| Soft Ride focus on PPID/ Cushings |
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| Hi,
One of the most frequently diagnosed endocrine disorders in older horses and ponies is Pituitary Pars Intermedia Dysfunction, commonly abbreviated as PPID. Many horse owners still refer to the condition as Equine Cushing’s Disease because the hormonal changes share similarities with Cushing’s disease in people and dogs. Over time, however, veterinary research identified important differences in how the disease develops in horses, leading veterinarians to adopt the more accurate term PPID. “Cushing’s” remains widely used in conversation throughout the equine industry in reference to PPID.
Because PPID develops gradually, early signs are sometimes mistaken for normal aging. Changes in hair coat, muscle tone, energy level, or hoof health often appear slowly over months or years. Horse owners, trainers, veterinarians, and farriers each play an important role in recognizing these subtle changes early.
Many horses with PPID continue to live active and comfortable lives for years with appropriate management. Veterinary diagnosis, thoughtful nutrition, regular farrier care, and consistent monitoring all contribute to successful long-term management, particularly for horses at risk of laminitis or metabolic complications.
The Soft Ride Team |
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| | | What Is PPID or Cushing’s Disease? |
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| PPID, commonly called Equine Cushing’s disease, is a hormonal disorder that affects the pituitary gland located at the base of the brain. A portion of the pituitary gland called the pars intermedia becomes overactive and produces excessive amounts of hormones in horses with PPID. This hormonal imbalance affects many body systems and can interfere with metabolism, immune function, muscle maintenance, and hoof health.
PPID is most frequently diagnosed in horses over 15 years of age, although younger horses can occasionally develop the condition. Researchers believe the disease is linked to degeneration of dopamine-producing nerves in the brain. Dopamine normally helps regulate hormone production within the pituitary gland. As dopamine levels decline, the gland becomes less controlled and begins releasing abnormal hormone levels.
The condition often develops gradually. Horses may initially show subtle changes such as delayed shedding, mild lethargy, or shifts in body condition. Over time, more recognizable signs can appear, including a long curly hair coat, muscle loss, increased drinking and urination, and episodes of laminitis. Diagnosis typically involves veterinary examination combined with blood testing to measure hormone levels.
While PPID cannot currently be cured, modern treatment and management strategies have significantly improved quality of life for affected horses. Many horses continue enjoying regular riding, turnout, and daily activity with appropriate care. |
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| | What Are the Most Common Causes of Cushing’s Disease? |
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| PPID is associated primarily with age-related changes in the brain and endocrine system. As horses grow older, certain nerve cells that produce dopamine gradually degenerate. Dopamine helps regulate activity within the pituitary gland, and reduced dopamine signaling allows the pars intermedia to become enlarged and overactive.
Genetics may also influence which horses develop PPID, although research is ongoing. Ponies and certain breeds appear to have a higher incidence of the condition. Environmental stressors, long-term metabolic strain, and concurrent endocrine disorders may also contribute to disease progression in some horses.
Unlike infectious diseases, PPID is not contagious and does not result from poor management. Even horses receiving excellent nutrition, exercise, and veterinary care can develop the condition as they age. Early monitoring and routine veterinary screening become increasingly valuable as horses enter their senior years. |
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| | Common Signs and Symptoms of PPID |
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| Delayed shedding or long hair coat Curly or shaggy coat appearance Muscle loss along the topline Increased drinking and urination Chronic or recurrent laminitis Weight loss despite normal appetite Fat deposits above the eyes or crest Reduced athletic performance Lethargy or decreased energy Recurrent infections or slow wound healing
Recognizing PPID often begins with noticing gradual physical or behavioral changes. One of the hallmark signs is a hair coat that sheds slowly in spring or remains unusually long throughout the year. Some horses develop a distinctly curly or wavy appearance. Owners may also observe loss of muscle over the back and hindquarters, even when the horse maintains a normal appetite.
Hoof health changes deserve close attention because horses with PPID face an increased risk of laminitis. Subtle soreness, shifting weight, reluctance to turn, or increased digital pulses can indicate developing discomfort. Supportive hoof management, veterinary guidance, and therapeutic comfort products may help horses remain more comfortable during recovery or management periods. Soft Ride Boots and Deep Gel Orthotics are commonly used by veterinarians and horse owners to provide cushioning and support for horses experiencing hoof soreness.
Changes in drinking habits, urination frequency, or overall attitude may also develop gradually. Because these signs can appear slowly over months or years, regular veterinary evaluations become especially important in aging horses. |
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| | Common Treatments for PPID |
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| Pergolide Mesylate - Pergolide is the most commonly prescribed medication for horses with PPID. It works by replacing dopamine activity within the brain, helping regulate hormone production by the pituitary gland. Many horses show improvement in hair coat, energy level, and overall comfort after beginning treatment.
