NEWSLETTERNEWSLETTER 3UMMER s6OLUME .O sWWW CANR MSU EDU HORSEADULTS Supported by the Animal...

NEWSLETTERSupported by the Animal Initiative Coalition

Promoting Health and Management Awareness in the Michigan Horse Industry

Weaving and Crib-biting Behaviors: A Welfare Issue

Weaving and crib-biting behaviors are two of the most widely recognized stereo-

typic behaviors in horses. Weaving behavior is a locomotor stereotypy in which the horse engages

the forequarters, neck and head in a lateral swaying motion, repeatedly shifting its weight from the left to the right front foot (McGreevy et al., 1995a). Horses exhibit-ing crib-biting behavior anchor their top incisor teeth on a fixed object, pull back, arch the neck, and draw air into the cranial esophagus, emitting an audible grunt (Dodman et al., 2005). Weaving and crib-biting behaviors may endanger horse health and are viewed by owners as being problematic and undesirable (Houpt and McDon-nell, 1993; Nicol, 1999). For example, both weaving and crib-biting are reported to cause unthriftiness in horses, and crib-biting has recently been associated with epip-loic foramen entrapment, a specific form of colic (Archer et al., 2008). On the other hand, many owners believe that horses learn to perform stereotypic behavior from other horses (McGreevy et al., 1995b; Albright et al., 2009), and such opinion has contributed to the exclu-sion of horses from boarding facilities. McBride and Long (2001) reported that the majority of horse owners in the United Kingdom attempted to stop horses from perform-ing stereotypic behavior, and that a large proportion of owners were concerned about the impact of the behavior on horse health and monetary value.

In Europe and Canada, the average prevalence of weav-ing and crib-biting behaviors is 3.3 percent and 4.1 percent, respectively (Nicol, 1999). A similar prevalence of crib-biting behavior (4.4 percent) has recently been reported in horses in the United States (Albright et al., 2009). Some of the management factors found to be as-

Stereotypic Behaviors in Michigan Horses: Results of an Online Survey

Carissa L. Wickens

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ksociated with weaving and crib-biting be-haviors include time spent out of the stable, extent of social contact, forage and concen-trate feeding, and breed and sex of the horse (McGreevy et al., 1995a,b; Redbo et al., 1998). Thoroughbreds (Lu-escher et al., 1998; Albright et al., 2009) and warmbloods (Bachmann et al., 2003) have been identified as the breeds at greatest risk of displaying stereotypic behav-iors, and, therefore, there is some evidence to suggest a genetic predisposition for stereotypic behavior (Vecchiotti and Galanti, 1986).

InsideStereotypic Behaviors in Michigan Horses . . . . . . . 1

Potomac Horse Fever . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

New MSU Extension Bulletins . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7

Equine Infectious Enemia Memorandum . . . . . . . . 8

My Horse University Receives Award . . . . . . . . . . . 9

Web Sites to Watch! . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10

Letter from the Editor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12

Calendar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12

(Continued on next page.)

MSUE Equine Program Newsletter 2


A First Look at Michigan HorsesCarissa Wickens, recent animal science graduate at Michigan State University, recently completed a study to assess Michigan horse owners’ perceptions of weav-ing and crib-biting behaviors and to investigate risk factors associated with these behaviors in the Michigan horse population. The project was a collaborative effort between Michigan State University (MSU) animal science researchers Camie Heleski and Steve Bursian, animal science doctorate student Nora Bello and the MSU Office for Survey Research. This study was the first to investi-gate stereotypic behaviors in Michigan horses.

A comprehensive online survey instrument was con-structed and administered to Michigan horse owners to collect information about weaving and crib-biting behaviors. The questionnaire consisted of a combination of multiple choice, Likert scale (i.e., “strongly agree” to “strongly disagree”) and open-ended question types. Questions were focused on stable and management in-formation (type of operation, number of horses, housing, feeding, exercise) and horse behavior (familiarity and level of concern with weaving and crib-biting behaviors, type of behavior observed on each farm and number of horses exhibiting the behavior, demographics on weaving and crib-biting horses, and methods used in an attempt to reduce or stop the behavior).

