Learn About Horse Care, Horseback Riding and Horse Health

Appaloosa Horses

Wed, 22 Jun 2011 09:00:00 -0500

The name Appaloosa came from the settlers in the Pacific Northwest Palouse region in the 1700's. They began calling the spotted horses palouse horses, possibly after the Palouse River, which ran through the heart of Nez Perce country, or possibly after the Palus Indian tribe which was also in the area.

Appaloosa Horses

Preventative Horse Health Care

Mon, 20 Jun 2011 09:00:00 -0500

Regular vaccination and preventative health care is just as necessary for horses as for any other pets to keep them healthy. Health examinations by a veterinarian should be given regularly, even if your horse seems healthy. Illnesses or diseases often causes minor changes in your horse's physical appearance or blood work that needs to be observed by a veterinarian.

Common illnesses, like flu, can be prevented by immunization and therefore all horses should receive a flu vaccine at least twice a year. Horses that compete in events should be revaccinated four times per year, as this vaccine does not protect horses for long periods of time.

Preventative Horse Health Care

Common Causes in Lameness

Wed, 15 Jun 2011 09:00:00 -0500

There are lots of ways a horse can go lame. Perhaps the most common cause of lameness is a result of Navicular Syndrome. The fortunate thing is that it can be treated where the horse gets complete, successful recovery if diagnosed and treated in its early stages. Here’s what you need to know about Navicular Syndrome.

Common Causes of Lameness

Steps to Prevent Colic in Horses

Mon, 13 Jun 2011 09:00:00 -0500

Colic is the most common cause of pre-mature death in domestic horses. It is also the most frequent cause of major veterinary bills. However, the vast majority of colic cases could be easily prevented through correct management. A study of the existing research into this illness, including case studies covering thousands of cases of horse colic, which has identified the most common causes of colic, is the basis for the following recommendations.

Steps to Prevent Colic

Signs of Thrush in a Horse

Wed, 8 Jun 2011 09:00:00 -0500

Thrush, an invasion of bacteria and moisture into the sole of the horses foot. The front and or back feet may be affected.

Many horses that are confined to a stall or small area are more prone to thrush than other horses. Moist and unclean conditions are breeding places for bacteria.

If your horse must be confined, a daily inspection and cleaning of the horse's feet along with good stable management will protect your horse from contracting thrush.

Signs of Thrush in a Horse

How Barrel Racing Works?

Mon, 6 Jun 2011 09:00:00 -0500

Originally a sport created by rodeos for their wives and girlfriends, barrel horse racing has now become a sport event where everybody can join.

Barrel horse racing has been around for many years now. This is basically a game event that aims to display speed.

The race is pretty simple to watch. It is played on an arena with three barrels arranged in an isosceles triangle pattern on which the intention of the racer is to gain the fastest speed by circling the three barrels in a cloverleaf pattern. While there may be standards as to the distance of each barrel, governing bodies normally have various preferences on how far each barrel should be set from one another.

How Barrel Racing Works

No Hoof, No Horse

Wed, 1 Jun 2011 09:00:00 -0500

A basic part of horse hoof care is simply picking out the mud, manure, stones and other debris from the sole of your horse's hooves. It is simple and yet, this one of the most neglect parts of horse care. Keeping your horse's hooves clean goes a long way to help prevent common hoof ailments. At times, your horse may get small stones lodged in the grooves of the frog, which can cause bruising. Picking out your horse's hooves also removes packed mud or snow, which can make it uncomfortable for your horse to walk. Cleaning your horse's feet will allow you to see problems such as a puncture wound from something like a nail.

No Hoof, No Horse

First Horse Show

Mon, 30 May 2011 09:00:00 -0500

While owning a riding a horse is a wonderful experience in itself, most riders eventually feel the urge to take their horse out into the world of horse showing. Showing is a wonderful way to challenge yourself and your horse and to get a chance to compare yourself to others in the same discipline.

There are shows available for riders of all ages and levels of experience. Many farms that teach lessons hold a regular series of schooling shows that often are open to the public. You will also find that many fairs hold low-level horse shows and some areas even have special clubs that host a series of shows through the season.

First Horse Show

Horse Hoof Maintenance

Wed, 25 May 2011 09:00:00 -0500

Taking care of hooves is a crucial part of looking after your horses health. You should look at your horses hooves every day, and at least two to three times each week. By doing this you should become very familiar with what is normal and what is not, and will be able to to spot any problems that might be beginning.

