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 …
I grew up riding Quarter Horses on my family’s Louisiana farm, where they moved cattle through humid pastures and taught three generations of kids to ride. Thirty years later, after owning Thoroughbred racehorses professionally, I still tell people the same thing: if you want one reliable horse that can do almost anything, buy a Quarter …
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 …
Have you ever wondered how breeders create horses that excel in both athleticism and temperament? Horse crossbreeding is the secret behind these exceptional equine athletes. By strategically combining traits from different breeds, breeders enhance performance, temperament, and physical characteristics. *While the term “hybrid” is sometimes used to describe crossbreeding, it more accurately refers to crosses …
