Management & Maintenance

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Crisis-Ready Horsekeeping: Safety Plans for the Unexpected - Across Canada there is one thing horse owners have in common: We all want what is best for our horses. No matter what discipline we favour, whether we compete or ride just for fun, we all take steps to ensure that our horses are well looked after, happy and healthy. But what about when it comes to preparing for our worst nightmare? At the very least, most barns will have a first aid kit or two and maybe some fire extinguishers. But in the event of a natural disaster like an earthquake, fire, flood or tornado, do any of us have what it takes to make the best of the worst situation? While it’s uncomfortable to think about what would happen if we suffered at the wrath of Mother Nature, we aren’t doing ourselves or our horses any favours by ignoring the possibility of a natural or man-made disaster.

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Climate change is increasingly affecting horses, horse properties, and their owners across Canada. In recent surveys, nearly 90 percent of Canadians reported noticing the impacts of climate change in their communities. Horses are facing rising health risks, including respiratory diseases from wildfire smoke and dust, skin conditions and hoof damage caused by unpredictable weather, and new parasites and diseases. Horse owners are also dealing with higher hay costs, unexpected veterinary expenses, and challenges related to weather disruptions, such as riding limitations. Meanwhile, owners of horse properties are working to repair damage from severe storms, flooding, droughts, and high winds.

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Of late, various regions of Canada have faced significant devastation due to natural disasters such as wildfires, ice storms, and floods. These catastrophic events have had a profound impact on the equine community, resulting in the destruction of stables, fences, feed resources, land, and even animals. In addition to the direct damage to property, many horse owners also face secondary losses, for instance income from their business due to property damage.

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Horse business owners everywhere know how difficult it is to make money in the horse world. Every equine industry entrepreneur strives to figure out how to build a better and more resilient enterprise that will generate a reliable revenue stream and provide an enjoyable equestrian lifestyle.

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Running a family farm or ranch can be both demanding and rewarding. For these three Canadian families, the challenges of farm life are balanced by the many benefits of working together as a family.

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For many, the idea of buying real estate is an enticing one, often conjuring images of a quaint home with a welcoming front patio and a classic white picket fence. For equestrians, however, the dream expands significantly. It's about vast green pastures, a barn that exudes luxury, secure fencing, and a space perfectly suited for horses.

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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.

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Minimizing the Risk of Respiratory Issues in Horses - Horses are inherently built to live outdoors. With protection from harsh weather, access to clean water, and good hay, many horses thrive without the need for stabling. However, this ideal scenario may not always be feasible for their owners.

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The stall is a fundamental element to stabling or sheltering horses. While a basic backyard stall for a pleasure horse may look different from one in a full-service boarding facility, both are designed to provide a suitable environment for horses and their handlers. Safety for both the human and animal should be a top priority in stall design. It is essential that the horse is comfortable, and that the handler can perform daily tasks conveniently. Regardless of your operating systems or specific needs, the main elements of a safe horse stall remain consistent. There are numerous options available that can influence both the functionality and cost of stall features.

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Practicing good biosecurity at home and while traveling is essential for your horse’s health and safety, and is an important part of industry-wide disease control measures. We collaborated with Dr. K. Gary Magdesian, infectious disease control officer and faculty member in the Equine Internal Medicine Service at the UC Davis veterinary hospital, to present a list of important things to remember when it comes to equine biosecurity.

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