By Jeff Hall, DVM, Managing Equine Technical Services Veterinarian, Zoetis If the thought of sedating your horse makes you nervous or uncomfortable, you’re not alone. Many horse owners feel anxious about the idea, but the truth is that sedatives are commonly used, safe and often easy to administer. In many cases, sedation isn’t just helpful—it’s essential. Horses are powerful animals, and their size and fight-or-flight mentality can make for particularly dangerous situations for themselves and those around them if they’re startled, anxious, scared or uncomfortable. Additionally, there are parts of a horse that are not physically visible or accessible to a veterinarian, such as their teeth, unless the horse is sedated and relaxed. When used appropriately, sedatives increase a horse’s comfort in stressful situations, helping to ensure your safety and that of the veterinarians and handlers working with them. In this blog, I provide an overview of what horse owners need to know about sedation, including the different types of common sedatives and how they’re administered, when and why they’re used, what to expect during the process, and how to partner with your veterinarian to provide the best care and pain management for your horse. Let’s get started! Types of common equine sedatives and what to expect When people hear the word “sedation” they tend to think of a loss of consciousness, likely due to medical procedures they or their family members have undergone. But sedatives that cause a loss of consciousness, referred to as general anesthetics, are reserved primarily for equine surgical procedures. The majority of equine sedatives do not cause a loss of consciousness but instead help the horse be more relaxed and less sensitive. An easy-to-understand way to break down the types of sedatives is by their method of administration. Broadly, they can be organized into three categories: Oral sedation: Prescribed by veterinarians for horse owners to administer The two most common drug types given by mouth for standing sedation are alpha-2 agonists and phenothiazines. They provide mild to moderate levels of sedation that help reduce a horse’s anxiety and awareness. The horse remains upright and conscious. Oral sedation typically takes longer to take effect since it needs to be absorbed through the gum tissue or intestinal tract into the circulatory system. The effects may last for an extended period of time, depending on the sedative type and dosage. Acepromazine is a phenothiazine that works by blocking dopamine receptors in the horse’s central nervous system, which regulates alertness, resulting in moderate sedation. The effects of acepromazine can be variable depending on the horse and formulation, and it typically doesn’t result in as deep or long sedation as an alpha-2 agonist like Dormosedan® Gel (detomidine hydrochloride). Dormosedan Gel acts by binding to alpha-2 adrenergic receptors, relaxing the muscles and reducing anxiety. Detomidine hydrochloride is the most potent alpha-2 agonist available for horses, meaning a little goes a long way. Dormosedan Gel is the first and only sedative approved by the FDA specifically for horse owner administration. It’s an oral mucosal gel administered under the tongue. Xylazine is another commonly used alpha-2 agonist that you might be familiar with. It’s sold both generically and under brand names like Rompun. Oral sedatives like Dormosedan Gel have a wide range of uses cases, including the following: What to expect when administering Dormosedan Gel Pre-Sedation Administration During sedation Post-sedation Standing intramuscular (IM) sedation: Administered by veterinarians Typically, IM sedatives are given in the triangular muscular region in the neck, and usage requires knowledge of how to pull up the medication, where and how to insert the needle, how to administer the contents of the syringe (including aspiration to avoid blood vessels) and proper disposal of used materials. The onset of action for an IM injection is quicker than for orally administered medications, taking 10 to 15 minutes. The duration of effect depends on the medication and dosage used. Your horse will go through similar stages as oral sedation as the sedative takes effect, as well as the same recovery process. Standing intravenous (IV) sedation: Administered by veterinarians Standing IV sedatives, which can have the same active ingredients as oral sedatives but a different formulation, are used when a more rapid onset of sedation is desired or higher levels of sedation or control are needed, such as for invasive medical procedures or examinations, dental care, or advanced diagnostics. IV-based solutions tend to go into effect very quickly once the drug is given, usually within 5 minutes. The most common location for IV sedation is in the jugular vein, which sits on either side of the neck. Given the proximity of the carotid artery to the jugular vein and the potential for major complications, including seizure and death if the drug is inadvertently