2011 Archives

While the slaughter of horses in the U.S. has been an emotional issue, some argue these law have grown a long way in promoting humane treatment and proper disposal of horse that are beyond their usefulness. Current economic and harsh weather conditions have placed the humane treatment of horses at risk; making it harder for some owners to properly care for the unwanted horses.

The Keystone International Exposition (KILE) that was held Oct 1-9, 2011 at the Farm Show Complex in Harrisburg, PA was a wonderful opportunity for youth and adults to show case their prize livestock, including both light and draft horses.

The 52nd annual Pennsylvania State 4-H Horse Show was held October 28, 29 and 30 at the Pennsylvania Farm Show Complex in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. Over 900 youth with 996 horses participated in 48 performance and 100 production classes and special events throughout the weekend.

Why not a gift horse? The obvious reply is: Where will the horse be stabled? Whether you have your own place or will have to board there is enormous financial cost and responsibility in owning a horse. My advice to anyone that is contemplating giving a “gift horse,” is to think deeply of the commitment it will take.

The Penn State Extension Equine Team consisting of co-chairs Dr. Ann Swinker, PSU Campus, and Donna Foulk, Northampton County Extension, and the 2011 team members of county and PSU experts were presented with the Epsilon Sigma Phi Distinguished Team Recognition.

Summary of 2011 state data for West Nile Virus

Most horse owners may not be aware that various yard waste “trimmings” can be toxic to horses and other livestock. In urban areas, neighboring homeowners are not aware that certain yard vegetative plants tossed over the fence can be deadly when consumed by horses. It is always a good idea to establish a good acquaintance with your neighbors and educate them to the toxic affect yard waste may have on horses and other livestock.

Both the hunter and horse owner need to learn to balance the equation of the necessity and right of the hunter to maintain the PA deer population and the right of a property owner to safely maintain their property that is the environment for their horses.

As I watched the news showing the devastation of the flooding I couldn’t help but wonder how my horse friends endured this disaster. If they evacuated were they able to take their horse companions with them? If they stayed to brave the flooding were their horses stabled safe and secure? If they did survive the flooding what issues did they face during “barn clean-up?” All these questions made me wonder… Do I have my own disaster plan for my family, home and equine companions?

Four research teams in Penn State's College of Agricultural Sciences recently were awarded a total of more than $1.4 million in Conservation Innovation Grants from the U.S. Department of Agriculture. The grants will fund research aimed at developing innovative conservation technologies and approaches that address existing and emerging natural-resource issues.

Excessive rainfall, as experienced in the past months, can both benefit and hinder horse owners in managing farm systems and animal well-being. Unfortunately, for the horse owner, persistent and large amounts of rainfall often present challenges that are both a nuisance and health concerns for equine.

Pasturing horses is the most economical and easiest way to feed. The most difficult thing about pasturing horses is their grazing behavior. Horses have two grazing habits that can make pasture management difficult. They are highly selective grazers, choosing some grasses or areas to graze heavily while avoiding others. They are close grazers, leaving very little of the grass above the soil surface.

A listing of common trees that maybe potentially hazardous to horses.

Prevent the possible spread of health risks like EHV by following the biosecurity measures listed in the article.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has proposed its Animal Disease Traceability program as a replacement for the National Animal Identification System (NAIS).

Pasturing horses and other livestock is the most economical and easiest way to feed. Owners have several options for grazing horses.

Forage is a very important part of a horse’s diet. The horse evolved as a grazing animal with a digestive system designed to process a nearly continuous supply of high fiber food. A horses’ nutritional program should focus on forage first. A horse has fewer digestive upsets when forage is the main component of the ration.

Water Hemlock is a native plant that grows throughout North America and is found near streams or in swampy or wetlands. The toxin is a resinoid known as cicutoxin

What is EHV-1? What information is out there to read?

Pasture management techniques to help you maintain healthy, productive pastures for your horses.

Blacklegged ticks, also known as deer ticks, often carry the bacteria that causes Lyme disease.

Genetics behind the athletic performance of Thoroughbred racehorses has been a popular area of research in the past few years.

Report on the information collected from an online survey by the American Horse Council regarding equestrian access issues on federal lands. The center piece of this initiative is an online form riders can use to report their personal experiences regarding trails on federal lands that have been closed to them or other access issues.

The relative toxicity of individual leaves is low–horses must consume hundreds of pounds to experience ill effects. However, bracken fern is unique among the toxic plants in that some horses seem to develop a taste for it and will seek it out even when other forages are available.

Catsear (Hypochaeris radicata or Hypochoeris radicata), also known as flatweed, cat's ear or false dandelion, is a perennial, low-lying herb often found in lawn.

When you feed your horse, take into account its age, weight, work and growth to determine its diet. Some horses are easier to feed and require fewer nutrients than others. Other horses are very difficult to feed and require special attention. It is important to know how to feed your horse and to make sure it gets all the nutrients it needs.

It has been said that art and science are combined to determine the best feeding program for your horse.

Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine's equine hospital is under a voluntary quarantine after confirming a case of the neurologic form of equine herpesvirus (EHV-1).

Parasite control is an important component of all equine health care programs. However, it is no longer enough to simply pull out a tube of dewormer and treat your horses every eight weeks.

Adapted from a University of Vermont brochure by Jennifer Ather and Betsy Greene, and My Horse University

Just because your horse is not being used during the winter doesn’t mean you can slack off on the care for your horse. Here are some basic things to consider as you prepare to winterize you and your horse.