The thinking on how we use antibiotics is changing in the world of medicine especially as we learn more about their impact on the inhabitants of the gut.  Ontario Veterinary College researcher, Dr. Diego Gomez, took part in a collaborative study with researchers across North America to study the effects of intravenous antimicrobials on the…

When horses talk, we listen but how good are we at deciphering what they have to say?  According to a recently published study (Nov 2021) by Dr. Katrina Merkies, researcher and associate professor at the University of Guelph, and her master student Haley Belliveau, we are faring well.  Using an online survey, participants categorized 32…

The perils of putting symmetrical saddles on asymmetrical horses “We were not surprised to learn 60% of the horses in our 490 horse retrospective study had larger measurements on the left side of their withers,” says Dr. Katrina Merkies, researcher and associate professor at the University of Guelph.  Undergraduate students, Julia Alebrand, Bethany Harwood,  Katharine…

Equine Guelph just released a 50-page downloadable E-book comprised of their most popular information sheets, plus some new handy checklists for horse owners.  It is FREE for all Equine Guelph E-news subscribers! “From the Horse Health Check to useful checklists, it is sure to be a practical resource for horse-owners and caretakers,” says Equine Guelph…

Looking Back on the 2020 Equine Industry Symposium & Webinar Replays By Kaitlyn Graff, Equine Management student  Over the course of the last nine months, COVID-19 has proved to be challenging for everyone. People in the equine industry have faced significant hardship, isolation and financial impacts. These unforeseen circumstances provided an opportunity for horse enthusiasts…

Part 3 of the digestive journey coming to your screen Dec 2020! Why are forage and/or forage-based feeds or alternatives so important for a horse’s digestive system? If you subscribe to Equine Guelph’s monthly Enews, you will find out in part three of their three-part video series on equine digestion. Watch as we take what we’ve…

In a recent study, researchers literally get inside the heads of horses and donkeys, looking for relationships between skull morphology and temperament.  Such studies have been conducted in different dog breeds, but little is known when it comes to equids. Associate professor and University of Guelph researcher Dr. Katrina Merkies collaborated on a project with professor…

By Tanja Bornmann (MSc Equine Science, Academic Equitation) Why is it so important for equestrians to become educated about learning theory and its practical application? Because, knowingly or not, in each single encounter with horses we use learning theory tools from our training toolbox. Sometimes, equestrians pick the wrong tools from the toolbox, or do not know…

Ontario racing industry provides feedback on Equine Guelph’s Pilot Project and looks forward to Fall Offerings 100% positive feedback has been received for the new TheHorsePortal.ca online courses, developed exclusively for Ontario Racing industry members!  Respiratory health, lameness prevention and gut health prove to be a priority and AGCO licence holders that completed the first three free…

Horse human interaction studies were discussed in a talk presented by Dr. Katrina Merkies, Ontario Agricultural College at the three day virtual conference hosted by the International Society for Equitation Science (ISES). With around 50 recent horse behavior studies referenced in the 40 minute presentation (and apologies for the many not mentioned), there is an undeniable growing…

Lameness is a huge focus for Dr. Judith Koenig as a clinician, researcher and instructor at the Ontario Veterinary College (OVC).  Koenig is also a rider with a keen interest in helping grass roots riders and upcoming high-performance athletes.  In the accompanying video Dr. Koenig explains her current research endeavoring to heal tendon injuries faster and also…

There are many important questions pertaining to equine conditioning and fitness as we all look forward to returning to work. Dr. Hilary Clayton recently shared some cautions and considerations in a Skype interview with Equine Guelph. Dr. Clayton is a veterinarian, researcher and horsewoman. For the past 40 years she has been conducting amazing research…