Horse Farms Research Articles

Body development of five Thoroughbred foal generations naturally infected with cyathostomins

Most horse breeders are extremely concern about the impact of parasites on the healthiness of their animals. Although parasite control using systemic anthelmintics is very secure, drug resistance has been reportedworldwide (Canever et al. 2013; Peregrine et al. 2014). This study aimed to determine the development of Thoroughbred foals related to sex, month and year of birth and parasite faecal egg counts (EPG). Data of five generations (20082012)was handled from a horse farm located in the city of Sao Jose dos Pinhais, South of Brazil. The animals were from birth to 18 months old (n1⁄4119 foals: 60 males and 59 females). The farm technical teamprovidedmonthly data on height andweight of the individuals. The body weight was measured with a mechanical scale and the withers height was measured using a depth measuring tape. For the individual animal EPG records, reports from 2009 to 2012 were used. EPG was performed using a modifiedMcMaster technique (x25). During all the evaluationperiods it was observed that females were taller (p1⁄40.0065) and heavier (p1⁄40.0091) than males at birth. Males born in November were lighter than the other animals born in othermonths (p1⁄40,0002) at the age of sixmonths. At the age of 12months, females born in July and August were significantly heavier than females born in the othermonths, and those born inNovemberwere lighter compared to the others (p1⁄40.03). EPGwas divided in six categories: from0 to 25, 50 to 100, 125 to 225, 250 to 350, 375 to 500, 525 to 800 and above 800, and the average frequency was 21, 11, 10, 11, 8, 13 and 26%, respectively for all years. Therewas no correlation of EPG and the other variables, indicating that the presence of high or low EPGs did not interfere with body development. This was possible because of the excellent farming system, which included balanced concentrate food and a high quality alfalfa and pasture. Thus, if EPG values had no influence evidencing anybody development impediment in young horses, we suggest that other phenotypic and/or genotypic diagnostic shall be developed for parasite monitoring when animals are raised in ideal conditions.

Diagnosis and control of Equine Infectious Anemia in a horse farm located in Buenos Aires province, Argentina

M.A. Vissani*, J Reynal O’Connor , C Olguin Perglione , S. Traverso , G. Gutierrez , I. Alvarez , M. Barrandeguy 1,4 1 Instituto de Virologia, CICVyA, INTA-Castelar, 1712 Castelar, Buenos Aires, Argentina; 2 Laboratorio Equino S.R.L, Buenos Aires, Argentina; Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Cientificas y T ecnicas -CONICET, Buenos Aires, Argentina; C atedra de Enfermedades Infecciosas, Escuela de Veterinaria, Universidad del Salvador, Pilar, Buenos Aires, Argentina

Species Diversity and Succession of Dung Beetles (Coleoptera: Geotrupidae and Scarabaeidae) Attracted to Horse Dung on Assateague Island

Abstract Barrier islands represent unusual and fragile ecosystems, influenced by multiple physical stressors and populated by organisms that are resource and habitat specialists. Dung beetles (Coleoptera) provide essential ecosystem services through the removal of dung from the environment. Their role in the unique environment of a barrier island dominated by a large non-native grazing species has not been widely investigated. Using linear transects of pitfall traps baited with human dung, we examined the species diversity of dung beetles found in three habitats (marsh, dunes, and forest) of Assateague Island, a barrier island off the coast of Maryland and Virginia, USA. Fifteen species (13,626 individuals) were collected. Estimates of species richness suggest there may be an additional 3–6 species on the island that were not sampled in this study. Heterotrophic succession of dung beetles attracted to horse dung was also examined and compared between Assateague Island and mainland horse farms. Observation...

House and Stable Fly Seasonal Abundance, Larval Development Substrates, and Natural Parasitism on Small Equine Farms in Florida

House flies, Musca domestica Linnaeus, and stable flies, Stomoxys calcitrans (L.) (Diptera: Muscidae), are common pests on horse farms. The successful use of pupal parasitoids for management of these pests requires knowledge of seasonal fluctuations and biology of the flies as well as natural parasitism levels. However, these dynamics have not been investigated on small equine farms. A 1-year field study began in July 2010, in north central Florida, to determine adult fly population levels and breeding areas on four small equine farms. Weekly surveillance showed that pest flies were present year-round, though there were differences in adult population levels among farms and seasons. Fly development was not confirmed on two of the four small farms, suggesting that subtle differences in husbandry may adversely affect the development of immature flies. In six substrates previously identified as the most common among the farms, stable fly puparia were found overwhelmingly in hay mixed with equine manure and house fly puparia were found in fresh pine shavings mixed with equine manure. Natural parasitism was minimal as expected, but greatest numbers of natural parasitoids collected were of the genus Spalangia. Differences in adult and immature fly numbers recovered emphasizes the need for farm owners to confirm on-site fly development prior to purchase and release of biological control agents. Additionally, due to the low natural parasitism levels and domination of parasitism by Spalangia cameroni, augmentative releases using this species may be the most effective.

