We've all encountered this as horse owners, the "easy" and "hard" keeper. Feeding horses can be a complex endeavor, and the challenges are particularly pronounced when dealing with "easy keepers" (those who gain weight readily) and "hard keepers" (those who struggle to maintain weight). Both extremes require careful management to ensure optimal health and prevent serious health issues.

Sentinel Horse Nutrition offers expert guidance in their eBook "Helping All Horses Live Healthier Lives". Read the excerpt below and be sure to get your free copy of the entire eBook!

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Crafting diets for easy and hard keeper horses.

Giving weight to a custom equine feed plan.

Finding the right nutritional balance is essential for every horse, but it becomes especially critical when feeding easy and hard keepers, animals that have an “easy” or “hard” time maintaining their weight. For example, an overweight horse with insulin resistance may require a carefully controlled starch and sugar intake. Meanwhile, an underweight horse recovering from illness may need more calories to rebuild strength and immunity. Both scenarios require a tailored approach to maintain optimal body condition for long-term health and vitality.

It’s important to note, not all horses should be considered easy or hard keepers. Most horses’ weights will fluctuate throughout their lives. A horse's metabolism plays a key role in determining whether it is an easy or hard keeper.

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You can find out more about the requirements for "easy" and "hard" keeper horses in the full eBook "Helping All Horses Live Healthier Lives".

Horse shows have always been about more than ribbons. They’re communities. They’re proving grounds. They’re places where kids grow up, professionals shape their craft, and horse lovers gather to celebrate their shared passion. But anyone who’s been part of the sport for more than a few years will tell you—horse show culture has changed.

In Episode 437 of The Plaidcast, long-time horseman and show manager Berry Porter joined host Piper Klemm to reflect on those shifts. With over 70 years of experience in the saddle and behind the scenes, Porter has watched the horse show world evolve from local weekend gatherings into massive, professionally run events. His stories and Klemm’s observations offer a window into what’s changed, what’s been lost, and why the core of the culture is still worth holding onto.

From Backyard Rings to Multi-Million Dollar Venues

“Things are different now,” Porter said simply. “It’s bigger, faster, more expensive.”

Today’s horse shows often span multiple rings, run for weeks at a time, and attract competitors from across the country. They feature elaborate setups, livestreaming, high-end sponsorships, and prize money once unheard of in the sport. Klemm noted that while this evolution has elevated the visibility of the industry, it’s also created pressure.

“We see these incredibly polished videos and curated experiences,” she said. “But there’s a real gap between that and what a lot of people experience day to day. It can make the sport feel less accessible.”

That accessibility issue is echoed in Porter’s observations. While he’s proud of how far the sport has come, he’s also seen how rising costs and intense competition have pushed some people away from the showgrounds entirely.

“In the old days, people just came out to be part of it,” he said. “You didn’t have to win to feel like you belonged.”

A Shift in Priorities and Pace

One of the biggest cultural changes Porter noted is the shift in how people experience the showgrounds.

“It used to be that everyone stayed at the ring to watch and support each other. Now it feels like everyone’s in a rush,” he said.

That sense of community—gathering to watch classes, celebrate good rounds, and debrief bad ones—isn’t gone, but it’s thinner than it used to be. Riders often juggle tight schedules, multiple horses, and long days, making it harder to linger and connect. Meanwhile, increased emphasis on winning and qualifying can leave less room for sportsmanship and fun.

Klemm echoed this sentiment. “We used to learn by watching. Watching our friends, watching our heroes. That’s harder now when everyone’s spread so thin or glued to their phones.”

Yet both agree that cultivating that shared experience is critical to the sport’s longevity.

Holding Onto Tradition Without Stopping Progress

Neither Porter nor Klemm is interested in turning back the clock. They’re both deeply engaged in the present and believe in the potential of today’s riders, trainers, and show managers to build a positive future for the sport.

But that doesn’t mean forgetting the past.

“There’s a lot of tradition in this sport that’s worth keeping,” Porter said. “Things like showing up early to help, staying to cheer people on, and giving back when you can. That’s what makes the sport strong.”

Klemm pointed out that the next generation of equestrians has a real opportunity to redefine the culture without losing the values that matter.

“It’s not about nostalgia. It’s about connection,” she said. “We have to keep asking how we make this sport feel like home, not just a competition.”

