VISION in the HORSE: WHAT DOES A HORSE “SEE?” Horses have a 360 degree total visual field. This means that horses can see their tail with their heads pointed forward. Post-natally, … Read more

Espophageal obstruction (or “choke”) is a common equine emergency. Choking in horses is different from choking in humans. In human medicine, choking refers only to a tracheal or windpipe obstruction. But … Read more

The Internet is an amazing resource. It allows horse owners all over the world to quickly and easily exchange ideas about horsemanship and management. Unfortunately, there is a lot of incorrect … Read more

Vesicular stamatitis (VS), a contagious disease, can affect horses, livestock, wildlife, and humans. Although the disease is not life-threatening, it can have a significant financial impact on horses. Vesicular Stomatitis can be … Read more

Equine pastern Dermatitis (EPD) is a skin reaction that can cause scrubbing. It is not a disease. Owners and veterinarians must address the primary, predisposing, and perpetuating causes of a case. … Read more

These guidelines are meant to serve as a guide for veterinarians who use vaccines in their practices. These guidelines are not intended to be used as directives or regulations and should … Read more

You have made the decision to buy a horse and join the millions of other horse owners. Horses, like all large animals, are highly responsible. Horses are now living longer and more … Read more

Hay of high quality can provide important nutrients for your horse’s diet. Horses’ energy and protein needs depend on their age, stage of development and how much they work. A mature horse … Read more

Anoplocephala Perfoliata is a common equine tapworm. It can be found on all properties that horses have access to pasture. It’s not unusual to find this parasite on a horse. Tapeworms are a … Read more

Many horse owners are familiar with this scenario: Yesterday your horse was healthy, but today your horse is crippled. What could have possibly happened? It is possible that this horse has a … Read more

Special Care & Nutrition Horse ownership is a rewarding business. Many horses will eat more than they need if given the chance, which can lead to an unhealthy balance. Overfeeding your horse … Read more

My advice to veterinary students is to see a lot of horses that are healthy and sound in order to identify a sick horse or lame horse. Although horses are different, … Read more

Ticks are an increasing parasite of horses in the United States. They are common in many parts of the country, where they were not present before. Global warming is blamed by some, … Read more

What is the difference between jumpers and hunters? How/where can I learn more? The most significant difference between jumpers and hunters is how they are judged. Judges of hunters are subjectively … Read more

No matter what type of riding you do – the more you communicate with your horse using your leg, seat, and hand aids, the better your horse will perform. Your … Read more

Find out about the various types of nosebands available and how to choose the right one for you horse. There is no one way to determine the best noseband for … Read more

Learn more about the contagious bacterial skin condition dermatophilosis. Prevention is important and treatment is crucial. A skin condition known as dermatophilosis (or rain rot) could cause matted tufts or … Read more

Lisa Zinger, FEI Dressage competitor, explains draw reins and side reins with tips for avoiding common errors. What are the purposes of side and draw reins? How and when should they … Read more

Based on your horse’s individual needs, decide whether you will shoe or leave him barefoot. A horse’s hoof can, in many cases, provide all the support, protection and traction that … Read more

Studies of herds of wild and semi-wild horses show that horses take “power naps” and use the buddy system to get the rest they need while keeping safe from predators. … Read more

Jim Wofford discusses the two positions you need to take in eventing’s jumping phases: show jumping and cross-country. When was the last lesson you received on your posting technique? It’s been … Read more

Research on wild and semi-wild horses has shown that they take power naps and use the buddy system for rest and protection from predators. You need eight hours of uninterrupted … Read more

This cranial-nerve disorder can be managed to improve the quality of your horse’s life. Trigeminal-mediated head shaking, a nerve disorder that causes frequent and seemingly involuntary head tilting, could be … Read more

You can find out if your horse is at high risk for these sidelines, including deep digital flexor tendon and suspensory ligament injuries. How can a horse be like a … Read more

