Horses and Summer Skin Problems

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Summer often brings a host of skin problems for horses. Hot weather, summer storms, and swarms of insects can make misery for the most resilient of horses. What are some common summer skin problems for horses, and what can we do about them?

Bug bites: Hives, wheals, and itching can be a sign of insect allergies. Reactions to no-see-ums is often called sweet itch, but any biting insect can cause itching and discomfort. This can lead to hypersensitivity and everything that comes with an itchy horse: skin damage, hair loss, infections, all caused by a horse […]

The Benefits of Equine-Assisted Therapy

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The following post has been provided by one of our guest authors, Daniel Matthews.

You may know someone who has a therapeutic animal. In my experience as a Community-Based Rehabilitation Specialist, I’ve seen dogs, birds, and even hamsters fulfill the ‘therapeutic animal’ role. The animal serves as a companion allowing the individual to take her or his mind off of real, or perceived, problems. The animal helps teach care and empathy for another being. By helping ease and stabilize the mind, caring for the animal becomes a form of self-care for the individual.

Now, horses are emerging […]

Riding Arena Construction

Choosing the Site

Choosing a suitable site for your Riding Arena is often dictated by the amount of land available to you. If you are short of land you won’t have much choice as to where the arena is built. If you are lucky enough to have a choice there are a variety of factors that should be considered. Some obvious, some not!

1. Access – The majority of people fail to consider the implications of poor access on arena construction. Poor access means suppliers cannot use large delivery vehicles thus dramatically increasing haulage costs as more trips […]

Equestrian Scholarships

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Is your child a horseback rider? Horses and kids are an amazing match, with studies showing that children learn to take responsibility and initiative through horse-care and riding. Equestrian kids tend to have better grades and higher graduation rates than other students. And there are great organizations to support children who ride horseback throughout their school-age and college years, making the journey easier for parents and even providing valuable educational assistance and scholarships.

The Interscholastic Equestrian Federation is one such organization. The Interscholastic Equestrian Federation allows students in grades 6-12 the opportunity to field teams in either […]

Best Companion Animals for Horses

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Companion Animals for Horses

Horses are herd animals, and they are naturally suited to life with at least one companion. Sometimes, though, it just isn’t possible to have another horse for a companion. Pasture space may be at a premium, or you may be dealing with a stallion or otherwise aggressive horse who is nonetheless lonesome for a pal. So what kind of animals can you use as a companion for your horse?

Ponies and Miniature Horses can make great companions when a horse is too valuable/accident-prone to be turned out with other […]