horse

Horse Conditions & Diseases

Horses, like humans, can be susceptible to a number of diseases or conditions. Many can be prevented through good housekeeping, a proper diet and immunizations. But some conditions and diseases still manage to find a way into a horse.

Cushing's Disease in Horses

Equine Cushing's Disease results from the increased production of cortisol and other hormones. This is caused by a pituitary gland abnormality and is mainly seen in older horses and ponies. The disease is assessed through a series of blood tests.

Horse Nutrition

Horses have a food pyramid just like humans, though theirs includes dry, cured hay and food formula in pellets. Feed a horse healthy, nutritious food with tips from a ranch owner in this free horse care video.

Information on How to Take Care of a Horse

Taking care of a horse is a big responsibility. Horses need a lot of care to keep them healthy and happy. They need food, water, shelter, exercise, companionship and regular care from a farrier and a veterinarian.

Horse Colic Symptoms

Colic is a potentially fatal condition of a horse's digestive system. There are three main causes--trapped gas, eating too much or a blockage in the intestines. Since a horse can't throw up, once something is in the digestive system, it is there to stay.

Horse Show Safety Clothing Rules

Horse riding is a popular but dangerous sport. Horse riding enthusiasts must wear the proper protective gear, such as helmets and pants designed to protect the rider in case of an accident. There are various types and styles of protective gear, so riders are sure to find something that suits them while also providing protection.

Does My Horse Have Colic?

Colic is a common affliction in horses, and it's also the top cause of natural death in equines. You should know how to recognize the symptoms so you can tell right away if your horse is suffering from colic.

What Is Impaction Colic in Horses?

Horses often develop colic, which is the name for a condition that means abdomen pain. There are a lot of varied possible causes for horses developing colic. Some types of colic can be fatal; others are much milder.

What Causes a Horse's Hair to Fall Out?

Horses and ponies are known for their long, flowing manes and tails and coats of glossy hair. However, anything that can grow hair can also go bald. But any time a horse's or a pony's hair starts to fall out is not normal.

Fatal Horse Diseases

Horses are like any other animal: they can be exposed and vulnerable to diseases. Many ailments that a horse can face are treatable and, in most cases, preventable. But there are a few that, without immediate intervention, can end the life of a horse.

What Are the Symptoms of Thyroid Problems in Horses?

The thyroid gland secretes hormones that are essential to keeping a horse healthy, including the hormone thyroxin. A thyroid that is not secreting enough thyroxin is said to be sluggish. A sluggish thyroid is also called "hypothyroidism" or "goiter.

Stroke Symptoms in a Horse

Quickly identifying stroke symptoms in a horse can save the life of the animal. A horse, which may appear to be in perfect health, can rapidly slip into a state of stroke with little warning. Many strokes are caused by a brain hemorrhage, which left untreated, can cause death.

Horse & Human Crossover Diseases

Diseases that are transmitted from horses to humans are called zoonotic diseases. Sometimes the transmission is directly from the horse, and other times it is indirectly transmitted from the pathogen causing the disease in the horse.

Common Horse Diseases

The horse has long been part of man's history. From the first wild horses tamed by Native Americans to the different varieties of domestic horses available today, they have played a valuable part in our lives.

Horse Anatomy: Head & Neck Region

Horses share many pieces of anatomy with humans, but many significant horse parts might be less well known. Learn about horse anatomy and parts of a horse's head and neck from a ranch owner in this free horse care video.

Horse Anatomy: Front Legs

The front legs of a horse have parts owners and riders must learn to talk with trainers and vets. Learn about horse anatomy and parts of a horse's front legs from a ranch owner in this free horse care video.

Horse Anatomy: Body Region

Horses have barrels, gaskins, docks and withers, anatomy features important for riders to know. Learn about horse anatomy and parts of a horse's body from a ranch owner in this free horse care video.