West Nile virus-neutralizing antibodies in wild birds from southern Spain.

West Nile virus (WNV) is an emerging vector-borne arbovirus with a zoonotic life-cycle whose main reservoir hosts are birds. In humans and horses, WNV infections rarely result in clinical disease but on occasions - depending on factors such as climatic conditions, insect communities and background immunity levels in local populations - they can lead to outbreaks that threaten public and animal health. We tested for the presence of WNV antibodies in 149 birds belonging to 32 different species. Samples were first tested using a bird-specific ELISA kit and then both positive and doubtful results were confirmed by neutralization tests using WNV and Usutu virus. WNV antibodies were confirmed in a resident Sylvia melanocephala juvenile, supporting the idea of local transmission of WNV in southern Spain in 2013. In addition, the serum from an adult blackbird (Turdus merula) showed neutralization of both WNV and Usutu virus. We discuss our results in light of the occurrence of WNV on horse farms in southern Spain in 2013.

Biochemical changes in the recreational areas soil caused by the intensity of use

The aim of this study was to determine the effect of the intensity of selected recreational areas use on biochemical changes within soils. Soil samples were collected from different playgrounds, playing fields and horse farms. Granulometric composition of the soils was determined. Heavy metals concentration, organic carbon concentration, total nitrogen concentration and activities of dehydrogenases, phosphatase and urease were measured at unburdened and burdened sites of the investigated recreational areas. It was found, that the use of the recreations areas triggers the changes in biochemical composition of the soil. Greater burden decreases the enzymes concentration in the soil. For most sites, a positive correlation was found between enzymes and organic carbon concentration and between phosphatase and urease. The degree of heavy metals soils contamination was low and only the samples from one playing field and one horse farm had increased concentration of cadmium. Monitoring of biochemical changes in recreational areas soil (especially playgrounds) is very important to provide safe environment for human leisure time.

Exploring Agritourism Experience and Perceptions of Pork Production

The interest of consumers in farming activities is evident and agricultural producers have responded to this increasing interest in a number of ways, including inviting visitors to farm operations through tourism or farm visits. Livestock industries, in particular, are interacting with the public in numerous ways, including via marketing channels for their products, interacting with community leaders and community members in regard to location siting and regulations, and inviting people onto their operations via agritourism. An improved understanding of who visits agricultural locations (particularly livestock operations) and consumers’ perceptions about livestock agriculture is needed in order to begin to understand the possible relationships between on-farm experiences and consumers’ perceptions. Thus, it is important to gain a deeper understanding in consumers’ interests, including their levels of concern for production process attributes, such as animal welfare, relative to product attributes like price and taste. This analysis investigates the demographics of consumers who have (and have not) visited various agritourism operations, studies differences in preferences for (or perceptions of) animal welfare relative to other pork attributes between consumers who have or have not visited a livestock operation, as well as amongst consumers with varying levels of involvement in household food production. Indeed the relationships explored are between having visited a livestock operation and the perceptions. This study found that 69% of participants had visited a livestock operation (pig farm, dairy farm, and/or horse farm) at some point. The majority of respondents agreed that agriculture was an important industry, yet, those who had visited livestock operations were more likely to note concerns about the impact of livestock operations on water quality in their county.

The urticating setae of Ochrogaster lunifer, an Australian processionary caterpillar of veterinary importance.

