The horse's digestive system is both large and sensitive. It has evolved over millenia to absorb nutrients from grazing pastures and meet the unique energy needs of a free-roaming, incredibly athletic...
Care & Management
Popular Articles
Latest Articles
Forage should constitute the bulk of your horse's diet, but not all of it needs to be provided as long-stemmed forages like baled hay. Forage cubes and pellets are other options that may be beneficial...
When you have horses, dealing with manure is simply a fact of life. After all, an average-sized horse poops anywhere from 4 to 13 times each day. Other than cleaning stalls and paddocks, horse owners...
Clipping a horse’s coat is often messy and time-consuming. It can also be stressful for both horses and humans. With the right approach, clipping your horse doesn't have to be a dreaded chore. Cl...
Chiropractic care for horses is a form of manual therapy commonly used in veterinary treatment protocols for lameness. Chiropractic treatment focuses on joint mobilization and manipulation to reduce p...
Equine massage therapy is a bodywork modality that involves the systematic manual manipulation of a horse’s muscles and soft tissues to alleviate muscle tension and promote overall well-being. It’...
Exertional Rhabdomyolysis (ER), commonly known as tying-up or azoturia, is an exercise-induced condition in horses characterized by the excessive breakdown of muscle tissue. This results in muscle spa...
Choosing the best configuration of shelter in your horse’s pasture is one of the most important aspects of horse management. Most horses seek shelter at some point during the day, whether from cold ...
Managing manure is an inevitable aspect of equine stable maintenance and requires careful consideration. A successful manure management program will depend on multiple factors including the number of ...
Looking for ways to reduce swelling in your horse's legs? Several factors can lead to leg swelling in horses, ranging from mild conditions such as "stocking up" to more severe issues such as celluliti...
Extracorporeal shockwave therapy (ESWT) is a common treatment modality offered by many veterinarians for treating lameness cases. Most veterinarians use this treatment for arthritis cases and ligament...
Moodiness in mares has long been a topic of discussion among horse owners, often leading to misconceptions about their behavior. Scientific research has shed light on the true causes behind moody mare...
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 ri...
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 p...
Beet pulp is a mainstay of many feeding programs for horses. This highly digestible feed is a good source of soluble fiber that supports hindgut function and helps meet energy requirements. Beet pulp ...
Horse wounds can be alarming to deal with, especially when horses experience severe cuts or lacerations. Research indicates that wounds are the second most common emergency issue in equine care. Horse...
Want an easy and convenient way to learn more about horses? Nothing is better than a podcast for immersing yourself in equine education while you’re on the go. Hundreds of free horse podcasts are av...
Dapples, the fascinating spots that add a unique pattern to a horse’s coat, have long captured the attention of equestrians, breeders, and horse owners. Dapples are rounded areas on a horse’s hair...
Fescue toxicosis in horses results from ingestion of fescue grass contaminated with the fungus Neotyphodium coenophialum. The fungus produces ergot alkaloid toxins which cause changes in hormone conce...
Moving a horse to a new barn or facility requires careful planning and consideration. Horses are sensitive animals and are prone to experiencing stress when relocating to a new environment or joining ...
Proud flesh, also known as granulation tissue, is a type of healing tissue in horses that forms naturally as part of the wound repair process. This tissue aids in wound healing by closing the gap betw...
Equine abortion and stillbirth refer to delivery of a non-viable fetus or foal. Most causes of abortion and stillbirth do not affect the mare’s future fertility; however, the loss of the foal can ca...
Full-time stall confinement isn’t good for a horse’s physical or mental welfare. Horses are social animals who, in the wild, move long distances and eat small, frequent meals all day long. Many do...
Respiratory problems are a common occurrence in horses, sometimes they occur in acute (short-term) bouts or can be chronic illnesses. Some respiratory diseases are communicable to other horses, while ...
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 ...
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 from the inside out. Quality grooming and care have a significant imp...
No horse owner wants to face the impossible decision of leaving their animal behind in an emergency. While natural disasters can be unpredictable, an emergency preparedness checklist can help horse ow...
Strange lumps, itching, bald spots, redness, skin flaking, and scruffy patches are common signs of skin problems in horses. While most equine skin irritations don’t present serious health risks, per...
In recent decades, slow feeding has gained popularity with horse owners. Slow feeders are nets or solid feeders with small to medium-sized openings for hay access. Their purpose is to slow down the r...
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 welf...