Have you ever noticed your horse reacting negatively to being saddled? Girth aversion, commonly known as girthiness in horses, can affect any breed, from working horses to athletic sport horses. Often caused by issues like poor saddle fit, gastric ulcers, or musculoskeletal discomfort, it can significantly impact a horse’s comfort and performance. I’ve seen this …
An Appendix Quarter Horse is a first-generation cross between a registered Quarter Horse and a Thoroughbred, registered through the AQHA’s Appendix program. The cross combines Thoroughbred height and stamina with Quarter Horse speed and athleticism. My first racehorse was an Appendix gelding. He went from racing at Evangeline, running 870 yards, to barrel racing. That …
There’s a reason you see American Quarter Horses everywhere—from working ranches and local trail rides to barrel races, show arenas, and racetracks. They’re practical, athletic stock horses with the power to work, the quickness to turn, and the versatility to fit a lot of different riders and jobs. I grew up riding Quarter Horses on …
Every horse owner eventually deals with a horse that gets anxious – loading into a trailer, standing in a new stall, walking into a loud arena, or just handling a change in routine. I’ve dealt with it with my own racehorses and Quarter Horses, and I’ve learned that a calming remedy can genuinely help, but …
Ever find yourself wondering which are the best horse supplements for your equine companion? Like you, I’ve often asked myself this, especially when trying to manage things like stiff joints or digestive issues. It can be frustrating to see a horse struggle. A good diet needs to start with high-quality forage, with concentrates added when …
Hey there, I’m Miles Henry. As a lifelong horseman, I’ve spent countless hours ensuring my horses receive the best nutrition possible. In this article, “Hay Alternatives for Horses,” we’ll explore reliable substitutes for hay, including pellets, cubes, and silage. Rising hay prices and unpredictable weather can make sourcing quality hay a challenge, and like many …
When a new load of hay hits the barn, my first thought isn’t “How many bales did I get?”—it’s “Is this actually safe and appropriate for the horses I’m feeding?” I remember opening a beautiful-looking bale one year with fine, soft stems and that sweet grassy smell. It looked perfect for my easy keepers… until …
As a racehorse owner and trainer, I’ve learned firsthand that feeding performance horses is about so much more than just calories. It’s about truly understanding their unique digestive systems and tailoring our practices to meet their individual needs. I’m Miles Henry, and I’ve spent years working with horses, from Quarter Horses to Thoroughbreds. This guide …
Horses have a digestive system unlike any other livestock species — one built for continuous grazing, not the twice-daily grain meals many domesticated horses receive. The equine digestive tract stretches roughly 100 feet and is divided into a foregut and hindgut, each responsible for processing different nutrients in sequence. Understanding how this system works explains …
Thoroughbred breeding economics is an intricate balance of passion and business acumen. It involves substantial financial investments, careful decision-making, and a deep understanding of both genetics and market dynamics. This article expands on critical aspects such as costs, genetic testing, auction strategies, and ethical breeding practices to provide a comprehensive guide for those involved in …
