A University of Kentucky survey asks equid owners and managers about the restrictive grazing methods they employ in their management practices. 

“It’s that time of year. The grass is starting to grow, and many owners will start to think about using restrictive grazing practices, including grazing muzzles, dry lots, strip grazing and other methods of management,” said Amanda Adams, associate professor at the Gluck Equine Research Center and MARS Equestrian Fellow.  

“This topic is important for equids prone to obesity or laminitis,” Adams said. “Understanding the uses of restrictive grazing practices helps us put science-supported answers behind practical questions and challenges. Our goal is to help people help horses. We look forward to sharing the results.” 

Morgan Askins, a graduate student working in Adams’ lab, is conducting the survey. As part of Askins’ doctoral program, she is researching the impact of various forages and management practices of equids, specifically in aged and insulin-dysregulated horses. Better understanding of how to manage body and condition in horses with metabolic diseases, along with dietary management, is critical to helping lower the risk of these equids to develop laminitis.    

“We are interested in better understanding how owners are managing their equids to identify ways we can help,” Askins said. “Survey participation will benefit the advancement of equid specialized management knowledge and forms of restrictive grazing.” 

The survey was designed by Adams and Askins with input from Pat Harris, head of the WALTHAM™ Equine Studies Group, and April Chester, with GG Equine.  

The survey takes 10-15 minutes to complete and closes April 30. It can be found at https://uky.az1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_6xnIIobyA7GptAO.  

Learn more about UK’s Aged Horse Research Program at https://www.seniorhorsehealth.com/. 

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Editor: Holly Wiemers 

The Martin-Gatton College of Agriculture, Food and Environment is an Equal Opportunity Organization with respect to education and employment and authorization to provide research, education information and other services only to individuals and institutions that function without regard to economic or social status and will not discriminate on the basis of race, color, ethnic origin, national origin, creed, religion, political belief, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, marital status, genetic information, age, veteran status, physical or mental disability or reprisal or retaliation for prior civil rights activity.  

The mission of the Gluck Equine Research Center is scientific discovery, education and dissemination of knowledge for the benefit of the health and well-being of horses. Gluck Center faculty conduct equine research in seven targeted areas: genetics and genomics, immunology, infectious diseases, musculoskeletal science, parasitology, pharmacology, therapeutics and toxicology and reproductive health. The Gluck Equine Research Center, a UK Ag Equine Program, is part of the Department of Veterinary Science in the College of Agriculture, Food and Environment at the University of Kentucky.  

MARS EQUESTRIAN Sponsorship by Mars, Incorporated is the link between our iconic brands and the equestrian community. For generations, Mars has celebrated a rich equestrian heritage, and through purposeful partnerships, MARS EQUESTRIAN is committed to the sport and building an enduring legacy. From world-class competitions across all equestrian disciplines, to stewarding the power of horses on society and sustainability, MARS EQUESTRIAN is dedicated to our purpose to improve the lives of horses, pets, and the people who love them. For more information, please visit our website at www.marsequestrian.com and follow us on social media @marsequestrian. 

The Waltham Petcare Science Institute is Mars Petcare's pet research center. Our work focuses on the nutritional and behavioral needs of pets, as well as preventive health. We use this knowledge to support development of innovative products and services, advancing science to deliver our Purpose: A BETTER WORLD FOR PETS™. The WALTHAM™ Equine Studies Group, which is headed by Professor Pat Harris, MA, PhD, VetMB, DipECVCN, MRCVS, is dedicated to advancing the science of horse nutrition and provides the scientific support for MARS Horsecare globally including the BUCKEYE™ Nutrition, SPILLERS™, and WINERGY™ brands. By collaborating with key research institutes and universities around the world its work remains at the forefront of equine nutritional science. 

GG Equine is a woman-owned business that is passionately committed to improving horse health, well-being, and enrichment through slow-feed solutions.