Inherited night blindness
Reduced vision at night and a reluctance to enter dark stables in the daytime may be associated with night blindness, says Dr Mac.
Severing the umbilical cord
As a rule, you should avoid tying off the umbilical cord after birth. However, if very heavy bleeding occurs, it’s time to act, advises Dr Mac.
Meconium retention in foals
About 2% of foals are unable to expel the meconium within the first 24 hours after birth, warns Dr Mac.
Cushioned overshoes for horses
In the US, Soft-Ride boots are often used to make a horse more comfortable on a hard floor, such as in a stable or a horsebox. South African owners should...
Why cutting horses are useful
Certain horse breeds have an inborn ability to separate a cow from a herd, a trait that makes them a valuable partner on a farm, says Dr Mac.
‘Is my horse bay or brown in colour?’
Knowing the difference is important to breeders, as the genetics are not the same, although the colours may appear similar, says Dr Mac.
How stride length influences your horse’s jump
Jumping to win means you have to feel each stride as you ride and know when to shorten or lengthen it, says Dr Mac.
Controlling worms in horses
Experience over the past two years has demonstrated the value of monitoring egg counts in manure. This is key to planning an effective worm control programme, says Dr Mac.
Opening a gate from horseback
It’s convenient to be able to open farm gates without dismounting. Here’s how to teach your horse the trick. Be prepared, though, to invest a bit of time and patience,...
What is African horse sickness?
The severity of African horse sickness (AHS) is strongly linked to the immunity status of the horse concerned, and the dose of the virus it receives from biting midges.
Dealing with the shying horse
A horse that gets into the habit of shying at every perceived danger can be both irritating and dangerous. Fortunately, there are ways of teaching it to become more confident.
What to do until the vet arrives
Your vet may not be able to respond immediately to an emergency. That means it’s up to you to help your horse as best you can. Fortunately, there’s plenty you...
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