Horses can have vitiligo, which is an unsightly skin condition. However, it is essentially cosmetic, according to a newly published scientific review. “Therefore any treatment for the disease should always … Read more

Study findings suggest that steel horseshoes may have a soft, polyurethane coating on the base to reduce overload in horses’ front legs. Researchers wanted to compare steel shoes with soft … Read more

Spanish researchers have highlighted the rarity of horses with chimerism (a form of genetic balancing) in which an individual has two distinct genetic makeups. The university of Seville and Cordoba … Read more

In a Russian translation, scientists have described five distinct types of Yakutian horses. They are famous for their ability to withstand extreme climates in Siberia. Yakutian horses, also known as … Read more

Psom salts or magnesium sulfate are becoming a more common supplement for horses. Magnesium is an essential element in nerve and muscle function. Horses deficient in this vital element may … Read more

If a recent US study shows, it may be more beneficial to clean your horse’s water trough more often than to try new methods of keeping it clean. If not … Read more

Let’s begin with the most basic components of all leverage bits. The cheeks are composed of the purchase as well as the shank. The mouthpiece is composed of the bars, and – … Read more

Although the term “epiphysitis”, is often used, it is more accurate to call it physitis. It is an area that has become inflamed if it ends with the medical term “-itis”. The … Read more

What is Topline? …… How do you get it? Horses’ topline is the term for the muscle covering that covers the horse’s neck and back. What is topline? There are two … Read more

Signs that Horses Have Respiratory Problems A horse may have a cough if they are experiencing irritation in their respiratory system. There are many types of coughs, and each type can … Read more

You are probably familiar with the conflicts surrounding Lasix or furosemide if you are involved in race horses. Furosemide was originally created to treat bleeding lungs in race horses. But many … Read more

Recently, I saw an advertisement for a broodmare that stated it could not have any Caslicks. I was struck by the stigma attached to this word. A mare that does … Read more

The facts about kidneys Horses’ kidneys are amazing. They process approximately 45 litres of blood per hour to filter out waste and keep the essential bits that your horse needs. … Read more

Horses with hind leg problems A hind leg problem could cause lameness in horses. These problems can cause permanent disability in horses of all ages and can be caused by a … Read more

The cowboys of the west were called “vaqueros” in Spanish. (The Spanish term “vaca”, which means cow, is translated as: In the old west, cowboy was a term that was seldom used. It … Read more

I get asked often the question, “How do you know what hackamore I should get?”. There are many answers that address different concerns. First, make sure it fits properly. There are … Read more

In the fall, sedation is required for both clipping and for travelling. There are three main methods horses can be sedated. Two of these are by intravenous sedation administered to … Read more

No matter your riding style, every horse knows someone who hates having his mane pulled. This is not the case. Only 3% of horses have problems with professional braiders, mostly because they … Read more

Q: My nine-year-old mare has an odd habit that seems to be getting worse rather than better. I have regular instruction–dressage basics with some jumping. My horse refuses to take more contact … Read more

Q: I ride in an arena that doesn’t have mirrors. How can I tell if my horse is behind a vertical? Do you have any clues? –Name withheld on request A. I can clearly … Read more

Shoulder-in is my favorite exercise, due to its many incredible benefits: * A suppling exercise * This is a great exercise to straighten the spine because it allows you to … Read more

A horse’s tail can reveal a lot about his overall health and well-being. It should be visible at rest as well as during exercise. It should be lowered and carried with … Read more

Information about the Schwarzwalder Kaltblut horse The Black Forest records show that horse breeding was documented in the Black Forest as early as the fifteenth century. The Walderpferd was a type … Read more

Information about the Karabakh Horse The Karabakh horse is a rare breed that originated in Azerbaijan, Asia. This breed is extremely old and shares many of the same ancestral genes as … Read more

True or false: Horses grow their teeth throughout their lives. Short answer: False. Horses don’t get new teeth during their lives. This is a complicated story. Their very long, straight teeth push (erupt), through … Read more

Primary squamous-cell carcinoma is a common form of cancer in horses. It is only found in areas with squamous cell carcinoma, which can be the skin, stomach, and nasal cavities.The appearance … Read more

