Dr Mac
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, cautions Dr Mac.
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.
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 can do, says Dr Mac.
Dealing with digital tenosynovitis
Inflammation of the tendon sheath in the fetlock region can cause severe lameness in a horse, says Dr Mac.
Use a Pelham bit to control your horse
The dual-purpose Pelham bit is used for showing, eventing and jumping and is highly effective for controlling children’s ponies, says Dr Mac.
Treating horses that leak urine
A slow dribble of urine in a mare, gelding or stallion can have one of several causes, and could point to a serious medical condition. It requires immediate investigation, warns Dr Mac.
Tips on how to win at the western mounted games
Western mounted games is the fastest-growing equestrian sport in South Africa. Barrel racing, which attracts large audiences and generous prizes in the US, is...
Teaching beginners to ride safely
It’s possible to mitigate the risks without taking the fun out of riding, says Dr Mac.
Protect your horse from the sun
Lack of the dark skin pigment, melanin, on some parts of a horse’s body can lead to sunburn or skin cancer. Horses should have access to shade at all times of the day, advises Dr Mac.
Keeping your horse clean
Whether you manage a riding stable, stud, or herd of trail horses, a wash bay is very useful, says Dr Mac.
Dealing with a fractured jaw
Breaks are often misdiagnosed and sometimes even heal on their own, says Dr Mac.
Cobalt now a controlled substance
Riders should be very careful about giving horses supplements before competitions, cautions Dr Mac.
Get your horse to canter correctly
Only when a horse has the correct lead is it balanced and safe to ride at a canter, says Dr Mac.
Ovulation and fertility
To make sure a mare conceives, you have to get the timing precisely right, so planning is crucial. Dr Mac explains.
How much should a horse cost?
Breed, conformation and supply and demand are among the factors that affect the price of a horse, explains Dr Mac.
Reducing stress in broodmares
Owners of broodmares should ensure that their animals’ feed is optimal and the timing is right, says Dr Mac.
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