A top horse stud’s breeding philosophy
The Bridgewater Stud in Hekpoort, owned and run by Garland Poil, has gone from strength to strength since its establishment more than 40 years ago, and offers horse owners and...
SA Boerperd: a breed tempered by Africa, for Africa
A five-star rating system being implemented by Erica Stud is taking the SA Boerperd into the future. George Nefdt, owner of the stud in KwaZulu-Natal, tells Sabrina Dean why he...
Breeding top racehorses
The world reflected through the eye of a horse is at the centre of the ethos of a boutique racehorse stud set in the Breede Valley in the Western Cape....
An integrated approach is required for fly control in stables
Whether they’re a general nuisance or disease carriers, it’s essential that flies are controlled throughout their life cycle.
Equine dentistry: is ‘bit seating’ really necessary for all horses?
While most horse owners agree that it’s a good idea for riding horses to be examined by a dentist at least once a year, the need for bit seating depends...
Feed, hay, and other costs are up, so it’s time to get creative
Breeders and riding schools need to explore innovative ways to generate income in order to ensure their survival, says Dr Mac.
Are you deworming your horse too often?
Recent research reveals emerging anthelminthic resistance in equines and intenstinal parasite mutation, says Dr Mac.
How an Eastern Cape miniature horse breeder built up his stud
Don’t be mistaken: the South African Miniature Horse is not a toy breed but a well-balanced, hardy animal, and if all reference to size were eliminated, would have the same...
Are nosebands really necessary?
Recent research has found evidence of bone and tissue damage in parade horses wearing nosebands, says Dr Mac.
Broodmares and foals on the veld need enough clean water
Horses are herbivores and can survive on natural grazing, but what about the water?
Sidebone in horses: is it unsoundness?
Sidebone is the ossification of the collateral cartilages. It is found mainly in the hooves of heavy Warmbloods, writes Dr Mac.
Global warming and heat stress in horses
The maximum daily temperatures are climbing globally, and stable management approaches may have to be changed, says Dr Mac.
Blood tests: a quick, accurate guide to your horse’s health
Why do veterinarians take blood tests from a horse and what are they looking for? Dr Mac explains the basics of this crucial diagnostic tool.
How does a horse regulate its body temperature ?
Dr Mac explains how a horse uses thermoregulation to deal with changes in air temperature and to cope with vigorous exercise.
Boerperd breeder sets her sights ever higher
Liezelle Whitehead, award-winning SA Boerperd breeder from the eastern Free State, believes the Boerperd has a bright future as probably the most multi-purpose horse in the country. She describes the...
The importance of routine in horse care
Fitting your riding times into a daily pattern with stable mates may help to establish an ordered way of life for your horse, writes Dr Mac.
Where have all the horse vets gone?
Faced with an emergency with one of her own horses, Dr Mac experienced South Africa’s shortage of equine veterinarians for herself.
Why horses and donkeys still have a place in agriculture
No fuel or batteries required! With the world seeking to go green in the face of climate change, equids such as horses, donkeys and mules might just be the next...
Length of hind hooves can influence soundness in horses
The contribution of the hind hooves to overall soundness, neglected until now, has been highlighted in a new study.
Removal of waste in stables
With its implications for health, waste removal is a key aspect of management. It requires proper planning and a well-designed system that allow the task to be done quickly and...
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