HEALTH & EDUCATION

We all want the best care possible for our horses. The Heath & Education section covers both Learning Institutions, Organizations as well as many sources for equine assistance including Veterinarians and Farriers.

For those who want a to formally study horses, the Education section includes College Riding, Equine Studies, and Veterinary Schools. Learn about the wide variety of horses in the Horse Breeds section. Supplements and Treatments Therapy are also included in the section.

Everyone can learn from Fine Art and there are some specialty Museums that might surprise you.

Horses as a therapy partner enrich the lives of the disabled. These facilities are listed in our Therapeutic Riding section. To help children and young adults build confidence and grow emotionally, please see the resources available on the Youth Outreach page.

Looking for a place to keep your horse? You can find it in the Horse Boarding section. Traveling? Find a Shipping company or Horse Sitting service if your horse is staying home!

Want to stay up to date with the latest training clinics or professional conferences? Take a look at our Calendar of Events for Health & Education for the dates and locations of upcoming events.

Do we need to add more? Please use the useful feedback link and let us know!

In rural America, individuals seeking mental health support often face barriers due to lack of access to quality resources. Often overshadowed by stigma, finding mental health help can be difficult, leaving individuals feeling unheard and alone. Yet amidst these challenges, hope emerges through partnerships with horses.

Learn more about the common condition, hoof thrush, and about thrush treatment for horses

Whew, do you smell that?

Once you smell thrush, it’s unlikely you will ever forget it.

Equine thrush infection is a hoof condition that many horse owners battle. It is described as an infection localized in the “frog” of the hoof, especially the grooves on the sides and middle of the frog called the sulci. The condition is characterized by a foul odor, a dark-colored discharge, soreness of the frog and deformation of the frog’s shape.

Thrush has been positively identified as being a bacterial infection of the soft tissue of the hoof, which is caused by Fusobacterium necrophorum. This anaerobic bacteria is a natural part of a healthy horse’s gut flora. It passes through their system and gets picked up on the hoof. While thrush is encouraged by dark, wet conditions, a case can occur in even the best of circumstances.

How do you identify thrush?

Tenderness and/or pain in the foot
Black, pus-like fluid
Bleeding
Strong, unpleasant odor

What causes thrush?

Bacteria that thrive in wet conditions, especially environments contaminated with urine or manure
Consistently wet conditions
Infrequent hoof cleaning

How do you treat thrush?

Move the horse to a clean and dry area.
Ensure bedding and footing is as dry as possible.
Pick the hooves out daily.
Apply an antiseptic foot wash to clean the hooves. To determine frequency of application for daily use, please reference your thrush treatment’s product label, as treatment recommendations vary by product. Gently wipe it through the hoof to get into cracks and crevices.
Hooflex Thrush Remedy is tough on bacteria and fungi because it is a broad-based antimicrobial. This means it will help battle the bacteria that causes thrush but also fungus that can follow. The product is “convenient to use and dried up my horse's thrush in two weeks,” said Jeannette, a horse owner in Pennsylvania. “It was recommended to me by my farrier.”
Contact your farrier or veterinarian if the problem persists for longer than one week.

How long will it take to treat thrush?

Because of the nature of this infection, and the possibility of reinfection, it will take persistence to fully treat a case. Don’t give up after a few days -- it can take weeks. Though thrush can happen in just about any barn, it can be successfully managed when a comprehensive hoof care plan is implemented.

To help reduce risk for thrush and support excellent hoof care for your horse, schedule regular farrier visits every six to eight weeks. Also, pick your horses’ hooves often, daily if possible. Fight back bacteria and fungus with a proven thrush treatment solution, and make sure the paddocks and bedding are as dry as possible.

Looking to learn more about common hoof problems your horse may experience? Continue reading for details on types of horse hoof cracks, or, learn answers to common hoof care questions in this Q&A with a horse farrier.

About the author: This content was originally provided by Absorbine/W.F. Young, manufacturer of Hooflex Thrush Remedy, with additions included from Valley Vet Supply. Visit Valley Vet to learn more.