General horse information, from the history of the horse to a look at different breeds.
Most horse care problems don’t start as emergencies. They start as small changes an owner misses — a horse eating a little slower than usual, a foot that feels warmer than it did yesterday, weight that’s crept down without anyone noticing until it’s serious. The best horse care routine is simple: pay attention every day, …
🚨 The 60-Second Triage Test (2AM Rule) Kit Location: Find it pitch black, no lights. <60 seconds? Pass. >60 seconds? Reorganize tonight. Thermometer: Normal = 99-101°F. Above 102°F or below 99°F = call vet now. Heart Rate: Normal = 28-40 bpm. Colic threshold = sustained 50+ bpm = emergency. Digital Pulse: Barely palpable = normal. …
Most horse ownership cost guides give you a purchase price and a monthly board rate, then stop. This guide goes further, drawing on 30 years of tracked expenses across Louisiana tracks and training barns — the routine costs, the surprises, and the expensive problems that can hit at 2 AM. The surprising part isn’t the …
Research shows 57% of horses have PPE findings. Not all matter—here’s how to tell which ones do: Quick Answer: When to Walk Away vs. Negotiate IMMEDIATE DEALBREAKERS (Category 1: Walk Away): Severe navicular changes in young horses (<10 years) Hindlimb proximal suspensory desmitis (PSD) Undisclosed positive drug screen or severe multi-limb flexion *Impact varies by …
Quick Answers: Pre-Purchase Exam Costs How much does a Basic Riding Horse PPE cost? • $450–$900 (Includes physical, flexions, trot, and targeted X-rays) How much for a Performance Horse PPE? • $1,200–$3,000+ (Extensive X-rays, ultrasound, drug screen, detailed analysis) What is the single most important diagnostic? • X-rays (Radiographs)—they reveal pre-existing issues like navicular changes …
Disclaimer:This guide is for informational purposes only. I’m a long-time horse owner—raised in Louisiana and part of a family that’s been in horses for generations—not a licensed insurance agent. Costs and coverage vary by carrier, state, and individual circumstances. The ranges here come from my review of 41 policies across eight carriers during the 2023–2025 …
If Your Horse Has Bites Right Now Within the first hour: Rinse the bite area with cool water to remove any remaining saliva and reduce immediate swelling. Pat dry gently—don’t rub. What I keep in my barn: A spray bottle of diluted chlorhexidine (the same thing vets use), a tube of hydrocortisone cream, and Benadryl …
📋 Professional Investment Disclaimer This guide is based on Miles Henry’s 30+ years of professional experience in the racing and equine industries. However, every horse purchase is a unique financial and medical risk. Not Veterinary Advice: This checklist is an educational tool. A Pre-Purchase Exam (PPE) must always be conducted by a licensed, independent veterinarian …
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 …
Most horse anxiety has a practical fix, but the fix depends on what is actually causing it. What looks like a behavior problem is often a management issue, a pain issue, or a training gap. This guide covers the safest ways to calm an anxious horse without supplements: environment, routine, groundwork, body language, and ruling …