Heather Smith Thomas, Author at The Horse

Heather Smith Thomas

Heather Smith Thomas ranches with her husband near Salmon, Idaho, raising cattle and a few horses. She has a B.A. in English and history from University of Puget Sound (1966). She has raised and trained horses for 50 years, and has been writing freelance articles and books nearly that long, publishing 20 books and more than 9,000 articles for horse and livestock publications. Some of her books include Understanding Equine Hoof Care, The Horse Conformation Handbook, Care and Management of Horses, Storey's Guide to Raising Horses and Storey's Guide to Training Horses. Besides having her own blog, www.heathersmiththomas.blogspot.com, she writes a biweekly blog at http://insidestorey.blogspot.com that comes out on Tuesdays.

Horse Hoofwear Innovations

Posted by Heather Smith Thomas | Mar 10, 2021 | Hoof Care, Horse Care, Shoeing, Sports Medicine

Today’s hoof protection options include a variety of glue-on shoes, hoof boots, and even orthotics. Learn about the pros and cons of each.

A Guide to Equine Diagnostic Imaging

Posted by Heather Smith Thomas | Feb 3, 2021 | Computed Tomography (CT), Diagnosing Hoof Lameness, Diagnosing Lameness, Diagnostics and Technology, Endoscopy, Horse Care, Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI), Radiography (X rays), Scintigraphy, Sports Medicine, Ultrasound, Vet and Professional, Working With a Veterinarian

Diagnostic imaging technology has improved tremendously in the past few decades, with several effective options to choose from. Learn about the machines and technologies your veterinarian can use to look inside your horse, including MRI, CT, PET scans, and more.

4 Misconceptions About Alfalfa

Posted by Heather Smith Thomas | Jan 25, 2021 | Article, COPD, Heaves & RAO, Cushing's Disease, Hay, Kidney Problems, Laminitis (Founder), Metabolic Syndrome, Nutrition, Nutrition Basics, Other Respiratory Problems, Pasture and Forages, Polysaccharide Storage Myopathy (PSSM), Sports Medicine, Sports Nutrition

Does alfalfa cause kidney or respiratory problems or make horses hyper? Specialists shed light on these myths and more.

What’s Plaguing Your ‘Problem Mare’?

Posted by Heather Smith Thomas | Jan 17, 2021 | Article, Breeding and Reproduction, Endometritis, Horse Care, Mare Care, Mare Care and Problems, Mare Fertility

Most mares get pregnant without major problems, but some encounter difficulties along the way. Here’s how to work with your veterinarian to resolve the most common issues.

A Window Into Your Horse’s Sole

Posted by Heather Smith Thomas | Sep 9, 2020 | Anatomy & Physiology, Article, Breeding and Reproduction, Breeding Basics, Equine Care Professions, Farrier Issues, Genetics, Hoof Anatomy & Physiology, Hoof Care, Hoof Care & Balance, Horse Care, Morgan, Shoeing, Thoroughbred, Vet and Professional

Does your horse have thin soles? Here’s how to manage his feet to help keep him sound.

Equine Hoof Care: The Flourishing Frog

Posted by Heather Smith Thomas | Aug 26, 2020 | Anatomy & Physiology, Article, Equine Care Professions, Farrier Issues, Hoof Anatomy & Physiology, Hoof Care, Hoof Problems, Horse Care, Puncture Wounds, Thrush, Vet and Professional

The horse’s frog is a highly adaptable structure that’s crucial to hoof health. Here’s what you need to know.

How to Predict Foaling

Posted by Heather Smith Thomas | May 12, 2020 | Article, Behavior, Behavior & Handling, Breeding and Reproduction, Breeding Basics, Breeding Planning, Colostrum, Diagnostics and Technology, Fetal Monitoring, Foaling & Foaling Problems, Horse Care, Mare Care and Problems, Vet and Professional

When will your mare foal? Learn the signs of impending foaling and what prognostic tools can help.

Hoof Care for EMS Horses

Posted by Heather Smith Thomas | Apr 8, 2020 | Cushing's Disease, Diagnosing Hoof Lameness, Farrier Issues, Hoof Care, Hoof Problems, Horse Care, Lameness, Laminitis (Founder), Metabolic Problems, Metabolic Syndrome, Shoeing

Find out how to recognize when a horse is at risk of developing EMS-related laminitis and what you can do to either prevent or manage it so he stays sound.

Cost-Effective Horse Feeding

Posted by Heather Smith Thomas | Apr 6, 2020 | Article, Farm and Barn, Feeding High-Performance Horses, Grains, Hay, Nutrition, Nutrition Basics, Nutrition Deficiencies, Other Supplements, Pasture & Forage Management, Pasture and Forages, Pastures, Sports Medicine, Sports Nutrition

Find out how to design an affordable feeding program without compromising your horse’s health.

Senior Horse Dental Health

Posted by Heather Smith Thomas | Feb 27, 2020 | Article, Dental Problems, Dentistry, Grains, Hay, Horse Care, Nutrition, Older Horse Care Concerns, Pasture and Forages

When your older horse’s pearly whites are past their prime, keep an eye out for signs of specific problems.

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