Researchers suggest 54% of horses in the U.S. are overweight or obese, putting them at a higher risk of developing other health problems, such as metabolic issues and joint pain. However, horses might become underweight due to gastrointestinal problems, such as gastric ulcers, or chronic health challenges. Regardless of whether a horse is under- or overweight, the underlying cause is usually an imbalance between the supply of energy the horse receives and the energy he expends. The first step...

Equine osteoarthritis (OA), or the degeneration of cartilage and bone in a horse’s joint, is a painful condition and the most common reason for lameness in horses. While there is no cure for OA, horse owners and veterinarians can work together to delay onset and slow its progression. Without treatment, OA can result in poor quality of life, early retirement, and even euthanasia if the associated pain is no longer manageable. Two veterinarians answer your questions about preventive equine...

Like humans, horses can develop allergies to environmental elements such as dust components, mites, molds, medications, shampoos, and food. Some horses might show respiratory signs, while others can develop itchiness or hives. Understanding what causes your horse’s allergies and working with your veterinarian to treat his clinical signs can improve his health and well-being.  Two experts answer your questions about managing horses with allergies during our Ask TheHorse Live Q&A. This...

Do you feel like you can’t afford your horse? You’re not alone. Understand how to manage horse expenses to lessen the stress of horse keeping.  The cost of horse ownership varies from region to region, but even basic expenses such as feed, bedding, and routine veterinary and farrier care can be very costly. Emergency veterinary expenses can soar depending on the illness or injury. Preparing for routine expenses and potential emergencies by budgeting can help horse owners obtain financial...

Osteoarthritis (OA, also known as degenerative joint disease) is characterized by the degeneration of articular cartilage that lines the ends of bones inside a horse’s joints. OA is the No. 1 cause of poor performance in horses and accounts for nearly 60% of all equine lameness cases. Horses of all ages can develop OA, but what can you do to slow its progression or treat this disease? Two experts weigh in to answer your common questions about equine OA. This episode is brought to you by...

Two experts weigh in on common equine hindgut problems and how you can manage them. Learn more and get your questions answered during the live recording of our podcast. This episode of Ask TheHorse Live is brought to you by Purina. About the Experts: Frank M. Andrews, DVM, MS, Dipl. ACVIMFrank M. Andrews, DVM, MS, Dipl. ACVIM, is a graduate of Washington State University College of Veterinary Medicine in Pullman, Washington, where he received a DVM and MS. After a year in private veterinary...

Managing skin problems in horses can be challenging, especially in warmer months. Two experts explain how to identify and manage skin problems in your horse and when you involve your veterinarian.  This podcast is sponsored by KineticVet. About the Experts: Dr. Susan L. White is the Josiah Meigs Distinguished Professor, Emeritus of Large Animal Medicine at University of Georgia’s College of Veterinary Medicine. White has a long-standing interest in equine dermatology, lectures on the topic...

Maintaining joint health is important at all stages of your horse’s life, but he might need special considerations during his senior years. Two experts explain how to keep equine joints healthy and your senior horse sound in the long term.  This podcast is sponsored by American Regent Animal Health. About the Experts: Luke Bass, DVM, MS, Dipl. ABVP is an associate professor in Equine Field Service at Colorado State University (CSU). He is board-certified through the American Board of...

The horse’s gut microbiome is important to digestion, nutrient absorption, ulcer prevention, and overall health, so you need to support it properly. Learn how to cultivate a diverse and healthy gut microbiome in your horse in this episode of Ask TheHorse Live, brought to you by Purina.

Whether your horse has chronic seasonal allergies or occasionally comes in from the field with mysterious hives or rubs from scratching himself on the fence, managing his discomfort can be difficult. He needs a treatment plan, whether short- or long-term, but to create one you need to first understand what is causing the itch. Learn what might be making your horse itchy and how to give him relief.  This podcast is brought to you by Kinetic Vet. About the Experts: Susan L. White, DVM, MS,...

Developing a well-rounded and balanced nutrition plan for your competition horse can be challenging. He needs a feed program that meets all his basic nutritional needs while giving him enough energy to keep up with training and showing. Listen in to learn how to determine your horse’s nutritional needs and how to meet them in a safe way. This podcast is brought to you by Purina Animal Nutrition. About the experts: Shannon Pratt-Phillips, PhD, received her Master of Science from the...

Horses can show discomfort for a plethora of reasons. Injuries, aging, veterinary procedures, and more can cause pain, and knowing how to manage it is paramount to equine welfare. Join our host, Alexandra Beckstett, as she interviews Dr. Lori Bidwell, of East West Equine Sports Medicine. You'll learn how to tell if your horse might be in pain,  discover successful pain management strategies, and how to keep your horse comfortable. This episode of Ask The Horse is sponsored by Zoetis.  About...

Prioritizing joint health is imperative to your horse’s comfort, both under saddle and in the field. Join our host, Shoshana Rudski, as she interviews Dr. Erica Secor, of Cornell University, and Dr. Julie Settlage, of Boehringer Ingelheim. You'll learn about early signs of joint discomfort, equine osteoarthritis, joint injections, nutritional management of joint disease, and much more! This podcast is sponsored by Boehringer Ingelheim Equine Health. About the Experts: Erica Secor, DVM,...

