Monday, February 11, 2019

Why Install an Equine Dry Lot?


Managing horses on small acreage can be challenging.  One of the challenges often faced is the need for grazing but being limited on space.  Dry lots can serve many purposes but the main purpose is to have somewhere to confine horses when pastures need time to rest and regrow.  It is important to consider grading and footing when thinking about putting in a dry lot.  Without the proper grade and footing layers, the dry lot will not stand the test of time.   

What is an equine dry lot?

      A small sacrifice area (usually free of vegetation) where shelter, feed, and water are located to house horses when they need to come off pastures. 
      Other Purposes:
      Exercise/Turnout from Stall
      Injury Recovery
      Managing Metabolic Issues


Before dry lot footing was added.

After dry lot footing was added.

Dry Lot Overview

      Location: Near Barn/Shelter
     Think central location to all pastures (for shelter, water, feed)
      Size: min. 400 sq. feet (20 ft. x 20 ft.) for one horse
      Cost for 20 ft. x 20 ft. Dry Lot:
     Low End ~$1,000* (6 in. of screenings/rock dust)
     High End ~$2,300* (geotextile fabric, 6 in. drainage stone, 6 in. screenings/rock dust)
*Prices are estimates and will vary depending on your area.

Dry Lots = Better Pastures and Healthier Horses

      Manage horses on high density farms (boarding/training facilities)
      Utilize rotational grazing
      Manage turnout time
      Prevent trampling when soil is too wet
      Recovering from injury and need limited (safe) space
      No mud!!  Mud causes injury (it’s slippery), thrush, parasites, abscesses, and more
      Properly managed pastures can reduce hay cost by ~$60-$100/month!


For more information about equine dry lots and construction tips, please contact your local Extension Agent for advice.




Monday, February 4, 2019

Wet Weather Can Lead to Hoof Issues

It seems like since Hurricane Florence hit in September we have not had a break from wet weather. Thrush is commonly associated with wet conditions and poor management. It can be seen in horses who are allowed to stand in paddocks, run-in sheds, or stalls that have excessive manure and moisture. It can also occur in horses who do not get their feet cleaned out regularly. However, thrush can be seen in horses who are never allowed to stand in manure. 

Thrush usually occurs within the frog (the wedge-shaped soft structure of the hoof) and the sulci (the grooves next to and in the middle of the frog). It is caused when excessive dirt and debris get trapped around the frog creating a perfect environment for anaerobic bacteria and fungi. Thrush is characterized by having a strong pungent odor along with a thick black or grey discharge/decaying tissue being present when picking out your horse's feet. The frog will be softer and sometimes tender to touch. If thrush is left untreated it can get into the sensitive tissues in the foot causing lameness similar to that caused by an abscess. 

Thrush can be prevented by picking out your horse's feet on a regular basis. It will also help to keep manure picked up and the area dry where your horse may stand for an extended period of time, such as a stall or run-in shed. 

The bacteria and fungi that cause thrush are not hard to kill so an antiseptic, such as betadine, can be used. Another option is to use a copper sulfate solution. Follow label instructions for the length of time to treat the infected frog. 

Thrush is a disease that is common when conditions are wet, but with proper management can be prevented. You can always contact your veterinarian and/or farrier if you have questions about diagnosing and treating this disease. 

 

Friday, February 1, 2019

NC Equine Passport Program Discontinuation

The NC Equine Event Passport Program (through the NCDA&CS) will be discontinued as of Dec 31, 2019. It will be replaced by the Extended Equine Certificate of Veterinary Inspection (EECVI) Program. This is essentially a 6 month health certificate that is recognized by 35 states and is an ideal program for those who have horses traveling/competing frequently. To find out more information, please check out the FAQ tabs on the website at https://www.ncagr.gov/vet/Livestock/eecvi.htm