Health & Education
We all want the best care possible for our horses. The Heath & Education section covers both Learning Institutions, Organizations as well as many sources for equine assistance including Veterinarians and Farriers.
For those who want a to formally study horses, the Education section includes College Riding, Equine Studies, and Veterinary Schools. Learn about the wide variety of horses in the Horse Breeds section. Supplements and Treatments Therapy are also included in the section.
Everyone can learn from Fine Art and there are some specialty Museums that might surprise you.
Horses as a therapy partner enrich the lives of the disabled. These facilities are listed in our Therapeutic Riding section. To help children and young adults build confidence and grow emotionally, please see the resources available on the Youth Outreach page.
Looking for a place to keep your horse? You can find it in the Horse Boarding section. Traveling? Find a Shipping company or Horse Sitting service if your horse is staying home!
Want to stay up to date with the latest training clinics or professional conferences? Take a look at our Calendar of Events for Health & Education for the dates and locations of upcoming events.
Do we need to add more? Please use the useful feedback link and let us know!
The following is an excerpt from Mini School – Train Your Mini to Be All He Can Be, by Sabine Ellinger
Today’s stylish and perfectly proportioned Miniature Horses are the product of nearly 400 years of selective breeding. Classically elegant, gentle by nature, and appealing to people of all abilities, sizes, and ages, this small and unique equine stands no taller than 34 inches at the withers as measured from the last hairs of the mane. The American Miniature Horse Association (AMHA) has established an official “Standard of Perfection” in which the general impression of the Miniature Horse should be “A small, sound, well-balanced horse, possessing the correct conformation characteristics required of most breeds, [including] refinement and femininity in the mare [and] boldness and masculinity in the stallion. The general impression should be one of symmetry, strength, agility, and alertness. Since the breed objective is the smallest possible perfect horse, preference in judging shall be given to the smaller horse, other characteristics being approximately equal (www. amha.org).
The Importance of Conformation
Severe conformation flaws can still occur but not to the extent that was the case 20 years ago. The modern-day Mini has been bred with more emphasis placed on his suitability for driving and riding. Quality of the gaits, jumping ability, conformation, and temperament have all been enormously improved in the past two decades because in addition to the suitability for specific disciplines, breeders have put a strong emphasis on breeding and creating a cooperative and friendly a Mini as possible.
Conformation flaws usually won’t really affect a Mini’s ability to perform tricks, but they can pose difficulties when training him in dressage, driving, or jumping. Minis often do not have ideal conformation because many breeders select their breeding stock with a focus on small size rather than on other physical parameters. Poorly set necks, improperly angled or weak hindquarters, a lack of room in the throatlatch, and bad bone structure can make training and conditioning a Mini for an equestrian discipline much more difficult and in some cases nearly impossible.
The same criteria that apply to the conformation of full-size horses are relevant in Minis. Thick throatlatches limit the horse’s ability to flex at the poll, weak hindquarters hinder collection, and crooked legs make the horse less resilient over time. The Mini’s smaller size and the fact that he is not ridden—or at least not ridden to the same degree his full-size cousin is—makes the severity of the problems relative.
Evaluating Conformation
When selecting a Mini for training, the buyer should choose one that resembles a “scaled-down” version of a normal-size riding horse. With a critical eye, you’ll want to evaluate the following points:
Head
A Mini should have a kind face with big, expressive eyes. You can tell a lot about his character just by looking at his facial expression. The shape of the head is not so important but a “clean” throatlatch is crucial. A thick throatlatch makes it very difficult for a Mini to “give” at the poll, which should be as moveable as a ball bearing. Wide cheek bones combined with a thick throatlatch area are quite common and are unfortunately very limiting.
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Neck
A correctly shaped neck enables correct contact with the bit and the handler’s hands, and thus establishes a better connection with the Mini. Ewe-necks, “swan necks” (those that are unusually long and set on too high), and low-set necks are much more difficult to work with to achieve an optimal connection with the Mini’s mouth. The neck should be wide at the base, set relatively high, and should taper gradually and harmoniously up to the poll.
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Shoulders
An elastic, swinging stride can only come out of a well-angled, sloping shoulder. Minis with upright shoulders tend to hurry and “shuffle along.”