The bag-shelter moth, Ochrogaster lunifer Herrich-Schaffer (Lepidoptera: Notodontidae), is associated with a condition called equine amnionitis and fetal loss (EAFL) on horse farms in Australia. Setal fragments from O. lunifer larvae have been identified in the placentas of experimentally aborted fetuses and their dams, and in clinical abortions. The gregarious larvae build silken nests in which large numbers cohabit over spring, summer and autumn. The final instars disperse to pupation sites in the ground where they overwinter. Field-collected O. lunifer larvae, their nests and nearby soil were examined using light and electron microscopy to identify setae likely to cause EAFL and to determine where and how many were present. Microtrichia, barbed hairs and true setae were found on the exoskeletons of the larvae. True setae matching the majority of setal fragments described from equine tissue were found on third to eighth instar larvae or exuviae. The number of true setae increased with the age of the larva; eighth instars carried around 2.0-2.5 million true setae. The exuvia of the pre-pupal instar was incorporated into the pupal chamber. The major sources of setae are likely to be nests, dispersing pre-pupal larvae and their exuviae, and pupal chambers.

Molecular characterization of clinical isolates of Rhodococcus equi with PCR assay based on virulence plasmid marker

Rhodococcus equi is one of the most important pathogens of foals, in which it causes a disease manifesting in pyogranulomatous bronchopneumonia, abscesses, lymphadenitis or ulcerative enterocolitis. R. equi can be pathogenic to other domestic and wild animals and humans as well. Although, R. equi is prevalent in India, the work carried out in our country has not gone much beyond isolation of organism from clinical cases of foal pneumonia. Therefore, the present study was carried out for characterization of R. equi strains isolated from clinical cases based on plasmid markers (traA, vapA and vapB genes) and antibiotic sensitivity. In the present study, 298 samples (nasal swab, 136; fecal sample, 130; soil, 28; tissue, 4) were collected and processed for isolation, identification, and characterization of R. equi via biochemical test, antimicrobial susceptibility test and PCR. A total of 28 R. equi isolates could be recovered from clinical samples. All the 28 isolates were found sensitive to chloramphenicol, erythromycin, oxytetracycline, ciprofloxacine, neomycin and rifampin while resistant to ampicillin, trimethoprim, sulphadiazine, cloxacin, amikacin, cephalexin, and kanamycin in in vitro antimicrobial assay. PCR typing based on plasmid gene markers: traA, vapA, and vapB revealed that vapA plasmid was present in 26 isolates whereas it was absent in 2 isolates. Periodic monitoring of horse farm before and after foaling season is recommended for diagnosis of R. equi and initiating requisite bio-security and therapeutic measures.

Estudio de la morbilidad, mortalidad y de enfermedades en potros de caballo criollo colombiano durante los 30 primeros días de vida en la sabana de Bogotá

Se realizó un estudio prospectivo de cohortes durante un año en 35 fincas de caballo criollo colombiano en la sabana de Bogotá. Se hizo seguimiento a 192 potros nacidos vivos en este periodo, de los cuales se registraron los nacimientos durante todo el año de estudio, debido a las condiciones tropicales de la región evaluada, y se caracterizaron los factores de manejo de las fincas del estudio. Se determinó una tasa de morbilidad del 27,7/100/año y del 0,77/100/ año de mortalidad en los primeros 30 días vida. La tasa de incidencia de las enfermedades más observadas fueron síndrome febril (5,7/100/año), enfermedad respiratoria con fiebre (4,9/100/año) y diarrea con fiebre (3,9/100/año). También se determinó que en las primeras 48 horas de vida se presenta la mayor incidencia de enfermedad con 60,9 % potros/ semana, causada en su mayoría por deformidades angulares y flexurales, síndrome febril, enfermedad respiratoria y diarrea con fiebre. Subsecuentemente, la morbilidad desciende hasta el día 30 de vida, cuando se presenta una incidencia del 11 %, sobre todo debido a casos de enfermedad respiratoria con fiebre.

Prevalence and risk factors for colonization with methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus and other Staphylococci species in hospitalized and farm horses in Israel

Methicillin-resistant staphylococci (MRS), and specifically Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) colonization or infection have become a serious emerging condition in equine hospitals, with complex concerns regarding animals, personnel and public health. The objectives of this study were to evaluate the prevalence and risk factors for colonization by Staphylococci, MRS, and MRSA among horses in Israel. Nasal swabs were collected from horses at 17 riding stables (n=206), and from hospitalized horses admitted to a veterinary hospital (n=84). Species identification was performed by pta gene PCR, RFLP analysis and sequencing. MRS was identified by the presence of mecA. Genetic relatedness of MRSA isolates was determined by spa typing and MLST. SCCmec-type and pvl gene were determined. Univariable and multivariable statistical analysis were used to identify potential risk factors. Colonization with Staphylococci was found among 3.8% of farm horses and 50.6% of hospitalized horses (p<0.05). MRS isolates were not found in any of the farm horses, but were isolated from 21.6% of the horses at the veterinary hospital, comprising 42.8% of all hospital isolates. MRSA was found exclusively among hospitalized horses (7.2%). All MRSA isolates belonged to a unique single multi-drug-resistant clone, ST5-SCCmec V, pvl-negative, spa-type t535. Risk factors for colonization with MRS were pure bred, hospitalization and antibiotic use. This is the first surveillance study of Staphylococci in horses in Israel, and the first report on the presence of a unique MRSA strain among hospital horses, recognizing the veterinary hospital as a potential reservoir for MRSA, an antibiotic resistant pathogen with human relevance.

