Saddling Your Horse: Step-by-Step Guide
No matter whether you ride an English or Western saddle, the basic principles for saddling up remain similar. Your goal should be safety and comfort for both horse and rider. These instructions feature an English saddle in their images but still apply equally to both styles of saddle; there may […]
Equine Pregnancy: Indicators, Phases, and Pregnant Mare Care
Horses can become pregnant as early as 18 months of age and their pregnancies typically last 11 months. If you suspect your mare might be expecting, she needs proper care from day one of her gestation to maximize both her health and that of the foal’s development. Here’s everything you […]
Horse Diet: What Do Horses Consume?
Horses have very specific dietary needs as herbivores with different digestive tracts than ours. Their long digestive tract requires a diet high in fiber that must be consumed slowly over time; horses typically eat multiple smaller meals throughout the day rather than eating just three large ones at one sitting […]
The Five Varieties of Horse Feeds and Concentrates
At its core, horses should consume forage or roughage as a major source of nutrition. Hay alone may not meet their requirements so grains and concentrates are added for additional minerals and calories. Below you will find various roughage, feeds and concentrates that make up an “complete diet.” Green grass […]
Dangerous Plants for Horses
If you own horses and gardens, it’s essential that certain plants don’t fall onto your property. Common weeds, trees, plants and shrubs that can harm horses include those below; learn to identify these in pastures or yards so they can be removed promptly in order to keep horses safe.
Recognizing Signs of Stress in Horses
Horses may become stressed from various sources,1 including being alone, loading and riding in a trailer, veterinary care, farrier work, shows preparation/attendance/changing weather/change in caregivers/routine changes (new stall/feeding schedule changes), injury/illness recovery timeframes or an unsympathetic handler or rider. Horses express psychological stress in different ways.
Curb Chains and Straps: Equipping Your Horse
No matter the style of curb bit you use – be it western such as the grazing bit, Tom Thumb or correction bits; or English such as Kimblewick Pelham or Double Bridle curb bits – always attaching them with an accompanying chain or strap is of vital importance. What Is […]
Frequent Errors in Horse Feeding
Most horse owners enjoy feeding their horses. It can be fun watching your horse enjoy its meal and come running up when he spots you with its feed bucket! However, mistakes are easily made when planning their dietary needs; to prevent these common feeding errors. Here are 10 of them. […]
Breed Profile: Tiger Horse
The Tiger Horse, officially recognized with its own registry in the US since 2011, may date back to ancient China genetically. Tiger horses, like Appaloosas, are known for their distinct, intricate spotted coat patterns and ambling gaits, making them relatively popular within the US market. Tiger horses are highly sought-after […]
Ideal Horse Breeds for Novice Owners and Riders
No breed of horse is perfect for beginning riders and owners, but some breeds offer features that make them better suited. When selecting a beginner-level horse, your primary concern should always be safety; temperament and experience level should matter more than pedigree when assessing temperament and experience level; Morgans and […]