The sampling frame for the study consisted of recipients of the MSU Equine Newsletter and Saddle-Up magazine in addition to Web site recruitment of owners, manag-ers and barn employees belonging to six Michigan-based equine organizations: the Michigan Horse Council, the Arabian Horse Association of Michigan, the Michigan Quarter Horse Association, the Central Michigan Horse-men’s Association, the Wolverine Morgan Horse Asso-ciation and the Michigan Horse Show Association. The sampling frame was further supplemented by providing a link to the survey on the MSU Extension youth equine site. Associations between farm management factors and stereotypic behaviors were assessed statistically using logistic regression.

A total of 293 complete responses were received, repre-senting 2,181 horses. The percentages of horses exhibit-ing weaving and crib-biting behaviors were 2.7 and 5.2, respectively.

The level of concern with stereotypic behavior — specifi-cally, perceptions about the impact of weaving and crib-biting behaviors on the horse’s learning ability, health

and monetary value — differed depending on whether the respondent currently owned or managed a stereo-typic horse (Figures 1a and 1b). Compared with re-spondents with weaving and crib-biting horses, a greater percentage of responders with non-stereotypic horses agreed that weaving and crib-biting behaviors hinder learning ability, have a negative impact on horse health and reduce the horse’s monetary value.

Respondents’ observations of apparent triggers to weav-ing and crib-biting behaviors are shown in Figure 2. The factors reported to initiate bouts of weaving and crib-biting behaviors appear to differ. Horses are observed to begin weaving before feeding (54.8 percent), before turn-out (35.7 percent), or when a horse is separated from other horses (38.1 percent). The majority of farms reporting on crib-biting behavior indicated that crib-biting starts after feeding (45.9 percent) but that the behavior also occurs before feeding (38.8 percent) and as

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Figure 1. The percentages of respondents agreeing with three statements about stereotypic behaviors. A: weaving behavior; B: crib-biting behavior. The percentages of “agree” responses for each respondent category were ranked from highest to low-est and treated as Bernoulli proportions (Lindgren, 1976). The Bernoulli proportion was compared for each situation to that of the next highest proportion using pairwise Z-test statistics.

* and ** denote a significant difference between farms without weaving or crib-biting horses and farms with weaving horses in each of the three cases at P < 0.05 and P < 0.01, respectively.

MSUE Equine Program Newsletter3


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Figure 2. Apparent triggers to weaving and crib-biting as reported by owners. Several respondents indicated more than one trigger.

a result of separation from other horses (20 percent). Of the respondents owning or managing weaving and crib-biting horses, only a small percentage indicated that a horse had started to weave (2.5 percent) or crib-bite (5 percent) after another weaving or crib-biting horse had arrived at their farm.

Are Stereotypies Preventable?The methods employed by owners to try to stop or reduce weaving and crib-biting behaviors are shown in Figures 3a and 3b, respectively. Methods most fre-quently used to stop or reduce weaving behavior in-cluded increased turn-out (21.4 percent) and provision of toys (14.3 percent). The methods used most frequently to stop or reduce crib-biting behavior included fitting horses with cribbing collars (77.6 percent), alteration of crib-biting surfaces for example, by electrifying fences or applying distasteful substances to barn and pasture fix-ings (55.3 percent), followed by increased turn-out (54.1 percent). Many farms utilized a combination of methods. The percentages of respondents reporting that attempts to stop weaving and crib-biting behavior were successful were only 26.7 percent and 27.9 percent, respectively. Attempts to reduce weaving and crib-biting behaviors were more successful (66.7 percent and 49.3 percent, respectively) than attempts to completely extinguish the behavior. Consistent use of a cribbing collar was reported as the only means of effectively stopping a horse from performing crib-biting behavior. The method reported as being successful in stopping weaving behavior was keeping horses turned out rather than confined to stalls. Increased turn-out, often in combination with increas-ing social contact and providing horses with a consistent routine, were the methods that respondents reported as

More forage/less grain

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Figure 3. Methods employed by farms in an attempt to stop or reduce weaving behavior or crib-biting. Many respondents used a combination of methods. A: weaving behavior; B: crib-biting behavior.

being effective in reducing weaving behavior. Methods re-ported by respondents as being effective in reducing crib-biting behavior included increased turn-out, increased forage, and removal or alteration of crib-biting surfaces.

