A UGA Extension Agents’ Newsletter for Horse Owners and Professionals

  • Winter weather doesn’t seem to be ready to let us enjoy the sunshine just yet. With that in mind, we aren’t quite ready to let go of our winter warnings and considerations. Two real concerns like to rear their heads in the winter, colic and water consumption. Are they one in the same? Are they…

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  • Human handling early in a foal’s life, when done carefully and responsibly, can save a lot of stress for that foal later. Have you ever heard of imprinting? This is where you have the opportunity to create a human-foal bond in the first few hours after birth, establishing a trust that can last throughout their…

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  • This quick release knot is fast and easy to tie but it can easily be untied in case of an emergency. Horses spook or do something silly and then panic while being tied. When tying horses or ponies, quick release knots are always the go-to for safely tying. Horses should be secured at the withers…

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  • Why body clip? The days are getting shorter, the weather has finally started to cool off, and Fall is officially here! Before we know it, winter will be beating down our barn door and we’ll be bundled up while completing chores. We won’t be the only one’s preparing for winter. Our horses, ponies, and mules…

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  • I recently entered my 6 year old AQHA gelding in his first rodeo barrel race. As we were warming up and preparing for the grand entry before the rodeo started, I noticed that my relatively quiet gelding was amped up and shaking. He wouldn’t stand still, and he was visibly nervous. He even urinated while…

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  • In the equine industry, parasite control is primarily accomplished using anthelmintics (dewormers). Still commonly used, the previous recommendation for treating parasites was a rotating program of dewormers on an approximate eight-week schedule. Many horse owners implement this outdated recommendation today without realizing that newer recommendations have been released by the American Association of Equine Practitioners…

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  • Fall is the perfect time to be getting organized for the inevitable cold weather and additional barn chores. Take this time to make your life easier while bundled up like a marshmallow. Additionally, don’t forget about typical fall to do list items such as vaccinations. Don’t put these off while the weather is still beautiful.…

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  • We’ve already talked about getting your mare ready for breeding, making sure she is healthy, vaccinated and ovulating. Now let’s talk about stallions. Whether you are using a stallion on your own farm or shipping in semen from across the country, a viable foal depends on two healthy parents. If you are breeding your stallion…

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  • The safety in knowing how to properly tie your horse is irreplaceable. Quick release knots are essential in cases of emergency. Horse clubs can offer a quick knot tying challenge activity for youth.

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  • Steps to tie a rope halter

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