3 Articles

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When a horse suffers an injury, it’s essential to allow for a brief time of rest to aid in recovery. However, in many cases, movement itself can be a form of therapy. Not all exercise negatively impacts a horse's health—on the contrary, it can often enhance overall well-being. Therefore, restricting movement should only be considered in extreme situations.

ThinLine Canada Trifecta Expressions Half Pad, Saddle Pads Canada, Summerside Tack

Better for the Horse. Better for the Rider. “We recommend ThinLine for horses that are back sore, horses that have saddle issues, and to help reduce the impacts that riding has on horses,” says FEI certified veterinarian Dr. Fernando Cardenas in North Carolina, USA who also breeds warmblood sport horses.

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The biggest risk factor of a horse sustaining injury during transport is due to inadequate or improper training for loading and hauling. The key to avoiding these injuries lies in investing the time to teach the horse in a way that suits his learning style. It's important to keep in mind that, as with any form of teaching, if one method isn't working, there are plenty of other strategies to try. The alphabet still has 25 letters if Plan A does not work!

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Autumn is one of the most vibrant and beautiful seasons, and it’s also my favorite time to go horseback riding. With the bugs gone, the air crisp, and the horses feeling fresh and ready to go, it’s the perfect opportunity for a memorable trail ride. There’s nothing quite cantering through the woods while the brilliant reds, oranges, and yellows of fall leaves rush by. Living in Ontario, we’re known for our stunning autumn landscapes, but a short trip across the border to Vermont reveals the rolling hills of the Green Mountains, offering an equally breathtaking sight.

weight horse, equine obesity joint health, exercises for horse joint pain, equine joint injections, corticosteroid injections horses, equine joint supplements

Joint health can be a confusing topic. We collaborated with Dr. Sarah le Jeune of the UC Davis Equine Integrative Sports Medicine and Equine Surgery and Lameness Services, and Scott Katzman of the Equine Surgery and Lameness Service, to provide some clarity.

canter pirhouettes, cow horse stops, reining spin, footfalls reining, clix photography, tania millen, shawna sapergia, vern sapergia, cow horse turnaround, how to turn reining horse around, canter turns

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.

cavaletti walk, cavaletti canter, cavaletti trot, jec aristotle ballou, cavalletti exercises, horse cavalletti, training a horse, horse gait, equine gait, equine conditioning a horse

Your horse's three primary gaits-walk, trot, and canter-each provide distinct advantages for conditioning aimed at enhancing performance. When utilized effectively, these gaits can achieve outcomes that might otherwise be overlooked. Ideally, training sessions should incorporate equal time spent in each of the three primary gaits to promote both flexibility and strength. However, specific conditioning phases may require an emphasis on one gait over the others. This article will explore how each gait benefits the equine athlete, particularly in relation to back usage, and will highlight the role of cavalletti routines in training.

rain rot horses, rain scald horses, horse bald patches, scabs on horse

During periods of heavy rainfall, many horse owners may notice the emergence of rain rot in their horses. This skin condition can be frustrating, but with proper care, it is often manageable.

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The Painted Warriors Horseback Riding Backcountry Boot Camp is all about building skills and independence in riders of all levels. The five-day camp is one of a variety of horse- and nature-based programs offered at Painted Warriors Ranch, located in the foothills of the Canadian Rockies about an hour-and-a-half northwest of Calgary, Alberta. Painted Warriors creates authentic outdoor experiences from an Indigenous perspective, based on co-owner Tracey Klettl’s Cree and Mohawk heritage and on the Ojibway heritage of her partner and business co-owner, Tim Mearns.

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Knowing how to wrap your horse's leg is an essential skill for the attentive horse owner. Questions such as What thickness of bandage should I use on my horse's leg? How do I know when wrapping my horse's leg is appropriate? What supplies do I need? are all very important. With help from this article, and a little practice, you will have master these skills in no time.

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The colder months require careful consideration of seemingly simple tasks, such as providing your horse with fresh, clean water. Fortunately, horses, humans, and livestock have shared many Canadian winters together, and there are several options for winter watering.

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Thrush is a common hoof condition caused by a fungal infection that eats away at the tissues of the frog. It is found in the grooves alongside the frog and the cleft in the centre of the frog. If left untreated, thrush will advance deeper into the sensitive areas of the hoof and cause lameness.

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A close look at teff as a forage option for horses. Hay comprises the majority of a horse’s diet. Therefore, when owners are able to source a forage that complements their horse’s nutritional requirements, there are numerous benefits. These benefits range from ease of management to better equine health and even lower feed bills. Teff is a species of grass that is gaining popularity for use as horse hay. It is thought to be a great option for both easy-keepers and metabolic horses.

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When it comes to training related injuries, again, look for obvious reasons first. Most training related injuries are common and very preventable provided there is an understanding of the biomechanical demands of the particular discipline; meticulous attention to the horse’s feet, teeth, tack, and food, which are the pillars upon elite equine athletes are built; and a collaborative, integrated team approach to building and developing individualized training and maintenance programs.

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Navigating the Mare Owner's Dilemma - So, you’re contemplating breeding your mare. As a seasoned breeder of top-notch warmbloods and the owner of Hyperion Stud, LLC, Vicky Castegren knows all about that decision.

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Many horse people yearn to leave the city behind, believing that the country provides opportunities for a more natural lifestyle, a slower pace, and a chance to fulfill lifelong dreams such as keeping their horses at home, growing a big garden, and enjoying a healthier way of life.

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Well-meaning riders are understandably concerned about ensuring their horses are fit enough for their jobs. But in the drive for competitive results, it’s easy to over-practice and over-train horses — by simply doing too much work and not providing enough rest and recovery days in between.

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Inflammation generally gets a bad rap. With all that pain and heat and swelling and such, it is tempting to enthusiastically declare inflammation as something that should be unconditionally avoided. While persistent, uncontrolled inflammation often does contribute to a decline in health and tissue function, transient inflammation (such as that resulting from exercise) may be essential to appropriate adaptation of tissues to stress. So, before we announce a universal ban on the ouch factor, let’s take a closer look at inflammation, and explore how a nutraceutical might promote the “good” while inhibiting the “bad.”

stomach Bots, equine tapeworms, bot flies, Dr. Wendy Pearson, University of Guelph, larvae pupate, horse care, Seasonal Parasite Control

Stomach Bots and Tapeworms - Your parasite management program should give some attention to stomach bots and tapeworms. To control these parasites more effectively, it helps to understand their life cycles.

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Nowadays, the blaring siren of a fire truck elicits a sense of awe and urgency as it races through the streets. People pause, marveling at the sleek, red machines with their chrome accents, while firefighters in dark uniforms hurry toward their mission. Yet, this image of modern firefighting is a far cry from the past, when cities depended not on engines of metal, but on the bravery and strength of fire-horses. In those days, citizens gathered in awe to witness the magnificent animals spring into action, playing a critical role in saving lives.

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