Comments for The Horse https://thehorse.com/ Your Guide to Equine Health Care Thu, 22 May 2025 13:04:52 +0000 hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.8.1 Comment on How to Introduce and Use a Grazing Muzzle for Horses by Mike Kinsey https://thehorse.com/110332/how-to-introduce-and-use-a-grazing-muzzle-for-horses/#comment-8512 Mon, 12 May 2025 21:43:07 +0000 https://thehorse.com/10332/how-to-introduce-and-use-a-grazing-muzzle-for-horses/#comment-8512 Does not address horses on pasture 24/7 and issues with grazing muzzles on 24/7.
I am considering that I may need to slightly enlarge holes if weight drops below desirable. No mention if this is a problem and considerations.

]]> Comment on Poll: Kentucky Derby Experiences by Sherry https://thehorse.com/polls/poll-kentucky-derby-experiences/#comment-8511 Fri, 02 May 2025 14:59:35 +0000 https://thehorse.com/poll-kentucky-derby-experiences/#comment-8511 What about the people who haven’t been, and don’t want to? So many times, there are options missing from the vote.

]]> Comment on Feeding Ulcer-Prone EMS Horses by Patty https://thehorse.com/1135983/feeding-ulcer-prone-ems-horses/#comment-8510 Tue, 22 Apr 2025 01:25:18 +0000 https://thehorse.com/?p=135983#comment-8510 Thank you for your reply. I admit, I have lost more sleep over this one horse. After the resent ulcer episode I’ve also added Nutrena Empower Digestive to his diet and will be reintroducing beet pulp soon. I’m sharing your reply above with his 2 veterinarians, one having a PhD in equine nutrition, who has guided me since my horse was 4 in finding the reason for his horrible mood swings…..EMS. Putting some weight back on him is the goal, fingers crossed the omeprazole will help with that.
Thanks again for your interest in his mindboggling case!

Patty

]]> Comment on Poll: Shedding Season by Part https://thehorse.com/polls/poll-shedding-season/#comment-8509 Thu, 17 Apr 2025 02:59:51 +0000 https://thehorse.com/poll-shedding-season/#comment-8509 I want a grooming vacuum with a power brush nozzle, with soft plastic fingers, kind of like a house rug vacuum cleaner. My animals are used to a simple vacuum cleaner, but I’d like to get the hair loosened so it can be collected by the suction of the vacuum, without going all over ME!

]]> Comment on Tips for Getting Your Horse With PPID To Take His Medication by norm mcfarlane https://thehorse.com/1108950/tips-for-getting-your-horse-with-ppid-to-take-his-medication/#comment-8507 Tue, 08 Apr 2025 16:00:22 +0000 https://thehorse.com/?p=108950#comment-8507 I use an old wormer applicator, suck up some apple sauce insert pill suck up some more apple sauce wait about 10 minutes for the pill to dissolve in apple sauce then slide the wormer syringe into side of mouth and deploy plunger pushing the sauce into side of mouth and over the gums look out tummy here it comes!

]]> Comment on Tips for Getting Your Horse With PPID To Take His Medication by Satu Virtanen https://thehorse.com/1108950/tips-for-getting-your-horse-with-ppid-to-take-his-medication/#comment-8506 Tue, 25 Mar 2025 07:49:59 +0000 https://thehorse.com/?p=108950#comment-8506 My horse has been on Prascend for few years now. He takes 1,5 tablets per day. I usually cut a piece of a carrot and make a cut into that piece and push the pill into that cut. He’s usually very happy to have that piece as a treat. Other option that we use is dryed bread.

]]> Comment on Tips for Getting Your Horse With PPID To Take His Medication by Linda https://thehorse.com/1108950/tips-for-getting-your-horse-with-ppid-to-take-his-medication/#comment-8505 Mon, 24 Mar 2025 22:23:47 +0000 https://thehorse.com/?p=108950#comment-8505 We have been using Prascend for 5 plus years for my gelding with PPID. He takes his 2 tabs per day ground up in a syringe with applesauce and then gets a thin slice of apple once he swallows it. Works for him! perhaps it would be helpful for others.

