What is IR (Insulin Resistance)?   In short, it’s when the cells in the body do not respond properly to insulin.  I had never heard of IR until October of 2003 when my journey into the unknown began with my 13 year old Paso Fino mare, Cha Cha.

Cha Cha was my first Paso Fino.  IR is but a small piece of our journey together that I would like to share.

My purchase of Cha Cha came along with a previous history of “founder” (an often misunderstood word).  In observing her conformation, I was very aware of the crest in her neck but was, at that time, uneducated regarding other physical signs to look for.  The fact that she was shod would have made it difficult to observe one red flag; the possibility of the white line being stretched from the hoof wall.

For the first year, or so, we had many wonderful trail rides together.  Then, in February of 2002, she came up lame.  It was one of those strange late winters with snowfall on the ground, but exceptionally warm days and freezing nights.  The ground became ice boulders that the horses had to navigate over.  It’s not uncommon for barefoot horses to become tender footed with these conditions and I attributed her being “off” to that.  As the ground became stable, Cha Cha’s condition didn’t.  One day I went to ride and she was just standing out in the pasture putting forth no effort to move.  I went out to get her and she met me with a much protected walk.  A call to my vet was made, immediately.  If I had been educated on checking digital pulses, I may have prevented additional stress to her by checking them at the first sign of lameness.  The vet exam and x-rays confirmed that she was in an acute stage of laminitis; inflammation of the connective tissue (lamina) in the hoof wall.  The x-rays also confirmed a slight rotation of the coffin bone (2 degrees) in both front feet.

Fortunately, I had a wonderful vet/farrier team and, after our discussions regarding the cause, we agreed on two possibilities; pain stress due to ground conditions or new spring grass sprouting up around the pine trees, consisting of massive amounts of fructans (sugars in the plant).  The farrier applied regular shoes with lily pads at this time, giving her immediate comfort.  Within a couple of weeks we were on the trails again.  I was yet unaware of Insulin Resistance and treatment protocols.

Now, let me jump ahead to October of 2003 when Cha Cha was officially diagnosed with Insulin Resistance.  Prior to this diagnosis, she had two episodes of laminitis.  To review her complete history, you can join Yahoo Groups, go to the Equine Cushings site that was developed by Robin Siskel and is monitored by

Dr. Eleanor Kellon, DVM.  Select Links, then Admin-Complete list and links to case histories, then hit Ctrl “f” and type in Cha Cha to search, and then double click on Cha Cha.

Once we had a diagnosis, I “got on the band wagon” and put her on a strict, low-carb diet, along with carefully designed mineral supplementation.  My vet/farrier team and I explored many different options to find just the right mechanics to support Cha Cha’s discomfort during her illness.  We were able to make her comfortable for short periods of time, enough to put me on her back now and then.  However, even foot mechanics become a challenge when the horse’s body isn’t able to rid itself of internal stresses.  In her case, she had a metabolic issue that we just couldn’t seem to tap into.  

I was desperate to find help.  Once I knew what we were dealing with, through my research I came across the Equine Cushings website.  I was quite overwhelmed at first, but the cutting edge information and support from this site was beyond amazing and I just had to continue further!  If you suspect that your horse may fall into the IR or Cushings category, this site has a wealth of information.  It consists of thousands of members, the majority being “in the same boat”, sharing their own experiences and giving support to all that need it.  This informative site can also help you and your horse with an “emergency” plan until you and your vet are able to set a protocol for treatment.

By the time fall of 2004 came around, both, Cha Cha and I were physically and emotionally spent.  I had pretty much decided to say goodbye to her, however, I felt my decision was premature – there was one last thing that hadn’t been explored.  With nothing left to lose, I decided to pull her shoes and follow a barefoot trim regimen and let nature take its course.  In my opinion, based on her particular case, I believe this plan of treatment was the best thing for her.  Everything was in order…diet, hoof mechanics, exercise and, by December, things were lookin’ pretty darned good! 

The New Year arrived and, again, so did the laminitis.  I had her insulin/glucose tested “just one more time” and, sure enough, both were off the charts.

This was a valuable journey with Cha Cha, and below are some important signs I learned to watch for in discerning the possible presence of Insulin Resistance:  

Excess (abnormal) sweating during exercise and sometimes while at rest.

Excess water intake and urination.

NOTE:  These first two symptoms can also be associated with Cushings.

“Fat pads” over the rump at the base of the tail, around the shoulder area and above the eyes, where usually indented.

Your horse feels, or appears to be, “off” now and then.

Abnormal hesitation when riding (Cha Cha did this on the trail and I kept thinking she had to urinate.  She was actually trying to tell me her feet hurt.)

In her case, she absolutely hated hauling.  In hindsight…I’m quite confident that this was due to pain in her feet.

TIP:  If you suspect your horse is having a lameness issue, you can check the digital pulses at rest (not after exercising).  Your horse’s resting pulse should be very slight.  If you feel an obvious pulse, this could be a warning sign of possible circulatory issues to the feet.  You should call your vet, immediately, to voice your concerns. He/she can also tell you how to check digital pulses or, under the “Files” on the Cushings site, select “Hoof Care-Digital Pulses how to” for instructions.

It is VERY IMPORTANT for Insulin Resistant horses to follow a strict healthcare plan which has been referred to on the Cushings site as the “DDT Plan” (Diagnosis, Diet, and Trim).  Hay testing (also soaking your hay) should also be considered as a way to reduce sugar content in your horse’s diet, and exercise is also good if the horse is capable and your vet approves it.  Again…you can get all of this information from the Equine Cushings site. 

Final Note:  Cha Cha’s case was an exception, as MANY cases have happier endings.  There is certainly hope for these horses as long as you are diligent in your education and commitment to follow through.  Our veterinarians and farriers are vital to maintaining these horses and much is being discovered, but much more is to be learned regarding metabolic issues.  Open communication with your equine health team is of utmost importance.

This article is written in Cha Cha’s memory.  She lost her 2-year battle with the final diagnosis of diabetes and, on March 14, 2005, crossed over to Rainbow Bridge.  She opened the door to a whole new journey of looking beyond one’s self and into the spiritual guidance of those special creatures sent to us as teachers; their lessons taking us above and beyond what our physical world has to offer.