Clinical signs of TMJ inflammation might include quidding (dropping clumps of partially chewed, but undigested feed material from the mouth), anorexia, headshaking, head shyness, and fighting the bit. How do I know if my horse has TMJ? Pain in TMJ usually manifests as a rapid and involuntary shaking of the Read more…
Horses show affection for one another through vocalizations as well as by actions. They nicker to show happiness when greeting other horses, scratch to show affection, mutually groom one another as a sign of care and attention, and rest their heads over the necks of their pasture mates. Do horses Read more…
The hobby horse, also known as a stick horse, is a simple children’s toy. Although it was simply a toy horse’s head atop a wooden stick, we all know that this is enough to entertain most child for hours on end. The original hobby horses were made sometime in the Read more…
Horses with arthritis, laminitis or ringbone usually need shoes. Horses with weak hoof walls or weak, thin, pliable and tender soles could benefit from wearing shoes. (According to Esco Buff, a professional farrier, there is no truth that shoeing weakens horses’ soles over time.) Are horses better with or without Read more…
If it’s a front shoe, generally no. You should either get the shoe back on before you ride or take the other front shoe off. If it’s a back shoe, a lot of times it’s ok to ride, though you should do the same as front shoes within a reasonable Read more…
Reason 1) Protection. A general rule of thumb is this: If a horse’s hooves grow faster than they wear, a horse needs only to be trimmed. In this case shoes are likely not necessary. However, if a horse’s hooves wear faster than they grow, the feet should be protected. Why Read more…
ride (one’s) hobby-horse To frequently or incessantly talk or complain about a subject, topic, or issue in which one is excessively interested. What does riding the hobby horse mean? to follow a favourite pastimeFrom the term “hobby horse” came the expression “to ride one’s hobby-horse”, meaning “to follow a favourite Read more…
Sometimes horses kick out of simple playfulness. You’ll often see horses frolicking in a field, galloping, bucking and kicking as they go. It’s a way to burn off steam and stretch their limbs. This type of kicking isn’t intended to cause harm but may do so by accident. What does Read more…
It really hurts to be kicked by a horse, and you can expect a broken bone or serious contusions. The real danger of a kick is the blunt force trauma of the horse’s hooves that can severely and even fatally damage the human body. How painful is a kick from Read more…
While you can’t ride a yearling horse, you can establish a solid foundation for a long and successful riding career in the future. The early years provide a great opportunity to teach things like ground manners, grooming, leading, tying, lunging, trailering, and even in-hand trail obstacles. Can you put a Read more…