Question: I would be interested to learn the percentage of horses tested for vitamin E that are deficient, and what their diets typically look like. I supplement year-round. Multiple studies show that a significant percentage of horses test deficient or borderline. The challenge is that vitamin E status depends heavily on management, forage type, season, and individual absorption, rather than feed labels or soil conditions alone. Why is Vitamin E important? Vitamin E is a cri

Equine “kissing spine,” or overriding dorsal spinous processes (ORDSP) that occurs when the bony spikes along a horse’s spine grow too close or touch. This crowding can inflame nearby tissues and nerves, causing pain and performance issues. Kissing spine is puzzling. Some horses with concerning X-rays feel fine, while others with minor changes suffer chronic pain. A Condition as Old as Time (and Not Just in Horses) Kissing spines might seem modern, but evidence shows it has e

Every horse owner wants their horse to be happy, comfortable, and improving. However, horses often hide pain well. As prey animals, they show only subtle signs of discomfort. What might seem like a training issue or bad attitude could actually mean your horse is in pain. This is where the Ridden Horse Pain Ethogram (RHpE) becomes useful. The RHpE is a scientific yet easy-to-use tool for dedicated horse owners and riders. It helps turn your horse’s behaviors into actionable da

Recognizing normal posture and muscle growth in horses is essential for catching issues early. A healthy horse shows symmetry. This means even muscle development on both sides, a square stance with weight evenly on all four legs, and smooth, balanced movement. The neck and back muscles should feel soft and relaxed, not tense or tight. In short, a well-postured horse looks even  and comfortable  in its body. What’s Not  Found in a Normal Horse? Asymmetry is a warning sign. If

Does your horse feel stiffer on one rein? Does the saddle slip to one side? Do canter leads feel easier in one direction? These are signs of crookedness. This means your horse is “hollow” on one side and “stiff” on the other. Crookedness is an imbalance that affects posture, comfort, energy use, and long-term soundness. Often, crookedness and performance issues relate to back pain or weak muscles, not just leg injuries. Research shows that horses with back pain show patterns

Rehabilitating a horse after an injury is an active process. Like human medicine, equine rehabilitation aims to restore function and reduce disability after an injury or musculoskeletal issue. Various techniques can be used, including manual therapies and high-tech treatments. This post will look at common equine rehab methods. These include physiotherapy, massage, stretching, hydrotherapy, and chiropractic care. Physiotherapy and Controlled Exercise Equine physiotherapy cove

BEMER (Bio-Electro-Magnetic Energy Regulation) therapy is a special pulsed electromagnetic field (PEMF) treatment that enhances equine health and performance. It uses a lightweight, battery-powered blanket. This blanket sends low-frequency electromagnetic pulses across the horse's body. BEMER was first made for humans, but now it's adapted for horses. It boosts microcirculation naturally, without drugs or invasive methods. More riders and vets are using BEMER in their trainin

Herbal medicine for horses has a long history. Ancient texts from China, Arabia, and Europe document plant remedies. From Roman warhorses to cavalry mounts in the American Civil War, caretakers have relied on nature's pharmacy. Modern research now supports many traditional uses. Horse owners are rediscovering herbs as gentle, natural health supplements. This article highlights key herbs for horse care. It includes benefits for digestion, inflammation, anxiety, and the health

CBD and CBDA for Horses: What Does the Science Say? Cannabidiol (CBD) and its precursor, cannabidiolic acid (CBDA), are becoming popular for horse health. Owners and veterinarians are looking into these compounds for pain relief, calming effects, and anti-inflammatory benefits. But what does research from veterinary journals say about CBD and CBDA use in horses? Below, we summarize the latest findings on efficacy, absorption, safety, and regulations. Pain Relief and Anti-Infl

When we think about enriching a horse’s environment, we often picture stall toys or boredom busters. While these can help, true enrichment goes deeper. Beyond food and water, a stall can feel dull and bare. Horses need ways to cope with boredom. Without these, they might feel stressed or frustrated. This can lead to habits like cribbing or weaving. Horses in enriched environments show fewer stereotypic behaviors than those in standard stalls. One study found that horses in re

If you’re passionate about animal health and considering a career in veterinary chiropractic care or acupuncture, you may be wondering how much schooling is required. Let me break it down for you; it’s a commitment, but for those of us who live to help animals move better and feel their best, it’s absolutely worth it. Once you’ve earned your veterinary degree, the real fun begins, specialized training in veterinary chiropractic or acupuncture. This is where you gain the hands

Acupuncture is more than an ancient healing method. It's also used for diagnosis in equine veterinary care. Recent studies show that Acupuncture Point Sensitivity Scanning (APSS) can reveal subtle lameness. This approach provides insights that traditional methods might miss. What Is Acupuncture Point Sensitivity Scanning (APSS)? APSS involves checking specific acupuncture points to find areas with increased sensitivity. These points often indicate underlying issues, such as m

Food as Medicine My little mare Cupid seems to be feeling the effects of the colder weather. With late fall in full swing, the days are...

Performance horses often operate on the edge of their physical capabilities, where even subtle issues can hinder their athletic...

As an equine vet focused on posture and balance, I seek tools that enhance stability and comfort. Enter Sure Foot Equine Stability Pads . These pads are designed to boost equine core stability and proprioception. They cause a little instability under the horse's feet. This prompts the horse to use its core and stabilizing muscles to keep balance. This process enhances the horse's awareness of body positioning and weight distribution. When a horse stands on these pads, the sub

Having a holistic approach to care means focusing on the whole picture rather than isolated events. When it comes to your horse’s health and happiness, creating an environment that let's them express their natural behaviors is vital. One highly effective way to achieve this is by creating a "Paddock Paradise" – a natural, engaging environment that promotes movement, mental enrichment, and overall health. By mimicking natural movement patterns through a Paddock Paradise, we ca

A strong core supports spinal stability, balance, and performance. Strengthen it with targeted exercises and integrative care!

Many horse owners often check legs, hooves, and backs for performance issues. But don’t forget the neck! It can greatly affect performance, posture, and movement. Knowing how the neck’s bones, muscles, and nerves work can help you catch problems early. Signs of Cervical Dysfunction to Watch For How can you tell if your horse’s neck is causing performance issues? Look for abnormal muscle tension or development. You might see one side of the neck more developed or a lack of mus

If you’ve had horses for a while, you’ve probably heard the term “get your horse’s teeth floated.” Floating is important, but dental care goes beyond just smoothing sharp edges. Your horse’s dental health is closely linked to their overall wellness. Mouth issues can affect chewing, digestion, posture, and performance. The Mouth-Body Connection It might surprise some owners to learn how tightly dental health and overall wellness are connected in the horse. When a horse chews,

Horse owners are always looking for more ways to help their horses recover from injury. One effective method I use is Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS) units. This device was first made to reduce chronic pain in humans. Now, it’s also used in veterinary care for horses. A TENS unit is a handheld device that sends low-power electrical currents through the skin. The electrical stimulation works by blocking pain signals to the brain. It also promotes muscle rel