Nightshade poisoning occurs when horses ingest plants from the genus Solanum, a group that includes several species that produce toxic compounds. Plants such as black nightshade (Solanum nigrum), bittersweet nightshade (Solanum dulcamara), and horse nettle (Solanum carolinense) contain naturally occurring...
Winter horse care comes with its own set of challenges, and bathing horses in cold weather can be one of the trickiest. Mud, sweat, and manure stains still happen during winter, but washing a horse when temperatures drop requires extra...
Upper airway obstruction can have an immediate impact on a horse's ability to breathe, perform, and stay comfortable, especially during exercise. Because horses rely entirely on their nasal passages for airflow, even small changes in the structures of the throat...
Grooming is a cornerstone to horse care. It helps maintain skin and coat health, prevents infections, assists in early detection of injuries, and supports overall wellbeing. Good grooming begins with the right tools. Whether you are building your first grooming...
Wild or feral horses spend most of their day grazing on a variety of grasses, shrubs, and other natural forage, carefully selecting plants to meet their nutritional needs. In contrast, domestic horses are often provided with concentrated feeds, hay, and...
Foals are more vulnerable to cold than adult horses, especially in their first few weeks of life. Their limited fat reserves and higher surface-area-to-body-weight ratio mean they can lose heat quickly, particularly in wet, windy, or sudden cold weather. A...
First cutting hay is traditionally harvested in the spring and tends to be coarse and high in fiber. This is because the plants have had more time to mature, resulting in a higher concentration of structural carbohydrates. First-cutting hay is...
Gut sounds in horses are more than just background noise — they provide valuable clues about digestive function. These gastrointestinal sounds, known as borborygmi, reflect the activity of the digestive tract and can help caretakers detect early signs of gastrointestinal...
In May of 2024, a diet evaluation was requested for two Quarter Horse geldings named Clark and Andy. They weighed approximately 1000 lbs (500 kg) and were located in Texas, USA. Reported concerns included weight and topline issues following a...
The average horse eats about 2% of its body weight in hay per day, and those in heavy work may need as much as 2.5% of their body weight daily. While it seems straightforward to simply toss bales on the...
In March of 2024, a diet evaluation was requested for a 5-year-old Appendix gelding named Mikey, from Alberta, Canada. He weighed approximately 1000 lb (454 kg), and reported concerns included topline health. His owner’s primary goal was to support Mikey’s topline...
The Off-Track Thoroughbred (OTTB) may start life on the track, but the versatility of this breed means they can go on to have successful second careers. Through patience and consistency, these smart and athletic horses can learn new skills and...
In January 2024, a progress report was submitted for an eleven-year-old off the track Thoroughbred gelding named Hades. He was located in Manitoba, Canada at the time of his progress report. He weighed approximately 1,150 lbs (522 kg) and was...
In August of 2024, a diet evaluation was requested for a 4-year old Tennessee Walking Horse gelding named Kevin. He was estimated as slightly overweight at 1,115 lb (506 kg). Reported concerns included hoof and topline quality and respiratory health....
In July 2024, a diet evaluation was requested for a three-year-old Haflinger gelding named Sawyer. He was located in British Columbia, Canada at the time of the submission. He weighed 1,097 lb (500 kg). Sawyer was reported to be overweight...
In March of 2024, a diet evaluation was requested for a 31-year-old non-breeding stallion Quarter Horse named Mouse. He weighed approximately 950 lb (430 kg) and was located in Missouri, USA. Reported concerns included topline health and ulcers. His owner’s...
In January 2024, a diet evaluation was requested for an eleven-year-old Quarter Horse gelding named Junior. He was located in Alberta, Canada at the time of his diet evaluation submission. He weighed 1300 lbs (590 kg) and was reported to...
Caring for horses is as rewarding as it is demanding, but not all aspects of horse farm management are glamorous. From managing piles of manure to scrubbing slimy water troughs and untangling troublesome fence repairs, there’s no shortage of messy...
Colic in horses is one of the most common and serious health conditions affecting equines, and it can strike suddenly, regardless of age, breed, or discipline. Colic refers to abdominal pain, which can arise from a variety of causes, ranging...
Understanding gastrointestinal catastrophes in horses is essential for every horse owner. From intussusception to strangulating lipomas, these life-threatening conditions can lead to sudden, severe colic symptoms that require immediate veterinary intervention. This guide provides an in-depth look at six critical...
Sheath cleaning, thrush treatment, and coat clipping may not be the most glamorous tasks in an equestrian's day, but they are essential for maintaining a horse’s health and well being. Regular sheath cleaning helps prevent discomfort, infections, and blockages in...
Kinesiology taping has become a popular technique in equine rehabilitation therapy, offering potential benefits for horses dealing with muscle strain, joint issues, and recovery from injuries. Originally developed for human athletes, kinesiology tape is now used by veterinarians and equine...
Foot lameness is a prevalent issue in horses, often leading to performance limitations and decreased quality of life. Understanding the anatomy of a horse's foot, recognizing the signs of lameness, and being aware of common causes are crucial for effective...
Osselets are a form of arthritis that affects the fetlock joint, commonly seen in young, active horses engaged in high-performance activities such as racing and jumping. This condition develops as a result of repetitive, high-impact stress on the joint, leading...
Riders and trainers often encounter challenges that affect the performance and well being of their equine partners. Among these are exercise intolerance and poor performance, sometimes referred to as "ring sour." While ring sour can be frustrating for owners and...
Fecal Microbiota Transplantation (FMT) is a procedure gaining recognition in equine medicine for its potential to restore gut health in horses suffering from gastrointestinal disorders like diarrhea and colitis. The process involves transferring fecal material from a healthy donor horse...
Lethargy in horses is a significant concern for equine owners and veterinarians alike, as it can often indicate a severe underlying health issue requiring medical attention. Lethargy is characterized as a decrease in typical energy levels, activity, and enthusiasm. It...
Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are a type of medication used to reduce inflammation and treat pain in horses. In equine medicine, NSAIDs are commonly used in supportive care for a wide range of symptoms and conditions such as colic, pain,...
Laser therapy, also known as photobiomodulation, low-level laser therapy (LLLT), and cold laser therapy, is a rehabilitative therapy commonly used in physiotherapy for treating injuries. Given its purported effects and non-invasive nature, there is growing interest in this treatment modality...
Selecting the right boarding facility for your horse is essential for both your horse’s well-being and your peace of mind. Boarding involves housing your horse at a facility not on […]
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