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.

Have you ever noticed how your horse’s behaviour can change unexpectedly — becoming tense, spooky, or disengaged? What if these signs were a deeper message? Instead of seeing them as setbacks, these behaviours could be an opportunity to strengthen the trust and connection between you and your horse.

Every equestrian—regardless of discipline—benefits from using a saddle that fits correctly. But individuals with higher body weight (specifically women over 180 pounds and men above 250 pounds) often encounter unique obstacles when searching for a saddle that suits both their frame and their horse’s build.

Are you keen to learn more about horses, riding, and their management? It doesn’t matter if you’re a teenager, young adult, or knocking on retirement’s door, there’s an equine program for you. Across Canada, there are high schools, colleges and universities that offer horse-related programs and courses, plus there are online courses, too

The detection of asymptomatic bird flu infections in horses marks a new frontier in viral spillover risks, highlighting the urgent need for monitoring and measures to prevent cross-species transmission. A new study has revealed that horses in Asia have been infected with H5N1 avian influenza, commonly known as bird flu, with these infections occurring undetected.

On April 2, 2025, United States President Donald Trump announced a sweeping expansion of global tariffs, including reciprocal tariffs aimed at countries that currently impose trade restrictions on U.S. goods. The announcement stirred immediate concern in Canada, especially within the horse industry, where speculation had been growing for months about the possible implications of such trade measures.

Once upon a time animal acts were the big draw beneath the big top. Bears danced, elephants balanced on balls, and tigers leapt through flaming hoops — all in the name of human entertainment. Nowadays though, animal acts are no longer synonymous with “circus.” In Canada, according to the international wildlife protection charity Zoocheck, “wild animal circus acts are largely gone.”

A horse’s skin covers an extensive surface area, making dermatological issues highly visible. However, while these problems are easy to spot, determining their root cause can be challenging. To provide expert insight into equine skin health, we collaborated with Dr. Stephen White, DACVD, a professor and chief of the Dermatology Service at UC Davis Veterinary Hospital.

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.