Horse Hoof Maintenance

Understanding the Hack Division

Mon, 23 May 2011 09:00:00 -0500

While most people know that the Hack division at a hunter show is a flat division where the horses are not asked to jump, many people do not understand the difference between the classes that are offered. In fact, if you watch the division you will often see horses ridden the same way through the same gaits through all the classes without any obvious differences at all.

The hack division is usually split into three or four classes including the Pleasure Hack, the Road Hack, the Show Hack and the Hunter Hack. In each class the horse is judged according to a slightly different range of qualities and to be able to assess these abilities the judge may ask for a range of different things.

Understanding the Hack Division

Cold Weather Horse Health

Mon, 23 May 2011 09:00:00 -0500

You may be surprised at how well horses can adapt to colder weather. In the wild, horses can withstand temperatures at well below zero. However, there are a number of things that you can do to maximize your horses health and condition during the colder months. Here are a few tips that will help to keep your equine friend happy and healthy during winter months.

Cold Weather Horse Health

Tips for Horse Show Competing

Wed, 18 May 2011 09:00:00 -0500

Developing a Worming Program

Mon, 16 May 2011 09:00:00 -0500

A regular parasite control program is critical to your horses health. Infestations of internal parasites can cause your horse to feel ill all of the time, become colicky, and can even cause death. Parasites can cause damage to a horses internal organs. Signs of parasite infestation include overall poor condition, dry and dull coat, diarrhea, bloating, and an itchy tail. Deworming your horse regularly is necessary because he can be continually re-infected from parasite eggs in pastures or from bot flies. A haphazard deworming program is hard on your horses system; Getting rid of internal parasites and keeping them away is the best procedure for your horses health.

Developing a Worming Program

How to Prepare for a Horse Show

Wed, 11 May 2011 09:00:00 -0500

When you are getting ready for a horse show, it's always best to have a list of things you need to take with you. Invariably everyone forgets something, so it is best if you have your own list of tings to bring and your trainer has his or hers.

How to Prepare for a Horse Show

Conditioning for Barrel Racing

Mon, 9 May 2011 09:00:00 -0500

If you plan on starting a horse on barrels or are getting a seasoned horse back into shape, start on their conditioning before putting them on the barrel pattern. Long trotting and slow loping are the best two ways to get a horse in top condition. These gaits will build up muscle and lung capacity allowing the horse to perform better and not be gasping for air after a run.

Conditioning for Barrel Racing

No Such Thing as a Free Horse

Wed, 4 May 2011 09:00:00 -0500

With the current horse market in a state of flux there are more and more horses being offered for very low prices and even for free. But when looking to purchase a horse it is important to understand that there is no such thing as a free horse.

Of course the price tag might be free, but that should not be the only consideration when getting a horse. Often the actual purchase is the cheapest part of horse ownership.

No Such Things as a Free Horse

Common Parasites in Horses

Mon, 2 May 2011 09:00:00 -0500

Protecting your horse against parasites is part of good barn management. Whether you are the owner of single horse or make your living as a boarding stable, you should have a good parasite prevention plan in place. Deworming your horses at regular intervals will keep parasites at bay and will ensure your horses maximum health and safety.

Common Parasites in Horses

Horses in Myths and Fables

Wed, 27 Apr 2011 09:00:00 -0500

The horse was frequently the emblem of the sun, symbolizing creative life and giving solemnity and fruitfulness to the marriage vows. The Ruler of the Day - the Sun - was drawn in his chariot by celestial horses in his daily journey across the skies.

Horses in Myths and Fables

Roan Horse Names

Mon, 25 Apr 2011 09:00:00 -0500

Horse names for roan horses.

Saddle Shopping Tips

Wed, 20 Apr 2011 09:00:00 -0500

It is inevitable that the day will come when you need to buy a new saddle. It has become a huge industry with ever changing technology. Flex trees, air panels, no trees, hybrids that combine dressage and western. So where does one begin?

Saddle Shopping Tips

What is Cribbing?

Mon, 18 Apr 2011 09:00:00 -0500

Cribbing is an obsessive-compulsive behavior when a horse chews on wood and swallows air. The cribber uses its upper teeth to grab a stationary object, such as a fence board, and then arches its neck, pulls backwards while swallowing air and grunting. Other horses crib by resting their incisors on an object without grasping it; still others rest their chin on an object and swallow air.

