A few months ago, during a trail ride, my horse started showing signs of stifle pain. One of my fellow riders offered Tylenol for my horse, catching me off guard. The moment was an eye-opener, leading me to wonder: Which over-the-counter meds are actually safe for horses? While there’s a range of OTC medications available …
Maybe you’re trying to figure out how much a bale of hay weighs before you feed your horses, compare prices, or decide how many flakes your horse needs. The seller says, “It’s a bale,” but that doesn’t tell you much about the actual weight. Quick answer: A two-string small square bale usually weighs 40 to …
Putting weight on a thin horse starts with finding out why he’s thin, not simply filling a bigger feed scoop. Quick Answer: Start by finding out why the horse is thin. Have your veterinarian evaluate dental disease, pain, and gastrointestinal disease, and review parasite-control history or testing where indicated, while you also check forage quality, …
With as many as 300 horse breeds worldwide, there are many different types of horse races, and they all have unique histories and cultures behind them. But let’s look at some common types of horse races you might see on TV or read about in books. There are four primary kinds of horse races, flat …
You’ve probably heard two very different opinions about alfalfa hay. Some people say it’s one of the best feeds you can give a horse; others warn that it makes horses too hot, too fat, or creates health problems. So which is it? Alfalfa isn’t automatically good or bad—it depends on the horse and the rest …
Should I feed my horse once or twice a day? I often get asked this question, and it’s not easily answered. There are basic horse feeding principles, but you have to be flexible because some horses’ dietary needs are different than others. Feeding a horse grain once a day is fine, but horses need a …
A Western saddle has a lot of parts, and knowing what each one is called makes it easier to spot wear, discuss repairs with a saddle maker, and explain a possible fit problem to your trainer. Whether you’re shopping for a saddle, checking out a used one, or simply curious how all those leather pieces …
Your kid wants to ride, there’s a perfectly good bike helmet hanging in the garage, and you’re wondering if you really need to buy another helmet. It’s a fair question. Quick answer: A bike helmet isn’t a good substitute for a riding helmet. A properly fitted equestrian helmet that meets ASTM F1163 and is SEI …
Horse riding boots are essential equipment for horseback riders, protecting their legs from chafing, providing stability in the stirrups, and helping you feel connected to your horse. Horse riding boots come in various styles, from traditional English boots to Western cowboy boots. I began my research on riding boots by talking to friends and family …
If you’ve spent enough time around horses, you’ve probably heard somebody swear by beet pulp for a hard keeper, a senior horse, or a horse with manure issues. The truth is, beet pulp can be a useful feed tool, but it isn’t the cure-all it’s sometimes made out to be. Before you soak that first …
