Like keeping the pistons of an engine lubricated for smooth, easy movement, the tendon sheaths of a horse function similarly by providing a friction-free environment in which tendons can move.
There are many reasons a horse might stumble. Work with your veterinarian and farrier to determine the cause, since the onset of stumbling might indicate a shoeing/trimming problem, or could be a warning of serious health problems.
The axiom, “You are what you eat” does have relevance to horses with regard to health and well-being. Here’s a review some of the more common dietary problems that affect various organ systems in the horse.
Bog and bone spavin don’t necessarily have to end your horse’s performance career, but they certainly require careful attention and care.
Named for the sport in which it often occurs, hunter’s (or jumper’s) bump is a sometimes painful pelvic condition that affects performance and gait.
What is good saddle fit? Simply put, it involves a saddle–English or Western–that spreads weight evenly on the longissimus dorsi muscles along either side of the spine. This well-fit saddle has clearance over the withers and doesn’t impede movement of the scapulas (shoulder blades). This saddle puts the rider’s weight in concert with the horse’s center of balance.
There are many causes for back pain in horses, and they can range from the dramatic to the benign.
Since bubble wrapping a horse isn’t an option, owners use boots and wraps to try to avoid lower limb injuries.
It is not unusual for foals to be born with some level of angular limb deformity, but this becomes a problem when the deformity is severe and doesn’t self-correct quickly. If the deviation is relatively minor, it might be resolved with stall
Surgery topics at the 2001 AAEP Convention helped the practitioner learn new techniques
I have a 6-year-old gelding who is noticeably over at the knees. What can I do to keep him comfortable while riding?” have a 6-year-old gelding who is noticeably over at the knees. What “have a 6-year-old gelding
There is an adage that is as old as the modern-day horse. It goes something like this: No foot, no horse. My late father, who could pick out a minute leg or foot unsoundness at a glance, used to lecture his young son about the importance of good
The mechanical engineering involved in the structuring of equine joints is both complex and masterful. Not only do healthy joints allow the horse to move freely, but they also help to effectively absorb concussion, especially when the horse is
This month we shall begin a discussion of the rear leg: conformation, function, problems. There is at least one good reason to start with the rear rather than the foreleg. It seems to be the case that as man selects certain animals to breed to
Ears forward and eyes fixed, the horse concludes his gallop in front of the fence. He gathers himself and leaps gracefully into the air, clearing the obstacle with ease and landing on the other side of the obstacle to gallop on to the next
An elegant athlete, the dressage horse moves in perfect harmony with his rider. Following the artistic traditions of European horsemanship, the performer displays supple joints and natural balance, or expresses power and grace in the demanding
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