Horse Health

Protein is an essential nutrient for horses and a key component of the equine diet. Adequate protein is required for supplying the amino acids needed to build and maintain muscle, vital organs, bones, hooves and other tissues. A horse's protein...

The cranial nerves play a vital role in a horse's neurological function, governing essential sensory and motor activities such as vision, hearing, chewing, swallowing, and facial expressions. These twelve pairs of nerves emerge directly from the brain rather than the...

The equine brain is a complex organ responsible for processing sensory information, controlling movement, and managing emotions. Unlike humans, whose brains are heavily developed for logical reasoning and problem-solving, horses rely more on instinct and sensory perception. Their brains are...

Back pain is a common yet often overlooked issue in horses, affecting their performance, behavior, and overall well-being. Studies show that up to 54% of sport horses and 90% of racehorses show signs of back disease. Whether they are elite...

Roach back, or equine kyphosis, is an uncommon but noteworthy spinal condition. It is characterized by an upward arching of the back, disrupting the natural concave curve between the withers and haunches. This structural anomaly stems from malformations in the...

Sepsis-associated laminitis is a serious and potentially life-threatening condition in horses, characterized by the disruption of the connection between the hoof wall and the underlying bone due to systemic inflammation. This form of laminitis arises as a result of a...

Headshaking in horses describes repeated, uncontrollable, usually vertical movements of the head and neck. This behavior can be concerning for owners and caretakers, as some forms are a source of significant distress for horses. Headshaking may appear gradually or suddenly,...

Hay waste is a persistent issue on many horse farms, leading to significant financial losses and increased labor demands. As a staple in equine nutrition, hay is an essential source of fiber, nutrients, and forage, which supports the horse's digestive...

Over recent years, red light therapy has become an increasingly popular treatment option for managing pain, inflammation, and muscle recovery in horses. Horse owners, veterinarians, and equine therapists have turned to this non-invasive technology to help optimize recovery times, promote...

Splints are a common condition in horses characterized by bony growths or swellings along the splint bones, which run parallel to the cannon bone in the horse’s lower legs. "Splints" is a broad term used in common language to describe...

Hyaluronan injections, commonly known as hyaluronic acid (HA) injections, have become a trusted solution for managing joint health in horses. Whether your horse is dealing with osteoarthritis, recovering from an injury, or needs extra joint support as a performance horse,...

Lactation is a vital process for broodmares, ensuring the survival and growth of foals by providing essential nutrients and immune protection. However, some mares experience abnormal or inappropriate lactation, producing milk outside the expected timeline—either too early, too late, or...

When it’s time to bring a horse back to work after a period of inactivity, whether due to injury, broodmare duties, or seasonal downtime, the process requires thoughtful planning and patience. A gradual return to work (RTW) program tailored to...

Stem cell therapy is gaining attention in equine veterinary care as a potential option for treating injuries and managing degenerative conditions. This treatment approach is being explored for its ability to support tissue repair and aid recovery in horses with...

Dorsal Displacement of the Soft Palate (DDSP), commonly known as "flipping the palate," is a respiratory condition that significantly affects a horse’s performance, especially during intense exercise. It is one of the most common causes of upper airway obstruction in...

Horses are muscular animals, with a high proportion of muscle mass relative to their body weight. This impressive musculature has been shaped through centuries of selective breeding for athletic traits, including speed and strength, that enable horses to excel in...

Regular health checks are an essential component of maintaining your horse's well being, performance, and longevity. Comprehensive health checks allow for early detection of illness, injury, or discomfort, allowing for prompt veterinary treatment and better health outcomes in the long-term....

Helping a horse recover from injury requires patience, careful planning, and a basic understanding of equine rehabilitation principles. From controlled exercise and proper nutrition to therapeutic techniques and mental well-being, every step in the recovery process plays a crucial role...

Skin allergies are a common yet often misunderstood condition in horses, affecting equine comfort, performance, and overall well being. From itchy rashes to persistent dermatitis, these reactions can arise due to environmental factors, insect bites, or other triggers. For horse...

Colitis in horses is a serious inflammatory condition affecting the colon, leading to symptoms such as diarrhea, dehydration, and abdominal discomfort. Colitis is a general term that describes inflammation in the colon. In horses, there are a number of conditions...

Caudal heel pain is one of the most common causes of lameness in horses. This complex condition affects the structures within the horse's heel region, including the navicular bone, its associated ligaments, and the surrounding soft tissue. Its impact on...

Contagious colitis in horses, also referred to as infectious colitis, is a serious gastrointestinal condition caused by infectious agents (pathogens) such as bacteria, viruses, or parasites. This highly transmissible disease can spread rapidly, especially in environments where horses are in...

The Danish Warmblood is one of the newest sport horse breeds in Europe, and consistently rank among the most successful sport horse registries in the world. Rigorous performance tests and top bloodlines from other studbooks have helped contribute to the...

Headshaking is a concerning behavior in horses. This condition can be triggered by disorders or injury of the head or neck, harsh riding techniques, and a number of other causes. Headshaking is considered a normal behavior if it only occurs...

Food allergies in horses are a complex, poorly understood, and often overlooked issue, posing significant challenges for horse owners and veterinarians alike. Unlike food intolerances, which involve non-immune mediated reactions, food allergies trigger an immune response that can result in...

Hypothermia and frostbite are serious cold-weather conditions that can affect horses exposed to extreme low temperatures, especially when combined with wind and moisture. Although horses are naturally equipped to withstand cold weather, prolonged exposure to temperatures below their thermoneutral zone...

Originating from Friesland in the Netherlands, Friesian horses have a rich lineage that has been tracked for about 150 years through the Royal Friesian Horse Studbook. Known for their striking black coats, feathered fetlocks, and balanced physique, Friesians are valued...

Oral health is crucial to a horse's overall well-being. This article covers the various types of oral lesions that horses can develop, potential causes, and how to prevent them. By understanding the signs and causes of oral lesions, owners can...

Blood doping is a type of performance enhancement that artificially increases the blood’s oxygen carrying capacity. In equine sports, the purpose of blood doping is to improve a horse’s performance by raising the number of red blood cells (RBCs) in...

Understanding your horse's energy requirement is important for formulating a balanced diet that supports athletic performance, weight maintenance and overall function. Horses, like all animals, rely on energy from their diet to fuel their everyday activities. Energy is required for...