Nasopharyngeal sampling is a commonly performed diagnostic procedure in equine practice, used to identify infectious agents affecting the upper respiratory tract. It involves inserting a deep nasal swab into the nasopharynx to collect samples for testing for viral or bacterial...
Quinidine is an antiarrhythmic medication used in horses for the treatment of atrial fibrillation (AF), the most common type of cardiac arrhythmia that warrants medical intervention. Atrial fibrillation occurs when the upper chambers of the heart (the atria) beat in...
Bacterial infections are a common cause of illness in horses and can affect nearly every body system, from the skin and respiratory tract to the gastrointestinal tract, urinary system, and joints. These infections may develop after wounds or surgical procedures,...
Rhinopneumonitis in horses, commonly called "rhino," is a contagious respiratory disease caused by equine herpesviruses (EHV-1 and EHV-4). These viruses are widespread in horse populations worldwide, and most horses are exposed at some point in their lives. While many cases...
Twitching is an equine restraint technique that is sometimes used during veterinary and husbandry procedures. Most often applied to the upper lip, a twitch is designed to limit movement and improve safety when a horse reacts to brief discomfort or...
Horses are intelligent, curious animals that benefit from both mental stimulation and physical activity. In natural settings, daily routines revolve around grazing, movement, and social interaction, which help satisfy these needs. Domestic horses often experience limited turnout or confinement, which...
Routine care like veterinary exams, farrier work, dentistry, and grooming are essential parts of keeping a horse healthy, but they can quickly become stressful or even dangerous if a horse won't stand calmly. Fidgeting, pulling away, pawing, or outright resistance...
The equine respiratory system plays a critical role in athletic performance and overall health, and even subtle abnormalities can significantly impact a horse’s comfort, stamina, and ability to perform. Because many respiratory problems are located deep within the nasal passages,...
Effective parasite control is a cornerstone of equine health management. While routine deworming once served as the mainstay of parasite prevention, increasing evidence of anthelmintic resistance has shifted the focus toward diagnostic testing and targeted treatment. Diagnostic tests provide valuable...
Nasogastric intubation is one of the most fundamental and frequently performed procedures in equine practice. It serves both diagnostic and therapeutic purposes and is a critical component of evaluating horses with gastrointestinal disease, particularly those presenting with signs of colic....
Catastrophic limb injuries are among the most serious emergencies a horse can face. They involve severe damage to bones, joints, or supporting soft tissues, leaving the horse unable to bear weight safely. Unlike minor strains, sprains, or small fractures, these...
Whether you are enjoying a quiet trail ride or training for competition, your posture in the saddle plays a critical role in how you and your horse move together. Good posture enables riding cues to be delivered with clarity, subtlety,...
The Palomino horse is one of the most recognizable and widely admired coat colors in the equine world. With a striking golden body and light mane and tail, this equine color has long symbolized beauty, nobility, and prestige. However, unlike...
Upper airway obstruction can have an immediate impact on a horse's ability to breathe, perform, and stay comfortable, especially during exercise. Because horses rely entirely on their nasal passages for airflow, even small changes in the structures of the throat...
Abdominal ultrasound is a valuable, non-invasive diagnostic tool that allows veterinarians to visualize the organs and soft tissues within a horse’s abdomen. Using high-frequency sound waves, the technique produces real-time images that can reveal both normal anatomy and subtle abnormalities....
Allergies are a common yet often misunderstood source of skin and respiratory problems in horses. Many owners recognize issues such as colic or lameness, while allergic reactions receive less attention despite causing significant disruption when symptoms become chronic, recurring, or...
Adopting a wild horse requires forethought, long-term commitment, and respect for horses' nautral instincts. For experienced equestrians looking for a unique partnership, adopting a wild horse offers the chance to participate in the preservation of an iconic species and engage...
Rectal examination remains one of the most valuable and informative diagnostic tools available to equine practitioners when evaluating gastrointestinal conditions. In cases of colic, it is often the single most informative procedure for identifying the underlying cause, determining the severity...
Joint disease and injury are common causes of lameness and poor performance in horses, particularly in athletic or young growing animals. Conditions such as osteochondritis dissecans (OCD), synovitis, and traumatic fractures of joint surfaces can significantly affect a horse’s comfort,...
Turnout is one of the most important parts of your horse's daily routine. Despite this, many facilities struggle to provide horses with adequate turnout during the winter, when conditions may be icy, muddy, or frozen. This can lead to increased...
Threadworms (Strongyloides westeri) are an equine intestinal parasite that primarily affects newborn foals, making them one of the earliest parasitic concerns in young horses. Transmission often occurs through the mare's milk, allowing larvae to establish in the foal's intestines within...
Bucking is an equine behavior that can be both thrilling and frightening for riders. It can be a playful leap in the pasture or a dangerous kick under saddle. Some horses buck to release energy or excitement, while others do...
Boarded horses rely on barn staff, shared facilities, and set management routines to stay safe and healthy. Cold temperatures, icy footing, limited turnout, and changes in forage and water availability can all influence a horse's comfort, health, and behavior during...
Raised, red, or itchy swellings on a horse's skin are commonly described as hives, wheals, or urticaria. While the terminology may differ between veterinarians, owners, or practitioners, they all refer to the same physiological reaction. "Hives" is the common term...
Most riders struggle with nerves before stepping into the ring at some point in their careers. For some, show-day anxiety can become a significant obstacle. Whether you're heading to your first show or competing at a high level, horse show...
The canter is one of the primary gaits used in horseback riding, combining power, balance, and rhythm into a smooth, three-beat motion. Learning how to canter is a significant milestone [...]
The equine digestive system is a remarkably complex and sensitive network of organs, adapted to process a steady supply of forage around the clock. When its delicate balance is disrupted, the horse's ability to process and absorb nutrients is affected....
The equine gastrointestinal system is one of the most complex parts of a horse’s body. Designed for nearly constant grazing, a horse’s digestive tract depends on a steady flow of forage, water, and beneficial microbes to function properly. When this...
Cooling down a horse after exercise is a vital part of responsible equine care, ensuring their body transitions safely back to its normal state. This process allows the horse’s temperature, heart rate, and respiration to stabilize after exertion, supporting overall...
While cold temperatures and shortened daylight hours can make a regular riding schedule difficult in the winter, thoughtful planning can help you maintain and even improve your horse’s fitness during colder seasons. The key is understanding how the season affects...