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Articles ( * = TheHorse.com members only )Date Posted
National Equine Welfare Code of Practice Endorsed
A national Welfare Code of Practice has been endorsed by the American Association of Equine Practitioners, the American Quarter Horse Association, the Kentucky Thoroughbred Association, the National Thoroughbred Racing Association, the U.S. Equestrian Federation, and the U.S. Trotting Association. The Welfare Code of Practice, drafted by the American ... Read full story
 11/12/2009
Quality Road to Van Home, Gate Work Planned
Quality Road not only suffered several injuries from his traumatic incident at the starting gate prior to the Breeders' Cup Classic, he suffered mentally as well and now will have to van home to Belmont Park from California after refusing to get on the plane. "He's got stitches, he nearly knocked a tooth out, he's got a laceration ... Read full story
 11/11/2009
Working Animal Welfare: Seeking Sustainable Solutions
In developing countries, working horses, donkeys, and mules are most often used for heavy labor, whether it be hauling heavy loads of cargo or carrying tourists up and down a mountain. The animals might be suffering from malnourishment, dehydration, disease, lameness, or injury. Rest and recovery is often not a practical option. The animals have ... Read full story
 11/6/2009
Lexington Mounted Police to Share Training Tips with Civilian Riders
Civilian riders can earn their stripes, so to speak, by attending a presentation November 19 by the Lexington Mounted Police. The free public program offered by Alltech, sponsor of the FEI World Equestrian Games 2010, is entitled "Sensory Training: How to Bombproof Your Horse." Sgt. Ellen Sam and other training officers from the Lexington ... Read full story
 11/5/2009
Controversial Dressage Training Method Under FEI Investigation
Responding to public outcry following the Internet posting of a video showing an international-level dressage competitor warming up a horse using a method some call inhumane, the Fédération Equestre Internationale (FEI) has launched an investigation. The so-called "blue tongue video" shows Swedish Olympian Patrik Kittel ... Read full story
 11/3/2009
Mississippi State Vet Students Learn Confident Equine Handling  *
Some students at the Mississippi State University College of Veterinary Medicine do not have any riding or handling experience with horses. Bob Linford, DVM, PhD, Dipl. ACVS, a veterinary surgeon and professor, uses his experience as a teacher and horse enthusiast to help them gain confidence. Students learn applied anatomy as they participate in ... Read full story
 10/22/2009
2009 Manitoba Youth Equine Extravaganza Features Two Clinicians  *
A large crowd of youth and youth group leaders are expected to attend the 2009 Youth Extravaganza, a weekend of equine activities and attractions. The Youth Extravaganza, co-hosted by the Manitoba 4-H Program and North American Equine Ranching Information Council (NAERIC), weill be held on Friday, Oct. 23, 2009, at the Westoba Agricultural Centre of ... Read full story
 10/8/2009
Retired Racehorse Training Project to Debut in Maryland  *
Both the Maryland Jockey Club and the Maryland Horse Breeders Association are supporting a new project to train Maryland riders to work with ex-racehorses. Maryland trainer Steuart Pittman, Jr. of Dodon Farm in Davidsonville is kicking off the Retired Racehorse Training Project on October 4, with a ticketed event at Maryland Therapeutic Riding in ... Read full story
 10/1/2009
Racehorse Retraining Symposium Coming to Maryland  *
A training symposium focusing on retraining the retired racehorse will be offered by professional three-day event rider and clinician Steuart Pittman Oct. 4 in Crownsville, Md. The purpose of this event is to demonstrate the skills that a rider needs to train a retired racehorse and to promote these generous athletes. In the first segment, Pittman ... Read full story
 9/14/2009
TheHorse.com en Español: Caballos Reaccionan al Latido Cardiaco del Humano  *
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
 9/1/2009
Diseases Potentially Spread from Horses to Humans Via Bites Reviewed   *
The long list of diseases that humans could potentially contract after being bitten by a horse gives new meaning to the old adage, "Don't look a gift horse in the mouth." According to the report, "That Horse Bit Me: Zoonotic Infections of Equines to Consider After Exposure Through the Bite or the Oral/Nasal Secretions," more than 100,000 emergency ... Read full story
 8/26/2009
Horses Read Human Body Cues, Researchers Say   *
Do you ever feel like your horse might be watching your every move? He very well might be, according to a new behavior study by British scientists. Their research indicates that horses are highly sensitive to the attention we attribute to them, including our gaze. In a series of tests involving 36 horses and ponies aged 10 months to 38 years, two ... Read full story
 8/19/2009
Equine Visual Laterality Reinforces Horse Handling Traditions  *
The convention of leading and mounting the horse from the left might be more than just tradition, according to a new study from St. Andrews University. The study, led by Kate Farmer, MA, at the Harmony Center in Austria, shows that horses generally prefer this arrangement too, and not just because this is how they are trained. The researchers compared ... Read full story
 8/2/2009
Nip Nipping in the Bud  *
Q: I work with Ride To Walk, a therapeutic riding program serving neurologically disabled children. I am contacting you to see if you would be interested in finding some way to help us with solving problems for our therapy horses. We are having a problem with a few of our therapy horses being very mouthy. When they are in session and have a child ... Read full story
 8/1/2009
Earning Back Trust   *
Q: I have a 15-year-old Thoroughbred gelding, Simon, that I have owned for five years. I need some real advice because I am very concerned about him. Up until recently I have never had any behavioral issues with him. I have always worked very hard on making sure his manners on the ground and when riding were impeccable. He has always been respectful. ... Read full story
 8/1/2009
Expert and Novice Riders See Jumps Differently, Study Says   *
Training unmounted riders to look at jumps the right way could enhance horse and rider performance and prevent jumping accidents, suggest researchers who recently published a study on rider visualization. Researchers from the United Kingdom and Ireland found more advanced riders were significantly better at recalling important points of focus in ... Read full story
 8/1/2009
Study: Rein Modifiers Helpful for Novice Riding Lessons   *
A training martingale--a piece of equipment with rings on either side of the horse's neck to stabilize rein position--might provide a more comfortable experience for lesson horses in novice riding programs. In a study at Michigan State University, Camie Heleski, PhD, and her colleagues observed novice riders mounted on horses fitted with and without ... Read full story
 7/13/2009
Human Injuries Related to Horses Analyzed  *
The American Horse Council's 2005 report "The Economic Impact of the Horse Industry on the United States" documents that more than 2 million horse owners are involved in a variety of activities. Millions more people ride horses every year or handle horses as industry workers, family members of owners, and volunteers. Horse-related human injuries ... Read full story
 7/5/2009
Horses React to Human Heart Rates, Study Finds   *
An increase in a human's heart rate affects the heart rate of the horse they are leading or riding, researchers at the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences recently reported. Linda Keeling, PhD, and colleagues tested horses and riders to see if humans inadvertently communicate fear and anxiety to horses. Using heart rate as a fear indicator, ... Read full story
 7/1/2009
Trailer Loading Styles  *
