programs also appeared to have fewer reported health issues as compared with data in other national reports.

Influence of Metabolic Status and Diet on Early Pregnant Equine Histotroph Proteome: Preliminary Findings.

Insulin resistance (IR) is characterized by an increase in biomarkers of systemic inflammation and susceptibility to laminitis in horses. Impacts on reproduction include a lengthened interovulatory period in horses. Dietary omega-3 (docosahexaenoic acid [DHA]) promotes anti-inflammatory processes, has been implicated in health benefits, and can reduce cytokine secretion. This preliminary study investigated the impact of IR as well as the influence of dietary supplementation (DHA) on the uterine fluid proteome in early pregnant horses. Mares were artificially inseminated; uterine fluid and embryos were collected on d 12.5 after ovulation. Uterine fluid was pooled for metabolic and diet categories (n = 8; n = 2 per metabolic and dietary status) and concentrated, and the proteome was analyzed using tandem mass spectrometry (iTRAQ). Five proteins met differential abundance criteria (±1.5-fold change, P < .05) in all comparisons (Control C, IS vs. C, IR; C, IS vs. DHA, IS; C, IR vs. DHA, IR). Serum amyloid A, afamin, and serotransferrin were upregulated in C, IR mares but downregulated in DHA, IR mares when compared to C, IS and C, IR, respectively. Quantitative PCR supported mass spectrometry results. The presence of serum amyloid A and serotransferrin in histotroph of IR mares potentially indicates an inflammatory response not seen in IS counterparts. These preliminary findings provide novel evidence on the potential impact of insulin resistance and DHA supplementation on the secreted equine uterine proteome during early pregnancy.