Infectious diarrhea in foals is a significant health concern that can lead to dehydration, weight loss, and systemic illness. Without timely intervention, it can lead to severe complications and even be life-threatening. Diarrhea in foals can be caused by a...
The Friesian is an iconic horse breed known for their fairytale looks and striking charisma. These horses are often featured in Hollywood productions, contributing to the breed’s rapidly growing popularity in recent decades. Originally from Friesland in the Netherlands, the...
The Holsteiner horse is a warmblood breed from the Schleswig-Holstein region of northern Germany. Also known as the Holstein horse, this is one of the oldest warmblood breeds in the world. This profile will discuss the history, breed characteristics, health...
Lymphoma, also known as lymphosarcoma, is the most common malignant cancer in horses. Lymphoma is a cancer that forms when lymphocytes, a type of white blood cell, become malignant and grow uncontrollably. Clinical signs of lymphoma in horses vary widely,...
The French Trotter is a trotting horse breed developed for racing in Normandy, France. These horses are also known as Norman Trotters and Anglo-Norman Trotters. While closely related to Standardbreds, French Trotters do not pace. They are bred specifically for...
The Orlov Trotter is a rare Russian breed known for their elegant appearance, trotting ability, and noble history. Once used for harness racing throughout Russia, these horses declined in popularity after the rise of the less-refined but faster Standardbred breed....
The Missouri Fox Trotter is a popular gaited breed of horse that originated in the Ozark Mountains. Recognized as the official horse of the U.S. State of Missouri, this breed is famous for its ability to perform a smooth ambling...
Stallions have unique nutrition and behavioral needs because of their high activity level and potential to become aggressive towards herd mates and humans. Often housed alone, stallions can develop stereotypic behaviours that further complicate their management. Young colts require consistent...
Forage is the most natural and least expensive feed for horses. Feeding a forage-based diet supports natural grazing behavior and optimal gut health in horses. As such, forage should form the basis of your horse’s diet, with supplemental feeds added...
The Marwari horse is a rare, gaited breed native to Marwar, a region in Northwestern India. Marwaris are an important part of Indian culture and history, but outcrossing threatens the persistence of this noble breed. This breed profile will discuss...
The Cleveland Bay is a rare warmblood horse breed, native to England. Unlike modern warmblood breeds, which have open studbooks and significant Thoroughbred influences, the Cleveland Bay has been genetically distinct for centuries. This breed profile will review the history,...
Rabies is a fatal viral disease that can affect horses and is present in wildlife mammals all over the world. Rabies is a zoonotic disease, which means it can be transmitted from animal to humans, and can be fatal if...
Natural service, or live cover, is a common breeding method in the horse industry in which a stallion and mare physically mate. This method is relatively inexpensive and requires less personnel involvement than artificial insemination. Breeders can choose between pasture...
The Mustang is a feral horse breed from the Western United States, descended from equines brought to the Americas by Spanish explorers. Shaped by the rugged terrains of the western frontier, the Mustang now stands as an iconic breed, embodying...
Dapples, the fascinating spots that add a unique pattern to a horse’s coat, have long captured the attention of equestrians, breeders, and horse owners. Dapples are rounded areas on a horse’s hair coat that appear lighter or darker than the...
The Canadian horse is a heritage breed from Quebec and is the official National horse of Canada. Known as the Little Iron Horse for their small stature and robust constitutions, these horses are popular recreational mounts in Canada and the...
The Ardennes, or Ardennais, is one of the world's oldest and heaviest breeds of draft horses. These horses originate in the Ardennes region across France, Luxembourg, and Belgium. Modern Ardennes horses are recognizable by their massive stature. However, their heavy...
The Connemara is a large pony breed native to Ireland. Their name is derived from the Connemara region in County Galway on Ireland’s west coast, which is where they originated. Legends abound regarding the origins of these Irish ponies. Although...
The Icelandic horse is a popular breed of small equine from Iceland that are famous for their unique tölt, a four-beat lateral gait. With over a thousand years of integration into Icelandic culture, these gaited horses are a beloved icon...
The Bashkir Curly Horse is a rare American breed with a unique coat texture and mysterious history. Also known as North American Curlies, the debate continues over the breed’s origins and its connection to curly horse populations globally. Indigenous tribes...
The Colorado Ranger is an American horse breed originating from the high plains of Colorado. Often described as the “using horse” of the high plains, Rangerbreds are versatile horses with a unique history. Colorado Ranger bloodlines trace back to horses...
In early August 2023 in Ocala, Florida, a nine-year-old Appaloosa gelding began exhibiting symptoms of anhidrosis, the inability to sweat. This condition is particularly concerning in horses, as sweating is a primary means for them to regulate their body temperature...
Embryo transfer (ET) is an advanced reproductive technology that allows breeders to produce multiple offspring from a single mare in a given year. This procedure involves taking an embryo from a donor mare, and depositing it in the uterus of...
Equine viral arteritis (EVA) is a serious infectious disease that affects all equine species. EVA is particularly significant within breeding herds, as the disease causes abortion in up to 60% of affected pregnant mares. Many horses with equine viral arteritis...
Horses need a balanced diet to maintain optimal health. Ensuring adequate intake of vitamins and minerals is important for many physiological and metabolic functions. However, a diet consisting solely of forage will not provide your horses with all of their...
The Konik horse is a primitive pony breed from Poland. The name “Konik” translates to “small horse” in Polish, aptly describing the breed’s compact and sturdy stature. Koniks are easily recognizable by their mouse-gray coats and primitive markings. Conservation programs...
The Rocky Mountain Horse is a gaited American horse breed known for their rare silver dapple colouring. Contrary to their name, this breed originated in the Appalachian Mountains from a founding stallion imported from the Western United States. These horses...
Artificial insemination (AI) is an increasingly popular method of breeding mares, as it reduces many of the risks of natural service while providing several advantages. Benefits include accessing broader genetics, using stored or transported semen, and eliminating the need to...
The Newfoundland pony is a critically endangered breed of small equine from Newfoundland and Labrador in Canada. These ponies descended from British pony breeds brought to the Western Hemisphere by English, Irish, and Scottish settlers. Already well adapted to the...
The Chincoteague pony is an American breed from Assateague Island. Two feral populations still inhabit the island today, separated by a fence marking the state line between Virginia and Maryland. National and local authorities use different methods to manage the...
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