Seven mathematical formulae for estimating the body weight of horses from simple measurements have been put to the test by researchers in Poland. Accuracy varied among the formulae tested, and different breeds had a major influence on the results, the study team found.
Learn about how rain during harvesting can affect hay quality and whether you should feed rained-on hay to your horses.
Humans have a long and storied history with horses, from workers to companions, and this relationship is often one of love and affection – at least on the human side. Researchers from Linköping University, Sweden, set out to examine whether horses were actually capable of forming attachment bonds and reciprocating their owners’ affection.
Before you tack up, take a minute to observe your horse in his stall for clues to his mood. If he appears unhappy or aggressive, prepare yourself for a bumpy ride: He is likely to have a negative attitude and choppier gait when working under saddle.
Owners have been urged to think carefully before they rug their horses and ponies this winter. There has been a lot of research around rugging in recent years and there are many reasons why we may not need to rug our horses, the most obvious one being weight gain.
Typically, hay testing labs report analysis results on an as-sampled, as-received, or as-fed, as well as a dry matter basis. Here’s what that means for how you feed your horse.
Here’s a fascinating account of an average day in the life of a racehorse; accompanied by the types of exercise and conditioning they endure to get them ready. The article includes a description of the diet that gives them the capacity to thrive while training and racing.
When a horse peers at his reflection in the arena mirror, does he know he’s looking at himself? Researchers in Italy are working to answer that question, but the nature of horses themselves is complicating the effort.
Many people instinctively use baby-talk when talking to their pets, often characterized by a high-pitched voice and exaggerated intonations. The same is true for many riders with their horses. But are horses sensitive to this type of speech?
In recent years scientists have pondered and investigated domestic horses’ physical and mental welfare. New research highlighting the benefits of accommodating horses’ genetically ingrained needs is booming. Some equestrians are leaving behind traditional single-horse stabling in favour of more natural options such as group housing and track paddocks.