An increase of 1 hour of turn-out was associated with a 6 percent decrease in the odds of a horse being a weaver. An increase of 1 hour of turn-out was associated with a 4 percent decrease in the odds of a horse being a crib-biter. Compared with being turned out with other horses, horses allowed visual contact only and horses with no visual or tactile contact with other horses were 5.6 and 6.3 times more likely to display weaving and crib-biting behaviors, respectively.

ImplicationThe results of the current study demonstrate that weaving and crib-biting occur in Michigan horses at the same frequency reported elsewhere, and that owners



are concerned about these behaviors. However, respon-dents owning weaving and crib-biting horses were less concerned about the behaviors having a negative impact on learning, health or monetary value than respondents from farms without these behaviors. Thus, perceptions about stereotypic behavior within the equine community at large may not coincide with those held by individuals having firsthand experience with weaving and crib-biting horses. For example, a relatively low percentage of respondents with weaving and crib-biting horses indi-cated that they are concerned that the behavior hinders learning or performance. Therefore, it does not appear that these behaviors substantially interfere with training or with the overall usefulness of a horse. To date, there is very little evidence to support the belief that horses learn to perform stereotypic behavior by observing others. The percentage of Michigan respondents indicating that a horse had learned to weave or crib-bite after another weaving or crib-biting horse had arrived at the farm was low, and on these farms, management practices related to primary housing, social contact and hours of turn-out differed. Thus, it is difficult to determine whether horses are in fact copying the behaviors or if the behavior is the result of exposure to common management factors. This is an area that requires additional investigation before a conclusion can be drawn about the ability of horses to learn a stereotypic behavior through observation.

Reports by owners and barn managers that increased turn-out and social contact or increased amounts of forage are effective in reducing weaving and crib-biting behavior are in agreement with findings of previous stud-ies in which housing and feeding strategies have greatly influenced the performance of stereotypic behavior. Management strategies that provide horses with increased opportunities to engage in natural behaviors such as free movement outside the stall and socialization with other horses should be employed as the first means of moderat-ing stereotypic behavior because they are aimed at remov-ing the causal factors of the stereotypic behavior rather than at physical prevention, which may result in reduced welfare. These practices would be especially crucial to implement on farms raising young horses to prevent the development of stereotypic behaviors or for those owners with horses just starting to engage in weaving or crib-biting behavior as a means of discouraging the behaviors from becoming established. Further research into the causes of weaving and crib-biting behaviors is needed to improve the management and well-being of horses.

AcknowledgmentsSincere gratitude is extended to all who participated in the survey for their interest in this research and their dedication in filling out the questionnaire. The author would also like to thank all of the participating Michigan equine organizations for their help in providing their members with access to the Web-based questionnaire. Thanks also to Karen Waite and Christine Skelly for their assistance in further developing the sampling frame through the MSU Equine Newsletter and the Extension youth equine Web page.

Literature CitedAlbright, J.D., H.O. Mohammed, C.R. Heleski, C.L. Wickens,

K.A. Houpt. 2009. Crib-biting in U.S. horses: breed predispo-sitions and owner perceptions of aetiology. Equine Vet. J. 41, doi: 10.2746/042516409X372584.

Archer, D.C., G.K. Pinchbeck, N.P. French and C.J. Proudman. 2008. Risk factors for epiploic foramen entrapment colic: an international study. Equine Vet. J. 40, 224-230.

Bachmann, I., L. Audigé and M. Stauffacher. 2003. Risk factors associated with behavioural disorders of crib-biting, weaving and box-walking in Swiss horses. Equine Vet. J. 35(2), 158-163.

Dodman, N.H., J.A. Normile, N. Cottam, M. Guzman and L. Shuster. 2005. Prevalence of compulsive behaviors in formerly feral horses. Intern. J. Appl. Res. Vet. Med. 3(1), 20-24.

Houpt, K.A., and S.M. McDonnell. 1993. Equine stereotypies. Compendium Continuing Education 15, 1265-1271.

Lindgren, B.W. 1976. Statistical Theory (3rd edition). New York: Macmillan.

