TheHorse.com logo
Sign In or Create a Login
for access to 15,300+ articles
News and veterinarian-approved articles on
equine health care from The Horse magazine.



Go to Article #:
 
Adoptable Horse
Sponsored By Exclusively Equine


Get a DVM
Article Library

Please Note: We have put articles into topic categories only when they are focused on those topics, not just if they mention the topic once. If you are having trouble finding something, please use the search box above.

Skip Navigation LinksAll Horse Topics > Farm/Facility Management > General Farm Management Topics


Articles ( * = TheHorse.com members only )Date Posted
Horse Barn Workers Report More Respiratory Symptoms
The estimated 4.6 million Americans involved in the equine industry might be at risk of developing respiratory symptoms due to poor air quality in horse barns, according to a questionnaire study undertaken earlier this year by investigators at Tufts University's Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine. The study--which polled more than 80 New ... Read full story
 11/19/2009
Study: Horse Manure Storage Conditions Impact Fecal Egg Counts
Environmental conditions during collection and storage of equine fecal samples impact the resulting fecal egg counts (FECs), report parasitologists from both Denmark and the United States. "Due to the concern regarding anthelmintic resistance in horses, counting strongylid eggs in equine fecal samples pre- and post-deworming has become an ... Read full story
 11/9/2009
Researchers: Soaking Hay Key to Stable Dust Reduction
Horse owners' selection and preparation of their animals' feed has a greater influence on concentrations of dust and endotoxin in the stable than the type of bedding used, researchers recently reported. "Dust and its constituents are important factors in the development of lung disease of horses that can reduce their well-being and ... Read full story
 11/5/2009
Miami Horse Killings: Tips to Keep Your Horses Safe
The number of horses reported butchered for their meat in the Miami area since January rose to 21 on Saturday when trail riders found the remains of a Thoroughbred mare beside a rural road in Miami-Dade County. Police made two arrests in September, but investigations are ongoing. Some of the horses were killed and butchered on their owners' property. ... Read full story
 11/3/2009
Horse Businesses the Focus of Indiana Seminar
The Horse Business Seminar, designed for those who provide services to horse owners, will be Nov. 7 at the Purdue Calumet Conference Center in Hammond, Ind. "These are challenging times for everyone," said Mark Russell, MS, PhD, Purdue University Cooperative Extension Service equine management specialist. "Many stables and horse ... Read full story
 10/30/2009
Compost Horse Manure Appropriately to Reduce Disease Spread  *
Horse manure needs to be 'cooked' for a specific length of time and at high enough temperatures to result in sufficient reductions in viability of roundworm (Parascaris equorum) eggs and Rhodococcus equi populations, report French researchers. Composting, a popular method of managing horse manure generated on both small and large acreage farms, must ... Read full story
 10/6/2009
TheHorse.com en Español: Herbecidas en el Heno Retienen el Poder en el Estiércol  *
This is one of a series of articles translated as part of our partnership with A Caballo, an equine publication based in Mexico, and Jorge Murga, DVM. Keep an eye on TheHorse.com for more Spanish-language resources coming soon. Read a longer version of this article in English. Preguntas o comentarios en español puede ser enviado a News@TheHorse.com. ... Read full story
 9/16/2009
Racetrack Veterans Look for Luck in Odd Customs and Beliefs   *
In the modern world of speed figures, tracking devices, and sheets handicapping, just about any racetracker will tell you making it into the hallowed ground of the winner's circle might depend more on cats, birds, bugs, peanuts, popcorn, and pennies. And those are just a few icons of a virtual pantheon of superstitions that many owners, trainers, ... Read full story
 8/30/2009
Some Herding Dogs Sensitive to Horse Dewormers, Genetic Test Available  *
Most horses' immediate reaction to being dewormed is to spit as much of the offending paste out as soon as possible after dosing. As well as being aggravating for owners, this habit can be dangerous if there's a herding breed dog (collie, Australian Shepherd, Shetland Sheepdog, or related dog) in the family--for some dogs, licking that blob of paste ... Read full story
 8/28/2009
Apply Nitrogen to Horse Pastures in the Fall
Fall nitrogen application has long been promoted within the turfgrass industry to improve stand density. Researchers conducted a field study on four well-managed horse farm pastures in the Central Bluegrass region of Kentucky from September 2006 through March 2007 and repeated again during the same timeframe in 2007 and 2008. The objective of this ... Read full story
 8/24/2009
Tips to Protect Horses, Livestock from Wildfire   *
Horse owners and ranchers can take precautions to reduce the risk and spread of wildfire and protect their animals from injury or death by fire, said Texas AgriLife agents. "The most important thing to remember is to have a fire plan in place," said Rick Machen, Texas AgriLife Extension Service livestock specialist in Uvalde. "You'll have a limited ... Read full story
 8/21/2009
Rural Broadband Internet Supported in Stimulus Package   *
