THE horse is essentially nothing more than a gigantic athletic prey animal. This species to which we devote ourselves is, despite its size, likely to be afraid of a sudden passing shadow or the noise of a rolling wheelie bin. With a brain the size of a large walnut and a spinal cord approximately two metres in length from stem to stern, the nervous system of the horse is comparatively small, and has a long way to transmit messages compared with other mammals. What happens when something goes wrong?
Thankfully, the likelihood of a horse developing or contracting a neurological abnormality in the UK is fairly low. However, a problem with the equine nervous system can be dangerous to both horse and human. It’s important to know the steps to take if you notice neurological signs in your horse (see box, top right).
If you observe any such signs, the first and most important action to take is to ensure your safety and the safety of others on the yard. This can mean confining the horse in a stable and closing the door, or leaving the horse in an open area with few hazards. Handling neurologically abnormal horses is very likely to result in personal injury, so please keep yourself and anyone with you out of harm’s way. Even the gentlest of creatures can cause significant harm if unaware of their body movements.
Denne historien er fra October 05, 2023-utgaven av Horse & Hound.
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Denne historien er fra October 05, 2023-utgaven av Horse & Hound.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
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Rider Denies Doping After Team Loses Olympic Placing - Tine Magnus and the Belgian team said they do not know the source of the drug that caused the positive test
Olympic eventer Tine Magnus has denied ever doping after her Paris ride Dia Van Het Lichterveld Z gave a positive test at the Games. This means the Belgian team, which came fourth, has been disqualified. On 4 September, the FEI said the 10-year-old mare, owned by Kris van Vaerenbergh, tested positive for trazodone, which is listed as an antidepressant on the FEI's prohibited substances list.
Michael Eilberg
The top dressage rider talks to Polly Bryan about the special horse with the potential to carry him back onto the British team, how to be a better coach and using his talent for teaching to help the sport
Schooling success
Combining school and riding can be tricky, but horses can benefit a child's education. Lottie Morgan uncovers some options for horse-loving pupils
How to get a job in hunting
The British Hound Sports Association's apprentice scheme is providing young people with excellent all-round training in the skills required - and many others besides, as Tessa Waugh discovers
Burke's Affair to remember
A fast round delights one rider who comes away with a coveted grand prix trophy and a rankings class concludes with an unusual tie
Derby winner returns for further Hickstead glory
After watching wife Pippa compete at Burghley, William Funnell returns to the scene of his Derby triumph to win the All England grand prix
Derby winner returns for further Hickstead glory
After watching wife Pippa compete at Burghley, William Funnell returns to the scene of his Derby triumph to win the All England grand prix
'I'm grateful to have such a wonderful partner'
The brilliant duo of Martin Fuchs and Leone Jei seal back-to-back grands prix after a dramatic turn of events
Hamlett takes centre stage
Two horses round off their competitive careers with victories, a championship specialist earns her fourth title and a pair with a combined age of 105 prove invincible
'This is the ultimate five-star test'
Mark Phillips on Burghley's highs, lows, challenges and champions