Efficacy of selected anthelmintic drugs against cyathostomins in horses in the federal state of Brandenburg, Germany

Cyathostomins are currently the most common internal parasites of horses. With the intensive use of anthelmintic drugs over the past decades, resistance of cyathostomins to anthelmintics is becoming a growing problem in many countries. The aim of this study was to assess the current situation on horse farms in the German federal state of Brandenburg. A pre-selected population of horses from 24 premises that had shown a prevalence of cyathostomins higher than the average in a previous study was examined for anthelmintic efficacy. Faecal egg count reduction tests (FECRTs) were performed for ivermectin (IVM) and pyrantel (PYR). For IVM, the egg reappearance period (ERP) was also examined, as a shortened ERP can be indicative of developing resistance. The efficacy of IVM on cyathostomins was high: 99.1% of 224 horses had a zero egg count 14days after treatment. No shortening of the ERP was detected. For the data of the FECRT for PYR, three different methods of calculation were employed: (a) the method as recommended by the World Association for the Advancement of Veterinary Parasitology (WAAVP), (b) a bootstrapping method and (c) a Markov chain Monte Carlo method. Two methods of interpretation for these data were used: Resistance was declared (a) when FECR was <90% and the lower 95% confidence interval (LCL) <80% and (b) when additionally the upper 95% confidence level (UCL) was <95%. When applying the first interpretation, resistance against PYR was found on four yards, while, when considering the UCL, all three methods for calculation only detected resistance on one single yard. Twelve species of cyathostomins were detected in larval cultures derived from strongyle egg positive faecal samples collected 14days after treatment with PYR by reverse line blot hybridization (RLB). In order to generate comparable data, it is suggested to establish international standards for the calculation of FECRT data.

Nutrient leaching from manure-amended topsoils (Cambisols and Histosols) in Sweden

Due to rapid growth of the horse industry in the EU, manure production from horse farms has become substantial. Horse manure is a valuable resource in terms of plant nutrients that should be utilised primarily as a fertiliser and soil conditioner on agricultural soils, but in an environmentally friendly manner. This study estimated potential retention and leaching losses of phosphorus (P), nitrogen (N) and carbon (C) from two mineral (Nåntuna loamy sand and Wiad loam) and one organic (Hidinge peat) agricultural topsoil amended with two levels of composted horse manure, 18 and 36 megagram (Mg) ha−1, compared with non-amended control soil. Soil columns (20cm long, 18.8cm diameter) were exposed to three consecutive simulated rainfall events with an intensity of 8mmh−1 and a pore volume of 100mm each time, which resulted in about 280mm total discharge. Results showed that the background losses from Hidinge peat were several-fold higher (8kg P, 122kg N, 235kgCha−1) than from Nåntuna loamy sand (0.05kg P, 2kg N, 12kgCha−1) or Wiad loam (1.6kg P, 24kg N, 19kgCha−1). On applying composted horse manure the leachate concentrations of P, N and C significantly increased for the mineral soils, but only at the high application rate of 36Mgha−1. Unexpectedly, P, N and C concentrations in leachate from organic soil decreased after manure addition, indicating greater potential for retention than leaching. The increased amounts of P, N and C lost from Nåntuna loamy sand and Wiad loam corresponded to less than 10% of the amount added via composted manure, indicating high potential for retention. We concluded that composted horse manure can improve soil nutrient status, as potential nutrient retention was higher than leaching from manure-amended soils, and that information on background nutrient content in soil may be more important than data on nutrient load applied through amendments when assessing retention and/or leaching potential in manure-amended soil.

Individual and occupational characteristics associated with respiratory symptoms among Latino horse farm workers.

