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…
By Shari Michaelis We've all heard the saying "no hoof, no horse," and I would go as far as to say, "no legs, no horse". Whether you do showjumping, dressage, eventing, endurance, or anything in between, your horse's future depends mainly on how his legs and hooves stand up to whatever task you expect him to…
Dressage is all about suppleness. Without consistent bend throughout your horse’s body lots of exercises become difficult and you’ll struggle to get a respectable dressage score. Here we give you two simple exercises that you can work on that will ultimately help to improve your circles: Spice it up: Circles are the mainstay of every…
Q: How often should you ideally bathe your horse? A: There isn't really a clear answer to this question, but one thing is for sure - you should be bathing your horse as infrequently as you can. Your horse's coat is full of naturally occurring oils that protect the skin and keep it healthy. Some of these…
Q: My mare has dry skin and is constantly scratching. I've tried coconut oil, tea tree oil, and a cortisone injection from the vet but nothing seems to help. What else can I try? A: Before you try another cream or ointment it is very important to find out what the reason is for the dry…
The current pandemic has led to a broader understanding of the importance of herd immunity, but is herd immunity also a concern for our horses and how exactly do we go about creating it? What is herd immunity? Herd immunity occurs when a significant portion of the herd has been vaccinated against, or developed immunity to,…
Diagnosis Diagnosing windgalls is typically not difficult for your vet. Windgall swellings occur directly above the fetlock on the inside and outside of the tendon sheath. Windgalls can affect either or both of a horse's front or hind legs. In some cases, all four limbs will be affected. You may notice heat in the area…
Q: How fast do horses' hooves grow? A: A horse's hoof grows at a rate of approximately 6-10mm per month. This means that in order to regrow and entirely new hoof capsule takes approximately 12 months. This rate varies from horse to horse, with some horses growing a new hoof capsule faster than others, but for…
Q: Does my horse need to be wearing overreach boots? A: Overreach boots, also known as bell boots, are worn over the pastern and hoof. They are usually made from synthetic material or rubber and are either pulled over the foot or fastened with a Velcro strap. Overreach boots help to protect the heels of the horse's…
Q: Should I clip my horse this winter or not? A: As winter approaches, many riders choose to clip their horses, but do you really need to and is it the best option for all horses? The winter coat The emergence of a full winter coat is triggered by the reduced number of daylight hours. In early…