Broadband Internet access is often considered a luxury in rural areas. But a bill signed into law by President Obama this past February could result in many rural areas receiving faster Internet connectivity. In the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009, $7.2 billion dollars is set aside for expanding access to broadband services in the ... Read full story
 8/19/2009
Farm Animal Welfare Symposium Coming to Ohio State  *
Issues in farm animal welfare continue to be hotly debated across the United States, with many farm animal production practices under scrutiny. On October 16, a symposium on animal welfare at The Ohio State University will offer perspectives that are grounded in science and education. The "Ohio State Animal Welfare Symposium: Building Partnerships ... Read full story
 8/13/2009
Farmers Dispose of Chemicals, Sharps through Ontario Program   *
A program to collect obsolete pesticides is being expanded this year to also provide farmers with safe disposal for unused animal health products and sharps. Taking place this fall, the program is part of an Ontario government-supported Great Lakes Basin water quality initiative that offers farmers a way to recycle these items. As part of this project, ... Read full story
 7/28/2009
Barn Fires: Avoid Hay Bale Combustion  *
Experienced agricultural producers in the southern Great Plains know that low wind speeds, high humidity, moist hay, and hot temperatures can be a recipe for disaster. Under such a set of circumstances, tightly stacked hay bales have been known to combust. Without proper preventative measures, hay barns or any other structures close to the blazing ... Read full story
 7/24/2009
Horse Transport, Housing Stress Reflected in Hormone Levels   *
Horse transport and housing has an effect on the animals' stress levels, according to Shannon Garey, a PhD candidate under the direction of Theodore Friend, PhD, PAS, Dipl. ACAABS, of Texas A&M. Garey presented results of an ongoing study on equine stress at the 2009 Equine Science Society meeting May 29-31 in Keystone, Colo. Researchers measured ... Read full story
 6/29/2009
Using Soil-Cement on Horse and Livestock Farms  *
Most farmers can identify with myriad problems associated with mud forming around high-traffic areas, including areas around horse and cattle waterers, feed bunks, round bale feeders, walk paths, and gate entrances. Mud is usually a result of animals congregating in and around these areas, but increased traffic can enhance the problem. In many cases, ... Read full story
 6/28/2009
U.K. to Investigate Environmental Impact of Equine Carcass Disposal   *
As with all large animals, disposal of horse carcasses in an environmentally safe manner requires planning and resources. In June 2008 the USDA held a national forum to discuss the issue of the unwanted horse (read more). Unwanted horses might be sick, injured, old, unmanageable or dangerous. They might be horses the owner is no longer economically ... Read full story
 6/18/2009
Pastured Horses More Fit, Study Finds   *
Horses are better able to maintain fitness when turned out on large pasture, according to Patty Graham-Thiers, PhD, of Virginia Intermont College, Bristol, Va. She presented results of her recent study at the 2009 Equine Science Society Meeting, held May 29-31 in Keystone, Colo In the project, researchers divided mature horses into three groups: ... Read full story
 6/9/2009
Maryland Offers Horse Owner Pasture Walks   *
The Maryland Department of Agriculture and the Equine Studies Program at the University of Maryland have partnered together to offer a Horse Pasture Walk on Thursday, June 18, 2009. The event will be held from 6-9:00 p.m. at the Equine Rotational Grazing Demonstration site located in Ellicott City, Md. Participants will learn about best management ... Read full story
 6/6/2009
Fences and Machines: Ways to Trim Expenses  *
Tips on maintaining fences and machinery to extend their usefulness; but keep in mind sometimes it’s cheaper to buy than to repair. Fences and machinery are some of the higher-ticket items on a farm, and in this iffy economic climate, it might be overwhelming to even consider replacing these everyday necessities with new products. Having an organized, ... Read full story
 6/1/2009
Thrifty Horsekeeping Weekly Blog Now Available   *
Learn tips and tricks to maximize your equine dollars during these difficult economic times in Thrifty Horsekeeping, a free downloadable book that will be available in monthly installments on TheHorse.com. Weekly excerpts from each month's chapter will appear on the new Thrifty Horsekeeping blog and users will be asked to share their tips for economizing. ... Read full story
 4/29/2009
Injury Rehabilitation Underutilized by Equestrians, Researchers Say  *
You're a horse owner. You can effortlessly throw hay bales into the loft, halter break weanlings, pound fence posts, and handle a fractious stud--all before breakfast. You eschew wimpy "city folk" things like sunscreen, tetanus shots, and annual wellness exams. You fall off, you get back on. Yeah, you're tough. We get it. But when it comes to rehabilitation ... Read full story
 4/12/2009
'Mad Cow' Regulation Affects Equine, Rendering Industries   *
The equine and rendering industries are anticipating a pinch from a new Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulation intended to prevent the proliferation of bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE, or "mad cow disease"). The regulation on the 1997 legislation prohibits the use of most mammalian proteins in feed for ruminant (cud-chewing) animals. ... Read full story
 3/30/2009
Kentucky Ag Chief Discourages Livestock Gas Regulation  *
