There's a reason why the first rule of trail riding is to never go out alone. Gretchen Zwicker was out riding her 13-year-old horse named Libby when the pleasurable ride quickly turned dangerous. Thankfully, Zwicker was with a friend. When Libby started acting out and got trapped in deep mud, the riders were able to...
Interesting Facts About The Silver Gene In Horses
Horses with unique coloring will always make us horse crazy people do a double-take. Perhaps for you, it is a big blue roan horse with a black mane and tail. No matter what tickles your fancy, a dark horse with a flaxen mane and tail will always be a jaw-dropper. Have you ever wondered how...
Queen Of England Names Rare Shire Foal Born During Lockdown
Queen Elizabeth II is not only the longest reigning English monarch, she's also a bona-fide horse girl. Her love of horses has spanned decades, and even know, she's often seen either visiting the stables or in the saddle. So, when an adorable Shire foal was born at a Pembrokeshire horse farm on the Queen's official...
How Diet Coke Saved This Horse's Life
Equine Veterinary & Dental Services in Australia specializes in providing horses with life-saving veterinary services and dentistry care. They offer innovative services for the sake of horse health, but their clients also love them for carefully listening to concerns, not jumping to conclusions, and thinking outside the box. So, when a horse came to EVDS...
Food Aggression In Horses: What To Know & Ways To Help
Do you dread feeding time because your usually sweet horse has a complete personality change, and becomes food aggressive? Food aggression in horses is common but not desirable. Understanding why horses have this behavior will help us to teach them to change their ways. If you would like to learn how to make feeding time...
Destructive Horse Behaviors That Give Insight Into Their Health
It is no secret that horses can develop destructive behaviors. These behaviors can vary from stable vices like cribbing to misbehaving under saddle, to just being cranky. But what is our horse trying to say? In most cases, they are trying to tell us that they don’t feel well in the only ways they can....
Why You Should Play Music for Your Horse—And What They Like
Did you know that music can be a very effective tool for working with horses? Yes, horses like music. However, they aren’t crazy about all kinds of music. By using music in the correct way, we can help our horses to be more docile and willing to work with us. In this article, we will...
10 Facts About Foals To Make You Smile
Foals are spunky, gangly, occasionally mischievous, and downright adorable. They run around on their too-long legs reminding us all to never take ourselves too seriously and that life is always worth enjoying. It seems that no matter how a foal comes into this world—whether their birth was expected and surrounded by love or a surprise...
6 Rare Horse Coat Markings And Patterns
We all know that no two horses are the same. Even your seemingly identical bays and sorrels are special in their own ways. There are, however, some horses that are unmistakably unique. They have markings that make it impossible to confuse them with another horse, and their rare coat patterns always make them stand out...
Signs Your Horse Has A Fever
Our horses are such an important part of our lives. We’ve sacrificed social outings for years to spend time with them. We know our horses better than a significant other, so when they aren’t acting like themselves our horse-alarms go off. Every horse owner should know the signs of a fever and what to do...
Equine Massage: The Basics & How It Can Benefit Your Horse
Horse owners may not realize equine massage has been practiced since ancient times and is reflected in Egyptian hieroglyphics. It has long been used to assist with exercise recovery, improve circulation, range of motion, stimulate the lymphatic system, assist injury prevention and provide relaxation benefits. But do you know the various types of massage available...
Things Everyone Should Know About Horseshoes
It goes without saying that pretty much every horse person has heard the saying "no hoof, no horse" at least once in their lifetime. Horseshoes serve a very important purpose, but how much do you know about them aside from the fact that your horse wears them? The need to put shoes on a horse...
Why Do Some Horses Look Like They're Wearing Socks?
It is very common to see horses that look like they are wearing socks. Socks can be found on cats, pigs, mice, rats, and cows also. Socks are hair on the lower leg that is colored differently than the rest of the leg. They are not cotton socks knitted by grandma. In this article, we...
5 Reasons To Talk With Your Horse Every Day
Talking with your horse can have benefits for both the horse and for you. It's not crazy, and it's something that every horse owner should do for many reasons. In this article, we will provide you with the top five reasons why you should talk with your horse each day the two of you spend...
Four Zebra Foals Are Helping Their Endangered Species
White Oak Conservation in northeastern Florida is 17,000 acres dedicated to wildlife conservation. There are rhinos, gazelles, cheetahs, and other animals you'd expect to find on an African safari and not necessarily near popular Florida beaches. The refuge is one of the most well-known conservation areas in North America. And while there are 30 different...
Reward Of $5K Being Offered To Catch Horse Slaughter Criminal
As much as we do not want to think about it, we know that somewhere each day a horse is slaughtered. Sadly, this usually happens when horses are no longer wanted. And it's never something that's okay if you ask me, because it's never the horse's fault that they should lose their lives at the...
Horse And Mule Rescued In Shoulder High Mud
When it comes to animals, sometimes they can accidentally get themselves stuck in some pretty unfortunate situations. For Girlie the Mule and Tick the horse, they found themselves in an extremely life-threatening situation just this past week. On Sunday August 16, at approximately 5:00 p.m., Marion Fire responded to a call at Merrow Farm on...
