Founder in horses is a painful hoof emergency that can cause the coffin bone to rotate or sink inside the hoof. If you suspect it, remove grain and pasture access, keep the horse on deep bedding, and call your veterinarian right away. What are the signs of founder in horses? The earliest detectable signs are …
In South Louisiana, mosquitoes are everywhere, but if you have horses, you also have flies. My grandson asked me about this phenomenon; he wanted to know why flies follow horses wherever they go. Flies feed on large mammals that are dark, warm, and move around a lot; in other words, horses. Horseflies sustain themselves on …
A fly mask is a horse’s best friend when insects are on the move. It protects their face, ears, and eyes from pesky insects and keeps them comfortable. There are many different styles of fly masks on the market, but not all are created equal. Here are three of the very best fly masks with …
Shopping for a new saddle pad for your Western saddle can get expensive fast. Every brand promises more comfort, better airflow, extra shock absorption, or a tougher pad that will last for years—but the features that matter most are usually material, thickness, shape, and whether the pad works with the saddle you already own. For …
Twin brothers recently visited our farm to look at a horse, and their visit inspired my grandson to ask whether horses can have twins or triplets. I’ve never owned a broodmare that delivered multiple foals, so I did the research — and the numbers are more interesting than I expected. Can horses have twins? Yes, …
If your child is starting to ride horses, competing, or getting involved in rodeo, it is worth taking a few minutes to understand body protectors. They don’t replace a properly fitted helmet, good instruction, or sensible horse handling, but the right vest adds another layer of protection when things don’t go as planned. Quick Answer: …
Are you considering hobbles for your horse, or have you seen someone use them and wondered what they’re for – or whether they’re cruel? Used the right way, horse hobbles are a practical piece of equipment. Used carelessly or on an unprepared horse, they can create a dangerous situation. Horse hobbles are restraints that connect …
Horses with feathered feet are horses built to carry long hair around the fetlocks and over the hooves, and that hair can be a blessing or a headache depending on how you manage it. On the right horse, it protects the lower leg, gives the breed its look, and helps in rough weather. But if …
Are cowboy boots actually good for plantar fasciitis, or are you about to trade one kind of foot pain for another? They can work for some people, but the boot matters more than the brand. Look for a stable, moderate heel, a supportive and cushioned footbed, and enough room in the toe box – and …
My son bought six acres of fenced land with some mature trees and plans to keep a couple of mares on it. The first thing he asked me was: Does a horse need a barn, or can a good pasture and some trees be enough? It’s a question many new horse owners face when setting …
