Research into Muscle Loss

This is so exciting! The University of Kentucky has been granted funding to research equine geriatrics. At TREES, one very frustrating aspect of elder care is trying to deal with loss of muscle mass, even though the horse seems extremely healthy in every other way.

Kristine Urschel, PhD, assistant professor in Animal and Food Sciences,

"anticipates this will be the first in a series of studies during the next several years about protein synthesis in geriatric horses. The end goal of the research will be to "develop dietary or management strategies to maintain muscle and quality of life (in aging horses), be that through changes in diet, or the development of a low-impact exercise program, or some other management strategy," she explained. "

We're elated to see the recent increase in research pertaining to equine geriatrics. These studies can't come quickly enough to suit us!

"This research could impact many horse owners, from those with large competition barns to those with a few horses in the backyard."

For more, see Older Horses: Researcher Awarded Grant for Aging Study

More Valentine's Day gifts

We wanted to share a few more pictures taken yesterday. We're not sure what prompted all the celebration, but does it really matter?

Sonny (38 years old,) Val (20,) and Wade (yes, Wade, who is 26) getting a little exercise to loosen up those joints. Note Freddie, the gray, watching at the fence.

Minutes later (obviously Britches wasn't moving fast enough):

Freddie's play was wonderful to watch after the scare he gave us last week.

And finally, our man Fitzhugh Lee. What a pleasure to watch. Before being treated for a heart infection, Fitz could not trot 20 yards. Look at 'im now!

(Please remember these photos when you hear the word "bombproof" in association with elder horses.)