injected into the carotid artery, IV administration should be reserved for a veterinarian. Acepromazine, Rompun and and Dormosedan® Sterile Solution (detomidine hydrochloride) are examples of commonly used IV sedatives. Below are some common situations where your veterinarian would administer IV sedation Routine care Medical procedures What to expect when your veterinarian administers Dormosedan Sterile Solution Pre-sedation Administration During sedation Post-sedation General anesthesia: Administered by veterinarians Our last category, general anesthetics, includes the most powerful sedatives available. They’re also administered by IV for induction of anesthesia and may be maintained via a constant rate of infusion through an IV or by gas-inhaled anesthetics through an endotracheal tube using an anesthesia machine that can breathe for the horse. They’re always administered and monitored by a veterinarian and technician, and are usually required for advanced medical or surgical procedures where complete loss of consciousness is needed to complete the procedure, such as castration, colic surgery, arthroscopy, or fracture repair. While a horse is under general anesthesia, their vital signs need to be continuously monitored through the end of the procedure and during recovery. Depending on the type of procedure performed, horses can recover on grass (like after routine castration), in a padded recovery stall (like after colic surgery), or in a sling or inflatable raft in a pool (like for

By the Zoetis Equine Team  “I’ll never forget this one veteran who came through our program a while back,” shared Christianna Capra, Co-Founder and Equine Specialist at Spring Reins of Life. Andrew, an Army Ranger who served in Iraq, had been dealing with the ramifications of his experiences in war and made his way to the Spring Reins of Life program after trying a range of other solutions like talk therapy and medication. Initially he wasn’t particularly interested in participating, and he spent much of his time sitting on the corral, watching the other program members interact with horses. Throughout his first half hour not much happened, yet seemingly out of nowhere a thoroughbred named Syriana (Syri for short) who was known for acting out participants’ emotions, began to engage with Andrew. Syri would saunter up to his perch on the fence, trying to get him to interact. When he made eye contact, she would prance her feet and then jog off, looking back at him as she made a circle. Syri repeated this one-on-one game consistently until Andrew became curious about the horse with the red coat trying to get his attention. The next time Syri did this, he leapt down and began running alongside her and it became a horse-human race. The two ran together for a time, staying in stride while the rest of us just watched. Afterward, Andrew’s demeanor and attitude noticeably changed. “Syri knew he needed to run,” said Capra. “That horse helped him rediscover a part of himself he’d lost.”He had been an avid long-distance runner in his youth, though he’d given it up since joining the military. After the program, Andrew returned to find his running mate and began to enter ultramarathon races, thus, the Spring Reigns of Life staff made t-shirts with the phrase, “I Run for Syri” to cheer him on. The Horse-Human Connection Andrew’s story is just one example of the powerful, transformative experiences many people have with equine-assisted services (EAS) programs. At Zoetis, we know the incredible power of the horse-human connection and the profound impact it can have on both horses and humans alike. It’s that connection that powers our passion for improving the health of horses and inspires our rallying cry, Long Live the Horse. What’s more, many of us have experienced this connection first-hand—as horse owners, veterinarians and team members who have been impacted by EAS programs. Horses for Mental Health We have all met life’s ups and downs, and at times didn’t feel like we had the resources or tools to move forward—whether that be in facing a difficult diagnosis, the loss of a loved one or a sense of heightened anxiety associated with burnout. Mental health programs that incorporate horses are growing what we like to call ‘the hoofprint’ for healing: Every person’s journey is so unique, and different therapeutic modalities meet people exactly where they need the support. EAS happens to be a therapeutic blueprint that resonates beautifully with many participants. We’re thrilled to see awareness of it expanding so that more and more people can seek this type of program as a viable option. It’s because of this belief and our understanding of the healing power of horses that we support Horses for Mental Health’s Seen Through Horses Campaign, which takes place annually in May during Mental Health Awareness Month. Seen Through Horses is a peer-to-peer awareness campaign in which people, nonprofits, EAS specialists, celebrities, influencers and businesses help increase awareness and public engagement