Q: I work as an equine veterinary technician at a reproduction clinic. Most days we have 10 or more horses trailer in for procedures. We seem to be spending far too much time loading or helping owners load their horses. Some days it seems our staff spends more hours in the parking lot than in the clinic. We also end up having to tranquilize quite a ... Read full story
 6/1/2009
Feet Feud  *
Q: My horse Lucky has started a behavior problem when we handle his feet. He's always been awesome about lifting his feet, but now he's getting crabby about it. It started when he went lame on one front leg because of a foot abscess. Once it burst open, he got much better, but it still bothered him. The vet said it would just take time to heal. So ... Read full story
 5/1/2009
New Herdmates  *
Q: My horse recently moved to a new barn for the winter, and ever since moving there he has been a different horse. Since moving to the new barn he has developed an extreme attachment to the other horses and has a completely different personality. He has become pushy and difficult to work with, whereas before he had great ground manners and an excellent ... Read full story
 5/1/2009
Study: Safety Measures to Minimize Injuries to Equine Vets Needed   *
Due to the high number of work-related serious injuries incurred by equine practitioners, Australian researchers are urging vets to identify and utilize improved safe handling practices. "It is known that large animal veterinarians have a very high risk of work-related injury and that these injuries are a burden not only to the injured veterinarian, ... Read full story
 2/22/2009
Research Sheds Light on Equine Long-Term Memory   *
Remember back when that umbrella popped open and spooked your horse? That might have been five or even 10 years ago, but new research into equine long-term memory (LTM) shows that your horse probably remembers those events just as well as you do. In a study led by Evelyn Hanggi, MS, PhD, co-director at the Equine Research Foundation (ERF) in Aptos, ... Read full story
 2/20/2009
The Heartbreak of Separation Anxiety  *
Separating horses from their buddies can be problematic and sometimes even dangerous to horse and handler—here’s how to ease the pain of separation anxiety. Separation anxiety is a relatively common condition among horses, and when it occurs, it can be problematic for owners and riders. At the very least, it's a minor inconvenience. Occasionally, ... Read full story
 11/1/2008
Imprint-Trained Trotting Filly Passes $1 Million Mark   *
Buck I St. Pat has been trotting along the road to glory since she was two days old. That was the first time that breeder Ron Fuller, DVM, hooked the Standardbred filly to an old goat cart and let her pull it around. "They'll follow their mother anywhere," Fuller says. "Or maybe, I should say, they'll follow their lunch anywhere." Five years later, ... Read full story
 9/21/2008
Equid Emotions and Laterality: Is there a Connection?  *
Does your horse give "dirty" looks? Rather than trying to read his expression, you might be able get some clues about how your horse really feels about objects by paying attention to which eye he uses to observe them. French behaviorists reported that horses explore and process information about various objects differently, depending on the emotional ... Read full story
 9/1/2008
Aligning Training with Horse Behavior  *
Along with researching drugs, treatments, and techniques to keep your horse healthy, equine researchers are discovering how handling and training methods can be brought more in line with horses' natural behaviors and instincts for a more harmonious and effective partnership. A number of these researchers from around the world shared notes at the 4th ... Read full story
 8/27/2008
AAEP Healthy Horses Workshop: Horsemanship  *
During the annual convention of the American Association of Equine Practitioners, one day is set aside for horse owners in the area to listen to experts in the field lecture and demonstrate on specific aspects involved in the overall wellness, training, and care of the horse. This program is known as the Healthy Horses Workshop. The December 2007 ... Read full story
 7/30/2008
Study: Positive Reinforcement Aids Equine Training   *
In a preliminary study on equine training, Michigan State researchers found that while adding positive reinforcement did not make horses learn a frightening task faster than horses that were handled using only traditional negative reinforcement strategies, horses exposed to positive reinforcement did not learn the task any slower, either. Furthermore, ... Read full story
 7/21/2008
Link Between Facial Hair Whorls and Horse 'Handedness' Reported  *
Irish researchers identified a unique link between equine motor laterality, or "handedness," and specific characteristics of facial hair whorls (trichoglyphs): right-handed horses had significantly more clockwise whorls whereas whorls were more likely to flow in a counter-clockwise direction in left-handed horses. "It has long been speculated that ... Read full story
 6/23/2008
Horse Behavior: War on Punishment  *
Question from a reader: I see the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) has posted a statement from their American Veterinary Society of Animal Behavior (AVSAB) about the use of punishment for behavior problems in animals. The statement talks about dogs and seems like the behavior veterinarians were prompted to do this because of the TV ... Read full story
 6/20/2008
Healthy Horses Workshop: The Language of Gold   *
During the annual convention of the American Association of Equine Practitioners, one day is set aside for horse owners in the area to listen to experts in the field lecture and demonstrate on specific aspects involved in the overall wellness, training, and care of the horse. This program is known as the Healthy Horses Workshop. The December 2007 ... Read full story
 6/20/2008
Catching Your Horse: Eye Contact Might Not Matter   *
According to a University of Pennsylvania study, whether or not you make eye contact with your horse doesn't necessarily influence how successful you'll be in catching him in an open pasture. Experienced horse handlers and educators have encouraged owners to use or not use eye contact while catching horses for different reasons. Some have taught ... Read full story
 6/11/2008
Stubborn or Fearful?  *
Q: Recently, I was working with a group of veterinary students and a patient. It was a colt that had experienced minimal handling or training for leading before arriving at the hospital. On the way to his stall, he needed to be weighed. When the animal hesitated to move forward onto the scale's platform, the student handlers' inclination was to add ... Read full story
 6/1/2008
Desensitizing Your Horse to Fly Spray  *
A HORSE'S LAMENT: How do I hate thee? Let me count the ways. 'Tis the rankest compound of villainous smell that ever offended nostril. Yonder vessel full of foul sound and fury. Cruel icy tears assailing my body. --Equus Anonymous. Some horses really hate fly spray, be it the smell, the sound the sprayer makes, the sensation of solution on skin, or ... Read full story
 5/1/2008
Equine Color Vision Research: Seeing Things Differently  *
If you have a horse of a different color, chances are your horse knows it--although he might not be able to say if he's red or green. New physiological and behavioral research by various teams across the globe has added weight to the hypothesis that horses can see a wide range of colors, but they don't see them the same way humans do. "Virtually ... Read full story
 4/30/2008
How to Block the Ear  *
A few horses out there like to have their ears rubbed, but many are tolerant of ear handling at best, and violently ear shy at worst. When these horses need to have veterinary work done around their ears, such as biopsies or stitching of lacerations, sedation alone often isn't enough to get the job done. Last year veterinarians at the University of ... Read full story
 4/6/2008
Training a One-Eyed Horse  *
