The Swiss Warmblood is a modern sport horse breed developed in Switzerland for high performance in Olympic disciplines. With athletic ability, good conformation, and a strong work ethic, these horses are ideally suited for show jumping and dressage. The breed...
The Brabant horse, also known as the Belgian Heavy Draft, is a powerful draft breed from Belgium. Renowned for their strength, calm temperament, and distinctive muscular build, Brabants have played a vital role in agriculture and transportation for centuries. And...
The Belgian Warmblood is a sport horse breed with an impressive record of success in international competition. Bred primarily for show jumping, the Belgian Warmblood also excels in dressage and eventing, making these horses a popular choice among competitive riders....
The New Forest Pony is one of several native pony breeds from the British Isles. These ponies get their name from the New Forest of Southern England, where the breed originated. While herds of ponies still graze on the pastures...
The Gelderlander, or Gelder Horse, is a distinctive and elegant warmblood breed developed in the Gelderland province of the Netherlands. Known for their flashy movement, uphill conformation, and willing temperament, this versatile horse was initially bred for both light agricultural...
The German Riding Pony, also known as the Deutsche Reitpony, is a pony breed with conformation and movement that resembles a small warmblood horse. These ponies originated in Germany but do not descend directly from German warmbloods, despite their similarities...
The Pony of the Americas, or POA, is a pony breed from the heartland of the United States. These ponies are known for their unique spotted coloring and versatility. While initially developed as the perfect children's mount, the POA is...
American Warmbloods are sport horses produced by American breeding programs. The term refers to any horse registered with one of the recognized American Warmblood breed organizations. American Warmbloods can descend from any breed if they meet standards for performance and...
The Kabarda, or Kabardin, horse is a rare breed from the Caucasus mountains. These horses are known for their unique adaptability to mountainous landscapes. The hardiness and bravery that once allowed these horses to carry riders safely through the Caucasus...
The National Show Horse is a relatively new breed that combines the best traits of Arabians and American Saddlebreds to create the ultimate modern-day show horse. National Show Horses excel as competitive riding and driving horses due to their striking...
Cavalletti, also spelled cavaletti, exercises are a highly effective tool in horse training. Originally developed by renowned horseman Federico Caprilli and later popularized by German dressage master Reiner Klimke, cavalletti work involves training over small, evenly spaced poles on the...
Ground pole exercises are a versatile and highly effective tool for equestrians seeking to improve their horse's fitness, coordination, and mental engagement. Moreover, they’re cost-effective and easy to set up, requiring minimal equipment and space. Whether you’re training a dressage...
The Trakehner is a light warmblood breed originally from East Prussia. They excel in the Olympic disciplines of show jumping, eventing, and dressage thanks to their elegance and athleticism. Several Trakehners have represented their countries and won gold medals at recent...
For horse owners and barn managers, Equine Metabolic Syndrome (EMS) is a challenging condition to manage. How do you know which hays and feeds are safe and how should pasture turnout be regulated? Horses and ponies diagnosed with EMS cannot...
Bone spavin, also known as Degenerative Joint Disease (DJD) of the hock (tarsus), is an extremely common cause of equine lameness. It is caused by repeated concussion and rotational forces on the hock joint, as well as excessive forces on...
Equine herpesvirus (EHV), or rhinopneumonitis, is a contagious infection that is endemic to horses worldwide. EHV may cause mild to severe symptoms that usually involve the upper respiratory tract. In rare cases, it may cause neurological symptoms, abortion or death....
Are you considering setting up a track system such as the Paddock Paradise for your horse? In recent decades, many horse owners have shown interest in natural equine management and care practices. These practices seek to mimic the lifestyle of...
You bring your horses in from turnout only to find their legs and hooves coated in mud. You know that mud is bad for your horse, but why and what can you do about it? Hosing down a muddy horse...
In North America, it is estimated that up to 51% of horses are overweight and up to 8% are obese. Horses become overweight from a combination of factors, including insufficient activity and consuming excess calories. A horse’s energy requirements depend...
Competing in horse shows can be stressful for both you and your horse. Trailering, changes in routine and exposure to new environments are all major stressors for horses. But with a little planning, you will feel more confident heading into the...
A strong topline is one of the most important indicators of a well-conditioned horse. In addition to being aesthetically pleasing and supporting performance, a good topline can protect your working horse from strain and injury.
How much water does your horse need to drink every day to stay healthy and how much do water requirements increase in hot conditions or when working? Ensuring adequate water intake is important for the optimal health and well-being of...
Dealing with a horse that has diarrhea requires careful attention to their feeding plan and to their daily management. In some cases, diarrhea is a temporary annoyance that resolves itself with minimal intervention. Chronic cases in which diarrhea persists for...
Diarrhea can affect horses of all ages, breeds and sizes, resulting in dehydration, weight loss, poor nutrient absorption or electrolyte imbalance. Diarrhea is described as the increased excretion of liquid or semi-solid feces. Cases of equine diarrhea can range in...
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