]]> Comment on Choosing the Right Type of Oil for Your Horse by Bruce Albrecht https://thehorse.com/1121925/choosing-the-right-type-of-oil-for-your-horse/#comment-8502 Sat, 08 Mar 2025 03:55:54 +0000 https://thehorse.com/1121925/choosing-the-right-type-of-oil-for-your-horse/#comment-8502 As a medical doctor and a student of animal nutrition, I am delighted to see the emphasis on omega-3 fatty acids. They clearly have anti-inflammatory activity and this I believe is critical to good health and prevention of laminitis and joint disease and other WBID (whole body inflammatory disease) states. Unfortunately the oils highest in omega-3s are very expensive. Processed horse feeds containing corn, corn oil, soybean oil or canola oil should be avoided.

]]> Comment on Poll: Learning More About Horses Through Webcasts by Carrie Hayes https://thehorse.com/polls/poll-learning-more-about-horses-through-webcasts/#comment-8499 Fri, 14 Feb 2025 18:12:48 +0000 https://thehorse.com/poll-learning-more-about-horses-through-webcasts/#comment-8499 Equine Asthma & discuss only proven treatments & debunk the myths. Helping senior horses with Cushions when medication isn’t appropriate

]]> Comment on Poll: Learning More About Horses Through Webcasts by joann https://thehorse.com/polls/poll-learning-more-about-horses-through-webcasts/#comment-8498 Wed, 12 Feb 2025 23:29:35 +0000 https://thehorse.com/poll-learning-more-about-horses-through-webcasts/#comment-8498 Dental care

]]> Comment on Poll: Winter Horse Chores by Jennifer https://thehorse.com/polls/poll-winter-horse-chores/#comment-8497 Mon, 10 Feb 2025 11:15:05 +0000 https://thehorse.com/poll-winter-horse-chores/#comment-8497 Everything plus especially soaking hay!

]]> Comment on EMS and ‘Low-Carb’ Diets: What’s Right for Your Horse? by patti https://thehorse.com/16902/ems-and-low-carb-diets-whats-right-for-your-horse/#comment-8495 Tue, 04 Feb 2025 12:39:31 +0000 https://thehorse.com/6902/ems-and-low-carb-diets-whats-right-for-your-horse/#comment-8495 Can an EMS horse eat pnut hay safely?

]]> Comment on EMS and ‘Low-Carb’ Diets: What’s Right for Your Horse? by Suzanne https://thehorse.com/16902/ems-and-low-carb-diets-whats-right-for-your-horse/#comment-8494 Tue, 04 Feb 2025 02:19:33 +0000 https://thehorse.com/6902/ems-and-low-carb-diets-whats-right-for-your-horse/#comment-8494 I have a 26-year-old easy keeper Morgan gelding that needed a complete diet makeover after he developed PPID. My farrier was very concerned about the stretching of the white lines in his hooves – a hallmark of PPID. I removed ALL grain and put him on a low-carb ration balancer. Completely stopped the stretching in his white lines, which have returned to normal. My farrier waxes ecstatically about the condition of his feet every time he trims him – he doesn’t wear shoes and never has.

]]> Comment on Teaching a Horse to Have a Blanket Put Over His Head by Johanna https://thehorse.com/149874/teaching-a-horse-to-have-a-blanket-put-over-his-head/#comment-8493 Wed, 29 Jan 2025 04:01:43 +0000 https://thehorse.com/149874/teaching-a-horse-to-have-a-blanket-put-over-his-head/#comment-8493 I’ve found that starting with a summer sheet, and turning it so that the least bulky part of it is going over the horse’s head helps a lot: the horse isn’t faced with a long dark, scary tunnel. Once you’ve done that, it’s easy to turn it right side up and do up the rest of the fastenings. When that’s acceptable, you can advance to heavier blankets. It is, of course, important to ensure that the horse stands still during this procedure: stepping on the blanket isn’t helpful!

]]> Comment on Poll: Handling Foals by Laurie https://thehorse.com/polls/poll-handling-foals/#comment-8492 Thu, 23 Jan 2025 15:42:12 +0000 https://thehorse.com/poll-handling-foals/#comment-8492 I have had the privilege of raising two foals on my farm. They are soon to be 22 and 18. They, along with their moms, have a home with me for life. Too many horses are treated as a means to an end, or for financial gain. If you cannot provide for a horse every day of his/her life, please do not breed.