Q: I am a barn manager at a Dutch Warmblood farm. I have a filly that turned 2 in March. She has been in the field for a year (the owner is out of the country and can't return). She was born with one eye, and I need to train her. I have ridden one-eyed horses, but I've never taught them from such a young age. I also feel I need to change her feed, ... Read full story
 4/1/2008
Study Correlates Food Rewards with Positive Responses during Training  *
Young horses learn faster and have more positive interactions with humans when they receive food as a reward during training, according to a new study presented at the 34th Annual Equine Research Day held in Paris, France, on Feb. 28. Yearlings that received grain pellets as compensation for appropriate reactions to vocal commands were up to 40% ... Read full story
 3/3/2008
Raising a Stud Colt  *
I have bred my first colt this year and thus far have followed handling practices we have used on our previous two filly foals with great success. We have a beautiful Welsh Section C colt who is unafraid of most things, is very people friendly, will pick up all his feet for you, doesn't bite, and enjoys a walk on a headcollar. No issues, no problems. ... Read full story
 3/1/2008
Readers Respond: Hold Your Horses  *
More than 1,000 readers of TheHorse.com responded to a poll asking, "Do you use imprinting or desensitization techniques with your foals?" Results were as follows: Always: 53.96% (579) Sometimes: 23.58% (253) Never: 22.46% (241) All comments submitted by poll respondents are listed below. Results of weekly polls from TheHorse.com ... Read full story
 2/13/2008
Best Breeding Approach  *
Q: For a horse reproduction project in my equine seminar course, I was trying to find video clips of horses breeding. Well, there were many on YouTube, and it took awhile to find the decent ones. But once I found some that were seriously educational, it was very interesting to see how many different ways people hold the stallion when taking him to ... Read full story
 12/1/2007
War Drum and The Basics  *
A horse that nearly was sent to the killers because of his dangerous habits learned "The Basics" and became a good citizen. No one would ever mistake War Drum for a reining horse. At 16.2 hands high, the rangy, blaze-face chestnut gelding looks like what he is--an off-the-track Thoroughbred with a smattering of jump, dressage, and field hunter ... Read full story
 12/1/2007
Understanding Horses Part 11: Diagnose the Problem Before Trying to Fix It  *
There are many people looking for answers for their horses' problems. I've been talking to more and more people, and they all think they have different problems, but generally, horse problems boil down to one of four things: ground manners, under saddle problems, medical problems, and problems stemming from accidently learning the wrong behavior. We've ... Read full story
 11/1/2007
Understanding Horses Part 10: Stand Still  *
Horses often need to be restrained for the veterinarian, farrier, or groom. Foals present particular problems, as do horses that might have been mishandled or who have never been taught to be patient and respect their handlers. Here are a few tips for restraint. Foal Restraint In my opinion, God put ears on horses for handles. Some clients will ... Read full story
 10/1/2007
Understanding Horses Part 9: Sans Twitch  *
Anderson believes twitched horses are dangerous, and twitches aren't needed to tube, clip, trim/shoe, float, deworm, or medicate a horse. I have not put a twitch on a horse's nose in nearly 20 years. I don't believe in twitches. I believe they are dangerous. Really dangerous. Everyone I know who has been badly injured by a horse on the ground, ... Read full story
 9/1/2007
Smart Mare, Smarter Vet  *
I am doing some positive reinforcement-based behavior modification for needle shyness in a draft broodmare. This mare is just too big and strong for the old-fashioned restraint methods of working around the problem. She has quite a repertoire of increasingly dangerous ways to avoid and react, so it is no longer safe to use the tactic of sneaking up ... Read full story
 9/1/2007
Understanding Horses Part 8: Teaching the Movements  *
It's important to teach your horse to respect your personal space (Editor's Note: Last month we discussed the start of using pressure to work on ground manners. This month we continue.) Move Sideways Now you need to work on pressure side-to-side. This is the beginning of Basic #1 under saddle. I don't want him to move his feet, just his head. ... Read full story
 8/1/2007
A New Breed of Bridle (Bitless)  *
Going "bitless" has its pros and cons; is it right for you and your horse? You've seen the ads and followed the debates on Internet equine lists, but you're still a little confused: What is the difference between The Bitless Bridle and other cross-under bitless bridles (CBBs) versus the traditional type of bit-free bridles such as the hackamore? ... Read full story
 8/1/2007
Training Your Horse for Procedures--And Everything Else  *
Picture this: You're at a horse handling clinic watching the clinician's horse do pretty much anything you can think of and 50 other things you hadn't. You sit there amazed and envious, wishing you could get your horse to lead or sidepass that well with no visible cue, to say nothing of the ease with which that clinician can clip, load, and give shots ... Read full story
 7/21/2007
Positive Reinforcement  *
Can you explain the concept of positive reinforcement training? What exactly does it mean? I was recently in New Zealand, where I was with a group that seems "converted" to what they call "all-positive training." It sounds like good old-fashioned treats and bribes, just what I was taught not to do with horses. via e-mail Positive training ... Read full story
 7/1/2007
Understanding Horses Part 7: Yielding to Pressure  *
I'm going to start discussing ground manners by talking about a 2-year-old colt from Arkansas who hadn't been handled much. He wasn't mean, he was just uneducated. I use a rope halter to give me a little more leverage and "bite" if the horse pulls back. In fact, when I buy the rope halters that have two ropes over the poll, I cut one off. The two ... Read full story
 7/1/2007
Lessons Learned, Again  *
Sometimes we need to hear the same things again in order to learn them. Or maybe it's not the learning, but the applying what we've learned. I had to call Dr. Andy Anderson after reading his column this month and put his lessons into practice at home. We had someone give us a Miniature Donkey. Molly is very cute, very friendly, you can do anything ... Read full story
 7/1/2007
Understanding Horses Part 6: Trailer Loading, Part 2  *
Last month we talked about how to aggravate the horse to load into a trailer. Remember, this isn't beating the horse or getting angry. It's like the horsefly being able to make a 1,000-pound horse move. You merely make it more comfortable to be inside the trailer than outside. All you want to do is take away the horse's options he's used in the past ... Read full story
 6/1/2007
A Late Start  *
I have a 5-month-old colt that was never halter broken. According to the breeder, it appeared that at one point a halter had been put on him, and the experience was traumatic for him. Since he came home with me, I have been spending time with him at feeding time by feeding him his grain in a bucket and touching him. I started out with gradually touching ... Read full story
 5/1/2007
Understanding Horses Part 5: Trailer Loading Part 1  *
The reason most horses don't load in trailers is that owners have studiously trained them to not load. Horses learn this by accident. The horse gets led up to the trailer and decides not to go in and turns sideways. Then the owner leads him away and pets him in order to get a "straight shot" at loading again. That teaches the horse to stand sideways, ... Read full story
 5/1/2007
Calculating the Equine Attention Span   *
Using operant conditioning, scientists have quantified horses' attention spans, and they have drawn some conclusions that could help horse trainers and owners better understand their charges and how they learn. The researchers at Switzerland's Université de Neuchâtel, with collaborators at Swizerland's Haras National d'Avenches and at France's Université ... Read full story
