Welcome to EN’s Product Review series! Who doesn’t love shopping, especially when the object of your search is new gear for yourself or your horse? As an enthusiast of all products equine, I LOVE trying out new gear. Please join me as I narrate my personal journey of trying out all of the products featured. While I will make no recommendations, I hope you have fun reading about my many adventures of trying new products, and that hearing about my personal experiences helps you on your own quest for new gear. Go Shopping.
Did you know that horses are susceptible to frostbite extreme conditions? One of the most common areas at risk are the ear tips. Photo by Colleen Peachey.
This weekend, we’ve seen our biggest snowstorm here in PA that I can remember. I’ve never seen this much snow around the farm before. The act of just getting down to the barn to feed the horses and muck stalls and get back to the house takes a great deal of effort and determination. And don’t talk to me about getting the muck cart down to the manure pile.
My horses rode out the storm in the comfort of their stalls, without a care in the world. They wanted for nothing … a pile of hay, water, fluffy bedding and a warm blanket each.
I, on the other hand, wore layer upon layer (upon layer) of warm winter barn clothes, along with a hat and 10 Below gloves, because I’m much more prone to frostbite than the horses.
Did you know that while horses are susceptible to frostbite in extreme condition? While they are designed to handle the cold weather much better than people, it is still possible for a horse to come down with a case of frostbite. In extreme conditions, a mature horse may experience frostbite on his or her ear tips.
Foals, young horses, or older horses that are underweight are more susceptible to experiencing a case of frostbite. Their lack of an adequate fat reserve puts them at higher risk of the condition. Head over to The Horse to learn more about the risk of frostbite in horses, and how the condition can be diagnosed and managed. You can view the story here.
And then check out some of the other headlines from This Week in Horse Health News Presented by Absorbine.
Safe Winter Travel: Have you ever had to transport a horse in the snowy and icy conditions of winter? Maybe your horse’s schedule requires it … showing, breeding, selling, or even emergency evacuation situations might mean that you are hauling in all weather conditions. How can you make the trip as safe and comfortable as you can for any equine passengers? [The Horse]
Equine Arthritis and How it Begins: Equine athletes have hard jobs, and over time it takes a toll on their bodies. Joints can become arthritic, and require maintenance to keep horses comfortable as they do their jobs. But what causes arthritis to begin in equine athletes? Take a look at this article to learn more. [Horsetalk]
Breeding for Sustainability in Thoroughbreds: Ever wonder what traits your horse inherited through his or her genetics? Researchers in Austrailia and Sweden have come to the conclusion that sustainability is a trait that can be inherited in Thoroughbreds. Meaning that just as a horse can inherit genes to help them be fast, they can also inherit genes to enable them to race for longer without illness or injury. [The Horse]
Be Wary of Winter Footing: Icy and slippery conditions are not just something that people have to be mindful of. Winter footing can also cause hazardous conditions for horses as well, especially those that are older, or arthritic. What are some things that you can do to help your horses navigate winter footing while staying safe and comfortable? Check out some tips here. [Equus Magazine]
