The Abyssinian breed of horse, also sometimes referred to as a Gala horse or an Ethiopian horse, is a rough and short haired breed of horse that originated in Africa in the country of Ethiopia along the coastlines of the Red Sea. The Abyssinian horse is quite small in stature, standing only about 13 hands high.
The coat [...]
Working with horses on the ground can be just as dangerous as riding, with the possibility of a horse stepping on or knocking over their handler. Here are some tips on how to safely lead your horse on the ground.
Stand on the left side of your horse, holding the [...]
Most riders, at some time or another, will want to enter a horse show. It might be that you are looking for a fun experience, and a chance to learn more about your riding by having a judge score you, or that you are wanting to start out a competitive show career. Regardless, for your [...]
To most horse lovers, the sight of wild horses evokes a sense of beauty and freedom that is hardly matched by any other image. It can be a natural dream to bring one of these amazing creatures into your life, but if you are seriously considering adopting a wild horse, here are a few things [...]
In the horse world, mares often have a reputation for being unpredictable and grouchy, something that is usually attributed to their heat cycles. Many horse people prefer to ride geldings, and claim that geldings are more placid and less touchy than most mares. However, a simple understanding of your mare’s heat cycle can make owning [...]
It’s a frustrating situation. In the summer your horse heats up quickly because of the hot weather, and in the winter he heats up quickly due to his thick winter coat. No matter what the season, it is likely that after a hard ride you will probably have to spend some time cooling your horse [...]
Having a clean saddle means having a safe saddle, so although it is tempting to put off this rather time-consuming chore, it is important to protect your saddle against mold and other damaging conditions that can build up over time. These problems can cause your saddle to deteriorate and wear in ways that will make [...]
When making the decision to purchase a house or car, many buyers wouldn’t consider making the decision without having an objective third party complete a thorough inspection. Buying a horse is also a heavy commitment – financially, emotionally, and time-wise – and the purchase of a horse should also be accompanied by a thorough exam [...]
If horses evolved to live freely on the prairie, without protection from the elements, why do we as horse owners insist on blanketing them? It may seem like a silly thing, but there are some very important reasons for making the choice to blanket your horse. First and foremost is for warmth. Most domestic horses [...]
If you’ve ever done an internet search for a horse blanket, you’ll probably agree that the wide array of choices available can be rather intimidating. There seems to be a blanket for every occasion, and it can be hard for horse owners to know what they should be buying. Here’s a summary of the most [...]
Swimming has long been known to be an excellent form of exercise for humans, and a way to keep in shape and improve muscle strength without putting a heavy strain on joints. Equine hydrotherapy is rapidly becoming popular in horse communities across the world for exactly the same reason, and is being used to [...]
Depending on what type of training you do with your horse, you may find that his legs require additional protection from scrapes and bruising. Here are several of the most common types of leg boots and wraps available, and their uses.
Bell boots. Usually made of thick rubber, these boots fasten [...]
Keeping your horse out on pasture is the absolute ideal when it comes to giving your horse a more natural life and allowing him free movement that prevents such difficulties as stocking up and arthritis. However, not all pastures are created equal. Here are some things to look out for when evaluating possible pastureland for [...]
Did you know that horses can only last three days without water, and can quickly become dehydrated in a matter of hours? Horses need between eight and twelve gallons of water per day to stay healthy. Your horse may be less likely to drink in the cold weather and his thick winter coat can hide [...]
With many riders more interested in their horse’s behaviour and wanting to deal with problems in a humane and safe manner, it is no wonder that clinics with top trainers are so popular. If you are dedicated to a particular discipline, want an objective comment on your riding abilities, or simply wish to understand your [...]
An often voiced concern of riders, both novice and experienced, is whether their body size is a good match for their horse. Of particular concern is often whether a rider is too big for their horse, and how heavy a rider the horse can carry. Although our horses are incredibly strong and resilient creatures, it [...]
A horse with a long, full tail is the envy of every horse owner in the barn. Even if your horse tends towards having a thin and scraggly tail, there are a few simple things you can do to encourage it to grow out.
Do not overbrush. Brushing out your [...]
Some horses, when left in their stalls for extended periods of time, have a tendency to develop swelling in their legs. This condition is referred to as “stocking up,” and can result in discomfort and stiffness. For most horses, the swelling will subside after ten to fifteen minutes of exercise.
Horses were not meant to stand [...]
Even if your horse is incredibly healthy, he will likely experience a vet exam at least once a year for vaccinations and dental work. All horses should know how to stand calmly and be examined by your veterinarian. Here are some things to bear in mind, to keep both you and your horse safe and [...]
Around the barn flies may seem like just a minor nuisance, but to your horse they can be irritating and even dangerous. Horse and deer flies inflict painful bites that can become infected and can also transmit disease. Having a pest control plan in place will not only keep your horse healthy and happy but [...]