Agriculture Commissioner Richie Farmer urged Kentucky's U.S. senators, Mitch McConnell and Jim Bunning, to support federal legislation that would prohibit the federal government from regulating livestock under the Clean Air Act. "I believe that this legislation is necessary to protect the livelihood of Kentucky's animal agriculture producers, who ... Read full story
 3/17/2009
Livestock a Major Factor in Farm Injuries  *
Farmers and ranchers who work with livestock need to stay vigilant around those animals. "Most ranchers and farmers who have cattle and horses like working with animals and interacting with them," said North Dakota State University Extension Service veterinarian Charlie Stoltenow, DVM, Dipl. ACVPM. "The more they work with cattle and horses, the ... Read full story
 3/11/2009
2007 Agriculture Census Finds More, Smaller Farms  *
In the past five years, the number of farms in the United States has grown 4% and the operators of those farms have become more diverse, according to results of the 2007 Census of Agriculture recently released by the USDA's National Agricultural Statistics Service. The 2007 Census counted 2,204,792 farms in the United States, a net increase of ... Read full story
 3/6/2009
AAEP 2008: Aluminum Phosphide Poisoning   *
Aluminum phosphide is an indoor fumigant used to kill insects in most, if not all, of the stored grains we and our horses are exposed to. Like most pesticides, it can cause major problems in unintended species when used incorrectly. At the 2008 American Association of Equine Practitioners convention, held Dec. 6-10 in San Diego, Calif., a report of ... Read full story
 3/6/2009
Horses and Tight Budgets  *
Here are a few ways to spend less on horsekeeping. In this shaky economy, horse owners are finding ways to trim costs. David Freeman, PhD, of the Department of Animal Science, Oklahoma State University, says he gets a lot of calls from people wondering what they can do. "Most people don't want to hear my first words of advice. The easiest way to ... Read full story
 3/1/2009
AAEP 2008: Strategies to Prevent and Respond to Barn Fires   *
At the 2008 American Association of Equine Practitioners convention, held Dec. 6-10 in San Diego, Calif., Rebecca Gimenez, PhD, noted that barn fires are the No. 1 local emergency that affects everyone from horse owners to veterinarians, and property owners to the horses themselves. Barn fires kill more horses annually than any other type of nonmedical ... Read full story
 2/4/2009
Good Barnkeeping  *
Careful barn design planning and regular maintenance can mean a longer-lasting, safer structure that's more efficient to use. All horse owners wish they had more time with their horses. For those who keep horses at home it is always a struggle to keep up with regular farm and barn maintenance and have enough time left to enjoy the horses. Performing ... Read full story
 2/1/2009
Environmentally Friendly  *
Choosing to become more environmentally sensitive on the farm is a responsible option for all of us and can be addressed in varying degrees. You don't need to scrap your tractor, invest in expensive wind-powered generators, build a new solar-roofed barn, or make any of the other currently touted myriad of expensive, drastic moves to reduce your carbon ... Read full story
 2/1/2009
Farm Equipment  *
Tailor your selections to your facility's specific needs. If you own or manage a farm, sooner or later you have to invest in some horsepower. And unless your hobby is old- fashioned draft horse farming, you'll need some motorized muscle on your side. Here's a look at some of the equipment you might purchase and tips on what to look for (and watch ... Read full story
 2/1/2009
Managing Horses in Icy Conditions  *
Ice is an unavoidable part of winter in many parts of the world, but there are ways to minimize slipping incidents around the barn. Heather Sherratt knows something about keeping horses in icy conditions. Her farm, Elphin Mountain Connemaras, near Ottawa, Canada, was hit hard by the 1998 ice storm that caused weeks-long power outages and several ... Read full story
 1/28/2009
Managing a Horse on a Tight Budget   *
Most horse owners do not own horses as a business, or with expectations of generating household income from them. Rather, owners are more intent on maximizing the amount of pleasure or involvement per dollar spent. Saving money when it comes to horse ownership is always important, but even more so when the economy is down and people are struggling ... Read full story
 1/24/2009
Animal Carcass Disposal: Know Your Options   *
While carcass disposal is not a pleasant topic, it is a subject of significant economic and environmental concern. What are the options for carcass disposal? In many instances the cause of death needs to be determined, so the body is transported to a diagnostic laboratory for a necropsy examination. Alternatively, the animal may be necropsied on ... Read full story
 1/11/2009
Shortage of Wood Bedding Ongoing, Could Intensify   *
The housing market downturn is affecting more than just developers and realtors. Some horse owners have a new challenge in locating adequate, affordable bedding for their animals. Jeannie Queen of Clear Vision Equine, based in Williamstown, Mass., recently had a surprise when she went on what she thought would be a quick trip to pick up 15 bags ... Read full story
 1/9/2009
MSU Web Series Puts Focus on Equine Environment  *
Horse owners who are looking for help in managing their farms in an environmentally friendly way can get free information during a Web cast series from My Horse University, and eXtension HorseQuest. The webcasts, set for Jan.13, Feb.10 and March 10, will all begin at 7 p.m. EST. Participants can choose to take part in one or all three. The first ... Read full story
