From tragedy, trauma, repeating nightmares, and substance abuse, to healing, wholeness, and helping others. Ross MacInnes, co-founder of Equine Assisted Learning (EAL) Canada, is living a life of purpose. Horses have helped him get there.

The average life expectancy of horses is around 20 years, but some survive into their 40s. Horses 20 years of age and older increasingly account for a larger percentage of the population, in part due to advances in veterinary care.

Blanketing your horse in winter might seem straightforward — just throw on a cover when the temperature drops and you’re done. In reality, it’s a far more nuanced decision. From choosing the right type of blanket to understanding when and how to use it, there’s a balance between keeping your horse comfortable, preventing health issues, and avoiding unnecessary wear or overheating. Add in the swirl of advice from seasoned barn hands, online forums, and long-held myths, and it’s no wonder many horse owners find themselves second-guessing their choices. This guide will cut through the confusion, explore the facts, and help you develop a practical blanketing routine tailored to your horse’s needs and your local climate.

Mud season can be a real challenge for horse owners. Managing water and footing is essential to prevent the area from turning into a soupy mess. This past spring, we moved onto our own five-acre property and are preparing for our first fall and winter with our herd of four on a track system. It takes creative solutions to keep horses high, dry, and out of the muck, at least most of the time. No matter where you live in Canada, these ideas will help you manage the muddy seasons in your area.

Each equestrian discipline has its own specialized movements, requiring distinct training, balance and footwork. While some of these maneuvers may look similar, they serve unique purposes within their respective sports. For instance, in dressage, riders guide their horse’s front end around the hindquarters in elegant pirouettes; ranch riders execute quick 180-degree turns to track cattle; and reining horses perform fast, precise 360-degree spins. Although all involve turning, the reasons and techniques behind these movements are different. To understand their purpose, timing, and differences, we consulted a dressage rider, a ranch horseman, and a reining judge for insight.

Are you striving for a balanced and effective riding posture? We can help you find success. A key checkpoint while riding is ensuring your ears, shoulders, hips, and heels align. Can you maintain this posture in the saddle? If yes, you’re on the right track to refining your skills. If not, don’t worry; consistent practice with the right rider alignment exercises will strengthen your position over time.

Understanding the Bigger Picture - “The farrier crippled that horse.” Over the past few months, I have heard this from at least two people complaining on behalf of a friend whose horse had gone lame. The farrier was implicated in both cases, and I was asked to consult on one of them. I am going to talk about several issues we farriers deal with all the time, and why it is highly unlikely that the farrier was responsible for the lameness.

Mud fever—also called greasy heel, scratches, or pastern dermatitis—is a skin disorder that commonly affects the lower legs of horses, especially around the heels and pasterns. It occurs most often in the wet seasons of fall, winter, and early spring, when horses spend long hours in muddy conditions that allow bacteria and fungi to multiply.

Accidents involving horses can happen, even with the utmost care. If a horse-related accident occurs on your property, you, as the occupier of that land, could be held accountable for any injuries or damages that result. Let’s explore the potential legal liabilities horse owners and property occupiers face, how to reduce risks associated with horse-related activities, and the role insurance might play in covering claims for injuries or property damage.