Pals for your pets when you're away

04/07/2025

Happy 4th, enjoy the holiday!

15/05/2025

Summer Is Coming: A Reminder for All Horse Owners

Hot weather can be a serious challenge for a horse’s body. In summer, it’s not just about training — it’s about proper care, comfort, and protection. Overheating can have serious consequences, so preparation is key.

Most important — water!
In hot weather, a horse may drink between 30 to 50 liters (8–13 gallons) of water per day, depending on activity, temperature, and diet.
Water should be clean, fresh, and not too cold (room temperature is best). Check buckets or troughs several times a day — especially if your horse is on pasture.

Here are a few essential tips to help your horse stay cool in the heat:

1. Access to shade or shelter
Pastured horses should have access to natural or man-made shade. Stabled horses need good airflow.

2. Limit activity during peak heat
Avoid working your horse during the hottest hours. Early morning or evening is best for exercise.

3. Cool water rinses
Hose down your horse to help cool them off — especially the chest, neck, and legs. Just don’t use ice-cold water too suddenly.

4. Soak hay slightly if it's very dry
This helps with digestion and supports hydration.

5. Watch for signs of heat stress
Excessive sweating, rapid breathing, lethargy, lack of appetite or thirst — these are warning signs. Don’t hesitate to contact your vet.

Let’s not forget — water isn’t just a detail, it’s the foundation of your horse’s summer health.

18/04/2025

If you believe that horses need grain in their diet to meet their nutritional needs, you are not alone. However, horses should get most of their nutrients from a good quality forage source such as grass, hay, hay pellets, or a complete feed.

Horses generally eat between 1.5-2% of their body weight each day, so an average size 1,000 lbs horse should eat 15- 20 lbs of hay daily. To help fill any nutrient gaps such as essential vitamins or minerals, a ration balancer may be beneficial. Depending on breed, body condition, and exercise level, concentrates may be added in to provide additional energy but are often not needed.

When deciding on what to feed your horse, it is best to invest in high quality forages as the foundation of your feeding plan. You can even have your hay tested to see exactly what nutrients it is providing.

Please consult with your veterinarian or an equine nutritionist about your horse's diet before making any major changes, and remember that any changes should be made gradually over time to avoid GI upset.

Thank you to the AAEP Horse Owner Education Committee for providing this information.

05/04/2025

28/03/2025

Public Service Announcement Of The Day!

26/03/2025

Pasture Safety Check
This image is a stark reminder of why regular pasture checks are crucial! A bolt like this can cause serious injuries to your horses.
When inspecting your fencing, keep an eye out for:
• Loose or protruding nails, screws, or bolts
• Broken or splintered wood
• Sharp edges or exposed metal hardware
• Gaps where a hoof or leg could get caught
Horses are curious, and accidents happen fast—take a few minutes to walk your pastures and ensure they’re safe!

20/03/2025

🌷🌷🌷
Happy first day of Spring!
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I know for some of you it's the beginning of fall, but here in my part of the world, all of nature is bursting forth in vibrant new beginnings.

The birds are joined together in an ebullient symphony while the Earth's canvas is beginning to shine like a green light screaming, "GO!"

If you are similar to me, you identify the parallels of life with nature. It's time to shake off the drear of winter, burst forth in dazzling color, and shine like the sun!

Find at least a moment today to sit among nature and absorb the feel of new beginnings and promise erupting all around you.

🌷💕🌷

If you have not yet liked Breathe it in, please do.