Tendons and ligaments are made of up of a network of dense elastic tissue. This connective tissue is rich in a protein called collagen and the fibers of collagen run lengthwise through the tendons. Collagen is the main structural protein…
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How exactly does a wound heal? The answer involves a very complex healing process that even now is not completely understood. There are many factors involved in healing even a simple wound. If your horse has a wound that just…
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Arthritis (also known as Degenerative Joint Disease (DJD) and Osteoarthritis (OA)) is a progressive deterioration of the cartilage that lines the ends of the bones that join together to form a joint. This surface of the bone should be smooth…
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Cooler nights are a sign of the coming fall season, and a horse owner might take notice of some “morning stiffness” that will come with the change in temperature as well. Any horse who has arthritis, musculoskeletal issues, or an…
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There seems to be a lot of controversy and mixed feelings about feeding alfalfa to horses, particularly horses with a metabolic condition. I get this question quite often and I am glad that I have the research and knowledge available…
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As a barefoot trimmer, nothing makes me happier than to see a well-balanced horse with a healthy hoof. So many of my clients understand the importance of allowing their horses to MOVE, and the horses benefit greatly in a more…
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Navicular. In the horse world, we all know that word to be quite devastating, after all, there is no cure for Navicular and the horse will continue to get lame despite all efforts, until the time comes to make “the…
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It has recently come to my attention that some of my trimming clients may be confused when I tell them that their horse has a bit of “coffin bone remodeling”. While this makes complete sense to me now, it didn’t…
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Limiting hay for any horse (but particularly an IR horse) will be counterproductive when it comes to trying to get your horse lose weight. The more weight a horse gains, the more we are told to “decrease their food”. With…
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What would you consider a “behavioral problem” with a horse? Rearing, bucking, bolting? Biting, kicking, or other dangerous behavior? How about restless or hyper-sensitive and spooky? I find it interesting, and somewhat sad, how a horse’s behavior is sometimes perceived. …
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