What keeps horse owners up at night? Here's a look at the biggest worries horse owners have, and links to tips to avoid and prevent most of the disasters that could befall your horse.
Colic, which encompasses a number of symptoms caused by gastric distress, is one of the leading causes of death in horses. Some colics are harmless, amounting to a belly ache, while others can be fatal. Learn what you can about colic before you need to so you're prepared to handle a potentially difficult situation.More »
It is distressing when horses die suddenly for no obvious reason. It can happen to high profile horses like Hickstead, and it can happen to backyard horses, no matter how well cared for they are. It can happen at any age, to horses in any condition. Here are some of the causes of sudden death in horses.More »
Barn fires can be devastating. Every year, horses are lost in stable fires. Because barns are filled with flammable contents like shavings and straw, once a fire starts, it can spread rapidly. Here's what you need to do to fire-proof your stable.
Imagine walking out to your horse's pasture or stall and not being able to find it. Horse thieves steal thousands of horses every year. Whether your horse is a performance horse with a winning show record, or a backyard companion, it can be stolen for a number of different reasons. Here's how to make your horse less of a target.More »
Lions, and tigers and bears, oh my! As if two-legged predators weren't worry enough, there are four-legged threats to your horse. Some animals thing horses are fun to chase and might even make a tasty meal. Here is how to prevent predator attacks when your horse is in its pasture.More »
Lightning is a threat to your horse in its pasture, your barns and buildings and to you when you're out riding. It's not unusual for a horse to be hit by lightning. Do you know what to do when the thunder rumbles and you're on your horse? Here's how to take care of you and your horse when dangerous weather strikes.
It's not unusual to see headlines about dogs attacking horses.Dog attacks on horses in pastures do happen, and they happen while horses are ridden too. Foals and small ponies may be particularly at risk. Having dogs run at you while you're riding on trail can be frightening for you and your horse. Here's how to avoid a dog attack, in the pasture or on the trail.More »
Your pastures may look green, but that doesn't mean everything out there is safe for your horse to eat. While you're peacefully sleeping, your horse may be munching something that could poison it. Here's a look at some toxic plants that may be lurking in your pastures and paddocks.
It's a worry when a horse breaks a leg, because many breaks can't be repaired and won't heal easily. Learn why broken legs are such a problem in horses.
1. Colic
Colic, which encompasses a number of symptoms caused by gastric distress, is one of the leading causes of death in horses. Some colics are harmless, amounting to a belly ache, while others can be fatal. Learn what you can about colic before you need to so you're prepared to handle a potentially difficult situation.More »
2. Sudden Death
It is distressing when horses die suddenly for no obvious reason. It can happen to high profile horses like Hickstead, and it can happen to backyard horses, no matter how well cared for they are. It can happen at any age, to horses in any condition. Here are some of the causes of sudden death in horses.More »
3. Barn Fires
Barn fires can be devastating. Every year, horses are lost in stable fires. Because barns are filled with flammable contents like shavings and straw, once a fire starts, it can spread rapidly. Here's what you need to do to fire-proof your stable.
4. Horse Theft
Imagine walking out to your horse's pasture or stall and not being able to find it. Horse thieves steal thousands of horses every year. Whether your horse is a performance horse with a winning show record, or a backyard companion, it can be stolen for a number of different reasons. Here's how to make your horse less of a target.More »
5. Animal Predators
Lions, and tigers and bears, oh my! As if two-legged predators weren't worry enough, there are four-legged threats to your horse. Some animals thing horses are fun to chase and might even make a tasty meal. Here is how to prevent predator attacks when your horse is in its pasture.More »
6. Lightning
Lightning is a threat to your horse in its pasture, your barns and buildings and to you when you're out riding. It's not unusual for a horse to be hit by lightning. Do you know what to do when the thunder rumbles and you're on your horse? Here's how to take care of you and your horse when dangerous weather strikes.
7. Dog Attacks
It's not unusual to see headlines about dogs attacking horses.Dog attacks on horses in pastures do happen, and they happen while horses are ridden too. Foals and small ponies may be particularly at risk. Having dogs run at you while you're riding on trail can be frightening for you and your horse. Here's how to avoid a dog attack, in the pasture or on the trail.More »
8. Toxic Plants
Your pastures may look green, but that doesn't mean everything out there is safe for your horse to eat. While you're peacefully sleeping, your horse may be munching something that could poison it. Here's a look at some toxic plants that may be lurking in your pastures and paddocks.
9. Broken Legs
It's a worry when a horse breaks a leg, because many breaks can't be repaired and won't heal easily. Learn why broken legs are such a problem in horses.
Of Course, Don't Lose Sleep
By taking good care of your horse and using common sense, you can avoid many emergencies. Sometimes life just happens. Enjoy your horse, and get a good night's sleep knowing you've done all you can to look after your horse.
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