]]> Comment on Poll: Keeping Your Horse Hydrated this Winter by KAY https://thehorse.com/polls/poll-keeping-your-horse-hydrated-this-winter/#comment-8491 Thu, 16 Jan 2025 01:57:50 +0000 https://thehorse.com/poll-keeping-your-horse-hydrated-this-winter/#comment-8491 I use a caged bucket heater(not heated bucket) to get my mare’s water very hot(she won’t drink if it’s not steaming)and offer it to her about every 3 hours during the day.

]]> Comment on Keeping Water Troughs Thawed With or Without a Heater by Julie https://thehorse.com/137146/keeping-water-troughs-thawed-with-or-without-a-heater/#comment-8490 Tue, 14 Jan 2025 23:29:53 +0000 https://thehorse.com/37146/keeping-water-troughs-thawed-with-or-without-a-heater/#comment-8490 I started using “Freeze Misers”. The best invention ever! Go to their website to learn about them

]]> Comment on Poll: Staying Warm During Winter by Andrea Gian https://thehorse.com/polls/poll-staying-warm-during-winter/#comment-8489 Fri, 10 Jan 2025 13:25:11 +0000 https://thehorse.com/poll-staying-warm-during-winter/#comment-8489 Layers, hand warmers and battery powered long John’s. They have truly been a game changer for me.

]]> Comment on Poll: Staying Warm During Winter by Suzanne https://thehorse.com/polls/poll-staying-warm-during-winter/#comment-8488 Fri, 10 Jan 2025 01:51:19 +0000 https://thehorse.com/poll-staying-warm-during-winter/#comment-8488 I do layer up of course, but here in North Central Indiana, my hands would suffer greatly without heated gloves. They’re the only things that keep my hands comfortable – bar none. There are lots of brands, but only a few match what I need – like X-small size and heating elements that come ALL the way to the tips of the fingers. That last is absolutely essential. If they don’t STATE that the heating elements cover the fingertips, they don’t, and don’t waste your money on ’em. Check Amazon for selections. That’s where I get mine.

]]> Comment on Poll: Staying Warm During Winter by Johanna https://thehorse.com/polls/poll-staying-warm-during-winter/#comment-8487 Wed, 08 Jan 2025 03:50:17 +0000 https://thehorse.com/poll-staying-warm-during-winter/#comment-8487 I layer, but also use disposable hand warmers when I’m riding. This is Manitoba, and a rideable winter day is minus 15 degrees Celsius, as long as I can keep my hands warm.

]]> Comment on Poll: Staying Warm During Winter by Jerry Hlavac https://thehorse.com/polls/poll-staying-warm-during-winter/#comment-8486 Tue, 07 Jan 2025 21:44:14 +0000 https://thehorse.com/poll-staying-warm-during-winter/#comment-8486 Heavy shirt heavy coat and gloves

]]> Comment on 5 Things Your Senior Horse Wants for Christmas by Suzanne https://thehorse.com/1124689/5-things-your-senior-horse-wants-for-christmas/#comment-8485 Wed, 25 Dec 2024 01:37:55 +0000 https://thehorse.com/?p=124689#comment-8485 Well, my senior horse – age 26 that I’ve owned since he was coming 4 – already has most of that stuff, so he just wants another apple… and another good scratch! Couldn’t agree more with these suggestions. That’s why my horse already has them.

]]> Comment on Nutrition Terms to Know When Managing Metabolic Horses by Tori Carthy https://thehorse.com/1133284/nutrition-terms-to-know-when-managing-metabolic-horses/#comment-8484 Sat, 21 Dec 2024 01:02:29 +0000 https://thehorse.com/?p=133284#comment-8484 Hay needs to be tested and the ESC+Starch needs to be under 10% for it to be considered *safe* for insulin resistant or Cushings horses. Starch preferably under 4%. Not only are there zero documented cases of high fructan in pasture causing laminitis, the levels of fructan naturally found in a whole day’s worth of eating pasture grasses almost never come even close to the amount needed to cause laminitis.

