The simple answer is yes. A pasture can potentially be the sole source of nutrition for a horse. Given the variability of a horse’s own metabolism and needs, though, pasture alone may not be sufficient for your horse. This is Read more…
A typical horse temperament scale ranges from 1 to 10. A rating of one indicates an extremely calm demeanor, and ten would be the opposite, a “hot horse.” On this spectrum, then, four is relatively calm, while six or higher Read more…
Observe the horse being handled, and check their general health, including body condition, hooves, legs, and signs of any old injuries or any abnormalities. You may want to see the horse trotted up before they are tacked up so you Read more…
Why is Enrichment Important for Horses? Enrichment – whether mental, behavioral, or physical – provides a way to stimulate a horse’s natural instincts and is crucial to their overall well being. Why is enrichment important for horses? In a natural Read more…
Reactive horses are responsive, intuitive, and connected. They have contagious enthusiasm, backed by intellect. What is a reactive horse? Any time a horse develops a severe reactive response—such as flipping over backwards or bucking excessively—your safety, as well as your Read more…
Ideally, horse stalls should be cleaned every day and kept as clean as possible. Since horses often lie down in their stalls at night, this behavior means that if you are not keeping the stalls clean, horses could be lying Read more…
Unlike carnivores who sleep for many hours, herbivores, horses, must remain alert for a long time. Therefore, the number of hours of sleep is so small and variable within the age of the horse. A foal can sleep half a Read more…
To give the horse the best chance of avoiding colic from gut impaction, owners should take several days to accomplish this transition, gradually increasing stall time rather than making a sudden change. During the first week or so, horses should Read more…
Along with very hot weather, causes include excessive exercise, prolonged exposure to direct sunlight, poor ventilation in stabling, transporting over long distances, obesity and the use of inappropriate rugs. How do you treat an overheated horse? Provide shade, airflow (use Read more…
Enrichment provides stimulation, keeps your horse from being bored, and helps with bad habits. Some types of horse enrichment can even improve physical health by encouraging movement and play. And horses with enriched routines are curious, bold, and happier with Read more…