People Still Matter Most

At the core of every good horse show culture are the people who make it happen. From the volunteers and ring crew to the show managers and stewards, the sense of community often depends on individuals who care more about participation than prestige.

Porter, who still volunteers regularly, believes this is one of the most important things to protect.

“Not everyone can be a top rider,” he said. “But everyone can contribute something. And when people feel like they matter, they stay in the sport.”

Klemm agreed. “We need to make space for more kinds of success. Not just blue ribbons, but people who mentor, people who learn, people who care.”

What Comes Next

Horse show culture will keep evolving. Technology will advance, venues will grow, and competitive standards will continue to rise. But if there’s one thing Porter and Klemm both emphasize, it’s that the values of kindness, curiosity, and contribution shouldn’t be left behind.

“We have something really special in this sport,” Porter said. “We just have to make sure we take care of it.”

Want to hear more insights on the past, present, and future of horse shows? Tune in to Episode 437 of The Plaidcast with Piper Klemm and Berry Porter—available now wherever you listen to podcasts.

This article originally appeared in the The Plaid Horse and is published here with permission.

There are more informative articles in our section on Health & Education.

By ADA HAENSEL, M.Ed

In our word-focused world, we often forget that communication extends beyond speech. At Speaking of Horses, our equine therapists demonstrate that profound communication can happen in silence—and true listening involves more than hearing words.

Nature’s Nonverbal Experts

Horses, as prey animals evolved on open grasslands, communicate almost entirely through body positioning, facial expressions, energy, touch, and occasional vocalizations. This sophisticated nonverbal system allows them to coordinate movements, establish social hierarchies, express needs, and maintain safety without speaking.

Their listening involves their entire being:

• Eyes scanning for tiny changes in posture
• Ears constantly rotating to track sounds
• Skin feeling shifts in air pressure
• Nose gathering chemical information about emotions
• Nervous system attuned to energy shifts

Authentic Communication

Perhaps the most profound lesson horses offer is their insistence on authenticity. They respond not to our words or conscious intentions, but to our embodied truth—our actual internal states. A nervous rider pretending to be confident will find the horse responding to their nervousness, not their facade.

For children with communication challenges, this creates a uniquely supportive environment. Horses don’t judge or have expectations for how communication “should” happen—they simply respond honestly to what’s genuinely communicated.

Therapeutic Applications

Our therapy horses demonstrate extraordinary listening skills:

• Phil detects hidden emotional states, refusing to move until riders acknowledge their true feelings
• Blink naturally respects personal space boundaries with touch-sensitive clients
• Whinny matches his movement to riders’ internal rhythms, helping regulate their nervous systems

Lessons for Human Communication

From our equine partners, we learn to:

• Listen with our whole bodies, not just our ears
• Create safety through predictable responses
• Honor silence as meaningful communication

The ultimate gift horses offer children with communication challenges is being truly heard. When a horse responds appropriately to subtle communication attempts, children receive powerful feedback: “I hear you. You matter. Your communication works.”

This creates communicative confidence that transfers to human interactions. As one parent shared: “My son spent years in therapy being encouraged to use his words, but it always felt like he was performing speech. With the horses, he finally feels listened to—even when he’s not speaking.”

At Speaking of Horses, we’re not just teaching children to communicate—we’re learning from horses how to listen effectively. They show us that authentic presence matters more than technique, connection precedes communication, and understanding requires attunement beyond words.

The next time you interact with someone who struggles with traditional communication, try listening like a horse: with your whole body, without agenda, with respect for silence, and with attention to the many ways meaning can exist beyond words.

About Speaking of Horses

Speaking of Horses operates as a nonprofit organization dedicated to making equine-assisted speech therapy accessible to children from all backgrounds. While we accept insurance, including Medicaid, the costs of providing this specialized therapy far exceed typical reimbursement rates. The care and maintenance of our therapy horses, specialized adaptive equipment, facility upkeep, and accommodations like our sensory corner and mounting ramp all require resources beyond what insurance covers.

Our program is made possible through the generosity of donors and community supporters who understand the value of patience, connection, and meeting each child where they are. Consider supporting Speaking of Horses through a donation that helps create the time and space for more children to find their voices at their own perfect pace.

Your contribution directly supports the unhurried, child-led approach that makes these breakthroughs possible. To learn more about supporting our mission or to make a donation, please visit our website by clicking here or contact us directly.

