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Horse Racing

Horse Racing Class Levels: How Trainers Move Horses to Win

Understanding horse racing class levels is the foundation of smart race placement — and no classroom taught me that. I learned it the hard way with a bay gelding I ran raced at the Fair Ground. He had enough speed…

Miles Henry

Horses

Before You Ride Your Horse Into Town, Know These Rules and Safety Tips

When the first McDonald’s opened in our small community, we talked about riding our horses over for the occasion. The route crossed into the city limits, so before we saddled up, I checked whether horseback riding was actually allowed there.…

Miles Henry

Racehorse Health

My Horse Is Suddenly Three-Legged Lame—Could It Be a Hoof Abscess?

Wrapping a horse hoof after treaing an abscess

A horse can look perfectly sound in the morning and be nearly non-weight-bearing by afternoon. I’ve seen it happen with my horses more than once, and a hoof abscess can be the reason. A hoof abscess can cause sudden, severe…

Miles Henry

Horses

Why Horses Paw the Ground

If you’ve ever asked why horses paw the ground, the answer depends on whether the behavior is normal impatience—or a sign of pain. In many horses, pawing is a learned behavior or a response to frustration. But because pawing can…

Miles Henry

Horses

How Big Does a Horse Stall Need to Be? Dimensions, Height, and Construction

My son is drawing plans for a new barn, and stall size was one of the first things we worked through — because it’s also one of the hardest to fix after the fact. You can adjust flooring, change doors,…

Miles Henry

Horses

Yes, a Horse Kick Can Kill You — Here Is the 3-Foot Danger Zone Handlers Miss

Can a horse kick kill you? Yes. A horse kick can be fatal, especially when it lands on the head, chest, or abdomen. Key facts: Researchers and equine safety organizations estimate that a horse kick can generate thousands of pounds…

Miles Henry

Horse Barns

The Right Barn Floor Depends on Where Your Horse Stands

Choosing horse barn flooring isn’t about finding one “best” material – stalls, aisles, and tack rooms often need different solutions. After 30+ years around horses and dealing with Louisiana weather, I’ve found the biggest mistakes usually come from choosing a…

Miles Henry

Racehorse Health

Grazing Muzzle Halters: Do They Work, Plus Fitting Tips

Some horses are prone to overgraze on lush pasture grass and become dangerously overweight. To combat equine obesity and reduce the associated adverse health conditions, horses are often fitted with grazing muzzle halters. But do they work, and are they…

Miles Henry

Horse Barns

The Best Barn Fans for Horses: What Actually Works in Real Barn Conditions

The first fans I used in my horse barn were standard household box fans, tied with hay string to the front of the stalls. They worked for a time, but eventually failed as dust and shavings clogged the exposed motors.…

Miles Henry

Horse riding gear

Do Horses Really Need a Bit?

Not every horse needs a bit to be ridden, but deciding whether bitless is right for yours takes more than a yes-or-no answer. When I choose tack for different horses, I look at their training, comfort, the job I am…

Miles Henry

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