One white foot—buy him. Two white feet—try him. Three white feet—look well about him. Four white feet—go without him. What is the saying about white socks on horses? One white foot, keep him not a day, Two white feet, send Read more…
Horses chew on other horses, because (1) it is insubordinate behavior, (2) it is playful behavior between horses that know each other, or (3) mutual grooming is a social bond. Why do horses eat other horses manes? Mane and tail Read more…
As days get shorter and nights become cooler, horses grow a new, longer hair coat. These winter hairs stand up, trapping tiny air pockets between them. The effect is like that of a thick, down-filled comforter, with tremendous insulating quality. Read more…
In the wild, horses have access to hours of grazing to trim their own teeth. Our domestic horses don’t have that, so they need dental help. Do wild horses have sharp teeth? In the wild horses spend a large proportion Read more…
Horses must be permanently identified. The preferred method is radiofrequency identification (microchip) for management, registration, traceability and identification purposes. Where branding is considered necessary in addition to electronic identification, freeze branding must be used. What is the point of branding Read more…
Table 1. Branding times based on age and color of horse and type of branding iron used. Color (age) Stainless steel Copper/brass Dark* horses (8 months and younger) 8 seconds 7 seconds Dark horses (older) 8 seconds 10 seconds Light* Read more…
“Any person who, with intent to defraud, marks or brands any unmarked horse, mule, cow, hog, sheep, goat or other domestic animal which is the property of another or alters or defaces the mark or brand of such animal must, Read more…
To buy a horse, you can expect to pay between $100 – $10,000, depending on the horse breed’s pedigree, how you are planning to use the horse, and your location. The average cost of a hobby-horse is about $3,000. According Read more…
In addition to shade and a source of fresh water, every summer turnout space needs to have a salt block. Horses lose large amounts of the essential mineral in their sweat, and if it’s not replenished, an electrolyte imbalance may Read more…
Pulling a horse’s tail after exercise will make it easier for you and more comfortable for him. After exercise, your horse will be warm, and his pores will be open, allowing the hair to fall out more easily and less Read more…