Horses have been an integral part of human history for thousands of years, serving as reliable work partners and skilled athletes. Being closely linked with humans has affected how modern horses are. While I’m not suggesting we’ve significantly altered their evolutionary make-up, horses have been bred for all kinds of …
What is the best thing to feed a horse?
Horses are herbivores, meaning that they eat plants. They eat grass, hay and haylage. Salt, supplements, concentrates, vegetables and fruits enhance their diets, depending on their energy requirements and amount of work they do. Your horse has an extremely long — and sensitive! — digestive tract that requires him to …
30+ jobs for horse lovers: what kind of work can you do around horses?
Working with horses can be a rewarding experience for those who are passionate about these magnificent animals. Horse enthusiasts can pursue a range of career options that allow them to interact with horses on a daily basis, from caring for their basic needs to training and competing with them in …
Why veterinary schools need horses: the importance of equine donation for education and research
If you’re considering donating your horse, one option to consider is donating them to a veterinary school. Veterinary schools use donated horses for a variety of purposes, including teaching students and conducting research. Horses are an important part of veterinary education because they are large, complex animals with unique healthcare …
Please stop trimming your horse’s sensory hairs, it’s a cruel practise that only confuses your horse!
In the realm of things we do with our horses, there is a practise that we must stop: the shaving of our horses’ sensory hairs. Your horse has special tactile sensory hairs, known as whiskers. Her whiskers play an important part in her awareness of the world around her, filling …
Teaching my horses to tie safely and comfortably: a comprehensive guide
Tying is a crucial skill that every horse should learn. Tying is an essential skill for grooming, tacking up, and when the vet, physiotherapist or farrier come to work on your horse. Tying your horse refers to the act of securing your horse to a stationary object, such as a …
A history of the horseshoe: what are they, how did they evolve & why do we use them?
The horseshoe is a device that has been used for centuries to protect horses’ hooves from wear and tear caused by rough terrain. The invention of the horseshoe stems from working horses being exposed to harsh conditions on a daily basis that led to excessive wear and damage to their …
Horse hoof anatomy (with pictures): everything you need to know about keeping your horse’s hooves healthy
Horses evolved to run. That’s why your horse has the legs of a runner. To survive, they needed to run fast, and this was the driving force of their evolution. Your modern horse walks on just one digit (toe), where her ancestors walked on as many as four toes. If …
89 cool names for your horse from ancient Greece
These are just a few of the many captivating characters and creatures from Greek mythology, each with their own stories and significance in ancient Greek culture. I think ancient Greece is a treasure trove of awesome inspiration for horse names, just take a look at it yourself! Ancient Greek gods’ …
How long do horses live?
The average life span of a domestic horse is 20-30 years. This varies from breed to breed, and the horse’s personal history and current care also affect longevity. Ponies tend to be longer-lived than horses and you can find some great schoolmasters among older ponies to be the perfect first …
Horses in a human world: 3 things every horse needs
Horses are prey animals that now live with one of their old nemeses: us. As recently as 10,000 years ago, humans were one of the predators that hunted and killed wild horses. Scientists are certain that humans actively hunted horses for food before domesticating them. And why wouldn’t they have? …
Why bother learning to massage your own horse when you can just call a professional when your horse needs it?
Light massage, when done regularly, works as a form of physical maintenance for your horse. It’s the best and cheapest way to prevent muscle damage, too. Calling your equine physiotherapist out for a session every now and again is great, but doesn’t qualify as regular maintenance. And having a professional …