Recently, University of Minnesota Leatherdale Equine Center and the School of Kinesiology’s Human Sensorimotor Control Laboratory (HSCL) have combined forces to study what is known as shivers in horses. Shivers is a neuromuscular equine disease that hinders horses ability to lift their heir legs and walk backwards.  The collaboration occurred after equine researcher Stephanie Valberg, D.V.M., heard Dr. Juergen Konczak, director of HSCL, speak on motor control. Valberg contacted Konczak to collaborate on understanding the loss of motor control in horses and possible connections to the brain.

Humans and horses share many genetically similar disorders, and the shivers seen in horses mirrors symptoms of ataxia in humans. The research from the equine study will be used to treat ataxia in humans and work toward slowing down the negative effects of ataxia, a condition that often causes poor coordination, loss of balance, and difficulty swallowing.

Learn more about the research here.