Do horses need companion animals? In most cases, yes. Horses are social herd animals that usually do best with a companion. Key facts: Best companion: Another horse is ideal, but goats, ponies, donkeys, miniature horses, and llamas can also provide valuable social interaction. Behavior benefits: Companion animals can reduce stress, separation anxiety, and stereotypic behaviors …
As we were loading our horses, I asked my daughter to ensure we had Coggins test certificates in the truck. My grandson overheard our conversation and said he’ll check, but what are they? The Coggins test detects Equine Infectious Anemia(EIA), a disease not unlike HIV, but in horses. It is a rare disease, but it …
Thinking about taking your horse swimming but unsure whether it’s safe? Before you head into deep water, there’s more to consider than whether your horse is willing to walk in. His fitness and confidence, the footing and exit, and hazards you can’t see from shore can make the difference between a good experience and a …
In South Louisiana, mosquitoes are everywhere, but if you have horses, you also have flies. My grandson asked me about this phenomenon; he wanted to know why flies follow horses wherever they go. Flies feed on large mammals that are dark, warm, and move around a lot; in other words, horses. Horseflies sustain themselves on …
A friend brought her teenage daughter over to ride one of our horses. She had ridden before, but that day she was nervous. The horse acted differently with her – less willing to move forward, more fidgety, and harder to steer than usual. Afterward, her mother asked me a question I have heard plenty of …
Dressage is built around progressively training a horse to perform movements that show balance, obedience, suppleness, and collection. But some practices used in the sport have created real, documented welfare concerns. After decades around horses, including time watching dressage shows and training sessions, I have learned that the better question is not “Is dressage cruel?” …
My grandson pointed to the inside of our mare’s leg and asked what that hard, crusty patch was. It was a good question, because most horse owners notice chestnuts long before they know what they are called. The hard, leathery patch on the inside of a horse’s leg is called a chestnut. An ergot is …
Are you planning a family trip to see wild horses, or do you live near a herd and wonder whether they are dangerous? Seeing horses roaming freely is an incredible experience, but it is natural to ask whether one could hurt you if you get too close. Wild horses can attack humans, but it is …
Recently we were at a horse show and noticed the perfectly groomed manes and tails on many of the competitors. Seeing that made me want to break down exactly how owners get that smooth, straight-hanging look. Quick Answer: A straight-hanging mane and tail comes mostly from consistent care, not a single trick: regular conditioning, careful …
Have you ever wondered, “Can horses sit like dogs?” Or maybe you’ve seen one appear to be sitting and wanted to know what was really going on? No, horses don’t sit down like dogs or cats. Their bodies are built for standing, moving, and lying down—not for resting in a true seated position. In this …