Horses are adapted to grazing. In an adult horse, there are 12 incisors (six upper and six lower), adapted to biting off the grass or other vegetation, at the front of the mouth. There are 24 teeth adapted for chewing, the premolars and molars, at the back of the mouth.
Stallions and geldings have four […]
How much sleep does a horse need?
Do horses sleep standing up?
When does a horse sleep?
Horses are able to sleep both standing up and lying down. They are able to doze and enter light sleep while standing, an adaptation from life as a prey animal in the wild. Lying down makes an animal more vulnerable to […]
By Jeffrey Rolo
A hoof abscess can be one of the scariest things a horse owner may witness. One day the owner walks into the stable to visit his beloved horse and behold… the horse appears lame, refusing to place any weight on a specific leg. The owner tries to walk him a bit and meets […]
By Jeffrey Rolo
Foal scours (a specific type of diarrhea) has long been wrapped within a shroud of mystery, a shroud that even modern science hasn’t yet been able to fully pierce. The messy ordeal can also be quite intimidating to first-time foal owners since at that young age diarrhea can seriously dehydrate the foal in […]
By Jeffrey Rolo
Caused by the Dermatophilus congolensis bacterium, equine rain rot is one of the more common skin infections that can afflict horses and is actually unique in a couple ways:
The fungal infection does not progress further than the skin or cause abscesses like other infections (such as strangles).
By Jeffrey Rolo
Bone remodeling is one of those technical subjects that most horse owners don’t bother learning about… it just sounds so scientific and dry! Although understandable, I suggest you gain a basic knowledge of remodeling since it can help minimize your horse’s chances of being afflicted with smaller problems like bucked shins or […]
Twenty-three centuries ago, in The Art of Horsemanship, Xenophon stated, “The same care which is given to the horse’s food and exercise, to make his body grow strong, should also be devoted to keeping his feet in condition.” This is as true today as it was thousands of years ago.
Tomas Teskey D.V.M.I was recently approached about consulting with a dressage stable owner and his plans to purchase an eight year old Swedish warmblood mare that had been diagnosed with navicular syndrome. He was interested in just using her as a brood mare since she was approaching “middle age” and the lameness […]
Tomas G. Teskey D.V.M.
“PRIMUM NON NOCERE” (First, do no harm)-Attr.
Hippocrates c.460-357 B.C
Abstract
The present day paradigm of equine hoof care fails to both define and solve some of the most common health problems seen in the equine industry. Traditional hoof care methods are unable to maintain soundness, nor bring lasting relief to ailing horses due to […]
Horses can be boarded at a commercial stable; however, keeping a horse on your property provides you with more management control, and saves you money. Though keeping your horse on your property allows greater enjoyment and learning experiences, it also requires you to be more attentive toward your horse and to be more knowledgeable […]