Horse Anatomy: Back Legs & Hooves

Horse anatomy includes hocks, gaskins and pasterns, features owners and riders should learn to converse with specialists. Learn about horse anatomy and parts of a horse's back legs and hooves from a ranch owner in this free horse care video.

Horse Feeding Schedules

Many quarter horses can do with one scoop of feed in each of the morning and night and hay for grazing during the day. Feed a horse enough to maintain weight with tips from a ranch owner in this free horse care video.

Taping a Horse's Wound

Taping a wound on a horse comes after cleaning the wound and ensuring the horse can safely heal without professional medical attention. Learn to tape a horse's wound with tips from a ranch owner in this free horse care video.

Taping a Horse's Wound with Vet Wrap

Taping a wound on a horse with vet wrap is a careful procedure that should not adversely affect circulation. Learn to tape a horse's wound with vet wrap with tips from a ranch owner in this free horse care video.

How Much Hay Does a Horse Eat?

Many people have thought about owning a horse. What stops some of them is the cost. There's the price of the horse, the cost of boarding and veterinary care, the farrier has to come several times a year, and the tack is also costly.

How to Give Your Horse a Massage

Massaging your horse is an easy and pleasant way to nourish his health as well as his sense of well-being. Massage can move toxins out of your horse's muscles and increase blood circulation. While there is no doubt that muscle tissue will benefit from massage, your horse's bones, tendons and ligaments will benefit as well.

How Much Water Does a Horse Drink?

As with any animal, water is very important to a horse's health. The horse must drink enough water to keep its body hydrated and enable it to perform essential life functions such as sweating and digestion.

SafeChoice Horse Food

SafeChoice is the brand name of a pelleted horse food made by the Nutrena company. It offers complete nutrition for horses and some specific features and benefits. If you know more about it, you can compare it to other horse foods to decide if it might be the best choice for your horse.

Seminole Horse Food

Seminole is a popular brand of horse feed. Seminole has been manufacturing horse feed for more than 75 years. Seminole produces an array of horse feed options. Seminole has researched and studied horse nutrition, watched horses live and thrive, and has listened to its customers' desires.

Strategy Horse Food

Strategy was the first company to develop horse feed in pellet form for commercial sales. It was designed to provide nutrition for all types of horses. Now, Strategy has enhanced its horse feed to provide a higher level of nutrition quality to a wide range of horses.

Tribute Horse Food

Tribute Horse Feeds are formulated based on innovative research of the nutritional requirements of all types of horses, with formulas specific to each horse category.

Purina Horse Food

Purina has been a leader in equine nutrition for more than 100 years. It is a name trusted by horsemen all over the world and has become the standard for horse feed. Backed by years of research, Purina horse food is top of the line for your horse.

Purina Horse Feed

Purina Horse Feed is an industry leader in both quality of product and its reputation. The Purina Mills company is an industry leader in equine research and nutritional requirements. The company designed a full line of horse feeds that meet the specific needs of different horses, including the ULTIUM Competition Horse Feed, the Athlete Horse Feed, the Equine Adult, Equine Senior and the Equine Junior products.

Legends Horse Food

Legends Horse Feeds provide complete nutrition solutions for horses of all types and ages. The Legends Horse Feeds reputation spans many years, and its products are now exclusively distributed from MFA Inc.

Purina Strategy Horse Food

Purina Mills Strategy Professional Formula GX is a nutritious and revolutionary horse feed product that has existed since 1991. It was the first commercial pelleted horse feed product and was formulated for horses of all different lifestyles and age groups.

Equalizer Horse Food

Equalizer horse food is a tasty grain-based nutritional supplement that is added to horse feed to make it more nutritious. Always talk to your vet before adding equalizer to your horse's diet. It's known by a variety of names, including balancer feed and ration balancer.

How to Build a Single Horse Barn

If you own just one horse, you do not need to spend a fortune on a huge barn. You will want to provide him with a clean, dry shelter that you can keep him in if he's sick or if you need to have access to him immediately for training, showing or just daily loving.

