Author: Katie Navarra Bradley

While any horse can have parasites, foals, older horses, or those that have compromised immune systems are most likely to develop colic or become otherwise ill due to parasites. Having a deworming schedule for your horse helps reduce the number of parasites living in their gut. A few of the most common internal parasites that affect a horse’s health include: Strongyles Ascarids (roundworms) Tapeworms Pinworms Botflies Hairworms Stomach worms Roundworms are most likely to cause issues in foals, whereas tapeworms or small strongyles are most problematic in adult horses. Most—as much as 90%! —of internal parasites come from the environment. Most parasite species enter the body while the horse is grazing on grass. However, horses can also get parasites when grooming themselves, particularly while licking their legs, where botfly larvae typically lay their eggs. Left untreated, parasites in horses can lead to: Poor body condition Pot belly Weight loss Less than optimal performance Gut slides or impactions in young horses, which is rare but fatal However, sometimes horses with lots of parasites may not show any signs at all, says Sandra Tasse, DVM, who works for Rood & Riddle in Saratoga, New York. That’s why it’s so important to test your horse for parasites—and, more importantly, keep them at a manageable level by using dewormers.  ,Left unchecked, internal parasites can cause health issues in horses. Administering regular horse dewormers can help prevent illnesses and other complications brought on by a high parasite load in a horse’s body. Here’s what you need to know about horse dewormers.

“No hoof, no horse” might be a cliché, but without proper horse hoof care your horse’s health and performance will suffer. Here we explain why horse hoof care is essential, what good hoof care practices look like, and potential issues to watch for.

The holidays are for spending time with family, making memories, and capturing the spirit of the season. Taking horse pictures is a festive activity to add to your holiday traditions. And who knows—your equine friend might just be the star of your next holiday card. 

Horse halters are one piece of tack you’ll use every day—maybe multiple times a day! But with so many halter styles and sizes available, where does one begin? In this guide, you’ll find tips for selecting the right halter for your horse.

Understanding horse body language allows you to build deeper trust with your horse and helps you spot potential safety issues before they become dangerous. Reading a horse’s body language teaches you to interpret situations and develop a deeper connection with horses. “If you want to learn about equine body language, the best thing you can do is spend time watching horses,” says Jennifer Williams, PhD, executive director of the Bluebonnet Equine Humane Society in College Station, Texas. “Watch horses in the pasture interacting with each other and with people and write down what they do.” Here’s how to read a horse’s body language.

Warmer weather is a welcome change because it means more time to spend with your horse, whether it’s through groundwork or riding. Unfortunately, it’s also prime time for insects. Fly sheets for horses can offer protection from those pesky, biting bugs.

Whether you’re preparing for competition or simply practicing good horse care, the right horse shampoo, horse conditioner, and horse detangler make the job easier. This guide will help you pick the best hair care products for your horse.

The general rule for how much weight a horse can carry is the equivalent of 20% of the horse’s body weight, including the rider, tack, and equipment.  That means a 1,000-pound horse can comfortably carry about 200 pounds. If you’re unsure how much a horse actually weighs, you can use a handy weight tape like the Tough1 Sure Measure Horse Height & Weight Tape.,Over a century ago, the U.S. Cavalry Manual of Horse Management first published a weight-carrying guideline for horses. The manual stated that the ideal limit for how much weight a horse can carry is 20% of their body weight. More recent research suggests that a horse’s carrying capacity is also influenced by factors like the horse’s athleticism, breed and conformation, and the rider’s skill level. It’s always recommended to work with your veterinarian and trainer to determine how much weight your horse can successfully carry.

Chances are, you’ll catch your horse rolling on their back—but why do horses roll around? Sometimes they’ll roll for fun, but many times there’s a method to their madness. Understanding why and learning your horse’s “normal” can provide important information about their health and overall comfort.

Whether you’re hitting the trails around the property where your horse lives or perhaps gearing up for an equine camping adventure, properly equipping you and your horse is essential. Here’s what you’ll need.