A UGA Extension Agents’ Newsletter for Horse Owners and Professionals
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Structure of Arena Surfaces The footing is comprised of the following three layers (Figure below). Top: The actual riding surface. This layer is lighter, less compact, and can be composed of many different primary components and additive combinations. Depending on use, this layer is often two to six inches thick. Base: The solid, compacted layer…
Posted in: Vol. 9 | Winter 2023 -
Hyperkalemic periodic paralysis (HYPP), glycogen branching enzyme deficiency (GBED), hereditary equine regional dermal asthenia (HERDA), malignant hyperthermia (MH), polysaccharide storage myopathy type 1 (PSSM1) … These are some intimidating words that horse owners are likely to come across at some point or another, especially if breeding is on the yearly agenda. So, what exactly do…
Posted in: Vol. 9 | Winter 2023 -
When examining horses for conformation, either when considering a purchase or competing in horse judging contests, it is important to break things down into key principles to avoid becoming overwhelmed when putting the overall picture together. There are five main criteria to evaluate when examining a horse’s conformation: balance, structural correctness, way of going, muscling,…
Posted in: Vol. 9 | Winter 2023 -
I bet while you are cleaning your stalls, you didn’t think of yourself as a manure manager, did you? The average stalled horse can produce 50 lbs. of manure per day and that doesn’t even include the bedding material, whether it be shavings or straw. Taking that into consideration, add another 10-20 lbs., giving a…
Posted in: Vol. 9 | Winter 2023 -
Bit selection is a critical area of consideration for riders of all disciplines and levels. Bit selection is often regulated by various breed and/or horse show associations. For many horse enthusiasts lack of knowledge about bit types and functions as well as common misconceptions held in the horse industry, can make choosing an appropriate bit…
Posted in: Vol. 8 | Winter 2023 -
Brief Biography from Kate: I hold a Bachelor of Science and Masters of Agriculture in Agricultural Business and Economics from Auburn University and have been with UGA Extension since 2006. I was previously the Peach County Extension Coordinator and 4-H Agent before transitioning to the role of Extension Specialist, 4-H Animal Science Programs- Equine and…
Posted in: Vol. 8 | Winter 2023 -
The outside of a horse is good for the inside of a man. Horses are what bind us together with our friends and family, and even new friends that become family. Every day we lose green space to development – not just the land where our horses live, but also farms where grain and hay…
Posted in: Vol. 8 | Winter 2023 -
Does the winter time give you the blues? With all the cold we have had lately, it sure can dampen a rider’s spirits. And speaking of dampening, all this rain makes me wonder if I need floaties for my horses? Even in the South, the cold and wet weather can bring on concerns for our…
Posted in: Vol. 8 | Winter 2023 -
While many horse owners are ready to cut back on their hay and feed bills and enjoy the bounty that spring has to offer, for some it means grazing muzzles and metabolic issues are on the horizon. What is the big deal with spring grass? Who has to be careful and why? Let’s look at…
Posted in: Vol. 8 | Winter 2023 -
Whenever working around horses, we all know it is best to avoid loud noises and fast movements that might startle them – that’s common sense. This is especially important when giving injections because you are about to poke them with a sharp object and you want to avoid any negative associations when managing the health…
Posted in: Vol. 8 | Winter 2023