 4/28/2007
Understanding Horses Part 4: An Epic Day  *
People are shocked that I give my horses treats. I tell them there's a big difference in giving your horse treats, and him demanding treats. My horses don't demand treats. I don't show them treats before I catch them. Consider my horse Epic. I give a treat after I catch him and halter him. Good boy. I also want a horse that you can clamber on without ... Read full story
 4/1/2007
Herd Instincts: Sparring  *
My horse was seen biting another horse in the throat. They were up on their hind legs supposedly playing when all of a sudden my horse made a very unusual move, according to the witness, and bit the other horse in the throat. The other horse ran and hid. The next day my horse was put out with three other horses, and two came back in with throat bites. ... Read full story
 3/26/2007
AAEP Convention 2006: Horse Management  *
Keep Old Horses Healthy "How do we tell when a horse is aged?" asked Nancy Loving, DVM, who owns Loving Equine Clinic in Boulder, Colo., at the recent Healthy Horses Workshop for horse owners (held Dec. 2 in San Antonio, Texas, in conjunction with the 52nd annual American Association of Equine Practitioners Convention). "Most people think a horse ... Read full story
 3/1/2007
Understanding Horses: Basics #2 and #3  *
Last month we started talking about the three things every horse needs to know to make his rider happy. My hero, champion reining horse owner and trainer Dick Pieper, told me I had been making the training of my horses way too complicated. "You should teach the horse to do three things and expand on those," he told me. He taught me that there are ... Read full story
 3/1/2007
Overexcited Stallion
I have a stallion that "saucers" (exhibits glans penis enlargement) prior to mounting. We have to back him up several times before he can mount and penetrate the mare. Any suggestions? Larry, via e-mail Saucering is a description of enlargement of the glans penis (the tip) during copulation. This enlargement of the glans penis ... Read full story
 2/1/2007
Keeping Stallions Focused  *
I'm a veterinary student from the United Kingdom and have been riding with a stud farm veterinarian in America going from place to place. I am trying to figure out the art of handling stallions for breeding. Can you please enlighten me on the intended purpose of the various stud shank configurations--not just the various styles, but the significance ... Read full story
 2/1/2007
Understanding Horses: Basic Movement #1  *
Champion reining horse owner/trainer Dick Pieper is my hero. I was showing and winning, but I wasn't completely happy with my reiners. In less than an hour under Dick's tutelage, I learned more than I had in the last 20 years. He said I was making this whole training thing too complicated. "You should teach the horse to do three things and expand ... Read full story
 2/1/2007
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
Study Formulates Method for Reducing Fearfulness   *
Desensitization, the gradual introduction of a new stimulus, might be the most effective way to reduce fearfulness and reactivity in horses, according to a recent study by Danish and Swedish researchers. The scientists examined three methods for introducing a horse to a novel stimulus (in this case, a white nylon bag that would go from a flat, folded ... Read full story
 10/30/2006
Here's Looking at You   *
Different breeds of horses examine novel objects using different dominant eyes, according to researchers from the Universite de Rennes in France. Their observations of horses' reactions can also help horse handlers interpret whether a horse is curious about the object or afraid of it and act accordingly. The researchers exposed French Saddlebreds ... Read full story
 10/9/2006
Stallion Handling Course for Veterinarians and Stallion Owners Available   *
The Havemeyer Equine Behavior Lab and the Section of Reproduction at the University of Pennsylvania's New Bolton Center is offering a stallion handling course for veterinarians, stallion owners, and managers. The two-day course will focus on concepts and skills for safe, efficient handling and general management of breeding stallions. The class will ... Read full story
 10/4/2006
Rearing and Flipping  *
We have a Quarter Horse mare whose mother was a bad flipper in the starting gate. She has two half-brothers that were also bad in the gate. All of these offspring were trained by different individuals. This spring, she had a filly that tried to flip over backward at 20 minutes of age when we tried to dip her navel. Her first reaction to anything she ... Read full story
 10/1/2006
Skull Fractures in Horses  *
This is an excerpt from Equine Disease Quarterly, funded by underwriters at Lloyd's, London, brokers, and their Kentucky agents. Horses often are victims of accidental injury. Their gregarious nature, social hierarchy, heightened flight response, and handling and confinement by humans puts them at increased risk of trauma. A fairly common and usually ... Read full story
 7/17/2006
Savage Stallions  *
Q: I have worked with many different breeding stallions, including Thoroughbreds and Warmbloods back east, then mostly Arabians and Quarter Horses in Texas. We now have a halter stallion that does something I've never seen before. He seems to have to savage the mare before he can breed. He's got his little ritual going where he savages the breeding ... Read full story
 7/1/2006
Riding the Better Side of Bucking  *
Bucking is a misunderstood horse activity. Most people look at bucking as an ornery habit, something the horse does when he's trying to get out of work. Or when he just doesn't feel like cooperating at that moment for some reason or another. However, if you think about bucking as an activity drive that you can channel into behaviors you want instead ... Read full story
 6/7/2006
Horse Learning  *
In a web site advice column written by a veterinarian, he claimed that if a blacksmith trims or shoes a horse incorrectly so that the horse becomes lame within a couple of weeks of work, the horse will make the connection that the blacksmith was the cause of the lameness and will hate the blacksmith and refuse to pick up its feet for the blacksmith ... Read full story
 6/1/2006
Book Excerpt: Basic Horse Handling  *
Editor's Note: This is an excerpt from Understanding Basic Horse Care by Michael A. Ball, DVM. This book is available from www.ExclusivelyEquine.com. Always think in terms of safety first when handling horses — safety for you, the horse, and anyone else in the general area. Like it or not, horses are fight or flight creatures and can be unpredictable ... Read full story
 4/5/2006
AAEP Convention 2005: Foal Imprinting--A Research Review  *
While horse owners worldwide want a simple answer to the question of whether foal imprinting works or not, it's hard to give a simple answer to what really isn't a simple question. This was the message of an imprinting research review presented by Nancy Diehl, MS, VMD, assistant professor of equine science at Pennsylvania State University, at the American ... Read full story
 2/17/2006
AAEP Convention 2005: Stallion Handling  *
"An untrained stallion in the breeding shed can be like having an orangutan on the end of a shank," began Dickson Varner, DVM, MS, Dipl. ACT, Chief of Theriogenology at Texas A&M University and Pin Oak Stud Chair of Stallion Reproductive Studies. Varner, who is world-renowned for his expertise in stallion reproduction and his contributions to the ... Read full story
 2/17/2006
Book Excerpt: Unloading Problems  *
Editor's Note: This is an excerpt from Understanding Your Horse's Behavior by author and equine behavior specialist Sue McDonnell, PhD, Certified AAB. The book is available from www.ExclusivelyEquine.com. One of our horses has a problem with unloading from a trailer. He bolts out of the back as soon as we start to open the back gate, often before ... Read full story
 12/20/2005
