All that is green may not be healthy grazing
The seeds of Datura species can cause fatal impaction colic, warns Dr Mac.
Nice horse, pity about the rider
Competitive behaviour is human nature. Deep inside all riders, there is a desire to compete in shows. You polish yourself and your horse, you practise until you’re sure that you’re...
Jump for joy!
Any horse person will tell you about the hours of laughter that you'll get out of sharing jump stories. Go to the Sappi horse trials and you will notice how...
When to call the horse vet
It is important to know the basics when taking care of your horse, but in some cases you might do more harm than good. Kim Dyson explains when you can...
Teaching a horse to lift a foot
Your horse should lift all four feet willingly when asked, writes Dr Mac.
Laminitis: too much rich food can cause lameness
Laminitis often has devastating consequences for your horse's ability to work. If it's too severe, your horse may even have to be put down, writes Dr Mac.
Feng Shui for horses
Feng Shui is the ancient Chinese art of positioning the things around us so that we are in greater harmony with our environment.
Danger signs that need expert attention
Even though many South Africans live in remote areas and it is difficult to get a vet, in some situations there is no alternative.
Stress in endurance rides
Competitive long-distanc e riding tests the stamina of both horse and rider.
Aromatherapy for horses
Aromatherapy is the use of essential oils to improve the emotional, and in turn the physical wellness of the animal being treated.
Computer-assisted breeding
In part one (Farmer's Weekly, 25 May 2007), Art McDonald told us the secret of an “ideal horse” was the balance of its proportions. In the second article, based on...
When horses bolt their feed
It is not uncommon to find a horse that bolt s its feed. This means that it eats so fast that it hardly chews or breathes.
Resistance problems?
Various factors can contribute to resistance in your horse - the bit is not necessarily always the problem. Issue date 15 June 2007
Foal food for thought
The best time to start feeding a foal is two months before weaning. Once a foal has been weaned it is up to you to provide it with a good...
Facial paralysis
Facial paralysis is a fairly common ailment in horses. The paralysis of the facial nerve can be slight or very dramatic. If treated immediately it normally can be reversed
Treating windgalls
Around a joint or tendon is a capsule or sheath that produces synovial fluid, which acts as lubrication. If the capsule is damaged by percussion or overstretching, it produces extra...
Dealing with splints
A splint is a bony growth that forms on the inside edge of the splint bone between the splint bone and the cannon bone. It is the result of tearing...
Pulling up lame?
Lameness is probably the most common cause of concern amongst horse owners. There are many and varied reasons for a horse pulling up lame. Issue Date 16 March 2007