What is Cribbing?

How to Stop a Horse from Rearing

Wed, 13 Apr 2011 09:00:00 -0500

Although it is not one hundred percent infallible, the best way to protect yourself when a horse rears with you is to lean forward immediately and put your hands forward so you have loose reins. If you have to, you could even put your arms around his neck, let go of the reins and slide off. For my money, there are not any other safer ways to deal with a horse if he suddenly rears.

How to Stop a Horse from Rearing

Palomino Horse Names

Mon, 11 Apr 2011 09:00:00 -0500

Horse names for palomino horses.

Andalusian Horse

Wed, 6 Apr 2011 09:00:00 -0500

The Andalusian horse is one of the oldest pure horse breeds in the world. It has been highly regarded since the Middle Ages and reigned for several centuries as the embodiment of perfection, but Spanish horses have always been esteemed for their quality and appearance since Roman times.

The Andalusian has officially been known as the Purebred Spanish Horse, and has been represented by Iberian Saddle Horse, Iberian War Horse, Jennet, Ginete, Lusitano, Alter Real, Carthusian, Spanish Horse, Portuguese, Peninsular, Castilian, Extremeno, Villanos, Zapata, and Zamaranos. It is also known as the Lusitano Horse, which is the modern breed of Andalusian in Portugal.

Andalusian Horse

Colic in Horses

Wed, 6 Apr 2011 09:00:00 -0500

Enterolith formation is a serious problem that causes colic in horses. Left untreated, these mineral stones will continue to grow in the intestional tract, causing colic and intestinal obstruction, a potentially fatal condition.

Colic in Horses

Ancient Akhel Teke

Mon, 4 Apr 2011 09:00:00 -0500

The Akhal Teke is a hot blooded horse from the southern region of Turkmenistan, in northern Iran. Its name identifies the Teke tribe from the Akhal oasis located in the arid plains on the Northern slopes of the Kopet Dag Mountains.

It has been assumed that the Akhal Teke is descended from the ancient Tarpan Horses and Przewalski Horses of southern Asia or from the ancient Turkmene Horse that was developed in Russia from Asiatic stock that was originally thought to be an ancient Scythian type and one of the four original horse types that crossed the Bering Strait from North America during prehistoric times.

Ancient Akhal Teke

Worming Your Horse

Wed, 30 Mar 2011 09:00:00 -0500

Horses have worms. All of them do. The good news is they can be kept under control with proper management. Manure removal, practicing good sanitation measures, bot egg removal, and keeping to a regular deworming schedule are a must. Not doing so can take a staggering toll on a horses health, even death.

Worming Your Horse

Home Remedies for Horses

Mon, 28 Mar 2011 09:00:00 -0500

Although your local tack store may be a valuable source for a variety of the things you and your horse need, sometimes a little ingenuity can save you time, money and solve some of the more common horse-related problems. Next time you need to tend to your horse, try one of these time-tested home-remedies instead of reaching for that expensive bottle- you might just find these work better!

Home Remedies for Horses

Spotted Horse Names

Wed, 23 Mar 2011 09:00:00 -0500

Horse names for spotted horses.

Choosing a Stable

Mon, 21 Mar 2011 09:00:00 -0500

Choosing the right horse boarding stable will ensure your horses health, safety, and happiness. In order to find a stable that meets your horses specific needs, it is important to find out exactly what services they offer. Here is a list to help you to choose the right horse boarding stable for your horse.

Choosing a Stable

Horse Dentistry

Wed, 16 Mar 2011 09:00:00 -0500

A good equine dentist should always aim to provide ethical treatments that work towards improving the health, welfare, future comfort and performance of the horse.

The anatomy of the horses head has evolved for the primary purpose of eating. The gradual elongation of the head during evolution allowed individual teeth to become larger and stronger.

Horse Dentistry

AraAppaloosa Horse Breed

Mon, 14 Mar 2011 09:00:00 -0500

The AraAppaloosa is a cross between the Arabian horse and the Appaloosa that combines the refined physical characteristics of the Arabian with the leopard spotted coloring of the Appaloosa. Since both breeds have been noted for endurance and intelligence, the resulting cross tends to excel at endurance riding as well as a variety of horse show disciplines, including ranch work, which has been performed by either breed.

AraAppaloosa Horse Breed

Brown Horse Names

Wed, 9 Mar 2011 09:00:00 -0500

Horse names for brown, chestnut and bay horses.

