Study and Self-Assessment Articles

Upward fixation of the patella, often called a “locking stifle,” can look dramatic and alarming. A horse may suddenly appear unable to bend a hind leg, drag the toe behind, hesitate when stepping forward, or release the limb with a sudden snap. Learn what upward fixation of the patella is, how to recognize it, and how it is treated.

Back pain is one of the most frustrating problems horse owners encounter because it can affect performance, behavior, comfort, and training. Scientific research has shown that many horses with back pain have more than one contributing problem. Learn about them all in this article.

Windpuffs, also called windgalls, are soft swellings that appear around the back or sides of the fetlock joint in horses. Learn their causes, diagnosis, and management.

Capped elbow, commonly known as a shoe boil, is a condition that affects the point of a horse's elbow. While it can look alarming, it is usually a cosmetic issue rather than a serious cause of lameness. Understanding what causes capped elbow, how it develops, and how it can be managed can help horse owners identify the problem early and prevent it from becoming more severe.

A horse information sheet helps keep the most important details about a horse in one place. It is useful for everyday care, barn communication, vet visits, emergencies, travel, feeding instructions, vaccination records, deworming history, and training notes. A printed sheet is helpful for quick barn access, but horse records often change over time. Health notes, feed changes, medications, vaccine dates, and training updates are easier to manage when they are organized clearly

The equine hock, also called the tarsus, is one of the most important structures in the horse’s hind limb. It plays a central role in movement, athletic performance, balance, and soundness. Because of this, the hock is also one of the most common locations for arthritis, strain, and performance-related lameness. Understanding how the hock works can help horse owners better recognize early signs of discomfort.

The equine carpus is one of the most important joints in the horse’s body. Every time a horse gallops, lands from a jump, turns sharply, or even walks across uneven ground, the carpus helps absorb force and stabilize the limb. Because of the tremendous stresses placed on it, the carpus is also one of the most commonly injured joints in athletic horses. Understanding how this joint works can help horse owners better recognize problems early.

Horses come in an incredible variety of shapes, sizes, colors, and personalities. Some are built for speed and athletic competition, while others are famous for their calm nature and tremendous strength. In this article, we will look at the main horse breed categories, explain the difference between hot-blooded, warmblood, and cold-blooded horses, and explore some of the best breeds for beginners and popular riding disciplines.

This article explores what peer-reviewed research currently tells us about donkey conformation, hoof structure, and trimming practices, while separating evidence-based findings from assumptions borrowed from horses.

"Curb" is a term that has been used in horse care and veterinary medicine for generations, yet it is often misunderstood. This article explores what curb is, the anatomy involved, common causes, clinical signs, diagnosis, treatment, rehabilitation, and prognosis.

Understanding the biomechanics of the acute phase of laminitis is essential for making informed decisions about hoof support, trimming, and shoeing. Every modality discussed in this article is grounded in a consistent set of mechanical goals that aim to protect the lamellae and stabilize the hoof.

Cervical stenotic myelopathy, commonly referred to as wobbles or wobbler syndrome, is a neurologic condition of the horse that affects the spinal cord within the neck region. Learn its signs, causes, and prognosis.

This article will help you understand what ataxia means, how to recognize it, what causes it, and why early action is critical for both horse welfare and rider safety.

Equine Protozoal Myeloencephalitis, commonly referred to as EPM, remains one of the most significant infectious neurologic diseases affecting horses in the Americas. This article is an advanced clinical and management overview of the disease.

Equine canker is a chronic, progressive disease affecting the hoof, most commonly the frog. It involves abnormal growth and breakdown of the hoof’s outer tissue layers. Learn what causes it, how to recognize it, and how to treat it.

Laminitis is a painful condition where the attachment between the hoof wall and the coffin bone becomes damaged. Learn it's causes, symptoms, and how to treat it.

The poll is a small area with a surprisingly large influence on how a horse feels and moves. Positioned just behind the ears, it marks the point where the head meets the neck. While it may appear simple from the outside, the poll is a highly specialized region where several important structures come together.

Some horses mature quickly, others take more time, and most fall somewhere in between. Learn how to assess your horse's physical and mental preparedness for work.

The pastern joint is one of those structures that rarely gets attention until something goes wrong. Yet it plays an essential role in how a horse moves, carries weight, and stays sound. Understanding this joint gives you a clearer picture of how the limb functions as a whole, and why small changes in conformation or workload can have significant consequences.

The "distal interphalangeal joint", commonly known as the coffin joint, sits entirely inside the hoof capsule, hidden from view, yet it plays a central role in how your horse moves, absorbs impact, and carries weight. Learn how this joint can impact your horse's soundness.