Reading Time: 3 minutes The observance of a cresty neck in a horse indicates some level of metabolic sickness and reflects more than just a fat horse. Although the fat or obese horse is burdened with a form of metabolic illness, the appearance of a cresty neck signals further metabolic complications along the continuum of diseases associated with obesity. […] Read more
A ‘cresty’ neck is an indicator of illness and should be addressed
Neck fat is associated with several health issues, including laminitis and obesity
Mineral deficiency can affect both broodmare and her foal
For a healthy and well-nourished foal, start with a healthy and nourished mare
Reading Time: 3 minutes The physical demands placed upon the body of the broodmare are extraordinary, especially as the number of offspring she is expected to bear increases. These demands and expectations easily position the broodmare as a top performance horse in the horse industry. The broodmare relies on body reserves and nutritional resources to fund a smooth breeding […] Read more
When young horses are missing their front teeth
There’s a fairly predictable pattern for the loss of ‘baby’ teeth and when their permanent ones appear
Reading Time: 3 minutes Whenever horse owners notice that their horse is missing one or more front teeth they will often question the significance of this loss. This question generally applies to the grouping of 12 incisor teeth that are readily visible under the horse’s lips. Implications for loss of an incisor tooth depends upon the age of the […] Read more
Savvy ways to wisely direct dollars in horse ownership
Uncertain economic times mean taking a hard look at where to make your investments
Reading Time: 3 minutes Whenever economic times become uncertain, peripheral lifestyle choices such as horse ownership often become affected. Regardless of the circumstances that initiate evaluation or re-evaluation of financial resources pertinent to horse-keeping practices, it is prudent to understand where allocation of financial resources contribute the greatest benefit to the horse’s well-being. There is no one single best […] Read more
Caring for horses through the COVID-19 pandemic
A few things will change, but most of what you will need has been designated an essential service
Reading Time: 2 minutes The COVID-19 pandemic is impacting the horse community as a balance is sought between optimizing human welfare and horse welfare. Many horse owners are well educated regarding the principles of biosecurity in terms of precautions and preventive measures taken to limit the spread of disease. Two powerful and effective biosecurity practices common to both the […] Read more
Boots help horses maintain and improve footfall
These accessories can’t be used long term but can help the horse deal with discomfort and weakness
Reading Time: 3 minutes Hoof boots have become one of the fastest-growing accessories in the equine marketplace since their inception nearly two decades ago. Even at that time the most primitive of hoof boots fashioned with duct tape and inner tube and/or Styrofoam cut-outs were found to bring a high level of comfort and functionality to horses with sore […] Read more
There’s no hard-and-fast rule, but horses have weight limits
There are, however, some good guidelines and common sense goes a long way
Reading Time: 3 minutes To date there exists no scientific studies or simple mathematical equations that determine what is — or isn’t — too heavy for a ridden horse to comfortably carry. Current research would seem to suggest that once the combined weight of a rider and tack falls into the range of 15 to 20 per cent of […] Read more
A good sleep is as important in horses as in people
Let sleeping horses lie
Reading Time: 3 minutes All land mammals require deep sleep for proper physical, mental and emotional functioning. Yet equine sleep is rarely considered as a significant contributor to the well-being of the horse. Perhaps this arises from the flawed presumption that horses can ‘sleep standing up.’ Unfortunately this misunderstanding can have serious implications to the well-being and welfare of […] Read more
Modern-day horses face ergonomic hazards, too
Small pens, repeated movement and the training circle can all cause chronic injuries
Reading Time: 4 minutes Carpal tunnel syndrome, tennis elbow and texting thumb are all specific types of soft tissue injury that humans experience. This type of injury to the soft tissue (tendons and ligaments) is unique to modern-day lifestyle and/or work environments. They arise in response to repetitive movements which are often carried out in an unnatural or imbalanced […] Read more
What’s underfoot has a big effect on horse soundness
Footing surface impacts the quality of performance and can even bring a risk of injury
Reading Time: 3 minutes Horses are well adapted to move over a variety of terrain and their entire bodies benefit tremendously from doing so. Variable ground surfaces in a horse’s environment challenge and stimulate the healthy development of hooves, supportive connective tissues and musculoskeleture — all the while weaving in resiliency and soundness for the horse. Footing is a […] Read more
Cyber-Savvy Farmer
