Horse

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.

The most popular horse breed in the world, the American Quarter Horse can run 1/4 mile in 21 seconds—hence, the breed’s name. It’s used in a variety of disciplines, including dressage, jumping, trail riding, western, and racing (they can sprint up to 55 mph!).,With so many horse breeds out there, choosing the right equine companion can feel overwhelming. While looks and size matter, it’s just as important to consider temperament and common uses to find a breed that matches your experience and expectations. To help you get started, here’s a list of 12 popular and multi-talented horse breeds—suitable for everyone from first-time riders to seasoned equestrians.

Yes, horses can have watermelon. All parts of a watermelon are considered safe for most healthy horses to eat, including the flesh, seeds, and rind.   However, keep in mind that watermelon may be safer for some horses than others.   “If you have a horse [who] doesn’t chew carefully, I worry about the rinds,” says Merle DerVartanian, DVM, of Conejo Valley Equine in Thousand Oaks, California. “I, luckily, haven’t seen a patient who choked on a piece of watermelon rind, but I would definitely not feed large pieces of watermelon rind to a horse with compromised teeth.”  Store-bought watermelon-flavored treats for horses, like Uckele Equi Treats Watermelon Basil Pellets, are also a safe way for horses to enjoy watermelon. ,There’s nothing more refreshing than a slice of cold watermelon on a hot day—and your horse probably agrees. Most horses love the smell and taste of watermelon. But can horses eat watermelon?  Yes! Watermelon is a safe treat for horses, although it should not replace any part of a horse’s normal diet. Like all sugary horse treats, watermelon is best fed in moderation.  Before introducing any new food into your horse’s diet, always check with your veterinarian.  

WRITTEN BYJennifer Rice, DVM, CVSMT Veterinarian Dr. Jennifer Rice is a 2017 graduate from Purdue College of Veterinary Medicine where she specialized in Equine medicine. Since graduating…,While horses are beautiful creatures that give us immense joy, their natural curiosity mixed with their fight-or-flight response tends to land them needing medical care quite often. Anyone that has owned a horse knows that at some point your horse is going to find a way to get hurt or injured. Having a properly supplied and easily accessible first aid kit can not only be crucial but also help ensure your horse’s safety until your veterinarian can be reached. Common emergencies in horses may include: Cuts/gashes/lacerations  Colic Choke Illness Lameness Cellulitis First Aid Kit for Horses A good equine first aid kit should include: Your vet’s phone number: always call your veterinarian with any type of equine emergency Thermometer Gloves Non-stick telfa pads White gauze roll or cast padding Combine Redi-Rolls or sheet cotton Brown gauze Vetwrap Elastikon Hydrogen peroxide Saline Chlorhexidine or betadine solution (always dilute with bottled water before using) Rubbing alcohol 4×4 gauze sponges Bandage scissors Epsom salt Diapers Duct tape Hoof pick Clippers Scissors Antimicrobial skin or wound spray/salve (Vetercyn spray or Fura-zone) Small flashlight with batteries Prescription medications such as Banamine (flunixin meglumine) or Bute (phenylbutazone) are great medications to have on hand in cases of emergency of colic or lameness. Before giving any medication, always contact your veterinarian to make sure this is the recommendation for your specific emergency.  Your first aid kit should always stay with your horse. Whether your horse is boarded or at your own barn, a first aid kit should be kept close by or in the barn in a clean, dry place. If you are traveling with your horse, your first aid kit either needs to be portable and go with the horse or you should make a second kit to keep in your trailer. 

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Jump to section The Best 10 Treats for Horses 10 Foods Your Horse Shouldn’t Eat Do Horses Need Treats? How Often Should You Give Treats to Your Horse? FAQs About Horse Treats

Whether you’re tucking it away for winter or storing it long-term, proper saddle care and storage help protect your saddle and keep it in top shape. With the right prep, you can prevent damage, maintain its quality, and ensure it’s ready to ride again when you are.

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