while raising critical funds to improve access to programs incorporating horses into mental health and personal growth services. EAS programs come in a variety of shapes and sizes, many tailored to assisting people with specific needs. For example, some help patients improve motor skills while others focus on emotional wellness and self-actualization. Whatever the program, they all have one thing in common: the power of the horse. By allowing people to interact with and achieve tasks with horses, whether grooming, riding or conquering an obstacle course, these programs instill a unique sense of accomplishment and increased self-esteem. C. Thomas (Tommy) Howell, actor, lifelong horseman, cowboy, rancher and a Horses for Mental Health ambassador shared a similar experience, remembering how growing up on a ranch with horses made his day-to-day life easier as he started his career. “It made Hollywood meetings so simple. When you’re pushing 1,200 cows along the side of a hill on your horse over a weekend, going into a meeting and saying a few lines for a director seemed so simple. There wasn’t pressure for me after growing up taking care of horses and other animals,” said Howell who was 15 when he landed the lead role of the character, Ponyboy Curtis, in the Francis Ford Coppola film “The Outsiders.” “Horses are extremely therapeutic and grounding, they are amazing teachers. They reflect our souls and who we are back to ourselves,” says Howell. “They are a reminder of who we really are and it’s one of the most important relationships that I’ve been able to experience on this planet.” Recognizing the power of horses to heal, create bonds and inspire confidence, Howell has supported EAS programs over the years, offering his horses in programs for children. Howell recalled, “A couple of times I brought my own horses to events for children experiencing physical and emotional issues. Pretty miraculous thing to see. Being able to touch or ride a horse for the first time changes their expression completely. There’s a sense of fearlessness that’s overwhelmingly felt by all when the child is experiencing the feeling of freedom that comes with riding that horse by themselves. Often, they are experiencing that sense of freedom for the very first time.” Patricia Jackson, founder of We Ride Too, a nonprofit based in Oakland, California, also recognizes the power of horses to help improve the lives of children and young adults. We Ride Too is committed to serving a wide range of young people in Oakland who face various

By Kenton Morgan, DVM, Equine Technical Services Veterinarian, Zoetis Did you know most internal equine parasites (approximately 90%) originate from your horse’s natural environment?1 While we cannot eliminate the issue entirely, we can work to reduce a horse’s parasitic exposure. Along with managing the environment, partnering with your veterinarian is key to determining a seasonal, targeted deworming plan. A shift to strategic deworming practices Targeted deworming is a strategy that focuses on treating horses for parasites when parasite exposure and transmission is likelier to occur. In the past, experts recommended deworming about every 60 to 90 days; however, an ever-growing body of research reveals how some parasite populations have grown resistant to many of the available drug classes.2 Today, the American Association of Equine Practitioners (AAEP) recommends that veterinarians make deworming decisions based primarily on a horse’s age, their egg-shedding status (based on fecal egg counts) and the length of the grazing season in your area. Reduce your horse’s exposure Intestinal parasites can cause serious health problems in horses, including fever, diarrhea, colic and even death. Therefore, it’s critical to minimize risk exposure, reduce parasite egg shedding and use the most effective treatments at the right time. Identify your horse’s life stage Your horse’s age is the first factor to consider when selecting a dewormer, since not all equine internal parasites pose the same risks at every age. Conduct a fecal egg count Ask your veterinarian to perform a fecal egg count or a fecal egg count reduction test every year. A fecal egg count will determine if your horse is a low, medium or high shedder. A fecal egg count reduction test can help determine if there is resistance to dewormers on the farm. Horses that shed more eggs back into the environment via manure increase the exposure of the entire herd to potential parasites. I recommend asking your veterinarian to conduct a fecal egg count during spring wellness visits, but if that’s not feasible, fecal egg counts can be run at any time of year. Know the right time to deworm your adult horse Healthy, low-shedding adult horses will typically receive a deworming treatment at the beginning and end of the grazing season, which differs by geography: Deworming treatments for foals, yearlings and 2-year-olds Treatment options differ when it comes to deworming foals, yearlings and 2-year-olds because the parasites of concern differ in young horses compared to mature horses. Compare dewormers Moxidectin is the experts’ active ingredient of choice for small strongyles because it treats both the encysted larval and adult stages, all in a single dose.3 Both Quest Gel and Quest Plus Gel are formulated with moxidectin, which is also effective against large strongyles (bloodworms), bots, pinworms, hairworms and stomach worms. *Per the 2024 AAEP Parasite Control Guidelines, there is widespread roundworm (ascarid) resistance (lack of efficacy) to macrocyclic lactones (moxidectin and ivermectin).