The umbilical cord breaks when the mare stands or the foal gets to its feet. The stump of the umbilical cord will need dressing to avoid infection. The third stage of foaling in horses is the passing of the placenta – this is typically expelled with an hour of the Read more…
Equine gastric ulcer syndrome (EGUS), the most common gastrointestinal disease in horses, refers to ulcerative lesions of the stomach. What are the common digestive disorders common in horses? Colic, equine gastric ulcer syndrome (EGUS) and parasites are some of the most frequently seen diseases of horses’ digestive systems. Foals are Read more…
Ideally, a horse should carry its head no lower than level and its nose should be in front of vertical.” How should a horse carry its head? When a horse moves forward freely, he usually carries his head raised above wither level. The neck will be long and relaxed – Read more…
To lunge your horse safely, avoid these common mistakes. Mistake #1: Skimping on safety equipment. Mistake #2: Using a halter. Mistake #3: Allowing floppy reins. Mistake #4: Forgetting your lunge whip. Mistake #5: Being sloppy with the lunge line. Mistake #6: Not standing your ground. When should you not lunge Read more…
Clostridium bacteria have been diagnosed as a cause of intestinal inflammation (enterocolitis) in horses and foals. Although some Clostridium bacteria are normally found in the intestines of many healthy horses and foals, certain variants of the bacteria that produce toxins appear to cause the disease. How do I know if Read more…
Remember – a horse with their head up cannot buck. Also, make sure to keep your leg on. Many times a rider will try to correct bucking by stopping the horse. It is much more correct to reinforce forward motion. What does it mean when a horse bucks its head? Read more…
Horse Health Pine Tar is intended to help restore moisture to hardened frogs, keep hooves from cracking and splitting, and maintain hoof pliability. A natural topical antiseptic, germicidal treatment to maintain hoof health. How do I toughen my horses hooves? The addition of biotin, a common ingredient in hoof supplements, Read more…
Ten Ways to Optimize Your Horse’s Digestive System Maximize pasture turnout. Feed good quality hay. Don’t let your horse’s stomach empty out. Go easy on the grain. Offer hay first, then grain. Replace some carbohydrates in your horse’s diet with alternative caloric sources. Never limit fresh water. What can I Read more…
If your horse is suffering from cracked, dry hooves, coconut oil can help. Coconut oil contains vitamins C and E as well as capric acid and lauric acid which can help promote healthy hooves, skin, and hair. Rub coconut oil onto sore or dry spots of the hooves daily. Can Read more…
Thin soles can be caused by over-trimming, and most practitioners now know not to try to trim an arch into a flat sole. Wet environments can overly soften the sole and contribute to thinning. Then, too, some horses are simply genetically predisposed to thin soles. How do you treat thin Read more…