Top2Toe Equine Services - Samantha McCormack

23/12/2024

https://www.theequinedocumentalist.com/post/is-the-herbicide-glyphosate-causing-laminitis-and-chronic-illness-in-horses?fbclid=IwY2xjawHWI01leHRuA2FlbQIxMQABHVjhumUpleGYcuO2PzBBIhYViaUp1rzgFiE9IAZwN-OwWB9d6IkUCqxKuQ_aem_0P28HBfPtmpO41gysLI3Ag

This is from an article we published a decade ago (2012) and is even more relevant today. We have updated the article with additional references at the end."The internal environment of the horse is a reflection of the external environmental stimulus - the same can be said of the hoof. Getting the en...

22/12/2024

The benefits of setting up a track system is it encourages horses to move. The recommended treatment for leptin resistance (no off button when it comes to food) in people is exercise so movement has the same effect in horses. The track also resticts the amount of pasture the horses have access to but not the amount of room they have to move and it keeps them fit all of which helps to reduce the risk of laminitis.
These are my 3 easy keepers on my 1 kilometre track which goes up and down the hills where the grass is pretty dry, little to no green grass. They all thrive on this track.

21/12/2024

Clever pony, must know the farrier is coming, soaking his own feet. The hooves are like concrete at the moment. Best hoof softener is water.

Sherbert what are you doing !

21/12/2024

This horse developed a twisty left (front) leg during an episode of acute laminitis. I performed some soft tissue bodywork on her after she recovered from the laminitis to help her body recover. When I went back to trim her 3 weeks later, her leg is much straighter. Laminitis has a huge impact on the whole horse, not just the feet. They should always have bodywork after a laminitic event.
Unfortunately I have seen way too much laminitis this spring so should keep the bodyworkers busy for a while.

21/12/2024

21/12/2024

Thats a wrap. Last horses done for 2024, hopefully I didnt forget anyone. I am taking a much needed break until after New Years. Merry Christmas.

The horses are done

18/12/2024

Another new product currently in testing that looks interesting.

🚀 Breakthrough Moment! 🌟

We are now starting to gather exciting data from the ongoing sustainability project, and I am truly impressed with what we have achieved in the equine industry! 🐴✨ The 3D-printed horseshoe is not just an innovation; it’s downright magical! 🙌💖

Did you know that the 3D-printed horseshoe has a CO2 footprint that is over 65% better than Boots and over 60% better than traditional steel shoes! 🌍💚 This is an incredible achievement and a significant step towards a more sustainable future for both our horses and our planet. 🌱 We still have a way to go before the launch, but exciting things are happening, and we are getting closer to it.

Our projects to validate the product, the sustainability study, and quality assurance are moving forward safely and securely, and I am proud to share what’s happening behind the scenes that hasn’t been seen YET. 🥳

I am really looking forward to 2025 and everything it has to offer! Together, we can continue to revolutionize the industry and set a new standard for comfort and functionality. 🦄💪

10/12/2024

Some might recall my earlier post about the horse with the keratoma. I thought this was worth mentioning. This horse underwent surgery to remove the keratoma on Monday. The surgeon mentioned that at the heart of the keratoma was tiny pieces of gravel and the keratoma had formed around it a bit like how an enterolith might form. If your horse has separation in the white line, its very easy for small pieces of gravel to get stuck in there. I have always been a big advocate of horses wearing boots no matter how good their feet might be and this is as good a reason as any. It doesnt take much for a rock to get stuck in a collateral groove either.

07/12/2024

Its that time of year again, the weather is creeping into the 30's and we have the extra challenge of humidity. Trimming one horse in the sun can take the same amount of energy as trimming 3 in the shade. With the humidity comes flies, lots of them. Horses hate them as much as we do. Big thankyou to those who had their horses sprayed with insect repellant before I arrived this week, it is much appreciated..

It's hot out there! Our practitioners are out there in all sorts of weather conditions, and summer can provide some extra challenges. There are some things clients can do to help, but we don't recommend anyone works in extreme heat. Stay safe everyone! ☀️

06/12/2024

Sad but true

Friday Funny
🤭😬🤣

06/12/2024

Flex boots come in a wide range of sizes. This is the smallest pair I have sold so far. This mini has PPID. When I left he was trotting in his boots then threw in a couple of little pigroots, think he appoves of his new slippers.

05/12/2024

Interesting case this week. This horse presented with what I suspected could be a keratoma, although I had never actually seen one before as they are relatively rare. Xrays confirmed it is indeed a keratoma which is a tumour on the pedal bone. The only way to treat them is surgical intervention.

