The Equestrian Blog

Did you know there is an increased risk of your horse developing colic where you have a full time job, a hectic social life and a DIY stable environment but you don’t have sufficient hired help to maintain a high level of care, especially during the winter months. Good quality horse care is key to preventing horse colic

Unlike dogs, our horses can’t tell us when they are hurt. Dogs will whine or whimper to show distress, but your horse is a prey animal and prey animals don’t make any sounds to show they are weak or hurt. Just in case those nasty wolves & lions find out. So, it’s up to you, the horse owner, to check for signs of lameness in your horse.

Studies by the Tufts University of Veterinary Medicine suggest that horses kept in stables or dirt paddocks are more likely to sample anything green and ingest plants toxic to horses’. Your horse can also accidentally ingest toxic plants and they can acquire a taste for some, such as acorns and ragwort dried in hay. Know what you need to keep away from you horse

Equine laminitis doesn’t just affect fat ponies, it can be found in any horse prone to the condition. Spotting laminitis symptoms and knowing the difference between chronic laminitis and acute laminitis is important as by the time your horse adopts the classical laminitis stance, some damage has already been done to the sensitive laminae …

A UK vet has quite possibly linked common face flies to the spread of sarcoids, but it is commonly thought that a papilloma virus (wart) is probably what causes horse sarcoids

The equine dentist will float your horses teeth (rasp or file the teeth) to even the surface of the teeth and ensure they are at the proper angle for comfortable eating and efficient digestion. This prevents unseen horse health problems developing

Several common sense measures can be taken to prevent strangles affecting horses at a livery yard or riding school. Prevention is better than cure and horse owners themselves should always be aware of strangles outbreaks in their area. You are responsible for your horse’s welfare and you should insist your livery yard or riding school take preventive measures

Should you buy a horse with equine sarcoids? Before you decide you need to understand what horse sarcoids are, the different types of sarcoids and how they can affect what you want to do with your horse. Buying a horse with sarcoids is also a major consideration …

The horses skeleton provides support for its muscles; protection for the horse’s internal organs; and has enough mobility built into its various parts that the horse can move smoothly at differing speeds and still lie down, graze or do both at the same time.

There are a wide range of commercial horse wormers on the market, all of which are available from both online and offline sources. But don’t just automatically choose the cheapest product. Instead use a little knowledge and put together a more effective de-worming program that will improve the health of your horse

You may indulge your horse in couture inspired pink rugs or decadent diamante bridles, but grooming is the way your horse wants you to repay the effort and affection your horse gives you. Good grooming is a basic horse care essential