The Suffolk Punch is the oldest English draft horse breed. Also known as Suffolk horses, these gentle giants are known for their bright chestnut colouring and impressive strength. Today, the breed is more endangered than the giant panda.
The Barb horse is a light breed from the Maghreb in North Africa. These horses descend from Berber horses of the region used by indigenous people thousands of years ago. Barb horses had a significant impact on the development of...
The Criollo horse is a South American breed from the Pampas, a vast grassland extending between Argentina, Brazil and Uruguay. The name “Criollo” is derived from the Spanish term for “native” or “local,” and it reflects the horse’s origins in...
Neonatal isoerythrolysis (NI) is a potentially fatal, but preventable, condition affecting newborn foals. Foals develop NI when they consume colostrum containing antibodies against their blood type, resulting in destruction of their red blood cells. This condition will only occur if...
Melanomas are a type of skin tumor most commonly observed in aging grey horses. Up to 80% of gray horses aged 15 or older develop melanomas during their lifetime. Melanomas in gray horses often appear as benign blemishes and remain...
West Nile virus (WNV) is a mosquito-borne arbovirus known to cause severe illness in humans, birds, and horses. Affected horses can develop inflammation in the brain (encephalitis), as well as neurological symptoms such as head pressing, difficulty swallowing, and poor...
Windpuffs develop due to the accumulation of fluid within the digital sheath, which envelops and protects both the Deep Digital Flexor Tendon (DDFT) and the Superficial Digital Flexor Tendon (SDFT). Although windpuffs are not typically associated with lameness or soreness,...
Primary immunodeficiencies are disorders where some component of the immune system does not develop properly, leaving the horse at risk of infection. Examples of primary immunodeficiencies in horses include severe combined immunodeficiency, foal immunodeficiency syndrome, and selective IgM deficiency.
Selenium and vitamin E are essential antioxidant nutrients for all mammals, including horses. Together with vitamin C, they help prevent the damaging effects of oxidative stress in all cells and tissues of the body. Although these nutrients are required in...
The Irish Draught is a strong and versatile horse breed originating from Ireland. Descended from native Irish horses crossed with various imported horses breeds, Irish Draughts are recognized as the official national horse breed of the Republic of Ireland.
The Exmoor Pony is an ancient breed native to the moorlands of South West England. The ponies thrived in remote Exmoor for millennia, but modern wars drove them to the brink of extinction. Exmoor Ponies are still considered an endangered...
The Caspian horse is a rare Iranian breed of small equine that originated in ancient Persia. Although most Caspians are less than 12 hands tall, their conformation resembles full-size horses, not ponies. These horses are descendants of miniature Caspian-type horses...
The Fell Pony is a rare native British breed known for beauty, strength, and versatility. Once used as pack horses in Northern England, Fell Ponies are now popular mounts for Pony Club kids and monarchs alike. While similar in appearance...
The Dartmoor Pony is a rare small pony breed native to Devon County in Southwest England. These ponies evolved on the moors of Dartmoor, where privately owned free-roaming herds still live today. Ponies inhabited the region’s moorlands by the Middle...
Lavender Foal Syndrome (LFS), or coat colour dilution lethal (CCDL), is a rare and lethal disorder in Arabian horses and crossbreeds. Foals with LFS are born with neurological problems and a lightened coat colour. Lavender Foal Syndrome is a genetic...
Fescue toxicosis in horses results from ingestion of fescue grass contaminated with the fungus Neotyphodium coenophialum. The fungus produces ergot alkaloid toxins which cause changes in hormone concentrations and blood flow in pregnant mares grazing contaminated pastures or hay. Nearly...
Endometritis is a condition involving inflammation of the uterine lining, and is a very common cause of infertility in broodmares. Mares with endometritis develop fibrosis and inflammation that prevent embryonic development, resulting in failure to conceive or early embryonic loss....
Although donkeys and horses are kept similarly, they are two distinct species that have evolved separately from one another. As such, donkeys and horses have different nutrient requirements. In developed countries, donkeys are more commonly kept as leisure mounts and...
Proud flesh, also known as granulation tissue, is a type of healing tissue in horses that forms naturally as part of the wound repair process. This tissue aids in wound healing by closing the gap between exposed soft tissue and...
The Highland Pony is a mountain pony breed native to Scotland. These ponies are one of the largest native pony breeds from the British Isles. While written records of the breed date back to the 18th century, ponies have inhabited...
The Dales Pony is a large working pony breed that originated in the Dales of Yorkshire in North England. Dales ponies are the largest native pony breed from England and are closely related to the smaller Fell Pony.
The Knabstrupper, also known as the Knabstrup horse, is a Danish warmblood breed renowned for its distinctive spotted coats. This breed has a relatively recent origin, with its lineage tracing back to a single spotted mare who relocated to Denmark...
The Norwegian Fjord is one of the world's oldest horse breeds. The breed is easily recognizable today by its dun colouring and primitive markings that trace back to prehistoric horses. Although they resemble wild Przewalski horses, they are not closely...
The Shire horse is an iconic draft breed originally developed for heavy farm work in the rural shires of Great Britain. The Shire is one of the world’s largest horse breeds, known for its impressive size and strength. The record...
Strongyles are considered the most significant internal parasite that affects horses. It is estimated that these parasites affect between 80 – 99% of equids worldwide. There are two main types of strongyles: large strongyles and small strongyles. Both types can...
Congenital hypothyroidism and dysmaturity (CHD) syndrome is a common manifestation of hypothyroidism in foals, resulting in dysmature foals that are born weak with contracted tendons, poor ossification of the cuboidal bones, and poor muscular development. The basic cause of CHD...
Whey protein is a cost-effective, high-quality protein source that is safe to feed to horses. Whey is a common ingredient in commercial horse feeds and is also available as a standalone supplement. Whey protein is considered a complete protein source...
The Akhal Teke is an ancient horse breed with a legendary history and elegant looks. Sometimes referred to as “golden horses” for their distinctive metallic coats, Akhal Tekes are best known for their intelligence, endurance, and beauty. This breed originated...
Also referred to as ascorbic acid, vitamin C is an important water-soluble vitamin for horses. It works together with vitamin E and selenium to provide antioxidant protection against cell damage. Vitamin C has additional roles in the equine body including...
Supraspinous bursitis, more often known as fistulous withers, is not a common problem in horses — at least in North America. However, it is a serious condition that more often affects horses and donkeys in developing nations. Fistulous withers involves...
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