It is common knowledge that a horse must achieve optimal physical fitness in order to deliver a peak performance, but what kind of impact does psychological condition have on equine performance? In a competition environment, equine athletes in any discipline may show symptoms of stress, but to what degree does the expression of that stress affect the quality of a jumping round, dressage test, reining pattern, etc.?

When you are in the market to purchase a saddle, you want to ensure that the saddle you are investing in will not only fit your horse, but will also fit you. If you have ridden in more than one saddle in your riding career, you probably noticed that there were subtle or major differences in each saddle. When you spend your dollars, you want a saddle that you and your horse will enjoy for years to come.

“Whether it be a football player studying ballet or a dressage horse learning to work cows - cross-training is a central pillar to athletic success and longevity,” says Dr. Brianne Henderson BVMS MRCVS, Ferguson Equine Veterinary Services & Toronto Equine Hospital.

A common problem that many horse owners have is dealing with a horse that doesn’t want to be caught. This is particularly frustrating when the horse will allow itself to be caught some days, but not others, or will come for the barn manager but not for his owner. The reason a horse does or doesn’t want to be caught is basically about the relationship between the owner and the horse.

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.

I meet lots of folks who expound on how well their 17.3 hand Warmblood loads into their Quarter Horse-sized wagon. I just nod politely and ask how comfortable they themselves would be on a long car trip with no leg or headroom.

Hindgut acidosis is a digestive, health-related issue in horses, especially those fed large amounts of starchy processed grain. A high grain diet for a horse combined with hard work and stress can produce a high amount of acidity.

Seventeen Standardbred horses and one Miniature horse perished in a large barn fire in Langley, BC, on Sunday, June 1st. The barn was on the property of the All Seasons Mushroom Farm, which was being leased by Rick Mowles of JJJ Stables, owner of most of the horses.