As winter subsides and a new season approaches, mare owners eagerly anticipate selecting the perfect stallion. However, before making breeding decisions, several crucial factors must be considered to ensure a successful and responsible outcome.

The American Association of Equine Practitioners (AAEP) has recently issued revised Internal Parasite Control Guidelines to help minimise the risk of parasitic disease and maintain the effectiveness of current drugs for as long as possible by delaying further development of anthelmintic resistance.

As a photojournalist specializing in horseback riding vacations, I’ve had the privilege of experiencing incredible opportunities that I will always cherish. Through my work, I've had the chance to explore hidden corners of the world that most tourists never see and connect with fascinating people from across the globe who share a passion for horses. In my view, there’s no better way to immerse yourself in a new culture than from the saddle of a native horse, taking in the sights, sounds, and scents of a place.

Equine chiropractic care is a manual therapy that concentrates on the horse’s musculoskeletal system, with the goal of identifying, addressing and helping to prevent physical issues that may influence overall well-being. Treatment involves the delivery of carefully controlled, targeted pressure to specific areas of the body — most commonly along the spine — to stimulate a corrective response. The primary aim is to support smooth, coordinated movement throughout the spinal column, thereby enhancing neuromuscular function within the spinal joints.

The more your horse sweats, the greater the risk of electrolyte imbalance and thumps. Also known as synchronous diaphragmatic flutter, thumps looks alarmingly like hiccups in humans — a rhythmic “thump” or twitch of the horse’s flank that often matches its heartbeat.

When spring is just around the corner, our thoughts turn to riding, riding, and more riding. While not nearly as enrapturing, save some consideration for that lonely chariot outside, which gets our beloved steeds to and from events, shows, and trails. Every trailer that has been parked or stored for the winter should undergo a methodical inspection and maintenance routine before hitting the road each year. Safety should always be of primary concern, but comfort is important as well – every time a horse has an unpleasant trailering experience, he or she will go through that much more stress on the next trip.

People often say, “a horse needs a job,” as though life as an equine couldn’t be complete without trotting into the office occasionally. Historically, horses really did take on essential work, from carrying soldiers into battle to driving the gentry around town (as anyone who’s watched The Gilded Age knows.) Even in our own times, when horses are less necessary for most human activities, they’re still sometimes pressed into service. Of course, it helps if a horse is well-suited to their assigned occupation. So, before recruiting a horse for any of the following positions, consider some of the necessary qualifications.

It often feels practical to skip lunging your horse if riding time is limited. Cutting out groundwork fits easily into a culture focused on speed and convenience. For some riders, lunging appears redundant — an awkward task that offers less control than simply climbing on and letting the horse settle under saddle. Others dismiss it as dull or monotonous. At events, a difficult horse on the lunge can be a source of discomfort or even a safety concern in shared spaces. And doesn’t all that circling put strain on the horse’s limbs.

For thousands of years, the horse has been our trusted companion, serving as a worker, athlete, and partner in everything from agriculture to competition. Whether they’re a trail riding companion, school horse, ranch worker, or elite competitor, one thing remains constant—the need for proper hoof care. Without it, a horse’s soundness, performance, and well-being are at risk.