05/12/2024

Looking down at the landscape from riding up in the hills this morning it is clear how much of an impact the recent rain has had on the pasture, green as far as the eye can see. Good for the hay paddocks but not so good for the horses. Hopefully the hot days to come dry the grass out again.

04/12/2024

4 TIPS FOR EMS HORSES AND PONIES

If your horse or pony is diagnosed with EMS and the associated risk of laminitis, the key factors to assess/adjust:
1. body fat levels - being slim helps manage the insulin dysregulation
2. dietary intake of sugar, starch and fructan (NSC) - control, to help the hyperinsulinaemia
3. exercise - plenty, to help with insulin dysregulation amongst other healthy effects
4. balanced diet (inc. enough vits/mins and essential amino acids) - essential for keeping them healthy and well

I've had a few cases of owners who've tried to help their EMS and/or laminitics with supplementation (of various things including supra-optimal intake of specific minerals), without enough adjustment of body fat and forage intake (both are linked) and also exercise. These have been unsuccessful.

Be holistic! Look at every factor and be open minded. There are many great and useful supplements available but the fact they are being sold for profit makes the company biased towards them. That in itself may not be a problem but just be aware of it.

If you want a whole lot more about feeding EMS, ID, HAL and laminitis prone horse or ponies, see the 🔗 in the comments for more information, or comment 'winter webinars'
🐴🍏

04/12/2024

𝗪𝗘𝗟𝗙𝗔𝗥𝗘 𝗪𝗘𝗗𝗡𝗘𝗦𝗗𝗔𝗬: 𝗦𝘁𝘂𝗱𝘆 𝗛𝗶𝗴𝗵𝗹𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁𝘀 𝗥𝗲𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀𝗵𝗶𝗽 𝗕𝗲𝘁𝘄𝗲𝗲𝗻 𝗛𝗲𝗮𝗱-𝗡𝗲𝗰𝗸 𝗣𝗼𝘀𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝗳𝗹𝗶𝗰𝘁 𝗕𝗲𝗵𝗮𝘃𝗶𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗶𝗻 𝗘𝗹𝗶𝘁𝗲 𝗗𝗿𝗲𝘀𝘀𝗮𝗴𝗲 𝗛𝗼𝗿𝘀𝗲𝘀

A recent study by K. Kienapfel et all (2024) investigated the relationship between head-neck positions (HNPs), conflict behaviour (CB), and judging scores in elite dressage horses. The study examined how these factors align with the animal welfare principles and competition rules established by the International Equestrian Federation (FEI).

𝗞𝗲𝘆 𝗙𝗶𝗻𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗴𝘀:
• Conflict behaviour increases with lower nasal plane angles in elite dressage horses.
• Relationship found between head-neck positions and conflict behaviour.
• Surprising rule contradiction: tests with small poll angles received high scores.
• Urgent need to address animal welfare and enhance solutions in dressage sport.

𝗠𝗲𝘁𝗵𝗼𝗱𝗼𝗹𝗼𝗴𝘆:
The study observed 49 horses participating in the Grand Prix Special (CDIO5*) at CHIO Aachen in 2018 and 2019. Researchers analysed video footage of warm-up and competition phases, measuring HNPs (angle at the vertical, poll angle, and shoulder angle) and recording instances of conflict behaviour. These were evaluated against judges' scores.

The results showed that:

▪️ The nasal plane was behind the vertical more frequently during warm-up than in competition (-11° vs. -5°).
▪️ Poll angles were larger in competition (28°) than in warm-up (24°).
▪️ No significant differences were found in shoulder angles between warm-up and competition phases.

Conflict behaviours, including unusual oral movements, occurred more often during warm-up than in competition. Tail swishing was not affected by the nasal plane’s angle.

𝗔𝘂𝘁𝗵𝗼𝗿𝘀' 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝗰𝗹𝘂𝘀𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀
The study authors concluded that the findings raise concerns about the welfare of elite dressage horses and the application of FEI rules. According to the authors, horses showing restrictive HNPs—such as nasal planes behind the vertical—exhibited more conflict behaviours, yet these positions were not penalised during scoring and, in some cases, correlated with higher scores.

The authors emphasised the importance of addressing these discrepancies to ensure that dressage practices align more closely with established rules and prioritise horse welfare.

04/12/2024

03/12/2024

Nice work from.one of our trainee trimmers Melea McKay. Some of my clients may remember Melea who I mentored earlier this year. Great work Melea.

We are so proud of the awesome work our ACEHP Trainee Trimmers are out there doing!
📷 Melea McKay.