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 k...
Presentation for Evaluation History Intervention Outcome Discussion In April 2024, a diet evaluation was requested for a 22-year-old retired show jumper gelding weighing approximately 1,200 lb (544 kg...
Horses produce 1 to 2.5 gallons of sweat per hour, amounting to up to 60 gallons daily. Sweat, produced by over 800 sweat glands per cm² of skin, contains water, electrolytes (sodium, chloride, potas...
Pain in horses, like in other animals, is an unpleasant sensory and emotional experience associated with actual or potential tissue damage. It can result from various sources, including injuries, dise...
In March 2024, a diet evaluation was requested for two 16-year-old mares weighing approximately 1000 lb (455 kg) in Missouri, USA. Reported health concerns included weight gain, poor hoof quality, and...
Breeders should observe all foalings as closely as possible to monitor the health and wellness of the mare and foal during this period of rapid transition. The 1-2-3-4 Rule is a helpful guideline for ...
Horses evolved as a social prey species who were able to survive in a variety of environments due to their adaptability and ability to roam long distances in search of food and water. [ref n="1"] The ...
A 21 year old mare received dietary intervention from Mad Barn to resolve persistent hay belly and coat and hoof quality issues with an aim to return to light exercise. After two months of dietary int...
Clinical Presentation History Intervention Outcome Discussion In August 2023, a diet evaluation was requested for a 46 year old Welsh/Quarter Horse gelding weighing 700 lb (320 kg) in Ontario, Canada....
In addition to its well-known cardiovascular and muscle building benefits, regular exercise promotes digestive function and healthy weight management in horses. Fitness training also helps reduce the ...
The horse's digestive system is both large and sensitive. It has evolved over millenia to absorb nutrients from grazing pastures and meet the unique energy needs of a free-roaming, incredibly athletic...
Fiber is one of the most important components in the equine diet, providing up to 70% of a horse’s energy needs. Fiber in equines diet predominantly originates from forages such as hay and pasture g...
What Are Oxalates? Effects Calcium Deficiencies Diagnosis and Treatment Feeding Guidelines Oxalates are naturally occurring compounds that bind calcium in the equine diet, preventing absorption of thi...
Flunixin meglumine, often sold under the brand names Banamine®, Flunazine®, Vetameg™, and Prevail®, is a common non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) used in horses. Banamine® is prescrib...
Heart rate monitors are an emerging tool in horse sports, helping to optimize training and enhance fitness. Widely used by human athletes, equine-specific devices are now increasingly accessible to ri...
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 p...
Despite ongoing advances in equine husbandry and veterinary care, achieving a full-term pregnancy in mares can be challenging. The foaling success rate is often measured below 60%, underscoring the co...
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 tissu...
Placentitis is a common cause of foal loss and neonatal sepsis in horses. Mares with multiple previous foals, older mares, and mares with poor perineal conformation are most at risk of developing plac...
Epistaxis is a common condition in horses that refers to bleeding from the nostrils. Nosebleeds can range in severity and may result from trauma, underlying health conditions or exercise. The majority...
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 st...
Twin pregnancies in horses are common but carry significant risks for both the mare and the unborn foals. The horse's reproductive system has developed to carry one fetus to term, and the addition of ...
Bone bruising is a common condition often seen in young racehorses, such as Thoroughbreds or Standardbreds. It typically arises from repetitive stress, trauma, or microfractures affecting the subchond...
A hoof or sole bruise is a common injury in horses, occurring when there is trauma to the sensitive tissues within the hoof. This trauma leads to localized bleeding and subsequent bruising. Hoof bruis...
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. Vita...
Heat stress occurs when the horse’s internal cooling mechanisms stop working efficiently and the ability to maintain a normal body temperature is affected. This is common and in hot and humid condit...
Impaction colic in horses is a painful condition caused by an obstruction in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. It is a serious and sometimes fatal condition. The term colic describes abdominal pain or ...
Water is the most vital component of the equine diet, but it is often overlooked when considering your horse's nutritional needs. Hydration influences several aspects of horse health, including exerci...
Stringhalt, or equine reflex hypertonia, is a neuromuscular condition that causes abnormal hindlimb movement in the horse. Horses with stringhalt have excessive and prolonged flexion of the pelvic lim...
Glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate are two of the most common ingredients found in equine joint products. These natural supplements are purported to promote mobility and joint comfort in hard-working...