CATEGORIES

PROGRESS AND STRUGGLE IN SENIOR HORSE CARE

A study from the Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine at Tufts University confirms what many dedicated horse owners have long known: Caring for a geriatric horse with a chronic health condition can be a significant physical and emotional burden.

THREE WAYS TO PREVENT BLANKET INJURIES

Of all the things your horse could injure himself with, his blanket seems an unlikely candidate. But don’t rule it out. Blanket mishaps do happen and they can be serious. Here are three things you can do to avoid them:

PUT AN END TO BARN DRAMA

While it’s impossible to prevent all discord at the barn, conflict resolution techniques can help solve problems, restore calm and enable everyone to enjoy their horses.

The turning point

You don’t always get the horse you want, but sometimes you get the one you need.

A FOREVER HOME

How a Facebook post led to a midnight rescue and an unexpected partnership

Nice work if you can get it

A career focused on horses is not for the faint of heart but the rewards are many and can last a lifetime.

MAKE WINTER EASIER FOR YOUR OLD HORSE

The season ahead may be hard on aging horses in cold climates but with some planning and preparation you can help yours sail through until spring.

7 THINGS YOU MAY NOT HAVE KNOWN ABOUT TETANUS

With modern vaccines and wound management practices, tetanus is almost a thing of the past. But the threat persists, so it’s wise to remember which horses are most at risk and why.

THE FIRST AMERICAN “SPORT HORSE” BREED

The very name of the American Standardbred reflects the performance requirement established at the inception of the breed. Here’s how genetics, conformation and training came together to create horses that could trot a mile in 2:30 or less, or pace it in 2:00 flat.

THE 6 WAYS HORSES LEARN

You’ll be more successful in teaching your horse new skills or maneuvers if your lessons, timing and tasks are aligned with his natural modes of acquiring information.

WHEN EHV-1 TURNS DEADLY

There’s no sure-fire way of stopping an equine herpesvirus infection from developing into a potentially devastating neurological disease. But you can take steps to protect your horse.

PPID DIAGNOSTIC TECHNIQUE ADVANCES

Year-round diagnosis of pituitary pars intermedia dysfunction (PPID, also known as Cushing’s) just got easier, thanks to the joint efforts of equine researchers in England and mathematicians in Australia.

THE POTENTIAL OF PROBIOTICS

Supplements formulated to replenish and fortify the diverse microbiome in the equine gut may help your horse stay healthy, but you’ll want to shop smart and know their limitations.

Sweet harmony

In addition to providing my solitary mare with companionship, my donkey has brought a new tranquility to my farm.

GOOD NEWS ABOUT RECOVERY FROM COLIC SURGERY

A new study from the Netherlands has found that the long-term prognosis for horses who survive colic surgery is good, but a full return to athletic function may be more difficult.

BUSTING MYTHS ABOUT GENDER AND COAT COLOR

“Chestnut mare, beware.” If you’ve ever used this phrase or nodded knowingly in agreement when you heard it, you’ve been perpetrating a scientifically inaccurate and potentially harmful stereotype, according to new research from the University of Sydney.

CONSULTANTS

Have a question about your horse’s health, care or training? Our experts offer solutions for a range of equine-management problems. Write to EQUUS Consultants, P.O. Box 7510, Falls Church, Virginia 22040; email: EQLetters@aimmedia.com. Send photos when helpful.

A BETTER WAY TO READ THE SIGNS OF LAMENESS

Equine lameness can be difficult to detect, but a study from England confirms the reliability of a relatively new tool for identifying subtle signs of musculoskeletal pain in horses.

RIDING FOR A REASON

By riding 20 miles through major cities, Trail to Zero raises awareness about the epidemic of veteran suicide

VETERINARY VISITS DURING A PANDEMIC

The pandemic has upended every aspect of our lives, including equestrian activities.

The science of colic prevention

MANAGEMENT

Horses in the time of coronavirus

The pandemic is a reminder that some things are beyond our control, but horses can help us focus on the things that really matter.

THE BENEFITS OF ACTIVE REST

Biomechanics expert Hilary Clayton, BVMS, PhD, explains why periodically changing up your horse’s activities can be better for his body and mind than giving him time off.

GOOD BEHAVIOR

Sometimes what seems like resistance is actually a horse’s attempt to work with you. Watch for these 6 easy-to misinterpret signs that your horse is thinking like a partner.

Can a horse receive too many vaccinations?

IMMUNITY

A wild ride

Recreating a scene from the Old West for the world of make-believe, I saw firsthand just how crucial real-life horsemanship skills can be.

THE BEST-KEPT SECRETS OF RIDING SUCCESS

The same character traits that help riders succeed at the highest levels of equestrian sport can help you better relate to your horse and achieve your own riding goals.

LOST AND FOUND

Two episodes involving lost horses on the trails ended very differently. But, say the experts, both illustrate how the right precautions can help you avert disaster whether you’re riding the backcountry or suburban trails.

Leap of faith

When we first brought home our rescued pony, I thought I needed to teach her to trust me. Now I know that she was looking for me to trust her as well.

For rainy day rides

Spring showers are no match for good wet-weather gear.