Written by Allison Nicole Shultz This article originally appeared in Eclectic Horseman Issue No.27 For most performance horses, the bulk of life is spent indoors to avoid risking accidents and mishaps that would postpone a show career. As a precautionary effort, life in a stall with daily turnout in a run or paddock alone is […]
Written by Sue Stuska Ed.D Hoof Function in Movement The horse’s hoof is an amazing structure. Understanding how it works will help us make good shoeing and trimming decisions in cooperation with the farrier. The barefoot hoof lands on the full near-circular extent of the wall. The wall’s toe is relatively thick (from inside to outside), so […]
Written by Sue Stuska, Ed.D. This article originally appeared in Eclectic Horseman Issue No.13 You probably already have had your horse tested for EIA. This article will explain the importance of Coggins testing and describe the challenges of Equine Infectious Anemia. State Regulations Each state has, and enforces, its own regulations for Coggins testing and […]
Written by Sue Stuska Ed.D. Whether you’re moving your horse into a new boarding situation, or you’ve purchased a new horse to add to the existing herd, an understanding of herd dynamics and suggestions for easing the transition are useful. We’re assuming that your goal is to have two or more horses live harmoniously in […]
Written by Sue Stuska, Ed.D. This article originally appeared in Eclectic Horseman Issue No.10 We’re striving to become more sensitive to our horses while we work with them on the ground and while we’re riding. Some horse behaviors, reactions and conditions relate to their physical well-being. Health awareness also becomes more refined with our knowledge […]
Written by Sue Stuska, Ed.D. Your horse needs it. It is a valuable source of nutrients and provides the roughage his digestive system needs. But all hay is not created equal. Drought can severely limit your selection and drive up the price. What choices are healthy ones for your horse? How can you critique hay […]
Written by Sue Stuska, Ed.D. These six vital signs give you clues to evaluate your horse’s well-being. Vital signs readings give you information that can help you figure out whether he’s OK or sick. If he’s sick, they can help you determine how sick. They help you determine whether or not to call the veterinarian. […]
Written by Sue Stuska, Ed.D. We each know our horse better than anyone else, we see him more often, and we already have the ability to detect when our horse is “off.” This discussion will help you fine-tune your skills. Noticing Lameness Lameness is often the way we find out that something is wrong. Other […]
Written by Sue Stuska, Ed.D. The first sign your horse is sick is probably that he’s not cleaned up his grain. Your decision to call the vet, and your vet’s response, will be determined in part by the horse’s temperature. Don’t wait for an emergency; prepare now. It’s helpful to know your horse’s baseline temperature […]
Written by Sue Stuska, Ed.D. A friend of mine blankets her horse as soon as the nights get cool in the Fall. She adds and changes blankets as the winter progresses. In her case, her gelding needs to stay slick and shiny for the winter show circuit. But what about the horses that we take […]