Horses

Sometimes picking up feet of a thousand pound animal is intimidating, but with these few tips, its a breeze. **i am not responsible for any injuries that might occur after the reading of this...

Equine activities and animal-assisted therapy have increased in popularity over the past several decades, as the benefits of the interaction of horse and human have become well noted. The movement...

Horses can be allergic to one or more elements in their environment. Your horse may have never experienced allergic symptoms to a particular element before, but now the same trigger is causing an...

During digestion food is broken down to its most basic form: glucose (sugars). Insulin produced by the pancreas regulates how much glucose is in the bloodstream and moves excess glucose from the...

Equine shingles is caused by the herpes zoster virus. It manifests as lameness, and can make the whole body sensitive to the touch. Other symptoms include fever, nasal discharge and miscarriage...

Probiotics -- the term means "for life" -- have been used for decades in horses. They are dietary supplements that include live, beneficial bacteria. A 2006 study by Veronique Julliand of the...

Saddle breaking a pony is much like saddle breaking a horse, but there are some important differences to be aware of and some unique challenges to overcome. It is important for trainers to be...

Western riding spurs come in various types and are some of the easiest training aids to find. The most basic kinds are simple and cheap to purchase, but professional or fancy spurs are more...

Proper diet is an essential part of protecting the health of your horse. Whether your horse is in active competition or just used for light riding, it is important to follow a sensible feeding...

The Gypsy horse--also known as Gypsy Vanner, Gypsy Cob and Tinker horse--is a strong work horse, yet gentle and attractive.

According to Horse Owner's Veterinary Handbook, horses should never be given antibiotics unless they are sick, injured or undergoing surgery. This is because of the risk of side effects from...

If you are planning to train your own horse you may think you need all sorts of expensive equipment, but in fact some of the most effective training methods are also the least expensive. Investing...

Horse blankets keep our cherished horses warm and toasty through the winter months. Some blankets come embellished with embroidery or designs. Although the designs may be decorative at first, over...

Your horse has to support hundreds of pounds of body mass on its legs, and as it ages, those joints may start to suffer. Whether your horse is feeling the pains of a hard-working life, has a...

Most horse owners don't realize their horse has an abscess until it "blows out" or the horse comes up lame. Abscesses typically run a predictable course. Caused by a puncture wounds and small...

If you are a fan of dressage, jumping, Western riding or reining, you know the signature of a well-trained horse by a smoothly executed lead change. A rider with subtle cues can direct her horse...

Most lead ropes have a spring-loaded snap that simply snaps onto the bottom ring or loop of your halter. But some rope halters come with lead ropes that are tied in, or come with no lead rope at...

If you have always wished you could have been a knight in medieval days, joining a jousting club can be the next best.thing. But there are some things both you and your horse need to know before...

If you have a horse carriage and your horse is trained to pull, going out for a weekend carriage ride can be a pleasant way to enjoy a beautiful afternoon. To ensure that both you and your horse...

If you are looking for a new challenge for you and your horse, roping can be an excellent choice. Roping was an integral part of the Old West, and it is still a major part of both the rodeo world...

Driving your draft horse in front of a beautiful carriage is dashing on its own, but adding that extra pizzazz to your horse's appearance can really dazzle onlookers, especially if you are a...

Trying to medicate an animal that might weigh half a ton or more can be no easy feat. There are a few ways to help the medicine go down, which will ensure that the horse gets the treatment it needs.

Having a round pen or arena available can make starting a young horse or retraining an older one easier, but the good news is that everything that can be done in a round pen can also be done...

If it has been some time since your horse was ridden on a regular basis you may face some training challenges as you get back into the swing of things. Horses are creatures of habit, and they get...

No matter the age of your horse, it is important that he receive proper nutrition for optimal health. Good nutrition is vital for any horse, but it is even more essential for performance horses....

If you have a horse and a lawn you probably have wished you could have your equine companion double as a heavy-duty lawn mower. But that is not as easy as it sounds. Simply turning your horse...

All effective horse training starts with a solid foundation, and it is very important to lay that foundation when working with a beginner horse. Ideally, your training should begin right after the...

Whether your goal is to become the next Roy Rogers or just chase some cows around the pasture, teaching your horse to rope can be a rewarding experience. Roping is a great sport, and knowing you...

The flat spin is the basis of many advanced maneuvers, from lateral work to classic reining patterns. At first blush teaching the flat spin can seem like a big challenge, but breaking the move...

Fitting an English saddle girth is an easy task that is worth the effort as it saves the trouble of arriving at a stable to ride and discovering that the girth is too short or long. Without a...

A horse that spooks or bolts can be dangerous to ride and dangerous to work around. If your horse tends to let fear get the best of him, it is important to deal with that behavior. Exercising...

Training a horse to load on a trailer can be a big challenge, but helping a horse overcome a fear of horse trailers can be even harder. If your horse has been through a trailer wreck or similar...

The purpose of a male horse's sheath, also known as prepuce, is to protect the penis while retracted. The sheath is made up of folds of skin. The internal layer secretes lubricating oils from the...

Many older horses fall prey to arthritis and other joint problems as they age, and it is important for horse owners to be on the lookout for signs of discomfort in their equine companions....

If you want to know how to properly put on a western saddle, read on. **I am not responsible for any injuries that might occur after the reading of this article!**

Pulling back is a result of claustrophobic panic. The horse feels trapped and tries to escape. Generally these type of horses believe the way out is to fly right through something at all costs....

Many horse owners and vets are increasingly concerned about their horse’s digestion and colic related symptoms caused by poor nutrient absorption in the horses of all ages which is often combined...

According to the Merk Veterinary Manual, mange in horses is extremely rare in the United States. The three main types of mange exist. Sarcoptic Mange is the rarest, but most severe. Psoroptic...

Whether you are starting a horse under saddle or teaching a younger colt or filly to accept a bit, a quality snaffle is the best bit to work with. A snaffle is a gentle way to introduce your horse...

Equine therapy uses horses as part of a team of therapists to work with those with autism. Through Equine therapy, autistic patients can work on physical skills and learn to make connections with...

Gypsy horses have been the friends and companions of travelers for centuries, and their gentle nature and laid-back attitude makes them perfect mounts for both adults and children. In fact, many...

Riding in your English saddle builds up sweat and dirt on the saddle that needs to be thoroughly cleaned off before the leather is damaged. Wiping off your tack after use is a good way to keep...

Equine remedial therapy is also known as equine massage therapy and is an emerging practice for treating sports injuries in horse athletes. The horses used for races and other athletic events...

Choosing the proper sized headstall, or the piece of equipment your horse wears on his head when you ride him, is essential for a pleasant ride. A headstall that is too small will put strain on...

If you have a white horse who likes to roll around in the dirt or lay down when he sleeps, you have probably noticed that his tail is starting to look a bit yellow. A yellow tail can make your...

Treating a horse with ear mites can be a challenge to say the least. Most horses aren't particularly fond of having their ears prodded and poked--nor do they like the pain and irritation caused by...

Knee pads, also called knee rolls, are cushions sewn on the front of some English saddles to add security as well as comfort for the rider. Age or damage to the saddle can compromise the stuffing...

Want to buy a miniature horse? Believe it or not, some people keep miniature horses or Shetland ponies as pets in their houses. Miniature horses can be fun for your kids and family and actually...

According to Horse Owner's Veterinary Handbook, horses and ponies suffer from seizures for many reasons, including poisoning, brain injury, a sudden drop in blood calcium, colic and epilepsy. ...

If your veterinarian has recommended or prescribed eye drops for your horse, you might be worried about your horse acting up and flinging his head around while you are trying to give the...