Prevention

Senior Horse Wellness: Keys to Helping Your Older Horse Thrive

Updated:

October 17, 2025

Dental health older horse, joint pain older horse, nutrition senior horse, gut health aging horse, ppid horses, cushing's disease horses, horse laminitis, ems equine metabolic syndrome, eye health old horse, exercising senior horse, signs horse is getting old

Like humans, horses are living longer than ever. Typically, older horses will live into their twenties and often into their thirties. It’s natural to worry about your horse’s health into the golden years. Studies report that 70 percent of horses aged 20 years or older have some type of health issue requiring modifications in management practices and veterinary care. Let’s examine the six key issues your older horse might face, and tips to help you keep your horse feeling comfortable during those senior years.

10 Things To Know About Caring for Older Horses

Updated:

October 16, 2025

caring for older horses, senior horse care, should i deworm older horses, what age should i retire horse, sidewinder gait older horse, ppid senior horse, bute for horses, dental care horses

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.

Managing Metabolic Horses: Latest Research and Guidelines

Updated:

October 14, 2025

haynet for horses, slow feeding for horses, horses with metabolic issues, equine digestive system, insulin levels horses, grazing muzzle horses, insulin dysregulation horses, el in horses, endocrinopathic laminitis equine, nsc/kg horses calculation

Our knowledge of optimal equine management is continually expanding. The science relied upon to make informed management decisions for our horses is changing as more research becomes available. One of the primary nutrition concerns across North America is the management of horses with metabolic health issues. This article will discuss the goals of nutritional management for these horses, how science has evolved, and updated guidelines based on the newest science for horse owners to follow.

Arenus Animal Health Brings Colic Assurance Program to Canada

Updated:

October 10, 2025

arenus secure guard gold, arenus assure, equine digestive system, supplements for horses, feed to prevent horse colic

For horse owners, one of the most frequent areas of pressing health concern is their animals’ digestive system. Colic, ulcers, diarrhea, and leaky gut syndrome can be a constant affront to the well-being and success of equine athletes.

The Blame Game in Hoof Care

Updated:

October 9, 2025

should my farrier and vet get along, farrier life, farrier hurt my horse, will clinging, western canadian farriers association, what's wrong with horse's hoof, career as farrier, training farrier, association of farrier trainers of canada, ontario farriers association, quebec farriers association, association of farrier trainers of canada, american farriers association, worshipful company of farriers, laws for farriers canada

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.

Fall Leaves - Are They Toxic to Horses?

Updated:

October 1, 2025

toxic plants, toxic trees, toxic horse, horse toxic, horse poison, equine poison

Fall is here! The leaves are changing and the temperatures are cooling off. It’s hard to imagine that such a pretty time of year could possibly be harmful to our horses. However, fall leaves can pose a potentially deadly threat. The following are trees that are highly toxic to horses.

Diagnosing, Treating, and Preventing Rain Rot in Horses

Updated:

September 30, 2025

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.

The Growing Role of Acupuncture in Horse Care

Updated:

September 26, 2025

Steve Chiasson, horse acupuncture, horse care, horse acupuncture points, horse back pain, horse pelvic pai, equine acupuncture treatment

The field of equine medicine is experiencing a period of exciting growth, with significant advancements in diagnostic and therapeutic options available to horse owners. Over recent decades, equine healthcare has evolved to offer a broad range of services, from internal medicine, surgery, and reproductive management to lameness diagnostics, dental care, and neurologic treatment—available both in-hospital and on-farm. In addition to these traditional services, alternative therapies like acupuncture are gaining popularity for treating various conditions in horses.

Horse Health Lines - Fall 2025 Issue Added to WCVM Newsletter Archive

Updated:

September 14, 2025

Take an inside look into the latest the scientific studies at the University of Saskatchewan's veterinary college, with the Western College of Veterinary Medicine's semi-annual newsletter: Horse Health Lines.

Equine Emergency Preplan Checklist

Updated:

September 2, 2025

equine emergency preparedness, horses stuck flooding, preventing barn fire, emergency services horses, help for horses disaster, kevan garecki, bc flooding horses

While one can’t plan for every form of disaster, it’s important to familiarize yourself with any potential risks that could occur in your area and plan for them accordingly. Planning ahead can allow horse owners the opportunity to stay composed and act quickly in an emergency situation.