Latest News – The Horse
First Steps for Foal Handling
Discussion of the many ways to teach young horses/foals to submit to humans; from imprinting to halter training, tying, grooming, and much more.
Avoid Moldy Corn in Horse Feed
Farmers across the Midwest struggled last year to harvest their crops in what turned out to be an unseasonably wet autumn. These conditions led to reports of widespread mold in this year’s corn crop. Moldy corn is a hazard for all species o
Second Pack Horse Cruelty Trial Yields Guilty Verdicts
A Montana jury has found two men guilty of animal cruelty for starving and overworking three of their four horses during a pack trip through the Montana wilderness in the summer of 2008.
Curtis Heydon, 38, was found guilty of 10 coun
State Slaughter Bills Pending
Legislators in several states are again considering bills that address the slaughter of horses for human consumption.
In Florida, lawmakers are reviewing a pair of bills that would make it felony to slaughter horses and sell their me
Hard Keeper Help?
Reader’s question about why her Thoroughbred horse (stallion) won’t put on weight despite excellent care, and a veterinarian’s response discussing nutritional management, veterinary examinations, and genetics.
Equine Cushing’s in an Old Mare
I have an Arabian mare who gave birth to a healthy colt at age 15 before returning to the show ring. She was diagnosed with Cushing’s disease last year at 18, but we’d like to breed her again. Can she carry a foal to full term?
Equine Research Priorities
In 2009 the AAEP Foundation conducted a survey to assess the thoughts and opinions of the membership in defining and prioritizing the needs for equine health research. This followed an initial survey in 2003 to establish needs for equine research…
Perspective on Hendra Virus
Ninety-nine times out of 100, a Hendra virus test is negative. But the statistics tell only part of the story. This Australian veterinarian discusses the disease, its implications, and how we can prevent horse-to-human transmission of Hendra.
Student Research on Horse Behavior
Q: I am a third-year veterinary student at Guelph’s Ontario Veterinary College. I am working on a paper for my Equine Health Management class, and I am focusing on equine behavioral stereotypies (cribbing, weaving, stall/box walking) and pasturing…
Barn Improvement
As our understanding of horse health and behavior has improved, barns have changed–a lot. No longer are they just places to house horses. Today’s owners now approach barns and other farm structures with horse/human health, environmental impact…
Student Research: Weaning, Foal Response to Mare Breeding
Questions: What is the best age to wean a foal? Is it a good/bad practice to take the afterbirth away from the mare right away so the veterinarian can check it? In the covering barn, why does the foal always get upset when the stallion…?
Researching Horse Boots
Research shows horse boots might not offer legs the protection we expect.
Year-Round Pasture Management
Proper pasture management prevents erosion and nutrient loss from the soil, which also helps improve stream and water quality. In addition, pastures can provide an excellent “free-choice” exercise plan for horses. But the most important role pasture
Sharing the Risk
Is insurance a necessity or a luxury, especially in a down economy when every penny counts?
Cushing’s Disease or Equine Metabolic Syndrome?
Navigating through the volumes of information on equine Cushing’s disease and equine metabolic syndrome (EMS) can be time-consuming, frustrating, and extremely confusing for horse owners. The two diseases are somewhat similar, but treatments differ.
Horse Colic: Surgical and Medical Management
Colic in horses simply refers to abdominal pain, which has many causes, and the prognosis (chance of a positive outcome) can vary remarkably depending on the underlying cause. This article will help you understand colic basics and treatment advances.
