Year: 2014

Baking with Lord Nelson: Holiday Special

December 18, 2014

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Hay there folks!

Nelson here wishing you all happy holidays! I’m sure you’re all thinking about what your horses would like for their holiday gifts and I can give you the answer in one word: COOKIES! I’ve asked my pasture mates and barn buddies what their favorite snacks are and now I’m going to share their answers with you. Nothing makes us feel more loved than some homemade treats so here are some quick and easy recipes to make your horses feel loved this season!

Giving Thanks to Your Older Equine Pals!

November 25, 2014

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I can’t believe how quickly the seasons are changing, and Thanksgiving is only a few days away! For many of you, thoughts of a big, juicy turkey, warm gravy, and sweet pumpkin pie are the things that come to mind in anticipation of the holiday. I know it sure does for me! But then again, when am I NOT thinking about food?! Unfortunately, my owner says I cannot partake in the feast. He says he can’t find a chair large enough for me to sit at the table…I was slightly offended. But I won’t judge him when he has to loosen his belt after having his five-course meal…maybe…

You can lead a horse to water, but…

November 3, 2014

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Hay folks!

Winter is approaching and just like the acorn-scavenging squirrel, horses similarly increase their nutrient (food AND water) intake. So, it’s perfectly acceptable for me to have an extra doughnut or two…or five! For every degree the temperature drops below a horse’s critical temperature, its hay consumption must be increased by 1%. It is important that only the hay is increased because that is the food that ferments inside their body and lets off heat to keep them nice and toasty.

Scary Scratches!

October 16, 2014

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What’s up friends!

This is Snowdrift! My buddy Lord Nelson asked me to help him out with this post to the “Holy Hoofprints” blog. As one of the fastest Horse Hero mares in the herd at the Rutgers Equine Science Center, he knew that I’d be able to write this in a jiffy! Here goes! Read through it and check out the video of me running at almost top-speed on the treadmill!

Oh! These Aching Bones…What’s an old horse to do?

September 18, 2014

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Hi Folks,

Some horses begin to need special care due to aging soon after reaching twenty. However, many do not and are fine into their thirties. Like my human friends, aging processes in horses vary and are influenced by genetics, lifestyle, and healthcare. I was just finishing my second career working in mounted patrol on campus (also receiving that memorable NCAA football penalty!) in my late twenties and started my third career as a Professor Emeritus at the Rutgers Equine Science Center when I was in my late thirties! Now that I am in my forties (I know hard to believe right?), I seem to be having a hard time in the morning chasing after my gal HugMe Christi. Nowadays, I need more time to get warmed up because of stiffness. It was only a matter of time before I began to feel and show the signs of aging.

Equine Herding Behavior featuring Le Cheesecake! (VIDEO)

July 25, 2014

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Bonjour, everyone!

This is Le Cheesecake, giving you the latest scoop on what’s happening at the Rutgers farm. My mentor, Lord Nelson is taking a little vacation and has asked his French mademoiselle (me!) to write his next blog post. I don’t know how he types on these itsy-bitsy keys! Keep reading to get to the VIDEO file below!

Fireworks – Fight or Flight!

July 1, 2014

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Hay Folks,The Fourth of July is almost here and that means barbecues, HOT DOGS, (Mmm mmm mmm) and of course fireworks! Fireworks are magnificent and a great way to represent my patriotism, after all, I am an AMERICAN Quarter horse. But in a horse’s mind, the loud sounds and bright lights can mean “something is attacking me!” and trigger a horse’s flight response. This can be very dangerous for the horse and people around them, too.

Got Protozoa on the Brain?

June 18, 2014

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Hay Folks,

I’m glad you stuck around to find out about the nasty protozoa that causes Equine Protozoal Myeloencephalitis (EPM). Remember I talked a little about this month? If you’re just tuning in, check out my previous blog post, “Recycling Manure”.

My fellow scientist and veterinarian, Dr. Mike Fugaro is an expert in EPM. He even chatted with my good friends from “Horses in the Morning” about it! Dr. Fugaro also teaches the Advanced Equine Health Care and Management course at Rutgers University and Centenary College.

Recycling Manure

June 5, 2014

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Hay Folks!

Are you stifle-deep in manure? Not properly managing horse manure can have harmful results. Luckily I’m here to help! Keep reading to find out how truly awesome manure can be and how you can use it to your advantage!

Constantly picking the paddock and stalls and putting it in a compost pile is safer for the environment. Although you may get your hands a little dirty, this can decrease the chances of nutrient runoff and environmental contamination. The best part is that the resulting compost can then be put back in the field to nourish the ground for plant growth. If only doughnuts could grow on trees!

Congratulations to my pal, Dr. Ryan Avenatti!

May 14, 2014

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Hay Folks,

After five long, hard years working at the lab bench and out in the Treadmill Barn with my gal pals at Rutgers, Ryan Avenatti has finally earned his Ph.D.! Now, he will be Dr. Avenatti!

I was going to give him doughnuts as a graduation gift, but…unfortunately, I ate them… So, I’m writing a blog all about him and his research to make up for my insatiable sweet tooth. This Monday, he presented his research entitled, “Effects of age and acute exercise on mediators of inflammation and energy homeostasis in horses”. All those fancy words, pretty much mean, how a horse’s exercise physiology changes with age.