 1/8/2009
Kentucky Horse Farms Go Green with Composting  *
With the economy in a downfall and the horse industry taking a big hit, farm owners are looking for ways to save money, and perhaps even earn a little extra, in an unconventional way. According to the Lexington Herald-Leader, at least 50 Kentucky farms are using a process called aerobic hot composting that turns horse manure into fertilizer that can ... Read full story
 1/4/2009
Heavy Snow Causes Problems for Horse Owners  *
After experiencing her area's worst snowstorm since 1968, Beth Sandland of Sandy, Ore., was unable to visit her boarded horses for three weeks. However, other horse owners have had to deal with a more serious side effect of winter weather: collapsed barn and arena roofs. Several structure collapses have been reported so far this winter. Doug Haecherl ... Read full story
 12/30/2008
Tips for Avoiding Barn Fires  *
After several recent barn fires have killed dozens of horses across the nation, New York State Racing and Wagering Board Chairman John D. Sabini is urging owners and trainers of horses at racetracks to step up inspections. "Barns can become fully engulfed in flames in a matter of minutes--and that's why it is imperative to take steps that can prevent ... Read full story
 12/29/2008
Stable Air Quality a Breath of Fresh ... Endotoxin?   *
If you think you are pampering and protecting your horse in his cushy, comfortable stall instead of turning him out on pasture, think again. Michigan State University researchers have found that stabled horses are exposed to eight times as much endotoxin in the air than their pastured counterparts. The result? These high endotoxin concentrations can ... Read full story
 12/6/2008
The Scoop on Poop: Readers' Manure Management Tips  *
More than 1,350 readers of TheHorse.com responded to a poll asking, "How do you or your boarding facility manage manure?" Results were as follows: Spread in the fields: 49.88% (1,017) Compost: 43.50% (887) Sell it or give it away for fertilizer: 23.15% (472) It’s taken away: 18.29% (373) Let the chips lie where they ... Read full story
 11/21/2008
Guelph Rolls Out Biosecurity Risk Calculator, New Blogs  *
Horse owners will be able to determine the risk of their animals catching an infectious disease and gather information about infection control thanks to two new online initiatives from the University of Guelph. The first is an online calculator that allows horse owners to punch in their management practices and learn their animals' risk levels. The ... Read full story
 11/20/2008
Fall and Winter Management of Alfalfa  *
In Iowa, rain in May and early June this year put most alfalfa producers behind two to three weeks for their first, and correspondingly their second, third, and sometimes fourth cuttings. Now in mid-November, producers can look back on the season, determine if there are still some management decisions to make and guess about winter survival. Use ... Read full story
 11/18/2008
Opossum Patrol: Readers Share Control Strategies   *
Nearly 900 readers of TheHorse.com responded to a poll asking, "Do you take any steps to limit opossums around your farm to reduce the chance your horses will get EPM?" Results were as follows: Yes: 52.39% (461) No: 47.61% (419) Results of weekly polls from TheHorse.com are published in The Horse Health E-Newsletter. Published ... Read full story
 11/17/2008
Link Between Equine Disease Outbreak and Psychological Distress Found  *
During the outbreak of equine influenza that occurred in Australia in 2007, mental health researchers identified extremely high levels of psychological distress in horse owners and other people involved in the equine industry. According to Melanie Taylor, PhD, an occupational psychologist and senior research fellow at the University of Western Sydney's ... Read full story
 11/9/2008
Would if They Could: Readers Respond to Poll on Pasture Rotation  *
More than 1,350 readers of TheHorse.com responded to a poll asking, "Do you let fields/pastures rest during the year?" Results were as follows: I don't have enough land 37.02% (459) I rotate my fields regularly: 33.95% (421) I rest individual fields for several months: 27.02% (335) I do not believe resting fields is necessary: ... Read full story
 11/7/2008
Autumn is 'Fly Season'  *
Autumn is no time for an outdoor picnic, says entomologist Lynn Kimsey, chair of the University of California, Davis Department of Entomology and director of the Bohart Museum of Entomology. It's fly season. The common house fly (Musca domestica Linnaeus) breeds in manure, compost piles, dumpsters, and, at this time of year, disced-over tomato fields ... Read full story
 10/12/2008
Carcass Composting How-To Event Offered   *
For years, large animal carcass disposal has been a problem. Not only are options to dispose of a large carcass limited, they can also be costly. The Oklahoma Cooperative Extension Service is hosting a Field Day on large animal carcass composting Oct.14 at the Haskell County Fair Barn in Stigler. Research into this safe, economical alternative for ... Read full story
 10/7/2008
Horse Owners Look to Save During Economic Crunch   *
The current economic climate and tight credit markets have everyone looking for ways to live more frugally, and horse owners are no exception. "Nervousness about loans and housing is certainly affecting people," said American Horse Council president James Hickey Jr. From industry meetings, Hickey has observed that there is a general concern that ... Read full story
 10/4/2008
