Systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS) is a life-threatening complication of many serious illnesses and injuries in horses. It most commonly develops in horses with severe colic, colitis, infection, or major trauma, as well as after surgery. However, any condition that...
Hoof Wall Separation Disease (HWSD) is an inherited hoof disorder in horses that primarily affects Connemara Ponies and horses with Connemara ancestry. The condition weakens the hoof wall, causing it to crack, separate, and break away as the hoof grows...
Cycad toxicosis in horses is a potentially fatal poisoning caused by ingesting cycads, a group of palm-like ornamental plants that includes the sago palm. Although exposure is uncommon, these plants may be found near paddocks, barns, gardens, and landscaped properties,...
Fetterbush toxicosis in horses is an uncommon but potentially serious form of plant poisoning caused by ingesting shrubs from the Leucothoe genus and related species. These plants may be found in wooded environments or used in landscaping around farms and...
Chronic inflammation in horses is a prolonged immune response that can accompany disorders affecting the joints, airways, digestive tract, metabolism, and other body systems. When inflammatory activity continues beyond its useful role in healing, it may contribute to tissue damage...
Ibuprofen toxicity in horses is a serious risk because this common human pain medication is not approved or recommended for equine use. Although ibuprofen is widely available over the counter and commonly used in people for pain, inflammation, and fever,...
If your horse is eating bedding, it is important to understand why the behavior is occurring. While some horses may occasionally mouth or nibble fresh bedding out of curiosity, regularly eating straw, wood shavings, or other bedding materials is not...
Ground tying for horses is one of the most valuable basic handling skills equestrians can teach their horses. Many owners only realize how useful it is when they need their horse to stand quietly without being held, tied, or cross-tied....
Winter diarrhea in horses is a common concern, as seasonal changes in feeding, management, and daily routines can affect a horse's digestive health during the colder months. Although diarrhea can occur at any time of year, it may become more...
Teeth grinding in horses, also known as bruxism, is an abnormal behavior that often indicates pain, discomfort, or an underlying medical condition. Although the sound may be most noticeable while a horse is eating or resting, persistent grinding is a...
Castor bean (Ricinus communis) is a highly toxic flowering plant that can pose a serious poisoning risk to horses, especially when seeds are chewed or crushed.The plant is widely distributed throughout tropical, subtropical, and warm temperate regions worldwide. Castor bean...
Sweeney shoulder in horses is a nerve-related shoulder condition that occurs when the suprascapular nerve is damaged, causing nearby muscles to weaken and waste away. This muscle loss can create a hollowed appearance around the shoulder and may affect the...
Adopting a rescue horse can be one of the most rewarding decisions a horse owner makes. Whether you are hoping to help a horse in need or find a new partner. adoption offers the opportunity to make a lasting difference....
Keeping horses at home is a goal for many equestrians, offering more control over daily care, routines, and the environment their horses live in. Compared to boarding, at-home horsekeeping allows owners to tailor feeding, turnout, exercise, and management decisions while...
Cannabis sativa poisoning in horses is uncommon, but increasing cannabis cultivation and product availability have made accidental exposure more likely for horses. Cannabis sativa is an annual herbaceous plant in the Cannabaceae family with a long history of industrial, medicinal,...
Allium plants are a bulb-forming species that include onions, garlic, leeks, shallots, and chives. Although these plants are common in human diets, they can pose a toxic risk to horses when consumed in sufficient amounts or repeatedly over time. Exposure...
Elbow lameness in horses refers to pain or dysfunction arising from the elbow joint or nearby soft tissues. Although the elbow is not a common source of forelimb lameness in horses, problems in this region can have a major impact...
The horse shoulder, also called the equine shoulder joint, connects the shoulder blade to the front limb and plays an important role in weight-bearing, balance, and forward movement. Unlike the human shoulder, which is built for a wide range of...
Leishmaniasis is a parasitic disease in horses caused by Leishmania protozoa and transmitted primarily through the bites of infected sandflies. Although the disease is more common in humans and dogs, horses can also become infected in regions where these parasites...
Limb fractures in horses are serious bone injuries that require prompt veterinary assessment and careful stabilization. A fracture is any break in the bone, ranging from a small crack to a complete break with multiple fragments or involvement of a...
Insect control is an important part of horse management. While insects are unavoidable in the environment, some species can irritate horses, disrupt normal behavior, damage skin and eyes, or transmit disease. A good control plan helps protect the horse while...
Horse sheets can be useful tools for protecting your horse from rain, wind, insects, and temperature changes while supporting comfort in different conditions. From lightweight fly sheets to waterproof turnout options and moisture-wicking coolers, the right sheet or blanket can...
Horse ownership comes with a long history of tradition, and many of those traditions include superstitions passed down through generations of riders, breeders, and stable workers. Long before advances in veterinary medicine and modern equine management, people often relied on...
In November 2024, a diet evaluation was requested for a two-and-a-half year old Dutch Warmblood gelding named Apollo. Although still growing, Apollo was expected to mature to over 17 hh, with an estimated body weight of approximately 1,300–1,400 lb (590–658...
A curry comb for horses is one of the most recognizable tools in a grooming kit. Designed with short teeth or ridges, horse groomers use it in circular motions to loosen dirt, mud, and loose hair from the coat while...
In July 2024, a diet evaluation was requested for a 30-year-old Quarter Horse gelding named Tuff, located in Tennessee, USA. At the time of evaluation, Tuff weighed approximately 950 lb (431 kg) and was considered underweight. In addition to his...
Horse idioms, often called sayings or expressions, are familiar phrases that use horses to illustrate human behavior, work, and everyday situations. Many of these expressions originated when horses played a central role in transportation, agriculture, and industry, making them a...
A wide range of grooming brushes are available for horses, but choosing the right one is not always straightforward. While most grooming kits include several standard tools, selecting the best brush for your horse depends on factors such as coat...
Arena footing is one of the most important factors influencing how horses move, perform, and stay sound. Riders may focus on training, tack, or conditioning, but the surface beneath the horse plays a constant role in every stride, affecting traction,...
Stock horses are compact, muscular breeds known for their work efficiency. Wherever cattle and sheep were raised on a commercial scale, stockmen needed horses that could cover long distances, maintain focus under pressure, and execute precise maneuvers around unpredictable animals....