Rallie McAllister, MD
Rallie McAllister, MD, grew up on a horse farm in Tennessee, and has raised and trained horses all of her life. She now lives in Lexington, Ky., on a horse farm with her husband and three sons. In addition to her practice of emergency and corporate medicine, she is a syndicated columnist (Your Health by Dr. Rallie McAllister), and the author of four health-realted books, including Riding For Life, published by Eclipse Press and available at www.ExclusivelyEquine.com or by calling 800/582-5604.
Articles by Rallie McAllister
Nutrition For Horsewomen: Excerpt from <i>Riding For Life</i>
August 09, 2010
As an equestrian, you know the importance of your horse getting good nutrition. You realize the quality of the feed and forage is key in determining how he looks, feels, and performs. You probably invest in high-quality grain, hay, and nutritio Read More
The Equestrian Athlete (Excerpt from <I>Riding For Life</i>)
July 19, 2010
If you're a seasoned equestrian, you know how physically demanding and mentally challenging riding can be. Even if you're a newcomer to the sport, it probably didn't take you long to realize riding is much more than just sitting on a horse. Read More
The Heartbreak of Separation Anxiety
November 01, 2008
Separation anxiety is a relatively common condition among horses, Read More
Live and Learn (Equine Education Opportunities)
July 01, 2008
For horse owners and equine enthusiasts interested in increasing their knowledge, training, or skills, there have never been more opportunities to learn. Read More
Equestrian Longevity (Book Excerpt)
November 06, 2007
Regardless of your age, it's never too late to start making changes that will impact your life in positive ways. It is never too late to take the first step toward a future filled with horses, happiness, and good health. Read More
Finding the Right Horse
September 14, 2007
No matter how long you've been riding, the age and the level of training of the horse you're thinking of buying are key considerations. While a young, green horse may be perfect for a skilled equestrian, the same horse might prove too challenging for Read More
Preparing to Buy a Horse
August 14, 2007
The decision to buy a horse is a big one, and like all major decisions, it should be made with a great deal of thought, consideration, and planning. Because owning a horse will change your life in ways you might never have imagined, you should approa Read More
Fetal Sex Determination in the Mare Between 90 and 150 Days
February 01, 2007
Accurate determination of fetal sex can have a profound impact on the broodmare management practices of horse owners and breeders. While the gender of a foal influences its value, it also influences the value of the gravid (pregnant) mare. Read More
Induction of Lactation in the Non-Pregnant Mare
February 01, 2007
Poor milk production or the loss of a mare in the peripartum period (occurring in the last month of gestation or the first few months after delivery) can jeopardize the health and viability of the foal. To provide the foal with an alternate Read More
Systemic Therapy in the High-Risk Mare
February 01, 2007
Several conditions can threaten pregnancy in the late gestational mare. C.S. Bailey, DVM, who is completing a theriogenology residency at the University of Florida and Hagyard Equine Medical Institute in Lexington, Ky., said some of these Read More
Dopamine and Its Evil Twin Ergovaline
February 01, 2007
In the horse, the hormone dopamine exerts a number of effects through its actions on the pituitary gland. Both dopamine and ergovaline, a dopaminergic agonist (a drug that stimulates dopamine receptors), can significantly impact the mare's Read More
What's the Scoop?
August 01, 2006
With hundreds of equine nutritional supplements on the market, it's hard to know exactly which one your horse might need, if any at all. While not every horse requires supplements, they can be beneficial in specific circumstances.
According Read More
How Many Jumps Does a Horse Have?
March 01, 2006
When USA Equestrian Team member Lisa Jacquin and her star jumper For The Moment earned their share of the team silver medal at the 1988 Seoul Olympics, the gutsy Thoroughbred gelding was at the top of his game. He was fast, powerful, and precise Read More
Crossing Boundaries
October 01, 2005
Vaccination of broodmares is just one part of a complete disease prevention program, but its importance should not be underestimated. Immunization is one of the least expensive, and most effective, strategies horse breeders can use to protect Read More
Science and Horsemanship
September 01, 2005
Over the past two decades, the work of Hilary Clayton, BVMS, PhD, has elevated equine sports medicine to a whole new level. As the first incumbent of the Mary Anne McPhail Chair at Michigan State University, Clayton brings an element of modern Read More
Progress in Solving the Horse Genome Puzzle
March 24, 2005
Equine researchers around the world are gearing up for the sixth International Equine Genome Workshop, to be held in Dublin, Ireland, this summer. The meeting will allow participating scientists to move one step closer to achieving their Read More
Risk Factors for Horse Falls in U.K. Hurdle and Steeplechase Racing
March 03, 2005
It is well documented that the equine fatality rate for hurdling and steeplechase racing is significantly higher than that of flat racing. The disparity in fatality rates is likely due to the fact that the types of injuries sustained in jump Read More
Vaccination of Wild Mice Could Reduce Transmission of Lyme Disease
March 03, 2005
Vaccinating large populations of wild mice against the bacterium that causes Lyme disease could one day help reduce the risk of transmission of the infection to horses.
A recent study, supported by the National Institute of Allergy and Read More
Conformation Development in Growing Thoroughbreds
February 18, 2005
Selection of Thoroughbred horses for racing and breeding is based primarily on equine performance, pedigree, and phenotype (physical characteristics). Although conformation plays a critical role in the evaluation of horses, current methods of Read More
COX-2 Selective Drugs Considered Safe for Horses
February 14, 2005
Following the release of human clinical trial data demonstrating the link between pain-relieving medications known as COX-2 inhibitors and an increased risk of heart attack and stroke, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration recently issued a Read More
Track Surface Conditions Influence Likelihood of Racing Fractures
February 01, 2005
A study recently published in the Japan Racing Journal found that as turf courses become wetter and softer, fracture risk is reduced. In contrast, muddy conditions on dirt courses lead to a greater risk of horses sustaining a fracture. Read More
Transport and the Immune System
February 01, 2005
In a study published in the Equine Veterinary Journal investigating the effects of long-term transport on horses, Carolyn Stull, DVM, showed measurable changes in immunological status. She also found the immune systems of transported Read More
Tegaserod Enhances Gut Motility in Horses
January 28, 2005
A recent study conducted at the University of Berne Equine Clinic in Switzerland demonstrated that the prokinetic (promoting movement) drug tegaserod stimulated gut motility and accelerated gastrointestinal transit in healthy horses. The study Read More
Track Surface Conditions Influence Likelihood of Racing Fractures
December 28, 2004
Track surface conditions play an important role in the risk of bone fractures in racing Thoroughbreds. Unfavorable conditions of turf and dirt impair the natural shock-absorbing mechanisms of the equine limb, Read More
New Discovery Treats Antibiotic-Resistant Bacteria
December 01, 2004
A new scientific discovery soon could provide an alternative to antibiotics for treating bacterial infections in horses. In the September issue of Nature, microbiologists at the University of California, Los Angeles, reported that Read More
