Southern Horse Magazine June / July 2016 | Page 57

better and better and I can’t wait to see what the rest of the year brings.” Delighted to have recently been reunited with her 4-year-old horse Romeo from home, the future certainly looks bright for Emily Bradshaw who has based herself at one of the top establishments in the world. Having the chance to learn and train with the likes of Anne van Olst, Emily is sure to fulfil her dreams and develop into one of our Great Britain medal hopefuls in future years. See our next edition for up to date news on how Emily is getting on in Holland as we follow her throughout her work experience. DEVOTED TO… FEEDING NATURALLY At a recent seminar hosted by Dengie, leading veterinary expert Professor Celia Marr from the world famous Rossdales Equine Hospital and Diagnostic Centre in Newmarket, gave an update on Equine Gastric Ulcer Syndrome (EGUS). Recent research suggests that once horses begin training their likelihood of developing gastric ulcers increases. Figures show that 43% of untrained racehorses suffer with equine ulcers and once in training that figure jumps to between 80-100%. 48% of endurance horses are reported to have them out of season – while this jumps again to between 66-93% when they are in competition. 17-58% of competition and show horses in competitive work have ulcers. And the most surprising results were that of pleasure horses of which 37-59% suffer from EGUS. While there are many possible causes, high concentrate diets and intense exercise have been identified as the trigger in many equines. And whilst there can be many other medical causes of the same clinical signs that horses with ulcers display, it was agreed that endoscopy is the only way to definitively diagnose ulcers. Gastroscopy (endoscopy of the stomach) is carried out by a skilled veterinarian if a horse is underperforming or isn’t quite right in some cases as part of a wide-ranging diagnostic investigation. Once a horse is diagnosed with EGUS then Celia Marr discussed the various ways of treating and helping prevent [email protected] their recurrence. While Omeprazole medications were found to be the best practice for treatment, advice is to change feeding and management of the horse to reduce the risk of recurrence. For years riders have been told not to feed horses for at least an hour before exercise. Research has found that feeding a small amount (couple of handfuls) of alfalfa chop helps to reduce the acid in the stomach from splashing around and causing ulcers. This practice is now being adopted by many racing and professional sports horse yards with great results. starch yet high in oil and provides as much digestible energy (12.5MJ/kg) as a conditioning or competition mix/cube. Dengie Healthy Tummy 15kg RRP from £11.59 Dengie Alfa-A Oil 20kg from RRP from £14.99 For Stockist information please call 0845 345 5115 (Calls cost 2p per minute