Horses

Sores in your horses mouth may be caused by a weed in the hay being fed to him. Pictures and video explain and identify those weeds that may be the culprit.

As horse owners, we know that one of our horse's favorite pastimes is getting themselves hurt. Hopefully, you won't have to deal with any major injuries. We can handle most bumps and scrapes at home on our own. Sometimes for one reason or another though, the problem is too big for us to deal with.

Amazing horse quotes from famous people and celebrities including Benjamin Disraeli, J.D. Salinger, Jonathan Swift, Mark Twain, Rudyard Kipling, W. C. Fields and many more.

Learn how to use your lesson horses appropriately and communicate your plan to your riders and families well to encourage successful riding.

Horses, like most species of ungulates, are social animals with complex social structures and hierarchies. This article will discuss the basics of equine social behaviors within the herd, and how factors such as age, gender, and the environment play a role.

We are all in awe of the famous racehorses and Olympic jumpers, but the lesson horses of the world are owed just as much credit. The famous horses on television and in magazines get our attention, but the lesson horses are what makes us fall in love.

Here's some advice on how to be a good "barn parent" or "lesson parent"—whatever you prefer to be called.

Learn basic training from foal to three year old, including haltering, tieing, leading, saddling, biting, and ground work. This is just an overview of the very basics a foal needs to know.

Do you have a horse that is prone to buck? This little setup might just do the trick to make him stop, or reduce the buck in him.

What's so great about working with horses? An article about utilizing the horse as a source of power, based on my personal experiences using them to perform farm labor and other tasks.

There is a little more to shopping for a pony-ride pony than you might think. Here are some things to keep in mind that will hopefully help you find what you need!

Every noble steed deserves a special name to reflect its personality and style. I will present you with a list of different names that I think are fitting and well-chosen.

Anyone who has had an overdue mare can easily recognize these seven stages of foaling -- in themselves, that is. After nearly a year of waiting for the foal's arrival, we do get a bit impatient!

Horses are known for their beautiful, flowing tails. Why do they have a tail so unlike other equids? And what do they do with it?

This article explains how to train a horse for barrel racing. Video included.

Look here for 20 great names based off of fire for chestnut horses, mares, geldings, stallions, foals, and colts. These fiery-red names will give you some great ideas for your new horse. The names come from different languages and mythology.

The Thoroughbred holds one of the oldest recorded pedigrees. There exists ongoing concern that the ever-narrowing gene pool of the Thoroughbred may be restricting genetic progress both athletically and reproductively, and contributing to an eventual increased frequency of heritable disease.

Riding horses is nothing less than magical. There is absolute joy in feeling their powerful muscles respond to your every wish and command. Whether you are ambling along a country lane, galloping across a white sand beach, or taking a tight turn as...

What do you do if your horse bucks? Why is he doing it? Is he deliberately trying to get you off or not?

Gentle breaking a horse for riding is an art. If you take the time to train your horse with love and care, you will have a loving companion for life.

There are so many different scenarios that can happen with new horseback riders. We will talk about typical lesson-horse issues and how to overcome them while in the saddle.

Horses are remarkably intelligent and beautiful creatures which have been bred by humans for a multitude of purposes for hundreds of years. Here are some of the world's most unusual equine breeds.

When looking for a horse, how big a horse do you need? How much weight can a horse safely carry? It's more complicated than a simple rule of thumb.

Genetics determine a horse's coat color. There are many different coat colors that are possible, but all colors are produced by the action of only a few genes. This article will review the basics of equine genetics, and the genes that create the beautiful coats of the horses we enjoy today.

These great names for your horse, foal, or pony were inspired by astronomical, celestial, star, and space terminology. Give your horse a stellar name so that you will soar together as a team.

How do you stop your saddle from slipping? This has been a problem for generations of horsemen and all kinds of solutions have been invented over the years.

Every kid that rides has, at some point, begged their parents for a horse. Here is a guide to help parents determine whether or not their child is ready.

While the advantages of owning a horse in the eyes of a horse lover can be various, the disadvantages often will be hidden under a veil of idealization. Indeed, passion may cover up some major flaws that come along owning the noble equine, yet...

A martingale is a training aid designed to prevent a horse from throwing its head up so high it becomes dangerous. What different kinds of martingale are there, and when should they be used?

We have all been guilty of taking the easy way out or doing things with horses the fast way instead of the safe way. After being left with post-concussive syndrome after an accident in March, I feel it is my responsibility to remind others of the importance of safety with horses.

