Horse flies (insect family Tabanidae) are probably the most severe fly pests of cattle on Missouri pasture and range (Figures 1 and 2). Only the females “bite,” but the blood-feeding activities of these large, agile insects can constitute a serious threat to economical cattle performance when populations are large. Why Read more…
Have you ever seen a strange indent on the lower part of a horse’s neck? It looks concerning, but it is harmless. It is a depression in the neck or shoulder muscle that just so happens to be in the shape of a thumbprint. Most commonly this indentation is a Read more…
The ancient Pegasus is a mythological winged horse. The Hippalectryon is a half-horse, half-rooster hybrid depicted in ancient Greek art. Was Pegasus the only winged horse? Variations of stories involving winged horses do exist, but the legend of Pegasus and the tragic hero Bellerophon is the most prominent. In modern Read more…
winging-out movement of the front feet (abnormal. circular motion). This is more often seen in horses. who have a standing toed-in conformation. What causes winging in horses? Pigeon toes tend to cause paddling or winging. Splayed feet encourage dishing or winging in and may result in severe interfering and permanent Read more…
All equines are heterodontous, which means that they have different shaped teeth for different purposes. All horses have twelve incisors at the front of the mouth, used primarily for cutting food, most often grass, whilst grazing. What are a horse’s front teeth called? Incisors: Horses have 6 upper and 6 Read more…
Running martingales help give the rider extra control by discouraging the horse from raising its head beyond the point that the bit works correctly in the horse’s mouth. It works by stabilising the reins and applying downward pressure on the mouth via the bit and reins when the horse raises Read more…
o One swirl between the eyes indicates an easy going, uncomplicated horse. o Swirls higher on the forehead indicate greater intelligence and a more reactive nature. o Long swirls, especially those that extend below the eyes indicate a friendly and agreeable nature. What does 2 swirls on a horses head Read more…
Blinkers, visors and winkers are cups or padding attached to the head to limit a horse’s vision in various ways. With their extraordinary wraparound vision, horses can normally see across 320 degrees without moving their heads. What is the difference between winkers and blinkers? Sometimes, a “set of winkers” can Read more…
The cost for a “Pre-Purchase Exam” consists of a physical and soundness evaluation. The veterinarian will draw blood to keep on hand for 6 months in the event that drug testing is requested. The typical exam can take anywhere from 2-3 hours depending on how many optional services are performed. Read more…
The noseband is used to make sure that the two metal bars, or “bits”, of the double bridle are kept in the right place in the horse’s mouth, and ensure that the horse cannot put its tongue over them. Is a noseband necessary? As it turns out, the vast majority Read more…