Seasonal Care

Summertime…And the Riding is Sweaty

Updated:

July 28, 2016

horse dehydration, equine sweating, horse overheating

Remember the Electrolytes - As we hit the hottest portion of the summer, we’re witnessing our horses’ attempts to keep cool by sweating. The process of sweating causes a decrease in core temperature through evaporative cooling at the skin surface. As high energy molecules evaporate from the skin, releasing energy absorbed from the body, the skin and superficial vessels decrease in temperature. Cooled venus blood then returns to the body’s core and counteracts rising core temperatures.

Reconditioning Your Horse After Winter

Updated:

April 1, 2016

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As we welcome the transition from winter to spring, we are eager to get back in the saddle and start riding regularly again. Canadian winters are not sympathetic to outdoor riding, and without access to indoor facilities many horse owners have not been able to ride or exercise their horses as much as they would like during the winter months. Bringing horses back into work after their winter vacation must be done gradually by starting at a lower level and increasing the duration and intensity of workouts. At the same time, the horse’s feed should be adjusted to address his present body condition (too thin or too fat) as well as nutrient requirements for the increased workload.

The Great Canadian Equine Cover Up

Updated:

November 16, 2015

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If you’re in the market for a new turnout blanket for your horse, you’ll be pleased to know there’s a great selection to choose from. Blanket technology has come a long way from the days of those heavy New Zealand rugs; today’s blanket shopper can select from a range of features and options to find the blanket that fits both their horse’s winter wardrobe needs and their budget.

7 Ways to Beat Equine Beauty Bummers

Updated:

August 7, 2015

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“My grey horse is so covered with manure stains he looks like a pinto... My horse’s tail rubbing habit has left him with almost no tail and a big bald patch at the base of the tail... My horse’s mane is getting too long but he won’t let me pull it.” These are just a few examples of the most popular grooming complaints grumbled about by horse owners with increasing frequency and frustration as show season looms closer and closer.

Shetland Pony Studies Offer Clues to Coping with Allergies

Updated:

July 8, 2015

Shetland Pony Allergies, Insect bite hypersensitivity, ponies allergies

Shetland ponies have an immune response to insect bites that is helping scientists understand how people might be prevented from developing allergies.

Prepare Your Horse for Winter

Updated:

October 17, 2014

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Horses enjoy cold weather and the relaxation that winter brings, but it takes more than hay to keep them healthy during the colder months. Optimal nutritional planning will help them enjoy the season and emerge in good condition when spring arrives.

Developing the Sport Horse: The Importance of Hydration

Updated:

August 20, 2014

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As we move through the height of our summer competition season, it is not uncommon to have multiple days of severe heat and humidity - the days when you sweat while standing still.

How to Cool Out a Hot Horse

Updated:

July 4, 2014

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The last ten to fifteen minutes of every ride should consist of walking on a long or loose rein to allow the horse to relax, stretch his muscles, and, if he is winded from the exercise, catch his breath. This may be all the cool-down the average horse requires in order to physically recover from moderate exercise on a cool to warmish day. But intense workouts can strain muscles, ligaments, and tendons, and when coupled with soaring summer temperatures can cause your horse’s body temperature to skyrocket.

Horses That Graze on Pasture 24/7 Eat More Slowly

Updated:

May 12, 2014

By Juliet M. Getty, Ph.D. - If you let your horse out to graze on pasture for only a few hours each day, and provide hay the rest of the time, you've likely noticed how he approaches the grass like a vacuum cleaner, barely lifting his head the entire time he is outside.

How to Give Your Horse a Spring Checkup

Updated:

April 4, 2014

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Do you ride all winter, no matter how deep the snow gets, or do you hang up your saddle at the first cool breeze in autumn? If the winter season has caused any modifications in your horse’s exercise level or feeding plan, you will need to consider the following points as you bring the horse back into work in the spring.