Bit-less Horse Bridles

Bit-less horse bridles are often used on young horses for early training. Learn more about bit-less horse bridles with tips from a horse trainer in this free horse care video.

O-Ring Snaffle Horse Bits

An O-ring snaffle bit for horses is a horse bit often used on young horses or to try and soften horses. Learn more about O-ring snaffle horse bits with tips from a horse trainer in this free horse care video.

Snaffle Horse Bits

A snaffle bit for horses is a horse bit that doesn't require any leverage. Learn more about snaffle horse bits with tips from a horse trainer in this free horse care video.

Combination Horse Bits

A combination horse bit will work similarly to a bit-less bridle by creating pressure on the nose band. Learn more about combination horse bits with tips from a horse trainer in this free horse care video.

D-Ring Snaffle Horse Bits

A D-ring snaffle horse bit is often used as an inexpensive starter bit. Learn more about D-ring snaffle horse bits with tips from a horse trainer in this free horse care video.

Performance Leverage Horse Bits

A performance leverage bit for horses is used mainly for show horses that will be performing. Learn more about performance leverage horse bits with tips from a horse trainer in this free horse care video.

Snaffle Horse Bits With Leverage

A snaffle bit for horses that has leverage will create a lot more assertive control of the horse. Learn more about snaffle horse bits with leverage with tips from a horse trainer in this free horse care video.

How to Measure your Horse for a Horse Blanket

Use a tape measure to measure a horse for a winter horse blanket. Learn how in this free equestrian video guide on choosing horse blankets.

How To Lunge Horses

Learn tips on how to lunge horses in this free equestrian-care video.

How to Haul Horses

Learn tips on how to haul horses in this free equestrian care video.

How to Sit on a Horse Before Walking

Watch as a seasoned horseback rider demonstrates how to sit on your horse in preparation for walking in this free online video about horseback riding.

How to Mount a Horse Before Walking

Watch as a seasoned horseback rider demonstrates how to mount your horse in preparation for walking in this free online video about horseback riding.

How to Build a Lean-To Horse Shelter

Giving your pastured livestock a place to get out of the elements is important. Constantly bringing individual animals into an enclosed stall is unproductive for breeding situations, and pasture life is actually a much healthier living situation for retired animals when possible.

EPM Horse Disease

EPM stands for Equine Protozoal Myeloencephalitis and is a very serious disease that can occur in horses. Up to fifty percent of horses residing in the United States have had exposure to the organism that is responsible for EPM.

What Does a Ringworm on a Horse Look Like?

Ringworm is a highly visible, high contagious skin disease that can infect horses. Ringworm has a very distinct shape and recognizable characteristics. Knowing what it looks like will help you detect it early if your horse catches it so you can stop the spread to other horses and begin treatment.

Horse Disease Strangles

In the John Steinbeck classic, "The Red Pony," the title horse dies a graphic death from strangles. Although this disease is nasty and very contagious, it is not usually fatal. If you know the facts about strangles, you will understand that it doesn't have to be feared because it is treatable and preventable.

Horse Skin Diseases

While grooming your horse, you may have noticed strange patches on its skin. Could this be something normal, or is it developing a skin disease? If so, which one and how should it be treated? By knowing the symptoms of the most common skin diseases, you'll be able to begin treatment immediately.

Horse Diseases & Conditions

When a horse begins acting abnormally, it is important to ascertain the exact cause of the eccentricity. Odd horse behavior is frequently an indication of illness. Some horse diseases and conditions can turn lethal in a matter of days.

Horse Choke Food

Choke is a condition in which a horse's esophagus becomes blocked by ingested food. This blockage does not block the horse's trachea, so the horse is still able to breathe. However, because the horse cannot swallow, this can lead to dehydration and the development of aspiration pneumonia.

Equine Skin Problems

Horses are large, sturdy animals, but they are surprisingly susceptible to various illnesses, including skin conditions. Their living conditions make them prone to skin problems, and being around other horses can also contribute to the risk.

