Exercise
In general, horses that are properly fed are more likely to be too fat than too thin. If you have a healthy but overweight “couch potato” horse that is just fed hay and/or a reasonable amount of pasture (i.e.,...
Digestion
The digestive system of a horse works very differently from that of a human. Food passes quickly through a relatively small stomach designed to take in frequent meals throughout the course of the day. In the small intestine, enzymes...
Concentrates
Concentrates are grain mixtures formulated specifically for horses as a concentrated source of energy (calories). They provide much more energy per pound than hay or pasture, so be careful not to overfeed these. The horse’s digestive tract is not...
Vital Signs
Knowing how a healthy horse looks and acts can help you catch illnesses and injuries early. Here’s a rundown of normal vital signs and red flags that could signal a problem:
General Demeanor and Behavior
Normal: Alert, interested in...
Vaccinations
Vaccinations can save your horse’s life by protecting him from various diseases. The American Association of Equine Practitioners recommends that all horses receive core vaccinations, which provide protection from diseases that are difficult or impossible to treat and/or represent...
Q: I purchased my horse about a year ago, and he seemed to be perfectly healthy at the time. But over the winter, he was diagnosed with EPM. We treated him for two months, but he didn’t recover. He’s...
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...
Recognizing health problems in your horse is the first step toward treating them. For some problems, early recognition can mean the difference between recovery and disaster. Here’s a glossary of common ailments and horse health terms.Abscess (hoof abscess, sole...
WoundsWhat it is: Lacerations (cuts) and puncture wounds.Symptoms: Variable, depending on the type of wound, its severity and location. Minor lacerations are superficial (penetrating the skin but not the deeper structures—muscles, tendons or joints), cause minimal bleeding and don’t...
