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 critical antioxidant...

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 existed longer...

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 data. With the...