10 Hot Weather Horse Care Tips Heat and humidity can be just as uncomfortable for your horse as it is for you. When the mercury rises, your equine's risk of dehydration, sunburn, and heatstroke increases. Luckily, you can keep your horse cool and comfortable by following a few of these tips. 1. Offer Shade Ample shade is a must for horses that spend long hours outdoors during the summer. Pastures with mature trees or run-in sheds offer shady places for your horses to gather when the sun becomes too intense. 2. Provide Plenty of Fresh Water Many horses avoid drinking water if it's stagnant or ..read more

common diseases that affect the eyes of adult horses. It is also the most common cause of blindness in horses, which makes prompt diagnosis and treatment of this condition essential. Causes of Equine Recurrent Uveitis Uveitis is caused by damage to the uvea (or uveal tract) in the eye. The uvea lies just below the white of the eye (sclera) and has three parts: Iris, or the colored part of the front of the eye Choroid layer, which contains connective tissue and blood vessels Ciliary body, the part of the eye that secretes the transparent liquid that is found inside the eye The underlyi ..read more

Several disorders can affect the hindlimbs, forelimbs or hooves of horses. Some of these can lead to lameness or changes in gait. Hindlimb Conditions in Horses Stringhalt is a condition that causes the horse to jerk or hop, with the hind legs pulled up high before taking the next step. This results from over-flexing of one or both back legs. The exact cause is unknown. It may be related to problems with the nerves in the hind legs or the ingestion of toxic plants. Bog spavin is a swelling (distention) on the inside of the front part of the hock. It is caused by inflammation in the joint c ..read more

Hind Leg Problems in Horses Could a hind leg issue cause lameness in your horse? The problems can affect horses of any age and could lead to permanent disability if they're not treated promptly. Common Hind Leg Problems Hind leg issues could be caused by: Wounds and Fractures. A cut, puncture wound, or broken bone could cause your horse to favor a hind leg. If cuts and wounds aren't treated promptly, an infection may complicate your horse's recovery. Although a quick visual examination of your horse's hind legs will help you spot cuts and infected sores, broken bones, or puncture wounds may ..read more

Is Your Horse Stressed? You and your horse share one unfortunate thing in common - the inclination to feel stressed when faced with a difficult situation. Unfortunately, stress is just as bad for your horse's physical and mental health as it is for yours. Chronic stress can increase the risk of illness, cause ulcers, skin infections, and even lead to weight loss and depression in equines. Common Stressors in Horses A change in your horse's environment or routine may be responsible for stress and anxiety. When your horse feels overwhelmed or anxious, it produces more cortisol, a substance know ..read more

Facts About Foals Will your mare be foaling soon? Here are a few facts you'll want to keep in mind during the foal's first days and months. Foals Don't Waste Any Time Standing Foals may be shaky on their feet at first, but they usually manage to stand an hour or two after they're born. If your foal hasn't stood after two hours or seems to be having trouble standing, let your equine veterinarian know immediately. The First 24 Hours Are Crucial for Your Foal's Health and Well-Being Once the foal has been safely delivered and is nursing, it might seem as if your job is done. Unfortunately, if yo ..read more

How You Can Help Your Anxious Horse Anxiety is a common problem in horses. Some startle easy and constantly seem on edge, while other horses only experience anxiety in certain situations. Whether anxiety is an infrequent or constant issue, these six tips can help you calm your anxious horse. Ask the Equine Veterinarian to Pay a Visit to Your Stable Anxiety, particularly if it starts suddenly, may be related to a health ailment. Sores, lameness, decayed teeth, arthritis, stomach ulcers, arthritis, tendon injuries, and other health issues may be to blame for equine anxiety. Painful conditions c ..read more

Cryptorchidism is a condition in which one or both testicles fail to descend into the scrotum. This is the most common problem affecting the sexual development of male horses. If both of the testicles remain in the abdomen, the horse will be sterile. Horses with an undescended testicle are sometimes referred to as a rig, ridgling or original. Causes of Cryptorchidism The testicles of a male horse start to develop before the horse is born. The testicles form inside the abdomen of the unborn colt. Normally, the testicles pass through the inguinal canal and into the scrotum b ..read more

5 Ways to Make Winter Horseback Rides Safer for Your Horse Just like people, horses need exercise no matter what the season. Scheduling regular horseback rides will help your horse remain active, engaged, and ensure that you have ample time to spend with your favorite equine. Before you saddle up your horse, keep these winter tips in mind. 1. Check the Conditions Outdoors and the Forecast Venturing out when the snow is deep or the trails are icy can result in injuries for your horse and you. Although conditions may be just fine around the barn, drifting snow or icy patches may be present just ..read more

Horses with congenital disorders are born with physical or physiological abnormalities. These may be readily apparent, or may be diagnosed as the foal matures. Unfortunately, the list of possible congenital deformities is long. These anomalies may affect the heart, ears, eyes or skin. The autoimmune, musculoskeletal, gastrointestinal and respiratory systems or the urogenital tract may be compromised. Let’s look at a few of the most common and concerning congenital defects and disorders. Hypothyroidism Foals in Western Canada and the Northwestern United States are most susceptible to congenita ..read more