Horses with insulin issues need to be managed carefully to live good-quality lives. Join our host, Shoshana Rudski, as she interviews Dr. Dianne McFarlane, of the University of Florida, and Dr. Vern Dryden, of Bur Oak Veterinary and Podiatry Services. You'll learn about the signs, causes, and treatment of insulin resistance in horses, and science-based steps you can take to combat it.    This podcast is sponsored by Wellness Ready. Dianne McFarlane, DVM, PhD, Dipl. ACVIM, is a professor...

Good nutrition and a balanced diet are important for all horses, but do senior horses have special requirements to consider? Join our host, Shoshana Rudski, as she interviews Dr. Shannon Pratt-Phillips, of North Carolina State University, and Dr. Kelly Vineyard, of Purina Animal Nutrition . You’ll learn about the nutritional requirements of senior horses, feeding the older horse with dental issues, how to help your senior gain weight, and much more! This podcast is sponsored by Purina...

Do you have an allergy-prone horse? Join our host, Shoshana Rudski, as she interviews Dr. Lara Tomich, of Dermatology for Animals. You'll learn about potential causes of allergic reactions, treatment and management options for allergy-prone horses, insect bite hypersensitivity, and much more! This podcast is sponsored by Kinetic Vet. About the Expert:  Lara Tomich, DVM, grew up surrounded by horses, dogs, cats, chickens, pigeons, lizards, and fish in Warwick, New York, completed her...

Does alfalfa make horses “hot”? Should they not eat before exercising? Many of our feeding practices are based on tradition, but what’s really best for our horses? Join our host, Michelle Anderson, as she interviews equine nutritionist Dr. Clair Thunes, of Clarity Equine Nutrition, and Dr. Robert Jacobs, of Purina Animal Nutrition. You'll learn about feeding horses alfalfa, beet pulp, and other feedstuffs, tips for feeding metabolic and insulin resistant horses, and much more! This podcast...

Equine protozoal myeloencephalitis (EPM) is notoriously difficult for veterinarians to diagnose and equally tricky to treat. But there’s hope as researchers continue to investigate this neurologic disease. Join our host, Michelle Anderson, as she interviews Dr. Sarah Colmer of the University of Pennsylvania’s New Bolton Center. You'll learn about EPM, how horses contract it, current diagnostic tests and treatments, and much more!  This podcast is sponsored by Kentucky Performance...

An upset digestive system can lead to bigger problems, ranging from gastric ulcers to colitis to colic. Join our host, Michelle Anderson, as she interviews Dr. Alicia Long of the University of Pennsylvania’s New Bolton Center. You'll learn about the microbiome, gastric ulcers, diarrhea, colic, fecal water syndrome, and much more!  This podcast is sponsored by Purina.  Alicia Long, DVM, received her veterinary degree from the Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine. She then...

Regenerative medicine is giving us new options for treating horses with joint disease and other injuries. Join our host, Michelle Anderson, as she interviews Dr. Weston Warnock, of Brazos Valley Equine Hospital, and Dr. Bill King, a consultant for Zoetis with more than 15 years of experience in regenerative medicine in human and animal health. You’ll learn about different types of biologics available for horses, how they work, and different conditions or injuries that might benefit from...

Laminitis is an extremely painful and often deadly hoof disease in horses with several causes. Join our host, Michelle Anderson, as she interviews Dr. Vern Dryden, of Bur Oak Veterinary and Podiatry Services, and Dr. Nicholas Frank, of the Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine at Tufts University. You'll learn about the different causes and risk factors of laminitis, feeding horses to prevent laminitis, shoeing and hoof care for the laminitic horse, and much more!  This podcast is sponsored...

How do you feed recreational riding horses to meet their nutritional and digestive needs without causing weight gain? Join our host, Michelle Anderson, as she interviews equine nutritionists Abby Keegan, MS, PAS, of Cargill North America and  Clair Thunes, PhD, of Clarity Equine Nutrition. You'll learn about the nutritional needs of recreational riding horses, hay and forage options, how to ensure your horse is getting the salt, vitamins, and minerals he needs, and more!  This podcast...

Is your horse getting the nutrition he needs to reach his athletic potential? Are you looking to build his topline or increase his stamina? Join our host, Michelle Anderson, as she interviews Dr. Marty Adams, of Cargill Animal Health & Nutrition, and Dr. Clair Thunes, of Clarity Equine Nutrition. You'll learn about the nutritional needs of performance horses, protein and amino acid requirements, energy content in equine diets, and much more!  This episode is sponsored by...

Massage can promote relaxation, support your horse’s muscles, and improve his performance.  Join our host, Michelle Anderson, as she interviews Michele Haman, owner of Equi-Librium Therapy, LLC, and veterinarian Dr. Gina Tranquillo-Shade . You'll learn about equine massage therapy, how to find a qualified massage therapist for your horse, and how it can benefit certain types of horses.  This episode is sponsored by Kentucky Performance Products.  Michele Haman is the founder and owner of...