All ribs can be seen. Horses that look like these may not have dental issues or parasite issues, but they are simply aren’t getting quit enough hay of good quality or enough pasture. They may need a bump up in Read more…
When you pull back on the reins, your horse is likely to shorten his neck, stiffen through his back, hollow away from your seat, lift his head above the bit, and/or come against the contact. That “backward hand” causes the Read more…
Pulling on the reins can be used to steer or stop the horse. The sides of a horse’s mouth are sensitive, so pulling on the reins pulls the bit, which then pulls the horse’s head from side to side, which Read more…
Adding vegetable oil, such as canola oil, is a useful way to boost the caloric density of your horse’s diet without significantly increasing his feed intake. Another fat source to consider is stabilized rice bran, a high-fat supplement that is Read more…
“Slow your horse down by bending and turning rather than pulling on the reins. Lateral bending causes your horse to naturally slow down his legs. Your horse should bend around your inside leg while keeping his nose in line with Read more…
There can be some between the ribs, but ideally not over them. Gently move your hand over your horse’s spine and withers: ideally, you should be able to see the backbone and feel its arch with light pressure. How do Read more…
Some view it this simply: if ribs are visible, the horse is at least a body condition score (BCS) of 4 and maybe lower; if ribs are not visible, the horse is at least a 5 and perhaps higher. Ribs Read more…
I would also blanket a somewhat thin horse if the temperatures drop to the lower 20s or teens or if he is older or ill. When should I blanket my underweight horse? Horses that are unwell, older, or underweight typically Read more…
On the other hand (or leg, as it were), Western riders tend to prefer a pair of jeans because of their durability and convenience. It’s easy to hop off your horse and move on with your day when wearing denim. Read more…
In regard to how much cracked corn to feed, the general guideline would dictate no more than 3.5 lb (1.6 kg) for an average horse at each feeding, given the conventional safe level of starch recommended by nutritionists is 0.45-0.90 Read more…