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
Savvy ways to wisely direct dollars in horse ownership
Uncertain economic times mean taking a hard look at where to make your investments
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
Some feeds can be too easy to digest for horses
The mechanics of nibbling, chomping and crunching are important to horse health
Reading Time: 3 minutes There is a harmonic resonance that is audibly evident when a horse chews. This chewing sound soothes, calms and contents the nervous system of the horse, and most horse owners would agree that it also soothes the nervous system of the human. There are many reasons chewing is an important part of a horse’s life […] Read more
There isn’t a silver bullet to prevent arthritis in horses
Proper nutrition, a sensible exercise program, foot care, and good management are the best defence
Reading Time: 4 minutes There is a popular trend in the horse industry marketing the idea of ‘basic joint maintenance,’ with marketing campaigns that emotionally drive the idea that various products can bestow a protection against arthritis. It might be an intravenous or intramuscular injection or an oral supplement but the pitch is similar — these products claim to […] Read more
The evolution of deworming strategies in the horse
Old recommendations of regular treatments aren’t the best course of action anymore
Reading Time: 4 minutes Many horse owners are very committed to the regular and timely deworming of their horses. Oral paste dewormers have become a major staple in stables, tack shops, feed outlets and veterinary pharmacies and readily available to the horse owner. Although this availability of paste and gel dewormers does seem ideal, traditional practices of deworming horses […] Read more
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