Iron is a trace mineral that is required in the horse’s diet. Iron is involved in many bodily processes, including transporting oxygen in the blood and producing energy in cells. Supplementation with this mineral is usually not recommended because it...
The horse's digestive system is both large and sensitive. It has evolved over millennia to absorb nutrients from grazing pastures and meet the unique energy needs of a free-roaming, incredibly athletic animal. As the horse evolved on the Steppes of...
Choosing the best configuration of shelter in your horse’s pasture is one of the most important aspects of horse management. Most horses seek shelter at some point during the day, whether from cold and precipitation or from insects and heat.
A grade horse is any horse with unidentifiable or unknown parentage. These horses also include unregistered equines with mixed breeding. Grade horses don’t have a uniform breed type, and characteristics can vary significantly between individuals. Their lack of registered pedigrees...
The Oldenburg, or Oldenburger, is a well-known warmblood breed from Lower Saxony in Germany. Oldenburgs are famous sport horses commonly used for dressage and show jumping. This breed profile will discuss the history, characteristics, health problems, and nutritional needs of...
The Selle Francais is a sport horse breed from France, best known for their talent in the show-jumping arena. Selle Francais horses also compete at the elite level of dressage and eventing. This breed profile will discuss the history, characteristics,...
A balanced feeding program is key for yearling horses, as it sets the foundation for their growth and development into adulthood. Yearlings are transitioning from foals to young horses, and their nutritional needs are unique during this stage of life.
Hairlessness is rare in horses. While selective breeding produced several hairless breeds in other domestic animals, no truly hairless horse breeds exist. There are anecdotal accounts of hairless horses throughout history. Some horse breeds are mistaken for hairless horses due...
Genetic testing in horses involves analyzing a horse’s DNA to gain information about their genetic makeup. This process can identify specific genetic variations responsible for various traits, as well as predispositions to genetic disorders. Several common equine health conditions have...
Vitamin D is a fat-soluble vitamin that is essential for horses, influencing bone health, muscle function, and the immune system. Adequate vitamin D intake is considered important for growing horses to support normal bone development. In horses, vitamin D is...
Have you ever struggled with a horse that has a difficult time maintaining their body condition? For horse owners, the term "hard keeper" is more than just a casual phrase, it's a familiar and often perplexing challenge. Hard keepers, despite...
An orphan foal is a young horse that cannot nurse their birth mother. Foals may be orphaned for a number of reasons, including the mare’s death or severe illness, rejection of the foal, or the mare’s failure to produce adequate...
Contagious equine metritis (CEM) is a bacterial infection in horses caused by Taylorella equigenitalis. CEM is highly contagious and primarily spreads through venereal transmission and contact with contaminated breeding equipment. CEM is characterized by severe inflammation of the reproductive tract...
The Dutch Warmblood is a sport horse breed that is managed by the Royal Warmblood Horse Studbook of the Netherlands (KWPN). The breed is highly regulated to ensure the quality and performance of registered horses. The KWPN distinguishes horses between...
The Spotted Saddle Horse is an American gaited breed from central Tennessee. These horses descend from small pinto Spanish-type horses and are closely related to the Tennessee Walking Horse. Unlike other gaited breeds developed in the region, all Spotted Saddle...
Donor colostrum ensures that a foal receives necessary immune support, even if colostrum is insufficient or unavailable from its mother. Breeders can collect and store their own donor colostrum or use the services of a colostrum bank.
The Lusitano is an Iberian horse breed from Portugal. These horses are closely related to Spanish PREs, with both breeds sharing the same studbook until the two countries established separate registries in the 1960s. Their name comes from the ancient...
Equine proliferative enteropathy (EPE) is an infectious disease caused by the bacterium Lawsonia intracellularis. EPE mainly affects young horses during the fall and winter months. EPE is characterized by thickening of the lining of the small intestine due to excessive...
The Falabella is the smallest breed of horse in the world, typically standing between 28 to 34 inches tall at the withers. Despite their diminutive size, they possess all the features and proportions of a typical horse. Falabella horses are...
The Mongolian horse is an Asian horse breed that traces its roots back to the time of Genghis Khan. First raised by nomadic Mongol tribes, these small but sturdy horses played a pivotal role in the early conquests of the...
Rattles, clinically known as Rhodococcus equi pneumonia, is a serious respiratory condition that affects growing foals. This disease is a leading cause of severe illness in young foals, and is characterized by coughing, nasal discharge, and rapid breathing. The rattle...
The time around foaling (periparturient period) is a high-risk period for mares, as their bodies undergo many changes associated with delivery of the foal. Breeders must closely monitor their mares for signs of medical emergencies before, during, and after foaling....
Colic, defined as abdominal pain in horses, is a condition that ranges from mild discomfort to severe, life-threatening situations. In foals, colic presents unique challenges and concerns, due to their physiology and development. Colic in foals can be challenging to...
Enlarged ovaries are frequently observed in mares, especially those used for breeding. This enlargement often stems from an ovarian cyst. In most instances, these cysts are benign and resolve spontaneously, typically not affecting the mare’s fertility. However, it’s crucial for...
Beet pulp is a mainstay of many feeding programs for horses. This highly digestible feed is a good source of soluble fiber that supports hindgut function and helps meet energy requirements. Beet pulp is a by-product of sugar extraction from...
Off-the-track Thoroughbreds (OTTB) can be wonderful companions and athletes, but they do come with their share of breed-specific challenges. After retiring from the racing industry, these horses often require specific care and training to adapt to new disciplines or leisure...
Horse wounds can be alarming to deal with, especially when horses experience severe cuts or lacerations. Research indicates that wounds are the second most common emergency issue in equine care. Horses often sustain wounds from their surroundings, whether from sharp...
Urolithiasis is a rare condition in horses that involves the formation of bladder stones within the horse’s urinary tract. These urinary stones or uroliths are hard collections of crystals or mineral deposits, which can lead to various health complications. The...
The Hanoverian is a popular warmblood breed from Lower Saxony in Germany. Also known as the Hannoveraner in German, the breed produces some of the most successful sport horses in the world. Modern Hanoverians have won gold medals in all...
The Anglo-Arabian is a mixed horse breed with Arabian and Thoroughbred ancestry. These horses are also known as Anglo-Arabs. Unlike other part-bred Arabians recognized by breed societies, these horses don’t need at least one purebred Arabian parent. To qualify as...
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