]]> Comment on Nutrition Terms to Know When Managing Metabolic Horses by Andrea Ellis https://thehorse.com/1133284/nutrition-terms-to-know-when-managing-metabolic-horses/#comment-8483 Tue, 17 Dec 2024 13:00:26 +0000 https://thehorse.com/?p=133284#comment-8483 Thank you Madeline – nicely laid out !!!

]]> Comment on Poll: Equine Vaccination Decisions by Suzanne tenWesteneind https://thehorse.com/polls/poll-equine-vaccination-decisions/#comment-8480 Mon, 09 Dec 2024 22:44:01 +0000 https://thehorse.com/poll-equine-vaccination-decisions/#comment-8480 Vaccine manufacturers state effectiveness is 12 months so I do not vaccinate more than that

]]> Comment on Poll: Fall Booster Vaccines by DONNA https://thehorse.com/polls/poll-fall-booster-vaccines/#comment-8479 Sun, 08 Dec 2024 01:47:46 +0000 https://thehorse.com/poll-fall-booster-vaccines/#comment-8479 Closed herd of 2 elderly horses ( 1 needs Banamine for spring vacs); I do spring vacs in 2 separate appointments to help prevent reactions.

]]> Comment on Poll: Fall Booster Vaccines by Jennifer https://thehorse.com/polls/poll-fall-booster-vaccines/#comment-8478 Wed, 04 Dec 2024 23:40:59 +0000 https://thehorse.com/poll-fall-booster-vaccines/#comment-8478 I only vaccinate in the spring for core diseases. My one horse who doesn’t leave the property.

]]> Comment on Poll: Equine Vaccination Decisions by Jennifer Johnson https://thehorse.com/polls/poll-equine-vaccination-decisions/#comment-8476 Tue, 19 Nov 2024 23:15:09 +0000 https://thehorse.com/poll-equine-vaccination-decisions/#comment-8476 I would never not vaccinate my horse

]]> Comment on Can Horses Eat Pumpkin? by Kimberlee Smith https://thehorse.com/113373/can-horses-eat-pumpkin/#comment-8475 Mon, 18 Nov 2024 16:48:37 +0000 https://thehorse.com/13373/can-horses-eat-pumpkin/#comment-8475 i will be sure to try this with my horse! I have multiple pumpkins this year and im sure they wont go to waste!

]]> Comment on Why Are Horses Frisky When It’s Cold? by Kimberlee Smith https://thehorse.com/19534/why-are-horses-frisky-when-its-cold/#comment-8473 Fri, 15 Nov 2024 16:10:57 +0000 https://thehorse.com/9534/cold-weather-and-fresh-horses/#comment-8473 This was really helpful… i am doing a science fair project on this topic and this was VERY helpful!
thank you so much for this article.

Stay horsome!
-Kimberlee smith

]]> Comment on Can Horses Eat Pumpkin? by kathy https://thehorse.com/113373/can-horses-eat-pumpkin/#comment-8471 Wed, 13 Nov 2024 14:42:54 +0000 https://thehorse.com/13373/can-horses-eat-pumpkin/#comment-8471 I cook regular halloween type pumpkins just like a baked potato. Because my oven is smaller I cut the pumpkin in half ,place on baking sheet or any large pan at 350 until pumpkin is soft ,about 45 min. Once pumpkin is cooked the skin peels right off and seeds and inside flesh can be scraped right off .I feed the pumpkin to my horses, chickens and I use it myself in soups and stew type dishes or pies. It is real simple. My family and friends give me their pumpkins after Halloween ,many people don’t carve their pumpkins but just use them for decoration.

]]> Comment on Poll: Horse Blanket Options by Jennifer https://thehorse.com/polls/poll-horse-blanket-options/#comment-8470 Thu, 07 Nov 2024 00:37:13 +0000 https://thehorse.com/poll-horse-blanket-options/#comment-8470 A medium weight turn out if very cold (under 25 degrees) but usually nothing. My 25 year old TN Walker is turned out 24/7.

