Bermudagrass is a widely used equine forage used in the southern United States, valued for its adaptability, productivity, and cost-effectiveness. As a warm-season perennial, Bermudagrass thrives in hot weather and provides consistent forage during summer months when cool-season grasses decline....
Rhizoma Perennial Peanut is a warm-season legume commonly fed to horses as hay. It offers a clean, nutrient-dense option generally considered palatable to horses. Regions across the southeastern United States, including Florida, Georgia, and Alabama, use it widely because it...
Bahiagrass is a warm-season perennial grass commonly used for horse pastures. First identified in the 1800s and introduced to Florida in 1913, it has since spread throughout the southern U.S. The grass thrives in sandy, low-fertility soils and is well-suited...
A safe, secure fence is one of the most important parts of keeping your horse safe. Fencing contains your horse, reduces the risk of injury, and helps keep wildlife or unwanted animals out of pastures. Because fences face constant pressure...
The equine gastrointestinal system is one of the most complex parts of a horse’s body. Designed for nearly constant grazing, a horse’s digestive tract depends on a steady flow of forage, water, and beneficial microbes to function properly. When this...
Cooling down a horse after exercise is a vital part of responsible equine care, ensuring their body transitions safely back to its normal state. This process allows the horse’s temperature, heart rate, and respiration to stabilize after exertion, supporting overall...
While cold temperatures and shortened daylight hours can make a regular riding schedule difficult in the winter, thoughtful planning can help you maintain and even improve your horse’s fitness during colder seasons. The key is understanding how the season affects...
Leaving the arena and navigating varied terrain with your horse engages their bodies and minds in ways that flatwork alone cannot. Time on the trail can strengthen their muscles, improve cardiovascular fitness, and deepen the partnership between horse and rider....
Do you ever get tack room envy scrolling through Instagram and seeing those perfectly staged barn setups? In reality, a well-organized tack room isn’t about maintaining a photoshoot-ready space; it’s […]
Steering may sound straightforward- simply turning left or right- but in horseback riding it relies on the precise coordination of seat, rein, and leg aids working together with a horse’s movement. Learning to steer properly is not only about making...
Horses are expressive animals, and one of their most distinctive facial behaviors is the dramatic lifting of the upper lip, often accompanied by a pause and a faraway look. This behavior, known as the flehmen response—sometimes called lip curling or...
Stall gates are a core feature of modern horse barns that support healthier stall conditions and give horses a more engaging environment. Well-designed gates help maintain cleaner air conditions by keeping stalls open to natural ventilation, and allowing horses to...
Portable horse stalls, also called modular or temporary stalls, are an increasingly popular option for horse owners, trainers, and event organizers who need flexible, mobile housing. Unlike permanent barns, these stalls can be assembled, disassembled, and relocated with relative ease,...
Bell boots, also known as over-reach boots, are protective gear for horses, designed to shield the hooves and pasterns from injuries. They can also protect horseshoes, and may improve confidence during movement for certain horses and disciplines. These boots are...
In December of 2024, a diet evaluation was requested for a 12-year-old Morgan mare named Kelta. She weighed approximately 800 lbs (363 kg) and was located in Alaska, USA. Initial reported concerns included topline loss, metabolic health, and weight issues....
The appearance of a horse's coat and mane is one of the most visible indicators of overall health. A sleek, glossy coat reflects proper nutrition, attentive care, and balanced grooming routines. Conversely, dull or brittle hair can signal nutritional deficiencies,...
In July of 2022, a diet evaluation was requested for a 16-year old, slightly underweight Thoroughbred mare named Epona. She weighed approximately 1000 lbs (454 kg) and was located in Arkansas, USA. Initial reported concerns included weight issues and topline...
A horse’s eyes are highly specialized organs that play an essential role in survival, communication, and performance. The equine eye is large and laterally placed, offering a wide field of vision that allows horses to detect threats in their environment....
Bromegrasses, including Smooth and Meadow Bromegrass, are cool-season perennials widely used for equine forage in North America. Valued for their drought tolerance, adaptability to soil types, and consistent nutritional profile, these grasses are a reliable option for many equine diets....
Sports recovery is an important aspect of equine management, focusing on the horse’s well-being following periods of exercise. During physical exertion, a horse’s muscles, tissues, and cellular structures undergo stress. When well-managed, this leads to adaptations that strengthen and condition...
The sacroiliac joint (SIJ) is one of the largest and most important joints in the horse’s body, yet it is also one of the least understood. Situated deep within the pelvis, the SIJ forms the critical connection between the sacrum...
Oxygen is essential for sustaining life and fueling performance, especially in athletic horses. The ability to take in oxygen from the environment, deliver it through the bloodstream, and use it within the muscles is critical for energy production, movement, and...
Timothy hay offers moderate energy and protein content, making it suitable for a wide range of horses. Depending on Timothy’s growing and harvesting conditions, it can be produced at varying nutritional levels to suit different horse’s needs- from growing and...
Horse chestnuts, sometimes called castors or night eyes, are small, rough patches of skin commonly found on a horse's legs. While easily overlooked, these structures have sparked curiosity for centuries due to their mysterious origin and unusual appearance. Leg chestnuts...
Ergots are small, hardened skin growths found on the lower legs of horses. They are easily overlooked due to their position beneath the fetlock where they are usually concealed by surrounding hair. Though commonly mistaken as minor or insignificant, ergots...
Hill work is a powerful training and conditioning tool that offers numerous benefits for horses across all disciplines. Whether performed in-hand, under saddle, or with the support of equipment like treadmills, working on inclines engages the horse’s musculoskeletal system in...
Ryegrass is a widely used forage for horses, most commonly provided in its annual and perennial forms. These grasses are known for their high yields and strong nutritional profiles, making them suitable for many types of horses. Although ryegrass can...
Horses, mules, and donkeys are three distinct equine species that share similarities but have unique characteristics, temperaments, and roles in human history. Whether you’re a horse owner, equestrian enthusiast, or just curious about these incredible animals, understanding their differences can...
Treats play a meaningful role in strengthening the bond between caregivers and their horses, offering a way to reinforce trust and encourage positive behavior. They can also serve as an effective tool in equine training, as using treats in training...
The New World screwworm (Cochliomyia hominivorax) is a highly destructive parasitic fly that poses a significant threat to equine health and welfare. Unlike typical fly larvae that feed on dead or decaying tissue, screwworm maggots consume living flesh, resulting in...
English