Treat Hoof Problems ACV is very effective at treating minor ailments in horse’s hooves such as seedy toe (white line disease), abscesses and thrush. Mix ΒΌ a cup of ACV in a bucket of water (approx. 3 litres) and if your horse is patient enough have him stand with his Read more…
Regular deworming is an important step to preventing summer sores in horses. Deworming at the right time of year with the right medication will kill the larvae that cause these painful lesions. As a general rule, it’s no longer recommended to deworm your horse every 2 to 3 months. Why Read more…
Avoid use of saddles and tack until the sores are fully healed. Riding bareback will allow the horse to be exercised. If a saddle must be used, protect the sore area with an extra blanket or foam pad, making sure that no pressure is placed on the saddle sore. Can Read more…
Long toes and underrun heels go hand-in-hand with flat feet. Most horses can recover from flat-footedness with corrective farriery, improved diet and physical rehabilitation. What causes a horse to be flat-footed? Mostly, though, as stated, flat feet are the result of incorrect trimming of the hooves. The sole will exfoliate Read more…
Most commercial feeds contain iodine in the form of iodized salt, calcium iodate, EDDI or kelp meal. What is horse feed iodine? Iodine is a trace mineral that horses uses to regulate their basal or resting metabolism. Iodine is concentrated in the thyroid gland, located next to the trachea and Read more…
Lameness is a key sign of thin soles. If the condition isn’t diagnosed, horses are often uncomfortable walking around, especially on hard, abrasive surfaces, and some develop sole bruising. When these symptoms are prevalent, it’s important to examine the soles. What does it mean if a horse has thin soles? 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…
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…
The most prevalent bacterial causes of enteritis/colitis include Clostridium perfringens type C, Clostridium difficile, Clostridium piliforme, Salmonella spp, Rhodococcus equi, Ehrlichia risticii, and Lawsonia intracellularis. Equine rotavirus and coronavirus are the most prevalent viral agents of enteric disease. What causes gut infections in horses? Clostridium bacteria have been diagnosed as 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…