HORSES NATURALLY grow hair in response to reducing daylight as the weather cools in the fall and winter. These hairs are various lengths and trap in warm air to keep the horse warm. A healthy, unclipped horse in pasture with appropriate shelter from the elements, free choice forage and water should not require blanketing in …
TRUST IS ESSENTIAL in a relationship between you and your horse and is something that needs to be developed and encouraged when you are asking your horse to do something that they are unsure or afraid of, such as being caught or vaccinated. Working with a nervous horse takes time and effort, and there will …
Preparing your horse for a vet visit — ‘catching’ and needle-shy issues Read More »
MULLIKIN THE HORSE AND FRIENDS by JANET DELCASTILLO About the Author/Illustrator: Janet DelCastillo is a thoroughbred race horse trainer based in Winter Haven, Florida. For more information about her equine work, visit www.backyardracehorse.com.
WHITE LINE DISEASE (seedy toe, hoof wall disease) is a common disease seen in the equine foot that may or may not result in lameness. This disease occurs with separation of the hoof wall from the underlying tissue and then colonization with bacteria. Separation is caused by environmental conditions, mineral toxicity or mechanical stresses on …
State officials and experts laud new legislation FLORIDA HAS A reputation as a horse-loving state and is home of a “Horse Capital of the World” title contender; Florida House Bill 239 proves there is also a lot of “horse sense” in the state government when it comes to the Sunshine State’s equestrian pursuits. Sponsored by …
EQUINE PROTOZOAL myeloencephalitis (EPM) is a neurological disease in horses and is caused by the protozoan Sarcocystis neurona, which affects the brain and spinal cord. The protozoan requires two hosts to complete its life cycle, a definitive and an intermediate host. Opossums are the definitive hosts and cats, raccoons, armadillos, and skunks are intermediate hosts. …
IF YOU OWN HORSES, then you have probably heard of a Coggins test, but what is it and why do you need to have one?
Getting ready to move your horse to the new ranch or boarding barn DESPITE BEING known as great trekkers in the wild, many horses don’t travel all that well. If you are moving your horse to a new ranch or boarding barn, then it’s best to follow the Boy Scout motto and make your preparations …
BAILEY BUCHANON, 17, of Lake Gibson FFA, was recently selected to represent the Polk County cattle industry as Polk County Cattlemen’s Sweetheart with hopes of being named the Florida Cattlemen’s Sweetheart in June! Bailey’s father has been a member of the Polk County Cattlemen’s Association for years, and her mother is a member of the …
Ag Time with Abby: Spotlighting FFA member Miss Bailey Buchanon Read More »
YOUR HORSE is an important member of your family, so it is important to be prepared in case of an emergency. Emergencies are stressful, emotional, and can happen at any time. Being prepared and ready to handle different emergency situations can improve the outcome of the emergency. Make sure to have important phone numbers (i.e., …
