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Safe Turnout Practices
Turnout—the time horses spend grazing and moving freely in pastures or paddocks—is essential for physical health, mental well-being, and natural behavior expression. However, unsupervised or poorly managed turnout can expose horses to injury, illness, and stress. Whether you manage a small backyard operation or a large facility, understanding and implementing safe turnout practices protects your…
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Barn Layout for Good Ventilation
Good ventilation is one of the most overlooked pillars of equine respiratory health, yet it influences everything from how often a horse coughs to how quickly a stable infection spreads. A barn that traps stale air, ammonia fumes, dust, and moisture creates a daily challenge for the equine lung, which evolved for life on open…
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Tips for Preventing Colic
Colic is one of the most common and serious health emergencies affecting horses, accounting for approximately 10% of equine veterinary emergencies and representing the leading cause of death in horses after old age. Colic refers to abdominal pain in horses and can range from mild, self-resolving cases to severe, life-threatening conditions requiring emergency surgery. Understanding…
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Barn Disinfection Guide
A clean, well-disinfected barn is one of the most important defenses against infectious diseases in horses. Whether you’re dealing with a respiratory illness, skin fungus, or gastrointestinal parasites, proper barn disinfection breaks the chain of disease transmission and protects your herd’s health. This guide covers everything horse owners and caretakers need to know about effective…
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What to Keep in a Barn First Aid Kit
A well-stocked barn first aid kit is one of the most important investments a horse owner can make. Equine emergencies happen quickly and without warning, often when a veterinarian cannot be immediately reached. Whether your horse has a minor cut, a sudden lameness, or shows signs of colic, having the right supplies on hand can…
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When to Call the Vet
Knowing when to call the veterinarian is one of the most critical skills a horse owner can develop. Horses cannot tell us when they are sick or injured, and many equine health issues can deteriorate rapidly without proper care. While some conditions can be managed at home, others demand immediate professional evaluation. This article provides…
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How to Manage a Hard Keeper
A “hard keeper” is a horse that struggles to maintain or gain weight despite adequate feed intake. This common equine challenge affects horses across all breeds, ages, and disciplines, causing frustration for owners and caregivers who watch their horses remain lean regardless of feeding efforts. Hard keepers may have naturally faster metabolisms, underlying health conditions,…
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How to Quarantine a New Horse
Bringing a new horse to your facility is exciting, but it also introduces the risk of transmitting infectious diseases to your existing herd. Whether you’re adding a young prospect, a rescue horse, or an experienced mount, a properly executed quarantine protocol is one of the most important steps you can take to protect the health…
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Best Stable Cameras for Monitoring Horses
Monitoring your horses while they’re in the stable is one of the most effective ways to catch health problems early, observe behavioral changes, and ensure their overall safety. Whether you’re dealing with a sick horse, a pregnant mare approaching foaling, a young foal, or simply want peace of mind about your animals’ well-being throughout the…
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Transporting a Sick or Injured Horse
Transporting a sick or injured horse presents unique challenges that demand careful planning, proper equipment, and sound decision-making. Whether your horse needs emergency veterinary care, specialized treatment at an equine clinic, or rehabilitation at a facility, the journey itself can significantly impact recovery outcomes. A stressed or poorly transported horse may experience complications ranging from…