With winter weather rapidly approaching, your horse will probably be spending more time in his stall. Studies show that prolonged confinement and the inability to interact with other horses can lead to stress. And stress in horses can lead to both physical problems like ulcers or behavior problems like stall walking. If you want to minimize the stress in your horse’s life, consider the following ideas.

If you have a horse with gastrointestinal (GI) issues such as chronic colic or gastric ulcers, you may need to look at how you manage him compared to other horses. Most of the research that goes into designing feeds and feed supplements is based on the “healthy" horse. But what about feeding those special needs horses with a GI or recovering GI problem?

Fall is a great time landscape.  Getting new plants and trees in the grown before the first frost gives them plenty of time to get acclimated to their new home before winter comes.  Studies show that when plants are put in during the fall season they will be bigger than the ones you will find at the garden store in the spring. 

While it’s only September, now is a good time to put together a list of things you want to do before winter rolls in. Here are a few ideas:

Whether you are building a new barn or renovating an old one, the best way to design your dream barn is to follow the old adage, “form follows function.”  Before you start planning your barn, think about the following things and make sure to always keep safety in mind:

For many horse owners, the barn is your happy place. It is a place where you and your horse can spend quality time together. Or at least it should be. – encroaching development of neighboring properties or busy nearby roads can leave your private property feeling not so private. Don’t worry, though – we’ve come up with some great ways to maintain your privacy!

You probably know the basics of how to take care of  your horse in case he gets hurt. But do you know what to do in the event that a rider is injured and/or is left unconscious? Could you recognize the signs of shock, and do you know how to treat it? If you spend a lot of time around horses, then it’s possible that you will have to help a rider in a serious situation at some point. Here are some First-Aid basics that you will want to know.

Looking  back on a full summer of riding, were there things you didn't achieve that you wish you could have? Whether the summer heat took a toll on your training or summer just wasn't long enough, sometimes your horse may just need to "go back to school".

A well-ventilated barn is a healthy, happy place for you and your horse. Aside from health, there are additional advantages to proper ventilation. Thoughtfully chosen barn doors and barn windows will facilitate comfort year-round, especially when supported with high output barn fans. This layered approach creates a safe and healthy space for you and your horse to breathe easy.

Knowing how your horse acts and reacts when he is feeling good will help you to realize when there is something wrong. Every horse owner needs to know what is “normal” for their horse. Being able to report when your horse is uneasy will help evaluate whether a visit to the veterinarian is necessary and how quickly your horse needs to be seen.