Honors in Equine Science Project A Joint Supplement Study with Casanova By: Conor Diebel

Background Casanova is about 13 years old Texas roping horse Came to Culver in the Fall of 2013

Project Description and Hypothesis Casanova being a former roping horse has some soreness and possibly some injuries on or around his legs, hips and feet. He is very short-strided and stiff due to a possible injury to his left hip. This is indicated by the occasional difficulty with picking up the right-hand lead. The joint supplement is intended to lubricate all of his joints and to ease possible pain or stiffness instead of a targeted area of his legs like a an injection. If the supplement is administered in the right amounts over a long period of time then Casanova should feel better and more willing to work more comfortably.

HylEquine Hyaluronic Acid Joint Supplement Analysis HylEquine Joint Solution is made up of Hyaluronic Acid. Administered in 200mg doses, it is one of the most concentrated formulas available. HA is a naturally occurring substance in the body but can be given if the body is not producing enough or if the body needs more help. This supplement is given orally. This is to allow the body to use the HA where it needs it. This is a better way to give help to the body as compared to targeted injections.

January 26, 2015 Evaluation 1 Casanova had been in his stall for 2 days before this because of paddock conditions. He was stocked up on his rear right foot. He was worked in a broken Pelham on both reins at the walk, trot, and canter. I started working on the left rein. He was very energetic and ornery. Willing to move forward and worked down at the trot. Canter was initially rushed and then able to be collected. I switched the rein and repeated the warm up. He was very stiff and reluctant to move going to the right. Warmed up extensively at the trot to bend and flex to warm up. Canter was very rushed and choppy. He was reluctant to pick up the right lead the first two transitions. Once he picked up the lead, I broke him down to drill the canter transitions with him. Well exercised today and went back to his stall starting to sweat.

February 2, 2015 Evaluation 2 Casanova was quiet in the stall and very obedient during the preparation. Ridden in his eggbutt snaffle. Started going very calm and relaxed and ready to work. Rode in a loose rein and put through my normal warm-up routine. Walk to trot going to the left then changing to walk and trot to the right. After appropriate warm-up, I asked for the canter and received the right lead immediately. Changed the rein again and cantered on the left lead. Overall, Casanova performed immaculately.

February 19, 2015 Evaluation 3 Casanova was very willing to work today. His stall manners were exemplary and was very responsive to the aids given starting off. I warmed him up at the walk and trot going to the left first and then switched the direction to do the same thing. After an appropriate amount of time, I asked for the right lead canter. He picked up the lead easily and smoothly. After a lap and a half, I switched the rein again and asked for the canter from the walk. Overall, he performed very well. The Basic class was practicing with the obstacles from the Trooper Challenge and I joined the line to help the new guys and Casanova with the obstacles. He had no problem with the bridge and the gate but did not like the broom and ball.

Flexion Tests Designed to evaluate the range of motion in the horse’s body

Conclusion The joint supplement did work and helped Casanova become a better horse. It helped relieve some of the soreness/stiffness in his limbs. This made him comfortable when working and a more obedient partner.