Horse Skin Problems

Horse skin problems can be very troubling for horses and owners alike. Some skin problems render a horse useless, some are potentially deadly, and others are barely distinguishable from the norm. Identifying the type of skin problem in a horse can allow for complete recovery and prevention of transmission as well as an overall increase in the horse's quality of life.

Horse Mouth Diseases

Many horse owners and vets claim that a horse has "a digestive system designed by a committee." It takes very little to upset a horse's digestive system, including problems in the mouth. If a horse can't grind his teeth properly because of pain, they can't extract all of the nutrients of their food.

Horse Spinal Diseases

A bad back can be a death sentence to a horse. All horses get sore backs every now and then, but a spinal disease can not only make them unable to be ridden, but can also make their lives miserable. Spinal diseases can occur in horses of all ages, depending on how heavily they are used.

Horse Flies & the Diseases They Transmit to Humans

Horse flies are very large flies known for their painful bites. They hover around horses in the fields, and they are known to bite wildlife, horses and other livestock, as well as humans. Horse flies rarely transmit diseases to humans, but it is possible to become infected from their bite.

Horse Hoof Diseases

A horse's hooves are of vital importance because they are the structures on which the horse stands, walks and runs. When they are healthy, the horse can move smoothly and comfortably. If they become diseased, the horse can become lame and be unable to walk or even stand.

Horse Foot Diseases

Horses don't have feet like many other animals. Rather than ending in a paw, their leg ends in a hard, solid hoof. Hooves look sturdy, but they are actually prone to a variety of diseases that can cause anything from temporary lameness to permanent disability and even death.

Horse Hoof Diseases & Problems

All horses have hooves, and those four hard structures capping off the animal's legs are vitally important to its well-being. They support the horse when it stands or moves around at a walk, trot or lope.

Horse Diseases From Possums

It is especially important to protect your horses from infectious diseases. One such disease, Equine Protosoal Myeloencephalitis, or EPM, originates from opossums and some birds, and the horse fields can become contaminated by opossum waste.

Best Horse Colic Home Remedies

If your horse has swelling in the stomach and diarrhea, lies down and rolls, doesn't want to eat, paws at the ground, bites or kicks at the stomach, paws at the ground, stands awkwardly, sweats or has shallow breathing, chances are that your horse has colic.

How to Prevent Colic in Horses

Colic is the number one killer of horses, so preventing it is critical to safeguarding a horse's health and life. While some types of colic cannot be avoided because they are caused by a physical problem in the intestines, other types can be prevented through some simple steps.

How to Recognize and Treat Colic in Horses

Colic is the medical term used to describe abdominal problems in horses. This can be a case of worms or a serious twisting of an intestine. The first step in helping your horse is to recognize that it has colic.

How to Get Rid of Colic in Horses

One of the biggest killers of horses is colic. Because horses cannot vomit, what they swallow stays in the gut until it either is excreted out or surgically removed. Colic refers to any kind of abdominal pain.

How Do Horses Get Colic?

Colic is a general term and refers to any number of causes of pain in the horses' abdomen. There are several different types of colic as defined by their causes. Impaction colic occurs when the large intestine is blocked, usually due to a hard mass of food.

How Much Is a Horse First Aid Kit?

Horses look like big, graceful animals, but they can be quite clumsy. When nicks, cuts and bumps happen, it's essential to have a good first aid kit on hand. Knowing what it to put in it and how much it will cost to make and maintain will help you be prepared for those minor injuries at the barn or out on the riding trails.

Horse Diseases That Make Them Lose Weight

If you can count all of the ribs on your horse, his hipbones and shoulder bones are sticking out and there are dark, concave areas above his eyes, then he is way too thin. Since horses have such an insatiable appetite, any loss of appetite or weight loss should be viewed as a danger sign that your horse is sick.

Do Horses Eat Horse Chestnuts?

