Many horse owners, including myself, know how frustrating it is when a usually calm horse suddenly starts acting out. I’ve seen horses go from reliable partners to unpredictable ones, only to find out that pain was the cause. Spotting these changes early makes a big difference in a horse’s comfort and health. This guide will …
I’ll never forget when my filly, Diamond, became aggressive towards other horses in the pasture. It was completely out of character, and I was baffled. After careful observation, I realized she was in pain from a hidden abscess. That experience taught me just how crucial it is to understand horse behavior—it’s their way of communicating …
Horse body language is made up of ear position, facial tension, tail movement, and leg posture—and it gives you clear clues about what a horse is experiencing if you know how to read it. Most people miss early warning signs because they focus on one signal at a time instead of the whole picture. Once …
Understanding horse coat nutrition is critical to achieving a glossy, shiny coat that reflects a horse’s inner health. As a long-time Thoroughbred owner with seven racehorses in active training, I’ve learned firsthand the importance of nutrition in maintaining coat health. Whenever one of my horses develops a dull coat, I immediately evaluate their diet and …
Parasites aren’t just a hassle for horses—they can seriously affect their health, coat, and performance. Having cared for a stable of racehorses for years, I’ve seen firsthand how parasites impact a horse’s appearance and ability to perform. A healthy, shiny coat often reflects a horse’s overall well-being. Once, a parasitic infection caused permanent hair loss …
A horse’s coat reflects its overall health. Having managed racehorses for over 20 years, I know that a shiny coat often signals well-being. This guide will help you identify and treat common coat issues like rain rot and fungal infections to keep your horse looking and feeling its best. We’ll cover common coat conditions, preventive …
📘 Educational Guide: This article covers nutrition and management for coat health in horses. If your horse shows dull coat WITH weight loss, fever, lethargy, or severe skin lesions, contact your veterinarian immediately. Coat condition reflects overall health—sudden changes warrant professional evaluation. A dull coat isn’t just unsightly—it’s your horse’s dashboard warning light. Thirty years …
Daily horse grooming is essential for maintaining health and catching early signs of issues—a lesson I’ve learned in 20 years of owning and training Thoroughbred racehorses. Working closely with equine veterinarians, I’ve crafted a routine that emphasizes health monitoring through grooming. This guide will help you do the same, regardless of whether you own Thoroughbreds, …
As a horse owner with seven horses in training, I know how important it is to catch early signs of lameness. Spotting these subtle signs can make a big difference in your horse’s recovery and soundness. This guide helps you recognize lameness early and take steps to support your horse’s health. Common Early Signs of …
In over 30 years of owning and racing Thoroughbreds in Louisiana — including horses that competed at Fair Grounds, Delta Downs, and Evangeline Downs — lameness has cost me more time, money, and sleep than anything else in the barn. A horse that was pointing toward a graded stakes can be sidelined for months over …