Certified journeyman farrier Lee Olsen demonstrates how to pull a horseshoe off of a hoof. It is a skill every horse owner should know. Source: Western Horseman. Link. … [Read more...]
Horses need to be taught to accept having their feet held
Idaho horseman and clinician Martin Black talks about working with horses, learning how to make it easy for them accept a raised foot and avoiding having the horse lean on the farrier. Source: Western Horseman, July 26, 2019. Link. INSIGHTS: Training horses to tolerate foot care is similar to working with puppies and kittens on having nail trims. Consistent work and good … [Read more...]
Horse hoof care resources
Horse owners and stable hands are always learning. Each new horse and age milestones in on-farm horses can bring new challenges. Hoof care is one area where presenting sound information can help animal health pros increase their value on-farm and when discussing hoof care with horse caretakers. These articles are great aids to review and then share to benefit horses, owners and … [Read more...]
Myths and facts about strangles, Strep equii
Many horse owners don’t understand strangles, says Reese Hand, DVM. Strangles is an infection of the upper respiratory tract caused by the bacteria Streptococcus equi, and spreads predominately by nose-to-nose contact. It is sometimes known as equine distemper. Source: Western Horseman, September 2014. Link. While strangles is easily treatable and rarely fatal, … [Read more...]
A technique every horse owner needs to know (includes video)
Horse owners young and old need to know how to remove a shoe from a horse’s hoof, says farrier Lee Olsen. He shows the best way to complete this task in a video. Consider this video for social media posts, e-newsletters and in training classes for horse owners. Source: Western Horseman, February 1, 2019. Link. … [Read more...]
An ounce of prevention helps foals
“The first six months of a foal’s life have the greatest impact on his athletic ability and monetary value,” Amy Jergens, DVM, says. “Yet this stage is largely ignored, leading to a significant number of deaths and avoidable complications.” Source: Western Horseman. Jergens shares information in the following areas of early foal care: The first exam Instilling … [Read more...]
Quench winter thirst
“Water is key. I think we underestimate the effect water plays on the metabolic systems of the horse,” says Britt Stubblefield, DVM, of Rocky Top Veterinary Service in Guffey, Colorado. He explains that access to water is especially important for horses when there are extreme changes in the environment, such as fluctuating temperatures fall turns into winter. Source: Western … [Read more...]
Robert Miller speaks out in Western Horseman
Dr. Miller a lifelong horseman, a veterinarian has had a professional relationship with Western Horseman since 1949. He visited with Katie Frank on foal imprinting, starting colts and his love for mules. Source: Western Horseman, September 2016, page 44. (no link available) 'If you love your horse . . . don’t start them until they’re three. And don’t train them for (any) … [Read more...]
Beware the beetle
Blister beetle poisoning is a rare but deadly threat. Blister beetles carry cantharidin, a toxic defense chemical that is a blistering agent. They are found in alfalfa hay with blooms or that contains other insects, especially grasshoppers, since blister beetles are attracted to both. There are several varieties, so the appearance of the beetles depends on the species, which … [Read more...]
Sharpen equine shot skills
Stacy Tarr, DVM, Wellington, Colorado, reminds readers of the right and wrong ways to give horses intramuscular injections. She also warns that assuming clients know how to do it may be a mistake. Source: Western Horseman, June 2016, page 30. (direct link unavailable) Tarr recommends a three-step process: Clean the site Use the right needle Administer in one … [Read more...]
Consummate cowgirl
If you have ever watched rodeos, you’ll recognize Pam Minick. She will be presented with the Western Horseman Award during Ranching Heritage Weekend at the Fort Worth Stock Show and Rodeo place January 15 through February 6, 2016. Since 1973, she has competed, hosted rodeo broadcasts and served as emcee. She currently hosts two RFD-TV programs, Gentle Giants and The American … [Read more...]
Christmas at the Line Shack
The holidays are here. Mike Moutoux reminds us of their simplicity and the importance of acknowledgement and good will in his poem. Best wishes during this Holiday Season! Source: Western Horseman, December 2015, page 64. (direct link unavailable) Christmas at the Line Shack Mike Moutoux, Nov. 2003 ‘Twas Christmas Eve, the sun has set And dark was drawing near I was … [Read more...]
Sponsored Content – Manage acute founder and laminitis
Sled-runner hooves was how my grandfather drew attention to horses and ponies with founder. From an early age, it was common to see a foundered horse with severely overgrown hooves around where I grew up in Southwest Iowa. Most were backyard horses that ate grass in small lots. Occasionally, one would get into a grain bin, overeat and then founder. Seeing these animals struggle … [Read more...]
Sponsored Content – First-ever equine leptospirosis vaccine
Equine veterinarians, dealers and sales/marketing representatives who serve them will want to know about this e-blast delivered for Zoetis. Western Horseman has 160,000 subscribers, 20,000 web visits and 500,000 in total readership. Certainly, this large circulation will draw attention and create questions. The notice includes a link to a risk assessment tool, as … [Read more...]
Write ‘em, Cowboy: Celebrating Baxter Black
My father grew up on a traditional southern Iowa farm, moved to town and worked in the financial industry, but always followed Baxter Black. I still remember his laughter at the photocopies of Baxter Black articles he would send me. Speaking of Black, in an article in the September issue of Western Horseman, Red Steagall says, "Baxter looks out a window that is uniquely his … [Read more...]