Fats and the Performance Horse

TheHorse.com - Full Article

Fat can be a smart addition to the performance horse’s diet if you choose the right source and add it to the diet slowly.

Posted by Janice L. Holland, PhD | Apr 14, 2023

Fats and oils have likely been used in equine diets for more than a hundred years, with the earliest mentions being for the benefit of adding shine or luster to the hair coat. More recently, owners have sought additional benefits of adding fat to horses’ diets, including weight gain, improved reproduction, milk quality, behavior, and performance.

Types of Fats to Feed Horses

Fats for equine diets can come from both animal and plant sources. Kathleen Crandell, PhD, equine nutritionist for Kentucky Equine Research, in Versailles, recommends fats from plant sources, such as canola and flax. “Corn oil used to be one of the most recommended supplements, but some recent studies have shown potential inflammatory issues within the body, possibly due to its high omega-6 content,” she says...

Read more here:
https://thehorse.com/1123806/fats-and-the-performance-horse/

Texas man upholds 'family tradition' by riding a horse across the US

LMTOnline.com - Full Story

Sana Ameer, Hearst
April 12, 2023

A Texas man is keeping a family tradition alive by quitting his six-figure job to travel across the country on a horse.

“In my family, there’s a tradition that the eldest son of each generation does a great, big adventure,” Cyril Bertheau said. “It’s kind of my turn.”

Bertheau is following in the footsteps of his father who backpacked around the world in 1984 and his grandfather who traveled the desert on foot. For his adventure, Bertheau bought a 13-year-old Tennessee Walking horse for $3,000 off Craigslist and plans to ride about 2,300 miles from Austin to Seattle in just around 100 days...

Read more here:
https://www.lmtonline.com/news/article/texas-man-quits-tech-job-ride-horse-across-america-17891978.php

Used Horse Trailers and Liens: Buyer Beware!

Horsesport.com - Full Article

Be careful when purchasing a horse trailer from a private seller, or you may find it being towed away by the bailiff.

By: Tracy Dopko | April 5, 2023

In your quest to find a used horse trailer, you come upon the perfect one. It ticks all the boxes and is exactly what you’ve been looking for. You make sure to lift the mats and inspect the floorboards, ensure all the running lights are in working order, and that the brakes and tires are good. The seller provides you with a bill of sale and signs the back of the registration. You hand over the money and proudly take your newly-purchased trailer home.

You obtain insurance and have the registration changed, put on your new license plate, and start heading on the road for show season. Four months later, a licensed bailiff with repossession orders shows up at your property and takes your trailer away, stating there is a lien on the trailer that hasn’t been paid.

This may sound like a far-fetched story but could happen if the trailer you are looking at has a lien on it and no effort was made to complete a lien check before purchase...

Read more here:
https://horsesport.com/magazine/business/used-horse-trailers-liens-buyer-beware/

Horse Vaccinations 101

Photo by Clix/Shawn Hamilton

HorseIllustrated.com - Full Article

Learn which vaccinations are important for your horse, depending on his situation.

By Moira McGhee
March 17, 2023

Horse owners often find it challenging to keep up with the latest vaccination recommendations, and some may not grasp their importance in keeping horses healthy and strong. Your horse needs certain “core” vaccines, and may also need non-core vaccines based on his usual activities, geographic location, and other considerations.

Although you might be hesitant to get your horse poked, it’s for his protection, and vaccines are generally safe. They have been well-tested, and many have been used for decades. Vaccination should be routine, so read on for current recommendations, potential side effects, and the overall importance of having your horse vaccinated.

Core Vaccines

One of the best measures to protect your horse’s health is a vaccination program...

Read more here:
https://www.horseillustrated.com/horse-vaccinations-101