#SCIENCE
In The News: Archaeologists Find Evidence of Earliest Known Equestrians
A recent discovery reveals humans may have been riding horses at least 5,000 years ago, over 1,000 years earlier than previously thought.
(more…)
In the News: Archaeologists Discover ‘Princely’ Horse
A warrior and his horse, estimated to be from the 5th century CE, have been found in Romania. (more…)
In The News: Zoo Celebrates Second Cloned Przewalski’s Horse
The San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance welcomed the bouncing baby boy on February 17. (more…)
Research is a Good Thing: On the Virginia Tech Helmet Lab Study
“Really, the most surprising thing about this study was not necessarily its results, but the fact that it has taken so long for independent research to be done on the efficacy of equestrian helmets.” (more…)
Equus Obscurus: “Smart” Horses
Studies have shown that horses can utilize both visual and tactile signals to communicate with their caretakers, learn symbols and distinguish between human facial expressions. So just how smart are horses? Let’s take a look at the history and exciting new research into horse intelligence. (more…)
Equus Obscurus: Horse Skull Lore
History is full of strange and fascinating practices. Not the least of which is tied to folklore designed to ward off evil spirits. This week’s Equus Obscurus focuses on the history of entombing horse skulls. Learn more: (more…)
“Stealthy” Stem Cells Better for Treating Tendon Injuries in Horses
Anyone who’s ever dealt with tendon injuries in their horses knows that treatment and recovery can be grueling. According to this research from North Carolina State University, certain types of stem cells may offer better treatment options. (more…)
The Poo on Fecal Transplants for Animals
You read that right. Fecal transplants are a thing, for animals and humans. Here’s what that means for horses. (more…)
Comparative Oncology Helps Humans & Horses
The Ohio State University’s Comparative Oncology Signature Research Program pairs oncologists and veterinarians with the goal of speeding up research and treatments. Its first equine patient started treatment earlier this month.
Better, Faster, Stronger: Genetically Engineering the Horse
A viral post is circulating the internet boasting of a new scientific achievement: genetically engineered horses, which could be on the ground as early as 2019.
New Genus of Extinct Horse Discovered
The “New World stilt-legged horse” has been identified not as a subspecies of Equus, but as an entirely separate genus, now named Haringtonhippus francisci.
Simply the Science: Blanketing
#ThrowbackThursday.
Electrode Treatment For Atrial Fibrillation Reverses Irregular Heartbeat
Cardiologists at Cornell University successfully reverted an irregular heartbeat in a 19-year-old mare through the process of transvenous electrical cardioversion. Get the scoop and watch video from the procedure!
At Long Last: What Color Is Helix?
Plus a free genetics lesson from Biz.
Life After Death: Breeding a Deceased Mare
Science makes it possible.
Does My Horse Look Cute In These Genes?
Biz Stamm, with some help from her curious student Morgan Gardner and her beautiful “mystery mare,” takes an in-depth look at how breed genetic testing works.
10 Diseases You Can Get From Your Horse
Although extremely rare, horse to human disease transmission is possible. (more…)
Vet Talk: Spring Parasites
This week we’re learning about parasites that thrive during the warm, wet season. (more…)
Vet Talk: Dermatophilosis
This week we’re learning about Dermatophilosis, an infection that thrives in mud. (more…)
Innovative Robotic Lift System Could Change Outcome for Major Equine Injuries
This game-changing system, developed by researchers, veterinarians and engineers in Saskatchewan, provides both mobility and support for traumatic injuries such as fractured legs.
HN Team: Riding Superstitions
We check out the science behind athlete superstitions and take a look at a few HN Team quirks.
HN Team Poll: The Power of Music
Do our musical choices affect our ride? Boyd Martin, Will Coleman and the HN team weigh in.
(more…)
The Not-So-Secret Life of Horses
‘Scientific American’, one of the nation’s premier science publications, recently published that the ‘male-centric’ view of horse herd dynamics is all wrong. It’s not every day that we discover we’re ahead of the science curve, but today is that day.
Researchers Discover Horses’ Ears Are a ‘Communication Tool’
Good job, science! Next stop: the cure for cancer. (more…)