Dietary Management - Nutritional management plays an important role, especially for horses with a history of laminitis or insulin dysregulation. Veterinarians often recommend limiting non-structural carbohydrates and feeding balanced forage-based diets to support metabolic health.
Routine Veterinary Monitoring - Regular blood testing helps veterinarians monitor hormone levels and adjust treatment plans as needed. Seasonal hormone fluctuations can influence test results, so ongoing evaluation supports more accurate management.
Farrier Care - Consistent hoof trimming and corrective farrier work help maintain balance and reduce strain on the feet. Aged horses often benefit from coordinated care involving both veterinarians and farriers.
Exercise Programs - Light to moderate exercise may support circulation, muscle tone, and metabolic health in horses that are comfortable enough to remain active. Exercise plans should always be tailored to the horse’s condition and level of soundness.
Supportive Hoof Care and Comfort Management - Horses experiencing laminitic soreness may benefit from additional cushioning and support. Soft Ride Comfort Boots and Gel Orthotics, or SoftRider shoes for horses that are still being actively ridden are commonly used to help reduce concussion and improve comfort during stall rest or rehabilitation. |
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| | How Can Owners Support a Comfortable Life for a Horse with PPID? |
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| Because PPID is closely associated with aging and neurological changes within the pituitary gland, there is currently no proven way to fully prevent the condition. Many horses, however, continue to live active, comfortable, and rewarding lives with thoughtful long-term management and early veterinary involvement.
Routine veterinary examinations and periodic blood testing help monitor hormone levels and guide treatment decisions as the horse’s needs change over time. Nutritional management also plays an important role. A balanced forage-based diet, appropriate weight management, and careful attention to sugar and starch intake may help support metabolic health, particularly in horses with a history of laminitis.
Consistent farrier care remains especially important for horses with PPID because hoof sensitivity and laminitis are common concerns. Owners should monitor for subtle changes such as increased digital pulses, reluctance to move comfortably, altered shedding patterns, muscle loss, or changes in drinking habits. Early recognition often allows for faster intervention and improved comfort.
Supportive hoof care products may also help horses experiencing soreness or instability. Soft Ride Boots and orthotics are commonly used to provide cushioning and support for horses managing laminitic discomfort or extended stall rest.
Coordinated care between owners, veterinarians, and farriers gives horses with PPID the best opportunity to maintain comfort, mobility, and quality of life. |
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| | | Disclaimer: This content is for education and is not medical advice. If you suspect medical illness or injury contact your veterinarian for medical advise. |
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| | | Soft Ride on the Road - Summer 2026 Where We’re Headed Next |
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| | Hosted by the Texas Equine Veterinary Association, the Metabolic Horse Summit is a highly focused, boutique-style meeting dedicated to one of the most important topics in modern equine medicine: metabolic health and its direct link to laminitis. This two-day program brings together leading veterinarians and researchers to explore insulin dysregulation, endocrine disorders (including EMS and PPID), and practical strategies for prevention and long-term management.
The Summit is designed for in-depth discussion and collaboration in a smaller, highly engaged setting. Soft Ride is proud to support this important event as a sponsor, helping advance education around metabolic health and laminitis prevention.
Event Details: |
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| | Back to Berrien is an NSBA Futurity and AQHA show that brings together riders, trainers, and equine enthusiasts in Berrien County, Michigan. Known for its welcoming atmosphere, five judge platform, and variety of well-run classes, the event showcases a range of disciplines and skill levels, making it a favorite stop for both competitive riders and local barns alike.
Soft Ride is proud to support this event as a prize sponsor, recognizing the dedication and horsemanship of participants while contributing to a positive and rewarding show experience.
Event Details: Date: June 17-20, 2026 Location: Berrien County Fairgrounds, Michigan Registration/Contact: BackToBerrien@gmail.com 573.321.0047 https://www.backtoberrien.com/
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| | The Texas Equine Veterinary Association Summer CE Symposium is one of the premier equine veterinary meetings of the year, bringing together practitioners from across the country for high-quality continuing education in a collaborative and engaging setting. Designed to balance cutting-edge science with practical clinical application, the symposium covers a broad range of topics including lameness, sports medicine, internal medicine, diagnostics, and emerging treatment approaches.
Presenters include Matt Durham, DVM; Charlie Buchanan, DVM; Sherry Johnson, DVM, DACVR; Kent Allen, DVM and more. The full symposium schedule will be published later this month. Soft Ride will be onsite and looks forward to connecting with veterinarians while continuing to support education that advances equine comfort, recovery, and performance.
Event Details: |
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| As we continue our drive to keep your horse on his feet, we've received more than 15 patents, ship to over 50 countries, and work with more than 6,000 veterinarians around the world, as well as every veterinarian school in the United States, Canada, Europe and Australia. And with horse owners from every discipline using our products, we can safely and proudly say, "The best in the world rely on Soft Ride." |
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