My Soapbox for Equestrian Writings
Most of the time, Zelda is a perfect model of the noble steed. Her coat is gleaming, her expression is bright, her ears are pricked forward. But Zelda also has a goofy side. Usually after a ride, or when I’m giving her a massage or a laser treatment, she makes the silliest faces. You have […]
Read More
Horses can sometimes develop lesions on their skin, usually around their lips and nose. These types of warts are known as papillomas. Horses can also contract ear papillomas, which are plaque-like patches of skin that occur in your horses’ inner ears. When left untreated, these conditions in your horse can become increasingly inflamed, which may […]
Read More
Equine influenza is often referred to as “horse flu,” and it is one of the most infectious and highly contagious equine diseases in the world. The virus is caused by two types of influenza A related to flu found in other species. Within the United States, horses that develop influenza are usually around two or […]
Read More
This is the time of year when many of us have a cold. But while most of us shrug off a runny nose (unless we’re worried about COVID), when your horse has one, it can be an indication of a more serious illness. Yesterday, Zelda presented with white mucus coming from her right nostril. While […]
Read More
Freedom has expressed his solidarity with me by coming up three legged lame, favoring his left hind. According to my barn mate, who fed this morning, there’s nothing overtly wrong — no bleeding, no swelling, no heat, no stone in his hoof. Most likely, it’s an abscess. However, to make sure it’s nothing too serious, […]
Read More
To be honest, I can’t remember the last time I rode Freedom. He’s 23 or 24 now and I didn’t put shoes on him this spring. Mostly he’s happy hanging out in his field, watching his mares, and putting on a good show of galloping when the spirit moves him. But Zelda came back from […]
Read More
So far, so good. I’m cautiously optimistic about Zelda surviving hunt season without another flare-up of ulcers. We’ve been taking it easy — trailer training has helped, and I’ve been mixing it up, so that every trailer ride isn’t to a hunt. Last week we went to a hunter pace, which was more low key […]
Read More
It may only be mid-May, but the weather has heated up here and the bugs are starting to come out. I’ve tried putting fly wraps on, but they inevitably come off and then I have to criss-cross the paddock trying to find them (and hope they aren’t shredded). Here’s a nifty and inexpensive solution: Human […]
Read More