Understand Equine Herpesvirus, including its risks, symptoms, prevention methods, and management strategies.

Estimate the cost of owning a horse with this complete guide, and use our calculator to find out what the cost of horse ownership will look like for you.

Learn about the work of horse trainers, from preparing a young horse for its first saddle ride, to helping a seasoned competitor reach peak performance.

Learn how to spot equine lameness in this comprehensive guide.

Learn the cause, treatment and prevention of quarter cracks

A quick guide to the early signs of sickness in equines.

Learn what a career as a veterinarian looks like

Abscesses are a common cause of lameness; learn their causes and symptoms

Horse bits are one of the most common tools in equestrian equipment, serving as the primary means of communication between horse and rider through the reins. However, selecting the right bit can be daunting, especially for beginners, due to the wide variety of types and designs available. Each bit functions differently based on its design, the horse’s mouth anatomy, and the rider’s skill level. This guide will break down the various categories of bits, explain their purposes,

Saddle fitting is a crucial, yet often overlooked, aspect of equestrianism that directly affects the comfort and performance of both horse and rider. A properly fitting saddle enhances the horse’s movement, reduces the risk of injury, and allows the rider to maintain balance and stability. However, ensuring that a saddle fits correctly involves more than just finding the right size—it requires a deep understanding of equine anatomy, biomechanics, and the specific demands of t

What is training? “Training” is the process of teaching and conditioning an animal to respond to specific cues or commands through...

Understanding your horse’s vital signs is one of the most important skills you can develop. These simple measurements—temperature, pulse,...

The Study of Animal Behavior Humans have been studying and manipulating animal behavior since the beginning of time: hunting, capturing,...

In order to understand how human management influences the behavior of domesticated horses, we must compare their behavior to that of...

Horses need shoes when their bare hooves cannot comfortably meet the demands of their work, footing or medical condition. The main reasons are protection from excessive wear, carefully chosen traction and therapeutic support. Many horses remain comfortable barefoot with regular professional trimming. The decision should follow an assessment of the individual horse, rather than a rule based on breed or riding hours. Why do horses wear horseshoes? Protection is a common reason.

Thrush is a condition in which horn of the horse's frog breaks down, often beginning in its grooves, called sulci. Anaerobic bacteria are thought to play an important role, but the exact cause is not fully established. Thrush is a disease process, not the name of a single bacterium or fungus. Signs of thrush in a horse's hoof An unpleasant odor, dark discharge and soft or deteriorating frog horn are common findings. The central groove between the heel bulbs or the grooves alo

NOTE! This article is on Laminitis. Laminitis is often confused with Founder. Laminitis and Founder are two different conditions, not...

Bridles are essential pieces of tack that allow riders to communicate with their horses. They come in various designs, each suited to...

Weak or “flaccid” flexor tendons is a condition most often seen in newborn foals. Tendon laxity can vary from mild to severe, with mild...