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Back
A well-shaped, gently curved back of an appropriate length facilitates dressage and driving training. The development of impulsion (forward thrust generated by the hindquarters) and carrying capacity (ability of the hindquarters to assume more of the Mini’s weight and reverse his natural heaviness on the forehand), and everything else that comes from the hind end relies on a “swinging” and supple back. Swaybacks and roach backs are stiff and inflexible, making it harder for the Mini to perform.
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Croup
If a croup-high Mini is asked to collect (an optimal state of balance with more weight over his lowered hindquarters and with a gently rounded topline), he must expend vastly more energy than one with better hind end conformation. Most collected movements, depending on the degree of collection required, may not be possible for a croup-high Mini.
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Hindquarters
The hindquarters are the Mini’s engine! It is hard for a Mini to compensate for conformational flaws in this area. Correctly angled hind legs make collection immensely easier. The hindquarters should be as broad as possible from the top down in order to allow enough room for optimal muscle development.
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Bone Structure
The Mini’s legs carry his body. For him to withstand work, he should have clean legs and feet. They should be straight and without serious conformational defects. The legs will have to withstand stress if the Mini is to jump, or perform collected movements or “airs above the ground”. More pronounced joints are usually more resilient. Otherwise the legs should be “clean” with no spongy spots or bumps.
Although you may not care to always be “looking for a problem,” you must be able to recognize and evaluate conformational faults in a prospective Mini purchase. There are some that do not hinder a Mini’s training and should not discourage a buyer. However, there are others that make any sort of work—in hand or in harness—a constant challenge, despite the Mini’s best efforts. Such a Mini must work many times harder to achieve the same results as one with good conformation. When you are informed about what good and poor conformation looks like in a Mini, you will be better able to create a training program that is suitable for the Mini with whom you are working.
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This excerpt from Mini School was published with permission from Trafalgar Square Books. You can also visit them at Horse & Rider Books.
There a more really interesting books on riding and all aspects of equestrian living in our section on Books.
Julie Goodnight shows you the proper and safe way to handle or hold the horse for the Vet or Farrier
For more information on the largest certifying body of riding instructors and barn managers in North America, Certified Horsemanship Association, please visit www.CHA.horse.
Read more: Holding the Horse for the Vet or Farrier with Julie Goodnight (7:03)
Julie Goodnight shows the proper fit and adjustment of the Running and Standing Martigale.
Read more: Fitting the Martigale with Julie Goodnight (12:33)
Understand signs of colic in horses and horse colic treatment recommendations
Colic is a potentially fatal condition that is on every horse owner’s mind. The severity of colic ranges from simple abdominal pain to potentially life-threatening, sometimes requiring surgical treatment.
On an annual basis, for every 100 horses, there will be 4.2 colic events; 1.2 percent will require surgery and some 11 percent of cases will be fatal, according to the American Association of Equine Practitioners and the National Animal Health Monitoring System (NAHMS).
Causes of Colic in Horses
Caused by any number of factors, colic can be categorized by impaction colic, when feed materials build up in the gut of the horse. This is often caused by coarse feed, poor water intake, or a block in the digestive tract. Also common is gas colic, when the microbes in the colon excessively produce amounts of gas. This can be caused by changes in feed. A shift in the colon can cause the intestines to flip or twist, leading to impactions and gas build-up. When the colon twists, emergency surgery is immediately required. Ulcers, poor motility and blood supply also contribute to the condition.
Signs of Colic in Horses
There are varying symptoms of colic in horses:
- Looking at, scratching or kicking the abdomen
- Pacing
- Pawing
- Sweating
- Lying down and rolling, at times violently
- Posturing to urinate without normal urine output
- Decreased interest in hay and grain
- Heart rate more than 45 beats per minute
- Discolored mucous membranes
Steps to Take with Colic in Horses
If you notice mild signs and suspect your horse may be experiencing colic, immediately bring him to a confined area to closely monitor him. Watch for any change in attitude, signs of pain or manure output. Walking your horse can provide pain relief and help your horse, if he is experiencing cramps or colic. Doing so also helps prevent your horse from rolling. Discontinue walking if you notice that doing so progresses the pain and overall symptoms.
