NOVEMBER 2020 THE RIDER/ 9 INSIDE


Equine Osteoarthritis...............9 Racing Scholarships.............9 When Do Horse Trainers Make Sense?.................10


Barn Fire Prevention .............11 Equine Industry Symposium...12 CRHRA News....................12 The Power of the Horse.....13 OXC News.........................14 ORCHA News...................15


Research Study on Diagnostics for Equine Osteoarthritis of the Neck


Guelph, ON Oct. 16, 2020 - Radiographs have been found to be insufficient evidence for diagnosing Cervical Facet disease ac- cording to a research study by Dr. Judith Koenig and a team of researchers at the Ontario Veterinary College. In a video in- terview, Koenig explains some of the com- plexities of equine osteoarthritis and cervical facet disease. “Osteoarthritis is common in any ath-


lete,” explains Koenig, “especially as they get older.” The development of bone spurs can cause the facets to become enlarged. Inflammation around the cervical facet joints can affect the soft tissues and nerve roots. It is hypothesized that slight neck instability or overuse can result in remod- eling of the joint. There were a larger num- ber of dressage horses relative to the hospital population in the study and dres- sage horses may be at a higher risk for overuse of the facet joints of the cervical vertebrae. Clinical signs of Osteoarthritis in the neck include: at- rophy/muscle wasting (pronounced hollow in lower neck and vertebrae appear prominent), stiff neck (e.g. limited range in carrot stretch, difficulty when ridden in a “frame”) and sometimes front limb lameness that does not resolve by nerve blocking up the leg. One of the reasons for the OVC study was the fact that


previous studies have shown radiographs indicating changes in the neck of younger horses (6 – 8 yrs.) with no other clinical signs of osteoarthritis. Koenig has seen for herself, horses dismissed after pre-purchase exams when radiographs indicate mild osteoarthritis. When previous studies indicate 50% of clinically normal mature horses


OCHA News......................15 ORHA News......................16 OBBO Futurity ..................17 Pro and Non-Pro Reining Series................18 Lyra and Grayson...............19


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Dr. Judith Koenig - Cervical Spine Radiographs From Horses With Cervical Facet Disease.


Dr. Judith Koenig discusses osteoarthritis of the equine neck


present with mild osteoarthritis on radiographs, a study to explore the significance was in order. Differing opinions in classifying the severity of the


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stage of osteoarthritis from radiographs was revealed to be a good case for not using radiographs alone in diagno- sis. “The repeatability of grading of osteoarthritis from radiographs was not reliable,” says Koenig. Two thirds of the horses in the OVC study that were treated with intra- articular cortisone injection returned to their full level of work. The study concluded that radiographs alone were insufficient to diagnose cervical facet disease and other clinical signs (atrophy, stiffness, or lameness unresolved by nerve block) need to be present.


Story by: Jackie Bellamy-Zions, Equine Guelph Apply Now For 2020 Ontario Racing Industry Scholarships


You could be awarded 2 Equine Guelph 12-week on- line courses!


of racehorses who can pick up on potential problems be- fore they become health and performance issues are most certainly an asset to their employer,” says Equine Guelph director, Gayle Ecker. “We have been administering these tuition awards since 2016 and it is fantastic to see the fu- ture ambassadors in the racing industry keen to advance their knowledge and take that knowledge back to the sta- ble.”


One of the most popular courses among our tuition


resilient and we have found amazing ways to use online technology. The learning opportunities online are multi- plying daily and Equine Guelph has been a pioneer for on- line learning for the horse industry since 2002. “The bar is high for top performers and care takers


established in loving memory of Standardbred driver, trainer and groom, Roger L’Heureux by David L’Heureux and Crystal Fountains Inc. The Stuart Stocks Memorial Equine Award has been created by the Stocks family in memory of their beloved brother, son and uncle, and avid follower of top thoroughbred racehorses, Mr. Stuart Stocks. In 2020, we have learned to be flexible, innovative,


their welfare and desire to learn, both winners will receive two online courses through Equine Guelph valued at $549 each (Certificates are available in Equine Science, Equine Welfare and Equine Business – six courses complete the certificate). The Roger L’Heureux Memorial Equine Award was


Guelph, ON Oct. 7, 2020 - Hundreds of Ontario Racing industry members have discovered ways to boost the health and performance of their racehorses by taking on- line short courses through TheHorsePortal.ca. For those ready to take that learning to the next level, Equine Guelph offers two tuition awards for two free 12-week online uni- versity-accredited courses, donated by families passionate about the racing industry and the welfare of the athletes within it. Applications for the 2020 tuition awards are open until November 30. Selected for their love of horses, commitment to


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awards are required to write a 250 word letter demonstrat- ing their love of horses and commitment to the industry. Entries will be accepted until Nov, 30, 2020. For


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https://www.equineguelph.ca/education/tuition_awards.php Story by: Jackie Bellamy-Zions, Equine Guelph


award winners has been Exercise Physiology. “Knowledge acquired in Equine Guelph online courses has opened doors for me in the industry,” says, Standardbred breeder, and past recipient of both awards, Cameron Lago. “The racing industry is a tight-knit community and since taking the courses, I have seen a few big name trainers pushing towards hiring Equine Guelph students and have moti- vated a few friends to look into them.” The candidates for Equine Guelph’s 2020 tuition


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