Common Problems Of Racehorses: Practical Veterinary Guidance From The Kohnke Team
Addressing Nine Critical Health Challenges In Racing
Dr. John Kohnke and Dr. Philippa Kohnke have written Common Problems of Race Horses, a practical reference guide that was recently presented at their ADIHEX exhibition stand. Drawing from their combined veterinary expertise and research background, the book systematically addresses nine common health issues that frequently affect racing horses, providing trainers and horse owners with accessible guidance for prevention and management.
The Authors: Established Veterinary Professionals
Dr. John Kohnke BVSc RDA brings over four decades of experience in equine veterinary medicine and has established himself as a respected advisor with extensive global reach. Over the last 49 years, Dr. John Kohnke BVSc RDA has become a well-known Australian equine veterinarian and a respected advisor on the nutrition and practical care of horses. He has written major books on horse feeding and nutrition, given 1000s of seminars all over Australia and the world and published numerous articles and fact sheets renowned for their in-depth knowledge and practical advice.
Dr. John Kohnke holds a Roseworthy Diploma in Agriculture (Hons 2) and a Bachelor of Veterinary Science (Hons 1) from Sydney University. With extensive experience working with trainers, studs and horse owners for almost 49 years, John is recognised as a leading Australian authority in horse health management and nutrition. His expertise extends internationally, as Dr. John has been travelling to the Middle East for decades, building relationships and understanding regional equine management challenges.
The Kohnke's Own brand started in 2001 as a result of John's extensive consultancy work with horse trainers, owners, breeders and veterinarians. In the years since the launch, Kohnke's Own has become recognised as an innovative leader in the formulation and manufacture of equine supplements and health care products. From start-up until the present day, John and his team have developed an extensive range of 29 Kohnke's Own products to supply the best quality ingredients in unique and technically superior formulations proven by extensive research.
The family company includes his wife, Kaye, as accounts and production manager, and daughter, Dr. Philippa Kohnke BSc PhD, as research and information manager. They are proud to manufacture horse supplements and health care products which provide outstanding results at affordable prices for horse owners. Horse owners, riders and trainers trust Kohnke's Own to provide exceptional horse nutrition and health care products for their horses. The popular and free Kohnke's Own Ration Analysis service also ensures horse owners are supported with reputable information and tailored advice on equine nutrition.
Dr. Philippa Kohnke contributes scientific research expertise to the collaboration. She holds a BSc (Hons 1) in Molecular Biotechnology and a PhD in Biochemistry from Sydney University. Dr. Philippa manages the Kohnkes’ own research and development projects, working closely with Dr. John to design exciting new products and also update existing formulations.
Systematic Coverage Of Common Racing Problems
Written in simple English, targeting equine professionals, the book addresses nine specific health challenges that regularly affect racing, endurance and show jumping horses. Many years of experience and extensive knowledge of both veterinary and scientific aspects of horse health and nutrition have allowed Dr. John Kohnke and Dr. Philippa Kohnke to compile this review of the major common problems that may occur for horses and their owners.
Chapter 1: Gastric Ulcers
Upper stomach lining ulcers (ESGD) and lower stomach lining ulcers (EGGD) are addressed, recognising that gastric ulceration affects a significant percentage of racing horses and can impact both performance and welfare.
Chapter 2: Lameness in Racehorses
Conformation and soundness issues, joint injuries, shin soreness and tendon injuries are covered, acknowledging that lameness remains a primary concern for racing operations and can significantly impact training schedules.
Chapter 3: Lower Airway Disease and Equine Asthma
Inflammatory Airway Disease (IAD) and Reactive Airway Disease (RAD) are examined, addressing respiratory conditions that can affect racing performance, particularly in dusty or polluted environments.
Chapter 4: Tying-Up Syndrome
The book covers exertional rhabdomyolysis, antioxidants and muscle function, providing guidance on a condition that can suddenly interrupt training and racing programs.
Chapter 5: Bleeding in the Lungs
Exercise-Induced Pulmonary Haemorrhage (EIPH) is discussed, addressing a condition that affects many racing horses and requires careful management protocols.
Chapter 6: Anxiety and Nervous Behaviour
Nervous excitement, handling difficulties, lack of focus during training, and behavioural issues are addressed, recognising the importance of mental state in racing performance.
Chapter 7: Dehydration
Evaluation, signs and management of dehydration are covered, addressing a critical aspect of maintaining horses in racing condition, particularly in hot climates.
Chapter 8: Common Hoof Problems
Thin soles, wet hooves, sore-feet syndrome, sand cracks, and loss of shoes are examined, focusing on foundational health issues that can significantly impact racing ability.
Chapter 9: Common Endurance Horse Problems
Lameness, tying-up, dehydration, exhaustion syndrome, loss of appetite and colic are addressed, extending the book's relevance to long-distance competitive events.
Practical Advantages For Racing Trainers
The book offers several practical benefits for racing professionals and is presented in an easy-to-read format. Rather than focusing solely on treatment, the book emphasises management strategies to reduce the risk of problems occurring, which can help minimise training interruptions and veterinary costs. The structured approach to each problem provides trainers with clear guidance on recognition, management, and prevention that can be applied in day-to-day stable operations.
Drawing on Dr. John's years of scientific research, consultation and practical experience of horse health and nutrition, the book also integrates nutritional considerations with health management, reflecting the authors' expertise in equine nutrition.
Field-Tested Knowledge
The book represents knowledge gained through decades of practical consultation work. Dr. John Kohnke is considered an authority on horse health and nutrition, with multiple books written and 1000s of seminars given around Australia and the world. This background provides credibility to the practical recommendations included in the book.
Kohnke's Own supplements are particularly known for achieving visible results in improving the health, vitality and performance of horses, irrespective of age, breed or exercise level. This practical experience in equine health management informs the approaches recommended in the book.
Presentation At Adihex
The book was showcased at the authors' exhibition stand during ADIHEX, where it was presented to an international audience of racing professionals, trainers, and equestrian enthusiasts. The Abu Dhabi International Hunting & Equestrian Exhibition provided a platform for the authors to discuss their work with industry professionals from various racing jurisdictions.
Contemporary Relevance And Professional Impact
The book addresses current challenges facing equine professionals as the industry places increasing emphasis on preventive care and evidence-based management practices. The systematic approach to common problems reflects understanding that successful horse management depends on proactive health protocols rather than reactive interventions, aligning with contemporary veterinary medicine trends that prioritise welfare alongside performance.
Professional horse trainers, owners, and veterinarians can benefit from the structured guidance the book provides. Racing trainers working with Thoroughbreds can apply the preventive strategies to reduce health-related training interruptions, while those managing Arabian horses or endurance competitors can utilise the specialised guidance for long-distance athletic challenges. The book's practical format makes it accessible to stable staff who need quick reference materials for daily care routines and early problem recognition.
While addressing common problems, the emphasis on prevention and practical implementation reflects the authors' understanding of the daily challenges facing racing professionals. For the racing industry, the book represents another resource in the ongoing effort to balance competitive success with responsible horse care, drawing on established veterinary expertise to provide practical guidance for common challenges.