Melanoma, a common skin condition that causes nodules in older grey horses, is very common. It usually occurs between 7-8 years old. Over 80% of grey horses will experience at least … Read more

As an animal communicator, I view the problem from the perspective of the animal and not as a trainer. If a horse is being abused but has been treated well, then … Read more

White line disease (WLD), also known as seedy-toe, is a term that describes similar infections. WLD and seedy toe look identical and both involve the same opportunistic fungal or bacterial invaders. Both … Read more

Don’t panic if your horse has a swelling in his throat after coming from grazing. This could be due to Grass Glands. Horses can develop large submandibular lymphodes (the area behind … Read more

Horses are quadrupeds and can be ridden fast or jump to escape danger. As with any animal that has one leg at each corner of its body, if one limb is … Read more

GENETIC BOOTTLENECK OVERCOMING Przewalski’s horse, pronounced “shuh-VAL­skees”, faces the same challenge as many endangered species: recovering from an historic bottleneck. Przewalski’s horses today, which number around 2,000, are the descendants of … Read more

1. Horse Behavior There are several visual and behavioral indicators that can help you determine if your horse is in need of a better fitting saddle. Do any of these sound … Read more

Your horse may respond to your shouting name, and come running towards you. Did they recognize your name? Many riders believe their horse is intelligent enough to pick it out. Some riders aren’t so … Read more

The placenta connects the foal and mare, and is vital. It supplies oxygen and nutrients to the foal through various blood vessels and interconnections with the mare. The mare’s endometrium (the … Read more

Uveitis, a common cause for blindness in horses is still a mystery. It can also be difficult to treat in its recurrent forms. Although there is no cure, it does not necessarily … Read more

Osteochondrosis is a common cause for stifle lameness among young horses (see Osteochondrosis In Horses). The most common location for lesions in the stifle is the lateral trochantlear ridge of a horse’s … Read more

The fibularis (peroneus tertius) is a tendinous structure. It originates from the extensor Fossa in the femur, runs across the craniolateral side of the tibia, inserting on the dorsoproximal aspects … Read more

Vesicular Stomatitis, which affects horses, cattle, and pork, is caused by a virus. It rarely affects sheep and goats. It can also be transmitted to humans, and can cause flu-like diseases. Vesicular Stomatitis … Read more

Uterine prolapse refers to a condition in which the uterus protrudes from the vagina and turns inside out. Although it is uncommon in horses, it can occur within hours or minutes … Read more

The conjunctiva, a thin membrane covering the inner eyelids and reaching to the cornea of an eye, is thin. It is responsible for the movement of tears and eye, protecting the … Read more

Pigeon Fever (False Strangles) Horses can contract lymphangitis from infection with Corynebacterium fauxtuberculosis bacteria. The bacteria can enter through skin injuries such as insect bites or injections. This condition is often called pigeon flu, … Read more

Anemia is when there is a decrease of red blood cells. This can be measured using hemoglobin concentration or red blood cell count. Anemia can result from the destruction or lack of … Read more

The location of fractures in the proximal sesamoid bone is what determines their classification. Apical sesamoid fractures are the most common in Standardbreds, Thoroughbreds, and Thoroughbreds. These fractures are often caused by … Read more

Salmonellosis (see Salmonellosis), is the most common cause of diarrhea in adult horses. The clinical manifestations can range from mild to severe diarrhea (subclinical carrier), and even death. It is not common but … Read more

Many bacteria can cause infections of the urinary tract. Infections of the urinary system can occur by bacteria. There are many factors that increase the likelihood of a urinary tract infection. Problems … Read more

There are many symptoms associated with flexor tendon disorders, including foot and postural changes, lameness, debility, and lameness. These conditions can be congenital, so they are detected in newborn foals. Contractures in … Read more

Many skin conditions can affect the outer part of the ear called the pinna. Many conditions can also cause tissue changes elsewhere. Rarely does a disease only affect the outer ear. A thorough history, complete … Read more

Mastitis, also known as inflammation of the breast (mammary gland), is almost always caused by a bacterial infection. Mastitis can occur in mares who are nursing foals. It is most common … Read more

The equine pistolary, Oxyuris Equi, is widespread. Although the parasite is more prevalent in young horses, it can also occur at any age. The larval stages can cause inflammation in the ventral colon … Read more