Northernhorse.com Blog

I was always taught that giving horses treats is usually a recipe for bad manners. Then we got a bunch of Grandkids. Then we got Buzz.

Buzz loves treats. His former owner Kathy somehow made me feel just a wee bit guilty when I would answer her query of “Do the Grandkids like feeding Buzz treats?” with “Well actually we just don’t feed Buzz or any of the horses treats.” And, of course, the Grandkids found out that horses liked treats – not from me but none-the-less I now had Buzz, the Grandkids and Kathy making me feel guilty. Continue Reading »

Winter Water…and we’re not talking about that white stuff

Horses require access to free choice, clean water at all times and in all seasons, and will drink an average of 30 litres of water per day. Many horses’ diets see an increase in dry feed matter, like hay, during the winter months. As a horse requires 3 litres of water for every kg of dry matter they eat, although horses drink less in cold weather, adequate water consumption remains a priority. Continue Reading »

Some safety tips. I hear there have been some folks coming back from their rides on STARS Ambulance instead of on their horses this summer. Perhaps a refresher on safety would be of help.

Horses are creatures of instinct and habit. Psychologically they are hard-wired to be wary of their surroundings and react to the slightest threat of danger. This comes from the days of their wild ancestors roaming the open fields keeping careful watch out for predators and other threats. Of course through the generations humans have created a domesticated animal, but the flight-or-fight tendencies still prevail when horses feel their safety is at risk. Continue Reading »

I notice that folks who ride “western” tend to consider riding helmets uncool while my “english” riding friends all wear them.  My children want my grandchildren to use them and, of course, they all insist that they love me just as much as they love their little darlings and therefore they have me wearing one now too. Actually just like when seat belts in cars arrived and we all thought that was such as nuisance and now most of us feel more comfortable with them done up, I have now got used to my helmet and actually feel safer wearing it. Continue Reading »

I hardly know a Ford from a Chev and couldn’t tell you what kind of truck any of my neighbours drive – I might know the color. And now I am faced with having to get a different truck to pull my horse trailer. I need some advice from some of you with trailer hauling experience

Really it wasn’t me who needed the new  bigger, heavier trailer. It was Dave and Keeper. Keeper wasn’t really impressed with the lack of roominess in her stall and Dave kind of had the same problem. Then he saw this trailer on the Northernhorse Classifieds and soon we were off looking at it and he was telling me how our little 3/4 truck (with souped-up something or others that made it tougher) was going to be just loving to pull this thing. And it is only 3 feet longer. And we could get “air bags”. Continue Reading »

You may have noticed we have a new section on Northernhorse.com for Clinicians and their clinics. We have had many requests for this section and think it is going to be a great resource for helping clinicians and those wanting to learn more about horses get together.

If you are a clinician or if you have an arena or venue that puts on clinics you are welcome to set up a section for yourself.  When you sign up (you can use your current Northerhorse.com login that you use for the Classifieds if you have one) you will be given a user name and password that will let you come back and edit your clinic site including the photos. The cost? We are offering a full year of trial at no charge except that we may ask you to answer a question from one of our visitors during that year. Continue Reading »

Although my two babies aren’t due into the big, bright world until May I know some of you are getting your babies now. It makes me long for the smell of milk and the ticklish feelings from their whiskers as they explore my face.  I always worry they will think my nose is a teat and latch onto it. Continue Reading »

The department of equine sports medicine at the Michigan State University College of Veterinary Medicine is using 3D electronic display to measure saddle pressure on horses’ backs. An electronic mat with 256 small embedded sensors measures and records the amount of pressure between the saddle and the horse’s back. The sensors transmit wirelessly to a laptop computer as horse and rider move freely around the arena.

Comparing pressure distribution between left and right and weight shifts front and back of the saddle helps determine if the saddle fits the horse properly and comfortably. In this way, skin abrasions, friction rubs, pressure sores and swelling from a poor fitting saddle can be avoided. Continue Reading »

The young filly needed to be freed from the tree after curiosity got the better of it and it wedged its head between separate sections of the trunk.

The horse, called Gracie, was unable to free itself and could have been in danger were it not for a passer-by who was able to come to the rescue after he heard the horse whinnying .

Jason Harschbarger, a neighbour in the town of Pullman, West Virginia, USA, arrived at the scene which resembled the image of Winnie the Pooh getting stuck in the honey tree.

Read more at Telegraph.co.uk

Agriculture & Rural Development for the Alberta Government posted the following in their newsletter this week: The commercial transport of all livestock must be done by skilled drivers following strict federal regulations. “We strongly advise all livestock owners and buyers to use a transportation company with drivers that are knowledgeable about industry animal care expectations and provide for the safety and comfort of the animals during transport,” says Bill desBarres, chair, Horse Welfare Alliance of Canada. “We do not condone any transportation by unscrupulous haulers who may compromise the welfare and/or safety of horses and public.” The livestock industry in Canada offers training for livestock haulers. The Certified Livestock Transport program is a comprehensive training course and support service for livestock truckers, shippers and receivers. It focuses on the humane and safe relocation of livestock and the regulatory requirements for Canada and the US. Read more at http://www1.agric.gov.ab.ca/$department/newslett.nsf/all/agnw14212