Those who ride and care for horses know that an injured equine is an inevitable event, even if the horses in their care live in a padded stalls wrapped in protective gear. While some horses seem remain remarkably unscathed, others keep us on high alert (and drain our wallets) with their uncanny ability to get injured. But is it really just bad luck? Or could our approach to horsemanship play a bigger role than we realize?

Unhealthy hooves in horses are often not due to genetic weakness, but rather preventable lifestyle factors. While it’s hard to admit, many common horsekeeping practices contribute to sore feet in horses. Key causes of weakened hooves in modern horses include limited movement, inappropriate ground surfaces, improper diet and supplements, and early development practices such as weaning.

What to consider when sending your horse out for training - Along with many people, I've sent my horse away for training with varying results as to its impact. It is common practice, especially at certain stages of training such as starting under saddle, to invest in several months of intensive training at a trainer’s facility. Given that our horse is going to be in someone else’s care for a substantial amount of time, in a new environment, with countless changes, a great level of care must be given to our decision.

Ground rails, trail pattern poles, or obstacle course logs — these low-lying obstacles are a regular feature in the equestrian experience. We walk, trot, and canter over them in straight paths, serpentines, or pinwheels.