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Equine First Aid - Bandaging a Horse

Updated:

March 16, 2015

bandaging the hock, equine first aid, sounded horse, equine injury, horse wound, horse shipping bandages, equi-health canada

Just as every horse owner should possess, at the very minimum, a basic knowledge of areas of horse care such as nutrition, common illnesses, and hoof care, so too should they have at least a rudimentary understanding of the proper techniques for bandaging a horse’s legs. There are a number of situations in which leg bandages may be necessary or advisable.

How to Protect Your Horse from Ulcers

Updated:

February 11, 2015

horse ulcers, juliet getty, equine ulcers, free choice forage feeding, horse digestion, beet pulp, hindgut microbial population, vitamin b horse

I never stop urging horse owners to “feed your horse like a horse,” for the simple reason that a horse, fed according to his physiology and instincts, will be healthier. Free choice forage feeding is the first line of defense against ulcers, but there is more an owner can do to protect his horse from the pain and stress of this condition.

Mycotoxins in Horse Feed

Updated:

December 5, 2014

Ralph Robinson, Mycotoxins Horse Feed, cute mycotoxicosis, Deoxynivalenol, Vomitoxin, Zearalenone, equine brain abnormalities, equine Aflatoxins

Mycotoxins are formed on animal feeds when conditions of moisture and temperature allow the growth of naturally occurring molds. Mycotoxins are poisonous substances produced by molds in order to safeguard their food source (e.g., corn kernel) from a competitor - usually a bacterium.

Is Your Horse Left-Handed?

Updated:

September 5, 2014

Jochen Schleese, saddle support, horse saddle fitting, horse dominant side, symmetrical gullet plate

Do you understand the natural asymmetry of the horse and its implications for saddle fit? Most horses are left-handed – or what we refer to as dominant on the left-hand side – and it is usually very obvious. There are many theories as to what causes this predisposition.

Developing the Sport Horse: The Importance of Hydration

Updated:

August 20, 2014

University of Guelph, Hot Horse, Hot Equine, Horse Hydratiion, Horse in Heat, Equine in Heat, Evaporative Cooling, Convection, Ambient Temperature Humidity, HEAT STRESS Effect on Horses, Training Horses in the heat

As we move through the height of our summer competition season, it is not uncommon to have multiple days of severe heat and humidity - the days when you sweat while standing still.

Cross-Training the Sport Horse

Updated:

July 24, 2014

“Whether it be a football player studying ballet or a dressage horse learning to work cows - cross-training is a central pillar to athletic success and longevity,” says Dr. Brianne Henderson BVMS MRCVS, Ferguson Equine Veterinary Services & Toronto Equine Hospital.

How to Cool Out a Hot Horse

Updated:

July 4, 2014

horse cool down, Sponging Endurance Horse, horse walk cool down, horse drinking water for cool down, hose down endurance horse

The last ten to fifteen minutes of every ride should consist of walking on a long or loose rein to allow the horse to relax, stretch his muscles, and, if he is winded from the exercise, catch his breath. This may be all the cool-down the average horse requires in order to physically recover from moderate exercise on a cool to warmish day. But intense workouts can strain muscles, ligaments, and tendons, and when coupled with soaring summer temperatures can cause your horse’s body temperature to skyrocket.