Latino workers are likely exposed to a variety of respiratory hazards in the horse barn, yet the potential impact of these exposures on respiratory health has not been investigated. Using a community-based sample of 225 Latino horse farmworkers we investigated the prevalence of upper and lower respiratory symptoms and occupational characteristics associated with them. Multivariable logistic regression was used to identify factors associated with respiratory symptomology. Upper respiratory symptoms prevalence ranged from 24% to 45%. Half of workers reported lower respiratory symptoms. Workers with symptoms were more likely to be female and have lower levels of English understanding. Workers who never/rarely used dust masks while working in the barn experienced over two times the odds of reporting upper respiratory symptoms. Many Latino horse workers experienced upper and lower respiratory symptoms. Dust mask use may protect workers in this and other enclosed livestock operations from respiratory symptoms.

Equine proliferative enteropathy on a Brazilian farm

Abstract:Lawsonia intracellularis infection on a horse farm in the Midwest region of Brazil is described. Thirty-nine foals a few days to months old from a herd with 300 horses, experienced diarrhea with variable characteristics and intensities, weight loss, hyperemic mucous membranes and dehydration. In foals 3 to 6 months of age, hypoproteinemia associated with submandibular edema were also common. Intestinal fragments of a 7-month-old foal were sent to an animal disease laboratory for diagnosis. The observed macroscopic lesions were hyperemic serosa, thickening of the intestinal wall with a corrugation, thickening of the mucosa folds and reduction of intestinal lumen. Histological analysis of the small and large intestine revealed enterocyte hyperplasia of the crypts associated with diffuse marked decrease in the number of goblet cells and positive L. intracellularis antigen labeling by immunohistochemistry. Three out of 11 animals of the same property were seropositive for L. intracellularis, demonstrating the circulation of the agent throughout the farm, but none were PCR positive in fecal samples. Based on clinical signs and pathological findings, the diagnosis of equine proliferative enteropathy was confirmed.

Controlling endoparasites on equine stud farms

Resistance to all of the licensed classes of anthelmintics is now widespread and targeted worming strategies are advocated to reduce selection pressure and delay the onset of anthelmintic resistance. Targeted strategies of worm control are relatively straightforward in adult horses but where youngstock are present the situation becomes more complicated. Youngstock are more susceptible to infection and clinical disease and additional parasites have to be considered in control programmes. Despite the additional complexity, targeted worming strategies can be employed on breeding establishments, and indeed should be, as owners of young horses have the most to lose if anthelmintic resistance develops.

Microsporidia and Cryptosporidium in horses and donkeys in Algeria: Detection of a novel Cryptosporidium hominis subtype family (Ik) in a horse

A total of 219 and 124 individual fecal samples of horses and donkeys, respectively, were screened for the presence of Cryptosporidium spp., Encephalitozoon spp., and Enterocytozoon bieneusi DNA by genus-specific nested PCR. Isolates were genotyped by sequence analysis of SSU rRNA, GP60, TRAP-C1, COWP, and HSP70 loci in Cryptosporidium, and the ITS region in microsporidia. Cryptosporidium spp. was detected on 3/18 horse farms and 1/15 farms where donkeys were kept. Overall, five (2.3%) horse and two (1.6%) donkey specimens were PCR positive for Cryptosporidium. Genotyping at SSU and GP60 loci revealed that three isolates from horses and donkeys were C. parvum subtype family IIaA16G1R1, one isolate from a horse was, C. muris RN66, and one isolate from a donkey was C. muris TS03. An isolate from a horse shared 99.4% and 99.3% similarity with Cryptosporidium hominis and C. cuniculus, respectively, at the SSU locus. This isolate shared 100% identity with C. hominis at the TRAP-C1, COWP, and HSP70 loci, and it was from the novel gp60 subtype family IkA15G1.Microsporidia were found on 6/18 horse and 2/15 donkey farms. E. bieneusi was identified in 6.8% (15/219) and 1.6% (2/124), and Encephalitozoon cuniculi was identified in 1.8% (4/219) and 1.6% (2/124), of horses and donkeys, respectively. Three genotypes of E. cuniculi (I, II and III) were detected in horses, and E. cuniculi genotype II was detected in donkeys. Four genotypes of E. bieneusi (horse1, horse 2, CZ3, D) were described in horses. An additional five horses and two donkeys were positive for E. bieneusi, but the isolated were not genotyped. Neither Cryptosporidium nor microsporidia prevalence were affected by sex, age, type of breeding, or whether the host was a horse or a donkey.

