SEDATION VS BEHAVIOUR TRAINING

Understanding when calm is care, and when sedation masks a deeper problem The conversation usually starts the same way. A horse owner calls their vet, frustrated and worried. The farrier can't work safely anymore, or clipping has become a nightmare, or loading onto the trailer requires an hour of stress for everyone involved. The question,…

BylizzieJanuary 3, 20260Comments

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ASKHQ: ASYMMETRICAL REIN RESISTANCE

Q: My horse is always more resistant on one rein. Is this normal, or is something wrong? A: Most horses are naturally one-sided, meaning they’re more supple or ‘willing’ on one rein than the other. This asymmetry can be due to conformation, habitual patterns, or even the rider’s own crookedness. While a degree of ‘sidedness’…

BylizzieJune 16, 20250Comments

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ASKHQ: KISSING SPINES

Q: What signs might suggest a horse has kissing spines? A: Kissing spines, otherwise known as overriding/impinging dorsal spinous processes, are a common diagnosis in ridden horses. Kissing spines are usually suspected when horses show signs of back pain. These signs might include the following: A negative reaction to pressure being applied along the spine or…

BylizzieApril 10, 20250Comments

Ask HQ Horse Channel Horse Health Q&A

ASKHQ: GELDING YOUR YEARLING

Q: My yearling is being gelded, but this is my first youngster, and I’m unsure of the castration process and the aftercare required. What can I expect? A: An ‘entire’ male horse’s behaviour is driven largely by testosterone, and this hormone causes ‘entire’ male horses to display herding instincts, sexual interest, and aggression. While typical in…

BylizzieJanuary 13, 20220Comments

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ASKHQ: ACCIDENT PRONE

Q: My gelding is constantly injuring himself. He is always covered in cuts, has stepped on his coronary band a couple of times, and cracked two teeth. Is he just accident-prone, or is there something wrong with him? A: The first thing to suggest would be a good physical examination by your vet. This would include…

BylizzieJanuary 7, 20220Comments

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ASKHQ: DENTIST DRAMA

Q: My mare will allow the dentist to work on her teeth, even with power tools, but she looks absolutely terrified. Would it be kinder to sedate her for the procedures? A: Most horses will experience some anxiety when it comes to having their teeth treated, but all routine treatment, done properly, should be relatively painless…

BylizzieApril 25, 20210Comments

Horse Channel Horse Health

UNDERSTANDING WINDGALLS, PART 4

Avoiding the development of windgalls There are three major ways to prevent your horse from developing windgalls. These are as follows: Ensure that your horse (particularly young or heavy horses) is not overworked and that any work is done on soft, even surfaces. Make sure that your horse is properly trimmed or shod. …

BylizzieApril 25, 20210Comments

Horse Channel Horse Health

UNDERSTANDING WINDGALLS, PART 3

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…

BylizzieApril 24, 20210Comments

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ASKHQ: PUNCTURE WOUNDS

Q: What is the best way to manage a puncture wound? A: If there is one thing you need to know about puncture wounds, it is that every single one requires veterinary attention. There is no exception. These wounds may look tiny and innocuous but they are one of the most dangerous injuries your horse can…

BylizzieMarch 28, 20210Comments

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ASKHQ: RINGWORM

Want to know more about ringworm? Like the fact that it isn’t actually caused by a worm but by a fungus? Then, check out this article on ringworm in our equine friends.

BylizzieDecember 7, 20200Comments

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