The signs of thrush are unmistakable and likely to hit your nose first.   Thrush has a very strong odor that comes from dead, rotting tissue. You will usually also see a dark-colored slimy substance along the edge of the frog.  A case of thrush is not life-threatening, but left untreated the infection can spread to under the sole and penetrate the soft tissue of the hoof, including the laminae.  Even certain types of footing like shredded wood can cause problems – as the wood breaks down, its acidity mixes with the pH of the soil and that can encourage bacteria to grow.  Add water and you have a recipe for thrush.

• 'Twas the night before Christmas, when all through the barn
• All the horses were resting, well-fed and warm.
• Their stockings were hung this time of year
• In hopes that apples and carrots soon would appear.

The perfect gift for your horse may be a little bit of pampering. OK, we know you already pamper your horse with good food, a great stall and lots of treats, but these are some extra ways to make him/her feel extra special.

Photo Credit: Eventing Connect

Before there was Santa Claus, there was Saint Nicholas and Sinterklaas. Before there were reindeer, these holiday gift-givers used the ultimate off-road “vehicles” - HORSES! Keep reading to learn more about this holiday season.

Brrr. It’s cold outside! Winter is upon us. About this time of year I always start to get questions from horse owners about how best to prepare their barn and horses for the cold weather. It’s not just the temperatures though; changes in exercise routine, footing, and stabling procedures all come into play.

This year, nearly all of the country is being hit with some sort of snowfall. Riding in the snow is one of winter’s joys and is a nice change for your horse. There are sports like skijoring that let you combine riding with skiing. However, there are several things to consider before riding off into the snow.

Early locomotives were called “the iron horse”. The analogy of steam engines was used to describe the horse’s respiratory (and circulatory) system is pretty apt. Think of the horse’s food (hay and grain) as the fuel that propels the horse’s “engine”. Like the steam engine, the fuel is converted into nutritional energy (like the locomotive’s steam) that powers the horse’s muscles.

Photo Credit: Equestrian Professional

The #1 question potential horse owners ask is, “how much does it cost to keep a horse?” The answer is, of course, it depends. But the most common follow-up question is, “But won’t it cost way less because I’ll be keeping him at home in my backyard?” 

We’ve discussed in previous blogs the importance of ventilation – or more importantly cross-ventilation – and light in your barn. Adequate ventilation can help remove summer heat, moisture, dust and toxic gases. If these are allowed to build up, mold, dampness and disease can result. Plenty of fresh air will provide ventilation and help eliminate respiratory problems with your horse. Openings can add light and keep your horse from being apprehensive when entering a dark barn from bright sunshine.

Why you should be thankful for your horse!

Photo Credit: Regent Insurance Group