Lyme disease in horses is on the rise. Here are the facts. Stiffness in the right hock of your horse was the first problem. Although the hock is now more flexible, he … Read more

To give your horse the best chance of a complete recovery after a tendon tear, learn what to do at each stage. 9-12 months. Your veterinarian has advised that your horse … Read more

To make your horse look more fuller and cleaner, you can simply bangle their tail. This is a simple way to make the horse’s head look longer. This sharp look is … Read more

These critical joints can be damaged by wear and tear. These are the most recent targeted treatments to prevent hock problems in horses. Your horse is leaning against the bit, refusing … Read more

What is the best way for your horse to sleep well? Experts in equine behavior say that it may not be what you think. It’s nearly time to get warm for … Read more

One complaint that I hear from students of all levels at clinics around the country is the difficulty in putting horses on the bit. It doesn’t have it to be this … Read more

This microbial infection can be treated quickly by taking immediate action. Although your horse seemed fine last night when you left him alone in his stall, this morning, he is … Read more

It is interesting to consider that I have spent most of my life at the galloping – the important parts of my life. Most of my first memories of horses involve … Read more

This guide will help you manage your most stubborn riding issues. We have seen and heard your pleas for assistance on our forums, in letters, e-mails and in your Jumping … Read more

A reader asked if her horse can drink beer. Q A racehorse trainer in Ireland once said to me that horses are traditionally fed Guinness(r), beer, after they win a competition. Do … Read more

Q: As I get ready to show my horse, my barn friends advise me that I must pull the mane of my horse so it can be braided. It sounds awful … Read more

Horses are experiencing more summer sores. Find out more about parasite-related skin conditions. (c) Amy K. Dragoo It began with a superficial cut on your horse’s pastern. It was quickly cleaned up … Read more

Leasing a horse can be a cost-saving option for those who are budget conscious. This arrangement is essentially a formal rental agreement between a horse owner and a rider. It has … Read more

Q “My horse has been a cribber for a long time and I cannot get him to stop. A cribbing collar would make him feel uncomfortable. Is there any other way to stop … Read more

Horses are very vocal. This is how you can interpret his vocal sounds. Horses don’t have a singular sound that conveys a particular idea. However, they do use vocal sounds to … Read more

However, a torn suspensory nerve can end your horse’s career. Early diagnosis and treatment can make a difference. The suspensory ligament is stretched to allow the horse’s fetlock to sink … Read more

A. Rain rot is an equine bacterial skin condition caused by Dermatophilus consgolensis. These scabs are crusty and can cause bare patches on the skin. Rain rot is a disease that affects the areas … Read more

You notice your mare becoming more cranky as the days get longer and you anticipate more riding time. You should be careful with her pinched ears and difficulty under saddle. She will … Read more

What is the difference between a sorrel and a chestnut? What is the difference between a paint and a pinto dog? How do you breed them? Learn more about the genetics of coat … Read more

1. You should inspect your horse’s feet. You can give your horse a head start in maintaining healthy hooves and, as I will explain, you can take action early on common hoof … Read more

A. Thrush refers to a bacterial infection in the tissue of a frog. It is located in the V-shaped structure between the sole, wall, and bars at the heel of … Read more

The most significant difference between jumpers and hunters is how they are judged. Judges of hunters are subjectively made by expert horsemen based on their style, movement, conformation, overall appearance, and … Read more

No matter what type of riding you do – the more you communicate with your horse using your leg, seat, and hand aids, the better your horse will perform. Unconsciously, many … Read more

Sweet itching is one of the most common allergies that horses suffer from in the UK. Learn how to prevent and treat it. What is sweet itching? Sweet itch can … Read more

Feathers can look amazing, especially when they are in flight. They can pose a problem for those who care for horses with this amount of hair. Infestation with heel mites is one … Read more

What is mud fever? This term can also be used to describe a variety of skin conditions, commonly known as pastern dermatis. The infection can be caused by bacteria that thrives … Read more