Demographics and health of U.S. senior horses used in competitions.

Background: A proportion of senior horses (≥15 years of age) are still used for competition. Information about this particular group of horses is currently sparse.

Objectives: To provide an overview of the demographics, management and health of competing U.

2022 Equine community needs assessment survey.

To stay up-to-date with the demographics, interests, and needs of the equine community, equine extension programs commonly conduct so called "needs assessment surveys". The main goals of the 2022 Rutgers Equine Science Center (ESC) needs assessment survey were to: 1) characterize the equine community, 2) identify information sources used by the equine community, 3) assess the usefulness of selected equine-related services and programs, and 4) determine the perceived importance of selected equine-related issues. An anonymous online survey was distributed through the Rutgers ESC's email list, a press release, and social media.

Owner-reported health and disease in U.S. senior horses.

Background: Information on health care and health status of U.S. senior horses (≥15 years of age) is currently sparse.

Retirement risk factors, exercise management and muscle mass in US senior horses.

Background: Information on the management and health of US senior horses (≥15 years of age) is currently limited.

Objectives: Provide information on (1) primary use of US senior horses, (2) reasons and risk factors for horse retirement, (3) exercise management, (4) prevalence of low muscle mass and (5) risk factors for, and owner-perceived consequences of, low muscle mass.

Study Design: Online survey.

Development and Evaluation of a Muscle Atrophy Scoring System (MASS) for Horses.

Loss of skeletal muscle mass likely compromises performance and welfare in horses and thus routine monitoring would be valuable. Currently available methods to assess muscle mass require expert knowledge and are often expensive. To provide a simple method, a muscle atrophy scoring system (MASS) was created and tested by three evaluators (raters) in 38 horses of varying age, breed, and health status.