General horse information, from the history of the horse to a look at different breeds.
After 30 years managing horses—from Thoroughbred racehorses to barrel racers to backyard trail horses—I’ve learned something critical: the difference between a horse that thrives and one that just survives usually comes down to consistent, daily attention to the small things. Most owners don’t need another generic horse care checklist they’ll print once and forget. What …
🚨 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 …
Natural calming techniques for horses can make all the difference in reducing stress without supplements or sedatives. Horses are incredibly sensitive animals. Their instincts as prey animals alert them to every noise, movement, and change—great for survival in the wild but often a source of anxiety in domestic settings. Stress can show up in many …