Veterinary disclaimer: Hair loss in horses can indicate infectious, parasitic, hormonal, or nutritional conditions — some of which are contagious to other horses or to humans. This guide is for educational purposes. If you are unsure of the cause, or if hair loss is spreading, accompanied by itching, skin changes, or behavioral changes, consult a …
⚠️ Medical Disclaimer This article provides educational information only and does not replace professional veterinary care. Consult your veterinarian immediately if diarrhea lasts more than 24 hours, is watery or projectile, or includes fever, colic signs, or lethargy. Severe cases often require IV fluids and can be fatal within hours, as emphasized in the Merck …
Founder in horses is a painful hoof emergency that can cause the coffin bone to rotate or sink inside the hoof. If you suspect it, remove grain and pasture access, keep the horse on deep bedding, and call your veterinarian right away. What are the signs of founder in horses? The earliest detectable signs are …
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 …
Twin brothers recently visited our farm to look at a horse, and their visit inspired my grandson to ask whether horses can have twins or triplets. I’ve never owned a broodmare that delivered multiple foals, so I did the research — and the numbers are more interesting than I expected. Can horses have twins? Yes, …
When my grandson visits, he helps groom our horses. He recently asked me to teach him how to care for his horse’s hooves, so I did, and I also decided to put some information together for other new horse owners. We groom our horses every day, including caring for their hooves. Thorough daily grooming helps …
⚠️ SAFETY REMINDER: Calm Beats “Fearless” Never approach horses if genuinely frightened — let an experienced handler assist you first. Fear isn’t weakness, but ignoring it creates danger. Always practice ground safety: approach from the side, speak calmly, and keep at least one experienced person nearby during early interactions. 🐴 HOW THEY SENSE 👁️ BODY …
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?” …
Why do horses have those peculiar growths called chestnuts and ergots? As a lifelong horse enthusiast, I’ve often wondered about these crusty patches, especially when my grandson recently asked me, ‘Why do horses have chestnuts and ergots?’ His curiosity inspired me to dive into the science, history, and practical significance of these equine oddities. This …
My granddaughter’s barrel horse bowed a tendon — and her first question was the same one I hear from most new horse owners: Why are horses so fragile? The short answer is evolution. Horses were built for speed, not durability, and the conditions of domestic life push that design past its limits in ways wild …