Equine Vaccines: What’s In Them and How to Help Your Horse Naturally

Vaccines are often considered a cornerstone of equine health, but have you ever wondered exactly what’s in them, or how they might be affecting your horse’s long-term health?

The Hyoid and First Rib Connection

Many people talk about the hyoid as the cause of an issue. The equine industry has established that the hyoid is connected not only directly to the tongue, forelimb, and poll but also indirectly to the hindquarter. However, looking at this from a holistic perspective, it is also important to consider what else the hyoid is affected by. The prominent first rib misalignment, as we talk about so often here at Holistic Horseworks, will not only impact the front end of the horse but also back to the hind end and even all the way up to the hyoid.

Sidebone; what can you do about it?

Sadly, in my travels, I have seen sidebone starting on horses as young as 3 years old!   What causes 'calcifications' like sidebone, ringbone, arthritic hocks and knees that can lame our horses and decrease their ride-able years? When our body is not correctly loading...

Black Horses That Fade Out in Summer

Does your black horse fade to brown in the summer? In this episode of Holistic Horseworks Talks, April discusses how the color change is likely due to a copper deficiency in the horse’s diet. She suggests feeding the horse Dynamite Liquid Trace Minerals once a week to provide the necessary copper and prevent the fading of its black coat.

Did You Know That Saddle Fit Issues Are Really Horse Body Issues?

Saddle fit isn’t just about the saddle — it’s about the ever-changing body of the horse beneath it. While it’s tempting to invest in custom saddles or quick fixes like padded inserts, lasting comfort and performance come from addressing the root of the issue: your horse’s physical balance and symmetry.

Is It Really a Training Problem, or Is Your Horse in Pain?

If your horse bucks, resists the canter, or just feels off under saddle, the first thing many people assume is that it’s a training issue. Maybe the horse is being stubborn, or maybe it just needs more groundwork. But I want to let you in on something I’ve seen over and over again—those “training problems” are almost always your horse trying to say, “Ouch, that hurts!”

The Importance of the First Rib in Horses

Join us in this episode of Holistic Horseworks Talks with April Love as we explore the often-overlooked significance of the first mobility rib in equine anatomy. She sheds light on how misalignments of the first rib can lead to various issues with people such as thoracic outlet syndrome, frozen shoulder, tendonitis, bursitis, and carpel tunnel syndrome. So think about all the things it could be impeding your horse’s freedom of movement in the front end. This is what starts the high-low hoof syndrome, horse not picking up right or left lead, mysterious lameness, kissing spine, behavioral issues, and even roaring in horses requiring expensive tie-back surgery.

Mud Fever Prevention and Remedies

Mud fever, also known as pastern dermatitis, scratches, grease heel, etc., is a common skin condition in horses caused by a combination of wet and muddy conditions, bacteria, and fungi. It typically affects the lower legs, especially white ones, and, if not addressed properly. can cause discomfort and lameness. Immune-challenged horses are also more susceptible to getting mud fever.

You can potty-train your horse, here’s how

Wouldn't it be nice if your horse put all his manure in a nice pile for you? In this episode of Holistic Horseworks Talks, I talk about my own personal horse journey. Among the things I learned, by accident was that you can potty train horses! It is much easier to...

Young Horses With Cow-Hocked Posture

A cow-hocked horse refers to a conformational issue where the horse’s hocks are positioned closer together than normal when viewed from the rear. We’ll explore why this happens and discuss ways to address and prevent such issues for a healthier, sound, and rideable horse.

Your horse is wounded! Quick, what do you do?

Your horse is wounded! Quick, what do you do?

What’s the first thing you should do to clean an equine wound? How about the second? And aftercare? Learn what I’ve used to care for horse wounds quickly and successfully in the past, as well as what not to do.

read more
5 Myths about Winter Horse Care

5 Myths about Winter Horse Care

Freezing temperatures and snow bring several misconceptions on how we care for our horses. In this article, April Love examines five common winter horse care myths, and what horse owners need to...

read more
Sidebone; what can you do about it?

Sidebone; what can you do about it?

Sadly, in my travels, I have seen sidebone starting on horses as young as 3 years old!   What causes 'calcifications' like sidebone, ringbone, arthritic hocks and knees that can lame our horses and...

read more
No Hoof – No Horse

No Hoof – No Horse

This old cowboy adage has been bantered around since we first started domesticating and using the horse as a means of traveling and working with heavy loads and instills the dreaded notion that if...

read more

Have an article you would like to see?