]]> Comment on Poll: Equine Vaccination Schedules by Gwen https://thehorse.com/polls/poll-equine-vaccination-schedules/#comment-8469 Fri, 01 Nov 2024 18:15:56 +0000 https://thehorse.com/poll-equine-vaccination-schedules/#comment-8469 I vaccinate based on typical local vector emergence, to produce maximum protection during the season of highest risk.

]]> Comment on Poll: Managing Horse Care Expenses by Part https://thehorse.com/polls/poll-managing-horse-care-expenses/#comment-8468 Wed, 23 Oct 2024 17:14:03 +0000 https://thehorse.com/poll-managing-horse-care-expenses/#comment-8468 I have 2 rideable mules, but I can’t ride anymore. I’d like to find a horse-desparate young person to ride them but who isn’t already set in their ways (needs to be willing to clickertrain). I have no ideas on where to look; and must I buy insurance?

]]> Comment on Donkeys’ Unique Nutritional Needs by Lisa Polk https://thehorse.com/17233/donkeys-unique-nutritional-needs/#comment-8467 Wed, 16 Oct 2024 10:18:10 +0000 https://thehorse.com/7233/donkeys-unique-nutritional-needs/#comment-8467 Hello, I know that barley straw is recommended for donkeys, however I cannot find any available in the US. What else can I feed my donkey? Is barley (not straw) a suitable alternative? I currently feed beet pulp and a handful of timothy hay, Thank you for your help

]]> Comment on Do Horses Recognize Humans? by Suzanne https://thehorse.com/112035/do-horses-recognize-humans/#comment-8466 Mon, 14 Oct 2024 01:25:10 +0000 https://thehorse.com/12035/do-horses-recognize-humans/#comment-8466 When I was boarding my horse, he could see me driving up the driveway from his stall. And, I could see him going nuts waiting for me to pull up. He recognized my CAR.

]]> Comment on Poll: Horse Turnout Arrangements by Sarah Johnson https://thehorse.com/polls/poll-horse-turnout-arrangements/#comment-8465 Thu, 10 Oct 2024 13:43:03 +0000 https://thehorse.com/poll-horse-turnout-arrangements/#comment-8465 My horse is lucky enough to live out 24/7 at a boarding barn, very rare for my area. He is 7 and lives with a 3 year old and a 25 year old. It works out very well!

]]> Comment on Poll: Horse Shoe Options by Mitsy https://thehorse.com/polls/poll-horse-shoe-options/#comment-8461 Mon, 07 Oct 2024 02:19:34 +0000 https://thehorse.com/poll-horse-shoe-options/#comment-8461 My guys are barefoot & doing very well since 2008. I use Scoot Boots on my TB if we are going on very rocky trails.

]]> Comment on Dealing with Chronic Diarrhea in Horses by J. Lauren https://thehorse.com/1122459/dealing-with-chronic-diarrhea-in-horses/#comment-8460 Thu, 03 Oct 2024 16:20:25 +0000 https://thehorse.com/1122459/dealing-with-chronic-diarrhea-in-horses/#comment-8460 I had a horse that had chronic diarrhea problem. I tried everything the vet suggested and expensive supplements all to no avail. The only thing that actually worked was Bio-Sponge by Platinum Performance. A well-known trainer I know was having a similar problem with one of the horses in training and Bio-Sponge cured their problem. Frustrating, yeah. But this was the only thing that worked and actually quite reasonably priced.

]]> Comment on Poll: Prepping for Colder Weather by Sue https://thehorse.com/polls/poll-prepping-for-colder-weather/#comment-8459 Fri, 27 Sep 2024 20:12:04 +0000 https://thehorse.com/poll-prepping-for-colder-weather/#comment-8459 Just add more hay.

]]> Comment on Poll: Prepping for Colder Weather by Jasmine Kane https://thehorse.com/polls/poll-prepping-for-colder-weather/#comment-8458 Wed, 25 Sep 2024 14:34:34 +0000 https://thehorse.com/poll-prepping-for-colder-weather/#comment-8458 I stock up on hay, give them one last bath (if they’re really dirty or their tail is a mess) and clean my tack room – something I don’t want to be doing in the -20 degrees winter weather. Then I get in as many rides as I can before the snow hits. My horses live outside 24/7 and are almost completely on forage only.

