Thank you from NC Horse Blog

International Heritage Breeds Week

This week is International Heritage Breeds Week and according to the Livestock Conservancy, headquartered in Pittsboro, NC the week’s purpose is “to raise global awareness about endangered heritage breeds of farm animals”.  There are several breeds of horses and donkeys that fall under the classification of Critical, Threatened, Watch, Recovering or Study.  Breeds are placed into one of the categories based on a specific set of parameters as well as their national and international registration numbers.

It is estimated that one domesticated livestock breed a week goes extinct and for many livestock and poultry lovers, that is unacceptable.  There are many organizations that support heritage breed conservation around the world and as North Carolinians we are lucky enough to have one headquartered right here in the Tar Heel State.  If you would like to learn more about heritage breed livestock (sheep, cattle, goats, horses, donkeys, rabbits or poultry), check out the Livestock Conservancy website.  There, individuals can find access to breed clubs and associations, breeder directories, information about choosing a heritage breed for their farm and breed comparison charts.

Get Out and Ride!

This is a great time of year to get out with your horse and explore new places. Here are some places to explore this summer!

• Carver's Creek State Park - Carver's Creek State Park located in Cumberland County recently opened up their trails to horses. Visit the following website for more information. https://go.ncsu.edu/ugc7am4

• Uwharrie National Forest - The Uwharrie National Forest stretches across Montgomery, Randolph, and Davidson Counties. The forest offers both horse riding and camping! Visit the following website for more information. https://go.ncsu.edu/qcnwtwl

• Raven Rock State Park - Raven Rock State Park is located in Harnett County and is open to trail riding. Visit the following website for more information. https://go.ncsu.edu/qk9dd3n

• Calloway Forest Preserve - The Calloway Forest Preserve is located in Hoke County and managed and maintained by The Nature Conservancy. Visit the following website for more information. https://go.ncsu.edu/lz34cul

• Weymouth Woods Sandhills Nature Preserve - Weymouth Woods is located in Moore County and offers trail riding. Visit the following website for more information. https://go.ncsu.edu/c9fb2ni

• The Walthour-Moss Foundation - The Walthour-Moss Foundation is also located in Moore County and covers more than 4,000 acres. There are multiple access points and trails that include jumps. Visit the following website for more information. https://go.ncsu.edu/6gs27nc

• North Carolina Dressage and Combined Training Association (NCDCTA) - The NCDCTA is the place to look if you are interested in riding competitions. Visit the following website for more information. https://go.ncsu.edu/qs3rbhl

When exploring these new places it is important to keep some things in mind. Check the weather for the time of day you plan to ride. Most of the locations listed above have you riding through the woods in the shade, but it can still get very hot around here during the summer. Be sure to bring plenty of water for both horse and rider. It also never hurts to bring along some fly spray to keep those pesky bugs from bothering you and your horse. The best part about owning a horse is being able to enjoy your time with them so get out this summer and ride! 

Equine Protozoal Myeloencephalitis (EPM)

Equine Protozoal Myeloencephalitis (EPM) is a central nervous system disease that is caused by the protozoal organism Soarcocystis neurona.  EPM can affect equines of any age, sex, and in any location in the United States.  The organism reproduces in the opossum and is passed out through the feces.  Horses pick up the organism by eating opossum feces dropped in feed or hay.  Once the horse comes in contact with the sporocysts in the opossum feces, the sporocysts move from the intestinal tract into the bloodstream and move to the blood/brain barrier and attacks the central nervous system.  The horse is noncontagious, but can develop the disease.    

The American Association of Equine Practitioners report that more than 50% of the horses in the US may be exposed to the organism that causes EPM.  Only a small percent which have been exposed will ever develop the disease. EPM causes clinical disease in approximately 1% or less of exposed horses.  Not all horses exposed to EPM will show clinical signs and some may develop an immunity and fight off the disease.

Clinical signs include:

-            Incoordination, stiff movements, abnormal gaits or lameness

-            Incoordination and weakness is worse when going up or down slopes or when the head is elevated

-            Muscle atrophy along topline and large muscles of the hindquarter

-            Facial paralysis

-            Difficulty swallowing

-            Seizures or collapse

-            Abnormal sweating

-            Loss of sensation along the face, neck or body

-            Head tilt with poor balance

There are tests available to diagnose EPM.  There are pros and cons for each of them, so consult with your veterinarian to determine the best test for you and possible treatments.  About 60-70% of affected horses will improve and some will recover completely.  As with most diseases, earlier treatment is more effective.  There is not a vaccine for EPM.  If untreated, EPM can cause devastating and lasting neurological damage

Prevention of EPM includes controlling the contact between opossums and horses in and around the barn.  Keep all feed covered and out of reach (including cat feed).  Use feeders and do not feed on the ground.  Know the signs of the disease and involve your vet early if your horse starts having symptoms.

Here are two articles with more in-depth information:  American Association of Equine Practitioners and Horse eXtension. 

Stinging, Biting Flies

Longer days and warmer weather means more time to spend outside working with our horses, but it also means the arrival of horse flies and deer flies.  Learn about the life cycle and how to control these pests: https://content.ces.ncsu.edu/horse-flies-and-deer-flies