What Side Are You Riding With? by TERESA SCHIFFER Mules versus horses, which is the better beast? There are folks on either side of the argument that can make a passionate case for each. Let’s take a look at some of the attributes of mules so you can decide where you land in this debate. […]
There is No Horsing Around When it Comes to This Group of Dedicated Students By Teresa Schiffer In an age of social media obsession and digital absorption, sometimes it seems that all the kids do is play with their gadgets. A dedicated group of young people at Lake Wales High School is breaking that stereotype
Lake Wales High School Horse Judging Team Heads to State Read More »
EASTERN EQUINE ENCEPHALITIS (EEE) has claimed its third victim of the year in Polk County, and officials are recommending that horse owners take precautions, as more cases are expected. A six-year-old Arabian, with no EEE vaccine history or recent travel, began showing clinical signs on June 19 and was subsequently euthanized the same day. It’s
EEE update: Preventing Eastern Equine Encephalitis for your horse Read More »
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
To blanket or not to blanket your horse Read More »
WITH THE USDA’S most recent Florida orange crop estimate at a troubling 69 million, there’s no doubt that Florida citrus growers face some tough questions. As a result of citrus greening (or HLB), the industry’s harvest has reduced more than 50 percent over the past decade. Any way you slice it, that’s a big cut,
To reset or not to reset? That is the question Read More »
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.
Equine protozoal myeloencephalitis Read More »
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?
What is a Coggins test? Read More »
PIGEON FEVER is a common name for an infection caused by the bacterium Corynebacterium pseudotuberculosis. The reason it is called pigeon fever is that the bacteria tends to localize and form abscesses in the pectoral region and ventral abdomen of the horse, giving the horse a “pigeon-breast” appearance. This bacterium lives and multiplies in dry
Pigeon fever: Most common in the West, it can affect Florida horses Read More »
FLORIDA’S FARMERS and ranchers face a variety of threats, including pests, disease, and market changes. The success — and in some cases the survival — of Florida’s 500-year-old agriculture industry depends on its ability to prevent, diagnose, and respond to crises.
Commissioner’s AgriCorner: Strengthening Florida’s livestock industry Read More »
| Instructing local students while strengthening the relationship between rider and equine | The location may have changed, but the enthusiasm and excitement that happens each summer for students in the Florida 4-H Horsemanship School never dwindles. From June 9-14 (for Western Riding) and June 23-28 (for English Riding) of this year, students ages 11-18
Developing the future of horsemanship Read More »
