As herd animals, horses naturally find security in being with other horses. When riding in a group, it’s common for a horse to become anxious if separated from the group, pawing, nickering and pushing on the bit. Wyoming horseman and clinician Ken McNabb says the remedy for such angst is reconnecting with the herd bound horse. “The horse
Continue Reading...Feeding Sweet Potatoes instead of Carrots as Treat for your Horse?
Both sweet potatoes and carrots can be offered to your horses as treats. Carrots contain about 88% water, while sweet potatoes have about 77%, making sweet potatoes slightly more nutrient-dense. Both are relatively poor sources of protein because of the high water content (carrot, 0.9%; sweet potato, 1.6%; as fed). The primary nutrient difference lies
Continue Reading...The Blood Knot
Many people find the blood knot equally frustrating and functional. Perhaps this has happened to you… You buy a headstall and you’re so excited to get it to the barn and hang a bit on it. So, you take it apart and then…shoot, you don’t remember how to put the two strings back like you
Continue Reading...Copper Meadows Stops Hosting Recognized Horse Trials
After 22 years of hosting and organizing the Copper Meadows Horse Trials on the outskirts of Ramona, California, the Hoffos family has decided to stop holding recognized competitions on their 65-acre farm, the U.S. Eventing Association announced Monday. “It is with sadness, but also a bit of relief, that we have decided to cancel the Copper
Continue Reading...BEN EBELING & INDEED REACH FOR THE STARS IN GRAND PRIX FREESTYLE CDI3* AT WORLD EQUESTRIAN CENTER DRESSAGE III
Photo by Q2 Photography. Under the lights of the Grand Arena at the World Equestrian Center – Ocala on Friday, April 15, 2022, Benjamin Ebeling (USA) and Indeed, owned by Vantage Equestrian Group II LLC, danced their way to victory in the Grand Prix Freestyle CDI3* at the World Equestrian Center Dressage III show, sponsored by Hampton
Continue Reading...Carbohydrates 101 for Horses
From glucose to frustose to lactose–not to mention a laundry list of other “oses”–carbohydrates can be incredibly confusing. But this group of sugar-based compounds, also called saccharides, comprises important energy sources for the horse. Therefore, understanding them and utilizing them in your horse’s diet are crucial. They also are a major component of forages, a
Continue Reading...Myths and Truths Of Equine Cribbing
Cribbing is a behavior seen when a horse puts his teeth on a (usually) horizontal surface, grabs on and seemingly sucks air, making a kind of grunting sound. Fifty years ago, cribbing was thought to be something horses did when they were bored or in chronic pain. Some believed that cribbing released some sort of
Continue Reading...A gift horse indeed: Equestrian vaulting opens doors for special needs children
The first time Jarred Sallus tried equestrian vaulting, he was with his girlfriend, Kadriya Musina, in her native Russia. Within eight hours of his arrival, he was upside down on a horse. Sallus returned to the stables the next day, ready to learn more about the sport. His excitement led to the couple in 2019
Continue Reading...How Much Food is Enough?
Ideally, a horse will have constant access to high-quality forage in the form of fresh grass or hay. An empty stomach lends itself to a higher risk of ulcers and other digestive issues. How much to feed depends on various factors such as condition and activity level, but most horses should eat between 2% and
Continue Reading...Why Turnout Is Important for Your Horse
Horses are healthiest and happiest outdoors in their pastures. There are a number of reasons why your horse should be outside as much as possible. Although many horses will clamor to come into a stable during nasty weather, it’s important that they live outdoors as much as possible. Sometimes keeping your horse confined in a
Continue Reading...‘My worst nightmare’: breakaway cable ’saves horses’ lives’ after towbar detaches at 50mph
The owner of a trailer that came loose when her towbar came off her new second-hand car at about 50mph has shared her story in hope it will prevent others suffering a similar experience Georgia Rodway was taking her horse Flight and Alfie, who belongs to a friend, to cross-country schooling last Sunday (1 May) when the incident happened.
Continue Reading...2020 Upperville And Loudoun Benefit Shows Postponed
Officials at the Upperville Colt & Horse Show and the Loudoun Benefit Horse Show jointly announced on March 20 that both events, scheduled to be held June 1-7 and June 10-14 respectively; will not be held on their current dates in June due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. The event organizers are actively seeking alternative
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