ASKHQ: WOLF TEETH WORRIES

Q: Why do horses have wolf teeth is they cause so many issues? Asked by Matt K A: Millions of years ago, wolf teeth were similar in size to the rest of the horse's molar teeth and functioned as grinding/chewing teeth. Back then, horses were forest-dwelling bush eaters, with the cheek teeth being small and narrow, like…

BylizzieSeptember 23, 20190Comments

Horse Channel Know How

DEFINING SUCCESS

A key element of your training with your horse has to be defining what success will look like for you. It doesn't matter how other people define success, your own definition must match you and your horse and where you want to (realistically) get to. Creating your definition allows you to create a series of…

BylizzieSeptember 18, 20190Comments

Ask HQ Horse Channel Know How

ASKHQ: OVERREACH BOOTS

Q: Does my horse need overreach boots? A: Overreach boots, also known as bell boots, are worn over the pastern and the hoof and help to protect the heels of the horse's front feet from being struck by the hind legs during movement. Overreach boots also help to prevent a horse from taking off his front…

BylizzieSeptember 17, 20190Comments

Ask HQ Horse Channel Horse Health

ASKHQ: A FRACTURED PELVIS

Q: My friend's horse has been diagnosed with a fractured pelvis, yet the horse is not having surgery. Is this normal? A: Pelvic fractures are challenging to handle in horses, not just because of the horse's size but because of the heavy muscling and tissue that surround the pelvic area. This makes surgical intervention such as…

BylizzieSeptember 17, 20190Comments

Ask HQ Horse Health Horse Training

ASKHQ: OLDER HORSES

Q: My older horse still seems to love work, but I'm concerned as his stiffness is definitely increasing. I've had my vet to look at him, and she agrees that we need to slow down, but how do I do this when he enjoys his work so much? A: Many horses bodies start to slow down…

BylizzieSeptember 16, 20190Comments

Horse Channel Horse Health

LUMPS AND BUMPS: MELANOMAS

What they are: These are big, commonly dark-coloured masses that occur around the tail, genitals, mouth and throat-latch of mature grey horses. These tumours are usually benign and grow slowly, although in a small number of animals they will continue to be a problem and may even prove fatal. Owners typically notice a small nodule beneath…

BylizzieSeptember 7, 20190Comments

Horse Channel Horse Health

LUMPS AND BUMPS: SCARS

What they are: Scars can form lumps and bumps anywhere on your horse's body. A scar forms when an injury heals but some disorganised tissue remains. Scars that occur across bones are especially noticeable. Scars typically feel somewhat hard, and perhaps stringy. In most cases, they are not sensitive to touch or pressure. Treatment: It is important that…

BylizzieSeptember 6, 20190Comments

Ask HQ Horse Health Horse Training

ASKHQ: OSTEOARTHRITIS

Q: My mare has osteoarthritis in her hocks, which can make some schooling difficult for her. I want to maintain her fitness, without stressing her joints or making her arthritis flare. Do you have any advice for how best to achieve this? A: Osteoarthitis is a condition that commonly affects older horses, but it doesn't have…

BylizzieAugust 30, 20190Comments

Ask HQ Horse Channel

ASKHQ: CONCAVITY OF THE SOLE

Q: Why is a concave sole desirable? A: Concavity of the sole is a far better sign than a 'flat foot'. Part of the foot's shock-absorbing mechanism is the ability of the sole to drop when weight is put on the foot, allowing the hoof wall to flex, and in some situations to improve traction (grip)…

BylizzieAugust 22, 20190Comments

Ask HQ Horse Channel

ASKHQ: WHITE LINE DISEASE

Q: What is white line disease? A: The white line is the area on the ground surface of the foot that appears as a narrow ring at the outside of the sole but inside the rim of the hoof. Infection occurs here when this area is weakens and a cavity develops, which separates the outer hoof…

BylizzieAugust 21, 20190Comments

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