Lush pastures containing high-yield grasses and white clover are not suitable for 24/7 turnout. As pretty as these green fields look, they are not the right pastures for horses. How long should horses be on pasture? The horses graze until they have removed about 50% of the forage, so 3-4″ Read more…
Why do they need to move so much? Horses rely on movement to keep their circulation working properly (both blood circulation and lymphatic fluid circulation). Every step a horse takes helps to keep their circulation working by ‘pumping’ fluid back up the legs. Why does a horse run? Adult horses Read more…
Equine Protozoal Myeloencephalitis, or EPM, is caused by a protozoan, the most common of which is Sarcocystis neurona and is the most commonly diagnosed neurological disease in horses today. Many horses have been exposed to this horse disease EPM, but not all horses develop the disease. What is the most Read more…
Lemon balm (Melissa officinalis) has a soothing effect on nervous symptoms in horses and dogs. The lemon-scented medicinal herb has soothing effects on the nerves as well as on gastrointestinal ailments. Is bee balm and lemon balm the same? Lemon balm (Melissa) is often called — and legitimately — bee Read more…
Fibrous feeds that are fermented in the hindgut to release energy are the most natural and also the ‘coolest’ sources of energy for horses. Using forages like pasture, hay, and chaff to provide the majority of the energy in your horse’s diet will help to keep your horse calm and Read more…
An average horse can gallop 1 to 2 miles (1.6 – 3.2 km) without a break, but the final distance depends on the horse’s breed, condition, and health. The maximum speed of a well-trained Thoroughbred horse can be up to 55 mph (88.5 km/h), but it rarely exceeds 25 to Read more…
Eye worms are spread to horses and cattle by face flies. After the larvae are deposited in a horse’s eye, the worms achieve their mature length of 18 mm (3/4 inch) in about 10 weeks. Can horses get eye infections from flies? Corneal Ulcers: Corneal ulcers are common during fly Read more…
Keep the area outside the barn clear of thick foliage, tree branches and other debris and mow grass short. Removing this shelter deters both rodents and snakes. Snakes are repelled by the smell of mothballs. Place small piles of mothballs in any dark corners or cubbyholes in your barn to Read more…
Flies are a natural part of keeping horses. Filth flies and aquatic biting flies are the main concerns in Minnesota. Understanding what these pests are and how they live and breed can help horse owners limit their fly pest problems. Why are there flies around my horse? Flies feed on Read more…
From acting as an area repellent to being placed directly on horses, vinegar is a good home-made solution for helping keep your horses fly-free. Use vinegar in home-made fly bait mixes. Many fly traps use fly bait. You can make your own by adding 2 cups of water and ½ Read more…