Q: I have a 10-month-old miniature colt and his 13-year-old mini companion turned out on about an acre of pasture. Is it safe to turn them out on fresh grass in the spring? How many hours can I keep...
Ever been told that your horse has a hay belly and needs to lose weight? Well, relax! He’s not fat, he just has gas. In fact, gas production is normal and healthy. It indicates that your horse is getting...
Q: A few months ago, I acquired a 13-year-old Arabian gelding to use as a lesson horse. He was very skinny when he came to me, and I have not been able to put weight on him. I've been...
It's well-known that obesity rates in humans are alarmingly high in the western world. In the United States, nearly two-thirds of adults are obese or overweight. In England, the rate is more than 50 percent and projected to continue...
Piles of fluffy snow in your pasture—and a horse that nibbles at them—might make you think your horse is all set for water this winter. Think again, please! The main cause of colic during the winter is from reduced...
How do you know if your horse is too fat, too thin, or just right? The Henneke Body Condition Score (BCS) system assigns a value from 1 (extremely emaciated) to 9 (extremely obese). Most horses are considered healthy at...
Equine Nutrition from A to ZFeeding your horse may seem like a complex task, but it can be simple with our glossary of equine nutrition terms. Read more >>
Emergency Contact InformationMake sure those who care for your horse have...
Using weight tape at the heart girth may not measure small changes in weight. Photo: Leslie PotterThe problem of equine obesity has been at the top of horse health headlines recently as more owners learn about the serious health...
Alfalfa
Abundant in protein and calcium, alfalfa is a good source of forage for young, growing horses and lactating mares. For most other horses, it can be too rich and lead to obesity. The high protein concentration can lead to...
Q: I have a 17-year-old Mustang that came back high on the ACTH test for Cushing’s disease. She started Pergolide 5 days ago. I have her on grass hay. My question is about treats and supplements. Most pellets have alfalfa...
