Research Reports

The horse's ears against the sky
Horses and the Science of Hearing
Horses hear different frequencies than humans, and they use their ears for both hearing and communication.
horse eating hay
Study Reveals Horses Can Ingest Banned Steroid from Everyday Feedstuffs
A two-year research investigation led by Queensland University of Technology (QUT) in Australia revealed that horses can be exposed to a banned anabolic steroid (ecdysterone) through hay and pasture w...
mirror horse black and white image environmental enrichment
Environmental Enrichment for Stabled Horses
Recent research compared how different enrichment items affected horse behavior and physiology.
older horse PPID woman girl
Research on Long-Term Treatment of PPID Horses
PPID is considered a slowly progressive disorder. The researchers noted that pergolide is recommended as a life-long daily treatment for equids with PPID.
older horse care communication owner vet
How Veterinarians Approach Senior Horse Care
Views on horse aging and care can differ between veterinarians and between owners and their veterinarians.
girl kissing sad horse grief
Do Horses Grieve Following the Death of a Companion?
Researchers asked owners of horses that lost a companion about changes in the animals' behaviors and activities.
Warmblood on its pasture on a summer day
Are Warmblood Breeds Prone to PPID and Insulin Dysregulation?
If you have a warmblood, you should be on the lookout for pituitary pars intermedia dysfunction (PPID) and/or insulin dysregulation.
intraorbital fat pad
Research on Visible Physical Features and Insulin Dysregulation in Ponies
According to new research, observable body traits such as obesity are not reliable predictors of serum insulin concentrations in ponies.
lameness exam vet horse tech
Survey Gives Equine Lameness Insights
Global veterinary lameness experts were surveyed to learn more about lameness detection and common lameness issues.
ponies grazing laminitis research
Pasture and Obesity Effects on Pony Laminitis Risks
In a recent study, researchers investigated the effects of grazing and obesity on insulin and adiponectin in ponies.
Red horse sleeping on the grass in summer
Horses and the Science of Sleep
Learn more about the importance of sleep for optimal equine welfare in this video from the producers of Horses and the Science of Harmony.
inflamm-aging research senior horse
Inflamm-aging in Senior Horses
Senior horses have low-grade systemic inflammation know as inflamm-aging. Researchers aimed to learn more about physiological changes associated with inflamm-aging in a recent study.
Grey Pony in Long Grass
Quantifying Endocrinopathic Laminitis Risk in Ponies
Researchers aimed to identify the most useful physical examination, metabolic, and management factors to predict laminitis risk in nonlaminitic ponies.
PPID quality of life
Quality of Life Tool for Monitoring PPID Horses
Researchers are refining an owner-reported tool veterinarians can use to monitor PPID horses over time.
Acupuncture Needles Placed on a Horse
Research Report: Acupuncture to Treat Chronic Equine Laminitis
Researchers evaluated the use of acupuncture to alleviate pain in horses with chronic laminitis. 
mule woman red coat golden aspens background
Mule Heart Rates and Variabilities Studied
UC Davis researchers recorded new information about mule heart rates and variabilities.
NSC horse grazing green grass
Increases in Forage NSC Can Affect ID and Non-ID Horses
Be cautious when grazing horses on fresh forage that is high in non-structural carbohydrates, as it can affect insulin.
pergolyde mesylate (Prascend) shaggy ponies PPID thyroid
Effect of Pergolide Mesylate on Thyroid Function in Horses
Pergolide mesylate has no detected effect on thyroid hormone concentrations or thyroid gland function in horses, according to new research.
pasture pony NSC ID horses
Day and Time Effect on Pasture NSC and Insulin in ID Horses
Just because it is morning doesn't mean that NSC (non-structural carbohydrates or sugars and starches) in pasture will be low. Be cautious with ID (insulin dysregulated) horses.
Horses and the Science of Contentment
Horses and the Science of Contentment
Dr. Sue Dyson says it is important to know your horse and be attentive to any slight changes in behavior.
Portrait of a horse at the zoo
Insulin Dysregulation and Cresty Neck Score 
Insulin dysregulation—which is associated with equine laminitis—is best diagnosed with insulin testing.
paddock pen dry lot turnout horse
Research on Small Area Group Turnout for Stalled Horses
Researchers wanted to determine what size paddocks or pens were appropriate for lower-stress group turnout when horses are stalled a majority of the day.
horse behavior and learning hay or halters caption
Study Suggests Horses Smarter Than Previously Thought
An equine behavior and learning study showed that horses have a higher level of cognitive processing that previously was thought possible.
gray older horse with man hugging
The Older Horse-Human Relationship Study
Owner understanding of their horses and normal aging influenced their management decisions as the horses grow older.
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aged gray donkey how long horse donkey mule live
How Long Can a Horse, Pony, Donkey, or Mule Live?
horse big smile lots of teeth
Horse Teeth by Age
horse dental issues
Tips on Feeding Older Horses with Dental Issues
senior horses cold weather care might include proper blanketing
Caring for Senior Horses in Cold Weather 
POLLS & QUIZZES
FUN STUFF
Grey horse, more predisposed to melanoma
My Senior Horse Podcast: Equine Melanoma
The horse's ears against the sky
Horses and the Science of Hearing
Nesselsucht beim Pferd
My Senior Horse Podcast: Lumps and Bumps
Thoroughbred broodmare grazing
How to Assess the Health of Senior Mares and Stallions
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