**Per the 2024 AAEP Parasite Control Guidelines, multiple studies show widespread small strongyle (cyathostomin) resistance (lack of efficacy) to benzimidazoles (fenbendazole and oxibendazole). Target the right parasites at the right time Still unsure which parasite treatment plan is the right fit for your horse? The following quiz will help you decide based on your horse’s age, location and the time of year. Remember to always seek guidance from your veterinarian in the diagnosis, treatment and control of parasitism. For more information on deworming, I recommend the following blog, “How to Deworm Your Adult Horse,” with a video that unpacks targeted, seasonal deworming tips. IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION Do not use Quest Gel or Quest Plus Gel in foals less than 6 months of age or in sick, debilitated and underweight horses. Do not use these products in other animal species, as severe adverse reactions, including fatalities in dogs, may result. Consult your veterinarian for assistance in the diagnosis, treatment, and control of parasitism.  At Pegasus, we’re proud to partner with organizations like Zoetis who share our passion for horse welfare and our vision for the future of equestrian sports. Together, we’re driving innovation and raising the standard of care for horses everywhere. Check out more from health care tips and resources from Zoetis in the Pegasus Newsroom: References All trademarks are the property of Zoetis Services LLC or a related company or a licensor unless otherwise noted. Bimectin is a trademark of Bimeda Inc. EquiMAX is a trademark of Virbac. IverCare is a trademark of Farnam. Panacur is a trademark of Merck Animal Health. Safe-Guard is a trademark of Intervet Inc. Zimecterin Gold and Eqvalan are trademarks of Boehringer Ingelheim. © 2025 Zoetis Services LLC. All rights reserved. QST-00222R1

  You likely consider your horse part of your family—and when they show signs of joint discomfort from the natural wear and tear of training or the aging process, it’s hard to see them working through pain.  Despite the challenges that come with joint disease in horses, regenerative medicine technologies allow veterinarians to approach equine pain management with an entirely different set of tools.   Your horse’s self-healing abilities  You likely consider your horse part of your family—and when they show signs of joint discomfort from the natural wear and tear of training or the aging process, it’s hard to see them working through pain.  Despite the challenges that come with joint disease in horses, regenerative medicine technologies allow veterinarians to approach equine pain management with an entirely different set of tools. Competitive horses with concerns about career longevity, maximizing their joint health or drug withdrawal times Young horses whose athletic career you want to maximize while minimizing the negative impact on cartilage from chronic repetitive steroid use PPID, metabolic or insulin-resistant equine patients, or those with a history of propensity to develop laminitis    Pro-Stride® APS device for equine joint pain  Today, veterinarians have the option to manage lameness by concentrating the natural properties found in a horse’s blood or bone marrow with the assistance of regenerative medicine devices (RMDs). An increasing body of evidence reveals that these devices have the potential to modify the course of joint disease by promoting healing and reducing pain and inflammation in horses.1  Below are three types of horses a veterinarian is likely to recommend for treatment with RMDs: How it works: A veterinarian collects blood from your horse, and then the blood is placed into the Pro-Stride APS (autologous protein solution) device and centrifuged. This allows the device to isolate anti-inflammatory cytokines and growth factors from the blood. The final concentrated solution is then injected back into your horse’s joint(s) to promote healing and decrease pain and inflammation. Method: With APS, it’s possible to address the root cause of orthopedic disease, slow disease progression and help reduce the number of maintenance injections your horse receives.3 The goal is to help alleviate pain and prolong your horse’s athletic career beyond masking symptoms. The growth factors contained in the solution accelerate cell growth, enhance cell survival, decrease inflammation and assist in tissue repair.3    Horse-powered healing  This