Racing. In horse racing you commonly see blinkers — also called blinders — or cheekpieces that obstruct a horse’s peripheral vision. This prevents the horse from being distracted, and is particularly helpful for green or inexperienced racehorses. Can horses need glasses? Horses, on the other hand, rarely have issues with Read more…
Horseback riding is a popular form of outdoor recreation in Illinois. IDNR comprises 44% of the total miles of equestrian trails in the state (from the Illinois Recreation Facilities Inventory). Currently there are 46 IDNR sites that provide equestrian facilities. Is it legal to ride a horse in Illinois? Horse Read more…
Starting Jan. 1, 2021, the popular carriage rides will be prohibited throughout the city. The Chicago City Council has decided to end the city’s long-standing horse-drawn carriage industry. Does Chicago still have horse and carriage rides? Tours Available All Year Long Experience a horse and carriage rides any time of Read more…
Horses spend most of their time standing to escape predators. Horses also have a mechanism that allows them to rest while they’re standing up. Some horse owners teach their horses to sit down; however, it’s unnatural. Is it true that horse never sit? Horses can rest standing up or lying Read more…
The researchers found that vitamin D did not affect the frequency or severity of muscle cramps despite vitamin D repletion. This same study also found no relationship between muscle cramps and dietary or serum magnesium or fluid intake. Can excess vitamin D cause leg cramps? Some individuals are more sensitive, Read more…
In nature, a horse is a cognitive animal because life in the wild requires it. Equine cognition has been shaped by the evolutionary process, both by the environmental challenges and complex social dynamics. In fact, every species has its own particular cognitive abilities and skills, as does every individual. Are Read more…
Cramps were located in calves (10/12), feet (4/12) and hands (4/12) more commonly. Zinc supplementation improved cramps in 10/12 patients, and in seven of these patients the cramps completely resolved. What vitamins should I take for charley horses? Step 1: Get plenty of vitamin D-3, magnesium, potassium, and calcium (get Read more…
Keeping your horse going smoothly and flexibly is super important for his health. As a rider, we still hinder our horse’s freedom of movement, but by stretching regularly we can get his muscles back in balance. This improves coordination, blood circulation and reduces muscle tension and stiffness. Why is stretching Read more…
While it hasn’t been proven yet, researchers posit that pickle juice may help cramps by triggering muscular reflexes when the liquid contacts the back of the throat. This reflex shuts down the misfiring of neurons in muscle all over the body, and “turns off” the cramping feeling. Does pickle juice Read more…
If symptoms flare up, rest and cold hosing (or other cold therapy) can help. So can nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as phenylbutazone. But soreness often returns when the horse goes back to work, and long-term treatment with NSAIDs may have harmful effects. How can I improve my horse’s hocks? Read more…