Most healthy horses can swim instinctively, using coordinated limb movements to stay afloat and move through deep water. However, a horse's confidence, fitness, and previous experience can affect how safely and comfortably it responds. Swimming may be used for conditioning,...
Pony breeds are not simply small horses, and they do not belong to a single breed group. True ponies have distinct conformation, temperament traits, and health considerations that set them apart from other equines. These compact equines belong to a...
English ivy toxicosis in horses occurs when horses consume the leaves, vines, or berries of this common ornamental plant. Although its bitter taste typically discourages horses from eating large amounts, exposure can occur along overgrown fence lines, in wooded paddocks...
Day blooming jasmine toxicosis in horses is a progressive form of poisoning caused by repeated ingestion of the ornamental shrub Cestrum diurnum. The plant grows in tropical and subtropical regions and may be found in landscaped areas, along fence lines,...
Death camas toxicosis in horses is an uncommon but potentially life-threatening form of plant poisoning caused by ingesting death camas. These highly toxic plants grow across much of North America and may be consumed when pasture forage is sparse or...
Desert rose toxicosis in horses is an uncommon but potentially life-threatening poisoning caused by ingesting Adenium obesum, a succulent ornamental plant. Unlike many toxic pasture weeds, desert rose is typically found in landscaped gardens, container plantings, and discarded yard waste....
The Comtois Horse is a French draft breed known for its strength, calm temperament, and distinctive appearance. Developed in eastern France, the breed has a long history as a dependable working horse. Today, Comtois horses continue to be valued for...
Horse folklore reflects the deep relationship between horses and human civilization. Long before horses became beloved companions and athletic partners, they carried warriors into battle, pulled plows, transported people and goods, and helped shape agriculture, trade, and exploration. Their speed,...
Chemical safety in barns is an important part of protecting the people who work around horses, as they may come into contact with disinfectants, pesticides, fuels, medications, and other potentially hazardous products. These substances are common in equine facilities, but...
Standardbred pacers and trotters compete in the same harness racing sport, but their gaits shape how they move, train, race, and transition into careers after the track. Trotters move in diagonal pairs, while pacers move laterally with both legs on...
The Dutch Tuigpaard is a Dutch harness horse breed known for expressive movement, an elevated trot, and proud carriage in the show ring. Descended from versatile Dutch carriage and farm horses, the modern Tuigpaard is purpose-bred to stand out in...
Rhythm, balance, and straightness are key training principles that influence how a horse moves, carries their body, and responds to the rider's aids. Together, they help the horse stay organized, coordinated, and easier to guide under saddle. Although these concepts...
A foal not nursing is a serious concern for any owner or caretaker involved in horse breeding. Newborn foals rely on frequent milk intake for hydration, energy, immune support, and early growth. During the first weeks of life, healthy foals...
The Karabair is a rare horse breed from Central Asia. Developed in Uzbekistan, these horses were shaped by a demanding environment where breeders needed horses that could travel, work, and stay sound across the region's dry mountains and deserts. That...
The Hungarian Coldblood is a rare draft horse from western Hungary, developed for agricultural work, hauling, and driving. Built for strength and reliability, this breed reflects the practical qualities long valued in European coldblood horses. Hungarian Coldbloods are generally calm,...
The Garrano horse is a rare native breed from northern Portugal known for its hardiness, sure-footedness, and close connection to the mountain landscapes where it developed. Compact and resilient, the Garrano was shaped by rough terrain, sparse forage, and extensive...
Choosing a horse is one of the most significant decisions a rider or owner can make. Whether you are looking for a competitive partner, leisure mount, breeding prospect, or companion, the right match can support a safe, fulfilling, and rewarding...
The Adaev horse is a rare native horse from western Kazakhstan. Also called the Adai horse, this breed developed in a dry, demanding landscape where horses had to travel long distances, endure seasonal extremes, and survive on sparse forage. Adaev...
Finding a missing horse is an urgent and stressful situation for any owner or caretaker, but a calm, organized response can improve the chances of a safe recovery. Horses most often go missing after escaping from a pasture, paddock, stable,...
Becoming a horse trainer is a hands-on career path for people who want to develop horses for sport, recreation, sales, or specialized work. Professional trainers help horses build the physical skills, confidence, and behaviors needed for their intended job, while...
Black locust (Robinia pseudoacacia), often incorrectly referred to as acacia, is a deciduous tree in the bean family (Fabaceae) that can pose a toxic risk to horses. Native to parts of eastern North America, black locust grows rapidly and spreads...
The Kustanai horse is a rare light riding breed from Kazakhstan known for its speed, stamina, and hardiness. Developed from native Kazakh steppe horses crossed with imported riding breeds, the Kustanai was bred to travel long distances, perform practical work,...
Avocado toxicity in horses occurs when horses ingest leaves, fruit, stems, bark, or seeds from the avocado tree (Persea americana). Although avocado fruit is commonly consumed by humans, the plant contains compounds that can cause illness in several animal species,...
Autumn crocus (Colchicum autumnale), also known as meadow saffron, is a highly toxic plant that can pose a serious risk to horses in pastures, hay fields, and contaminated forage. This small herbaceous perennial is native to Europe and parts of...
Warm-ups for horses entering the ring help prepare them for competition, giving riders a chance to address stiffness, tension, distraction, or dullness before the class begins. A busy show environment can affect how a horse feels under saddle, from focus...
A well-designed feed board, or feed chart, is essential for maintaining accurate and consistent feeding routines for horses. It guides barn staff decisions and helps ensure that every horse receives the diet they need. When feed boards are unclear, outdated,...
Horse height is one of the most important and widely used measurements for describing horses. Measured from the ground to the top of the withers, height provides a standardized reference point for comparing horses of different breeds, body types, and...
Drooling in horses can be a normal response to eating, but excessive salivation may also signal irritation, dental disease, swallowing difficulty, toxic plant exposure, or another underlying health concern. Because saliva supports chewing, swallowing, and digestion, changes in how much...
Tularemia is a bacterial disease that affects a wide range of mammals, birds, and reptiles. Also known as rabbit fever, the disease is caused by Francisella tularensis, a bacterium that is commonly found in rabbits, rodents, and other wildlife. Infection...
Halitosis, or bad breath, in horses is an unpleasant odor coming from a horse’s mouth or nostrils. While occasional odor associated with horse feed is normal, persistent foul-smelling breath in your horse is often a sign of an underlying health...