How-To Library

Training a horse to perform at high levels takes a lot of time, effort, patience and resources. Regardless of the discipline, from racing to reining, endurance to eventing and hunters/jumpers to polo ponies, all horses actively in a training regiment for competition are considered to be performance horses.

Laminitis is a debilitating and costly disease that can affect any horse, and is the most common cause of death due to euthanasia that ranks third in the list behind colic and old age. While we still don’t understand the exact events that lead to laminitis, we know more about the causes of laminitis than ever before, and prevention is the key. There are three areas in feeding horses that we need to focus on for prevention of laminitis.

I believe natural temperament can make a difference, but in many ways, good training is the cornerstone.

Following are some feeding tips that can help to decrease your horse’s heat load and increase the stamina and health of the show and performance horse during hot weather.

Your horse is bleeding. What do you do? First, assess the situation by following these DVM’s tips. Identify & provide basic treatment for horse puncture wounds, lacerations, abrasions and how to put together a basic horse wound emergency kit.

Disasters cannot be scheduled on a calendar, but the damage may be mitigated with advance planning. The American Red Cross suggests developing an emergency farm, barn and animal evacuation plan.

During equine fly season (April-September) horse flies can terrorize your pasture & horse barn. They can also hurt your horses & bring disease. Our horse experts provide details to keep flies off your horses this season.

Every horse owner is familiar with the annoying insect pests that sometimes lurk in the stable or swarm in the pasture. These flies and mosquitoes are more than irritating; they can spread disease and cause health problems, too. Fortunately, horse owners have a variety of tools and management practices at their disposal to help keep these pests at bay.

Use the following guidelines for a feeding program for your hard keeper.

Your new foal arrives and you want to provide for its proper growth and health.

As temperatures rise, so do the risks of your horse experiencing a heat related stress, such as dehydration and heat stroke. To make the most of your summer riding opportunities, keep an eye on your horse and modify your training and horse care program.

Managing your backyard, forests or fields to increase wildlife populations has numerous benefits beyond the simple pleasures of interacting with nature. This article has tips and techniques to help you improve the wildlife habitat on your land and attract species such as songbirds, squirrels, owls—perhaps even a fox or two. With some basic management techniques, and a little patience, you'll soon be seeing the benefits of increased wildlife populations on your land.