A UGA Extension Agents’ Newsletter for Horse Owners and Professionals
-
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 -
The safety in knowing how to properly pick out your horses feet is irreplaceable. Regular hoof cleaning can help identify issues like thrush, loose shoes or bruising and keep the hooves healthy. Horse clubs can offer programs about how to properly clean a horses hoof safely for youth.
Posted in: Vol. 6 | Winter 2022 -
While many Georgians are praying for rain, all equestrians know the troubles that come with that double-edged sword, the mud. It never seems to matter how much or when, the mud always makes an appearance. More than simply a nuisance, muddy conditions can be unsafe for horse and rider causing slips and falls, create health…
Posted in: Vol. 7 | Fall 2022 -
A horse’s athletic performance can be altered or affected by many things such as genetics, training, environment, health and nutrition. In particular, nutrition can play a large role in achieving peak athletic performance in horses by providing the necessary fuels (energy). The main fuels are fats and carbohydrates, in the forms of free fatty acids…
Posted in: Vol. 7 | Fall 2022 -
With Hurricane Ian in our past, many horses were displaced along the coast of Florida. As hurricane season is upon us, it is time to start thinking about how to prepare and develop a plan to keep you and your livestock safe in the event of a natural disaster like a hurricane. Catastrophic weather events…
Posted in: Vol. 7 | Fall 2022 -
While fences can be an attractive feature for your farm, it’s more important that they are functional and suitable for your favorite horse. Three things you’ll want to take into consideration when building (or repairing) your fences – safety, effectiveness and appearance. Fence visibility is important for horses – avoid barbed and high-tensile wire where…
Posted in: Vol. 7 | Fall 2022 -
Enjoying the fall colors while on the trail is an ultimate way to relax and bond with your horse. However, there are some things you need to consider while trail riding to remain safe and have an enjoyable trip. Before you head out on the trails, be sure that your horse is conditioned to be…
Posted in: Vol. 7 | Fall 2022 -
Cleaning tack can be a daunting task, but when you gather your horse club friends, it can be a fun, beneficial activity. Learning how to properly care for your tack is a lifelong skill that equestrians will utilize.
Posted in: Vol. 7 | Fall 2022