When horses itch, their only line of defense is to find a scratching post, and they’ll use anything that’s handy. "My nose itches. I guess I’ll have to rub it on the fence post. Oh, that itchy, sweaty feeling...
Spring and fall wellness exams are a great time for your vet to learn what's normal for your horse.
A healthy horse is one in good body condition, with plenty of energy and a shining coat. This is a picture...
Keeping a horse confined to a stall is sometimes a necessary evil if he is sick, injured or recovering from surgery. While full-time stabling is not the most desirable arrangement for horses, there are times when enforcing minimal movement...
Q: I always thought that foals had to have shots pretty early on, just like human babies. My friend says they don't need vaccinations because they get antibodies from their mother when they begin nursing. Who's right? A: You both...
You’ve just finished a group lesson and notice that the other horse’s necks and flanks are darkened with sweat. Leaning down to pat your horse, you see that he hasn’t sweated at all. Does this mean your horse is...
Q: My mare holds her head up, mostly to the right side and sometimes left when trotting. Her teeth were done in December; we have adjusted her bridle, and have tried a double-jointed snaffle and a jump hackamore. Does...
Whether your horse is blessed with fantastic feet or you are all too familiar with the hoof blues, regular attention to hoof care pays off in spades. A sound and healthy horse starts from the bottom up.
Everyday Hoof Care
One...
In our Ask the Vet column, Dr. Lydia Gray answers your horse-health questions at horseillustrated.com/AskTheVet. Got a question for Dr. Gray? Send it to hc-editor@luminamedia.com and use subject line "Ask the Vet."Q: I recently adopted a yearling that I...
Q: I have a 17-year-old Arabian that I take to a local equine campground twice a year for several days. The past two times toward the end of our trip, he started having muscle spasms after I rode him,...
Q: Sometimes I see my horse eating his own manure. Not only is it totally disgusting, but it can’t be good for him. I have heard horses do this when they are confined to a small pen and are...