The benefits of planning a show for your students is great. It gives them a safe, low-pressure, first-time show experience, and it gives them a goal to work towards.

Why do people breed mules? What are they useful for? Are there any other equine hybrids - and why? What makes a mule better than a horse, or worse?

Posting on the correct diagonal can be a frustrating thing for new riders to learn. It doesn't have to be though! Hopefully, my article will provide some insight to help it go more smoothly for both students and instructors.

Many riders deal with the frustration of their horse dropping its inside shoulder around turns and cutting in. Here are some exercises I use with my horses and students to correct this common problem.

Here's a seven-day plan for horse-crazy kids to help them convince Mom and Dad to sign them up for lessons (from the perspective of a horse-crazy kid that never left the horse-crazy stage in life).

Ponies are beautiful animals. They are part of the equine family. They come in a variety of breeds which all carry different attributes and likings. Ponies also makes great pets.

Tips and tricks for working with extremely tough-minded and dominant horses.

How are spurs used? What are the different types? Are they always a tool of abuse?

Look here for a list of the best Native American horse names and their meanings. These beautiful, unique names would work wonderfully for Appaloosas, Morgans, Paints, Mustangs, Standarbreds and other American breeds.

Rain rot, or rain scald, is a bacterial skin infection that is common in horses, particularly in humid, wet weather. The correct veterinary term is "dermatophilosis." Rain rot thrives in a moist, warm atmosphere and is more common in the spring and...

Are we doing the horse a favor putting a jacket on him when it is cold outside? I should think not. It is quite the opposite.

Horses come in all kinds of personalities. Some horses (and mules) are simply stubborn or lazy, refusing to go forward (sometimes in the face of significant persuasion). How do you deal with this?

Miniature horses! You can't ride them, unless you are a miniature person. Driving is the way to go. In this first of a series, we will look at the most common vehicle for minis: the Easy Entry cart.

Horse training tips for calming a nervous horse, along with tips for preventing a hot horse. Discount calming supplements for sale, too. Videos included.

Safety tips for ensuring child safety with horses and horseback riding. Horse pictures and horse riding videos included!

Some horses definitely prefer to turn to one side. If your horse is like this, then why? And how can you fix it?

These names from Norse mythology give you lots of interesting choices for your horse. From Fenrir to Odin, to Loki to Sleipnir—the eight-legged horse—the names below all have meanings that will add to your bond with your horse.

Learn about the Persian Onager (Equus hemionus onager), a rare wild horse native to Iran that is endangered. Only 600 to 700 individuals remain in the wild and at zoos around the world.

Being a therapy horse is hard work. Does your horse have what it takes to keep special riders safe, happy, and learning?

Learn how to manage and handle a scared horse and find out if you need the help of a professional.

Not all horsemanship is learned while riding! Just as much is learned in the barn and on the ground. Here is another unmounted horsemanship lesson for instructors, camp, or 4H organizers to use for their groups.

Helpful advice for riding instructors on teaching fearful students. Even the confident riders have scared moments—it happens to the best of us. As instructors, we need to be prepared to handle that. Here are some hopefully helpful hints!

I know many horse-loving kids who dream of a career with horses. Here is my advice for those who think they want to follow that path. It is not an easy path, but most certainly not impossible for those who are dedicated and hard working.

When you decide to breed your miniature horse there are several things to consider before you actually breed your mare. Breeding miniature horses carries a certain amount of risk for the mare, the stud, and the foal. If you have a very dear pet then...

A few hints and tips about dealing with anxiety and nervousness in horses.

The names for all horses here, from mares to foals to geldings and stallions, are based in Greek mythology. Discover a cool name with meaning for your new horse so that their name will really stand out.

Tips for preparing your property before bringing a horse home. Do you have good fencing? What kind of barn should you build? Be ready and don't get caught out.

English vs. Western? This is a common question that I get quite frequently from people who are interested in horses and riding. Here are my thoughts on the matter.

These are just a few of the many misconceptions that I have heard floating around out there about horseback riding. I figured I would shed some light on them and help to add some clarification for those who may be wondering!

We should all ditch the discipline snobbery! To each their own. And besides, before you can teach the skill set your horse needs for a certain discipline, we all need them to have certain basics. These basics don't change depending on the saddle.

The following names from mythology and literature all feature strong, powerful horses for you to name your foal, mare, stallion, or gelding after. Some names are great for a chestnut, black, bay, or grey horse, while others work for any large horse.

