Essential Workers - Farm dogs and barn cats are indispensable team members at many horse farms. Dogs protect the farm, help round up livestock, keep predators away, tell their owners if a horse is in trouble, and are cherished companions. Meanwhile, barn cats prevent mice and other rodents from taking over the grain bins and hay storage, plus entertain their owners with funny antics. But not every dog or cat is suitable for a horse farm.

Those who primarily work in riding arenas or round pens with sand footing, such as equestrian riding coaches, riding instructors, and horse trainers, are at an higher risk of respiratory issues.

It wasn't that long ago that little research had been done on how travel impacts horses. Most advice came from the shared experiences of other horse owners and commercial transporters. That’s why research findings from the University of California, Davis, are particularly significant. Their research has essentially confirmed the good practices for travel that trustworthy transporters of horses have followed for years, validating these practices and making the information public for all to benefit from.

"My horse is smart enough not to eat toxic plants" - This is a comment I often hear during property visits focused on responsible manure and pasture practices. While it’s true that horses generally avoid undesirable or toxic plants when there’s ample healthy forage available, issues tend to surface when pastures are overgrazed and food choices become limited. That’s when horses may resort to eating weeds or harmful plants. It’s essential for horse owners to recognize which plants pose a threat and to understand how to control their presence in grazing areas.