Luescher, U.A., D.B. McKeown and H. Dean. 1998. A cross-sectional study on compulsive behaviour (stable vices) in horses. Equine Vet. J. Suppl. 27, 14-18.

McBride, S.D., and L. Long. 2001. Management of horses showing stereotypic behaviour, owner perception and the implications for welfare. Vet. Rec. 148, 799-802.

McGreevy, P.D., N.P. French and C.J. Nicol. 1995b. The preva-lence of abnormal behaviours in dressage, eventing and en-durance horses in relation to stabling. Vet. Rec. 137, 36-37.

McGreevy, P., C.J. Nicol, P. Cripps, L. Green and N. French. 1995a. Management factors associated with stereotypic and redirected behaviour in the thoroughbred horse. Equine Vet. J. 27, 86-91.

Nicol, C.J. 1999. Stereotypies and their relation to manage-ment. In: Harris, P.A., G.M. Gomarsall, H.P.B. Davidson and R.E. Green (eds.), Proceedings of the BEVA Specialist Days on Behaviour and Nutrition, (DATE?), Newmarket, U.K., Equine Vet. J., 11-14.

Redbo, I., P. Redbo-Torstensson, F.O. ödberg, A. Hedendahl and J. Holm. 1998. Factors affecting behavioural disturbances in race-horses. Anim. Sci. 66, 475-481.

Vecchiotti, G.G., and R. Galanti. 1986. Evidence of heredity of cribbing, weaving and stall-walking in Thoroughbred horses. Livest. Prod. Sci. 14, 91-95. ❁



Potomac Horse FeverAre you prepared? — You can make the difference for your horse.

Dr. Santiago Garcia with Judy LessardMichigan State University

What is it?Potomac horse fever (PHF) is a disease

of equids best known for its gastrointes-tinal signs, such as enteritis and diarrhea.

This diseases is caused by Neorickettsia ris-ticii, an organism that lives inside several different

cells of the equine body.

This disease was referred to in the past as equine mono-cytic ehrlichiosis or equine ehrlichial colitis.

What do we know about the organism?Potomac horse fever is caused by Neorickettsia risticii, member of the Erlichiaea family.

According to the isolates obtained from clinical cases, there is diversity in the organism — each isolate has a different pattern of antigenic proteins. This means that Potomac horse fever is caused by more than one strain of Neorickettsia risticci. Current vaccines are made using only one strain, which likely explains their lack of efficacy in some cases.

The highest number of cases of Potomac horse fever with clinical signs occur in July, August and September.

What is the distribution in the country?Potomac horse fever is found throughout North America and has been reported in most regions of the United States and Canada.

Studies have shown that 16 to 33 percent of horses with no history of having had the disease show signs of having been exposed to N. risticii.

How does a horse get N. risticii?Several studies have been conducted to determine the route of infection and have revealed that a parasite living in freshwater snails and aquatic insects is a reservoir for N. risticii. The parasites and N. risticii have been found in adult and immature forms of aquatic insects

such as caddisflies, mayflies, damselflies, dragonflies and stoneflies. The seasonality of PHF is likely related to the seasonality of the flying insects.

But how does an equid become infected? These types of insects do not feed on warm-blooded mammals, but an equid may ingest an aquatic insect or snail while grazing or consume a flying insect that has landed in drinking water. It has been suggested that the insects might be attracted to the barn area by outdoor lights during the night.

Can it be transmitted from horse to horse?Direct transmission from horse to horse does not occur.

What signs will a horse with PHF show?The typical clinical signs observed in horses with PHF in-clude fever, anorexia (not eating), colic, depression, ileus (the horse does not defecate), diarrhea and laminitis.

Clinical signs and severity vary, but common to all cases of PHF is colitis (inflammation of the bowel). The onset of colitis can result in depression and anorexia and may or may not be accompanied by fever and/or diarrhea. Some horses with PHF can pass normal-looking feces without showing any signs of colitis.

The first prominent sign of PHF often observed by own-ers is a decrease in feed intake. In fact, some horses may not initially show any other clinical signs.

Usually this anorexia is followed by dehydration and tox-emia characterized by very bright-looking mucous and a bright red/purple line on the mucosal surface above the teeth (toxic line).

