Dressage letters are one of the first features riders encounter when stepping into a dressage arena and often one of the most confusing to beginners. At a glance, dressage letters can seem random to new dressage riders, especially when they...
Periodontal disease in horses is a common dental condition involving inflammation and infection of the tissues that support the teeth, including the gums, ligament, and surrounding bone. It often develops gradually and may go unnoticed in the early stages, allowing...
Soring horses is a topic that continues to draw attention within the equine industry, particularly in disciplines that emphasize an exaggerated gait. While the practice is most commonly associated with certain performance divisions in Tennessee Walking Horses, it has broader...
Equine rhinitis viruses A and B (ERAV and ERBV) are contagious respiratory viruses that commonly infect horses worldwide. These infections are a frequent cause of mild respiratory illness, particularly in young horses and those housed in group settings such as...
Digestive health plays a central role in your horse's comfort, performance, and overall well being, but choosing the right gut supplement is not always straightforward. With a range of products targeting different areas of the digestive system, it can be...
Horse imprint training for foals is widely discussed in breeding programs, often presented as a way to shape behavior from the first hours of life. Some handlers believe early, structured exposure to human contact can produce calmer, more manageable horses,...
Spasmodic colic is one of the most common — and typically milder — forms of colic in horses. It occurs when the muscles of the intestines contract suddenly and irregularly, causing brief episodes of abdominal discomfort. This type of colic...
Beer is sometimes discussed in horse care, particularly in working barns and hot climates where it has been used as a traditional remedy. Horse owners may offer small amounts for reasons such as encouraging appetite, supporting digestion, or mitigating heat...
Horse idioms, often called sayings or expressions, are familiar phrases that use horses to illustrate human behavior, work, and everyday situations. Many of these expressions originated when horses played a central role in transportation, agriculture, and industry, making them a...
Arena footing is one of the most important factors influencing how horses move, perform, and stay sound. Riders may focus on training, tack, or conditioning, but the surface beneath the horse plays a constant role in every stride, affecting traction,...
If your horse finishes their feed in a matter of minutes, they may be bolting (or scoffing) their food, a term used to describe when horses eat too quickly without properly chewing their food. While this may seem like a...
Strong, healthy hooves are essential for your horse's soundness, comfort, and performance, but choosing the right hoof supplement is not always straightforward. With so many products on the market, it can be difficult to know which option will actually improve...
Tooth root abscesses, or apical infections, are a painful and relatively common dental condition in horses that often develop gradually before more obvious signs appear. Because equine teeth are long and closely connected to surrounding structures like the sinuses, infection...
Aspiration pneumonia is a potentially serious lung condition that occurs when feed, water, saliva, or medication is inhaled into a horse's airways instead of being swallowed into the esophagus. Rather than developing on its own, it most often arises as...
Congenital stationary night blindness (CSNB) is an inherited vision disorder that affects a horse's ability to see in low-light conditions. Horses with this condition typically have normal vision during the day but may struggle to navigate safely at dusk, in...
Ear bonnets for horses, also known as ear nets, are a common sight in show rings, schooling arenas, and everyday hacks. While they add a polished finishing touch to turnout, their purpose extends well beyond appearance. Worn under the bridle,...
Fleas in horses are uncommon, but they can still cause skin irritation, itching, and discomfort when infestations occur. While horses are not a preferred host for fleas, they may become temporary hosts after exposure to infested animals such as dogs,...
Pica in horses is a condition characterized by repeated ingestion of non-food items such as dirt, sand, wood, bedding, or manure. Unlike normal foraging behavior, pica involves actively seeking out and swallowing materials that do not provide nutritional value, which...
Congenital myotonia in horses is a rare, inherited neuromuscular disorder that affects how muscles relax after contraction. Instead of returning quickly to a resting state, affected muscles remain contracted for longer than normal, resulting in temporary stiffness that is often...
Peacock stirrups are a long-standing safety option in horse riding, commonly used in lesson programs and for beginner riders. They’re designed to release the rider’s foot during a fall and help reduce the risk of the rider being dragged. However,...
Choosing the right horse trainer is one of the most important decisions a horse owner can make. A skilled trainer not only teaches new skills but also shapes behavior, builds confidence, and helps keep both horse and rider safe. With...
Coprophagia in horses, or manure eating, is a behavior most commonly seen in foals but can also occur in adult horses under certain conditions. While it is considered a normal and beneficial behavior in young horses as their digestive system...
Horses may bite for many different reasons, and even a playful nip can result in bruises, broken skin, or unsafe handling situations. For owners, riders, and barn staff, addressing biting behavior is essential for maintaining safety and building clear communication....
Autoimmune disease in horses occurs when the immune system mistakenly attacks the body's own tissues instead of protecting against infection. Rather than targeting bacteria, viruses, or parasites, the immune response becomes misdirected, leading to inflammation and tissue damage. Although autoimmune...
Horse saddles are structured pieces of tack designed to support the rider and distribute weight evenly across a horse’s back during riding. Used in disciplines ranging from dressage and show jumping to ranch work and trail riding, saddles improve stability,...
Rhinopneumonitis in horses, commonly called "rhino," is a contagious respiratory disease caused by equine herpesviruses (EHV-1 and EHV-4). These viruses are widespread in horse populations worldwide, and most horses are exposed at some point in their lives. While many cases...
Twitching is an equine restraint technique that is sometimes used during veterinary and husbandry procedures. Most often applied to the upper lip, a twitch is designed to limit movement and improve safety when a horse reacts to brief discomfort or...
Halter training is one of the most important skills a horse learns, yet it is often rushed or oversimplified. A horse that understands the halter is safer to handle, easier to care for, and far less likely to panic during...
Catastrophic limb injuries are among the most serious emergencies a horse can face. They involve severe damage to bones, joints, or supporting soft tissues, leaving the horse unable to bear weight safely. Unlike minor strains, sprains, or small fractures, these...
Wild or feral horses spend most of their day grazing on a variety of grasses, shrubs, and other natural forage, carefully selecting plants to meet their nutritional needs. In contrast, domestic horses are often provided with concentrated feeds, hay, and...