Horse Owner Basics

Donkeys are more closely related to zebras than they are to horses. Although they are all equines and do, in fact, have some likeness in their care, donkeys do have some different care requirements. Here are some similarities and differences when it comes to comparing donkey care to horses.

If you are reading this article, your horse probably wears a fly mask, fly sheet, fly boots or some combination to protect him from pesky flies and biting insects. Dirt, mud and sweat can easily accumulate throughout the summer and cause discomfort and potential health concerns. Routine cleaning of your horse’s flywear is important for the horse’s comfort and to prolong the effectiveness of the fly protection.

If you've ever made a New Year's resolution—only to abandon it by the time mud season hits—you're not alone. Big goals sound great in January, but the ones that actually stick tend to be smaller, more realistic and easier to work into your daily horse care routine.

Clean tack isn't just about appearance — it's safer, more durable and more sustainable. You can think of it as a skin care routine, since that's exactly what it is! One tack retailer and consignment shop shares tips for how they clean all kinds of consignment tack for sale in their shop.

Fall represents a season of change, and that can affect your horse's health in big ways. This is why it's important to stay on top of his health during this critical time. Have you had your veterinarian perform a fall health check-up?

The summer months are the most anticipated, yet barely tolerated, months for most horse owners. We praise the longer days for more time at the barn, but we curse the heat that makes the middle portion of the day miserable for both human and horse. If you live in a portion of the country where humidity hits its peak and you learn more about corn sweat than you ever thought possible, it makes things feel even worse.

Worried about your horse in the summer heat? Discover signs of overheating and how to safely manage your horse's health in hot weather.

It's time to hit the road with your horses. Whether you're going for an overnight trail ride, an open fun show or a long road trip, adventures await you and your horses once you clip the chains and release the parking brake of your horse trailer. Before you hook your trailer to your truck, though, it's important to go through a checklist for safety precautions as well as a checklist to make sure you have everything you need when you get to the trails or horse show.

Horses should have access to clean water year-round; however, as temperatures rise, keeping the trough clean becomes more challenging due to the growth of algae. Frequent cleaning is vital to keep the water fresh and inviting, especially if you use plastic tanks.

Just as certain as death and taxes are for humans, so are flies and biting pests for horses. Warmer temperatures bring out more flies. There are a variety of fly control products that you can buy to use around the barn and on your horse, but while shopping, you might question are these products are worth the investment. Why do I need to protect my horses from the flies?

Springtime is notorious for crazy weather patterns. No matter where you are in the country, a spring day can start off needing a coat to ward off the cold, ramping to a short-sleeved shirt-required afternoon and culminating in a stormy evening. Severe weather season can be a scary time for horse owners, but it’s a little easier if you prepare for what you can control.