Study and Self-Assessment Articles

Modern research has dramatically changed our understanding of shivers. What was once believed to be primarily a muscle disease is now recognized as a neurologic disorder involving the cerebellum, the region of the brain responsible for coordinating smooth, controlled movement. Read this article to understand this progressive neurologic movement disease.

Stringhalt is an uncommon neuromuscular disorder characterized by sudden, exaggerated flexion of one or both hind limbs during movement. Learn the causes, diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis for this condition.

Equine Body Muscle Scoring is a practical system used to evaluate visible and palpable muscle over key regions of the horse. The goal is not simply to decide whether a horse “looks fit,” but to identify whether muscle is normal, reduced, uneven, or progressively wasting. Learn how it works, and how it differs from Body Condition Scoring, in this article.

Body condition scoring (BCS) is one of the simplest and most valuable tools available to horse owners. It allows you to objectively evaluate whether a horse is underweight, overweight, or maintaining an appropriate amount of body fat. Learn how to assess your horse's weight and fat cover in this article.

Sidewinder syndrome is one of the more unusual gait abnormalities seen in horses. It is also called sidewinder gait, side-walker syndrome, side-walking, or crab-walker syndrome. Learn the causes, treatments, and prognosis of this disease.

Epiphysitis, more accurately called physitis, is a growth-related condition in young horses that affects the physis, or growth plate. Learn what causes it, how to recognize it, and how it should be addressed.

For horse owners, students, and equine learners, the mustang offers an important lesson: horse history is rarely simple. Behind every familiar term is a deeper story shaped by biology, culture, and human choices. Learn the history and ancestry of the horses we call "Mustangs".

Growth plates are one of the most important parts of the growing horse's skeleton. They are the reason a foal’s legs lengthen, the reason young horses change shape as they mature, and one of the reasons training decisions must be matched to age, development, and individual condition. Learn everything a horse owner should know about growth plates here.

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.

Learn the history, characteristics, types, and common health problems of the Arabian Horse.

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.