Ordner Insurance Inc

06/23/2026

We will see you there!

06/23/2026

Does your horse suffer from equine asthma? Here are some common irritants and ways to manage possible dust exposure.

Equine asthma is a breathing problem caused by inflammation in the airways. It can range from mild to severe, but across all forms, one thing matters most: reducing dust and irritants in the horse's environment.

What many owners think of as "dust" is more than just visible dirt. It can include bacteria, mold and fungal spores, mites, endotoxins, and other tiny particles that trigger inflammation in the lungs. Some of the worst particles are actually too small to see.

The key is the horse's breathing zone - the air right around the nose. Dust in that area matters much more than dust elsewhere in the barn. Even a stable that looks clean can still have harmful tiny particles in the air.

Common dust and irritant sources can include:
• Hay
• Bedding
• Sweeping or mucking stalls
• Barn blowers
• Round bale feeding
• Very dry, windy conditions
• Pollens or other allergens
• Unusual triggers like nearby manure piles, chemical sprays, chickens, or certain bedding materials

Management often focuses on lowering dust exposure:
• Reconsidering hay and bedding
• Using wood shavings
• Feeding a pelleted diet or hay cubes
• Soaking hay
• Steaming hay correctly
• Considering haylage
• Avoiding round bale feeding in horses prone to severe asthma

Note that medication may help control inflammation or open the airways, but there is no replacement to environmental management. Long-term improvement depends on reducing dust in the horse's environment, especially in the breathing zone.

If you have questions or concerns about your specific equine, contact your veterinarian.

06/18/2026

Keeping your horse hydrated is important all year round. For some horses the stress of travel and showing can make keeping them hydrated difficult. Here are some tips to help keep your horse hydrated during these stressful times and year round.

Keeping competition horses well-hydrated isn't always easy. One nutritionist offers tips to help prevent dehydration.

06/16/2026

Salt or electrolytes? Which does my horse need and when🤷‍♀️

🧂 Salt vs. Electrolytes: Understanding the Difference

Salt and electrolytes both play important roles in your horse’s hydration program, but they are not the same thing.

Most equine diets are deficient in sodium because forage, pasture, and many feeds do not provide enough of this essential mineral. Sodium is critical for maintaining hydration, supporting muscle and nerve function, and encouraging water intake.

Electrolyte supplements contain sodium along with other minerals, including potassium, calcium, and magnesium. However, many electrolyte products do not provide enough sodium to meet your horse’s daily requirements, especially during hot weather or after significant sweat loss.

As a general rule:
✔️ Provide at least 1 oz of salt daily to meet your horse’s baseline sodium requirements.
✔️ Increase salt intake during hot weather and periods of increased sweating.
✔️ Add electrolytes in addition to daily salt after heavy exercise, competition, or any situation that results in significant sweat loss.

While forage-based diets typically provide adequate potassium, calcium, and magnesium, sodium remains one of the most common nutritional gaps in the equine diet.

Have questions about salt or electrolytes? Drop them in the comments below and our nutrition team will answer them.

06/14/2026

From vehicles, livestock, equipment and more we can help protect your investment.

Message us for more information on coverage options.

06/11/2026

Free webinar for anyone that would like to learn more about the New World screwworm.

🚨 WEBINAR ALERT!
📅 June 18 @ 4 PM ET

On June 3, 2026, the U.S. Department of Agriculture confirmed New World Screwworm in the umbilical area of a calf in Zavala County, Texas. This expansion into the United States is alarming.

US Equestrian is partnering with the AAEP to bring you the information you need about the risk to horses and how you can keep your equine partners safe.

Dr. Katie Flynn, Senior Staff Veterinarian for Equine Health and Biosecurity at USEF, will be joined by Dr. Neil Gray, sport horse practitioner in California.

Webinar registration link: https://usef.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_uwgRdUs4Rx-gEHPiBfqvSQ #/registration

06/11/2026

It’s time for a little .

It's MYTHBUSTERS time! 📢

❌ MYTH: Sweet itch is just normal summer itching.

✅ FACT: Sweet itch is usually insect bite hypersensitivity - an allergic reaction to bites from Culicoides midges. The hallmark sign is intense itching.

Sweet itch is the common name for an allergic skin reaction to bites from tiny midges, most often Culicoides. The biggest red flag is intense itching. Horses may rub the mane, tail, and other areas enough to damage the skin.

In many horses, the problem is seasonal, so prevention focuses on limiting insect exposure: stable during peak feeding times at sunrise and sunset, use fans and fine screens, reduce exposure to standing water, and work with your veterinarian on repellants and treatment options.

If you suspect that your horse is suffering from sweet itch, contact your veterinarian.

📸 Dr. Melinda Freckleton

06/09/2026

Protect what matters most with Ordner Insurance.

06/06/2026

The New World screwworm has been confirmed in the US. Be aware of what to look for so that you can protect your animals.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) confirmed the detection of a New World screwworm (NWS) in a bovine in Zavala County, Texas. NWS is a serious pest that affects livestock, pets, wildlife, and less commonly, people and birds. NWS larvae (maggots) burrow into the flesh of living animals, causing serious damage to livestock.

USDA urges residents in the area to check their pets and livestock for signs of NWS. Look for draining or enlarging wounds and signs of discomfort. Also look for screwworm larvae and eggs in or around body openings, such as the nose, ears, and genitalia. If you suspect your animal is infected with screwworm, contact your state animal health official or USDA area veterinarian in charge immediately.

06/03/2026

Some great preparedness tips. Also make sure that your truck and trailer have the proper insurance coverage. Message us for more info.