Despite what we may wish, animals can’t speak our language. This makes it much more difficult to know when your horse is in pain. It is important to know the signs that may indicate that your horse is in pain. Reviewing the signs of pain in horses can help you prevent them from staying in unnecessary pain and indicate when you should consult your veterinarian.

Teeth Grinding

            Teeth grinding is a common sign of stress and pain in horses. Taking note of the time when your horse grinds its teeth may help you pinpoint the problem. If your horse grinds its teeth after eating, it is likely caused by ulcers. When the horse grinds its teeth while being ridden, it may indicate a skeletal problem that is exacerbated by the additional weight.

Unusual Posture

            Unusual posture often indicates that the horse is trying to protect a sore limb. Consistently moving its weight or limping almost always indicates pain. In this scenario, it is especially important to consult a veterinarian to ensure that your horse’s problem doesn’t worsen.

Disinterest

            A horse that is in pain may show disinterest in its surroundings. If your horse has a distant look or doesn’t pay attention to everything around them, they may be in pain.

Abnormal Sweating

            Abnormal sweating is a common sign of stress in horses. When the horse has patchy sweating, sweats without exercise, or sweats in cold weather, there is a good chance that something is wrong.

Looking at Stomach

            A horse looking at its stomach likely indicates colic or another stomach problem. Colic is an extremely dangerous problem that must be resolved as soon as possible. Contact your veterinarian immediately if your horse is showing signs of colic.  

            Knowing the signs of pain will help prevent your horse from staying in pain. Some horses don’t show obvious signs of pain, so it is important to know your horse’s regular behavior and monitor any changes.

            Horses are strong, powerful creatures. They are beautiful and majestic, but can also be extremely dangerous. For this reason, it is necessary to learn how to be safe while riding a horse. Here are 5 tips for safe horseback riding.

Wear Appropriate Gear

            Always wear an appropriate equestrian hard hat. This can help prevent concussions in case of a fall. Head injuries have a high fatality rate, so it is important to prevent them as much as possible. Wear sturdy boots with a heel that will prevent your foot from getting caught in the stirrup. Wear riding gloves and jeans to prevent chafing and blisters.

Check Cinches

            Check the cinches on the saddle prior to mounting the horse. It is also important to check the cinches again a few minutes into riding to ensure that the cinch hasn’t loosened. This second check is often overlooked and can result in serious injury.

Match Horses

            Match the horse to the rider. Beginner riders should ride on mellow, calm horses that are accustomed to beginner rider mistakes. Ensure that no one is riding a horse that doesn’t match up to their experience level.

Follow Laws

            The laws exist for a reason. Make sure that you only ride on designated equestrian paths. Avoid riding near roads, because passing vehicles may spook your horse.

Group Riding

            When riding in a group, you must maintain a proper distance between horses. This will help prevent kicking. Alternately, don’t hold your horse back too far from the group. Horses have a pack mentality and feeling that they are being left behind may make them anxious and unpredictable.

            If you’re new to riding, it is important to learn with an experienced instructor. Improper riding can result in serious injury, so you should never try to learn through trial and error. Even the most experienced riders need to take precautions to keep themselves safe.

It isn’t uncommon for a horse to lose weight during the winter freeze. There are several reasons this may be happening, and it’s important to monitor your horse’s weight closely throughout the winter. Here are 4 tips to make sure that your horse stays healthy this winter.

1. Increase Their Feed

            Winter for your horse is accompanied by an increased metabolism. With the extra energy needed to keep their bodies at a comfortable temperature, they have to increase their food consumption. Ensure you are feeding them high quality hay, and consider providing free-choice hay. This will ensure that your horse is eating enough to stay warm during the winter. Any changes to feed should be introduced over a period of several weeks to allow the horse’s digestive system to adjust. 

2. Keep an Eye Out for Dehydration

         An increased consumption of food necessarily means an increased consumption of water. Water is needed for your horse to properly digest food. Many horses don’t like drinking cold water in the winter, so keeping your horse hydrated can be difficult. A Bar-Bar-A System can help, by allowing your horse access to water whenever they need. The system also ensures the water will be at an enjoyable temperature for the horse. 

3. Ensure Proper Blanketing

        Give your horse all the tools he needs to stay warm this winter. If he’s blanketed and is still shivering, get a thicker blanket. Make sure you check that the blanket isn’t too warm when switching blankets. Check under the horse’s blanket daily to monitor weight.

4. Exercise

            Although it is difficult during the winter, try and keep your horse doing some form of activity. This will help him maintain his muscle mass. The transition back to springtime exercise will be easier, as well.

            Contact the Horse Drinker to discuss more ways to prevent winter weight loss and learn more about keeping your horse hydrated over the winter.