Learn about vaulting
Vaulting, the ancient sport of equine gymnastics, is the fastest-growing equestrian sport in South Africa. One reason for this is that it’s truly accessible to all, explains Dr Mac.
Is oat hay a suitable alternative for horses?
Oat hay can be cultivated throughout South Africa, but is it suitable forage for horses?
Dropping the ‘dominance theory’
It is now considered old-fashioned and misguided, not to mention cruel, to use ‘dominance theory’ methods to train a horse, cautions Dr Mac.
Mouldy maize stover: it could prove a killer
Equine leukoencephalomalacia is a deadly disease sometimes found in mouldy maize stover, cautions Dr Mac.
Just how high is your horse?
An exact measurement is needed to certify competition horses, says Dr Mac.
Heritability of temperament in horses
Is temperament mainly genetic or due to the environment? Before answering this question, we should be clear about what is meant by ‘temperament’, says Dr Mac.
Importing horses
Bringing in competition horses from overseas can be expensive and requires expert help, cautions Dr Mac.
Dealing with the rattles
Rhodococcus equi infections can be fatal, especially in Arabian foals, says Dr Mac.
Know your horse breed: Percheron
Percherons have become extremely popular in South Africa, not least because these gentle giants are easy to handle and still have some use on the farm, says Dr Mac.
Make hay while the sun shines
The coming winter looks set to be hard. Horse owners should plan ahead to ensure they have enough food to take their horses through this difficult time, says Dr Mac.
About gaited horses
‘Gait’ is the way a horse moves, but there are also breeds known as ‘gaited horses’, explains Dr Mac.
All about fenugreek
Horses that compete in sports where big, strong muscles are needed will benefit from having this herb in their feed regularly, says Kim Dyson.
New AHS vaccine schedule
The Directorate of Animal Health will now enforce vaccination between June and October in the Western Cape’s African horse sickness-free zone, reports Dr Mac.
The horse passport explained
This legal document helps to simplify equestrian sport and ensure greater protection for horses, explains Dr Mac.
Colostrum: it’s about quality and quantity
It is crucial that a foal gets enough good quality colostrum, and harvesting can be a practical solution, says Dr Mac.
An additive for healthier intestines
Remove sand from the bowel and so prevent later problems, says Kim Dyson.
Why colostrum is so important for a foal
The first fluid suckled by a foal significantly reduces the risk of disease, says Dr Mac.
Moxidectin dewormer for horses – watch that dosage!
With its long residual effect, moxidectin dewormer is a useful treatment for encysted small strongyles and all stages of brown stomach worm in horses. But it can be toxic if...
How bergafat benefits horses
Fat is a superb source of energy without the harmful side-effects of other energy sources, says Kim Dyson. And the ideal form to feed it to your horse is bergafat...