This article originally appeared in the The Plaid Horse and is published here with permission.

There are more informative articles in our section on Health & Education.

Everyone wants stability and control when setting off on an adventure with their four-legged friends. Your season of safe journeys begins with many crucial safety checks. Equine Guelph is excited to announce the next online offering of Horse Trailer Safety, to help you check all the important horse boxes.

Expert instructor, Dr. Rebecca Husted, Course instructor, Technical Large Animal Emergency Rescue specialist and volunteer fire fighter, Husted has responded to countless roadside incidents and instructed others on rescue procedure for horrific accident scenes involving horse trailers.  Her expertise will serve course participants well to help them avoid becoming a trailer accident casualty.

“WAY too many private horse owners tell me ‘they didn’t know’ after an incident with their horses and trailer/transport. Hauling horses is a serious responsibility,” says Husted.  “Due diligence is required to make sure your set up is safe and emergency preparedness is essential.  This course will ensure you know how to effectively check your own rig.”

A quick video with Husted explains the importance of maintaining the flooring in all types of trailers.

Designed to provide horse owners and caretakers with essential knowledge and skills for the safe transportation of their equine companions, the Horse Trailer Safety course is a part of Equine Guelph’s ongoing commitment to equine welfare and education. Participants will gain valuable insights into various aspects of horse trailer safety; from making sure you are set up with the right towing package to pre-trip, post-trip, annual inspections and everything in-between pertaining to emergency preparedness.

“Course content and real-life scenario discussions were nothing short of phenomenal – it really did feel as close to being in a classroom as anything on-line could have. What a fantastic course – so many excellent resources to take away. Course management, instruction, content and pace were just perfect. Fabulous, rare opportunity to have instruction from industry experts Rebecca Husted and Kevan Garecki.”  – Betsy Sayers, Handy Horse Docs, Griffith ON – Horse owner

Whether you are looking to purchase a truck and trailer in the near future or want to minimize your risks while driving, this two-week online course will be well worth the investment. Register today at TheHorsePortal.ca for Horse Trailer Safety.

This article originally appeared on Equine Guelph, The University of Guelph and is published here with permission.

You can find more informative articles in our section on Health & Education.

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by Kentucky Equine Research Staff

One of the most frustrating insects for horse owners is a midge identified as Culicoides. Tiny and prone to swarming, these midges, sometimes called no-see-ums or punkies, can be relentless in their biting, often leading to persistent skin wounds.

Midges seem to prefer certain regions of the horse, including the mane, tail, and belly. Bites incurred by midges are sufficiently annoying, but the problem extends beyond mere aggravation. Many horses are allergic to the saliva of insects, creating areas of pruritis, or intense itching. Infected horses will use fixed objects such as fence posts, stall walls, or trees to scratch their manes and tails. Clever horses will straddle automatic waterers so they can relieve the discomfort on their bellies.

Aside from extreme itching, clinical signs of Culicoides-associated skin problems include broken hair or patchy hair loss, scaling, or oozing lesions. The lesions are often painful from the onset but become more so as they age. These symptoms are sometimes collectively referred to as sweet itch.

Treatment goals include controlling itchiness, treating secondary bacterial infections, and reducing exposure to midges. Because midges are most active just prior to and at dusk, one approach to reducing exposure would be to bring horses into a stall with a heavy air current, which is possible through the use of fans. Consultation with a veterinarian is always wise when confronted with a skin problem, and many horses with infection will require medication.

From a nutritional perspective, supplementation with omega-3 fatty acids is helpful.

“Many veterinarians and horse owners believe that daily supplementation with an omega-3 supplement helps tremendously with the itchiness and inflammation involved in Culicoides-related skin disease,” said Catherine Whitehouse, M.S., a nutrition advisor with Kentucky Equine Research (KER). “Omega-3s help control body-wide inflammation, and this might be one reason horses find a certain measure of relief when fed long-chain fatty acids.”

Fish oils are direct sources of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), which are the most useful omega-3 fatty acids in terms of conferring health benefits. For optimal omega-3 supplementation, choose a marine-derived product, such as EO-3.

Reprinted courtesy of Kentucky Equine Research. Kentucky Equine Research is an international equine nutrition, research, and consultation company serving horse owners and the feed industry. Our goals are to advance the industry's knowledge of equine nutrition and exercise physiology, apply that knowledge to produce healthier, more athletic horses, and support the nutritional care of all horses throughout their lives. Learn more at Kentucky Equine Research.

