Understanding the disease, treatment, and current import regulations in South Africa Text: Candice Hobday of Hobday Equestrian Enterprises Surra is a highly contagious and fatal disease that affects equines such as horses, donkeys, and mules. In this article, we will discuss everything you need to know about Surra, including its symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment. We will also cover…
Joint infections, also known as septic arthritis, are serious and potentially life-threatening conditions in horses. These infections can lead to severe lameness, joint damage, and, if not treated promptly, long-term disability or even the need for euthanasia. Understanding the causes, symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment options for joint infections is crucial for horse owners, vets, and…
Tendon injuries happen in one of two ways: sudden tears or ruptures from a single overloading event (an injury) or chronic strains from overuse. The former are usually recognised immediately after an athletic episode and usually have the hallmarks of heat, pain when touched, and obvious swelling. On the other hand, the latter tends to…
Flaxseed is quickly becoming a popular nutritional supplement for horses. But what exactly is flaxseed, and how does it benefit the horse? Here’s what you need to know. What is flaxseed? Flaxseed is produced by the flax plant, commonly grown in cool, northern climates. Flaxseed is also known as ‘flax’ or ‘linseed.’ What does flaxseed contain? Flaxseed…
How to feed a ‘hotter’ horse is a dilemma faced by horse owners in many different disciplines. How do you provide a horse with enough dietary energy to do the work he needs to do at the level he needs to do it, while controlling the mental energy or reactivity? Here we examine this question,…
Q: My horse’s legs swell overnight in the stable but reduce to normal size after a bit of turnout or exercise. Why does this happen? Do I need to worry? A: Your horse’s lower limbs can become swollen overnight due to a lack of movement. Horses circulate blood around their bodies through movement, such as when…
Q: What are the signs that your horse is ageing? A: Horses don’t all age at the same rate. Some of this is due to genetics, and some to the care they have received throughout their lifetime. Horses are, generally speaking, labeled as ‘senior’ when they reach the age of 15, but this is a massive…
Q: Can I use therapy or cooling ice boots on my horse while travelling to and from a show? Will it help to keep their legs safer? A: The use of any therapy boot during travel will depend on the length of the journey. For any trips longer than 20 minutes, we would not recommend using…
Wobbler's Syndrome is caused by a narrowing of the vertebral canal in the neck, which causes compression of the spinal cord. The spinal cord carries nerve signals that coordinate movement to the horse's limbs. Compression of the spinal cord, therefore, disrupts these signals, resulting in weakness, loss of coordination, and abnormal limb positioning. The Syndrome typically…
As grooming is such an essential part of horse care, it can be a real problem when your horse has an aversion to the process. The number of horses who dislike being groomed is surprisingly high, and yet grooming issues are not something we commonly talk about. The good news is that these issues can…