Book Excerpt: Can't Be Caught  *
Editor's Note: This is an excerpt from Understanding Your Horse's Behavior by author and equine behavior specialist Sue McDonnell, PhD, Certified AAB. The book is available from www.ExclusivelyEquine.com. I am so frustrated with my miniature Shetland pony gelding, Popcorn. In his pasture, we just can’t catch him. It takes me, my parents, and any other ... Read full story
 12/6/2005
Horse Personality Researcher Seeks Subjects  *
An English researcher wants to provide a reliable and accurate way of identifying the personality of individual horses. Adele Lloyd, MSc, a Moulton College research associate based in Northampton (Central England), wants to study whether a horse' or pony' personality and temperament is determined by its breed. It is hoped that the results of this research ... Read full story
 11/15/2005
Stay! Good Boy!  *
Tying a horse is such a basic part of owning a horse that many of us take it for granted. But if you have a horse that won't stand nicely while tied, or if you're training a youngster to tie, then you've probably realized this is as much a learned skill as, say, sidepassing or spinning. Maybe more so, since standing tied to a solid object is not something ... Read full story
 11/1/2005
Transportation Trio: Kicking and Pawing   *
My 4-year-old kicks the lorry (van or truck) and paws its floor, both with company and when alone. He doesn't seem scared and loads easily. He is turned out on a regular basis as well. We need to understand what is going on with him, and most importantly, stop him from doing this! via email Kicking and pawing are fairly common traveling ... Read full story
 9/1/2005
Transportation Trio: Loading Trick  *
I found an amateur video clip in our tack room and nobody knows where it came from. It shows an amazing demonstration of loading two horses on a trailer. The horses, without a lead or halter, went right into the trailer, one after the other, when the demonstrator gave a hand signal. She gestured toward the open trailer on the other end of the arena ... Read full story
 9/1/2005
Is My Horse Psychotic?   *
I bought my gelding as a stallion from a local sulky racetrack a year ago (where he never got out of his stall except for training). He had just turned three and was very excitable, so we had him gelded. After several months, he seemed to calm down. He has become very attached to my husband and me, but he has behavioral problems. First, he was scared ... Read full story
 5/1/2005
Happy Trails Selected as 2004 Book of the Year Finalist   *
Happy Trails: Your Complete Guide to Fun and Safe Trail Riding has been selected as a ForeWord Magazine 2004 Book of the Year Award finalist in the Adventure & Recreation category. Written by longtime journalist and horseman Les Sellnow and published by Eclipse Press, a division of Blood-Horse Publications, Happy Trails: Your Complete Guide to ... Read full story
 4/13/2005
Tips On Natural Horsemanship   *
Training has come a long way since the days when the term "breaking a horse" could have very well meant just that. Everything from sacking out, a process by which a horse is tied and hobbled before being pummeled with empty burlap bags meant to subdue and intimidate, to the use of cruel mechanical devices, has fallen under the heading of "training." ... Read full story
 4/1/2005
AAEP Convention 2004: Stopping Aggression Problems With an Equine Shock Collar  *
"Aggressive behavior in horses is expensive," said Michelle A. Kennedy, DVM, a private practitioner in Delta, Colo. Veterinary expense, property damage, loss of use of affected horses, and the emotional cost associated with the death of an animal if injured severely during an aggressive act all demand a reliable way to change this behavior in the horse. ... Read full story
 2/14/2005
Men vs. Women Handlers   *
Your answer to the question about the fellow with the peculiar method of "dominating stallions" (December 2003, www.TheHorse.com/ViewArticle.aspx?id=4749) led to a very long discussion where I work. We all agreed that the guy's method sounded weird and disgusting. But then our discussion drifted into a little war of the sexes. We got into a horsemanship ... Read full story
 1/1/2005
Tips for Stallion Handlers   *
"Starting a novice breeding stallion can range from a quick and easy project accomplished in a few brief sessions to a challenging and time-consuming effort over many sessions and even a few weeks," said Sue McDonnell, PhD, a Certified Applied Animal Behaviorist and head of the Equine Behavior Lab of the Veterinary School of the University of Pennsylvania ... Read full story
 1/1/2005
From Novice to Advanced: Tips for Stallion Handlers  *
Even though we think a stallion should know his business in the breeding shed, that is not always the case at the beginning. "Starting a novice breeding stallion can range from a quick and easy project accomplished in a few brief sessions to a challenging and time-consuming effort over many sessions and even a few weeks," says Sue McDonnell, PhD, a ... Read full story
 11/16/2004
Using the Twitch Properly   *
I attended a short course on horse behavior at New Bolton Center where you explained how a twitch works and your recommendations for how to use it most effectively. It seemed to make so much sense why sometimes it works and sometimes it doesn't, and especially why horses can get to hate the twitch. Can you describe that in your column in The Horse ... Read full story
 11/1/2004
Practical and Safe Horse Handling  *
Editor's Note: This excerpt is from Chapter 3 of Care & Management of Horses by Heather Smith Thomas. The book is available from www.ExclusivelyEquine.com. Communicating With Horses To work with horses successfully, we must be able to communicate adequately with voice, touch, and body language. The horseman must be sensitive and sympathetic, with ... Read full story
 10/12/2004
Troopers Instruct Iraqi Horse Handlers  *
Trading computers and badges for saddles and spurs has provided a welcome break for troopers of the U.S. Army 1st Cavalry Division's Horse Cavalry Detachment working with Saddam Hussein’s former horses at the Baghdad Zoo. After months of desk duty guarding the division main headquarters building, the soldiers recently had the opportunity to get back ... Read full story
 10/6/2004
Breaking A Young Horse   *
My husband and I recently broke my 3-year-old mare to ride. The first few times she rode like a dream, then she caught on to the idea that when we catch her, she has to work, and she has gotten a bad attitude. Her new antics include bucking. I've been bucked completely off twice and the other times I managed to stay on. The times I went off I always ... Read full story
 10/1/2004
Spooking on Trail   *
I have a 17-year-old Arabian mare. When trail riding, she looks for every opportunity to jump, spook, or take off, especially now that my other horse, her companion, no longer accompanies her. The companion is 30 years old, and due to a recent bout with EPM can no longer be ridden. Is there a safe daily supplement just to take the edge off while ... Read full story
 10/1/2004
Tying and Hobbling  *
Editor's Note: This is Chapter 8 of Happy Trails: Your Complete Guide to Fun and Safe Trail Riding by veteran author and horseman Les Sellnow. The book is available from www.ExclusivelyEquine.com. Whether on a pack trip into the mountains or on a weekend trail ride during which you return to your trailer at night, it is important that your trail horse ... Read full story
 9/21/2004
Taming an Aggressive Foal   *
We recently were blessed with a healthy filly. However, the breeder we bought the mare from had her due date wrong. She came five weeks before we were expecting her. She was born in the pasture with another mare present. The other mare tried to take the baby as her own and wouldn't let the mother near her. As soon as this was discovered, we removed ... Read full story
 9/1/2004
Blind and Restless  *
