There’s Far More To It Than You Might Think - In November 2021, my wife and I spent four devastating days in Sumas Prairie, Abbotsford, British Columbia assisting with the rescue and evacuation of animals following the disastrous flooding caused by the “atmospheric river” of torrential rain in mid-November that year. It’s one thing to watch it on the news — it’s surreal to be on the ground in the middle of it.

Donkeys are not well suited to cold, wet environments and need extra protection in the winter, new research has found. The findings have been incorporated into the UK's updated Department for Environment Food & Rural Affairs (DEFRA) Code of Practice for the welfare of horses, ponies, donkeys and their hybrids.

A Sanctuary of Compassion in Quebec - Located in Quebec’s picturesque Vaudreuil-Dorion, just a short distance from the banks of the Ottawa River, is a charming farm that might easily be mistaken for a family home — if not for the red signs swaying in the breeze, announcing you’ve arrived at the sanctuary of A Horse Tale.

The horse-drawn carriage boasts a rich and varied history, evolving from humble pony carts to regal coronation coaches. This iconic vehicle has played a significant role in transportation for centuries.

When you ride regularly and for long distances, you’ll inevitably encounter a heavy downpour. With some careful planning, you’ll pull out your rain gear, such as a slicker, and continue your ride with a positive attitude. Once you reach shelter, you can take care of your horse by scraping off the mud and towel-drying him. Then, it’s time for you to change into dry clothes and enjoy a warm drink. However, savvy riders know the importance of also caring for their tack immediately, preventing mud buildup and leather damage before it dries out. Proper tack maintenance can also help avoid mold and mildew, which can cause long-term damage if left unchecked.

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.

Being fit to ride certainly has benefits for riders but there are also benefits for our horses. The horse-and-rider partnership is unique. We owe it to our horses to be as balanced and coordinated as possible to ensure their comfort and ability to do what we ask with ease. We are not all built the same and not everyone will assume the “ideal” riding posture and position. Still, we can all work towards better posture, balance, and coordination, resulting in clearer, more effective communication with our equine partners.

A proper horseback ride on a cold winter's day can offer an exhilarating experience, with the fluffy snow energizing your horse and the sunshine taking your mind off of the chilly air. But now, as the sun sets and winter’s cold returns, your horse is steaming with sweat, and it’s time to think about cooling down.

Practicing good biosecurity at home and while traveling is essential for your horse’s health and safety, and is an important part of industry-wide disease control measures. We collaborated with Dr. K. Gary Magdesian, infectious disease control officer and faculty member in the Equine Internal Medicine Service at the UC Davis veterinary hospital, to present a list of important things to remember when it comes to equine biosecurity.