management | Extension Horses

Are persimmons potentially harmful to horses?

The American persimmon can be poisonous to horses. The problem is associated with tannins in the fruit. The tannins can precipitate from the fruit in the stomach and form a sticky mass. This mass can cause ulcers in the stomach and even lead to rupture of the stomach...

Can I feed round oat hay bales free choice to horses this winter?

Horses

You can feed oat hay, but feed it to mature horses and make sure nitrate levels are at acceptable levels. Oat hay is not a commonly fed hay but can be an effective hay for older horses. The oat hay needs to be harvested in the soft dough stage when the leaves and...

What is the difference, if anything, between a "dish" foot and a "club" foot?

Horses

Clubbed foot is a flexural deformity of the coffin joint resulting in a raised heel. The foot will initially exhibit a bulge at the coronary band, and the heels will have a contracted appearance to them. In addition, the hoof wall fails to expand when it comes in...

How do I stop my horse from pulling back when tied?

Horses

To stop your horse from pulling back when tied requires a long cotton rope, a nylon halter, and a sturdy, well-secured snubbing post. The post should not break or give way when the horse sets back. Remember to tie in an area that has good, soft footing in case the...

Is equine thrush of the hoof contagious to other horses?

Horses

Thrush is an anaerobic bacteria that is not contagious. The best control for thrush is proper sanitation. Be sure that the horse’s hooves are cleaned daily and that the stall is cleaned daily with removal of wet spots and manure. If the horse is kept in a run-in...