Results of Poll on Horse Facility Acreage   *
More than 2,100 readers of TheHorse.com responded to a poll asking, "How many acres are there where your horse lives?" Results were as follows: 21+ acres: 31.35% (670) 4-8: 24.89% (532) 1-3: 15.77% (337) 9-12: 13.10% (280) 16-20: 7.67% (164) 13-15: 7.21% (154) Readers shared what would be their ideal acreage in the comments ... Read full story
 9/5/2008
Barn Upkeep/Equipment  *
Installation of high-quality products and regular maintenance can save you time and money, while providing a safer environment for your horse. No matter what type of barn you have, there is always maintenance you need to perform in order to keep the barn safe and comfortable for your horses. Dave Preston, a longtime horse owner and contractor living ... Read full story
 9/1/2008
Resource Helps Military Families with Horses Make their Move  *
In March 2008, horse owner Valerie Van der Veer launched a Web site to help military families locate on-base stables when they experience a Permanent Change of Station (PCS). "It tends to be very difficult to find a stable on base when relocating" she noted. "It's almost like they are hidden." Van der Veer should know. The daughter of a Navy Chief ... Read full story
 8/28/2008
UK, Kentucky Equine Humane Center to Host Pasture Management Seminar  *
The University of Kentucky's pasture evaluation program will host a seminar called "Horse Pastures in the Fall: a Perfect Time to Renovate" in conjunction with the Kentucky Equine Humane Center (KyEHC) at the center's facility in Nicholasville, Ky., on Tuesday, Aug. 26 from 5 to 8:30 p.m. The seminar will feature guest speakers from UK who will touch ... Read full story
 8/6/2008
Technology Allows Large-Scale Recycling of Horse Bedding Waste  *
Most horse owners wish they could wave a magic wand and get rid of the "manure mountain" on their property. A couple of Canadian entrepreneurs have developed technology that might erase mounds of used bedding, as well as generate a little green. "Our machinery takes the shavings, manure, and urine generated from horse bedding and superheats it ... Read full story
 7/23/2008
The Eco-Friendly Farm  *
Go green with your farm to make your horses healthier, the environment cleaner, and even improve the neighbors' opinion of your place. There's a lot of buzz about "going green" these days. From installing energy-efficient fluorescent bulbs to carrying reusable grocery bags, we've made steps in our households toward impacting the environment less and ... Read full story
 7/1/2008
Horse Sense Leads to New Recycling Initiative  *
Southeastern Michigan is the state's most populous region--for humans and for horses. According to a recent survey, Oakland has more horses than any other county--it is home to 6,900 of the state’s 155,000 equines. As more people and more horses share an increasingly crowded landscape, it's not surprising that conflicts arise related to odor and ... Read full story
 6/14/2008
Brain Dysfunction in Cribbing Horses Gives Researchers Something to Chew On  *
In the first study of its kind, researchers from the United Kingdom have discovered that cribbing horses learn differently than horses that don't crib. Cribbing is a stereotypy in which a horse grasps an object between his incisor teeth and inhales air into the esophagus while emitting an audible grunting noise. It is the most common stereotypy among ... Read full story
 6/3/2008
Biosecurity on the Farm  *
Disease can come home with you in exposed horses, on your equipment, and even on your skin and clothing. Here’s how to avoid these scenarios and keep your horses healthy. Reducing the risk and frequency of contagious disease outbreaks can be a challenge, but the horse owner can do a few things to help control introduction or spread of diseases on ... Read full story
 6/1/2008
Fire Prevention, Farm Safety Podcasts Available  *
Safety is a year-round business, but it becomes a top priority in the spring as farm owners and managers get more active in their stables and fields. To help remind horse owners of basic safety principles, the Equine Science Center at Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, has posted two new podcasts on iTunes: "Fire Prevention on a Farm" and ... Read full story
 5/21/2008
Readers Respond: Pinching Pennies   *
More than 1,100 readers of TheHorse.com responded to a poll asking, "What are you doing to save money on the farm this year?" Results were as follows: Going to fewer shows or trail riding local routes: 52.03% (577) Repairing/reusing rather than buying new: 49.41% (548) Reducing energy and gas usage: 49.05% (544) Downsizing the ... Read full story
 4/9/2008
Bye Bye Bad Bugs  *
Disinfection is not a dirty word! The following scenarios are based on fact; the names of the farms and diseases have been omitted purposely to worry you even more. Scenario 1 After a scenic weekend trail riding in the Ozarks with 50 other trail riding enthusiasts, you and your horse return home for some rest. Your horses are rough and ready animals ... Read full story
 10/1/2007
Autumn Tips for Healthy Spring Pastures   *
As the University of Kentucky's Horse Pasture Evaluation Program begins to wrap up its third year serving Central Kentucky horse farms, forage experts share some of the horse pasture trends they've seen during the past three years and recommend steps farms should take now to ensure healthy pastures next year. "The UK forage extension team has ... Read full story
 9/12/2007
Conservation Easements  *
