Health and Well Being

Swollen Glands in Horses

Swollen glands in horses can range from minor irritations to signs of contagious illness. While some cases may be linked to grass, dental problems, or allergies, others require immediate veterinary attention to prevent complications and protect the herd.

Can Horses Eat Peanuts?

Many horse owners wonder if peanuts are a safe and fun treat for their equine partner. While horses can eat peanuts in small amounts, there are some important considerations around digestibility, risks like choke or mold toxins, and nutritional balance. This article also explores peanut hay, commercial feed use, and alternative horse treats to help owners make informed choices.

horse with big blaze and rope halter eating grain from a shallow rubber bowl

Garlic For Horses – Use Caution

Garlic is often added to horse diets for benefits like insect control, immune support, or parasite prevention, but science tells a different story. Research shows that garlic for horses can contribute to anemia, even at low doses over time. While many horse owners seek natural solutions, understanding the risks and lack of proven benefits helps guide healthier and safer feeding decisions.

close up of sarcoid on horse's face near the nostril

Sarcoids on Horses

Sarcoids on horses are the most common type of equine skin tumor, often linked to the bovine papillomavirus. They vary in size, shape, and severity, and while not life-threatening, they can cause discomfort and impact quality of life. Learning the types, risk factors, and treatment approaches equips horse owners to work closely with their vet for effective management.

horse eating hay flakes while in a small paddock with a thin layer of snow

Feeding Horses in Winter

Cold weather creates new challenges for equine nutrition, from extra calories for warmth to hydration and vitamin support. Feeding horses in winter means making smart adjustments to hay, supplements, and feeding routines to prevent health risks like colic or weight loss.

how long do horses live picture of a gray and red horse

Horse Lifespan Guide: How Long Do Horses Live

The question of how long do horses live has many answers, depending on breed, genetics, and the care they receive. Domestic horses often live longer than their wild counterparts, sometimes reaching their 30s or beyond with proper nutrition, exercise, and preventive health care. Ponies and smaller breeds may even outlive larger horses, showing how size and management can shape equine lifespans.

Antacids for Horses – Are They Worth It?

Horses commonly suffer from gastric ulcers, and managing stomach acid is a frequent concern for horse owners. Antacids for horses may provide temporary relief by neutralizing acid, but they do not address the underlying causes of ulcers, such as an empty stomach or high-stress feeding schedules. Effective prevention and treatment often rely on diet changes, small frequent meals, forage, and veterinary-guided medications rather than human antacids like TUMS.

pulsed electromagnetic coils on a horse's back

PEMF for Horses

PEMF for horses is gaining attention as a non-invasive therapy that may support equine health and healing. Pulsed electromagnetic field therapy for horses is thought to improve circulation, reduce inflammation, and aid recovery in tissues ranging from bone to cartilage. While research is ongoing and results are mixed, horse owners and veterinarians are exploring its potential role in managing injuries, soreness, and long-term conditions.

The Science of Twitching Horses

When it comes to handling horses during medical treatments or stressful situations, safety for both horse and handler is key. One traditional tool is the nose twitch—a simple device that applies pressure to the upper lip. Used correctly, a twitch can trigger the release of endorphins, helping a horse relax just enough to make a quick procedure possible. But like any restraint method, twitching has limits and risks. Knowing when, how, and why to use a twitch—and when to avoid it—can make all the difference in keeping your horse’s welfare front and center.

Bot Flies in Horses

Blasted bot blies in horse! These parasites lay eggs on your horse’s hair, then the eggs hatch and migrate to their digestive tract as larvae. The cycle continues as they pass with manure to mature into adults. Break the cycle and learn how to treat them.

close up of hoof x-ray showing the toe and coffin bone

Treating Chronic Laminitis in Horses

Treating chronic laminitis in horses involves more than easing pain—it’s about long-term hoof health, dietary adjustments, and proactive prevention. By working closely with your veterinarian and farrier, you can manage inflammation, correct hoof balance, reduce triggers like excess pasture sugars, and monitor metabolic health to help your horse stay comfortable, mobile, and free from flare-ups.

insect bite hypersensitivity reaction of many hives on a horse's back

Insect Bite Hypersensitivity in Horses

IBH in horses creates a cycle of bites, allergic reaction, intense itching, and skin lesions. A horse’s immune system goes into overdrive, creating the severe allergy to fly saliva, usualy Culicoides midges, or no-see-ums, but many fly types are to blame. Learn how to help the horse with insect bite hypersensitivity.