This Week in Horse Health News Presented by Absorbine

Does your horse have an unconventional buddy? Creative Commons Photo. Does your horse have an unconventional buddy? Creative Commons Photo.

My trio of geldings tend to get along with each other fairly well — it’s basically Ripley and “the kids”. Ripley was joined by Mark when he was just a weanling, so it is no surprise that they are practically joined at the hip. And then there is Rufus, who assumed the role of Mark’s playmate when was added to the gang.

The boys seem to keep themselves entertained all day in some way, shape or form. Unfortunately during the winter months, they are kept on a dry paddock in order to preserve our pasture space (i.e. so they don’t turn into giant mud pits). Some days, entertainment means pulling down fence boards. Other days, it means chewing on the barn, the run-in, each other’s mane. Whatever.

But some days I laugh when I see that the source of equine entertainment is actually my small flock of chickens. The boys seem pretty interested to watch the chickens mill around and peck at the ground. Or it’s apparently really entertaining to see chickens freak out and run around (which happens all the time).

My horses observe their chicken entertainers from afar, and often wonder what they make of them. Does your horse have a non-equine pal? Head over to Equimed and check out their listing on the top 5 companion animals for horses. You can check out the article here.

Here’s a look at the other interesting topics that have been gathered for you this week in Horse Health News, presented by Absorbine:

The Annual Checkup: It’s about that time of the year: time for your horse’s annual vaccinations and wellness exam! How can you get the most out of (what is hopefully) your annual vet visit? And how can you successfully plan your vaccination schedule? Get those answers and more when you tune in this Ask TheHorse podcast! [The Horse]

Mid-Winter Fence Safety Check: While it might be cold outside, safety is still a priority! It might not be the most pleasant of tasks, but making sure that your fences are in order even in the middle of winter is a great check towards ensuring your horses are safe. Find out what you should be on the lookout for here. [Equus Magazine]

Sire’s Genes Contribute More to Progeny: Have you ever studied your horse’s genetic history, trying to figure out which side of their family tree they take after? A recent study shows that mammals actually inherit more genetic materials from the paternal side of their family tree. Studying all of those stallion profiles may not be for naught! [Horsetalk]

Transitioning from Hay to Pasture: Switching your horse over to pasture from a hay-based diet may be something that you are looking forward to, but how should you approach such a transition? Listen in to Equine nutritionist Dr. Nettie Libert’s podcast for some advice on the topic. [The Horse]

Respiratory Noises While Exercising: Does your horse make sounds when he gallops? What does it sounds like? Whistling? Rasping? Purring? Even a snore-like sound? He or she may have a condition call laryngeal hemiplegia, which could affect their performance. Learn more about this particular condition, and what steps you should take to address it. [Equus Magazine]