stall-side procedure takes less than 30 minutes to perform right at the farm and can help address existing OA while preventing further disease progression.1 Your veterinarian should conduct a complete lameness evaluation to confirm the diagnosis and treatment location, regardless of whether it’s for an injury or maintenance purposes Typically, significant positive outcomes can be observed within 2 to 4 weeks, sometimes even earlier, when using Pro-Stride2 An APS concentration can help regenerate soft tissue and slow the progression of joint disease and has been shown to have a beneficial effect on rehabilitation time, meaning horses can potentially get back to performing sooner4,5 The Pro-Stride APS device can also be used after arthroscopy, surgical fracture repair, chip removal or osteochondritis dissecans surgery to help decrease inflammation in the joint post operatively    A Pro-Stride APS solution is safe for use in all joints, including: Stifles with meniscal or cruciate injuries Coffin bone Navicular bursa Pastern Fetlock Carpus Elbow Shoulder Hock Stifle Hip Sacroiliac joint As with any care decision, a veterinarian’s case selection and early action is important. While Pro-Stride can aid in pain management secondary to OA, your horse may likely see faster and longer-lasting results in mild to moderate cases when used as a first-line approach versus in chronic end-stage joints where no treatment has improved the outcome.    Other RMDs to discuss with your veterinarian  Restigen® PRP is an extensively clinically studied Platelet-Rich Plasma Device with considerable scientific backing, used primarily for soft tissue injuries.2,6 Additionally, the Centrate® BMA (bone marrow aspirate) device allows for a rapid concentration of bone marrow aspirate for injuries to soft tissues and areas were soft tissue attaches to bone (for example, proximal suspensory ligament injuries or meniscal injuries in the stifle).  All of these devices can be processed in under 30 minutes stall-side or in the clinic or hospital at the same time as the initial appointment. The resulting cell solution is injected fresh, never frozen, and doesn’t require incubation or a series of injections, making it’s use really convenient & cost effective.    Resources on RMDs  Regenerative medicine is an exciting field with the potential to help manage joint disease and OA in horses. You can learn more about these horse-powered solutions by talking with your veterinarian to discuss whether your horse could be a good candidate for RMD options. Here’s a brochure with more information on equine RMDs Click here to learn more about RMDs so you can discuss them at your horse’s next veterinary appointment    References  1. Bertone AL, Ishihara A, Zekas LJ, et al. Evaluation of a single intra-articular injection of autologous protein solution for treatment of osteoarthritis in horses. Am J Vet Res. 2014;75(2):141-151. doi: 10.2460/ajvr.75.2.141.  2. McIlwraith W, Frisbie D, René P, et al. Joint diease in the horse (2nd edition). 2016;1. doi: 10.1016/C2012-0-00759-4.  3. Muir R, Reisbig N, Baria M, et al. The concentration of plasma provides additional bioactive proteins in platelet and autologous protein solutions. The American J of Sports Medicine. 2019;47(8):1955-1963.  4. Linardi RL, Dodson ME, Moss KL, et al. The effect of autologous protein solution on the inflammatory cascade in stimulated equine chondrocytes. Frontiers Vet Sci. 2019;6:1-9. doi: 10.3389/fvets.2019.00064.  5. Gaesser AM, Underwood C, Linardi RL, et al. Evaluation of autologous protein solution injection for treatment of superficial digital flexor tendonitis in an equine model. Frontiers Vet Sci. 2021;8. doi: 10.3389/fvets.2021.697551.  6. Chahla J, Cinque M, Piuzzi N, et al. A call for standardization in platelet-rich plasma preparation protocols and composition reporting. J of Bone and Joint Surgery, Incorporated. 2017;99(20):1769-1779. doi: 10.2106/JBJS.16.01374.  All trademarks are the property of Zoetis Services LLC or a related company or

By Diego Almeida, CJF, EE, FE, TE, AWCF The seasons have an influence on your horse’s hooves in many ways. Here we’ll explore what you need to know to provide your horse with excellent hoof care during the winter months.  Winter’s Impact on Hoof Growth In general, horses’ rate of hoof growth tends to slow down during the winter. The growth of a horse’s winter coat is influenced by both hours of daylight and seasonal temperatures. If your horse develops a winter coat due to those combined factors, his hooves will likely grow more slowly during the short days and cold months as the synthesis of keratin, the primary protein in both hair and hoof horn, is directed to the extra haircoat. Also, the thermoregulation mechanism of the hoof is thought to reduce blood flow when temperatures are cold, to help maintain the horse’s core body temperature.  