How-To

How to Clean Your Male Horse's Sheath - 6 Steps

Updated:

January 18, 2026

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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.

Be Prepared for Horse Accidents

Updated:

January 15, 2026

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First Aid in Equine Emergencies - Almost every horse owner will encounter an equine emergency at some point. Whether it's caused by a horse’s natural curiosity, a mishap on a trail ride, or interactions with herd mates, accidents can lead to cuts, bruises, kicks, and bites. Scrapes, stone bruises, punctures, sprains, and sores can happen unexpectedly, while more serious conditions like abscesses, colic, or bacterial infections can arise without warning.

Goal Setting for Equestrians: Become the Horse Rider You Aspire to Be

Updated:

January 8, 2026

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“I’m not really a goal-setting type of person. I just want to ride and enjoy my horse. Goals make it stressful. There’s no point — so much is out of my control.” Sound familiar? Many equestrians quietly sidestep real goal setting, telling themselves that goal setting doesn’t work for them. This avoidance often comes from unconscious thinking errors such as fear of failure, perfectionism, or not believing that you have any real control over your results.

How to Find and Keep a Good Farrier - 10 Tips

Updated:

January 4, 2026

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Most horse owners have found themselves in the position of needing a new farrier at some point in their life. Depending on where you live, finding a farrier can be a struggle, and keeping one coming back can be even harder. A decade working in the farrier industry has given me valuable insight into the problems that owners and farriers commonly face when trying to maintain a working relationship. I have put together a list of 10 quick tips to help owners form a great relationship with a professional farrier.

Fundamentals of Equine Photography: Horses in Motion

Updated:

December 18, 2025

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Have you ever looked through your photos after shooting your friend barrel racing, show jumping, or galloping across a field — only to find they’re all blurry? Or perhaps you’ve wondered why professional horse show photographers at ringside use those large, heavy lenses.

How to Shorten a Horse's Mane with Scissors

Updated:

December 10, 2025

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I wanted the look of a tidy, short, thin mane, but didn’t want to continue pulling manes… so I got creative. It’s amazing what you can do with the right tools, some patience, and a little imagination. While some traditionalists will argue that the look achieved with scissors isn’t the same as a pulled mane, I was happy to find another way to shorten and thin manes without inflicting pain on the horses I work with.

Emergency Preparedness for Horses

Updated:

December 9, 2025

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There’s Far More To It Than You Might Think - In November 2021, my wife and I spent four devastating days in Sumas Prairie, Abbotsford, British Columbia assisting with the rescue and evacuation of animals following the disastrous flooding caused by the “atmospheric river” of torrential rain in mid-November that year. It’s one thing to watch it on the news — it’s surreal to be on the ground in the middle of it.

Essential Tips for Caring for Your Tack After Riding in the Rain

Updated:

December 2, 2025

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When you ride regularly and for long distances, you’ll inevitably encounter a heavy downpour. With some careful planning, you’ll pull out your rain gear, such as a slicker, and continue your ride with a positive attitude. Once you reach shelter, you can take care of your horse by scraping off the mud and towel-drying him. Then, it’s time for you to change into dry clothes and enjoy a warm drink. However, savvy riders know the importance of also caring for their tack immediately, preventing mud buildup and leather damage before it dries out. Proper tack maintenance can also help avoid mold and mildew, which can cause long-term damage if left unchecked.

Cooling Down Your Horse After Winter Exercise

Updated:

November 26, 2025

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A proper horseback ride on a cold winter's day can offer an exhilarating experience, with the fluffy snow energizing your horse and the sunshine taking your mind off of the chilly air. But now, as the sun sets and winter’s cold returns, your horse is steaming with sweat, and it’s time to think about cooling down.

Loading Your Horse into a Trailer

Updated:

November 20, 2025

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The biggest risk factor of a horse sustaining injury during transport is due to inadequate or improper training for loading and hauling. The key to avoiding these injuries lies in investing the time to teach the horse in a way that suits his learning style. It's important to keep in mind that, as with any form of teaching, if one method isn't working, there are plenty of other strategies to try. The alphabet still has 25 letters if Plan A does not work!