Everybody knows horses need forage and grain...but how much? How often? What kind? What else?
Tracking down the reason for this annoying (and occasionally dangerous) behaviour can be a lengthy and difficult chore. Asking questions about the horse’s habits is the first step in solving the puzzle.
Researchers estimate that 3 of every 100 performance horses will experience signs consistent with a diagnosis of tying-up. Multiple causes of acute muscle pain and cramping are now recognised and researchers are unraveling the genetic basis for tying-up.
Horses, like humans, often must endure the uncomfortable, creaky movement that is characteristic of joint inflammation, more commonly referred to as simply arthritis.
As we all know, hay is often a mainstay of winter diets. When pasture grasses stop growing and start turning an unappetising shade of brown, it is time to begin supplementing good-quality hay to pastured horses.
It is important that all persons responsible for the health care of horses have an understanding of the common worms and how to control them.
Grass, hay, and grain go in one end of the horse and what's left comes out the other... what more does anyone need to know?
Laminitis is a catastrophic syndrome that should always be treated as an emergency. Recent research and new techniques used to treat this condition now make it possible to save horses that might have otherwise died.
Founder is one of the most crippling diseases of horses and ponies. Laminitis, the initiating cause of founder, can affect any horse, of any age or sex, at any time of year. Laminitis can be triggered by a variety of metabolic or physical causes.
When access to high-quality pasture is available, horses, especially good doers, will find the extra calories they require in succulent grasses. In fact, owners may want to be sure horses don't become too pudgy as winter segues into spring and summer.