You and your farrier may find that your horse’s trimming/shoeing schedule can be extended from every 4-6 weeks to more like every 8 weeks or so during the winter months, especially if your horse grows a winter coat. The hooves of horses kept in heated barns, body clipped, and kept in blankets may continue to grow at their usual rate, and thus may need to be maintained on the same trimming/shoeing schedule all year long. Does Your Horse Need Winter Shoes? Here are some considerations to discuss with your farrier to determine whether your horse needs winter shoes:  If your horse has healthy hooves and doesn’t need shoes for specific soundness/performance reasons, you and your farrier may determine the best option is to pull his shoes for the winter, especially if you live in a region with significant snow accumulation. If your horse needs to remain shod all year, adding snow pads will generally help reduce the formation of snowballs in his feet, but they are not always 100% effective, depending on the moisture content of the snow and other factors. Horses that remain shod during the winter in snowy/icy climates will likely also need a source of traction added to their shoes—your farrier can advise you on the type of traction he or she recommends for your individual horse’s needs and lifestyle. Of course, horse owners should also consider that a “snow package” (pads and traction) will cost more because they require more of your farrier’s time and materials.  Your Role in Winter Hoof Care After years of shoeing horses in both Illinois and now Montana, I can share what I’ve learned about hoof care in cold climates. Here are my top recommendations for horse owners: How To Be a Great Client to Your Farrier Any Time of Year Just like any client-based profession, we farriers work with many different types of horse owners. And any hoof care professional would be fibbing if they told you that all clients are equally good to work for. Here are a few pointers I can share from my own experiences, to help you be at the top of your own farrier’s list in any season:  In many parts of the country winter can be a challenging time of year for all of us involved in horse care. But with some planning and good communication with your farrier and veterinarian, you will play an important role in helping to keep your horse, and his feet, healthy and happy. About the Author: Diego Almeida is the program director for Montana State Farrier School in Bozeman, MT. Diego is a Certified Journeyman Farrier and the first to achieve all three advanced endorsements offered by the American Farrier’s Association (AFA)–the Educator, Forging and Therapeutic endorsements. He now heads up the AFA’s Educator Endorsement Committee and is an AFA tester and certification instructor, supporting the development of other farriers in the U.S. and abroad. In 2019 Diego achieved his Associate of the Worshipful Company of Farriers (AWCF) in England, and he is a past winner of the International Hoof-Care Summit’s Rising Star Award and a three-time recipient of the AFA’s J. Scott Simpson Outstanding Educator Award. IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION Do not use DORMOSEDAN STERILE SOLUTION in horses with pre-existing atrioventricular (AV) or sinoatrial (SA) block, with severe coronary insufficiency, cerebrovascular disease, respiratory disease, or chronic renal failure. Intravenous potentiated sulfonamides should not be used in anesthetized or sedated horses. Careful consideration should be given to horses approaching or in endotoxic or traumatic shock, to horses with advanced liver or kidney disease, or to horses under stress from extreme heat, cold, fatigue, or high altitude. Do not use in horses intended for human consumption. Handle dosing syringes with caution to avoid direct exposure to skin, eyes or mouth. See full Prescribing Information, here. IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION Do not use DORMOSEDAN GEL in horses with pre-existing atrioventricular (AV) or sinoatrial (SA) block, with severe coronary insufficiency, cerebrovascular disease, respiratory disease, or chronic renal failure. Do not use in anesthetized or sedated horses, or in conditions of shock, severe debilitation or stress due to extreme heat, cold, fatigue or high altitude. Do not use in horses intended for human consumption. Handle gel-dosing syringes with caution to avoid direct exposure to skin, eyes or mouth. For full prescribing information, see included or visit www.DormGel.com/PI.  All trademarks are the property of Zoetis Services LLC or a related company or a licensor unless otherwise noted. Dormosedan is a registered trademark of Orion Corporation, distributed by Zoetis under license.© 2023 Zoetis Services LLC. All rights reserved. DOR-00095 Pegasus is proud to partner with organizations like Zoetis who share a similar vision for the care, safety, and well-being of horses. To learn more, check out our resources such as Show Stopping Biosecurity: A Horse Show Veterinarians Personal Experience and Tips to Prepare for Successful Hoof Visits. You can also listen to Zoetis experts on The Pegasus Podcast, available anywhere you get your podcasts.

