Sooner or later, nearly all horse owners will deal with a hoof abscess. But what does “hoof abscess” actually mean? Although most commonly seen during the wet winter and spring months, hoof abscesses can plague horses year-round and usually occur when debris and bacteria enter the foot through hoof cracks …
Recently Rutgers University addressed riding safety and traumatic brain injuries, and the need to replace helmets and vests more often than most riders think. According to the Equine Science Center at Rutgers University (https://esc.rutgers.edu/), riding is considered one of the most dangerous sports in the United States because injuries are …
When horses talk, we listen but how good are we at deciphering what they have to say? According to a recently published study (Nov 2021) by Dr. Katrina Merkies, researcher and associate professor at the University of Guelph, and her master student Haley Belliveau, we are faring well. Using an online survey, participants …
A lot of attention has been directed to bacterial endotoxins, MMP enzyme activators, and fructan or starch fermentation as factors in laminitis, but how much are they really involved? With laminitis, it is usually hormones, not the hind gut. In the “horse broke into the feed bin” scenario, too much …
Examining difficult end-of-life decisions The gelding stood with his head cocked to one side, nose extended forward. Curious and charming, our heartstrings tightened when we learned he was mostly blind. We’ve all seen inspirational stories of sightless horses living happy lives. With the right companion, and enough human love, he …
by Eleanor Blazer Is your horse getting a little “long in the tooth”? This expression usually means the horse (or person) is getting old, but even young horses can have teeth that are too long or have sharp points. It’s very important to understand how horse’s teeth change as they …
Modern genetics and the birth of a unique foal in New Zealand has provided a successful example of tracking a mutation at its origin. The observations provide an origination example of the main mechanism of biological variation, mutations in the DNA The field of genetics has enabled us to predict …
Education, Friendship, and Competition in Missoula July 9–17, 2022 Working Equitation (WE) is quickly becoming one of the most popular equine sports in the world. With its origins in Europe, it was developed to showcase working horses such as those you find on working ranches around the globe. WE competitions …
Swimming and aquatreadmill work take center stage at educational event for owners who prioritize their horses’ peak performance, health and well-being. June 23, 2022, Franklin, Tenn: Haygain’s interest in equine respiratory health prompted staffers to dive into the topic of aquatic exercise for horses recently. The company was honored to participate …
What is your name, and how long have you been involved with horses? I’m Eliana Hummell, and I’ve been involved with horses for three years. Do you have an instructor or trainer? No What’s the hardest part about owning or caring for horses? Waking up early to feed …
