Horses

Equine thrush is an infection of the horse hoof caused by bacteria that live in muddy areas. Mud gets impacted in the hoof and creates an oxygen-free environment in which bacteria can live. ...

This is one of the best quotes I have ever seen when it comes to shoeing horse’s, “Horse’s hooves should expand and contract with every step. They can't do it if their hoof walls are clamped with...

Pine tar is a dressing that may help keep horses' hooves hydrated in abnormally dry conditions that can cause hoof cracking. Pine tar also may have antiseptic properties, which may help maintain...

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...

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...

Thrush is an anaerobic bacteria that affects horses who spend a lot of time standing in dirty stalls. Anaerobic means that the bacteria doesn't survive well when surrounded by air. Normally it...

Stall mats improve the mental and physical health of horses and are safer than traditional dirt or cement flooring. Stall mats are an advance in smart equine management, reducing costs in several...

Horseshoes are available in many materials, such as steel, aluminum and rubber. The type of shoe is chosen depending on what the horse is doing and how the shoe can improve the horse's performance...

Club foot is a genetic disorder that occurs in horses, causing the angle of the hoof to exceed 60 degrees instead of the average 45 degrees. This deformity is caused by anomalies in the flexor...

I find that grooming and spending time with your horse can be a very relaxing and rewarding experience for both you and the horse.

If you've ever wondered about the proper way to pick out a horses feet, follow these instructions.

Farrier Matt Taimuty of FairHillForge.com says thrush is caused by anaerobic bacteria, which means the bacteria thrives in the absence of oxygen. It attacks the V-shaped frog of a horse's hoof as...

It is important to be able to handle your horses hooves. The hoof is the gateway to health in a horse since they spend 99% of their lives standing. Here is a guide to correctly teach your horse to...

Cushings disease is a relatively rare disease in horses caused by a tumor on the pituitary gland. The symptoms of Cushings are often physically displayed by showing a long and rough coat--even in...

Thrush is a hoof condition in horses caused by the bacteria Spherophorus neaophorus that produces a black-colored discharge and a noxious smell. Fortunately, most horses with thrush don't go lame;...

Navicular disease is a chronic and degenerative condition of the navicular bone and the navicular bursae. This causes damage to the flexor tendon and causes lameness, pain and eventually leads to...

Grooming your horse before a ride can help you find injuries or coat conditions, prevent sores from dirt build-up and promote good blood flow and muscle tone.

Grooming should be a mandatory step before taking your horse out for a ride. This also gives you the opportunity to evaluate the horse's health by checking his whole body. Grooming supplies can be...

Metabolic syndrome in horses, also known as hypothyroidism, is a relatively uncommon problem that can cause misery and suffering in your equine friend, and can drastically reduce his life span....

All of the old horse shoes need to be pulled off. First, the clinches (sometimes spelled clenches), or nail ends need to be cut off with a tool known as a hoof nipper or clinch cutter. Once the...

Miniature donkeys are natives to the Mediterranean Islands and are sometimes referred to as mediterranean donkeys. The miniature donkey male is called a Jack while the female is called a Jennet....

Proper shoeing techniques must be used when shoeing horses. Even a small lameness problem can keep the horse from being ridden for months. With the weight of the horse hitting the ground, the foot...

If you are just learning to shoe a horse it is best to start with a calm horse that has been shod several times before. A nervous horse is difficult to work with for even the most experienced...

Getting a horse's foot up when he wants it to stay down requires using your inferior weight and your superior intelligence to force the horse off his foot. Victory can be yours if you follow these...

When humanity began domesticating the horse, changes between the horse's natural environment and the environment of domestication necessitated finding ways to protect horses's feet. The earliest...

Hoof abscesses in horses can be painful and hard watch your horse go through. However, there are some ways to help ease the pain and speed the recovery process along. Abscesses can come out...

Does your horse have arthritis, or is showing signs of arthritis? Have no fear, for arthritis can be maintained and cared for in many effective ways. Arthritis does not always equal retirement....

Although only the size of tea saucers, horse hooves must support over 1,000 pounds of weight. This means that horse foot problems are among the most common equine ailments. If you suspect your...

What Is That Awful Smell? You have just cleaned out your horse’s hooves and notice a pungent, offensive odor. It is much stronger than the normal earthy smell of hoof grunge.

The old-time cowboys said it right, "No hooves, no horse!" Without sound legs and healthy hooves, your horse doesn't have "a leg" to stand on. Much has been written about...

The old-time cowboys said it right, "No hooves, no horse!" Without sound legs and healthy hooves, your horse doesn't have "a leg" to stand on. Much has been written about...

Six necessary check-points will better prepare you for the horse that doesn't pick up the feet ...you have scraped it out countless times while your horse leans all of his weight in your hand. ...

The time you spend grooming your horse is beneficial for you both. This close, personal attention gives you the opportunity to check his overall condition. Best of all, your horse learns to enjoy,...

This article will teach you how to safely pick hooves along with problem solve the issues that come along with working with a horse.

Treating white line disease and hoof fungus can be extremely difficult and can be painful for the horse. The key to never having to go through treatment for WLD is prevention. There are many steps...

While the causes of fungal infections in horses’ hooves are still in controversy, there are many ways to treat a fungal infection in horses. Many call a fungal infection White Line Disease. Others...

This WILL cure the Canker in the Hoof and in a relatively short time span when directions are followed. I know from experience having gone through it myself. I've tried expensive surgery and...

Knowing how to do the basic prepurchase exam for a horse is an important part of horse ownership. We highly recommend a veterinarian prepurchase exam prior to the purchase of your new equine...

Founder is caused by the hoof disease laminitis, where the laminae inside of the hoof wall are inflamed and beginning to detach. Generally, a laminitic horse is not considered to be foundering...

In this article people can learn exactly how to groom a horse in preparation for a show. Your horse will be the tidiest horse at the show, as well as the shiniest.

The old saying, "no hoof no horse" is as appropriate today as it was 200 years ago. Without a sound foot, your horse will not only be unusable but also potentially fatally wounded. A horse who...

It's a smelly job but somebody's got to do it. Treating thrush in your horses feet has never been easier. Use this simple homemade remedy to cure the stinky culprit and stomp out thrush for good !

There's an old saying, "no foot, no horse," that sums up the importance of hoof care. Neglected hooves become overgrown, diseased, cracked and prone to many other problems that result in lameness....

Horses should have their hooves trimmed on a regular basis. You should trim horse hooves every four weeks for horses that are kept in stalls or pins. Horses that are allowed to run in pastures...

To properly care for horse’s hooves you should be able to first determine the parts of the horse’s hoofs and understand the purpose of each part. There are several different parts of the horses...

Can you imagine wearing the same shoe day after day, all day? Well, essentially, that is what horses have to endure. When a horse's hooves grow, the angle the horse walks on changes. This...

Horseshoeing is the process of maintaining a horse's hooves. Horseshoeing can include merely trimming the horse's feet or actually nailing a shoe onto the hoof.

People have been giving horses manicures for almost as long as they have been domesticated. The start of a good shoe job is a well-trimmed hoof. Proper equipment and good technique, that takes...

In western riding, the lope is one of the most comfortable paces you can experience in the saddle. Once mastered, it may become your favorite gait while enjoying your horse.

Laminitis, which is most common in horses and cattle, is a painful condition that is difficult to treat. Two interlocking layers of laminae (connective tissues) attach the hoof wall and pedal...