Equine 411: All About Draft Horses
As the gentle giants of the horse world, draft horses are as beautiful as they are fascinating. With dozens of different breeds from all over the world, these "heavy horses" have captivated the hearts of thousands. From the majestic Clydesdale to the rare Suffolk Punch, draft horses have been bred for centuries to fulfill specific...
Mane Or No Mane? The Pros And Cons Of Roached Manes
We all love a horse with a long flowing mane blowing in the wind as they gallop across the field. Simply put, a long mane is beautiful. For some horses, however, a short mane is much more practical. This is especially true for horses who are often in the show ring. This is usually done...
The Legacy Of Picasso Lives On In The Hearts Of Many
Picasso, the most famous stallion of the Sand Wash Basin, has carved a spot into the hearts of many horse lovers across the country. A symbol of freedom, perseverance, and strength, Picasso accrued a legion of fans in the many years he spent here on earth. Thought to be born in 1990, the last time...
Why Do Some Horses Have Mustaches?
When you think about a mustache, what is the first thing that pops into your mind? Perhaps an old western movie with two cowboys about to have a shoot out and before they go for their guns, it’s a must to make a twist on their handlebar mustache. Or, maybe a milk mustache or a...
How To Help Your Horse Get Used To Touch
In the first part of this series, we covered developing a positive leadership role with your horse. It cannot be said enough how important this role is to build your horse's confidence. The article also explains techniques for haltering an abused horse that doesn't want to be haltered. This part of the series, we will discuss teaching a...
Why Is It Rare To Spay Mares?
We all are familiar with the spaying and neutering of cats and dogs. These are widespread procedures used for behavior and health reasons, along with working towards reducing the number of unwanted litters. But what about horses? To geld, a male horse is the neutering process. It is a relatively straightforward procedure that is very...
Last Chance Corral Saves Nurse Mare Foals That Are Born To Die
"Hold fast to your dreams...but temper your ideals with reality." This is the quote lifetime horse rescuer Victoria Goss lives by (it also happens to be the Vermont state motto). As the founder of Last Chance Corral in Athens, Ohio, her dream is a world where nurse mare foals don't exist. Reality, however, is much...
Equine 411: All About The Gypsy Vanner Horse Breed
Unmistakable thanks to their gorgeous manes, long tails, and heavy feathering, the Gypsy Vanner horse breed is one of the most popular (and most beautiful) horse breeds in the world. If the name isn't familiar, you might know them as the Gypsy Cob, Irish Cob, or Tinker Horse. Regardless of the name, this small draft...
Best Horse Breeds For Larger Riders
Horses are loved by people of all shapes and sizes, and individuals weighing in around 250 lbs or more may feel discouraged and shy away from ever throwing a leg over a horse. But that number on the scale is just a number. There are horse breeds out there to suit everyone, no matter your...
New Book Called 'Horse Crazy' Is Determined A Must-Read For All
If you're looking for the next book to add to your shelf or need an interesting read to enjoy in your free time, the 2020 nonfiction novel entitled Horse Crazy: The Story of a Woman and World in Love With an Animal is proving to be a popular choice for all horse lovers. Written by...
Horse Soring: A Cruel Practice That Many Fear Still Continues
The Humane Society of the United States gives a voice to animals who need it most. And this is especially true when it comes to those cruel and unnecessary acts that animals face at the hands of humans. Horse soring is absolutely on that list of acts that should be punishable by law. No matter...
Equine Photographer Beautifully Captures The Essence Of Horses
If you love horses like I do, then chances are that you can look at photographs of them all day long. But when it comes to equine photography, not all images are created equal. Horses have a unique wild spirit that can't be broken, and if the person behind the lens appreciates this, then they...
How To Build Your Horse's Confidence
Do you have a horse that is skittish about everything? Perhaps it is a young horse or one that has been rescued from a situation of neglect or abuse. There are ways to build a horse's confidence. Patience, positive leadership, and time are the key ingredients. Don't forget to talk with your horse also. Something...
The Best Places To Pet A Horse And Areas To Avoid
Horses are like dogs in the respect that some want to be petted, and others aren't so thrilled about the idea. Some like to be rubbed in some areas, but other areas of their body are off-limits. This article is about petting a horse safely and finding out the "awe that feels good" spot on...
Five Funny Things That Horses Do And Why They Do Them
Although some may say horses are boring, the truth is, horses have comedic side. They might make faces and do things that look funny to us humans. But in general, there is a reason for their funny actions. Here's a list of five funny things that horses do and why they do them. 1. Showing...
Mother And Son Rescue Ponies Reunite After Four Years Apart
The pandemic has been turning life upside down since early March, and our horses haven't been immune to that turmoil. They've been dealing with stress and schedule changes, and a rescued gelding named Micky is no exception. The striking skewbald cob faced a major life change at the same time his country went into lockdown....
Even A Global Pandemic Can't Stop This Horse Rescue From Saving Lives
After months of a global pandemic, businesses, organizations, and individuals are still feeling the strain. Personal finances have been hit hard, and the mental toll of living in such uncertain times cannot be underestimated. But through it all, there are certain causes that can't afford to take a step back. There can be no such...