By the Zoetis Equine Team “I’ll never forget this one veteran who came through our program a while back,” shared Christianna Capra, Co-Founder and Equine Specialist at Spring Reigns of Life. Andrew, an Army Ranger who served in Iraq, had been dealing with the ramifications of his experiences in war and made his way to the Spring Reins of Life program after trying a range of other solutions like talk therapy and medication. Initially he wasn’t particularly interested in participating, and he spent much of his time sitting on the corral, watching the other program members interact with horses.  Throughout his first half hour not much happened, yet seemingly out of nowhere a thoroughbred named Syriana (Syri for short) who was known for acting out participants’ emotions, began to engage with Andrew. Syri would saunter up to his perch on the fence, trying to get him to interact. When he made eye contact, she would prance her feet and then jog off, looking back at him as she made a circle. Syri repeated this one-on-one game consistently until Andrew became curious about the horse with the red coat trying to get his attention. The next time Syri did this, he leapt down and began running alongside her and it became a horse-human race.  The two ran together for a time, staying in stride while the rest of us just watched. Afterward, Andrew’s demeanor and attitude noticeably changed. “Syri knew he needed to run,” said Capra. “That horse helped him rediscover a part of himself he’d lost.” He had been an avid long-distance runner in his youth, though he’d given it up since joining the military. After the program, Andrew returned to find his running mate and began to enter ultramarathon races, thus, the Spring Reigns of Life staff made t-shirts with the phrase, “I Run for Syri” to cheer him on. The Horse-Human Connection Andrew’s story is just one example of the powerful, transformative experiences many people have with equine-assisted services (EAS) programs. At Zoetis, we know the incredible power of the horse-human connection and the profound impact it can have on both horses and humans alike. It’s that connection that powers our passion for improving the health of horses and inspires our rallying cry, Long Live the Horse. What’s more, many of us have experienced this connection first-hand-as horse owners, veterinarians and team members who have been impacted by EAS programs.  Horses for Mental Health We have all met life’s ups and downs, and at times didn’t feel like we had the resources or tools to move forward—whether that be in facing a difficult diagnosis, the loss of a loved one or a sense of heightened anxiety associated with burnout. Mental health programs that incorporate horses are growing what we like to call ‘the hoofprint’ for healing: Every person’s journey is so unique, and different therapeutic modalities meet people exactly where they need the support. EAS happens to be a therapeutic blueprint that resonates beautifully with many participants. We’re thrilled to see awareness of it expanding so that more and more people can seek this type of program as a viable option. It’s because of this belief and our understanding of the healing power of horses that we support Horses for Mental Health’s Seen Through Horses campaign, which takes place annually in May during Mental Health Awareness Month. Seen Through Horses is a peer-to-peer awareness campaign in which people, nonprofits, EAS specialists, celebrities, influencers and businesses help increase awareness and public engagement while raising critical funds to improve access to programs incorporating horses into mental health and personal growth services. EAS programs come in a variety of shapes and sizes, many tailored to assisting people with specific needs. For example, some help patients improve motor skills while others focus on emotional wellness and self-actualization. Whatever the program, they all have one thing in common: the power of the horse. By allowing people to interact with and achieve tasks with horses, whether grooming, riding or conquering an obstacle course, these programs instill a unique sense of accomplishment and increased self-esteem. C. Thomas (Tommy) Howell, actor, lifelong horseman, cowboy, rancher and a Horses for Mental Health ambassador shared a similar experience, remembering how growing up on a ranch with horses made his day-to-day life easier as he started his career. “It made Hollywood meetings so simple. When you’re pushing 1,200 cows along the side of a hill on your horse over a weekend, going into a meeting and saying a few lines for a director seemed so simple. There wasn’t pressure for me after growing up taking care of horses and other animals,” said Howell who was 15 when he landed the lead role of the character, Ponyboy Curtis, in the Francis Ford Coppola film “The Outsiders.” “Horses are extremely therapeutic and grounding, they are amazing teachers. They reflect our souls and who we are back to ourselves,” says Howell. “They are a reminder of who we really are and it’s one of the most important relationships that I’ve been able to experience on this planet.” Recognizing the power of horses to heal, create bonds and inspire confidence, Howell has supported EAS programs over the years, offering his horses in programs for children. Howell recalled, “A couple of times I brought my own horses to events for children experiencing physical and emotional issues. Pretty miraculous thing to see. Being able to touch or ride a horse for the first time changes their expression completely. There’s a sense of fearlessness that’s overwhelmingly felt by all when the child is experiencing the feeling of freedom that comes with riding that horse by themselves. Often, they are experiencing that sense of freedom for the very first time.” Patricia Jackson, founder of We Ride Too, a nonprofit based in Oakland, California, also recognizes the power of horses to help improve the lives of children and young adults. We Ride Too is committed to serving a wide range of young people in Oakland who face various challenges and traumas with limited access to resources.  [HS1] In the video