Horse Vitals

Mon, 7 Mar 2011 09:00:00 -0500

Three standard indicators of a horses health are temperature, pulse rate and respiration. These can be used not only to determine if your horse is ill but also can indicate the type of illness.

Horse Vitals

Lippizan Horse

Wed, 2 Mar 2011 09:00:00 -0500

The Lipizzan traces its history back to the early 1560s when the finest Arab and Berber blood was introduced into the local athletic Spanish Andalusians that were created during the Moorish occupation of Spain in the 7th Century.

Lippizan Horse

What is a Warmblood?

Mon, 28 Feb 2011 09:00:00 -0500

Many people who crossbreed drafts with Thoroughbreds will call their offspring warmbloods. While this upsets many Warmblood breeders, they are technically correct. The thing is, most draft crosses are not of the same quality and type as a Warmblood, and most are not suited to the upper levels of performance.

What is a Warmblood?

Horse Allergy Treatment

Wed, 23 Feb 2011 09:00:00 -0500

A horse can be allergic to things in the air, certain foods or nutritional supplements, or insect bites. Normally, allergies develop over time with exposure. For example, a horse may not have an allergy to straw but if exposed to moldy straw over a long period of time may develop an allergy to straw mold.

Horse Allergy Treatment

White Horse Names

Mon, 21 Feb 2011 09:00:00 -0500

Common barn and show names for white horses.

Horse Classifieds

Wed, 16 Feb 2011 09:00:00 -0500

Directory listing of horse classified websites. Classified listings of horses for sale, trailers, tack and more.

First Aid for Horses

Mon, 14 Feb 2011 09:00:00 -0500

If your horse is in the field, and it suffers a severe cut, you will want to stop the bleeding as soon as possible. You will need to make a call to your vet, and there are steps you also need to take in order to provide first aid to your horse as soon as possible. You will want to stabilize the horse prior to the arrival of the vet.

The first thing you want to do is make sure you have a first aid kit available for the horse in advance. The first aid kit should have all the important constituents necessary for emergencies and small cuts.

First Aid for Horses

Horse Body Language

Wed, 9 Feb 2011 09:00:00 -0500

As you may have figured out, horses do not seem to speak our language. That is why we must learn to adapt and speak theirs. Have you noticed the swivel of their ears, the movements of their hips and the expressions on their face? These things are the way horses communicate with each other and us.

In order to understand their language first we must understand what our body language says to them.

Horse Body Language

Black Horse Names

Mon, 7 Feb 2011 09:00:00 -0500

Common barn and show names for black horses.

Horse Health

Thu, 3 Feb 2011 09:00:00 -0500

Educational articles about horse health, horse dental care, vaccinations, lameness, worming tips, and tips to prevent colic and thrush.

Horse Health

Horse Vaccinations

Wed, 2 Feb 2011 09:00:00 -0500

What are you doing when you vaccinate your horse? When we vaccinate our horses we are deliberately exposing them to a portion of a disease-causing organism or exposure to a disease causing-organism, such as the bacteria or virus of a disease. This is done in a very small dose. We do this in order to cause an immune response in the horse that will hopefully protect the horse in the future from that particular disease. Generally, this is how vaccines work.

Horse Vaccinations

Horse Breed Glossary

Tue, 1 Feb 2011 09:00:00 -0500

Learn all about your favorite horse breed. Simply click the horse breed name.

Horse Associations

Mon, 31 Jan 2011 09:00:00 -0500

Organizations and associations for horses and horse breeds.

Top Horse Movies

Sun, 30 Jan 2011 14:26:15 -0500

Checkout the most popular horse movies.

Gift Ideas for Horse Lovers

Fri, 26 Nov 2010 08:00:00 -0400

Horses are majestic animals and adored by many. But shopping for a horse lover can be daunting, especially if you're not the horsey type yourself. We have put together a horse-themed gift guide to help you find the perfect gift for horse-loving kids, experienced equestrians, instructors, trainers and breeders, beginning riders, or just folks who love and appreciate the beauty of the horse.

Gifts for Horse Lovers

Choosing a Barrel Racing Saddle

Wed, 24 Nov 2010 09:00:00 -0400

An essential part of barrel racing is making sure the saddle is correct. You won't need an expensive saddle, a used barrel saddle could be a good buy, but you do need a saddle that fits properly This might make all the difference between whether you win or lose. Some of the principal reasons why the choice of a saddle is significant include fitting the saddle to both rider and horse, the correct type, and the price. Saddles are pricey but they do last for years so buying the right saddle now will be an excellent future investment.

