In today’s world, biosecurity measures have become increasingly common in our day-to-day lives. Still, veterinarians frequently see outbreaks of infectious diseases in horse stables across the United States. These outbreaks can have detrimental effects on horse health, trigger long lasting movement restrictions, and cause deep financial hardships for owners and … Read More
Scenario one: An equine facility has a policy that riders must clean their horses’ hooves before leaving the arena to keep the barn aisle clean. A hoof pick hangs on a hook next to the arena gate. One day, while cleaning out her horse’s hooves, a woman’s horse reaches up … Read More
Article by Eleanor M. Kellon, VMD for ECIR Group Easy keepers and overweight horses and ponies have been around forever. Laminitis has also always been with us, and it’s no secret that overweight animals are at high risk. We now know that the vast majority of laminitis cases are caused by … Read More
Wolf teeth are relatively small teeth of variable shapes and sizes that erupt in front of the first premolar. They occur in about 70% of the equine population, males and females alike. They commonly appear at 6-18 months of age, sometimes later. Horses may have wolf teeth on one or … Read More
Without well-maintained feet, a horse’s performance may decline. The feet can fall apart and the horse will become uncomfortable or flat-out lame. Riding is interrupted, and it’s really unpleasant to see our equine friends not moving or feeling their best. Your farrier plays a critical role in preserving your horse’s … Read More
A smooth, strong topline is a definitive sign of health. Your horse’s back musculature not only looks good but is important for his ability to support his spine and joints. If the topline is diminished, it’s important to assess the cause. Some possible reasons include: Multiple pregnancies Poor saddle fit … Read More
It sometimes begins with a horse that becomes anxious under saddle, has unexplained spooking and bucking when ridden, refuses to go forward, and has an inability to make progress in training. Or maybe they just resist being mounted and are cold backed but then work out of it. Perhaps the … Read More
Long summer days turn into crisp fall days and before we know it, winter has arrived. When we think of old man winter in horse form, we think of an old horse who has a long, shaggy hair coat and a swayed back, fat deposits in odd places, and is … Read More
The husband of one of my best friends often calls me before Christmas or his wife’s birthday and asks, “Is there anything she needs for her horse?” This man’s thoughtfulness reminds me that our significant others don’t always know what we horse people need or want for our horses. Also, … Read More
Tying-up is a disorder that occurs when normal muscle physiology is altered. Horses that tie up have painful, uncontrollable muscle contractions that lead to damaged muscle. Muscles fail to function properly, and symptoms can vary depending on the severity of the episode—from mild signs of stiffness and reluctance to move … Read More