Centaur Rising by Jane Yolen (review)

Reviewed by: Centaur Rising by Jane Yolen Kate Quealy-Gainer Yolen, Jane Centaur Rising. Ottaviano/Holt, 2014 [272p] ISBN 978-0-8050-9664-4 $15.99 Reviewed from galleys Ad Gr. 4–6 By the summer of 1964, thirteen-year-old Arianne has pretty much given up on the notion of magic. Instead, she focuses on more practical pursuits: helping her single mother run the struggling horse farm Arianne’s deadbeat dad left them and caring for her younger brother, Robbie, whose severe birth defects put both emotional and financial strain on the family. Eleven months after Arianne witnesses a strange glow in their meadow following the Perseid meteor shower, one of their horses gives birth to a centaur. The family rallies to care for the creature, whom they name Kai; when their efforts to keep Kai’s existence a secret fail, Arianne and her mother must deal with town gossips, international paparazzi, and the return of Arianne’s money-grubbing father, who sees this “monstrosity” as a way to make a quick buck. Arianne is a warm and likable narrator, and her solid pragmatism makes her easy acceptance of the centaur even more believable—after her initial shock, she simply gets down to the business of caring for Kai. Too often, however, the authorial hand is painfully obvious, from the forced comparisons between Robbie’s and Kai’s conditions, to the conveniently overheard conversations required to move the plot along, to the caricatured and overwrought depiction of the villainous father. Still, Yolen’s blend of gentle fantasy and family drama will certainly be familiar to her fans and may well attract a few newcomers who like their realism dosed with both magic and sentiment. Click for larger view View full resolution [End Page 283] Copyright © 2015 The Board of Trustees of the University of Illinois

Attitudes towards implementation of surveillance-based parasite control on Kentucky Thoroughbred farms - Current strategies, awareness and willingness-to-pay.

Traditionally, equine parasite control has relied heavily on frequent routine anthelmintic treatments applied at regular intervals all year round. However, current recommendations aim to employ a more surveillance-based approach and it remains unknown to what extent these recommendations are being implemented on US horse farms. To describe equine parasite control on Kentucky Thoroughbred farms and evaluate respondents' willingness to pay for various attributes of surveillance-based parasite control strategies. Questionnaire survey performed among the membership of the Kentucky Thoroughbred Farm Managers' Club. The survey collected demographic data and information about current parasite control strategies. Further, respondents were asked to choose between hypothetical parasite control strategies described with a combination of different attributes: costs, time and effort needed, hypothetical disease-risk levels and hypothetical risks of anthelmintic resistance. Data were analysed with multivariable logistic analysis. About 26% responded to the survey (n = 112). Most respondents were concerned about anthelmintic resistance and incorporated veterinary advice in defining their deworming programme. However, almost 70% were following a traditional rotational deworming programme with little or no faecal surveillance. Respondents were willing to pay a premium for a product for which there is no known anthelmintic resistance and provided the highest possible decrease in health risks. The number of young horses on the farm, utilisation of veterinarian advice in developing a deworming programme, expressed concern about drug resistance in parasites and having documented drug resistance on the farm all associated significantly with the type of parasite control programme used. Traditional approaches for equine parasite control are still widely used in the Kentucky Thoroughbred industry. The data suggest that respondents were only willing to make these changes if they could be given assurance that the surveillance-based approach would prevent anthelmintic resistance and decrease health risks significantly for the horses.

“Not Entirely on His Side”: The Assumption of Sexed Subjectivity in Alice Munro’s “Boys and Girls”

The enigma of sexual difference is the nodal point of Alice Munro’s “Boys and Girls” (1968). The Lacanian concept of sexuation, which defines the positions of ‘man’ and ‘woman’ as belonging to discordant logical structures, will serve to illuminate the complex path of the unnamed female protagonist of this short story (and secondarily, of her younger brother) in coming to assume a position as a sexed subject. While the oedipal structure, including Lacan’s revision of Freud’s account, clarifies the initial identifications and idealizations which inform the process of sexuation, the story brings to light the inadequacy of this perspective to situate the speaking being as ‘sexed’. Through a metaphorical parallel with the fate of the farm horses, Mack and Flora, each of the children will encounter, incarnated in the figure of the father, the law of the symbolic order, or in other words, the necessity of symbolic castration; each will be called upon to assume a position on the side of man, or of woman.