Free-roaming horses still live in North America, and the wild herds that survive today have a complex history. These horses are generally descended from domestic horses brought by European explorers and settlers, some of which escaped or were released and...
Western saddle pads are an essential part of western tack, helping protect the horse's back while supporting saddle stability, rider balance, and overall comfort during riding. Western disciplines vary widely in speed, duration, movement, and workload. As a result, saddle...
Insect control is an important part of horse management. While insects are unavoidable in the environment, some species can irritate horses, disrupt normal behavior, damage skin and eyes, or transmit disease. A good control plan helps protect the horse while...
Respiratory noises in horses can signal a problem with airflow through their nose, throat, or lungs. While some breathing sounds are subtle, persistent or unusual noises may suggest irritation, inflammation, mucus buildup, airway narrowing, or another respiratory concern that needs...
The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) in horses is a paired joint that connects the lower jaw to the skull and helps coordinate the movements needed for chewing. Working together with the teeth, tongue, cheeks, and chewing muscles, the TMJ allows the...
The horse's jaw is a complex structure that plays a central role in eating, chewing, digestion, and overall wellbeing. Every jaw movement relies on the coordinated action of bones, teeth, muscles, joints, nerves, and soft tissues working together to process...
Global horse populations are shaped by agriculture, transportation, sport, recreation, and cultural traditions across many regions of the world. For horse owners, understanding where horses live and how their numbers are changing provides useful insight into the broader role of...
Milkshaking in horses, is a controversial practice often associated with performance enhancement. It involves the administration of certain substances to a horse to manipulate blood chemistry, particularly to boost stamina and delay fatigue. While some view milkshaking as a shortcut...
Halters are an essential piece of horse tack used to safely lead, train, and manage horses from the ground. Made of interconnected straps that sit around the horse’s poll, cheeks, and nose, this equipment allows handlers to guide a horse’s...
Stall gates are a core feature of modern horse barns that support healthier stall conditions and give horses a more engaging environment. Well-designed gates help maintain cleaner air conditions by keeping stalls open to natural ventilation, and allowing horses to...
Autologous Protein Solution (APS) is a biologic therapy that has emerged as an innovative treatment for managing joint and soft tissue injuries in horses. This biologic therapy uses the horse's own blood to create a concentrated solution of anti-inflammatory proteins...
Sports recovery is an important aspect of equine management, focusing on the horse’s well-being following periods of exercise. During physical exertion, a horse’s muscles, tissues, and cellular structures undergo stress. When well-managed, this leads to adaptations that strengthen and condition...
Saddle pads are a fundamental part of English riding equipment, providing a necessary layer of protection and comfort between the horse and the saddle. Designed to cushion the horse's back, absorb sweat, and protect the saddle from dirt and wear,...
The girth, or cinch, is a fundamental component of equine tack, responsible for securing the saddle to the horse and ensuring rider stability and safety. Choosing the right design, material, and placement depends on your discipline and the horse's conformation....
Horse chestnuts, sometimes called castors or night eyes, are small, rough patches of skin commonly found on a horse's legs. While easily overlooked, these structures have sparked curiosity for centuries due to their mysterious origin and unusual appearance. Leg chestnuts...
Ergots are small, hardened skin growths found on the lower legs of horses. They are easily overlooked due to their position beneath the fetlock where they are usually concealed by surrounding hair. Though commonly mistaken as minor or insignificant, ergots...
Horses, mules, and donkeys are three distinct equine species that share similarities but have unique characteristics, temperaments, and roles in human history. Whether you’re a horse owner, equestrian enthusiast, or just curious about these incredible animals, understanding their differences can...
Respiratory dysfunction is a common and often overlooked issue in horses, with a variety of causes including infections, allergies, environmental irritants, and anatomical abnormalities. Horses depend on efficient lung function to meet the high oxygen demands of their large, athletic...
Equine inhalers are specialized devices used to deliver medication directly into a horse's lungs to help manage respiratory conditions. These devices are similar in design and function to inhalers used by humans, but they have been adapted to suit the...
Horse coolers are useful tools for maintaining a horse's comfort and health, particularly after exercise or exposure to moisture in cold weather. These specialized blankets, typically made of wool or fleece, serve to regulate body temperature and wick away excess...
Keeping horses safe during these activities is the number one priority, as is ensuring fair play for all competitors. As in human sports, there are multiple performance-enhancing substances which are controlled or banned by equestrian sports organizations. To that end,...
The average horse eats about 2% of its body weight in hay per day, and those in heavy work may need as much as 2.5% of their body weight daily. While it seems straightforward to simply toss bales on the...
Equine nasal strips are non-invasive devices used to support respiratory function in horses during intense physical activity. Made from stiff, spring-loaded plastic with an adhesive backing, these strips are applied externally across the upper part of the horse's nose. Their...
Aural plaques in horses are a skin condition characterized by thick, pale, crusty patches that develop on the inner surface of the ears. These plaques may begin as small, raised bumps and can gradually merge into larger areas of raised,...
Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) is one of the most common tumors affecting horses, originating in the squamous epithelial cells that form the outermost layer of the skin and line various internal surfaces. This condition can develop in a wide range...
Bareback riding pads for horses offer a comfortable and secure way to ride without a traditional saddle, combining the close contact of bareback riding with added support and grip. Designed to cushion both horse and rider, these pads help distribute...
Metronidazole (Flagyl®) is a commonly prescribed antibiotic in equine medicine, primarily used to treat bacterial infections in horses. It is particularly effective against clostridial infections, which can disrupt the delicate balance of gut bacteria and lead to severe gastrointestinal illness...
Reins are a standard and useful part of equestrian equipment, serving as the primary connection between a rider and their horse. Attached to the horse's bridle or bit, reins allow for clear communication through subtle movements of the rider’s hands,...
Supporting Limb Laminitis (SLL) is a serious condition that develops when a horse places excessive weight on one limb due to an injury or other issue in the opposite leg. Prolonged compensatory weight bearing disrupts blood flow within the hoof,...
Meningitis in horses is a rare but serious neurological condition characterized by inflammation of the meninges—the protective membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord. This inflammation is often the result of a bacterial or viral infection that spreads to the...
