Geldings and mares will commonly rub their tails if their sheaths or udders needs to be cleaned. All horses produce smegma, a thick, black substance that’s made up of dead skin cells and natural oils mixed with dirt and dust from the horse’s environment, that accumulates between the folds of Read more…
Copper (Cu) is an essential trace mineral that is required in the equine diet to support the proper function of many enzymes in the horse’s body. Copper is important for iron metabolism, healthy connective tissue, energy production and antioxidant protection. Should I give my horse copper? Copper is a critical Read more…
There are several reasons why your horses may form a habit of chewing. This habit is more common among horses that are kept indoors more often than others. Nevertheless, some of the most common causes are boredom and frustration, stress, nutritional deficiencies, lack of social interaction, and possibly genetics. What Read more…
Chewing on objects is typically self-medication for the horse. Chewing, or self-medicating, is most likely due to discomfort – stemming from physical and/or mental stress from lack of forage. Chewing activates saliva production, which buffers gastric acid. How do I stop my horse chewing everything? If you keep your horse’s Read more…
Overall, many horse owners like to use collars when their horse becomes harder to catch. However, leaving it on 24 x 7 isn’t really recommended. It could lead to injuries if the collar gets caught on a bucket or something else. Is there a difference between Halter and headcollar? A Read more…
Sometimes a horse will swish or “switch” his tail to lift a nagging fly off his hide. Sometimes he will swish his tail to balance his body in an extreme maneuver. But most of the time, it’s because he or she is irritated or defensive. Why is my horse wagging Read more…
Hawthorne’s Witch Hazel for horses is a great multi-use mild astringent. Witch-hazel helps to shrink and contract blood vessels back to normal size. Use it for reducing swelling of muscle strains and sprains or to wipe off dirt and grime after a workout. Can you put witch hazel on horses? Read more…
The key to using coconut oil in your horse’s hair is to apply a generous amount. You’ll want to work it into every strand for six days in a row. Make sure you coat the entire length of the hair. After each application, leave the oil in the hair to Read more…
Whether you use your fingers, a brush or a comb, always start at the bottom of the tail and work your way up. This will keep you from pulling out hairs if you hit a tangle. Applying a detangling product like Farnam’s Laser Sheen or Vetrolin on the tail first Read more…
Within this alien-looking plant genus are 11 species and four hybrids in the U.S. We have two species in North Carolina, E. arvense or field horsetail, and E. hymale, horsetails or scouring rush. Both grow in Guilford County. Does horsetail grow in NC? It now favors wet areas along railroad Read more…