How can I tell if my horse’s rug is too big or too small? If the turnout or stable rug hangs off the top of the tail the rug is probably too big. If the rug does not reach the top of the tail, the rug is probably too small. Read more…
A horse can safely carry more weight if it is healthy and in good condition. Another factor that affects a horse’s carrying capacity is its build. Some horses, like draft horses, are built to carry heavy loads, while other horses, like racehorses, are not meant to carry very much weight Read more…
Laminitis, a metabolic disorder commonly referred to as founder, can affect all four feet, but is most common in the front feet. Can a horse founder in one foot? Occasionally, laminitis occurs in only one foot, often as a result of excessive load bearing due to a severe lameness of Read more…
More specifically, they should not transport their horses without proof of a negative Coggins test. A negative result ensures that a horse does not have equine infectious anemia, a serious, often fatal viral disease for which there is no cure. Does my horse need a Coggins? Proof of a negative Read more…
DIRECTIONS Clean any mud or shavings off your horse’s hooves. Place their hoof on a piece of wood to keep it clean. Brush the polish on one hoof. Only do one at a time! Immediately sprinkle the glitter onto the hoof. Wait for each hoof to dry before riding, about Read more…
Horse riders and horse-drawn vehicles. Always pass wide and slowly. When you see a horse on a road, you should slow down to a maximum of 10 mph. Be patient, do not sound your horn or rev your engine. When safe to do so, pass wide and slow, allowing at Read more…
What is stringhalt? Stringhalt, or equine reflex hypertonia, is a neuromuscular condition that causes a gait abnormality characterized by involuntary, exaggerated upward movement of one or both of the hindlimbs. Is Stringhalt in horses painful? Stringhalt (Equine reflex hypertonia) is described as a non-painful neuropathic condition of horses that is Read more…
If you see a horse approaching from ahead of you on the trail, make eye contact with the rider, slow down, pull over to the side of the trail (or completely off the trail if its narrow), and ask the rider if you should stop while they pass. How do Read more…
Gas production is normal. In fact, a horse who has sufficient forage will often develop a “hay belly.” This is not fat, but rather, evidence of healthy gas production. Horses produce tremendous amounts of gas, which is why they flatulate a lot! Is it normal for horses to fart a Read more…
Grand Slam of Thoroughbred racing. What is it called when a horse wins all the races? In America, the Triple Crown is made up of The Kentucky Derby, The Preakness Stakes, and The Belmont stakes. Many countries have their own Triple Crown, and winning all three of these races is Read more…