Signs of colic If this is the case, it is not necessary to force the horse to walk, as tradition often dictates, although movement may help move the impaction along the tract. If the horse does start rolling violently, however, the horse should be walked until veterinary help arrives. Does Read more…
If your horse coughs occasionally, there is normally nothing to worry about. This is a perfectly natural way of keeping their airways clean from dust or small debris. Some coughs, however, may be an early sign of an inflammatory condition that deserves prompt action. When is a cough serious for Read more…
Horses, because of their size, have the potential to do the most non-motorized per capita damage. As equestrian trail users, we can and should take responsibility to minimize our impact by staying on the trail and not tying to trees. What are the disadvantages of riding a horse? It can Read more…
Humans are predator animals. Horses are prey animals. The horse’s natural enemies are predator animals: mountain lions, wolves and yes, humans! Predators kill prey animals and eat them. What is the natural enemy of the horse? The horse, a prey animal, depends on flight as its primary means of survival. Read more…
Soring, or “big lick”, is the use of chemicals to cause pain to the front feet and legs of horses when they touch the ground. This results in the horses picking up their front feet higher and faster than they would do naturally. Is the Big Lick still practiced? Soring Read more…
Many horses react to loud music or loud noises. Does loud music bother horses? Horses rarely become used to sounds above 100 dB. In a study among wild animals in the United States (including wild horses), the animals could not get used to noises above 100 dB. The animals became Read more…
Horses sometimes bite themselves when they’re in pain. For example, a horse with colic may nip at his flanks. Silver may also keep looking at himself, as if trying to see what’s going on. Why would a horse try to bite you? Typically, a horse bites someone as a sign Read more…
In horses of any age, bit chewing can signify anxiety. Different horses mature at different rates. Even if your horse seems physically prepared to perform at his current level, he may not be ready mentally. Try reducing the pressure: shorten your schooling sessions, take him on trail rides and so Read more…
Begin by gently scratching his chest, shoulder, or withers. Watch your horse’s body language as you touch him. An abused horse may be especially skittish and prone to making sudden movements. Talk to your horse. Do not ever raise your voice with him. Spend time talking with him for at Read more…
Horses are very apt at learning verbal commands: “whoa”, “walk”, “trot”, “canter” or similar words are quickly understood. The actual words usually do not matter, as long as they are consistent, though the tone of voice and the accenting of the word have an influence. Do horses respond to voice Read more…