Osteoarthritis is one of the leading causes of lameness in horses, affecting their soundness, mobility, and performance longevity. Studies suggest that osteoarthritis is responsible for nearly 60% of equine lameness cases, making it a significant concern for horse owners, trainers, and veterinarians alike.

With spring approaching, horse owners are eager to get back in the saddle! However, as winter transitions to spring — or during any time of year with wet and muddy conditions — hoof health can be challenged, as these environments create the ideal conditions for thrush to develop.

My Journey Into Bitless Riding - About 15 years ago I first went bitless with my mare, Diva, after a particularly passionate foray, on my part, into natural horsemanship. Riding with a rope halter and lead rope felt a little like wearing a thong bikini to a public beach, with many people waiting to see if this get-up was actually going to do the trick once we hit the water, or in this case the trails.

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.

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.

In another of my horse training articles, I discussed how tension impacts not only the horse’s well-being but also the overall training experience. In this article, I’d like to share a few strategies aimed at encouraging relaxation when a horse becomes overwhelmed.

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.

April Dawn Ray, age 42, of Victoria, British Columbia passed away on Saturday, November 2, 2024.

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.