Upon becoming infected with PHF, many equids will develop a fever with an initial rise in temperature to approximately 103 to 106 degrees F. This initial fever resolves within hours, so its presence may go unnoticed. It is often followed by three to seven days of persistent fever, along with other clinical signs.

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Laminitis often develops in cases of severe endotoxemia, but in some occasions it can be the only clinical sign. Laminitis in most cases results in euthanasia of the equid within days of the onset.

N. risticii can cause abortions, and it is related to pla-centitis and retained placenta in most cases. The aborted fetus will show signs of the infection as well.

Is there a test to diagnose PHF?Although the presentation, blood analysis and response to treatment can be suggestive of PHF, a blood test called polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and/or isolation of the organism in cultures is necessary to diagnose the disease accurately.

The PCR technique has been adapted to detect the organism from blood samples, as well as tissue and, in some cases, feces, and usually takes less than two days to perform.

Can other diseases have the same signs as PHF?Other diseases — such as salmonellosis, clostridiasis, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory toxicity (banamine, bute, equiox), antimicrobial-associated enteritis, fungal colitis, toxic enteritis, etc. — have similar signs or can coexist with the N. risticii infection.

When an equid is infected with other infectious organ-isms in addition to PHF, the result can be an increase in the severity of the clinical signs and a poor prognosis.

Is there a way to treat PHF?The drug of choice to treat N. risticii infection in equids is oxytetracycline.

The organism survives in the equid’s body by hiding from the immune system within the macrophages (the body’s natural defense cells) and controlling the defense mecha-nisms of the cells, thereby preventing the macrophages from destroying the infectious organism.

Oxytetracycline can interfere with the control mecha-nisms of N. risticii and allows the macrophage to elimi-nate the organism.

Oxyetracycline should be administered by a licensed veterinarian once a day for three to five days. It is most effective when given in the early stage of the disease.

Should I isolate my equid if it develops diarrhea?Because clinical signs of PHF mimic those of other highly contagious diseases, such as salmonellosis, it is recom-mended to isolate affected equids.

What can I do to control or prevent exposure?Until modes of transmission are clearly known and all sources of the infection (insects, etc.) are identified, at-tempts to prevent exposure may not be successful.

Although there is evidence that associates PHF with aquatic environments, equids have developed PHF with-out having access to such environments.

Turning off lights at night in the stable and barn area will decrease the number of insects attracted to the area and the potential contamination of feed and water.

Should I vaccinate?Several vaccines are commercially available in the United States, but their efficacy is questionable.

Research has shown that once an equid develops an infection with N. risticii, the equid can develop an im-munity to that particular strain that lasts for as long as 20 months.

In contrast, vaccination has been associated with a poor immune response. Research has shown that only 50 percent of the vaccines are protective at six months after vaccination, and protection decreases to 33 percent after nine months.

Vaccination may decrease clinical signs but will not pre-vent infection and illness. ❁



New MSU Extension Bulletins Offer Help in Keeping Pastures

Green, Horses HealthyHorse owners do what they can to

make sure their charges get healthy feed. But how do you know that the

plants growing in your pastures are safe for equine consumption, and how do you grow

good forage? You can find out which

plants can threaten horse health and which make good hay from several new Michigan State University (MSU) Extension publica-tions.

Four new bulletins describe the most com-mon toxins to horses that are found in hay, grain, pastures and landscaping, including various trees. They focus on toxic orna-mental plants (E-3059), toxic plants in pasture and hay (E-3060), common toxins in equine feedstuffs (E-3061) and toxic trees (E-3062).

“With the arrival of the growing season, many horse owners will notice pasture plants that they haven’t seen before or find a horse nibbling on landscape plants,” said Karen Waite, MSU Extension equine specialist. “It’s important that equine owners be informed about which plants may cause problems or make their animals sick.”

Avoiding toxic plants in pastures and hayfields begins with establishing good pastures and hayfields. One new MSU Extension bulletin explores hay and pasture species (E-2305), and another outlines practices for managing horses and livestock in pastures along lakes, streams and wetlands (E-3066).

