Welcome to the Foal Patrol Education Blog!
Questions or comments? Contact us at foalpatrol@racingmuseum.net
We heard from many of you this season asking for more information on indications of illness in a horse, but we received a question this week asking how to tell if a horse is well. We think you will find this American Association of Equine Practitioners' resource helpful, with its basic overview of the signs of a healthy horse. If you have specific concerns about your horse's health, be sure to contact your veterinarian.
From anxiety and aggression to foal rejection, we have received several questions over the season about behavioral issues in horses. This online series on behavior available from the Merck Veterinary Manual includes a page on behavioral issues as well as information on treating behavioral problems. Reach out to your equine veterinarian with any case-specific questions.
We received this submission from a long-time Foal Patrol follower in Michigan over the weekend. We thank Gail for asking great questions and for her engagement with Foal Patrol.
"Congratulations on a very well done Foal Patrol Season! I have learned so much from the Education blog and appreciate all the features for fans of all ages. You have done a fantastic job answering so many questions, communicating with the participating farms and sharing so many updates, resources, photos and videos.
One of the things that impressed me this year was the very timely communication between Foal Patrol and the farms when we followers submitted concerns about things we observed and didn't understand. You were then able to respond quickly to us, both personally and with an update on Foal Patrol, with appropriate links on the Education blog to help educate us about the different circumstances... Life for humans and animals is not always predictable, even in the best of circumstances! Openness and honesty are what allow us to support each other."
-Gail in South Haven, Michigan
In response to some recent questions about corrective hoof trimming, this article speaks to the importance of early trimming in maintaining correct leg and hoof structure. You also may find this Q&A with Dr. Craig Lesser of Rood and Riddle Equine Hospital helpful in its discussion of whether there is an age after which trimming to balance conformation issues becomes ineffective. A big thanks to the Paulick Report for allowing us to share the Q&A with our Foal Patrol followers.
We received a great question about leg shape and alignment from a Foal Patrol viewer this morning. This resource from the University of Missouri Extension provides an introduction to "leg set" and its effect on a horse's movement and overall soundness.