My 19-year-old horse is 95% blind, and when he's not eating or sleeping he walks in circles. What can I do to stop or minimize this behavior? via e-mail You certainly would want to have this horse evaluated by a veterinarian to be sure he can walk in a straight line, and to get an opinion on why he is blind and on what his quality of life might ... Read full story
 6/1/2004
Rock Hard Ten Goes to Gate School  *
(from Belmont Park notes) In the Preakness on May 15, Rock Hard Ten, a huge colt, was especially conspicuous. As the last horse loaded into the gate at Pimlico, Rock Hard Ten had the attention of the racing world and NBC's national audience as he kicked, balked and fought his way into finally settling in the starting gate. After he ran second in ... Read full story
 5/25/2004
Trick Training Your Horse to Success  *
From Chapter 4: Teaching Your Horse to Bow I like to start trick training by teaching the bow. It can be either easy or very difficult to teach, depending on how smart your horse is and how well you can teach it. The bow has several steps. With ropes to hold and hooves to avoid, it can prove challenging for both horse and trainer to understand at ... Read full story
 5/10/2004
Prepared for Battle?  *
Yes, it's a very tired joke. "Question: Where does a 1,000-pound gorilla sit? Answer: Wherever he wants." But that's the way it can be when trying to medicate an uncooperative horse. When the horse knows what's coming, he pulls back, clamps his mouth shut, raises his head, and dances around the stall. He sniffs suspiciously at food that hides an offending ... Read full story
 5/1/2004
Handling a Hostile Broodmare  *
My mare just had a colt today and I have a concern about it because she is 13 years old and not broken. She had been broken three times prior to me getting her, and she won't come near anyone. My question is: How will I be able to mess with the colt without the mare coming after me? She is very protective of the colt, and I am very concerned about ... Read full story
 3/1/2004
All New 2004 Parelli Tour on the Road  *
Pat Parelli's all new "Love - Language - Leadership" seminar launched Feb. 7-8 in Kissimmee, Fla. The tour includes approximately 24 stops in 2004. Each seminar includes two jam-packed days of natural horsemanship, savvy secrets, and practical training tips that hold the keys to a more powerful and rewarding partnership with horses than you ever thought ... Read full story
 2/18/2004
Police Horse Diary 02/10/04  *
Will spring ever come? I don’t know about where you live, but I’m tired of cold weather, frozen water tanks, and frozen ground that then turns into a muddy quagmire the few days it gets above freezing. This hasn’t made for good training for the young police horses. They’re growing. Fast. I’m going to try and take them this weekend to get weighed. ... Read full story
 2/10/2004
Hauling Training  *
I'd like information and recommendations for safe hauling of my weanlings. These are young (five- to six-month-old) babies that have already been weaned and will need to be hauled around, either because they have been sold or because they will start showing. They tie and are halter-broken and healthy, but my question lies in their safety on those first ... Read full story
 2/1/2004
Abusive Training for Stud Colts  *
I hope you are not offended by this question, and that you will find time to answer it if you know anything about it or maybe could refer me to someone else who might have heard of this fairly unusual advice. My boyfriend was afraid to write to you about it, so I will. Recently my boyfriend met an old-time horseman who found out we had a 2-year-old ... Read full story
 12/1/2003
Police Horse Diary: 11/13/03  *
My apologies for the prolonged interim between entries. Family medical and other emergencies (drunk driver demolishes grandmother's attached garage with full-size pick-up truck) took away from writing time. The boys are really growing, but there has been a medical mystery. Seems Conan did have an abscess, or at least a deep muscle bruise that might ... Read full story
 11/13/2003
Tough Catches  *
I have an 18-year-old Tennessee Walking Horse that was vaccinated two weeks ago with no apparent reaction. A week later, he has become impossible to catch in the stall. He pins his ears, turns his rear to his owner, and kicks. There have been no other routine changes, he seems healthy with no signs of pain or fever, and he has a good appetite. He has ... Read full story
 11/1/2003
Managing the Mob for Meals   *
When feeding horses at pasture or in large paddocks, it can often be a challenge to make sure each horse gets his share of the feed, while reducing waste and feed contamination. Management is the key to successfully feeding horses in a group setting, minimizing social stress and nutritional problems. Pete Gibbs, PhD, Dipl. ACAN, professor and extension ... Read full story
 10/1/2003
Parelli Natural Horsemanship University is Country's First Approved Private Vocational School of Its Kind   *
Approval of the Parelli Natural Horsemanship University in late June as a private occupational school by the Colorado Department of Higher Education distinguished Parelli Natural Horse-Man-Ship (PNH) as the first such institution in the country to do so, according to Neil Pye, dean of instructors and of the group's international study centers. Key ... Read full story
 10/1/2003
Safe Horse Handling   *
Colorado State University (CSU) and Parelli Natural Horse-Man-Ship have agreed to jointly create a safe horse-handling program for veterinary students, veterinarians, and horse owners, educating them about how to work around horses on a daily basis for routine veterinary care and in the event of an emergency. The project is a result of the parties' ... Read full story
 9/1/2003
Gentling Abused Colts  *
I run a rescue ranch in Tucson for abused horses and dogs. I recently got in two young horses about six to eight months old, weighing in at about 500 pounds each. They have been badly branded, and they appear to be beaten up pretty badly. Their cuts are healing, and they seem to have that "baby resilience." One of them has a bad limp in the right front ... Read full story
 6/1/2003
Cutting-Edge Hoof Education  *
Described by host Ric Redden, DVM, founder of the International Equine Podiatry Center in Versailles, Ky., as "probably the most harmonious learning event in the world," the Bluegrass Laminitis Symposium held annually in Louisville, Ky., is a mecca for farriers and veterinarians interested in expanding their knowledge of the pathological equine foot. ... Read full story
 5/1/2003
Pat Parelli: Anvil Side Manner  *
"For seven years in a row, I've been voted the world's worst shoer," joked world-renowned clinician Pat Parelli at the 16th annual Bluegrass Laminitis Symposium Jan. 16-18 in Louisville, Ky., to begin a discussion on "Anvil Side Manner." "Why do you guys want to shoe horses, anyway?" Various attendees answered that they began horseshoeing because ... Read full story
 4/14/2003
Pat Parelli on Shoeing Difficult Horses   *
"Usually you shoe horses that are against you, right?" asked world-renowned clinician Pat Parelli at the 16th annual Bluegrass Laminitis symposium Jan. 16-18 in Louisville, Ky. "You're on opposite teams. And when push comes to shove, the horse wins when it comes to shove. "I'm kind of ashamed of the horse industry compared to other professional industries," ... Read full story
 4/3/2003
Trailer Resistance   *
I've had my yearling filly all of her life. I trained her from week one to trailer load, and she was fine with getting in and out. However, this was with a four-horse slant load trailer that steps up. Now I need to load her into a two-horse trailer with a ramp and a divider. When I tried to load her into the two-horse trailer, she would not load and ... Read full story
 3/1/2003
AAEP Convention: Behavior--Ground Handling the Problem Horse  *
Every veterinarian has had an equine client that resisted treatment and often a nightmarish story to go along with it. Compliant patients allow for safer and more efficient veterinary practices, so the American Association of Equine Practitioners (AAEP) teamed up with the American Quarter Horse Association at the AAEP convention to offer veterinarians ... Read full story
