Can horses eat Smutsfinger hay?
In mid-winter, fodder is always short and we need to know if horses can safely eat what’s available and affordable. Dr Mac provides some answers.
Potential causes of swelling on a horse
It’s great when your horse’s coat shines, but then you come across a bump, and your heart sinks.
Skeletal dysfunction in horses
Equine chiropractic can help with the diagnosis and prevention of skeletal dysfunction, says Kim Dyson.
Acupuncture for equines
When acupuncture is used to stimulate specific points along
affected energy channels, blockages are opened and the normal flow of energy is restored, says Kim Dyson.
Wasps kill flies
Parasitic wasps are an environmentally friendly way of breaking the life cycle of flies in stables, says Dr Mac.
Battling those burrs
Burrs in the mane and tail are not only unsightly but painful,
and can become an animal welfare problem, warns Dr Mac.
Dealing with Osteochondritis dissecans (OCD
Osteochondritis dissecans is an extremely painful orthopaedic disease, but it can be avoided, notes Kim Dyson.
Exercising a horse
Bringing a horse back into work after illness or injury is always a risky business. Kim Dyson offers some helpful tips.
Handling stallions
Stallions can be dangerous and must be taught to respect you from an early age, says Dr Mac.
Stop your horse from chewing wood
Some tips from Kim Dyson on how to stop your horse from munching on poles.
About those pink patches
When is being called ‘Snowflake’ or ‘Pinky’ not good? When vitiligo is involved, says Kim Dyson.
Foaling season
Horse owners need to try and minimise risks to both foal and mare during foaling season, says Dr Mac.
Hard hats save lives
The South African Equestrian Federation doesn’t allow any rider to compete unless they’re wearing approved headgear –
and for good reason, says Dr Mac.
Removing wolf teeth
If your young horse is throwing its head around when you pull on the reins it may have wolf teeth, says Dr Mac.
Proud flesh
The best way to prevent proud flesh from forming is proper wound management, says Kim Dyson.
Sweet itch or grass mange?
During summer, many horses develop itchy, hairless patches on their heads and necks. What causes this and how do you deal with it? Dr Mac tells you more.
Symptoms of Datura poisoning in horses
Although fairly common in most paddocks, Datura is most definitely not your horse’s friend.