The strategies outlined in “Hay and Pasture for Michigan Horses” (E-2305) were developed by MSU Extension edu-cators specializing in equines and forages. They revised an older publication with new information about plant species and management practices, including renovating

older pastures and hayfields.

“We see many people interested in establishing hayfields or buying properties with old pastures that need some care before they can provide good quality horse forage,” Waite says. “There have been a number of studies on new and exist-

ing forage plants that show which ones provide good nutritional quality and how horse owners can maintain productive pastures and hayfields over the long term.”

Horse owners or barn managers whose property borders lakes, streams or wetlands can learn how to preserve these natural resources with help from a bulletin devel-oped by MSU Extension, the Michigan departments of Agriculture and Environmental Quality, and the U.S. De-partment of Agriculture. “Acceptable practices for manag-ing livestock along lakes, streams and wetlands” (E-3066) looks at livestock in these sensitive areas and provides strategies for maintaining animals and water quality.

These bulletins are available online at www.emdc.msue.msu.edu or from any MSU Extension county office. Just call 1-888-678-3464. ❁

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My Horse University and eXtension Horse Quest’s free equine webcast series has been selected by the

National University Telecommunications Network to receive the 2009 Shirley Davis Award for Excellence in Synchronous Distance Learning. This award recognizes individuals and institutions that provide superior dis-tance learning opportunities via Web or videoconferenc-ing. Key criteria are innovation, interactivity, production quality and administrative issues.

The award presentation was set for June 23 at this year’s NUTN annual event in Saratoga Springs, N.Y. The focus of the conference, “Quality in Motion,” was the chal-lenges to distance learning and technology in a troubled economy. Participants at the NUTN conference represent more than 60 higher education institutions across the country that focus on distance education and the tech-nologies that support education. For more information, visit www.uensd.org/NUTN2009.

“The free monthly webcasts have given equine enthu-siasts from around the country access to live, interac-tive presentations by the best minds in equine science,” says Christine Skelly, director and founder of My Horse University and an MSU professor of animal science. “Par-ticipants enjoy the opportunity to discuss these relevant topics with experts and ask questions.”

Through the award-winning webcast series, MHU and eXtension provide science-based information and other educational resources that promote better horse care, agricultural practices and environmental stewardship to horse enthusiasts. The free monthly webcast topics include areas such as farm management, horse health, nutrition and environmental issues, presented by top equine experts from universities across the country. Since January 2007, MHU and eXtension have offered 17 free webcasts with approximately 600 people in attendance.

My Horse University Receives Award for Excellence in Synchronous Distance Learning

About NUTNThe National University Telecommunications Network (NUTN) is a membership-supported organization that provides dynamic professional development opportuni-ties in support of emerging and current technology appli-cations to professionals involved in higher education. For further information about NUTN, visit www.nutn.org.

About My Horse UniversityMy Horse University is a national online horse manage-ment program based at MSU. It was founded by the MSU Department of Animal Science, MSU Extension and MSU Global to offer equine education courses and resources that can be tailored to achieve horse management goals. For more information, visit www.myhorseuniversity.com.

About eXtension HorseQuesteXtension HorseQuest is an interactive learning environ-ment delivering research-based knowledge from land-grant universities across America. eXtension connects people who need information with those who can best provide it — experts who know their subject matter inside and out. Get online answers to your equine- related questions, locate horse events in your area, watch instructional videos, take short courses and participate in webcasts with equine experts across the nation. For more information, visit www.extension/horse.org. ❁

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www.msue.msu.edu/horsekids Are you looking for up-to-date infor-mation on state-level horse programs and activities? If so, then this Web site is the place for you! You can also find the 2009 Michigan 4-H judges list and the Michigan 4-H rules and regulations book.

www.horsescount inmichigan.comThis site, constructed by MSU Exten-sion, has links such as ‘Hot Topics,’ ‘Question of the Month,’ ‘Survey Results’ and ‘Your Horse Counts’ that make it a must-see for Michigan horse owners. Check it out for more information about making your horse count in Michigan.

www.thehorse.comThis web site prides itself on being “Your Guide to Equine Health Care.” This is the Web site of The Horse magazine, with up-to-date news, online articles, e-newsletters and more.

www.myhorseuniversity.comMy Horse University describes its philosophy as “horse management based on science, focused on you.” This Web site provides opportunities to take structured online courses, read the monthly online newsletter, or purchase books and DVDs. One student’s testimonial says, “Thank you for a chance to learn in the convenience of my home. The nearest college that offers equine classes is 3 hours away.”