There a more informative articles in our section on Health & Education. While you're here be sure to visit our Curated Amazon Store.

by Kentucky Equine Research Staff

A new study found that CBD and two of its derivatives decreased pain scores and improved inflammation in horses with chronic osteoarthritis.^*

In the study, 24 horses diagnosed with chronic osteoarthritis localized to one or more joints were supplemented with either CBDA or a combination of CBG/CBD once daily for 14 days. CBDA (cannabidiolic acid), CBD (cannabidiol), and CBG (cannabigerol) are compounds derived from hemp (Cannabis sativa). These compounds, unlike tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), have anti-inflammatory and antihyperalgesic (pain-reducing) properties that decrease the response and perception of pain, according to previous studies.

“Several studies of CBD and its derivatives in horses have been published recently with some studies supporting their efficacy. These researchers postulated that the therapeutic use of CBD has become increasingly popular due to the perception of being ‘natural’ treatment among pet owners,” explained Catherine Whitehouse, M.S., a Kentucky Equine Research nutritionist.

Physiologic parameters (heart rate, respiratory rate, blood pressure) were measured, and the Horse Chronic Pain Scale was applied each day of the 14-day study. This pain scale uses a series of 15 questions to assess various aspects of a horse’s behavior to calculate a total pain scare (maximum score of 45). Additionally, blood samples were collected and analyzed at the start of the study prior to supplementation and again on days 7 and 14.

No changes in physiologic variables were identified during this study. Pain scores, however, decreased significantly in both groups of horses. In the horses supplemented with CBDA, pain scores decreased from 10 at the start of the study to 5 by day three, and to 3 by day 10, which persisted for the duration of the study. In the CBG/CBD group, pain scores decreased from 11 at the start of the study to 6 by day seven and then to 5 from days 10 to 14.

“It is interesting to note here that CBDA had an earlier onset of action than CBG/CBD,” Whitehouse said.

In addition to the improvement in pain scores, the number of white blood cells (leukocytes) decreased. The researchers explained this could indicate a decrease in the inflammatory process.

No adverse effects were observed during the treatment period.

“These results suggest CBD, CBDA, and CBG can help improve signs of chronic pain in horses with osteoarthritis,” said Whitehouse. “Additional studies are needed to determine how these compounds are metabolized by the horse.”

Because osteoarthritis is a major cause of lameness in horses, frequently resulting in early retirement, identifying strategies capable of improving joint comfort and decreasing pain are imperative. In addition to Cannabis products and phenylbutazone, another way of managing osteoarthritis includes offering oral joint health supplements. One caveat: despite their potential to relieve pain, CBD-containing products are prohibited in competition.

“Kentucky Equine Research offers several joint supplements, including those containing marine-derived omega-3 fatty acids. These fatty acids help support joint health by promoting a healthy inflammatory response,” advised Whitehouse. Suitable research-proven products include EO-3 or ReSolvin EQ.

Further, Synovate HA added to your performance horse’s diet will support the health of their joints and their athletic careers.

^*Aragona, F., M. Tabbì, E. Gugliandolo, C. Giannetto, F. D’Angelo, F. Fazio, and C. Interlandi. 2024. Role of cannabidiolic acid or the combination of cannabigerol/cannabidiol in pain modulation and welfare improvement in horses with chronic osteoarthritis. Frontiers in Veterinary Science 11:1496473.

Reprinted courtesy of Kentucky Equine Research. Kentucky Equine Research is an international equine nutrition, research, and consultation company serving horse owners and the feed industry. Our goals are to advance the industry's knowledge of equine nutrition and exercise physiology, apply that knowledge to produce healthier, more athletic horses, and support the nutritional care of all horses throughout their lives. Learn more at Kentucky Equine Research.

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Roaring in horses is not just a loud, raspy noise made during exercise; it is an issue in the upper airway that restricts airflow and can limit performance in large breed horses such as Thoroughbreds, Standardbreds, and warmbloods. Ontario Veterinary College associate professor of Large Animal Surgery, Taralyn McCarrel, is seeking to develop a surgical procedure that could revolutionize the treatment of tie-back surgery, offering new hope for affected horses.

Roaring, or recurrent laryngeal neuropathy, is a condition where one of the nerves controlling the muscles of the throat becomes dysfunctional. This commonly results in paralysis of the left arytenoid cartilage.

