If you’re spending time with your horse on the trail, it’s important to do so responsibly. Below are many ways in which you can be sure that you ride responsibly. Travel responsibly Stay on designated roads, trails and other areas open to horses. Ride single file to reduce trail damage. Spread out in open country […]
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45 Most Random, Amazing and Bizarre Facts about Horses
Horses have been called the noblest of creatures, and it’s easy to see why. Depending on which scientific accounts you believe, they’ve been man’s original best friend since anywhere from 4000 to 2000 B.C. They’ve taken us wherever we’ve asked them to including the fields of battle. Yet here we are in the 21st Century, […]
Conditioning Your Horse for the Summer
NOTE: This transcript is from an online, live chat. The major topics have been captured in the material below. If you have further questions, please search the eXtension Horses page for more in-depth and detailed information. NUTRITION Q: When should I start increasing the amount I feed when I start to condition my horse for the […]
Maintaining Healthy Equine Microbiota
The bacteria, fungi, protozoa, and viruses that colonize the equine gastrointestinal tract, collectively known as the microbiota, play a crucial role in the horse’s health. The bacteria, fungi, protozoa, and viruses that colonize the equine gastrointestinal tract, collectively known as the microbiota, play a crucial role in the horse’s health. Microbiota is involved in numerous […]
Protecting Horses Against the Growing Flu Threat
Research shows equine influenza vaccines and vaccination practices must evolve to keep up with changing flu strains. There’s much ado about flu of late and with good reason. The incidence of equine influenza virus (EIV) has trended upward since 2008. It was the most common infectious upper respiratory disease of the horse in 2019.¹,² Of the […]
Choosing Forages for Horse Pastures
Learn about forage types and how to select the right one for your horse’s pasture. Healthy pastures filled with dense, nutritive grasses can be excellent forage sources for horses. In fact, some horses can meet all their nutrient needs on good-quality pasture alone. The key to establishing good pasture, however, is planting the appropriate forage […]
Caring for the Senior Horse
Description: The old adage “you’re only as old as you feel,” is especially applicable to horses. Many senior horses have productive careers well into their late twenties. Research suggests that the secret to maintaining a serviceable older horse is to make proactive management changes in their health care, diet and exercise. Signs of aging include dental […]
Stable Yard Design – The Ultimate Guide to Creating a Dream Horse Barn
Whether you are designing your perfect stable yard, renovating an existing stable yard, or simply looking for inspiration, this article is packed full of useful stable yard design information and ideas to help you achieve your dream horse barn. I’ve always been obsessed with the design and functionality of stable yards – I find it […]
Read This Before You Buy Your First Horse
Buying a horse is a lot like buying a used car. Both take a lot of research, plus some experience and smart buying strategies, to make a purchase you’ll be happy with. Use this guide and tips, developed by equine legal experts, to get prepared for your first horse. Too many first-time horse owners select […]
Five Creative Pole Work Exercises
Looking for a polework exercise to really get your horse thinking? Check out this exciting layout – its benefits definitely outweigh the set-up time Our expert Elizabeth Allen BHSI UKCC3 is part of the Bristol-based Collective Equestrian team. She’s a BHS, Pony Club and BD accredited trainer, and has competed internationally at Under 25 Grand Prix […]