How to Negotiate a Horse Purchase: Price, Trials, and Contracts

Buying a horse is exciting—but it’s a serious investment. With over 25 years of hands-on experience working with and buying horses, I’ve seen firsthand how a thorough horse pre purchase exam (PPE) saves buyers from costly surprises. This guide offers a comprehensive buying checklist, detailing red flags across all major body systems and key questions …

Horse breeds by color capture the imagination with their striking and unique appearances. While many horses come in a wide range of hues, some breeds are defined by a single, signature coat — like the jet-black Friesian or the golden Haflinger. This guide explores these distinctive breeds, offering insights into their origins, genetics, and care. …

Feeding older horses comes with unique challenges, and choosing the best hay for senior horses is one of the most critical decisions for maintaining their health, weight, and longevity. As horses age, changes in digestion, dentition, and metabolism mean that not all hays are created equal, especially for horses struggling with weight loss, dental problems, …

Senior horse exercise is essential — yet often overlooked — in caring for aging horses. As someone who has owned and supported older horses through everything from stiffness to weight loss to arthritis, I know how much thought and heart go into their care. Most of us focus on senior nutrition and vet support, and …

Disclosure: This article is for informational purposes only and does not substitute for professional veterinary advice. Always consult your veterinarian regarding treatment decisions. If your horse is showing stiffness, lameness, or reluctance to move, especially after work or in the cold, you’re likely dealing with the challenges of arthritis — and the right pain management …

If your senior horse has started to lose weight, struggles with chewing, or walks away from their feed, you’re not alone — and the right nutrition can make all the difference. As a lifelong horse owner, I’ve seen firsthand how aging affects even the healthiest horses. Metabolism slows, digestion weakens, and conditions like Cushing’s, dental …

As a long-time horse owner, I’ve seen how subtle digestive issues can snowball—from a little weight loss to serious problems like colic or ulcers. One gelding in my barn looked perfectly healthy… until he wasn’t. That moment taught me just how critical gut health is to every part of a horse’s life: their performance, behavior, …

If you’ve ever stood in your barn aisle, frustration mounting as your horse’s ribs become a little too prominent, you’re not alone. I’ve been there, too. At a roping competition in Fort Worth, surrounded by seasoned horsemen, I was desperate for answers. My mare was losing weight despite everything I tried. What I learned that …

As horse owners and trainers, we always look for ways to keep our horses healthy, focused, and performing at their best. And increasingly, the science points to one key factor: a healthy gut. Equine probiotics are proving to be a powerful tool for improving digestion, boosting immunity, and supporting overall performance. I saw it firsthand. …

The cost to raise a horse—from birth through adulthood—can be rewarding, but it also demands careful financial planning and preparation. Whether you’re planning to breed your own mare or purchase a young foal, understanding the full scope of costs is crucial to making an informed, responsible decision. This comprehensive guide breaks down the expenses from …