Sheath cleaning, thrush treatment, and coat clipping may not be the most glamorous tasks in an equestrian's day, but they are essential for maintaining a horse’s health and well being. Regular sheath cleaning helps prevent discomfort, infections, and blockages in...
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...
Becoming an equine veterinarian is a rewarding and fulfilling journey for those passionate about equine health, management, and science. As a vital part of the equine industry, veterinarians not only diagnose and treat illnesses, but also play a key role...
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...
Heart disease in horses, as in humans, encompasses a broad range of conditions that affect the heart's structure, function, or electrical activity, potentially compromising the horse’s health and performance. The heart is responsible for pumping oxygen-rich blood throughout the body,...
Horse owners strive to ensure the safety and security of our equine companions. One of the most effective tools for identifying and protecting your horse is microchipping. Whether you are new to the concept or considering it as a safeguard...
Assessing a horse's nutritional status is critical for maintaining health and performance. Identifying and correcting vitamin and mineral deficiencies can help prevent a range of health issues, from poor coat condition and hoof quality to more serious problems like immune...
Horses are renowned for their power, grace, and speed. Whether galloping across open fields or running down a racetrack, there’s something captivating about a horse in full stride. But how fast can horses actually run? And what makes certain breeds...
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...
Ionophores are compounds commonly used as additives in feeds for cattle, poultry, and other commercially raised animals. While these compounds are beneficial for certain animals, horses metabolize ionophores differently, making them susceptible to negative effects if exposed to toxic doses....
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...
In April 2024, a diet evaluation was requested for a 22-year-old retired show jumper gelding weighing approximately 1,200 lb (544 kg) in Quebec, Canada. Reported health concerns included Pituitary Pars Intermedia Dysfunction (PPID), arthritis, and poor topline condition. The horse...
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, potassium, calcium, magnesium), and proteins like latherin,...
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, diseases, or surgical procedures. Recognizing signs of pain in horses is...
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 a history of laminitis. The horse owner’s primary goal...
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 breeders to follow when evaluating their...
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 adaptable nature of horses...
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 intervention, the mare had improvement...
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. Reported health concerns included acute weight loss, free fecal water syndrome, dentition issues, Cushing's Disease and a...
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 risk of injury and improves bone mass in working horses. Exercise also influences...
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...
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 diets predominantly originates from forages such as hay and pasture grass. Fiber can also be obtained...
Psyllium is a rich source of soluble fiber that can be incorporated into equine diets. Soluble fiber remains undigested by enzymes in the stomach (gastric juices), but passes into the hindgut where it may be partially digested by microbes. Psyllium...
Oxalates are naturally occurring compounds that bind calcium in the equine diet, preventing absorption of this mineral from the horse’s gut. When horses consume plants with high levels of these […]
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 prescribed by veterinarians to help manage clinical signs of pain, swelling, and/or fever. In horses,...
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 riders, horse owners, trainers, and veterinarians.
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...
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 complexities involved in equine reproduction. Breeding Soundness Exams (BSEs) are critical...
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...
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...
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