The superficial digital flexor tendon (SDFT) is the most clinically significant tendon in equine athletes and is functionally equivalent to the human Achilles tendon. Does a horse have an Achilles tendon? The equine Achilles tendon is composed of the gastrocnemius tendon (GT), the tarsal tendon of the biceps femoris, semitendinosus Read more…
A normal temperature for a healthy horse is between 37 and 38 degrees Celsius (or 99 to 101F). If your horse’s temperature is significantly higher or lower than the normal parameters, a vet should be called ASAP. What temperature is too high for a horse? The average is 100°F. A Read more…
Stocking: white marking that extends at least to the bottom of the knee or hock, sometimes higher. Sock: white marking that extends higher than the fetlock but not as high as the knee or hock. This marking is sometimes called a “boot.” What does stocking up in horses mean? What Read more…
“Stocking up” is swelling in the lower limbs caused by pooling of lymph, a fluid containing infection-fighting white blood cells that circulates through the lymphatic system. Stocking up is typically temporary and often occurs due to reduced activity, which impairs circulation. How do you treat stocked up legs in horses? Read more…
Yes, shoes for cows. Although the bovine hoofwear come in bright colors, they are designed to be more practical than fashionable. Why do cows don’t wear shoes? No, typically a shoe keeps the hoof from wearing under work load. Cows don’t generally have that kind of loading to withstand, and Read more…
Horses do not need regular baths to stay clean; usually, grooming is enough to keep a horse clean and healthy. But baths are useful to cool a horse after strenuous work, eliminate stubborn stains, and brighten its coat for an event or show. Some horse owners bathe their horses weekly, Read more…
Rarely some horses require frequent cleaning but the average horse only needs to be thoroughly cleaned a couple times a year. Too frequent cleaning, or cleaning with a harsh cleanser can be irritating and can remove some of the natural bacteria making your horse susceptible to infection. What happens if Read more…
Topline evaluation is done by measuring the musculature along the spine, and giving a grade of A, B, C, or D. This score indicates AMINO ACID status and muscle quality. How do you judge a horse’s topline? An ideal topline can be described as well-muscled, displaying a full and rounded Read more…
A shaving horse (shave horse, or shaving bench) is a combination of vice and workbench, used for green woodworking. Typical usage of the shaving horse is to create a round profile along a square piece, such as for a chair leg or to prepare a workpiece for the pole lathe. Read more…
Horses who have difficultly using one hind leg may choose to cross-canter to reduce the amount of effort used by the hurting limb. Horses who have a weak hind end, rear leg problems or back problems may cross-canter because performing a regular canter is painful for them. How do you Read more…