Equine
Laminitis: Part 1 – Causes, clinical signs and how to diagnose laminitis
By Lauren Lamb, DVM
Laminitis is a common disease seen in horses of all ages. It is a severe, debilitating and painful disease that affects the horse’s feet. Laminitis is commonly seen in the front feet, but can be seen in the back feet or in worst cases scenarios all four feet. Before we get too far in our discussion of laminitis, let’s go back and review the anatomy of the horse’s foot and how this anatomy is related to laminitis. Lamina are tiny (millimeters in thickness) finger-like projections that attach the coffin bone to the hoof wall. There are two sets of lamina.
The sensitive lamina are attached to the coffin bone and extend out to the hoof wall. The non-sensitive lamina are attached to the inside of the hoof wall and extend out to the coffin bone. The sensitive and non-sensitive lamina interdigitate with each other, attaching the hoof wall to the coffin bone. This attachment supports the horse’s weight. The sensitive lamina can have a significant amount of blood flow but no blood flow in the non-sensitive lamina.
Another anatomical structure that needs to be discussed is the deep digital flexor tendon. The deep digital flexor tendon attaches to the back/bottom of the coffin bone and is responsible for flexion of the coffin, pastern, fetlock and knee joints. The deep digital flexor tendon pulls on the back of the coffin bone and places pressure on the lamina on the front of the foot. Normal healthy lamina resist the pressure placed on them by the deep digital flexor tendon.
The term laminitis literally means inflammation of the lamina. The sensitive lamina can become severely inflamed. The cause of this inflammation can be secondary to several different factors, which we will discuss later. The inflammation will weaken or kill the sensitive and non-sensitive lamina, which can result in the coffin bone rotating or sinking in the hoof capsule.
To read more pick up a copy of the December 2017 NTFR issue.
By: Krista Lucas Wynn | Copy Editor
The name, “Daddy of ’em All,” instantly brings to mind the world’s largest outdoor rodeo and western celebration. Cowboys and cowgirls from all across the country dream of competing on the iconic Cheyenne arena dirt.
Every July, pro rodeo contestants travel to Cheyenne, Wyom. to vie for the title of champion of the Cheyenne Frontier Days. The rodeo is steeped in western tradition and celebrated the 125th year this summer. With nearly two weeks of rodeo action, fans watched bareback riding, calf roping, breakaway roping, saddle bronc riding, team roping, steer wrestling, barrel racing, bull riding, and steer roping.
Steer roper, Tuff Hardman, knew winning “the Dad” was a tall order, but with a good horse and a few prayers he left no doubt who the best steer roper at Cheyenne was when it was all said and done. After two rounds, Hardman qualified back for the finals tied for ninth place with a time of 30.8 seconds.
To read more, pick up a copy of the September issue of NTFR magazine. To subscribe by mail, call 940-872-5922.
Utilizing the horse to human connection.
By: Hannah Claxton | Editor
Deep in the heart of Texas, both humans and horses at Stable Strides Farm in Pilot Point, Texas aer demonstrating just how big their hearts really are. Founded by Mandy Cleveland in 2001, Stable Strides Farm serves dozens of Equestrians with Disabilities and Veterans each week.
Deep in the heart of Texas, both humans and horses at Stable Strides Farm in Pilot Point, Texas aer demonstrating just how big their hearts really are. Founded by Mandy Cleveland in 2001, Stable Strides Farm serves dozens of Equestrians with Disabilities and Veterans each week.
“My boys have been riding since they were 18 months old, and for the first 17 years they had a leader and sidewalker. When we moved here, and Mandy started teaching them, she just said, ‘Let’s see what they can do,’ and they ride independently now,” Danielle Frank explained, whose two sons, Adison and Aiden, ride with Stable Strides Farm. “Mandy is amazing beucase she doesn’t place any limits on them, she always wants to see what they can do.”
It is her dedication to never setting limits that earned Cleveland a spot as a national finalist for the NSBA 2024 Dianne Eppers Cowgirls Reaching-Out-to-Community Award. The award was established by the NSBA Foundation to recognize cowgirls across the industry for their selfless contributions to the equestrian community.
To read more, pick up a copy of the September issue of the NTFR magazine. To subscribe by mail, call 940-872-5922.
(Photos Courtesy of Hannah Claxton)
By Krista Lucas Wynn
The month of August is smack dab in the middle of summer. When in the thick of the hot summer days, it is important to keep horses, livestock and yourself cool, whether leisurely riding, competing or traveling. Texas temperatures, along with the humidity, can be extremely draining on equine athletes and riders alike.
The 100-plus degree days should come as no surprise. It happens routinely every year, and in true Texas summer fashion, it does not cool off much at night either. Horses cannot get much relief from the conditions, unless provided by a responsible owner. Sweating day in and day out can be detrimental to horse health.
It is vital to have fresh, cool water in front of horses at all times. Stalled horses should have at least two buckets in front of them. Electrolytes can help replace any lost hydration after riding. Fans are an important item to have on hand as well. They keep air moving, and now that it is dry and dusty, air movement is even more important.
To read more, pick up a copy of the August issue of NTFR magazine. To subscribe by mail, call 940-872-5922.
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