]]> Comment on Poll: Prepping for Colder Weather by otSTB Rider https://thehorse.com/polls/poll-prepping-for-colder-weather/#comment-8457 Wed, 25 Sep 2024 11:33:51 +0000 https://thehorse.com/poll-prepping-for-colder-weather/#comment-8457 Mow fields, check fencing, water and electric lines, clean barn light fixtures, inventory hay.

]]> Comment on Poll: Prepping for Colder Weather by Stephanie https://thehorse.com/polls/poll-prepping-for-colder-weather/#comment-8456 Wed, 25 Sep 2024 03:31:00 +0000 https://thehorse.com/poll-prepping-for-colder-weather/#comment-8456 My horses live outdoors 24/7. I move them to a pasture with higher ground/better drainage and a larger run-in. My competition horse will get trace clipped.

]]> Comment on Poll: Prepping for Colder Weather by Mitsy https://thehorse.com/polls/poll-prepping-for-colder-weather/#comment-8455 Tue, 24 Sep 2024 20:52:56 +0000 https://thehorse.com/poll-prepping-for-colder-weather/#comment-8455 Waterproof sheets are stored very close & only used if necessary during freezing precipitation. Automatic waters are installed below the frost line. Clean & store fly masks (this is the only thing used seasonally). Last, I do not clip my horses.

]]> Comment on Increasing Chew Time for Hay Cubes and Pellets by Jeanna Ryder https://thehorse.com/18864/increasing-chew-time-for-hay-cubes-and-pellets/#comment-8452 Tue, 10 Sep 2024 13:29:16 +0000 https://thehorse.com/8864/increasing-chew-time-for-hay-cubes-and-pellets/#comment-8452 I have a 27 yr old due to dental issues quids his hay. I bought a shredder to chop his hay and he does well with it. Question is what is a good way to leave it outside for him to eat during the day..and keep his younger buddy from eating it?

]]> Comment on Is it Okay to Ride My Ulcer-Prone Horse After Feeding? by Michelle westberry https://thehorse.com/18220/is-it-okay-to-ride-my-ulcer-prone-horse-after-feeding/#comment-8451 Tue, 10 Sep 2024 00:57:28 +0000 https://thehorse.com/8220/is-it-okay-to-ride-my-ulcer-prone-horse-after-feeding/#comment-8451 I read you recommended alfalfa hay or alfalfa pellets.I feed my horse wet alfalfa cubes prior to riding. Is that sufficient to for a buffer?

]]> Comment on Poll: Horse Deworming Schedule by Mitsy https://thehorse.com/polls/poll-horse-deworming-schedule/#comment-8447 Wed, 21 Aug 2024 00:46:07 +0000 https://thehorse.com/poll-horse-deworming-schedule/#comment-8447 Only once per year to protect againt Bots & Tapeworms – otherwise ONLY if FEC results show more than 200 epg Strongyles or other parasites present.

]]> Comment on How to Soak Beet Pulp for Horses by mary https://thehorse.com/181856/how-to-soak-beet-pulp-for-horses/#comment-8445 Sat, 10 Aug 2024 11:48:59 +0000 https://thehorse.com/?p=81856#comment-8445 How long can soaked and rinsed beet pulp be safely stored in a fridge? Freezer?

]]> Comment on Poll: Watching the Olympics by Maree Whitlam https://thehorse.com/polls/poll-watching-the-olympics/#comment-8441 Sun, 28 Jul 2024 00:33:38 +0000 https://thehorse.com/poll-watching-the-olympics/#comment-8441 My interest has always been Dressage, I like the way a horse can respond and connect with their rider. At my age 76 and a hip replacement any form of Showjumping or Cross Country isn’t something I would do but I do enjoy watching.

]]> Comment on Poll: Preventing Gastric Ulcers in Horses by Mitsy https://thehorse.com/polls/poll-preventing-gastric-ulcers-in-horses/#comment-8435 Wed, 10 Jul 2024 13:12:45 +0000 https://thehorse.com/poll-preventing-gastric-ulcers-in-horses/#comment-8435 My guys do not get concentrates but have free choice forage at all times except when working/riding or trailering.

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