A Scratch for Every Itch - Horses scratch for many reasons. They scratch themselves on fences, rub up against posts (and sometimes people), roll on the ground, and groom each other. A natural behaviour usually linked to social bonding, comfort, and relaxation, it can be heightened seasonally by shedding, sweating, or the presence of insects. However, when scratching becomes frequent enough to result in hair loss, broken skin, scabs, or if it disrupts eating or sleeping, it is time to talk to a veterinarian to determine if a skin allergy is to blame so appropriate treatments can be pursued.

Canada is a massive country, with large distances between equine competitions and a relatively small number of upper-level equestrians. Hence, Canadian riders who want to be competitive at upper levels struggle to find enough higher-level competitions to advance their riding careers. Canada also has winter weather that precludes many riders from training outside for half the year. This can limit advancement and horse fitness. For example, three-day event riders can’t school cross-country jumps or get their gallop training in when fields are drifted with snow, nor can endurance riders do long rides on varied terrain.

Groundwork = Secret Conditioning - While it is widely used for gentling young horses and teaching basic skills, groundwork also offers the possibility for a notable amount of conditioning. When consistently and strategically practiced, it can improve muscle tone, basic metabolic function, and neuromuscular patterns.

Canadian Horse Journal was once again recognized for editorial excellence during the American Horse Publications (AHP) 2024 Equine Media Awards held during the AHP annual conference in Lexington, Kentucky in May.

The first equine genetic tests became available in the 1990s, well before the equine genome sequence was completed in 2009. Technical advances have since led to a rapid expansion in available tests. Here are a few that can be utilized to inform breeding decisions and provide diagnostic information.

Golden sunlight spills across the mountains beneath the plane’s wing as the soft hues of pink and purple twilight give way to night. My long-held dream of exploring the vast wilderness of Canada’s Yukon on horseback is finally becoming a reality. Touching down in Whitehorse—the territorial capital since 1953—I haul my luggage across the street to a nearby hotel, ready to rest before the adventure begins.

Consumers have access to more quality fencing options for their horses than ever before. While it’s crucial to consult a fencing expert, it’s also beneficial to identify your basic requirements and have a design concept in mind. Creating a checklist with guiding questions can help kick off the project:

Grass clippings and yard waste trimmings can be toxic. As horse owners, we spend a lot of time and effort making sure our horses are healthy and well cared for. However, a simple mistake by a family member or neighbour could be disastrous.