Equine Innovators

EHV-1 has dominated online conversation in recent weeks—but not all the information circulating reflects the science. In this episode of Equine Innovators, we step back from the noise to focus on what researchers and clinicians know about how equine herpesvirus infects horses, how it spreads, why latency matters, and what drives the neurologic form of the disease. Host Stephanie Church, editorial...

Short Summary: Dr. Holly Helbig and Dr. David Levine describe how they use SAA and other biomarkers to spot infection early, guide treatment, support biosecurity, and monitor horses in real time. Landing page copy: Acute phase proteins such as serum amyloid A (SAA) give veterinarians an early look at inflammation, infection, and how a horse responds to treatment. In this Equine Innovators episode,...

For decades, horse owners followed routine rotational deworming schedules. That approach fueled drug resistance in equine parasites, leaving fewer effective options today. Smarter management now relies on testing, timing, and targeted treatment. In this episode of Equine Innovators Dr. Martin Nielsen, professor of equine clinical sciences at Aarhus University, in Denmark, shares insights from deca...

In this episode of Equine Innovators, host Stephanie Church talks with Dr. Lori Bidwell—board-certified veterinary anesthesiologist and co-founder of East West Equine Sports Medicine—about how veterinarians use sedation to keep horses and handlers safe during procedures. Bidwell explains the difference between sedation and general anesthesia, offers examples of standing surgeries that once require...

Dr. Sally DeNotta, a clinical associate professor in large animal clinical sciences at the University of Florida, describes West Nile virus in horses, explaining how the disease spreads, what signs to watch for, and why vaccination remains the most effective prevention tool. She also highlights how climate, mosquito control, and One Health surveillance efforts influence risk—and why even experienc...

Dr. Kara Brown, assistant professor of equine sports medicine and rehabilitation at the University of Pennsylvania’s New Bolton Center, describes osteoarthritis in horses, its causes, traditional treatments, and regenerative therapies such as platelet-rich plasma (PRP), stem cells, and autologous protein solution devices. She highlights recent research on these approaches, their benefits over cort...

Dr. Uneeda Bryant describes how veterinary pathologists safeguard horse populations, determine causes of death, and protect the human-animal bond. This podcast series is brought to you by Zoetis. About the Researcher:  Uneeda Bryant, DVM, is a tenured associate professor of veterinary pathology at the University of Kentucky’s Veterinary Diagnostic Lab, in Lexington. She earned her veterinary degre...

Equine herpesvirus-1 can infect horses and cause mild respiratory disease, abortion in mares, and severe neurologic deficits. Dr. Lutz Goehring, the World Organization of Animal Health’s Reference Laboratory expert on equine rhinopneumonitis, weighs in on what researchers have learned about EHV-1, how it spreads, and how to prevent infection. This podcast series is brought to you by Zoetis. About...

As horse owners, we might not think about how research in humans can help horses, and vice versa. Carrie Shaffer, PhD, of the University of Kentucky ’s (UK) Department of Veterinary Sciences and the Gluck Equine Research Center, is working at the interface of human and equine medicine, creating tiny models of horses’ body systems to better understand how we can prevent and fight equine disease, an...

As horse owners, we have our rhythms and routines around the barn. But why do we do farm chores the way we do them, and could we—and our horses—benefit from changing our approaches? Steve Higgins, PhD, the director of Animal and Environmental Compliance for the University of Kentucky’s (UK) Agricultural Experiment Station, in Lexington, describes ways horse farm owners and managers can optimize da...

In this episode Dr. Amanda Adams and PhD student Erica Jacquay of the University of Kentucky’s Gluck Equine Research Center describe new research on how horses of all ages respond to transport—even just 1.5-hour trips across town. They also preview the results of a survey of U.S. horse owners and their trailering practices. This podcast series is brought to you by Zoetis.  Show notes : Article: Im...

In this episode Dr. Barry Ball of the University of Kentucky’s Gluck Equine Research Center describes what he and his colleagues have learned about reproductive endocrinology, placental function, feeding broodmares, and equine contraception during his time as the Clay Endowed Chair in Equine Reproduction. Ball, who retires this month, also reflects on 35 years of equine reproduction research.  Thi...

