Foraging – Things to be mindful of
Posted on Thursday, October 24, 2019 by Sasha Melia
Throughout the year there are various foods that horses can forage and whilst there are a few that are safe favourites, such as blackberries and cow parsley, sometimes it can be hard to know what is safe for them to eat and what isn’t. Some plants lurking in our fields and hedgerows can be toxic and horses are not always discerning when it comes to their choices. It’s always best to be prepared, especially during autumn and winter, when horses may be foraging more. In Autumn as the leaves begin to fall, one particular risk is Sycamore Poisoning, a potentially fatal illness caused by horses ingesting Sycamore seeds.
Sycamore poisoning
Sycamore, or ‘helicopter’ seeds as they are sometimes known, fall mainly in the Autumn and Whilst it is a clear sign that the weather is changing and the colder nights are approaching, Sycamore seeds can be very dangerous for horses and potentially fatal.
Atypical Myopathy is an illness caused by horses ingesting Sycamore seeds. It can affect horses of all ages and it is particularly common during autumn. Research in the USA has revealed the cause to be a toxin called Hypoglycin-A.
The most common misdiagnosis in cases of Atypical Myopathy is colic, as the first symptoms can appear very similar.
The disease is characterised by acute damage to the horse’s respiratory, cardiac and skeletal (or postural) muscles and symptoms include:
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Muscle weakness
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Breathing difficulties
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Heart problems
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Considerable pain that can result in the horse lying flat out
Petplan Equine Ambassador and Veterinary Surgeon Juliette Edmonds comments, “cases of Atypical Myopathy are thankfully rare, but we do see a rise in those affected during autumn. This is associated with the change in weather conditions. The illness is often fatal, supportive treatment can be given, but there is unfortunately no cure. Symptoms range from obvious lethargy and weakness to sweating and signs similar to Colic. Horses affected by the illness may become so weak that they are unable to stand and their urine will appear red/brown as the muscle breakdown products are excreted”.
“As always, prevention is better than cure,” adds Petplan Equine Ambassador and Veterinary Surgeon Katie Preston. “The best way to reduce the risk of horses ingesting sycamore seeds is to not allow turn out if the pasture is encompassed by a Sycamore tree and remove the tree if you can. Although some seeds carry the toxin and others don’t and some horses can tolerate it to a certain extent while others can’t, I would advise not even risking it.”
For more information on Sycamore poisoning, head to the Petplan Equine website
If you are concerned about your horse or feel they are showing any symptoms of Atypical Myopathy call your vet immediately.
07.04.2018. , Cranbrook, Kent, England. Petplan Photoshoot. Stephen Bartholomew/Stephen Bartholomew Photography
18 August 2015, Petplan Photoshoot Stephen Bartholomew/Stephen Bartholomew Photography.
Junior Tour Guide winner takes the reins at The National Stud
Posted on Tuesday, October 8, 2019 by Sasha Melia
An Essex schoolgirl has hosted part of a tour at The National Stud after winning a Discover Newmarket competition.
14 year old Paige Peacock from Saffron Walden was named the tourism hub’s official Junior Tour Guide after showing a passion for horseracing in her entry. Judges were also impressed that she volunteers and educates visitors at her school farm.
Paige received some top tips from Discover Newmarket guide Larry Bowden before relating some interesting facts during a group tour of The National Stud. Larry was the only guide in East Anglia to be shortlisted for VisitEngland’s Tourism Superstar 2019 Award.
Paige commented: “I loved seeing the foals and the retired legends – giving a polo to a Gold Cup winner was very exciting! Everything Larry said was so interesting and everyone on the tour was hooked on every word. He gave me lots of confidence which meant I was able to say far more than I thought I would. The whole experience showed me there is so much more to racing than being a jockey. I can’t wait to be old enough to do the Stud Diploma and definitely want to make a career for myself in the racing industry.”
Discover Newmarket’s Manager, Tracey Harding, added: “Paige’s love of horses came across and she clearly understands that enthusiasm is such an important part of being a tour guide and public speaking in general. We look forward to welcoming many more young people to our family-friendly attractions in Newmarket during Half Term week later this month to help inspire the next generation of racing fans.”
The National Stud is home to impressive stallions, potential superstars of the future and retired racing legends including Jack the Giant and Lord Windermere. Children can visit free with a Blue Peter badge and are given fun quiz sheets to complete as they tour the 500-acre stud farm.
Along with The National Heritage Centre for Horseracing and Sporting Art at Palace House and free entry for children at Newmarket Racecourses on Wednesday 23rd October, Newmarket is a great place for family outings.
Discover Newmarket’s host of educational tours give visitors the opportunity to go behind the scenes of the sport’s training and breeding operations to meet the organisations, trainers, equine stars and dedicated workforce.
