Acupuncture is a therapeutic modality that has been adapted over the centuries to suit various species, including horses. Treatment involves the insertion of fine needles into specific landmarks on the body to provide pain relief or improve function of body systems.
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 horses at the location, the amount of available land, and the stable/facility layout. Proper manure management can significantly mitigate environmental pollution that can impact land and water. It can also prevent nuisances like odor and flies, as well as help to keep your horses healthier.
The Breton horse is a French draft breed from Bretagne, or Brittany, a province in northwest France. There are three types of Breton horses: the Postier Breton, the Central Mountain Breton, and the Heavy Draft Breton. This breed profile will discuss the characteristics, history, health problems, and nutritional needs of the Breton horse breed.
The Appendix horse is a mixed breed produced by crossing an American Quarter Horse with a Thoroughbred. The cross is also known as an Appendix Quarter Horse. Appendix horses can become eligible for permanent registration with the American Quarter Horse Association (AQHA) if they meet specific requirements. Some famous Quarter Horse sires were originally Appendix horses with Thoroughbred ancestry.
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 cellulitis. If your horse is experiencing limb swelling, your first priority should be consulting with your veterinarian to identify and treat the underlying cause. Then, you can implement several management techniques to reduce the swelling.
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 injuries. ESWT produces a shockwave that applies a high amount of pressure to a desired tissue. This pressure causes tissue damage and weakening, which may encourage stronger tissue repair and activation of healing factors.
A grade horse is any horse with unidentifiable or unknown parentage. These horses also include unregistered equines with mixed breeding. Grade horses don’t have a uniform breed type, and characteristics can vary significantly between individuals. Their lack of registered pedigrees shouldn’t discourage potential owners. Many grade horses can make excellent equine partners, and their diverse ancestry also lowers their risk of genetic diseases.
The Oldenburg, or Oldenburger, is a well-known warmblood breed from Lower Saxony in Germany. Oldenburgs are famous sport horses commonly used for dressage and show jumping. This breed profile will discuss the history, characteristics, health problems, and nutritional needs of the Oldenburg horse breed.
The Selle Francais is a sport horse breed from France, best known for their talent in the show-jumping arena. Selle Francais horses also compete at the elite level of dressage and eventing. This breed profile will discuss the history, characteristics, health problems, and nutritional needs of the Selle Francais breed.
Sacroiliac pain is a common cause of poor performance and low-grade lameness in performance horses. The sacroiliac joint is the point on the horse’s body where the pelvis and the spine connect, playing an important role in their stride.
Horses are often classified into three main groups based on their temperament and physiology: hot-blooded, cold-blooded, and warm-blooded. But what do these horse types mean and what is the difference between the three?
Pinto horses are a recognized colour breed in North America. Unlike some colour breed registries, the Pinto breed organization accepts horses with diverse and undocumented ancestry. Registered Pintos are classified as miniature, pony, horse, or utility types depending on their breeding and conformation. However, all of these horses share colourful tobiano or overo coat patterns.
Pedal osteitis in horses is a condition characterized by inflammation and damage to the pedal (coffin) bone within the hoof. Affected horses can experience pain and lameness, which may be worse after exercise or hoof trimming. Pedal osteitis typically develops as a result of chronic and repetitive trauma to the hoof, including exercising on hard ground surfaces, poor conformation or persistent laminitis. It can also result from bacterial infections in the hoof capsule.
Sidebone in horses is a common condition that affects the collateral cartilages of the hoof. It occurs when the normally flexible cartilage plates in the horse's hoof gradually become hardened and calcified into bone. According to research, an estimated 80% of all horses have signs of sidebone. Most horses experience no symptoms due to sidebone, and many have successful performance careers.
Canker in horses, also called equine proliferative pododermatitis is a condition that causes rapid proliferation of keratin, the main component of the hoof wall and sole. The proliferation forms long fronds of keratin, usually around the frog of the hoof.
Buttercup poisoning in horses occurs when they ingest protoanemonin, a toxin produced by the buttercup plant. Although relatively rare, the ingestion of this flowering weed results in irritation to the horse’s mouth and digestive tract.