Choosing a Barrel Racing Saddle

Gentle Breaking a Horse

Mon, 22 Nov 2010 09:00:00 -0400

To train a horse properly, the cost can be in the amount of time consumed. If you wish to buy a well-trained horse you must expect to pay for this training. The ability to train depends on knowledge and experience, but anyone with the basic knowledge of horsemanship can train a horse.

Today people want a gentle-broke animal. However, the new owner must be warned not to buy a horse that has been started by an inexperienced horseman. Usually this is the reason for selling. The animal may have been so misused that it cannot be retrained and the result may be much trouble and possibly danger.

Gentle Breaking a Horse

How Much Do Horses Cost?

Thu, 18 Nov 2010 09:00:00 -0400

An average horse may cost only $3000 to buy, but over its working live can easily cost $100,000 to take care of. I’m often amazed at people who feel that cannot spend a couple of thousand dollars more for the horse they really want, considering that the purchase price is perhaps 5 or less of the cost of owning a horse.

How Much do Horses Cost?

Tips for Fitting a Saddle on a Horse

Mon, 15 Nov 2010 09:09:00 -0400

A group of tips to fit a saddle on a horse.

5 Tips for Finding a Riding Stable

Wed, 10 Nov 2010 09:00:00 -0400

Many horse owners find the task of choosing the best horse stable for their horse boarding needs quite overwhelming. It can be very stressful for your horse when changing boarding stables, so the ideal situation is to find the best fit for you and your horse from the start. There are many points to consider.

5 Tips to Finding a Riding Stable

Horseback Riding Safety

Mon, 8 Nov 2010 09:00:00 -0400

There is no beating around the bush - horse riding is a risk sport. Apart from the obvious dangers of falling off when mounted, these large animals have always got to be treated with respect when handling them on the ground and in the stable.

Riding need not be any more dangerous than any other risk sport, as long as certain precautions such as those listed on this page are followed. Horse Rider Safety should always be borne in mind when riding or near horses.

Horseback Riding Safety

Tips to Make Your Horse Stable Safer

Wed, 3 Nov 2010 09:00:00 -0400

These things take just minutes per day to do, but add up to a much safer barn!

It does not take money to have a neat barn. Sweeping the aisle, keeping a halter and rope on every door, having a door on the tackroom and the ability to close the barn up can help provide a safer workplace for people and horses.

Tips to Make your Barn Safer

Dangerous Trees and Plants for Horses

Mon, 1 Nov 2010 09:00:00 -0400

When clearing ground for an equestrian facility site in a wooded area, or when horses are allowed to graze in a wooded area, care must be taken to eliminate poisonous plants that are harmful to the residing horses. While horses tend to avoid toxic plants because of their taste, they can still be affected by foraging, particularly if in sparse areas or in times of drought.

Dangerous Trees and Plants for Horses

Horse Names

Wed, 27 Oct 2010 09:00:00 -0400

Huge list of barn names and show names for horses.

Horse Colors and Markings

Mon, 25 Oct 2010 09:00:00 -0400

Horses come in a variety of colors, shapes and sizes. The horse has a base coat of short hairs that lie flat and protect the horses skin. No two horses are exactly the same, this is particularly true with markings on the face and legs.

Horse Colors and Markings

List of Heavy Horses

Wed, 20 Oct 2010 09:00:00 -0400

Heavy horses are large horses that are bred for agricultural work and heavy hauling. Heavy horses stand 14.2 and 18 hands.

List of Heavy Horses

List of Light Horses

Mon, 18 Oct 2010 09:00:00 -0400

A light horse is any horse other than a pony or heavy horse whose size and conformation making it suitable for riding or driving.

List of Light Horses

List of Pony Breeds

Thu, 14 Oct 2010 19:08:55 -0400

Ponies are any horse that is 14.2 hands high or less in height. Ponies tend to be more compact than many horses. They often have thick manes and tend to be hardy, allowing them to thrive in the harshest environments.

List of Pony Breeds

Tips for Buying a Horse

Tue, 21 Sep 2010 12:45:27 -0400

Here are some tips to remember when purchasing a horse or pony. If you are not a horse person or have not much horse experience it is recommended to take a horse person with you or have them check out the horse before you purchase.

Tips for Buying a Horse