A war horse is often thought of as a huge cavalry charger or a smart officer’s mount. But during the First World War (1914-18), horses’ roles were much more varied. Their contribution included carrying and pulling supplies, ammunition, artillery and even the wounded. Are horses good for war? Horses were Read more…
Horsetail is mostly consumed in the form of tea, which is made by steeping the dried herb in hot water. What is horsehair used for? It is used for various purposes, including upholstery, brushes, the bows of musical instruments, a hard-wearing fabric called haircloth, and for horsehair plaster, a wallcovering Read more…
By the end of World War I, horses had proved as vulnerable as humans to new military tactics and technologies. And, just like human soldiers, millions of horses died in the war. Why did horses stop being used in war? The mode of warfare changed, and the use of trench Read more…
Sunburns occur most often on horses with light-colored coats, such as grays, Appaloosas, Paints and pintos, and on horses with bald faces or a white blaze or stripe. Do horses need sun protection? Protecting your horse against the sun is vital in the summer months. Like humans, horses can get Read more…
By World War II, motor vehicles had replaced horses in the Canadian Army. Today, the Canadian Army uses horses for ceremonial duties, riding clubs and treatment programs for soldiers suffering from stress injuries. Does the Canadian army still use horses? The Strathcona Ceremonial Mounted Troop is the mounted ceremonial cavalry Read more…
“Hot air rises, and when horses are scared they lift their heads and their respiration rate increases. In an enclosed space, they are at risk from toxic and often superheated smoke, as well as the physical effects of radiant heat. What are horses scared of the most? In the wild, Read more…
Tail-swishing indicates tension in the horse, often from back pain or other orthopedic issues. Checking saddle fit and back health is a good place to start. Another common cause of tension under saddle is equine gastric ulcer syndrome. What does it mean when a horse lifts its tail? Sexual Receptiveness Read more…
If you braid too tightly, your horse will be uncomfortable. Even if circulation isn’t cut off with tight braids, they can be (as we just mentioned) uncomfortable to wear. Sometimes they are even painful. This isn’t something you want to put your horse through. Is it safe to braid a Read more…
A horse that holds his tail to one side could be indicating a loss of motion in the sacrum joint or in the tissues surrounding it. A chiropractor may be able to help by manipulating the horse’s spine to return normal movement to the tail. Why does my horse carry Read more…
Message: “I feel threatened.” At its most primal level, the equine kick is a defensive weapon. Horses in the wild can and often do repel predators by lashing out with their hooves. This response is instinctive so, depending on the situation, you may see it with even the most placid Read more…