Health: Preventative
from the pages of Perfect Horse
The Daily Stall Check
Horsekeeping can be a tricky business. Horses can't tell us when they're not
feeling well, running a fever, or are generally not happy. So it's up to us
caretakers to watch for the nonverbal clues that our horse may not be feeling
well. Get to know your horse's habits and note when they... | read »
Health: Preventative
from the pages of Rodeo
Preventing Common Problems When Hauling Horses
Traveling long distances with horses can cause health problems.
Those problems can range from accidental trauma to dehydration with its
sequelae. I will address some of the more common problems I've observed, and
comment on prevention and treatment of those problems.
First of all, the horse... | read »
Health: Preventative
from the pages of Perfect Horse
Should You Try Alternative Bodywork Therapies?
The stubborn lameness that's un-diagnosable; the injury that hasn't responded to
treatment; the horse that is slightly improved but still not quite sound--these
are some of the reasons people seek alternative treatments for their horses.
Some "alternative" therapies have been around for... | read »
Health: Preventative
from the pages of Trail Rider
Prepurchase Exam FAQs
After months of searching, you've found the perfect horse to buy.
You envision long days in the saddle, going on challenging trail rides. All you
need to do is hitch up your horse trailer, head over to the prospect's current
barn, seal the deal, and drive him home.
Wait! Before you take the... | read »
Health: Preventative
from the pages of Rodeo
Considerations on a Pre-Purchase Evaluation
I often draw on recent events in my practice for a monthly topic for
this column. I've looked at a couple of horses in the last month that brought up
issues that recur from time to time in making a decision on the functional
soundness of a horse for his intended use.
I have a routine I go... | read »
Health: Preventative
from the pages of Perfect Horse
Dos and Don'ts for Tangles
Think back to the last time you got a nasty tangle from a fir
tree that dropped pitch in your hair when you were riding by. Or remember that
sunny afternoon nap in the patch of long grass behind the barn that deposited
grass awns in your loose locks. Not only are tangled manes and tails an... | read »
Health: Preventative
from the pages of Perfect Horse
Top Five First-Aid Kit Items
Nothing is worse than trying to hunt down supplies when your
horse is ill or injured. Added stress and aggravation is something you don't
need at this point. So a little pre-planning on your part--assembling your own
first-aid kit--will make handling these emergencies go more smoothly. The... | read »
Health: Preventative
from the pages of Rodeo
The Value of Diagnostic Aids
People often ask me what to do for "navicular disease" or "colic."
Well, there is no answer to that question because there is such a wide variation
as to cause or severity that treatment needs to be based on the individual case.
That is why diagnostic procedures and their interpretation... | read »
Health: Preventative
from the pages of Perfect Horse
Smart Shots and Deworming
One of the most confusing aspects of horse ownership can be
sorting out annual vaccinations and deworming plans. There are so many different
shots and deworming products available on the market today, how do you know what
to use and when? The following simple explanations and charts should... | read »
Health: Preventative
from the pages of Trail Rider
Hoof Nourishment
While some horses float over specially prepared arena footing day
after day, your trail horse carries you over hill, dale, rock, and stream. And
what carries him over such rugged terrain? His hooves.
As a concerned horse owner, you're wise to keep a close eye on
your trail horse's hooves.... | read »
QUESTION:
We
travel all over with our horses. For years, we’ve heard about equine distemper,
also known as strangles. Please tell us more about the strangles, how to prevent
it, and what to do about it should one of... | read
