Natalie DeFee Mendik, MA
Freelance journalist Natalie DeFee Mendik is an American Horse Publications Editorial and Graphics Awards winner. She holds an MA in English from Colorado State University. With three decades of horse experience, Natalie’s main interest is dressage. Having lived and ridden in England, Switzerland, and various parts of the United States, Natalie currently resides in Pennsylvania with her husband and two girls.
Articles by Natalie DeFee Mendik
Endoscopic Evaluations in Exercising Thoroughbred Yearlings
May 07, 2013
Vets evaluated the potential application of dynamic endoscopy when examining Thoroughbred yearlings. Read More
Horse Gaitedness: It's in the Genes
April 17, 2013
Swedish researchers discovered that genetic makeup affects locomotion patterns in horses. Read More
Researchers Study Early Postpartum Breeding in Horses
April 01, 2013
Researchers evaluated the impact of postpartum breeding date on pregnancy, pregnancy loss, and foaling rates. Read More
Study: Barefoot Trimming Can Impact Hoof Conformation
January 03, 2013
A specific trimming technique increased the hoof's weight-bearing area and increased the heel angle. Read More
Back to Barefoot
December 06, 2012
Going barefoot can benefit hoof health, but consider management and physical needs before pulling shoes. Read More
Study: EHV-1 Not Linked to Headshaking
November 30, 2012
Researchers recently tested if idiopathic headshaking in horses could be similar to a condition in humans. Read More
Progesterone Delivery Device Evaluated in Broodmares
October 13, 2012
Researchers found an intravaginal progesterone-releasing device effective in inducing early estrus in mares. Read More
Horse Fencing: Is There a Best Choice?
September 22, 2012
Many fencing options are available, but there are no hard-and-fast rules as to which is the best choice. Read More
Long-term Clenbuterol Use in Horses Studied
September 05, 2012
While the drug initially reduced airway sensitivity, long-term use seems to result in reduced effectiveness. Read More
Rotational Grazing: Time it Right for Optimal Pastures
August 03, 2012
Rotational grazing allows horses to graze one section of pasture while other sections recover. Read More
Equine Reproductive Tract Bacteria Studied
June 16, 2012
One study showed bacteria on stallions' external genitalia do not appear to affect stallion or mare fertility. Read More
Equine Sarcoids Chromosomal Regions Identified
May 22, 2012
A team of researchers has successfully located chromosomal regions associated with equine sarcoids. Read More
Vaccination to Control Equine Influenza During an Outbreak
May 19, 2012
Equine influenza vaccination strategies evaluated in a new study reduced new flu infections on average by 60%. Read More
Single Layer Centrifugation Benefits in Horse Breeding
April 20, 2012
SLC can help breeders address problems associated with breeding both stallions and mares. Read More
New Equine Fetal Sex Determination Technique Studied
March 05, 2012
The team achieved up to a 95% accuracy rate by using mares' blood plasma to determine fetal gender. Read More
Effectiveness of On-Farm Biosecurity Measures Studied
February 20, 2012
The Australian equine influenza outbreak provided a unique opportunity to evaluate some biosecurity measures. Read More
<i>Lawsonia</i> Vaccine Studied
February 20, 2012
No adverse reactions to the vaccine were noted and fewer than 2% of the weanlings exhibited signs of disease. Read More
Stored Semen Processing Method Evaluated
January 13, 2012
A scaled-up single layer centrifugation method improved stored semen quality. Read More
Five and 60-Second Flexion Tests Yield Similar Results
November 13, 2011
The researchers found that hock flexion for five and 60 second yielded similar results in flexion tests. Read More
Study Examines Safety and Efficacy of Strangles Vaccines
October 08, 2011
A research team evaluates the effectiveness and safety of strangles vaccines on ponies of different ages. Read More
Insulin Sensitivity Changes in Pregnant Mares
September 19, 2011
Researchers recently set out to examine how pregnancy impacts insulin sensitivity and glucose levels. Read More
Older Horses: Decreased Thermoregulation During Exercise
July 25, 2011
Senior horses have a propensity for developing hyperthermia, or elevated body temperature, when exercising. Read More
