Lessons from Missy

Under construction...

An educational series inspired by the mare who started this journey.

In 2011 my beloved Mare 'Missy' developed some serious hoof problems. As so many of us do, I turned to my Trimmer, my Vet and then, not totally satisfied with the answers I was given, to the Internet.

The more I learned, the more I realised that there was an enormous amount of conflicting information. Some advice was outdated, some was based on opinion rather than evidence, and some simply didn't fit with what we now understand about this disease.

That search for answers led me to the work of Dr. Eleanor Kellon, the ECIR Group, and many of the researchers who have dedicated their careers to understanding equine metabolic disease and laminitis. It also led me to years of study, countless hours reading research papers and text books, and working with horses and owners facing the same challenges.

I don't claim these ideas as my own. I consider myself a lifelong student, one who has been fortunate enough to learn from extraordinary teachers, both human and equine.

Everything in this series is shared with deep gratitude to those who have advanced our understanding of laminitis, and in the hope that what I've learned may help another horse owner navigate this journey with greater confidence.

At the bottom of each page, you will find resources and references for further reading.

INDEX and Learning Map

My horse has laminitis. What do I need to know right now?

If your horse has just developed laminitis, don't feel you need to read everything right away. Start with the first overview article below and the two page PDF, then come back to the rest once the initial emergency is over!

START HERE & OVERVIEW - Help! My horse has Laminitis

Two page PDF handout on Laminitis First Aid

Practical Guides & How To (under construction)

• How to soak hay properly
• How much hay should I feed?
• How to make temporary hoof pads
• How to fit and use therapy boots and pads
• Setting up a laminitis friendly yard
• How to use a slow feeder safely
• What should I feed my horse today?
• How to photograph hooves to monitor progress
• Preparing for laminitis radiographs
• What blood tests should I ask about?
• How to recognise a digital pulse
• Monitoring your horse during recovery
• How to tell if your horse is ready for more movement