Web Sites to Watch!With the prominence of technology in today’s society, it comes as no surprise

that the Internet is a great place to turn to for your latest equine-related news. Here are just a few Web sites that you’ll want to visit to keep up on the latest and

greatest related to our four-legged horse friends!

www.canr.msu.edu/dept/ansThis is the home page of the Michigan State Univer-

sity Animal Science Department. Here you can find information related to earning a two-year technical certificate, a four-year degree or even a graduate degree. The department’s

mission is to “advance agriculture using multidisciplinary approaches to generate, teach, disseminate and apply knowledge in animal biology and management.”

Check out this site to see how you might fit in this department.

www.msue.msu.edu/cyf/youthHere you will find the home page of Michigan 4-H Youth Development. 4-H has so much to offer, whether you are a

youth, a volunteer or a family member. Visit this site to see what’s next on your

4-H calendar. It also has contact information for all of Michigan’s county Extension offices.

www.mihorsedocs.orgThis is the Web site for the Michigan Equine Practitio-ners Association, an organization of veterinarians seek-ing to improve the care of horses, mules and donkeys by exchanging knowledge among veterinarians, horse professionals, horse owners and others who may be interested.

www.extension.org/horsesVisit this site to find objective and research-based infor-mation from 74 of the nation’s top universities delivered through an interactive learning environment. ❁

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Equine ProgramDepartment of Animal ScienceMichigan State University1287 Anthony HallEast Lansing, MI 48824-1225

Chief EditorProduction & ManagementIndustry NewsKaren L. Waite, [email protected]

Horse HealthDr. Judy [email protected]

Research OutlookDr. Nathalie [email protected]

Youth CornerTaylor [email protected]

ProductionANR [email protected]

Printing and DistributionUniversity [email protected]

Editorial Board

For more information, call the MSU Horse Extension office at 517-432-5402or check the Equine Extension Web Site: www.canr.msu.edu/horseadults.MSU is an affirmative-action, equal-opportunity employer. Michigan State University Extension programs and materials are open to all without regard to race, color, national origin, gender, gender identity, religion, age, height, weight, disability, political beliefs, sexual orientation, marital status, family status or veteran status.

Lette

r from

the Ed

itor This edition of the Equine

Newsletter is chock-full of information on equine activities at

MSU. For example, if you read our fall edition, you may recall an article on crib-

bing behavior and gastric ulcers, and whether the two might be linked. This newsletter con-

tains an excellent article with follow-up infor-mation on the subject by MSU graduate student Carissa Wickens and Nathalie Trottier. You’ll also find information on the award-winning My Horse University online program, as well as a Youth Corner article on Web sites that will provide even more equine information. MSU Extension has also completed a series of bulletins on plants toxic to equines, which will be very useful now that the growing season is here. Finally, if you are showing horses or travelling out of state to trail ride, etc., you’ll want to review the letter from state veteri-narian Steve Halstead on Coggins testing and the new report forms being used. Have a wonderful summer!

Calendar(All events held at the MSU pavilion unless otherwise noted)

July 9-12 MSU Arabian Show Paula Hitzler, 517-355-7484July 18-19 Apple Blossom Classic Horse Show Mark & Carol Russell, 517-655-4712July 21-23 MSU Ag Expo MSU Campus www.agexpo.msu.eduJuly 25-26 ShoMe Open Horse Show www.shomequarterhorses.com/openshows.html

Aug. 1-2 MApHA Summer Sizzler Horse Show I www.michappclub.comAug. 7-9 Michigan 4-H State Horse Show www.msue.msu.edu/horsekidsAug. 15-16 Buckskin Horse Assoc. of Mich. Show www.michiganbuckskin.orgAug. 22-23 MApHA Summer Sizzler Horse Show II www.michappclub.comAug. 28-29 Mich. Appaloosa Classic Horse Show www.michappclub.com

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