Undeveloped real estate always has been a prized commodity. The great land rushes of the 1870s and 1880s displaced entire tribes of Native Americans and sent hundreds of thousands of settlers, prospectors, and land speculators spreading across the American frontier. That massive influx of people led to the settlement of towns like Guthrie, Okla., in ... Read full story
 6/1/2007
Rodent Control in Horse Stables  *
Mice and rats consume and contaminate food destined for livestock and other animals as well as humans. A mature rat can eat up to 30 g (1 oz) of feed (almost 10% of its body weight) in a day. A colony of 100 rats can consume over a ton of feed in 1 year. This exceeds the amount of grain required to feed a 454-kg (1,000-lb) horse for a year. This amount ... Read full story
 4/18/2007
Bringing Home a New Horse  *
Bringing home a newly purchased horse can be a stressful event for you and the horse, particularly for the horse. While you might feel a certain amount of stress, your new horse will be experiencing it twofold. After all, he's the one that has been uprooted from all familiar surroundings and companions. If you've ever relocated from one home to another, ... Read full story
 12/1/2006
Horses Have Floor Color Preferences   *
Getting ready to paint a concrete aisle floor or put colored mats in your wash stall? What's the most inviting color? Fear not--there's guidance in science. Researchers have found that horses react more to yellow, white, black, and blue floors, as compared to floors that are green, red, brown, or gray. Horses don't seem to mind these "less favorite" ... Read full story
 10/16/2006
Breeding Cents  *
In 2003, the horse industry directly contributed $10.7 billion to the U.S. economy; $2.2 billion of that was from the breeding industry alone, according to a study published in 2005. It's no wonder that Karin Bosh's July 11 graduate defense seminar at University of Kentucky's Gluck Equine Research Center--which identified factors such as the mare's ... Read full story
 8/11/2006
Fuel Saving Tips for the Farm  *
The XML page cannot be displayed Cannot view XML input using XSL style sheet. Please correct the error and then click the Refresh button, or try again later. A string literal was expected, but no opening quote character was found. Error processing resource 'http://www.thehorse.com...<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">Farmers ... Read full story
 6/27/2006
Living With Your Contractor   *
The scenario is everyone's worst nightmare: Two men speaking a version of English you can't understand roll in on the wrong day at the wrong time in a muddy, beat-up truck with an ancient backhoe leaking hydraulic fluid on a trailer with no lights, taking out a gate post on the way back to the location of your dream barn project. Halfway through digging ... Read full story
 5/1/2006
Safe Paths, Safe Plants  *
Some elements of an equestrian facility shouldn't be taken for granted--solid fencing, sturdy shelter, and good arena footing among them. Then there are areas that sometimes get less attention than they deserve. Pathways around the farm often fall into that first category of inattention, while poisonous plants can, sometimes tragically, fall into the ... Read full story
 5/1/2006
Water Makeovers on the Farm   *
There are many things to consider when supplying water for horses. If you depend on a stream, pond, or ditch (rather than a controlled system such as buckets, tanks, or automatic waterers), there are concerns regarding water quality (for your horses and for the environment) and safe footing. Regardless of where you live, water quality and protecting ... Read full story
 5/1/2006
Solar Horse Barn   *
Solar electricity, produced by photovoltaics (PV), is a proven means of generating electricity from the sun, and it's not just for high-tech houses anymore. Whether you want to be more "green" in your electrical use on the farm, you have a remote location without electricity, or you want something to supplement your electrical source, solar power could ... Read full story
 1/1/2006
Quick Barn Fixes   *
You can create a functional, safe barn in an existing structure on your property with some practical, inexpensive, and uncomplicated modifications. You don't need to strain your budget to alter some features of the building that are important to the safe and healthy housing of your horses. There are several specific areas in your barn to address: Structural ... Read full story
 9/1/2005
Rack 'Em Up   *
You know how important it is to provide your horse with good nutrition, so you and your veterinarian have carefully selected your horse's diet. However, good feeding management requires that you consider not only what your horse is fed, but how. Because a horse with an inadequate feeder runs the risk of wasting precious nutrients or even ingesting ... Read full story
 8/1/2005
Principles of Disease Prevention  *
Editor's Note: This is Chapter 1 of Understanding Equine Preventive Medicine by author and veterinarian Bradford G. Bentz, VMD. The book is available from www.ExclusivelyEquine.com. Programs to control infectious disease in individual horses and groups of horses are necessary to maximize health and performance. Prevention programs extend beyond vaccination ... Read full story
 6/28/2005
A Day in the Life of A Breeding Farm  *
A world away from hitting the finish line of a classic race in front of tens of thousands of screaming fans, the dream is reborn. In the quiet of a gray winter morning, when the earth throws its warmth off into the cold air and envelops fields in a shroud of fog, it begins. A van door slides open; a stall gate unlatched; hooves rhythmically hit ground; ... Read full story
 6/13/2005
Black Walnut Tree Shavings as Trail Mulch?
