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 [...]
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.
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...
As your broodmare approaches the end of her gestation period, it’s important to be vigilant for changes that indicate foaling is near. Recognizing these signs of foaling in your mare ensures you can make necessary arrangements and provide appropriate care...
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 placentitis. Most cases of placentitis arise from bacteria...
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 of nosebleeds in horses are caused by minor trauma...
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...
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...
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 a second fetus results in competition...
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 subchondral bone, which is the layer of bone located beneath the joint’s cartilage....
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 bruises can cause mild to severe discomfort...
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