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!
ANYONE WHO LOVES TIME IN THE SADDLE loves spring and the itch that comes with it to put a foot in the stirrup, swing into the saddle, and head out across the countryside. But spring can be two-sided for trail riders. Along with its joys, there are hazards and cautions. And in the high-altitude western mountains these last until July, when snow in the high country finally recedes off the trails and frost in the shaded places finally thaws. Heading out on trails not traveled since the previous autumn requires special vigilance and preparation. Here are seven steps to a safe spring ride. STEP 1: Condition your horse. First, consider your horse. Ideally, he hasn’t been idle all winter growing fat on alfalfa and sweet feed, thoughts of carrying a…
STALL REST. What can prompt your veterinarian to prescribe it? Soft-tissue injuries, bone fractures, severe wounds, post-surgery recuperation (as for colic), and more. Whatever the cause, here’s how to manage your horse on stall rest in a way that keeps him happy and healing. Location, diet. Where you confine your horse will affect how he accepts it. A stall where he can observe the goings-on around him, as in a working barn, can work well. Having other horses stalled nearby at least some of the time is especially helpful. If other equines aren’t available, consider an other-species pal (such as a goat or sheep) to keep him company. If your vet OKs it and weather permits, an outside pen downsized to stall dimensions can provide an enjoyable change of scenery.…
Cleaning out the barn is much more fun than cleaning the house—nobody likes to dust behind the kitchen appliances. Putting energy into cleaning the barn not only makes you happy, but it’s a great way to pamper your horse to help keep him healthy. Freshening up your barn is more than just organizing and sprucing up the feed room, there are other areas of your barn that could use tending when you start spring cleaning. Here are some tasks you don’t want to overlook this spring. Freshen Up the Barn Scrub Tanks and Buckets Clean water will help encourage your horse to drink and will help to prevent bugs from laying eggs in the water. Vinegar and baking soda are safe cleaners to use when cleaning tanks and buckets. For…
While investigating a 5,600-year-old village site in Kazakhstan, archaeologists determined that its Copper Age inhabitants were among the first cultures to tame horses. The evidence? The buried remnants of corral posts. Clearly, fences have been crucial to our shared relationship all along. Wood fencing is highly visible and strong, but cost can be a downside to this option. Unlike ancient horsemen who were limited to sticks and stones to enclose their horses, we benefit from a vast variety of traditional and modern materials from which to choose. Unfortunately, despite over 5,000 years of development, there’s still no ideal fence for every horse-keeping purpose. Each fence choice involves balancing safety concerns with aesthetics, cost, and upkeep. Chances are you’ll employ a variety of materials and fence designs on your property for…