If your horse continues to display these symptoms and act abnormally, call your veterinarian. And if you have not observed your horse in several hours and notice these symptoms, immediately contact your veterinarian, as it is possible your horse has experienced colic for an extended period of time.
What to do While Waiting for Your Veterinarian
- Remove your horse’s access to feed.
- Take your horse’s vitals to share with your veterinarian.
- Walk your horse to help prevent rolling and further damage (again, only if it does not cause him more pain).
Colic Treatment
Fortunately, more than 80 percent of colic types have positive outcomes when treated on the farm. Prescription medications for colic help ease abdominal pain and reduce inflammation. Banamine and Buscopan are the industry go-tos for providing mild pain relief. The antispasmodic properties of Buscopan help with gas-related colic, spasmodic colic, and some impactions. Phenylbutazone also can reduce inflammation and relieve some pain from colic. Digestive supplements, like Succeed, also help support a healthy digestive system for reduced colic risk.
Ann Brzezicki, CHA Master Instructor and Director of Equestrian Programs at Middle TN State University, demonstrates how to teach the horse to lengthen and shorten their stride. This is a educational video brought to you by the Certified Horsemanship Association (CHA.horse).
Read more: Lengthening and Shortening the Horse's Strides with Ann Brzezicki (20:31)
Dr. Dorothee Bienzle is a researcher at the Ontario Veterinary College who has been researching heaves in horses. Not long after the 2019 Havemeyer Workshop on Equine Asthma, Dr. Bienzle contributed to a quite large collaborative research paper on the current understanding and future directions of Equine Asthma research.
She explains by answering the following questions:
00:35 How important are opportunities like this one to advancing the studies on Equine Asthma?
01:20 Has your research benefitted from attending the Havemeyer event?
02:24 Briefly describe your research project.
04:47 What role does next generation sequencing play in your research?
06:49 Can you explain the connection between certain altered protein expressions and horses with heaves?
08:31 Are there predictors of equine asthma?
09:06 Can you take us through the scoping procedure?
10:11 More indicators of heaves.
11:38 Practical applications and treatment.
13:23 The future of Equine Asthma research.
How much does horse ownership really cost? The short answer is that it depends. There are many variables that come into play when calculating the cost of horse ownership. In this video we will look at some of these variables, to help you in determining the cost of owning your own horse.
To learn more about the cost of horse ownership, please take a look at Equine Guelph's 'Annual Horse Expense Sheet', which will outline necessary purchases and their average cost.
Read more: The Real Cost of Horse Ownership - Jackie Bellamy-Zions (5:51)
Things to keep in mind when your dog is near large animals, plus dog training tips for your cattle dogs and barn dogs alike!
Whether working cattle, or trotting happily alongside you and your horse on the trails --- if you have a dog, life on the farm, or time at the barn, means you’re likely never alone. And while it may seem commonplace, cattle dogs and barn dogs live a unique lifestyle, being nearby 1,000-pound livestock, horses and heavy farm equipment. Their lifestyle requires grit, wit and intelligence. It is crucial to help safeguard your dog’s safety and well-being.
Learn what to do should your dog be injured at the farm, and training tips for a dog’s safety.
DEALING WITH ON-FARM PET INJURIES + WHAT TO LOOK FOR, STEPS TO TAKE
When it comes to injuries stemming from large animals and livestock, they can range from mild, requiring dogs only rest for a few days, to life threatening. “We’ve seen dogs with head trauma from horses or cows, and even limb amputations after getting too close to a mower bar. We’ve definitely seen some things,” said Paul DeMars, DVM, DABVP, clinical associate professor at Oklahoma State University’s College of Veterinary Medicine.
All dogs (even those well-trained) can be at risk for injuries stemming from horses and livestock, as their instincts ultimately play the largest role in their behavior.
“My dogs are well-trained, agility dogs. They are always good and are well-trained not to chase horses. However, I had a dog that fell victim [to injury from livestock],” said Kris Hiney, Ph.D., Oklahoma State University associate professor and Extension equine specialist.
Dr. Hiney was out one evening feeding, with one of her three agility-trained dogs by her side --- a Border Collie named Avispa --- when her horse at the other end of the field began galloping not toward her and the feed bucket, but straight toward her dog. She gave her command for Avispa to recall, but his Border Collie instincts kicked in, and he crouched into the grass. As the horse neared, the horse lowered his head and curled up his front legs, intentionally coming down directly onto Avispa.
