Ask The Horse

Equine skin problems can stem from a wide range of causes, including parasites, bacterial or fungal infections, allergies, and prolonged exposure to moisture or irritants. Successfully managing horses with skin problems...

Gastric ulcers are common in both performance and pleasure horses, but the clinical signs can be easily overlooked. Affected horses might show poor performance, changes in attitude, decreased appetite, or unexplained...

Equine colic refers to abdominal pain rather than a single disease and can arise from many causes, ranging from gas buildup to intestinal impaction. Horses with colic might show subtle signs such as reduced appetite or...

As horses age, managing their soundness using a multimodal approach becomes increasingly important. Experts emphasize proactive joint care, appropriate exercise, and routine veterinary evaluations. Regular, low-impact...

Managing a horse diagnosed with metabolic problems means understanding how conditions such as equine metabolic syndrome (EMS) and insulin dysregulation increase the risk of serious complications, including laminitis...

Horse owners often feed supplements to address gaps in their horses' diet that forage and concentrates might not meet, such as supporting joint comfort, hoof quality, or muscle recovery. Researchers suggest that...

Lameness is the most common cause of poor performance in equine athletes, and researchers have shown that many behavioral issues under saddle are caused by physical pain. Proactive treatment strategies can help extend...

Caring for a horse with a long-term illness or injury requires both financial commitment and practical planning. Veterinary bills, medications, specialized feed, and management adjustments can add up quickly, so...

Mare reproductive challenges can range from endometritis to ovarian irregularities such as hemorrhagic anovulatory follicles, ovarian hematomas, and persistent corpora lutea, all of which can disrupt normal cycles and...

Thinking about buying a horse? Whether you’re a first-time buyer or returning to horse ownership after time away, making the right decisions from the start can help ensure a rewarding and financially sustainable...

Hind-limb lameness in horses can be challenging for owners to spot and veterinarians to diagnose. It can affect horses of all ages and disciplines. Subtle signs, such as a shortened stride, reluctance to go forward, or...

Planning ahead for equine emergencies can help you avoid delays in care and unexpected expenses, and reviewing your emergency protocol regularly helps protect both your horse’s health and your wallet. In this Ask...

Maintaining healthy joints in young horses lays the groundwork for long-term soundness and performance. Proper nutrition supports optimal skeletal health and development, while age-appropriate conditioning helps build a...

Degenerative joint disease, or osteoarthritis (OA), in horses is a common but complicated condition. While there is no cure for OA, working with your veterinarian to correctly diagnose OA, slow its progression, and...

Researchers suggest 54% of horses in the U.S. are overweight or obese, putting them at a higher risk of developing other health problems, such as metabolic issues and joint pain. However, horses might become...