The American Association of Equine Practitioners (AAEP) has recently issued revised Internal Parasite Control Guidelines to help minimise the risk of parasitic disease and maintain the effectiveness of current drugs for as long as possible by delaying further development of anthelmintic resistance.

The more your horse sweats, the greater the risk of electrolyte imbalance and thumps. Also known as synchronous diaphragmatic flutter, thumps looks alarmingly like hiccups in humans — a rhythmic “thump” or twitch of the horse’s flank that often matches its heartbeat.

The immune system is the body’s defense against infection. Vaccines help the body to develop immunity by imitating an infection and are intended to create and maintain immunity against specific diseases for a period of time. Together with good management and biosecurity practices aimed at preventing and controlling infection, a vaccination program can minimize the horse’s risk of getting sick, as well as lessen the severity of sickness and reduce the risk of spread to other animals if sickness does occur.

A good grooming session is a lovely way to connect with your horse, and most horses appreciate the pampering. However, often avoided is the important task of cleaning the sheath of a male horse. Whether it's the fear of being kicked, uncertainty of how to do it properly, or simply feeling squeamish, many with geldings and stallions tend to avoid the chore. Despite the reluctance, veterinarians recommend regular cleaning and inspection of a horse's sheath as vital to the health of the male horse.