Dr. Hiney quickly bundled up Avispa and went to an emergency veterinary clinic. Thankfully, he pulled through and is fine today.
“The reality of horses and dogs is something not to take lightly,” said Dr. Hiney. “Some owners may not realize how badly a dog can get hurt. A lot of horses are dangerous with dogs. Cattle don’t seek them out as much, unless dogs are in their space. It is 100% instinctual, as even well-trained dogs who do this for a living can get kicked, and they can be severely injured when working cattle.”
Should your dog experience an injury, Dr. DeMars recommends you monitor, immediately, if they are:
- Up on all legs and mobile
- Favoring any limbs
- Experiencing any seizures
- Completely conscious
“If animal is unconscious, get them to your veterinarian right away,” said Dr. DeMars. “Even if an animal is up on all four legs, there still could be internal bleeding, and he could be falling over two hours later, dead. Taking your dog to your veterinarian is always the best answer.”
Steps to take, should your dog be injured:
- Share pictures with your veterinarian.
Before driving to the clinic, use your cellphone to take pictures of the injury or wound, and share with your veterinarian. This will help the office prepare for your dog’s arrival and for swift treatment.
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Have a 24-hour emergency veterinary clinic on speed dial.
If your dog experiences head trauma, he requires precise care and likely, 24-hour monitoring, which is not always an option at a primary veterinary clinic. For such cases, it is best to immediately take your dog to the nearest emergency veterinary clinic or University veterinary school.
- Refer to your stocked first-aid kit.
Assist wounds to help stop any bleeding. If it’s a leg injury, wrap the leg just as you would wrap a horse’s leg (apply a sterile lube, then gauze and then cover with vet wrap or bandages, going in the direction of front to back with gentle support --- not too tight or too loose).
- In some cases, use direct pressure.
If your dog experiences heavy bleeding, he could be suffering from a ruptured artery. Apply direct pressure to help stop excess blood loss. Get to your veterinarian, fast.
INCREASE SAFETY FOR DOGS ON FARM OR IN THE BARN + TRAINING TIPS
For years, Dr. Hiney has trained dogs for agility. She has three Australian Shepherds and one Border Collie. When it comes to working cattle, Dr. Hiney says, “Just because they’re a herding dog doesn’t mean they are naturally good around livestock. It means they have intense interest in livestock, and that interest has to be channeled through training.”
While any dog can learn to be good around livestock, it is important to realize that cattle dogs, for instance the Blue Heeler, Catahoula and Corgi, will be attracted to it and stimulated by the livestock’s movement. “A lot of people think dogs can help while working cattle, but only a trained dog is helpful. An untrained dog creates more chaos and anxiety from both livestock and people. If your dog isn’t trained, he needs to be secured. Tie or pen them up safely out of the way, with water.”
Training tips from Dr. Hiney to increase your dog’s safety:
- For cattle dogs, talk to dog trainers who do herding and cattle dog training.
Professional cattle dog training offers a safe space for your dog’s learning, by working with livestock that are “dog broke,” meaning they know how to move from a dog’s pressure. They also can start them on sheep and goats, for a safer option. While a cow dog is bred instinctually to herd, they will benefit both mentally and physically from professional lessons and training to channel their instinctual habits into more strategized skills.
- For barn dogs, seek out training options.
Check your surrounding area for professional dog training classes. Keep in mind, well-mannered dogs are often welcome at horse shows and barns; however, a misbehaving dog nipping or barking is a quick way to be shown the door. In today’s world, there are even online dog training options available, and the World Wide Web is filled with helpful training videos as an option, too.
- Teach dogs the basics.
Dogs among livestock and horses should know commands for recall, down and stay. Teach them the boundaries of what they can and cannot do. They will look to you for the correct answers.
- Don’t let “funny” and “cute” behaviors fly.
Allow no recreational cattle or horse chasing, barking or nipping at all, if you can avoid it. This ‘playtime’ can easily turn problematic.
- Use positive training methods that reward good behavior.
Use treats, toys and your undivided attention to make training the most rewarding and fun part of their day. This will keep them happy and engaged with you to make the best choices.