Q: This summer we are planning to start making riding trails on our heavily wooded property. As we cut down the branches and trees, we plan to chip the wood to mulch the trails. However, we have a good number of black walnut trees, and I am wondering if the wood chips pose a health risk to our horses. Ann A: Black walnut shavings and wood chips ... Read full story
 4/1/2005
Rescue & Rehab Facilities   *
To most people, the aging process seems cruel. Your body becomes less dependable, you can't do things as quickly as you used to, and you take a long time to recover from illness and injury. For horses, all of this applies and, in many cases, to a greater extent. Young horses are useful for sport, while old horses are often too fragile for the show ... Read full story
 3/1/2005
Waterers That Work in Winter   *
Fresh water is important to horses all year, especially in winter. Some waterers are designed to remain functional in cold weather--with an insulated tank or bowl, a heater, or a combination of a heating unit and insulation. Following are some of the ways you can keep water flowing to your horses even when it's below freezing. Insulated Buckets Buckets ... Read full story
 1/1/2005
A Clean Sweep   *
There's a reality show that airs on BBC America called "Life Laundry." It's all about folks who tend to keep lots of clutter piled up and lying around in big, sloppy messes in their houses or apartments. Then our team of heroes arrives, sorting between what's important and that which is no longer useful, disposing of the discards, and picking up, tidying ... Read full story
 10/1/2004
Would You Drink It?  *
Have you ever taken a really good look at all of your horse's water sources, whether he is drinking from a large tank, pond, or automatic waterer? Have you asked yourself, "Would I drink this water? Do I really expect my horse to drink it?" If you're looking at water that is full of debris, algae, insects, or water that has a weird color or odor, then ... Read full story
 8/1/2004
After Goodbye   *
As horse owners, we care deeply about our animals. When one of our beloved horses dies, we lose a trusted friend. For many of us, the experience is emotionally devastating. Yet, just when we are at our most pronounced stage of grief, we are suddenly faced with a difficult but inevitable question: What do we do with the horse's body? Although mortality ... Read full story
 7/1/2004
Guidelines for Horse Operations Established   *
Rutgers Cooperative Extension and the Rutgers Equine Science Center recently published "Agricultural Management Practices for Commercial Equine Operations." Considered to be the first comprehensive set of U.S. guidelines for horse operations, the document is available for download at www.rce.rutgers.edu and www.esc.rutgers.edu. Topics covered in ... Read full story
 7/1/2004
Agricultural Guidelines for Horse Operations Published  *
Rutgers Cooperative Extension and the Rutgers Equine Science Center have published the eagerly awaited "Agricultural Management Practices for Commercial Equine Operations." Considered to be the first comprehensive set of guidelines in the U.S. for horse operations, the document is posted at www.rce.rutgers.edu and www.esc.rutgers.edu. The public is ... Read full story
 6/3/2004
Mud Management  *
Flanders and Swann, a singing comedy team from the United Kingdom, once penned a song that went like this: "Mud, mud, glorious mud, Nothing quite like it for cooling the blood. So follow me, follow, Down to the hollow, And there let us wallow In glorious mud!" Of course the song was written from the perspective of a hippo. For that animal's distant ... Read full story
 6/1/2004
Chickens, Ducks, and Horses
Q: My horse is on a neighbor's land that is on loan. I pick up the pasture and run-in twice a day. My concern is that my neighbor bought over 100 different species of chickens and ducks that run free. They are constantly in my horse's shed, her pasture, and our backyard. Their feces are everywhere. He then purchased several goats and four sheep. The ... Read full story
 5/1/2004
Living on the Edge  *
Keeping equids in a "backyard horse" situation, subdivision, or small acreage presents a different set of challenges than keeping horses on a large farm or ranch. In urban/suburban settings, some of the important considerations include zoning, building codes (if you plan to have a barn, run-in shed, indoor arena, etc.), space for exercise, waste management, ... Read full story
 3/1/2004
Urban Horses   *
Horses living in the city, who would have ever thought? Where would they graze? What would you do with the manure? Where would you ride? Well, confining horses to a barn, paddock, or small acreage within the city limits has become an everyday occurrence. Caring for them in an altered environment is best accomplished with the help of your veterinarian. ... Read full story
 3/1/2004
Purchase, Design, and Management of the Farm  *
So you want to have your own horse farm. Should you build or buy? Hire a real estate agent or go out looking on your own? What about once you've acquired a facility--how do you manage the soil, fencing, employees, security, and manure? Four individuals versed in purchase, design, and management of horse farms shared their knowledge about establishing ... Read full story
 8/20/2003
What Can We Do To Feel Safe?   *
