In every issue of Horse & Rider you'll find articles on training by the country's leading experts, the latest on equine health care from top veterinarians, trail riding tips from savvy back country riders, and much more!
Trainers who work with amateurs have insights into the predictable problem areas of non-pro competitors. Such a trainer is Arizona’s Crystal McNutt, a National Reining Horse Association top-20 professional. Perhaps the Arabian world’s most successful reining trainer, she first jumped into the spotlight at the age of 9, when she was mentioned in Sports Illustrated for being the youngest person ever to win a U.S. Arabian Nationals Top-10 placing. Since then she’s gone on to great success with stock breeds as well as with Arabians and Half-Arabians. Her non-pro and youth riders have also seen outstanding success. If you’re working to sharpen your show-pen performances, take heed what this talented trainer and riding coach has to say about the four key things amateur riders often don’t do, but should. 1.…
Colic is the number-one killer of horses. Knowing exactly what to do from the moment you first notice colicky behavior can speed your horse’s recovery and spare you a lot of anxiety. What Is Colic? Colic isn’t a specific diagnosis; it’s an umbrella term for abdominal pain. Such pain has many causes, including gas in the digestive tract; obstructions and feed impactions; bowel twists; strangulating tumors; ruptures; and even nervous, cardiopulmonary, or musculoskeletal issues elsewhere in the body. We talked to Julie Dechant, DVM, MS, DACVS, of the Equine Surgical Emergency and Critical Service at the School of Veterinary Medicine at the University of California, Davis, to find out how best to handle a colic emergency. Here’s what she had to say: DO call your veterinarian immediately if you notice…
Step into the cooler seasons with a new fall-inspired outfit. Denim is a fashion staple that is both functional and fashionable. Whether you’re wearing this outfit to the barn or for date night, these Kelsea mid-rise trousers ($79.95; ariat.com) are the key piece for every fall outfit. Pair these jeans with an autumn-colored CR Ranchwear button-down shirt ($179; crranchwear.com) that catches your eye without being too bold. The red and leopard accents add a splash of color to the outfit for even more eye appeal. For additional color and extra warmth as the temperatures drop, tie the entire outfit together with a multi-colored feather wild rag ($38.95; cuculeathercompany.com) to wrap around your neck.…
Labored breathing can be a sign of recurrent airway obstruction (RAO), or heaves. Know what to look for, as early treatment is the key to managing this chronic lung condition. Horse heaves is chronic and can threaten your horse’s long-term health and performance. Learn the symptoms and treatment options for horses with heaves. That nagging little cough at the beginning of your rides, and that occasional runny nose could they mean your horse is suffering from heaves, or recurrent airway obstruction? Possibly. This condition, commonly known as heaves, is the most prevalent lung disease seen in horses. Horse heaves is chronic and can threaten your horse’s long-term health and performance. Although your horse’s heaves can’t be cured, and severe cases are difficult to manage, catching it early will help you…
Your normally free-moving horse has been a little choppy in his striding lately. You’ve noticed shortened steps, and even an occasional head nod when you work him on a small circle. Most recently, you saw him pointing one foot, then the other, when standing tied in the barn aisle. Heel pain? Diagnostics really count. Both of these problems will cause lameness in the foot, but will likely need vastly different treatments—the top’s targeted toward navicular-bone changes; the bottom’s aimed at soft-tissue injury. If you’ve been around horses for any length of time, this scenario will strike fear in your heart. Navicular isn’t a word you want to hear, and with these symptoms, you’re sure it’s coming. Not so fast. While it’s true the small navicular bone within your horse’s foot…
NSAIDS (Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) NSAIDs help reduce inflammation and control pain. They’re likely to be a part of your horse’s treatment regardless of the underlying cause. The most common NSAIDs include phenylbutazone (bute), flunixin meglumine (Banamine®), and firocoxib (Equioxx®). Be sure always to follow your vet’s dosing instructions to avoid stomach ulcers or kidney damage. Systemic Joint Treatments If your horse’s coffin joint or navicular bursa is inflamed, your vet is likely to recommend medications that help improve the lubrication and nutrition of the joints. These most commonly include hyaluronic acid (Legend) given intravenously or polysulfated glycosaminoglycan (Adequan) given in the muscle. Your vet might also recommend oral supplements containing chondroitin sulfate or glucosamine. Joint Injection Again, if an inflamed coffin joint or navicular bursa is part of your horse’s…