Horses do eat horse chestnuts (or conkers). However, they can get ill after eating raw horse chestnuts, the casings or the leaves. The nuts must be processed. Although it is unclear why these trees are called horse chestnuts, one theory is that the nuts were fed to horses when grazing was poor.

Blue Seal Horse Food

Blue Seal Feeds Inc. is a company that has been manufacturing horse feed products since 1868. Blue Seal's headquarters is located in Londonderry, N.H., and it maintains 11 manufacturing plants throughout the Mid-Atlantic and Northeastern regions of the United States.

How Does a Horse Obtain Food?

Domesticated horses, or horses that are managed and cared for by humans, are given food by their owners. Wild horses, on the other hand, forage for their food much like cattle. They can be divided into two groups: Feral horses, who were born to domesticated horses but now live in the wild, and equines, who have never been domesticated.

Information About Horse Food

Should horses be fed a vegetarian or vegan diet? How much should they eat to maintain a healthy weight? Why should a horse have access to a salt lick? The article below answers these questions as well as provides additional information about horse food.

Buckeye Horse Food

Buckeye horse feeds are designed to provide optimal nutrition for horses of all stages of life. Utilizing the expertise of doctorate-level research and experience, they have formulated horse feeds that are both highly nutritious and tasty to horses.

How Much Is Horse Food?

Horses are large animals, and it takes a large quantity of food to help them maintain a healthy weight. If you own a horse, you will have to provides it with food such as hay and grain. You need to know how much horse food costs so you can budget enough money to keep your horse well fed and in good condition.

Protein Supplements for Horses

Horses need protein supplements when their normal diets lack any of the 10 essential amino acids not normally synthesized in their bodies. Protein synthesis in horses requires lysine (most importantly, as this is most lacking in equine diets), as well as valine, tryotophan, arginine, histidine, isoleucine, lysine, leusine, methionine, threonine and phenylalanine.

Equipride Horse Food

EquiPride horse food is a dietary supplement intended to increase the efficiency of your horse's digestion, leading to increased health. A side benefit of feeding EquiPride supplement is a reduction in your feeding cost, because the horse will eat less hay, pasture and grains due to an increase in nutrients absorbed from its current diet.

Horse Corral Food

Horses that live in a corral or pasture generally are not working as hard as those who live in a stable. Because of this, the horses do not need the concentrated grain-based foods that racehorses, show horses or breeding horses do.

About Different Types of Horseshoes

Horseshoes may appear like straightforward, simple things, but selecting the right ones can actually take some thought. Horseshoes can be made out of a variety of materials and even vary in width, length and shape, depending on the type of horse and the purpose the shoe needs to serve.

Metal Pole Building Kits

Looking for a fast, easy way to build that needed barn or commodities shed? A metal pole building kit may just be the answer. Budget-conscious business owners are aware of the savings a metal building can provide.

MGC Pole Building Kits for Horses

MGC designs and manufactures a broad range of modular pole buildings, including storage sheds, center aisle horse barns, cabins, portable offices, run-in sheds, storage sheds, shedrows and portable offices.

How to Build a Horse Stall

Horses are strong, but delicate animals. Their proper care requires bringing them in from the paddock, and that means they must have stalls. A good stall need not be elaborate, although some are. However, it must account for a few basic features that provide shelter, a floor that is suitable for mucking, and a structure that is sturdy enough to withstand some horse kicking.

How to Compete in Dressage

Before competing in dressage, an equestrian should make sure that their horse is well groomed and that they are comfortable in performing movements with ease. Wear a pair of light-colored britches, tall boots, a white shirt and a black riding coat to compete in dressage with help from an equestrian and horse riding coach in this free video on horse training.

Types of Horse Fencing

Whether you are a new horse owner or a long time equine companion, fencing for your horse is always a concern. You may have a small acreage that requires minimal fencing, or, perhaps, you have several horse acres that need fencing to separate off stallions from geldings, and mares from weaning foals.

