Michigan Horse Council

07/16/2026

🔥 Wildfire Smoke & Horse Health 🐴💨

Poor air quality can be harmful not only to us but our horses too. Smoke from wildfires can irritate a horse's respiratory system and cause fatigue, coughing, difficulty breathing, etc.

You can monitor local air quality at www.airnow.gov. During periods of poor air quality, you can protect your horse's health by:

🐎 Limiting or avoiding exercise.
💧 Providing free access to fresh water.
💦 Controlling dust such as watering dry lots and soaking or feeding dust-free hay.
🕰 Allowing time for recovery: airway damage from wildfire smoke takes 4 to 6 weeks to heal after air quality returns to normal.
☎️ Consult your vet if you notice signs of smoke irritation.

For more information visit: ceh.vetmed.ucdavis.edu/health-topics/wildfire-smoke-and-horses

07/16/2026

The American Horse Council would like to make members aware of a recent update from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) Animal Care program regarding implementation of the Horse Protection Act (HPA).

On July 1, USDA-APHIS Animal Care released an open letter to industry stakeholders outlining plans to begin collecting blood and pastern swab samples at Horse Protection Act-regulated events involving Tennessee Walking Horses and racking horses. According to USDA, the sampling is intended to gather information on the prevalence of prohibited substances.

At the request of industry at the American Horse Council Conference in Washington, D.C. in June 2026, the sampling and reporting will not include personally identifiable information about horses or their owners, trainers, riders, or custodians. USDA has indicated that only aggregated findings will be shared publicly.

Link in comments to USDA's open letter

07/13/2026

Check-out what the Michigan Trail Riders Association, Inc. is up to at the end of the month!!

07/09/2026

🐴 The countdown to 2027 begins! 🎉

We're excited to share that the 2027 Michigan Horse Expo is officially set for March 12–14, 2027, at the Farm Bureau Pavilion at Michigan State University!

As one of Michigan's premier equine events, the Michigan Horse Expo brings together horse enthusiasts from across the state and beyond for a weekend of education, inspiration, shopping, networking, and celebrating our incredible equine community.

The Michigan Horse Council is proud to support the Michigan Horse Expo and the opportunities it provides to promote horse ownership, lifelong learning, and connections across every discipline of the horse industry.

📅 Save the dates and be sure to follow the Michigan Horse Expo page for exciting announcements about clinicians, exhibitors, sponsors, entertainment, and more in the months ahead!

We can't wait to see you in March 2027!

07/01/2026

🏇🎉 Congratulations to the Caledonia Equestrian Team on this well-deserved achievement!

After years of dedication, perseverance, and advocacy, Caledonia riders are now eligible to earn varsity letters in recognition of their commitment and accomplishments. This milestone is about more than a letter jacket—it acknowledges the countless hours of training, sportsmanship, teamwork, and responsibility that student equestrians demonstrate both in and out of the arena.

Equestrian athletes work just as hard as participants in any other sport, balancing academics, horse care, practice, competition, and personal growth. Recognition like this helps validate the value of equestrian programs and the positive impact they have on young people.

Read the full story below and join us in celebrating this exciting victory for Michigan's equestrian community! 🐴💙💛

https://www.fox17online.com/news/local-news/kent/thankful-for-the-community-caledonia-equestrian-team-now-eligible-to-earn-varsity-letters?fbclid=IwdGRjcASxFs9jbGNrBLEWymV4dG4DYWVtAjExAHNydGMGYXBwX2lkDDM1MDY4NTUzMTcyOAABHtjjci2ZG8x3dGmGbzeA0NIcSynL1ip_R2J2U8hgmTGjQ5xladTq4bvVoLoV_aem_L1-atRGJbMQngprxq-BxeQ

Riders on the equestrian team for Caledonia High School may now receive varsity letters for their participation in the sport, a change recently made by the public school district.

