How-To

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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.

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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.

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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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Taking photos of horses is easy, right? Just point your camera at the horse and snap away. You will indeed have photos of horses, but will you want to post, share, or hang them on the wall? The following guidelines will help improve your equine photography with any type of camera, including your phone.

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When a horse shows subtle signs of lameness or discomfort but no clear veterinary diagnosis, it can be discouraging and costly for owners. These vague issues are unfortunately common and often leave owners uncertain about the next step. This article outlines key principles to guide you through such cases, using the example of Remy — a mare who arrived with back pain and bucking behaviour but no definitive medical findings.

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As I write this article, I am days into the arrival of my new pony Gwynna, the third member of my little herd, with a herd integration in our near future. It seems somehow fortuitous to be riding the various waves of emotion that this transition can present — trepidation, fear, anticipation, and uncertainty — as I unpack what it takes to successfully introduce a new herd member or move from a barn with horses on their own to one where the herd lives together.

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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.

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Planning ahead for your horse’s emergency and end-of-life care is one of the most responsible and compassionate steps you can take as an owner. Creating a written directive ensures your wishes are clear, your horse’s needs are met, and your barn manager and veterinarian have the guidance they need during critical moments. From recording basic details and veterinary contacts to outlining financial limits, euthanasia authority, and aftercare preferences, this document provides peace of mind and helps prevent confusion during stressful times.

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4 Key Principles - As the shorter, colder winter months settle in, brief but purposeful groundwork sessions become critical for a horse’s physiology. Granted, fitness-based groundwork will not keep a horse at peak performance level, but it will prevent total erosion of neuromuscular and metabolic fitness during times of abbreviated schedules.

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Tension can interfere with nearly every aspect of a horse’s performance and learning. Some horses become so tight and rigid that they physically cannot perform certain movements, which often triggers frustration or anxiety — both of which only increase the level of tension.

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