- During training, keep them on a long line before rewarding them with off-leash.
For their safety’s sake, not returning to you cannot be an option. Using long lines (essentially a long leash) can prevent bad habits from forming. This is a best practice before letting your dogs off-leash.
For a wide range of pet products, such as toys, treats and life-saving medications, visit veterinarian-founded ValleyVet.com for your dog’s every need, shipped fast.
Horse owners, are you geared up to keep horses in winter time safe, sound and healthy? There is much to think of, and plan ahead for, as it relates to winter horse care -- especially if you are caring for an older horse.
Our friends at Absorbine said, “Winter can be particularly tough on our beloved senior horses. Cold temperatures can mean stiff, sore joints, snow and ice can be a challenge to navigate, and brisk Northern winds can deliver a deeper chill to old bones.”
How can you take extra precautions to keep an older horse comfortable this winter? Read up on these tips from Absorbine.
- Keep older horses snug in a rug.
Although horses in good health with full coats do just fine in the winter elements without a horse blanket, senior horses in winter often need a little extra warmth. If you have a senior horse that has trouble keeping weight, has particular health issues, or doesn’t grow as thick a coat as he once did, it’s a good idea to provide them with a blanket.
Waterproof and windproof is best, protecting them from icy gales and wintery mix precipitation that can permeate the coat and chill him to the bone. Make sure the blanket fits well, doesn’t cause rubs, and straps are secure and properly adjusted. It’s also important to remove the blanket regularly to groom and check their weight. Last, outdoor horses of all ages need a wind shelter in cold temperatures. A basic lean-to with a roof for them to stand under is all you need to keep the worst of the rain, snow and wind off your horse. They’ll be warm, cozy and stylish all winter long.
- Pack on the calories.
Winter is of course the time for horses to bulk up, as they use the calories they intake to feed their inner furnace and keep them warm from the inside. Older horses often aren’t able to utilize their calories as well as they did as youngsters, and are typically on the leaner side anyhow.
Sometimes, our old friends need a little extra help staying plump when it’s cold. Hay is the key here, and more of it. Increasing your senior horse’s helping of quality hay in the winter will help add calories and keep his body warm. As a horse’s back teeth wear down with age, older horses may have trouble chewing their food, so be sensitive to that. And if this is the case, look to alternatives like hay cubes that can be soaked until soft for easy chowing.
- Ensure horses are hydrated.
Proper hydration is critical for all horses but especially senior horses in winter. They are prime candidates for impaction colic, and lots of water will help reduce that risk and keep everything moving smoothly through the system. Be sure to supply your horse with plenty of clean water that is a comfortable temperature to drink all day, every day. Be sure to keep it from freezing by keeping it protected or using insulated and heated buckets. If your older horse is reluctant to drink, try warmer water, or add a little apple juice for a tasty treat. Keeping a salt lick accessible will also help him work up a thirst.
- Keep paddocks safe.
You definitely don’t want your senior slipping and falling out in the winter elements, so inspect paddocks and pastures regularly to make sure they are accessible and safe for the old folks. Keep icy spots in check by sanding regularly, and clear paths if the snow is very deep. Access to shelter is a great source of comfort for senior horses in winter; a simple lean-to shed can be enough to offer relief from snow, wind, ice and rain.
- Ensure horses are comfortable.
ButeLess, a favorite Devil’s Claw supplement for horses, is known for bringing relief from the aches and discomfort that may be exacerbated in cold winter months. To help ease the aches and pains that bitter cold winters accentuate, include a scoop in your senior horse’s daily feed. The Devil’s Claw, Vitamin B-12, and Yucca will provide long-term relief the natural way.
These ingredients are gentle on the stomach, so you can deliver the relief your senior needs without worrying about upsetting his tummy. Stiff, creaky joints are common in the winter, but with a little ButeLess, he’ll be bounding happily through snowdrifts until spring.
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- Infection Disease Control tips for Horse Farms - Dr. Scott Weese (15:52)
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- Biosecurity for Horse Owners
- Biosecurity: When and How to Isolate
- Do You Ride Big or Small? and excerpt from "Ride Big" by John Haime
- Rood & Riddle "Stallside" Podcast - The Science and Benefits of Equine Plasma with Sarah Myer Thompson (38:11)
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