Body Condition Scoring of Horses
The Body Condition Scoring (BCS) system is a method to assess a horse's body weight and level of fat present on its body. The most effective way to evaluate body condition is by individually assessing six locations: withers, shoulder, ribs, back, tailhead and neck. This method involves both visually assessing as well as palpating the areas to determine degree of fatness. The optimal BCS for horses are 4-6.
How hot is too hot to ride?
How hot is too hot to ride? Many of us have seen those horse heat index charts or number ranges posted on social media every summer. They all list the added value of the humidity index plus the temperature in Fahrenheit added together to tell you whether or not it is too hot to ride. But what about those of us outside the USA who use Celsius to measure temperature? I have developed a Celsius-based specific heat index for horses.
Six steps for proper hay sampling
Vitamin D in horses
Alsike Clover
Why do I need a hay analysis?
The benefits of heat therapy in horses
The importance of equine nutrition
How does saddle width affect your horse’s spine?
Vitamin E loss in hay
A Balanced Calcium:Phosphorus Ratio Will Help Prevent Skeletal Issues in Your Horse
Why is the calcium:phosphorus ratio so important in horses? Around 99% of calcium found in the body is found in the bones and teeth of your horse, yet only 35% of equine bone is comprised of calcium. Phosphorus is another major component of bone, making up around 14-17% of the equine skeleton. Additionally, it is required for the energy transfer process with adenosine diphosphate (ADP) and adenosine triphosphate (ATP).
The problem with bran mashes
Bran and bran mashes are a traditional horse feed addition. A warm bran mash makes a nice snack on a cold day, especially after being worked, so where could the harm be?