Next time you visit your local feed and tack store, peruse the horse supplement section. Chances are you will find at least one that claims to have a “calming” effect on horses. Whether or not these supplements live up to these claims is
When it comes to extracting the maximum effort out of your performance horse, there is no doubting the importance of a sound feeding program. He needs a balanced diet to replenish fuel reserves, repair tissue, and provide a foundation for
Keeping a close eye on your horse’s body condition and weight is perhaps the best way to gauge the effectiveness of a feeding program. We all want our horses to be in tip-top shape, well-muscled, and neither too fat nor too thin. The problem?
Perhaps the most widely recognized of all disorders affecting racehorses is bleeding, or exercise-induced pulmonary hemorrhage (EIPH). We now know that most racehorses bleed at some time during their careers. In fact, many horses might bleed”P>Perhaps the most widely recognized of all disorders affecting racehorses is bleeding, or exercise-induced pulmonary hemorrhage (EIPH). We now know that most raceh”>Perhaps the most widely recognized of all disorders affecting racehorses is bleeding,”Perhaps t
Most of us have used these drugs in our horses at one time or another and have some appreciation of their benefits. And there is no doubt that many of the NSAIDs are invaluable in the treatment of many of the ailments that can plague the athletic hor
Coughing, one of the most common signs of respiratory disease, can occur in response to irritation from viruses, bacteria, or inhaled environmental dusts and allergens. However, most veterinarians and researchers will agree that irritation from
I heard that a horse’s spleen is unique, but my friend said horses don’t have a spleen. What’s the truth?
The nutritional needs of the endurance horse are somewhat unique compared to horses used for other athletic disciplines. The metabolic demands of endurance racing (including competitive trail riding and ride and tie events) are high, requiring
Although it is not necessary for you to become bogged down in the intricacies of equine digestive physiology, a basic understanding of how the horse digests feed is necessary for the selection of appropriate diets and feeding practices.
To add variety to conditioning programs, human athletes often undertake exercise sessions that are not specific to their athletic disciplines. For example, long-distance runners might cycle on a stationary bike once or twice a week, swim, or
Here’s what you need to know about keeping your horse from overheating during exercise in hot weather.
Over the last 10-12 years, veterinarians and researchers have documented an alarmingly high prevalence of gastric ulcers in horses. Worse, the prevalence seems to be even higher in horses in training, particularly racehorses. Of course, the rise
As spring moves into summer, the primary focus of activity on many breeding farms is preparation of yearlings for sale. There isn’t much scientific research on exercising horses at that young age, yet many farms are using forced exercise to make
Here are a few things to keep in mind when designing a warm-up program for your horse.
Over the past couple of years, a great deal has been written about the effects of transportation (by road or air) on horses. Hopefully you have taken the time to read these articles and now have a heightened awareness of the potential stresses
What are the effects of advancing years on athletic performance?
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