06/26/2026

As we head into the Independence Day holiday and enjoy summer rides, parades, trail adventures, and time with our equine partners, it's important to remember that the heat can be challenging for some horses. ☀️🐴

We might only be five days into summer, but the heat has already made its presence known in most parts of the country! ☀️

As the temperatures heat up, unfortunately some of our equine friends struggle to sweat properly in the summer heat, which can put them at an increased risk of heat stress.

Though there is limited evidence in regard to effective treatments for horses diagnosed with anhidrosis (the inability to sweat properly), there are a few therapies that have been proposed to help, including offering horses dark beer!

Overall, watch closely for signs of heat stress if your horse is diagnosed with anhidrosis. During the summer months, monitor your horse's response to the heat and ensure they are sweating an appropriate amount. If you have concerns about your horse's ability to sweat, please contact your veterinarian.

Thank you to the Horse Owner Education Committee for providing this information.

06/22/2026

🚨🐴🐶 Are you prepared to help animals during a disaster or emergency?

Michigan State University Extension is hosting an important training on June 25, 2026, in Ga***rd, Michigan, focused on what happens to our pets and livestock during disasters and emergencies, and the resources communities need to support them.

When disasters strike, the impact extends beyond people. Our animals depend on us for their safety and well-being. We know that many individuals will not leave their homes if they cannot take their pets with them. That's why planning, collaboration, and education are so important.

We encourage you to attend and bring the people your community relies on during emergencies, including:
✔️ Emergency Managers
✔️ Animal Control Officers
✔️ Veterinarians
✔️ Livestock Owners & Producers
✔️ Animal Shelters & Rescue Organizations
✔️ City, Township, and County Officials
✔️ Pet Supply Business Managers
✔️ Anyone involved in animal welfare and emergency response

Together, we can build stronger, more prepared communities and ensure that both people and animals receive the care they need when disaster strikes.

Please join us and help make a difference for the animals and people who depend on us.

Registration Link in Comments

Send a message to learn more

06/08/2026

Additional information about New World Screwworm....

The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) has provided an important update on New World Screwworm which has been detected in a bovine in Zavala County, Texas. Read the full press release here: https://www.aphis.usda.gov/news/agency-announcements/usda-confirms-presence-new-world-screwworm-united-states

General information about New World Screwworm (NWS) can be found in the text below and in the attached infographic.

The adult screwworm fly is about the size of a common housefly (or slightly larger), with orange eyes, a metallic blue or green body, and three dark stripes along its back. It gets its name from the behavior of its larvae (maggots) as they burrow (screw) into the wound, feeding as they go. The maggots (larvae) cause extensive damage by tearing at the hosts’ tissue with sharp mouth hooks. The wound can quickly become enlarged and deeper as more maggots hatch and feed on living tissue.

Because they feed on live flesh, NWS maggots may burrow deep into wounds or openings, while other species of maggots may appear around the outer surface of the wound. In addition, even the smallest wounds have the potential to attract flies, so it is imperative that you keep a close eye on your animals for any signs of wounds.

Lastly, NWS infestations are a reportable disease! Immediately report any suspicious wounds, maggots, or infestations to a local accredited veterinarian, your State Animal Health Official, or a USDA veterinarian.

For more information, reference this resource from the U.S. Department of Agriculture: https://www.aphis.usda.gov/animals/animal-health/livestock-and-poultry-disease/stop-screwworm

06/04/2026

*IMPORTANT UPDATE* from American Horse Council!
Michigan Horse Council has already been in close contact with with Michigan Department of Agriculture & Rural Development - MDARD and the State of Michigan Vet Office.
We will continue to share updates as they become available.

The American Horse Council works daily to advocate for the social, economic and legislative interests of the United States equine industry.

05/30/2026

We congratulate Paula!!

Paula Hitzler is retiring today after over 36 years of serving as the Manager of the MSU Horse Teaching and Research Center. She has had a profound impact on both the MSU equine program and Arabian horse industry. Please join us in wishing her all the best!