Shunted heels - Avoiding cracks with proactive management
Functionally adapted for speed and efficient use of energy, the thoroughbred foot is thin-walled and light compared to other breeds. This adaptation for speed renders the hoof more susceptible to hoof capsule distortions, or shape changes that interfere with the normal function of the foot, which are: support, traction, shock dissipation, and proprioception.
Streptococcus zooepidemicus - The bug that can place bets
The Horserace Betting Levy Board (HBLB) has invested over £7 million to protect racing and ensure horse welfare by disease surveillance and research on prevention of equine infections over the last decade. Infection with bacteria is one of the important causes. One bug in particular that can be found in many cases is Streptococcus zooepidemicus.
Tongue-ties - their place in racing in 2014
Tongue-ties (strips of material passed through the horse's mouth over the tongue and tied under the jaw) have been used for generations on racehorses worldwide as a method for the rider to retain control if his horse is prone to manoeuvering it's tongue over the bit. The use and efficacy of tongue-ties has spawned much debate and the Equine Veterinary Journal published reports in 2009 and 2013 evaluating use on racing performance and airway stability in thoroughbred racehorses.
Cardiac rhythm - new technology brings new insights
When a horse runs badly, after lameness and respiratory disease have been ruled out, the heart is usually the next suspect. A new study, published in the Equine Veterinary Journal, provides significant insights into cardiac rhythm abnormalities that can develop during and after racing in standardbreds.
The effects of routine morning exercise on muscle response in thoroughbreds
Timing is everything and nowhere is this more relevant than when preparing an elite equine athlete for a race. Here, Barbara Murphy reveals a fascinating insight into the circadian system of the racehorse and how timing daily exercise impacts equine performance.
To water or not to water?
Everyone wants to see a good covering of grass on a racecourse but the watering of tracks is a highly contentious issue, even though it's essential for growth. With opinion split as to whether natural firm summer ground should prevail or artificial watering should be employed, the final word comes down to the Racecourse Manager, the Clerk of the Course and their highly skilled team of groundsmen.
The Racehorse: A Veterinary Manual - Book Review
While several texts are available on equine orthopaedics and sports medicine, information relating to the racehorse - taking into account the practicalities of management peculiar to the racing industry - is often fragmented and contradictory. A new and hugely useful, if not indispensable, book by leading equine veterinary practitioner Pieter H L Ramzan, BVsc(Sydney), MRCVS provides a practical source of accessible information for the clinician, trainer and owner.
Equine Products UK - Trainer on the up - Harry Fry
After four years working as assistant to champion National Hunt trainer Paul Nicholls, Harry Fry took the plunge and set up his own operation with the backing of his mentor and landlord Richard Barber in 2012.
TRM Trainer of the Quarter - David Simcock
The TRM Trainer of the Quarter award has been won by David Simcock. Simcock and his team will receive a selection of products from the internationally-acclaimed range of TRM supplements worth €2,000, as well as a bottle of select Irish whiskey.
David Crosse - Let TV continue to promote the positive
One of the hardest things about being a jockey is the constant split second decisions that have to be made. It’s part of what makes the game what it is but I can pretty much guarantee that the overwhelming majority of my decisions and those of my colleagues are made with the intention of winning or at least finishing closer in every race.
The definitive profile of Criquette Head-Maarek
Frances J. Karon visits the home of Criquette Head-Maarek and learns how and why she became France's First Lady of racing. From the foal that started her on the road to great success to her love of Treve, Criquette talks about her family and why she likes to keep training simple.
Northern Dancer - small in stature but a giant among thoroughbreds
Few horses were ever as animated and filled with a zest for life as the great racehorse and sire, Northern Dancer. Frank Mitchell looks at why this unfashionably bred thoroughbred went from being an unwanted yearling to one of the influential thoroughbreds of all time.
Treating sore shins - can current research make a breakthrough?
From the turn of the year, consignors on both sides of the Atlantic have been battling with the phenomenon of 'bucked shins' otherwise known as sore shins. Thomas O'Keeffe looks into the research being done to see if a breakthrough into the treatment of this condition is imminent.
Equine Products UK - Patrick Prendergast - Trainer on the up
Equine Products' Transvite Power & Paste is regularly used by trainer Patrick Prendergast. Here, Patrick shares a few words of wisdom with us.
HBLB tendon & ligament research - equine injury prevention and management
Professor Celia M Marr looks into the work carried out by the HBLB over the past 50 years aimed at the prevention and management of tendon and ligament injuries, most recently looking at research into stem cells.
Best in show - is the popularity of youngstock shows growing across Europe?
France have led the way in promoting one of their most successful breeds, the AQPS. With the National Hunt market becoming ever more competitive and commercial, isn't it time other countries also tried something new?