Category: Horse Health

All equines encounter horse flies during spring, summer, and early autumn. Horse flies bite and can cause irritation to horses, and they are also responsible for carrying disease and bacteria throughout herds. Horse flies present the major problems of; Therefore, horse owners should do everything possible to prevent horse fly populations surrounding their horses. Types of Horse Flies There are different types of horse flies that affect horses in different ways. Here are some ways you can prevent the different types of horse fly from causing a problem to your…...

Summer sees the onset of blue skies, bright days, and longer turnout times. However, sunny days are unpredictable in the UK climate, meaning it’s easy to forget adequate sun protection for ourselves and our horses. To keep your horse in the sun for longer and reap the benefits of hacking and turnout, we’ve created a guide for everything you need to know about sunburn in horses. What is sunburn? Sunburn causes redness, swelling, and peeling of the skin, much like in humans. The area will cause a degree of discomfort…...

Horse owners know that proper wound care is not just a necessity; it’s an essential part of keeping their equine companions healthy and active. From minor abrasions to more severe lacerations, understanding the best practices for wound management can significantly affect the recovery outcome.  This guide offers a deep dive into the skin structure of horses, outlines the types of wounds they may encounter, and discusses the stages of wound healing.  Structure of the Skin in Horses The skin of a horse is a complex organ that serves as the…...

Are you doing enough to protect your horse’s joints? Joint health is key to every horse performing and feeling at their best, from companion to Olympic athlete! But, with numerous daily factors impacting equine joints, what should horse owners be doing to protect these delicate structures? Incorporating the best management techniques is a step in the right direction to supporting equine joints. In this article, we investigate best management practices and products to support equine joints. Managing Nutrition To protect your horse’s joints, first consider whether their diet supports good…...

Learn about rain scald, a common skin disease in horses caused by excess moisture. Discover prevention and treatment methods to keep your horse healthy over winter. Rain scald and mud rash are just some of the problems plaguing horses over the winter months. As the weather begins to change, we are faced with different seasonal skin diseases in our horses and ponies. Here, we take a look at rain scald, where and when it’s likely to strike, prevention, and treatment. What is Rain Scald? Rain scald (or Rain Rot) is…...

Equine obesity is now considered an equine welfare crisis by many leading animal charities in the UK. With the rise of equine obesity across a nation of horse-lovers, why are we facing an equine obesity problem? This article starts off by looking at the dangers of obesity in horses before looking at the horse owners’ part in the problem. The Dangers of Obesity in Horses With one study finding that less than 1% of horse owners perceived weight gain as an issue, the dangers of obesity are more of a…...

It is imperative to your horse’s health to get rid of Ragwort from a field where they graze. Timing and equipment are key areas to consider when killing, or removing the weed, along with the correct protective gear for you. When Ragwort is actively growing, it is unpalatable to horses. However, the danger comes when the weed has wilted in the field or dried and found in hay. Once wilted, it remains toxic to horses but loses its bitter taste and will readily be eaten. Often, landowners are keen to…...

What is the correct Glucosamine dosage for horses? Needing enough to be effective, yet not too much for it to go to waste, or worse, be unsafe. Here we untangle how much Glucosamine horses actually need in their diet. What is Glucosamine? Glucosamine is an essential component of normal, healthy articular cartilage in horses and humans. Covering the ends of bones when they come together to form joints, healthy articular cartilage is crucial for smooth, functioning joints for movement and performance. Glucosamine for horses is an indispensable supplement, especially for…...

Dehydration in Horses: What to look out for  Dehydration in Horses is common during the hotter months, therefore, it remains vitally important to recognise warning signs, alongside understanding how to prevent and treat should the issue occur. Here, Dr Jessica May, UK lead vet at the video vet service FirstVet, is on hand to give the best advice on the matter. Signs of Dehydration in Horses In hot weather, horses rely heavily on sweating for temperature regulation, leaving them prone to dehydration caused by the loss of electrolytes. The heat and…...