In this episode Dr. Emma Adam of the University of Kentucky describes the research that identified a novel strain of rotavirus in foal diarrhea cases this year. This podcast is the twelfth episode in our “Equine Innovators” podcast series, brought to you by Zoetis. Show notes: An Update on Rotavirus in Foals Sessions from the 2021 Rotavirus Workshop , funded by the University of Kentucky’s CAFE Gl...

How many American horse owners are willing to adopt wild horses and what type would they select? Jill Stowe, PhD, of the University of Kentucky, recently found out. Show notes: Can Horse Owners Absorb the Surplus of Wild Horses? Contact Dr. Stowe if you’re interested in studies on incentive programs and wild horse training competitions. This podcast is the eleventh episode in our “ Equine Innovato...

Pathology has been defined as the science of the causes and effects of diseases. In this month's episode Dr. Jennifer Janes of the University of Kentucky describes her work as an equine pathologist—essentially a CSI for horse diseases, conditions, and poisonings. This podcast is the ninth episode in our “ Equine Innovators ” podcast series, brought to you by Zoetis. Additional Resources:  Wob...

In this episode Drs. Ernie Bailey and Ted Kalbfleisch of the University of Kentucky and Dr. Jessica Petersen of the University of Nebraska-Lincoln discuss genetic variation in horse breeds, why it is important, and what we will learn from the Thoroughbred Genetic Diversity project. This podcast is the ninth episode in our “ Equine Innovators ” podcast series, brought to you by Zoetis. About the Re...

Dr. Scott Stanley of the University of Kentucky describes the challenges conventional drug testing presents and a potential biomarker-based solution. This podcast is the eighth episode in our “Equine Innovators” podcast series , brought to you by Zoetis. Learn more about the equine biological passport in this video .  Scott Stanley, PhD, is a research scientist with more than 30 years of regulator...

Good barn and indoor arena ventilation are crucial for both horse and human health. Dr. Morgan Hayes of the University of Kentucky, in Lexington, describes what can go wrong with ventilation in each of those spaces, and how farm owners and managers can combat those issues. She also lets us in on results of her study on stall fans. Hint: They might not be accomplishing what you think. This podcast...

In this episode, Dr. Laurie Lawrence of the University of Kentucky, in Lexington, describes recent equine nutrition research from her lab, covering everything from deciphering forage composition—and an easier-to-interpret hay analysis that’s coming—to accurately monitoring obesity in our horses. She also tells us about some common misconceptions about feeding horses. This podcast is the sixth epis...

Dr. Amanda Adams of the University of Kentucky, in Lexington, describes her senior horse research, which focuses on EMS, PPID, and immune system health. This podcast is the fifth episode in our “Equine Innovators” podcast series, brought to you by Zoetis. Amanda A. Adams, PhD, is an associate professor at the University of Kentucky Gluck Equine Research Center. She’s authored 25 peer reviewed scie...

Properly preparing racetrack surfaces is imperative for horse and jockey safety. It requires selecting the right materials, monitoring moisture content, watching the weather, and finely tuned maintenance from a highly trained crew. In this Equine Innovators podcast, we talk to Mick Peterson, PhD, director of the University of Kentucky’s Racetrack Safety Program. As a bioengineer, he and his team s...

University of Kentucky researcher Dr. Peter Timoney talks about the deadly African horse sickness and what it will take to prevent its arrival in unaffected countries. This podcast is the third episode in our new “ Equine Innovators ” podcast series, brought to you by Zoetis.  Peter J. Timoney, MVB, MS, PhD, FRCVS, is a professor and Frederick Van Lennep Chair in Equine Veterinary Science at the U...

University of Kentucky researcher and equine industry economist Dr. Jill Stowe gives an glimpse of how COVID-19 is impacting the horse world and looks at the financial challenges that lie ahead. This podcast is the second episode in our new “ Equine Innovators ” podcast series, brought to you by Zoetis.  Jill Stowe, PhD, is an associate professor in the University of Kentucky’s Department of Agric...

University of Kentucky researcher and leading equine parasitologist, Dr. Martin Nielsen, talks about his research and the future of equine internal parasite control. This podcast is the premier episode in our new “Equine Innovators” podcast series. Martin Krarup Nielsen, DVM, PhD, Dipl. ACVM, is an associate professor of parasitology and the Schlaikjer professor in equine infectious disease at the...