Fitting a saddle correctly is vital for your horse’s comfort and soundness. A well-fitting saddle helps prevent pain, bad behavior, and long-term lameness issues. Measuring for a horse saddle is the first essential step in this process. Why Saddle Fit Matters So Much A saddle should evenly distribute the rider’s weight across the horse’s back. … Read more
The Cannonball Horse refers to the fast, often memorable equine companions featured in races, particularly those inspired by the famed Cannonball Run horse challenges. While the term primarily evokes images from the movies about the classic car race horse events, it also points toward the spirit of speed seen in real-life endurance contests, like the … Read more
A healthy adult horse typically lies down to sleep for a total of about 30 minutes to 3 hours per 24-hour period. However, do horses sleep standing up? Yes, they absolutely do! Horses spend the vast majority of their rest time standing. They only lie down fully for the crucial deep sleep stage, known as … Read more
Yes, you can keep horse flies away effectively using a mix of physical barriers, topical repellents, and good stable management. Dealing with these biting insects is a constant challenge for horse owners. Horse flies, often called “deer flies” or “gadflies,” cause pain, stress, and even transmit diseases to horses. Taking a multi-faceted approach is the … Read more
No, horses cannot typically breathe through their mouths. Horses are considered obligate nasal breathers. This means their primary, and almost exclusive, method of moving air in and out of their lungs is through their nose. The Basics of Equine Respiration Grasping how a horse breathes is key to knowing why mouth breathing is a problem. … Read more
Yes, you absolutely can get a DUI (Driving Under the Influence) while riding a horse in North Carolina. North Carolina law does not limit impaired operation to motor vehicles; it covers any “vehicle” or “conveyance” operated while impaired. Deciphering North Carolina’s Stance on Impaired Animal Operation Many people think that operating a motor vehicle is … Read more
Riding a horse burns a surprising number of calories, making it a great form of exercise. The exact number depends on many factors, like the rider’s weight, the horse’s gait (speed), and how much effort the rider puts in. Generally, you can expect to burn anywhere from 180 to 650 calories per hour while horseback … Read more
No, you should generally not put a heavy or waterproof horse blanket on a horse that is soaking wet. Doing so traps the water close to the horse’s skin, making it much harder for the coat to dry. This trapped moisture creates a cold, damp environment that significantly raises the risk of the horse catching … Read more
The polo pony price can range widely, from a few thousand dollars for a beginner mount to over $100,000 for a top-tier, high-goal competition horse. Deciphering the cost of polo horse ownership involves much more than just the initial purchase price. A polo pony is an athlete. Like any elite athlete, it needs top care, … Read more
Can you shampoo a horse? Yes, you absolutely can shampoo a horse, and regular washing is an important part of good horse grooming. Washing helps keep your horse clean, comfortable, and healthy. This guide will show you the right way to shampoo your horse from start to finish. We will cover everything from picking the … Read more