Cobs are small draft-type horses known for their hardiness and versatility as recreational riding mounts. The cob isn’t a distinct breed. The term refers to a common body type in several popular horse breeds. This guide will discuss the history, characteristics, health problems, and nutritional needs of cob-type horse breeds.
A balanced feeding program is key for yearling horses, as it sets the foundation for their growth and development into adulthood. Yearlings are transitioning from foals to young horses, and their nutritional needs are unique during this stage of life.
The Swedish Warmblood is a sport horse breed that originated at the state studs of Sweden. While less popular than some warmbloods from mainland Europe, many Swedish Warmbloods excel at the top level of equestrian sport. This Scandinavian breed was developed as a riding horse at a time when many warmblood breeds still focused on agriculture and driving. The Swedish studbook remains open today, allowing continual improvement of the breed.
Dr. Eleanor Kellon, VMD, a veterinary nutritionist at Mad Barn, has spent over five decades passionately advocating for the importance of nutrition in equine health. Dr. Kellon's relentless pursuit of knowledge has led her to become one of the most trusted and respected experts in equine nutrition and veterinary medicine.
Keratomas in horses are abnormal growths or benign tumors that develop within the hoof capsule, potentially resulting in lameness and discomfort. These non-cancerous masses comprise overgrowths of keratin, typically forming near the coronary band.
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 behavior, debunking several myths and providing insights into managing temperamental variations. Some signs of moodiness in female horses are related to the estrous cycle, including behavioral changes, increased sensitivity, and restlessness.
Synovial infections in horses refer to infections in the synovial structures, which include joints, bursae, and tendon sheaths. These infections can be severe and potentially career-ending for equine athletes. Most horses develop synovial infections from wounds over top of a joint or tendon sheath. If there is damage to the synovium, bacteria can proliferate within the synovial structure, causing pain and tissue damage.
Ionophore toxicosis, a severe and often fatal condition in horses, arises from the ingestion of ionophores, antibiotic compounds that are common in livestock feeds. Common ionophores in livestock feeds include monensin, lasalocid and salinomycin. These antibiotics increase growth rates in cattle and poultry, and control coccidiosis, a parasitic disease. However, ionophores are highly toxic to horses, even in small amounts.
Atrial Fibrillation (AF) in horses is a cardiac rhythm disorder, characterized by rapid and irregular beating of the atria, the upper chambers of the heart. This condition can affect horses of any breed, age, or discipline, but it is more commonly seen in performance horses and breeds including Standardbreds, draft horses, and Warmbloods. Signs of atrial fibrillation in athletic horses include poor performance, exercise intolerance and difficulty breathing.
Mastitis in mares is a condition characterized by the inflammation of the mammary gland, usually due to a bacterial infection. Mastitis typically affects lactating mares, often in the period immediately after giving birth or after weaning.
Mules are an equid hybrid produced by crossing a female horse and a male donkey. Enthusiasts claim mules combine the best of both species, offering the strength, endurance, and patience of the donkey with the speed, agility, and aesthetics of the horse.
Scratches in horses, also known as pastern dermatitis, is an inflammatory skin conditions that affects the lower limbs of horses. It is characterized by irritation and sometimes infection of the skin, usually around the hind pastern or fetlock. The condition is often caused by a combination of factors such as prolonged exposure to wet and muddy conditions, which can weaken the skin's barrier and allow pathogens to penetrate.
Heart murmurs in horses are distinct sounds between the normal beats of the heart that can be heard with a stethoscope. They arise from the abnormal flow of blood through the heart, often due to conditions affecting the heart’s structure or function. Not all heart murmurs are problematic. They can range from benign with no impact on the horse’s health or performance, to severe indicating a serious heart defect.
Anaplasmosis in horses, also known as Equine Granulocytic Anaplasmosis (EGA), is a tick-borne disease caused by the bacterium Anaplasma phagocytophilum. This condition typically affects horses in areas where the tick vectors are present, including various parts of the United States, Europe, Africa, and South America.
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