General horse information, from the history of the horse to a look at different breeds.
Experience & Veterinary Disclosure This guide draws on 30+ years of breeding and raising Thoroughbreds in Louisiana, including managing mares through foaling, raising foals from first breath to yearling, and handling the full spectrum of newborn health emergencies. I am not a veterinarian. Foal care decisions — particularly in the first 24 hours and around …
Experience & Veterinary Disclosure This guide draws on 30+ years of managing racehorses and pleasure horses in Louisiana — a state where mosquito-borne diseases like EEE and West Nile are not theoretical risks but annual realities I deal with every spring. I am not a veterinarian. Vaccination schedules should always be finalized with your equine …
Quick Answer: Getting rid of horseflies around your barn requires working on three fronts at once — eliminating breeding habitat (standing water and wet manure), disrupting their ability to find horses (fans, timing turnout, physical barriers), and reducing the population that’s already present (traps and targeted spray). No single method eliminates them. The barns that …
Quick Answer: The most effective horse fly sprays for horseflies are permethrin-based — Farnam Endure Sweat-Resistant is the best daily choice for most horses, while Absorbine UltraShield EX handles the heaviest horsefly pressure. For horses with pyrethrin sensitivity, Absorbine UltraShield Green is the gentler natural-based alternative. No spray alone eliminates horseflies — pairing any product …
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 …
⚠️ Expert Observation Horses communicate discomfort in subtle ways. Persistent or focused stomping, pawing, or head bobbing can indicate hoof pain, early lameness, skin irritation, or behavioral frustration. This guide emphasizes practical observation and early warning signs based on 30+ years of hands-on horse management experience. It is not a substitute for veterinary care. If …
⚠️ Important Context Head bobbing in horses can have multiple causes. This guide focuses on practical observation and early warning signs based on real-world horse management experience. It is not a substitute for a veterinary examination. Early observation helps catch issues before they become serious problems. If head bobbing is noticeable, ongoing, or increasing, a …
🚨 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. …
Quick Answer: Annual Horse Ownership Costs (2026) BASIC COSTS (What People Expect): Board/Pasture: $3,000-$18,000/year Feed & Supplements: $1,200-$3,600/year Farrier: $600-$2,400/year Routine Vet: $500-$1,500/year HIDDEN COSTS (What Catches People Off Guard): Emergency vet care: $2,000-$10,000/year Tack replacement/repair: $500-$2,000/year Unexpected maintenance: $1,000-$5,000/year Competition/training: $3,000-$15,000/year REALISTIC TOTAL: $12,000-$50,000+ per year that “basics” alone run $8,600-$26,000, depending on 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 …