Temporary Horse Fencing

When traveling with your horse, consider setting up a temporary fencing system at your rest stop. In a wide field, the horse will be able to stretch her legs and feel refreshed. Consider purchasing temporary horse fencing; it's reasonably priced and equipped with features that make containing your horse on the go convenient and effective.

How to Build a Mesh Fence for Horses

Keeping horses is a challenge that can be very frustrating yet very satisfying. One of the biggest expenses horse owners face is fencing. Good-quality fencing will cost you as much as, if not more than, your actual barn and/or storage buildings.

How to Build a Folding Wood Fence Gate

These step-by-step instructions are for building a simple 3-foot-high folding wood fence gate in the size you need. For this example, 4 feet is used for the overall gate width to allow the steps to be clear.

How to Install 3 Rail Horse Fencing

When it comes to fencing, the post and rail fence is one of the easiest you'll find to install. The rustic fencing is the fence of choice for most horse owners for its strength and durability. Depending on how many acres you're fencing in, this project could take weeks.

How to Build a High Tensile Electric Fence

High-tensile electric fences provide an inexpensive, low-maintenance alternative to traditional fencing for all kinds of livestock. This type of fence uses a few basic components: posts, wire and an energizer.

How to Build an Electric Fence

Building an electric fence requires wire and posts just like any other wire livestock fence. In addition to these basic components, you must also connect a fencing energizer, called a "charger," to some of the wires on your fence.

How to Build a Wooden Shed

A wooden shed provides convenient storage for lawn and pool supplies. Simply select a flat open spot and you can build a structure to suit your needs. With a little imagination, wooden sheds can even add to a property's appeal.

How to Build a Barn Style Shed

Barn style sheds are great little places to store outdoor lawn and garden tools, hoses, and anything with a small engine. They can easily be left as they are once you complete them with a large, empty space inside, or shelves can be added for extra storage space.

How to Build an Outdoor Storage Bench

Do you spend time outside on activities like yard work and cars and want a big storage unit for supplies that also serves as a bench for you to sit on? This article walks you through instructions on building a storage bench that is 5 feet long and 2 feet wide with a removable top.

Gambrel Roof Building

The gambrel roof is a gable roof with a double slope on each side. The double slope is created by two common rafters that meet between the top of the wall and ridge. Building this type of roof is beyond basic carpentry skills and should be attempted by a carpenter who is at an intermediate to professional level.

How to Build a Barn Double Door

If you like the rustic look of double-hung barn doors, you can build them yourself without too much know-how, time or trouble. You will just need a few tools, some good-quality lumber and a strong buddy to help you when it comes time for hanging.

How to Build Old Style Wood Barn Doors

One kind of barn-door style that is seen in a lot of places--and especially on older barn buildings--features horizontal ledges with a diagonal "X" pattern between them. You can build a door like this for your shed or garage, and if the door opening is large enough you can even build a set of double doors.

How to Build a Barn Door

A basic barn door is a necessity for any barn, particularly if you have animals or livestock inside. These instructions are for a barn door that measures 8 feet wide by 8 feet high. You can modify it to fit the dimensions of your own door opening.

How to Build a Pole Shed

You can build a simple but functional pole shed building using 12-foot-long creosote or pressure-treated poles as the vertical framing members. The basic technique for constructing a pole building is this: Insert each pole into the ground and let it stand upright.

Metal Steel Kit Buildings Barns

Metal and steel buildings kits, such as those for barns, offer a strong and lower-cost structure than lumber and brick buildings. Kits give you, the nonprofessional builder, the opportunity to work from a set of illustrated plans and diagrams in order to save money on labor.

How to Build a Horse Shelter

Being out in a pasture is the best environment for your horse. Keeping a horse cooped up in stalls inside a barn leads to many respiratory problems as well as behavior problems. However, even in the nicest pasture there needs to be some protection from the elements while your horse is outside.