McCarrel provides a quick anatomy lesson, comparing the trachea to a castle, “The airway is made-up of two cartilages called the arytenoids.  The arytenoids close like doors to cover the trachea, and then the epiglottis is like the drawbridge that comes up and covers them.”  With recurrent laryngeal neuropathy, the control to open the doors is abnormal and overwhelmingly, it is most common that the left side becomes affected.

When the nerve fails, the muscle atrophies and the horse struggles to open the left door of the airway because it lacks the stimulus to contract.  Due to the inability for the left arytenoid to be held open, the tissue is left flapping and causes the ‘roaring’ noise. The laryngeal neuropathy puts a limitation on the volume of air available for oxygen exchange which can significantly impact the horse’s exercise tolerance, causing them to tire quickly.

McCarrel points out, “This condition is long recognized, with scientific reports dating back to before the formal establishment of veterinary medicine.”  Affected horses often exhibit signs of nerve abnormalities throughout their bodies, though these do not have observable consequences aside from the paralysis of important laryngeal muscles. The most noticeable sign is the loud noise produced during exercise if there is a limitation in airflow. 

by Kentucky Equine Research Staff

It’s a rare horse that hasn’t been transported at some time in its life. Changing owners, competing in a show, going to a trail ride, working with a trainer, and moving to and from the racetrack are all situations that require the horse to be moved, usually by float or truck but sometimes by airplane. Most horses learn that being transported is not a big deal, but just because they accept travel with outward calm does not mean they don’t feel stress as a consequence of the experience.

Researchers have identified at least 25 different physical, psychological, and environmental components of travel that can create stress in horses.

Aside from humans, horses are the second most common creatures to be transported by air. During a long flight or extended road trip, a horse can easily lose 5% or more of its body weight. Most gain the weight back quickly if they are allowed to rest, eat, and drink after the trip.

Travel sickness, a respiratory infection, was once quite common in horses that had been transported for more than a few hours. It is less frequently diagnosed now that owners have learned that horses should be allowed to lower their heads as they travel. This posture allows natural drainage of fluids, dust, and bacteria from the respiratory passages, minimizing the risk of infection. Even if horses travel with their heads unrestricted, they should be watched for signs of respiratory disease for a day or two after arriving at their destination.

Some amount of dehydration is hard to prevent, even if water is offered at intervals. Horses often just won’t drink during transport or at rest stops. If a horse refuses to drink at the beginning of a rest stop, water should continue to be offered at intervals throughout the break. Bringing water from home and offering it with a flavoring agent such as Drink-Up™ in a familiar bucket may get better results. When horses refuse to drink, it can be very frustrating for owners and can lead to dehydration.

KER Drink-Up is a scientifically formulated, highly palatable blend of ingredients that encourages horses to drink. Field studies have shown that 90% of horses offered Drink Up increased their water intake. Drink-Up includes electrolytes to help further stimulate the thirst response.

Encouraging your horse to drink enough water when traveling, competing, or during an illness is crucial in preventing dehydration and associated effects on the horse. Drink-Up is an essential tool for encouraging your horse to drink to the bottom of the bucket.

At the end of the trip, horses should be unloaded, examined for signs of illness or injury, and then allowed to rest in a stable or paddock for several hours. A half-hour of hand-walking and grazing will help horses stretch and relax before they are put in stables or yards. Owners should provide plenty of hay and water and should watch for normal intake and also manure production. Grain can be offered after a few hours, with several smaller meals being preferable to large grain feeds. If a horse refuses to eat or drink, doesn’t pass manure within two or three hours, or shows signs of illness or discomfort, a veterinarian should be consulted. It may take horses several days to regain lost weight and fluids after an extended trip. Signs of illness also might not be seen immediately, so horses should be checked for normal temperature, pulse, and respiration for a day or two following travel.

Reprinted courtesy of Kentucky Equine Research. Kentucky Equine Research is an international equine nutrition, research, and consultation company serving horse owners and the feed industry. Our goals are to advance the industry's knowledge of equine nutrition and exercise physiology, apply that knowledge to produce healthier, more athletic horses, and support the nutritional care of all horses throughout their lives. Learn more at Kentucky Equine Research.

There a more informative articles in our section on Health & Education. While you're here be sure to visit our Curated Amazon Store.