Q: Why is a concave sole desirable? A: Concavity of the sole is a far better sign than a ‘flat foot’. Part of the foot’s…
AskHQ: White line disease
Posted onQ: What is white line disease? A: The white line is the area on the ground surface of the foot that appears as a narrow…
AskHQ: Thrush
Posted onQ: What exactly is thrush? A: Thrush is a bacterial infection that commonly affects the frog. It is often associated with wet and dirty bedding,…
AskHQ: Flu vaccine
Posted onQ: If vaccines work, why do vaccinated horses still contract flu? A: Vaccines don’t stop infection entirely, but they increase your horse’s immunity to the…
Horse health check: 12) Feet
Posted onHooves can be great indicators of overall hoof health. Poor quality horn in the feet can be suggestive of nutritional deficiencies, and rings can be…
Horse health check: 11) The legs
Posted onEvery owner should know their horse’s legs. Every day before and after you ride you should palpate the legs from top to toe, to find…
Horse health check: 10) Manure
Posted onYour horse’s manure can give you clues as to his overall condition. Droppings should be in firm, well-formed balls. Very loose droppings or low amounts…
Horse health check: 9) Body condition score
Posted onLooking at your horse’s condition can tell you a lot about his health. Formally assessing body condition score may seem like a bit of schlepp…
Horse health check: 8) Gut sounds
Posted onYou should be able to hear your horses’s gut sounds as your horse digests his food by putting your ear to his abdomen. You need…
Horse health check: 7) Respiratory rate
Posted onYour horse’s respiratory rate (number of breaths he takes per minute) should be between 10-24 breaths per minute. Just as with heart rate it will…