Stall Rest Risks of Stall Rest Support during Stall Rest Transition to Turnout Exercise Full-time stall confinement isn’t good for a horse’s physical or mental welfare. Horses are social animals [...]

Respiratory Issues Signs of Equine Asthma Air Quality in Barns Ventilation in Barns Respiratory problems are a common occurrence in horses, sometimes they occur in acute (short-term) bouts or can [...]

Shipping horses over long distances can be a daunting but rewarding undertaking. Many breeders, trainers, exporters and equestrians eventually find themselves needing to transport a horse over a long distance via air or land travel. Even settled horse owners may need to ship their horses long-haul as a result of a relocation. Knowing how to prepare your horse for long-haul shipping can save you some stress and protect the health and well-being of your horse.

Nutrition Grooming Skin Issues Health Support External shine is a reflection of internal health. So if you want your horse to have a gleaming, glossy coat, you'll have to start [...]

Equine Emergency Preparedness Transportation Action Plan First Aid Evacuation Shelter No horse owner wants to face the impossible decision of leaving their animal behind in an emergency. While natural disasters [...]

Grazing Behaviour Equine Digestive System Feed Practices Slow Feeders Types How to Use In recent decades,  slow feeding has gained popularity with horse owners. Slow feeders are nets or solid [...]

Whether you are a seasoned equestrian or a new horse owner, trailering your horse can be a daunting task but does not have to be uncomfortable for you or your horse. Many factors influence equine welfare while trailering. However, the right vehicle, proper trailer maintenance, careful driving, and thorough preparation will help ensure a safe and successful journey with your horse.

Staying up-to-date with required vaccines is important to keep your horse healthy and prevent the spread of infectious diseases. Vaccines have been developed for 14 major equine diseases, including Strangles, West Nile Virus, Equine Influenza, and Equine Herpesvirus. Some vaccines are recommended for all horses, while others are recommended based on your horse's risk profile. If your horse lives in specific geographic areas, competes in performance disciplines, or frequently travels to events and shows, they may have a higher risk of contracting certain diseases.

Modern domestic horses have very different lifestyles than their wild ancestors. While keeping horses in stalls is convenient for humans, confinement can be detrimental for animals who evolved to graze and walk throughout the day. Turning horses out to pasture provides freedom of movement in a controlled outdoor environment. Regular turnout can improve your horse's mental and physical health, even if your horse already gets frequent exercise under saddle. While turnout involves some risk of injury, greater turnout time generally provides more benefits for equine welfare. However, the best turnout schedule for your horse will vary depending on their unique needs and preferences.

Coggins Test Equine Infectious Anemia How to Test Signs Transmission Prognosis Prevention Requirements The Coggins test is a standard fixture in a routine annual equine wellness appointment. Veterinarians usually pull [...]

Pasture Evaluation Forage Species Soil Testing Horse Density Pasture Restoration Maintenance Grazing Management Grazing fresh forage while out on pasture can provide excellent nutrition for horses. But environmental conditions and [...]

While acres of lush green fields seem like the idyllic setting for a horse farm, constant access to high-quality pastures isn't always best for your horse's health. Space limitations and environmental conditions can also make grass turnout impossible for some equine facilities. A dry lot provides an alternative turnout solution for horse owners in these situations. Dry lots are small paddocks that contain little to no vegetation. These turnout areas, also called sacrifice lots, are designed to withstand heavy use, even during increased rain or drought. A dry lot protects pasture health by allowing grass fields to rest.

Bones, joint cartilage, ligaments, and tendons make up your horse's skeletal system, which provides structural support for your horse's body. Most horse owners pay close attention to the role of joints and soft tissue health in preserving soundness and comfort. But bone strength is just as critical for supporting mobility and performance in horses. Bone is a dynamic tissue that responds to impact and loading forces. Research shows that exercise and nutrition influence bone density in horses.

Caring for Horses Housing Turnout Social Nutrition Veterinary & Farrier Care Checklist Taking care of a horse is an ongoing commitment. Even routine horse care requires significant time and resources. [...]

Benefits of Grooming Schedule Tools & Brushes How to Groom A proper grooming routine involves more than just knocking the dirt off your horse's coat before tacking up. A well-groomed [...]

Routine equine dentistry is an often overlooked aspect of preventative care that can significantly impact your horse's welfare and performance. Horses have specialized teeth adapted to continuous grazing. Unlike human teeth, horse teeth erupt throughout their life and can become imbalanced if they are not worn down evenly. Domestic horses may have diets and eating patterns that prevent them from wearing down their teeth naturally. Uneven wear can cause significant discomfort, especially for performance horses wearing bits and bridles during exercise.

Weaning foals refers to separating the foal from their mother so they no longer consume milk by nursing. Once weaned, foals must obtain nutrients from forage and other feeds. Domesticated foals are typically weaned four to seven months after birth. Various weaning strategies can be used, including progressive and abrupt separation of the foal and dam. Progressive separation is believed to be less stressful for foals. Housing newly weaned foals in a natural environment and with unrelated adult horses and or their peers may also reduce stress. Introducing foals to creep feeding (eating small amounts of concentrates) before weaning provides a range of benefits. Creep feeds provide additional nutrients to nursing foals, reduce weaning stress, and enable the developing foal to gradually become accustomed to eating solid foods.

The type and amount of bedding you use for horses affects more than just how long it takes you to clean his stall. Bedding adds cushion to the floor of your horse's living space, absorbs moisture, and helps control odours that could harm your horse's respiratory health. Bedding depth also influences resting behaviours. Good bedding materials provide enough cushion for horses to lie down and are easy for care staff to keep clean. Different materials have unique advantages and disadvantages. Selecting the best bedding for your horse will depend on budget, housing situation, health needs, and the available materials in your location.