 3/1/2003
Federal Funds to Support Animal Health and Disease Research  *
According to an Associated Press story on bloodhorse.com, The University of Kentucky (UK) will receive $11.36 million in funding in the current federal budget, U.S. Sen. Mitch McConnell said Monday. Some of the funds will be spent on research into animal health and diseases, such as mare reproductive loss syndrome (MRLS). Of the funding, $5.86 million ... Read full story
 2/19/2003
AAEP Convention: Ground Handling the Problem Horse  *
Every veterinarian has had an equine client (or three) that resisted treatment and often a nightmarish story to go along with it. Compliant patients allow for safer and more efficient veterinary practices, so the American Association of Equine Practitioners (AAEP) teamed up with the American Quarter Horse Association at the AAEP convention to offer ... Read full story
 2/3/2003
Foot Work: Training for Hoof Care   *
My only horse finally lived out his days with me last fall. He died peacefully at the great old age of 32 years. He had been with me through thick and thin for 21 years, and was a sweetheart of a horse. He came to me completely broke and was always easy. His only issue was his hind feet--he just didn't want anyone messing with them. Even for a trim ... Read full story
 2/1/2003
Clusters of Aggression Problems   *
I have an almost 4-year-old Peruvian stallion, born and raised on my farm, living with only his mother and a sister. Because of my inexperience, I treated him as a pet. Since a very young age, he showed a strong will. When I started saddle training a year ago with a local trainer on my farm, he continued to have a strong will. Although a bit on the ... Read full story
 1/1/2003
Truck Training  *
I recently had a difficult time trailering my horse to a show. While loading him, we had backed the trailer up to the barn, which resulted in a situation where he became afraid of the truck/trailer by the barn area. After returning from the show the following day, he had his feet done. He reacted by exploding quite violently toward the person holding ... Read full story
 11/1/2002
Behavior Symposium will Feature Natural Horsemanship  *
Horse owners will have the chance to saddle up alongside Robert M. Miller DVM, to experience the Alisal Guest Ranch and Resort's "Natural Horsemanship" symposium offered Nov. 17-20, 2002. The event is designed to introduce equine enthusiasts to the art of equine behavior in the unique atmosphere of an equestrian resort. Miller, a world-renowned lecturer, ... Read full story
 9/6/2002
Stallion Mounting Behavior   *
I'm a veterinarian asking this question on behalf of clients who are standing a stallion at stud. The stallion isn't new to breeding or to this farm; he's in his third or fourth breeding season. He normally breeds eagerly, without hesitation. Recently, he's been doing something unusual just with one particular mare. He seems interested in this mare, ... Read full story
 9/1/2002
Parelli Pennings  *
July 5, 2002 The final day. In the morning we have a trail ride planned, and if it doesn’t rain in the afternoon, we’ll have a chance to play with cattle. Everyone wants to play with the cattle, but we also know that the drought and fires in Colorado need rain, so we are hoping for some of the wet stuff. We had a chance to sleep in a bit this ... Read full story
 7/8/2002
It's In the Attitude  *
Man has been linked to the horse for centuries, but often in the past, it was more of an adversary relationship than a partnership. In recent years, that has changed for many horse owners. Thanks to the efforts of equine behaviorists at the scientific level and a new and enlightened approach by many trainers and clinicians at the practical level, the ... Read full story
 7/1/2002
Train Your Horse to Tie Safely   *
We all take tying our horses for granted. But if you've ever owned one which you can't tie, then you know how inconvenient and even dangerous he can be. You don't have the luxury of tying your horse and leaving him, even for a moment. You have to schedule time or pay someone to hold your horse for the farrier or veterinarian instead of cross tying ... Read full story
 6/1/2002
Naturally Parelli  *
Like most people (including more than 90% of our readers), I use a computer. I can turn it on, perform tasks pertinent to my job, look things up on the Internet, print in various fonts and sizes, and accomplish my assigned tasks with little thought to the machine or the process. This is how most people use computers. Then there are those people who ... Read full story
 5/1/2002
All Aboard  *
If you've never endured the patience-battering task of convincing an unwilling horse to enter a waiting trailer, you're one of the lucky few. Most horse owners know this scenario from personal experience and understand the frustration and flaring tempers usually involved. Simply put, it's a recipe for trouble and trauma. In fact, many experts believe ... Read full story
 5/1/2002
Ground vs. Breeding Mount Semen Collection  *
We have show pony breeding stallions, and as of last year are doing almost all shipped semen. This year we are seriously thinking about expanding our business to offer semen collection and shipping services for outside stallions, which will involve improving our facilities. We're thinking about whether or not we need and can afford a dummy mount. We ... Read full story
 4/1/2002
Narrow Doorway Aversion  *
My mare has a particular problem with doorways, like stall doorways, small barn doorways, and even to some extent with the round pen gate. Big, wide doors are no problem, but with anything about four feet wide or smaller she will hesitate until you insist, then she scurries through as if she's afraid. It's really frustrating because you almost always ... Read full story
 3/1/2002
Abnormal Responses to Handling   *
I have a 9-month-old Thoroughbred filly we got when she was three months old. The breeder told us that she had been orphaned and was bottle- and bucket-fed. They warned me that she was a bit over-friendly, and that I should stand my ground with her and try to avoid babying her. They explained that hand-raised foals can think of themselves as people ... Read full story
 2/1/2002
AAEP Convention 2001: Horseman's Day  *
More than 350 horse owners turned out to hear six speakers at the second annual Horseman's Day, held in conjunction with the annual AAEP convention. In almost every case, those in attendance were still raising their hands with questions when moderator Eleanor Green, DVM, Dean of the vet school at the University of Florida, was forced to halt the discussion ... Read full story
 2/1/2002
Restraint Techniques For Horses  *
Veterinarians are constantly seeking ways to perform procedures on horses as quickly and safely as possible. The inherent risk with working with an unpredictable animal has caused veterinarians and handlers to develop various methods of restraint. Andy Anderson, DVM, of Equine Veterinary Associates in Broken Arrow, OK, and Dean Scoggins, DVM, equine ... Read full story
 11/26/2001
Males as Athletes  *
In a crowd of geldings, his presence is conspicuous. The stallion that competes in sport adds extra energy to every step. His distinctive bearing attracts the eye, and he truly displays the look of eagles. Horsemen debate the pros and cons of the entire male as an equine athlete. The distinctive attitude can enhance his performance, even though his ... Read full story
 10/15/2001
The Young Stallion  *
Envision this: In his first season, the young stallion fulfills his purpose as a breeding animal. He matures from a rambunctious colt into a skillful stud. So how do you make this dream a reality? As the handler, you want the horse to behave naturally in a controlled setting. You should envision how you expect your youngster to behave, then train him ... Read full story
 10/11/2001
Retraining a Rebellious Colt  *
