Participants Needed for Shivers Study

Shivers is a neurologic disorder characterized by muscle tremors, tail elevation, excessive flexion or extension of the hind legs after a horse backs up, and difficulty in raising the back legs as when they are picked up for cleaning or shoeing.

Some horses have difficulty raising the front legs as well, and others show tremors of the facial muscles. Not all horses with shivers have all of these signs, and some horses that show similar signs do not have shivers.

In an attempt to find out more about the condition, researchers at the University of Minnesota are asking owners of horses that show these signs to complete a questionnaire and send a video that shows the horse performing specific movements such as walking, circling, and backing. Researchers will view the video and send owners an opinion as to whether or not the horse is suffering from the disorder. The goal of the research project is to learn more about breed, age, gender, diet, exercise, and other factors that may be related to shivers.

For more information or to find the study questionnaire, go to the study website.