This page is a collection of miscellaneous information and stories about horses. If you have something about horses to share, please visit our Contact page.
Common Causes of Lameness in Horses
There are a variety of of conditions that affect a horse’s gait.
Click here to see the four common causes of lameness and treatment options for each.
Horses in Hot Weather
Horses can suffer from the heat too. Be sure to provide:
- access to water
- shade
- ventilation, if stabled
How to Avoid Sunburn:
- protect any pink areas, particularly around head and heel areas
- use sun cream, horse specific or children’s sunblock
- test a small area first in case horse is allergic
- full face mask
How to Treat Sunburn:
- cool area with water
- apply specialist cream to soothe and hydrate
- call vet immediately if crusty or is weeping fluid
Signs of Overheating Are:
- more lethargic
- breathing heavily
- appear dull
- increased heart rate.
Signs of Heatstroke (which can be fatal) Are:
- excessive sweating
- heavy, rapid breathing
- elevated heart and respiratory rate
- altered behaviour (dull/listless to panicky)
If Horse is Overheating:
- quickly douse with cold water
- have water remain on body to evaporate
- keep horse moving
- call a vet
Making Ice Blocks to Cool Your Equine Friends
Ice blocks made from fruit and vegetables in water provide a healthy treat and a fun way to cool down. Recipe:
- 2 litre ice cream pail
- add chopped apples, carrots, etc.
- fill pail with water
- freeze
- serve
Learn more: Link
Horses in Electrical Storms
- if you stable, be sure it is well grounded (and has lightning rods)
- risk of lightning strike is greater if they shelter under a large tree, especially if they are in herds
- wire fences and rain (sodden ground) are good electrical conductors, heightened for horses wearing steel shoes
Excellent Article About Trail Riding
Horse Lets Herself into the House Whenever She Wants
Ideal Feeding Frequency for Horses
In their natural setting horses spend most of their time eating. When kept in stables, horses are most commonly fed two meals a day. But the more frequently they receive forage, the more similar to their environment it becomes. Ideally they are fed forage at no more than six-hour intervals.
Further info on this link.
Does Your Horse Enjoy His Job?
There are obvious signs such as pricked ears and a happy, keen expression on their face. It’s easy to tell if a horse is nappy, irritated or otherwise having an unpleasant experience: pinned ears, swishing tail, lack of impulsion. Click on the link to see what else you should be looking for.
Healthy Hooves
Hoof health depends on good farrier care and a healthy environment e.g. not a wet and muddy paddock.
A balanced diet is important:
- good quality forage (pasture and/or hay)
- as needed concentrate to provide additional calories (energy)
- any protein, vitamins & minerals lacking in the hay
Click on this link for other supplements that may improve hoof quality.
Grooming Your Horse
Click this link to have a professional groomer give the pros and cons of:
- Mane pulling
- Mane pulling alternatives
- Roaching the mane
- Cutting a bridle path
- Removing ear hair
- Trimming muzzle whiskers
- Trimming fetlock hair
- Banging the tail
For each she gives instructions how to do it and includes tips to help you. she also discusses how to remove #$%* burrs.
The Old Horse That Keeps on Giving
Read this heart-warming horse story.
Medicine Hat Cowboy Poetry Foundation 