It's dark out. You can't see, but you know the drill. You're used to it because it's always dark at 5:00 a.m. when you feed the horses. Yet, something is different about this morning. Maybe it's the sound of a gate left unlatched clanging against the post that gives you the chills before you even know what the sound is. The barn door is open. Why is ... Read full story
 8/10/2003
Nice or Necessary? (Farm Equipment)  *
You have horses, a place for them to live, a place to store your tack, and even a place to ride. Now you need to outfit this operation to keep it running smoothly, and to enjoy your horses rather than simply caring for them. The proper equipment will help you manage your barn efficiently and safely, but there is a big difference when it comes to equipment ... Read full story
 3/1/2003
Environmental Effects on Hormone Activity  *
Some compounds present in the environment, both from natural and man-made sources, can disrupt the delicate hormone balance necessary for reproduction in several species possibly including horses, according to Cynthia Corbitt Gulledge, PhD, of the University of Louisville’s biology department. Gulledge presented “Hormones and Anti-Hormones in the Environment: ... Read full story
 10/31/2002
Ridding Sand From the Diet   *
In specific regions of the United States, one of the most commonly encountered forms of colic is "sand colic." This is not solely a problem in geographic areas with obviously sandy environments. Anywhere there is sand, decomposed granite, or gravel, "sand colic" can develop. Some farm owners spread sand or road base over their paddocks or arenas to ... Read full story
 5/1/2002
Heavy Metal: Farm Tractors  *
Keeping horses on your property? Then you don’t need me to tell you how much work there always is to do. In addition to all the actual horse care, there are endless weeds to whack, riding rings or tracks to be harrowed, bales of hay to be moved from one end of the property to the other, a manure pile to be dealt with (somehow), a driveway to be plowed ... Read full story
 10/1/2001
Home Sweet Barn--People Living in the Barn  *
Tack rooms, offices, and lounges are fairly common horse barn amenities. Less common are built-in living quarters for farm owners or employees, but some facilities have found it practical as well as economical to include a "barn apartment" of sorts in the building plans. The installation of living quarters might at first seem an extravagance, but there ... Read full story
 9/12/2001
Spring Clean-Up  *
Rains have gently fallen and the fields are green. Horses are traveling about the country for breeding, showing, or trail riding. Semen is becoming a Fed Ex favorite cargo. Foals are frolicking, and visitors from around the world come to the United States to see and buy horses. Mosquitoes are laying eggs in all the stagnant water they can find, potentially ... Read full story
 6/1/2001
Power Lines and Horses
Have you ever published anything on the effects of power lines and electromagnetism around broodmares? My farm is trying to circumvent the local electric company from pursuing site location in our mares' field. Angie To my knowledge, there has been no information published on the effects of power lines around horses. The topic is controversial ... Read full story
 2/1/2001
Locating the Ideal Barn  *
Ranch, farm, field, or barn? When your horse needs a home away from your home, you want to board him in a safe, pleasant place. You might be dissatisfied with your current arrangement, have moved into a new area, or just can't keep your horse at home. Whatever your reason, you need to entrust your animal to caretakers. You'll pay others to assume some ... Read full story
 1/1/2001
Wash Racks And Stalls  *
If you board at a big, commercial show barn, you probably have access to a wash rack. Ditto if your horse boards at a racing barn. What a convenience wash racks are. Instead of spending hours brushing off dirt, muck, and sweat, or hosing off your horse in some muddy area outside the barn when the weather allows, you can bathe your horse in minutes ... Read full story
 7/1/1999
Exercise Equipment  *
Like busy professionals everywhere, horse people often find there just aren't enough hours in the day. What with stalls to be mucked, arenas to be harrowed, fields to be bush-hogged or mowed, fencing to be repaired, hay to be baled, tack repairs to be picked up at the local saddlery, the farrier arriving at 10:00 a.m., and a ton of shavings being delivered ... Read full story
 3/1/1999
Frozen Pipes...Are You Prepared For Winter?   *
On February 5, 1996, Freddie and Erica Chalmers of South Carolina went off to work as they would any other day. However, this would be no ordinary day for the Chalmerses. When they returned home that evening, their home had suffered more than $35,000 in damage. The cause: frozen pipes. Each winter, tens of thousands of lives are disrupted by water ... Read full story
 11/13/1998




AAEP Media Partner AAEVT Partner WEVA
Seek the advice of a qualified veterinarian before proceeding with any diagnosis, treatment, or therapy.

Facebook | Twitter | RSS | Site Map | Terms of Use | Privacy Policy

Copyright © 2009 BLOOD-HORSE PUBLICATIONS. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part in any form or medium without written permission of BLOOD-HORSE PUBLICATIONS is prohibited. THE HORSE, THE HORSE logo, THEHORSE.COM and THEHORSE.COM logo are trademarks of BLOOD-HORSE PUBLICATIONS.