We recently had a foal who is now one month old. His mother has always been easy to handle in the cross ties or harness (she is a 20-year-old retired Standardbred), but is not a horse which can be caught easily in the pasture, and she isn't very "people oriented." The problem we are having is with her foal; when asked to do things he doesn't want to ... Read full story
 9/1/2001
Herd Bound Horses  *
I was wondering if you could help me. For a friend, I look after a 15.3-hand mare who is six years old. The horse had a fairly bad start in life as she was first abandoned in a stable, then in a field. She has luxating patellas in both hind legs and gets distressed if left for long periods in a stable as her legs continually lock up. For this reason, ... Read full story
 7/1/2001
Rushing Out of Trailers  *
One of our horses has a problem with unloading from a trailer. He bolts out of the back as soon as we start to open the back gate, often before we can undo the butt bar. He has done this since we got him over a year ago. He loads and rides great, but just scurries or explodes out backwards. We can't figure out why he does this. He is a really nice ... Read full story
 6/1/2001
Enjoying Veterinary Visits  *
In our referral equine behavior practice, we frequently rehabilitate horses perceived to be uncooperative with one or more veterinary procedures such as injections, nasogastric tubing, genital examination, etc. We have found that straightforward behavior modification techniques--adapted to the horse--are highly effective in regaining and maintaining ... Read full story
 6/1/2001
Hauling Horses--National Exposition on Equine Transportation  *
The first National Exposition on Equine Transportation (NEET) had a wealth of information for people who haul their own horses for competition or pleasure riding, or for those shipping horses commercially. Information ranged from live demonstrations and hands-on participation to lectures on topics including research on health aspects of transportation, ... Read full story
 6/1/2001
Clip and Bathe Safely  *
Wouldn't it be nice if clipping and bathing your horse were as simple as giving yourself a shave and a shampoo? You'd be done in 15 minutes or less, with no fuss and no frustration. But for many horse owners, clipping and bathing are among the most challenging barn chores, especially when you're dealing with a young, scared, or impatient horse. With ... Read full story
 4/1/2001
Stallion Libido
I have a breeding problem with my 13-year-old Quarter Horse stallion. He has tremendous bloodlines. He has four or five foals on the ground, so I know that he is not infertile. But recently I leased him to a friend out of state to use. He covered five mares while he was there, but was not an eager breeder. I have him home now, and he is showing little ... Read full story
 3/1/2001
AI Training For Stallions  *
Given the choice, a stallion wouldn't choose to mate with man-made devices. His instincts drive him to breed a mare; yet he can learn to transfer his sexual focus to a "phantom" mare and an artificial vagina (AV). In order to train a stallion for successful semen collection, a handler uses the horse's natural behaviors to condition his responses, so ... Read full story
 2/1/2001
Imprinting Foals  *
Editor's Note: Nothing is without controversy, especially in the equine world. Some equine behaviorists question certain aspects of Dr. Miller's theories and practices, and their opinions regarding foal "imprint training" appear below. Most owners have been through it at one point or another in their horse-raising careers. That little foal ... Read full story
 1/1/2001
Ground Work  *
Dear Dr. McDonnell, I am a 12-year-old girl who recently got a 14-year-old Quarter Horse. She is a doll, but there is just one little problem -- she hasn't been ridden in about four years. We are hiring some-one to come and work with her, but I was just wondering if you know of any good training tips for me to use with her during my spare time. Your ... Read full story
 1/1/2001
Playful Rearing  *
We recently received an orphaned colt from a very reputable breeder friend who had neither the time nor facilities to raise the baby. We picked him up when he was five hours old, and he is now three weeks old. Health-wise he is doing fine. He drinks his milk from a bucket, is eating a little grain and gaining weight, and his muscle mass is developing ... Read full story
 12/1/2000
Terrible or Tolerant? Training to Handle Veterinary Procedures  *
One of the most frustrating scenarios for horse owners and their veterinarians is the horse that is difficult to treat. We all have known such a horse, one which might start out fighting the annual Coggins blood sample and vaccinations. Or the one that dangerously refuses placement of the rectal thermometer. Or the one that successfully avoids the ... Read full story
 12/1/2000
Overcoming Obstacles Your Horse Fears  *
I have been enjoying a new horse for a couple of years. He is just great about everything, except crossing railroad tracks. It's so frustrating. He just will not cross. I have tried getting off and leading him across, even bribing him with treats. Is there anything else I can do? The best and safest riding is in the river bottoms--across the tracks. ... Read full story
 8/1/2000
Problem Behaviors in Pastures   *
I recently purchased a 4-year-old gelding. He is extremely aggressive toward my other gelding in the pasture, and I'm unable to turn them out together. I am able to turn the horse out with my pony mare and pony gelding, but he "herds" them constantly and often will unsheath his penis and sustain an erection around mares. When left stalled, he exhibits ... Read full story
 6/1/2000
Foal Handling And Restraint  *
This scenario is all too familiar to veterinarians; it seems like I hear it at least once a year: "I decided today would be a good day to teach my foal how to lead. We had just weaned her a few days ago, so we led her out of the stall, and she just started pulling back on the lead rope. I thought I could out-muscle her, but then she just went straight ... Read full story
 3/1/2000
Paddock Ins And Outs  *
Our 12-year-old gelding, Ringo, has become difficult to bring in from the pasture. He sometimes drags us through the barn door. Then he barges through the stall door and straight to his grain tub. There's almost no stopping him. For a couple of days we tried waiting until he got there to put the grain in the tub, but he still rushed in and only seemed ... Read full story
 1/1/2000
Understanding the Young Horse  *
Training a young horse can be a daunting prospect for the non-professional horse owner. In Understanding The Young Horse, Les Sellnow, a lifelong horseman with a diverse background in various equestrian disciplines, provides a breaking and training guide that can be used and understood by horse owners of all levels. Using the "building block" method, ... Read full story
 1/1/2000
Unity Through Communication  *
Learning to communicate with equines can, and, should be, a lifelong endeavor on the part of the horse enthusiast. There is no quick fix in learning the art of communication because each horse is different. What works for one will not necessarily work for all, although there are general rules that apply. KIM & KARI BAKER The horse communicates ... Read full story
 9/1/1998
Restraint Techniques  *
The first premise regarding restraint techniques for horses is the art of knowing when and when not to use them. The individual personalities of horses sometimes can make the decision to use restraint (and the particular type) more thought-provoking than "just do it." It often is in the best interest of the horse if an attempt is made to determine ... Read full story
 9/1/1998
Foal Imprinting  *
A mare goes into labor. Powerful and swift contractions expel a foal that, for a short time, lies helpless in the straw or on the grass. A handler quietly approaches the wet creature that is drawing its first breaths. This human, foreign to the foal, as is everything else in its environment, kneels beside it and begins toweling the newborn dry and ... Read full story
 1/1/1998




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