A common question I get asked a lot by my clients is what does it mean to lease a horse? Also, why would you want to lease a horse rather than buy one? Hopefully, I can help you understand what it means and if it might be a good option for you.

There are many causes for nosebleeds in horses. Some causes of equine epistaxis can be detrimental to the health of your horse. Learn to recognize the symptoms of these serious health conditions.

In this article you will learn the signs and symptoms of colic and ulcers. You will learn what causes them, and how to treat these chronic conditions that are popular among our equine athletes.

Few horses run faster or farther than the majestic hot-blooded Arabian horse. Discover interesting facts about Arabian horses that may surprise you.

The floor in a stock/horse trailer does not last forever. It must be replaced BEFORE it rots. When the wood floor rots it can break through at anytime when weight is applied to it. Tragedies...

Want your horse to come running at the sound of your voice? Learn this easy method.

When it comes to horses and other equines, few people understand the true definitions of sensitive topics such as neglect, abuse, or cruelty. Much less often do individuals know how to identify the warning signs of mistreatment or which steps to take next.

Some practical ways to afford a horse at any age! Learn where to look for a horse, and where to look for affordable tack. Most importantly, learn how to save on board and other expenses.

Out of all horse breeds, the heaviest and tallest are often the most gentle and docile of all. To many travelers, riders, and workers, the heavy horse breeds are not only companions, they are friends.

Get insider information from an American Quarter horse owner, two trainers and a vet about why the AQH makes an awesome pet.

Where is the line between appropriate discipline of a horse and abuse? Some thoughts on the matter.

The energy and "vibes" that we carry with us around our horses affects how successful we will be in our interactions with them.

Learning the proper and basic balanced riding position from the very beginning will help riders to be more safe and confident. In this article, I hope I make it easier to understand and visualize for you, and provide some hints that have helped my riders get it!

There is a lot out there about finding the right horse, but not so much about what to do if you buy the wrong one! Hopefully, this article helps!

Congratulations! You're about to experience one of the most rewarding experiences of horse ownership: the arrival of your long-awaited foal. Here's what you should have on hand.

Learn how to search through the ads, choose a trail worthy horse, and what to do before you finalize the sale.

What makes a great student? How can you be one yourself? Having been teaching for almost 20 years now, I think I can give you some advice on how to be a superstar riding student.

Both purebreds and draft crossbreds such as the Sport horse are susceptible to certain health issues not so common in light horse breeds.

How many different kinds of horse whip are there? The answer is . . . quite a few, all of them designed for different disciplines and purposes.

What does it mean to say a horse is "bridle lame?" What causes this problem and how can it be fixed?

Superficial digital flexor tendon (SDFT) injuries are a substantial source of lameness and diminished athleticism within the equine athletic industry. Mesenchymal stem cells have become a topic of interest for use in the therapy of orthopedic injuries in athletic horses.

Horses bite? Sadly, they can and do. How do you keep from getting bitten? Read to discover ways to handle a horse that is prone to nipping.

Knowing what to expect during your mare's pregnancy and the foal's birth can be life-saving to both the dam and the foal.

Here are a few cute and easy tricks to train your horse to do!

This is kind of a trick question. There is not a black and white answer to this question. There are a lot of generalizations people make about different breeds, but shopping by breed for a new rider is not the best way to do it. For a new rider, you should look for a horse based on its behavior.

Saddle soap keeps leather saddles and horse tack clean and supple. Save money by making your own. Here is a traditional recipe using lye and a more modern safer home recipe that does not use lye.

What parts of a horse are trimmed? How does it vary from breed to breed?

What is the right way to take care of a rescue horse? What health and behavioral problems should you expect? How should they be fed and should they be quarantined, and why?

Horses are magnificent animals that deserve a good name no matter what they are used for. Give your beloved pet a name that others won't soon forget, even if they don't compete in the Kentucky Derby.

Rare horse breeds like the Caspian and the American Cream Draft face extinction if the conservation efforts in place are not successful. Learn more about these beautiful and rare horses with facts, maps, images and videos.

Horses are one of the most majestic creatures to ever run on this planet, and they deserve a name as magnificent as they are!

Does your horse throw its head in the air when you try to bridle it? Or turn its back on you when it sees the bit? What causes this problem and how can it be fixed?

Having a goal, writing it down, and taking notes is a great way to accomplish your goals with your horse. Journaling also helps you to see how much progress you have made over time. If you keep journals on all the horses you work with, you will be surprised how great a reference it can be!