Reading Time: 4 minutes Telemedicine has transformed equine care, but video is an introduction to a horse's health — not a replacement for first-hand observation.
Telemedicine is a powerful vet tool — but it has blind spots
Video consultations have transformed horse care, but camera angles, selective clips and screen-mediated observation can miss what matters most
Linebreeding horses drives genetic bottlenecks
Too much linebreeding and prioritizing pedigree can narrow genetic diversity and lead to horse health problems in future generations of foals
Reading Time: 4 minutes Too much linebreeding and prioritizing pedigree can narrow genetic diversity and lead to horse health problems in future generations of foals.
Beware giving horses too much iron
While an important nutrient, horses consuming too much iron through diet or well water can risk health problems like laminitis
Reading Time: 4 minutes Horses consuming too much iron through diet or well water risk health problems like laminitis. Mineral testing forage and water is good practice for owners.
Ignoring growth plates sabotages young horse development
Training plans and workloads for young horses must match their skeletal development, even when they look physically mature from the outside
Reading Time: 3 minutes Young horse training plans and workloads must match their skeletal development. Failing to plan around growth plates can create lifelong physical problems.
Weekend warrior horses at risk
Lack of activity followed by intense bursts of exercise increases strain and injury risk in humans; horses are the same
Reading Time: 3 minutes Horses need steady, rhythmic movement. Going from no activity to weekend bursts of exercise risks physical strain and injury.
Canada’s slaughter horse industry lacks transparency
Slaughter for horses has a role, but traceability and humane handling must be in play
Reading Time: 3 minutes Horse slaughter is a fraught issue right now in the Canadian livestock sphere. The author writes that, while it has a role, traceability, transparency and humane handling must be in play.
The art of effective slow feeding for horses
Bring slow feeding into your horse’s routine: How to get started, what to expect and the benefits horse owners can expect to see
Reading Time: 3 minutes Slow feeding horses: How to get started, what to expect and the benefits horse owners can expect to see when hay is no longer getting eaten all at once.
Your horse is not your pet
Horses have different care, handling and housing needs compared to other companion species like dogs or cats
Reading Time: 3 minutes Treating horses like pets restricts healthy movement and activity, critical social interaction in a herd, leads to unnatural feeding strategies and practices and can seriously impact a horse's health and well-being.
Doerksen Brothers named Alberta’s 2024 Outstanding Young Farmers
Gem-area operation practices regenerative agriculture, has strong direct-to-consumer brand
Reading Time: 3 minutes Doerksen Brothers are the 2024 Alberta Oustanding Young Farmers winners.
Max your horsepower: proper fuel for your horse requires proper carbs
Not all carbohydrates are created equal when it comes to feeding horses
Reading Time: 3 minutes Modern horse feeding advice frequently recommends adding concentrated feeds to pasture or hay diets. This is often considered essential to meet caloric needs for performance or to ensure sufficient intake of vitamins and minerals. There is growing evidence that paints a different picture. Grain-heavy processed diets may contribute to various digestive and metabolic disorders, including […] Read more