Hypothermia and frostbite are serious cold-weather conditions that can affect horses exposed to extreme low temperatures, especially when combined with wind and moisture. Although horses are naturally equipped to withstand cold weather, prolonged exposure to temperatures below their thermoneutral zone...
Clicker training has revolutionized how we connect with animals, offering a communication tool that fosters trust, understanding, and cooperation. While widely recognized for its success with dogs, this positive reinforcement method is gaining traction in the equestrian world, proving to...
Understanding your horse's energy requirement is important for formulating a balanced diet that supports athletic performance, weight maintenance and overall function. Horses, like all animals, rely on energy from their diet to fuel their everyday activities. Energy is required for...
High performance horses are no different than the world's top human athletes. Like professional soccer players or Olympic swimmers, elite equine athletes need to be extremely fit to consistently perform strenuous physical activity and compete at the top of their...
The horse's natural diet consists of fiber-rich forages, which are relatively low in fat. However, fat supplementation has become increasingly popular for various types of horses, from athletes needing extra energy to metabolic horses who benefit from low-starch diets. Adding...
Every 2 years, equine professionals gather at the Equine Science Society (ESS), an international meeting, to share new research and exchange ideas. The first ESS meeting was held in 1960 and included a group of 27 equine nutritionists and physiologists...
In March of 2024, a diet evaluation was requested for a 19-year-old, underweight running-bred Quarter Horse gelding named Mojo. He weighed approximately 1,000 lb (454 kg) and was located in Mississippi, USA. Reported concerns included weight, topline, joint, and respiratory...
Horse's hooves are fundamental to their health, mobility, and overall performance. Whether you're a seasoned equestrian, veterinarian, or just a simple horse lover, understanding the intricate anatomy of the hoof is crucial for maintaining the wellbeing of your equine companion....
Tooth extraction is a relatively common dental procedure in horses that becomes necessary when a tooth is damaged, diseased, or otherwise problematic. Although a standard treatment, tooth extraction in horses can involve significant complications and challenges, sometimes even leading to...
The lungworm, Dictyocaulus arnfieldi, is a parasite that affects equines all over the world. It has been found in the lungs of horses, donkeys, and zebras. However, donkeys, as well as burros and mules, are the primary host for this...
Gestation in horses is a journey that requires care, knowledge, and preparation to ensure both the mare and foal remain healthy throughout the pregnancy. The average gestation period for a horse lasts around 340 days, though some mares may carry...
Hoof health is a key consideration for any horse. As the saying goes, "no, hoof, no horse". In the rich and stylized idiom of the horseman, a horse may have good hooves, or it may have shelly feet. In this...
From the cow sense needed for roping and cutting, to the sheer thrill of barrel racing, to the controlled athleticism of reining, the Western performance horse is skillful and sure-footed on the ranch and in the ring. In addition, these...
When designing or upgrading horse pastures, choosing the right type of fencing is critical for the safety, well-being, and containment of horses. With a wide variety of fencing options available, each with distinct advantages and disadvantages, it’s important to select...
Mesenteric and omental rents are rare but potentially serious conditions that can affect horses. These rents are tears or openings in the mesentery or omentum, two structures within the abdomen. While these tears often go unnoticed, they can lead to...
In April of 2024, a diet evaluation was requested for a 9-year-old Quarter Horse gelding named Rage. He weighed approximately 1200 lb (544 kg) and was located in Alberta, Canada. Reported concerns included respiratory, topline, and joint health, and as...
The horse’s skeletal system is made up of more than 200 bones that all connect with the help of connective tissue—tendons, ligaments, and cartilage. In each location where two or more bones meet, this is known as a joint. Joints...
English performance riding has roots in European equestrian traditions linked to military horsemanship and hunting on horseback. These traditions relied on the horse’s agility, disposition and responsiveness – the traits at the heart of modern English equestrian sport disciplines. From...
Displacement colics are a serious concern for horses, involving the abnormal positioning of the intestines within the hindgut. These conditions, including right dorsal displacement, left dorsal displacement, and large colon volvulus, can lead to blockages that disrupt the normal flow...
Enteritis is a serious condition in horses, characterized by inflammation of the intestinal tract, which can disrupt the digestive system and lead to symptoms such as diarrhea, colic, and weight loss. This condition can affect horses of all ages, though...
Corn is an economical energy source found in many complete feeds for horses. Corn is also sometimes fed as a standalone concentrate for horses that need additional calories in their […]
Horse coat colors are highly diverse and carry historical, cultural, and even functional significance within many horse breeds. The colors and patterns that mark these breeds result from a complex interaction of several genes that geneticists have studied for centuries....
Sunflower oil is a vegetable oil extracted from seeds of the sunflower plant (Helianthus annuus). It is high in unsaturated fats, primarily omega-6 and omega-9 fatty acids. In horse diets, sunflower oil is often used to provide additional calories to...
Itching, or pruritus, is a common issue that affects all horses, with various potential causes ranging from insect bites and parasite infestations to bacterial and fungal infections, as well as allergic reactions. Horses typically exhibit signs of itchiness by biting,...
The Australian Stock Horse, also known as the breed for every need, is renowned for its versatility, strength, and adaptability. It has a rich history dating back to the late 18th century. The Australian Stock Horse's origins can be traced...
Quidding is a term used to describe a horse dropping food from its mouth while eating. This can be a sign of dental problems as well as a number of other conditions. Regular dental care is of utmost importance to...
Forage-based diets can be implemented for many horses to support optimal weight maintenance, and digestive and metabolic function. These diets work with your horse’s gastrointestinal physiology to support their health. Pasture, hay, and processed forage can be used alone or...
Defecation is crucial for maintaining a horse's digestive health and overall well-being. Regular bowel movements help to ensure that the digestive system is functioning properly, allowing waste to be efficiently expelled from the body. This is vital for preventing issues...
Equine sedation is a critical aspect of veterinary care, playing a vital role in ensuring the safety and well-being of both horses and handlers during various medical procedures. Horses are a large, powerful animal with a strong flight response, which...
In May 2024, a diet evaluation was requested for an eleven-month-old appaloosa gelding named Phix, located in Nova Scotia, Canada. At the time of the submission, he weighed approximately 550 lb (250 kg). Phix was reported to be healthy but...
English