Common Horse Sounds and Their Meanings
Ever wonder what your horse is saying to you? The language of equines is complex. Many equestrians have dedicated their lives to becoming behavioral experts and understanding the language of the horse, both physical and vocal. Granted, horses can’t speak your language, but horses and humans have fascinating ways of communicating with themselves and each...
Equine 411: All About The Orlov Trotter
The Orlov Trotter is one of the most loved and celebrated Russian native breeds, originally bred in the 18th century by Count Alexey Orlov at his Khrenovsky Stud. The Orlov Trotter is renowned for its fast trot, outstanding stamina, and graceful looks. Unfortunately, the Orlov Trotter is a lesser-known breed outside of Russia and Europe....
What To Know About When Horses Lie Down
When you are driving and you pass a horse lying down in a field, what is your first reaction? For most of us horse lovers, we tend to think, “IS HE BREATHING?!” We may even pull over and honk and wait for their head to pop up so we can see them breathe for ourselves....
Senior Horses Find New Life At This Golf Course Turned Rehabilitation Barn
When Fred Snow bought an old golf course in Ottawa, Kansas seven years ago, he wasn't interested in sinking putts or making it under par. He had a much different plan for the large parcel of lush land. With the addition of a few fences and run-in sheds, Snow turned the area into a haven...
How To Read Your Horse's Ears
Ask most anyone, "How do horses communicate?" And more often than not, the answer you get will refer to vocal communication, such as whinny, neigh, or snort. Horses have a more subtle way to communicate as well. They are masters at body language. Everything from the carriage of their heads, the position of the ears,...
Are Horses Capable of Love?
There are definitely strong opinions on this subject. Some say horses can love their human companions. Others say they only love other animals in their herd. It really depends on your definition of the word love. What is your definition of love? Merriam Webster defines the word "love" as "a strong affection for another arising...
Police Officers Rescue Terrified Horse From Burning Barn
We live in strange times, but stories like this restore your faith in humanity. We know that horses are naturally timid creatures, so for Phoebe, when her barn went up in flames, she was naturally terrified and wouldn't budge. In Bucks County, Pennsylvania, officers arrived on the scene last Thursday at 10:38AM at Red Wing...
15 Foods You Should Never Feed Your Horse
While we all know a healthy diet is essential to a horse's well-being, there's nothing wrong with spoiling them with a special treat every now and then. Apples, sugar cubes, and peppermints are go-to horse favorites, and there's a relatively long list of other human foods you can safely share with your equine best friend...
BLM Plans Emergency Roundup Of 125 Wild Horses
The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) has announced that starting July 28, they'll be conducting two separate wild horse gathers in the Southern Nevada District. The first will be on the Nevada Wild Horse Range Herd Management Area (HMA) about 30 miles east of Tonopah, and the second will be on Montezuma Peak HMA in...
Introducing Ghost: The Newest Recruit Into The United States Space Force
While the United States Space Force aims for the stars in their mission to protect the country, their newest recruit has four hooves planted firmly on the ground. Ghost, a five-year-old BLM mustang, is proving that Space Force isn't all about rocket ships and satellites. The military working horse is the newest equine to join...
These Converted Horse Trailers Are The Coolest Creations Ever
When you have horses, you're bound to have a horse trailer if you transport your horses to other locations. But what about when you no longer need your horse trailer, or it's time to upgrade? Well, there are creative types who are eager to buy them and either use them for their intended purpose or...
Horseback Riders Could Lose Their Right To Beach Rides In This Picturesque Town
Horseback rider Johnny Loizides says the beach on Hayling Island in Hampshire, England has welcomed horseback riders since before he was born. Riders from all over the country travel to this three-mile stretch of sand for the freedom and exhilaration that can only come from a beautiful beach ride. While the beach has been a...
Equine 411: All About The Cleveland Bay Horse
Listed on “5 Most Endangered Horse Breeds,” the Cleveland Bay Horse is one of the oldest breeds from northeast England. These horses were used everywhere from the fields to drawing a carriage and then almost became extinct. Today, Cleveland Bay Horses are used in many disciplines. A big horse with a big background, here is...
Why Does My Horse Look Sad?
Horse depression is a real thing. This article is not about how horse owners get depressed when they haven’t been able to ride for a few weeks, although that can be depressing. It is about a state of depression horses get. Research shows that horses can indeed enter a state of depression. As horse owners,...
The Boss Mare: What She Means To The Herd
In the equine world, especially wild horse herds, the stallion and the "boss mare" have distinct roles in the herd's survival. In this article, we will focus on the boss mare. Do you have a mare that seems to boss all the other horses in the pasture? Does she pin her ear back and keep...
Adoptable Blind Horse Uses Her Art Skills To Raise Money For Other Horses
Horse Haven of Tennessee in Lenoir City is a non-profit known best for saving lives. Every year they take in the neglected, forgotten, and abused horses. They heal wounds, both physical and mental, and they don't give up until each horse has a new life with a new family. Every horse that walks through their...