Animals-and-Pets
Equus
PROGRESS AND STRUGGLE IN SENIOR HORSE CARE
A study from the Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine at Tufts University confirms what many dedicated horse owners have long known: Caring for a geriatric horse with a chronic health condition can be a significant physical and emotional burden.
5 min |
Winter 2020
Equus
THREE WAYS TO PREVENT BLANKET INJURIES
Of all the things your horse could injure himself with, his blanket seems an unlikely candidate. But don’t rule it out. Blanket mishaps do happen and they can be serious. Here are three things you can do to avoid them:
3 min |
Winter 2020
Equus
PUT AN END TO BARN DRAMA
While it’s impossible to prevent all discord at the barn, conflict resolution techniques can help solve problems, restore calm and enable everyone to enjoy their horses.
10+ min |
Winter 2020
Equus
The turning point
You don’t always get the horse you want, but sometimes you get the one you need.
6 min |
Winter 2020
Equus
A FOREVER HOME
How a Facebook post led to a midnight rescue and an unexpected partnership
3 min |
Winter 2020
Equus
Nice work if you can get it
A career focused on horses is not for the faint of heart but the rewards are many and can last a lifetime.
3 min |
Winter 2020
Equus
MAKE WINTER EASIER FOR YOUR OLD HORSE
The season ahead may be hard on aging horses in cold climates but with some planning and preparation you can help yours sail through until spring.
10+ min |
Winter 2020
Equus
7 THINGS YOU MAY NOT HAVE KNOWN ABOUT TETANUS
With modern vaccines and wound management practices, tetanus is almost a thing of the past. But the threat persists, so it’s wise to remember which horses are most at risk and why.
10+ min |
Winter 2020
Equus
THE FIRST AMERICAN “SPORT HORSE” BREED
The very name of the American Standardbred reflects the performance requirement established at the inception of the breed. Here’s how genetics, conformation and training came together to create horses that could trot a mile in 2:30 or less, or pace it in 2:00 flat.
8 min |
Autumn 2020
Equus
THE 6 WAYS HORSES LEARN
You’ll be more successful in teaching your horse new skills or maneuvers if your lessons, timing and tasks are aligned with his natural modes of acquiring information.
10+ min |
Autumn 2020
Equus
WHEN EHV-1 TURNS DEADLY
There’s no sure-fire way of stopping an equine herpesvirus infection from developing into a potentially devastating neurological disease. But you can take steps to protect your horse.
10+ min |
Autumn 2020
Equus
PPID DIAGNOSTIC TECHNIQUE ADVANCES
Year-round diagnosis of pituitary pars intermedia dysfunction (PPID, also known as Cushing’s) just got easier, thanks to the joint efforts of equine researchers in England and mathematicians in Australia.
3 min |
Autumn 2020
Equus
THE POTENTIAL OF PROBIOTICS
Supplements formulated to replenish and fortify the diverse microbiome in the equine gut may help your horse stay healthy, but you’ll want to shop smart and know their limitations.
8 min |
Autumn 2020
Equus
Sweet harmony
In addition to providing my solitary mare with companionship, my donkey has brought a new tranquility to my farm.
5 min |
Autumn 2020
Equus
GOOD NEWS ABOUT RECOVERY FROM COLIC SURGERY
A new study from the Netherlands has found that the long-term prognosis for horses who survive colic surgery is good, but a full return to athletic function may be more difficult.
1 min |
Autumn 2020
Equus
BUSTING MYTHS ABOUT GENDER AND COAT COLOR
“Chestnut mare, beware.” If you’ve ever used this phrase or nodded knowingly in agreement when you heard it, you’ve been perpetrating a scientifically inaccurate and potentially harmful stereotype, according to new research from the University of Sydney.
3 min |
Autumn 2020
Equus
CONSULTANTS
Have a question about your horse’s health, care or training? Our experts offer solutions for a range of equine-management problems. Write to EQUUS Consultants, P.O. Box 7510, Falls Church, Virginia 22040; email: EQLetters@aimmedia.com. Send photos when helpful.
8 min |
Autumn 2020
Equus
A BETTER WAY TO READ THE SIGNS OF LAMENESS
Equine lameness can be difficult to detect, but a study from England confirms the reliability of a relatively new tool for identifying subtle signs of musculoskeletal pain in horses.
4 min |
Autumn 2020
Equus
RIDING FOR A REASON
By riding 20 miles through major cities, Trail to Zero raises awareness about the epidemic of veteran suicide
4 min |
Summer 2020
Equus
VETERINARY VISITS DURING A PANDEMIC
The pandemic has upended every aspect of our lives, including equestrian activities.
1 min |
Summer 2020
Equus
The science of colic prevention
MANAGEMENT
4 min |
Summer 2020
Equus
Horses in the time of coronavirus
The pandemic is a reminder that some things are beyond our control, but horses can help us focus on the things that really matter.
3 min |
Summer 2020
Equus
THE BENEFITS OF ACTIVE REST
Biomechanics expert Hilary Clayton, BVMS, PhD, explains why periodically changing up your horse’s activities can be better for his body and mind than giving him time off.
7 min |
Summer 2020
Equus
GOOD BEHAVIOR
Sometimes what seems like resistance is actually a horse’s attempt to work with you. Watch for these 6 easy-to misinterpret signs that your horse is thinking like a partner.
10+ min |
Summer 2020
Equus
Can a horse receive too many vaccinations?
IMMUNITY
1 min |
Summer 2020
Equus
A wild ride
Recreating a scene from the Old West for the world of make-believe, I saw firsthand just how crucial real-life horsemanship skills can be.
4 min |
Summer 2020
Equus
THE BEST-KEPT SECRETS OF RIDING SUCCESS
The same character traits that help riders succeed at the highest levels of equestrian sport can help you better relate to your horse and achieve your own riding goals.
10+ min |
Spring 2020
Equus
LOST AND FOUND
Two episodes involving lost horses on the trails ended very differently. But, say the experts, both illustrate how the right precautions can help you avert disaster whether you’re riding the backcountry or suburban trails.
10 min |
Spring 2020
Equus
Leap of faith
When we first brought home our rescued pony, I thought I needed to teach her to trust me. Now I know that she was looking for me to trust her as well.
5 min |
Spring 2020
Equus
For rainy day rides
Spring showers are no match for good wet-weather gear.
1 min |