Latest Articles
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A Guide to Understanding Biotics: Prebiotics, Probiotics & Postbiotics
The equine gut microbiome refers to the diverse community of microorganisms, including bacteria, fungi, viruses, and other microbes, residing in the gastrointestinal tract of a horse. This complex ecosystem plays a crucial role in various physiological functions, such as digestion, nutrient absorption, and immune system modulation. We now know that the microbiome also strongly influences Read more
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Tips for Maintaining Your Horse’s Muscles, Tendons, and Joints in Cold Weather
Cold weather can cause increased stiffness your horse’s muscles, joints and tendons. Tasks that were easy in warmer weather become much more challenging when the body is cold. In chilly weather, your horse’s nervous system initiates adaptive responses. Muscles contract as a means of generating heat, accompanied by vasoconstriction—the narrowing of blood vessels that restricts Read more
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Expert Insights & Tips On The Use Of Kinesiology Tape On Horses
Kinesiology Tape can be a useful add on to massage and can help support recovery from certain illnesses or injuries. 3 Reasons to Use K-Tape Expert Tips So far myfavorite equine kinesiology tape has been Equi-Tape. What’s yours? Read more
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The Power of Positivity: Building Bonds And Performance
Positive emotions don’t just make you feel good in the moment; they have long-term benefits for both you and your horse’s well-being. Here’s How Incorporating practices that generate positive emotions into your daily life can be a powerful way to improve your interactions with horses and humans, as well as your own quality of life. Read more
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Greater Omentum: Immune Defense, Fat Storage & More
In equine anatomy, the omentum refers to a specific part of the abdominal fascia known as the “greater omentum.” The omentum is a fold of the peritoneum, the thin membrane that lines the abdominal cavity and covers the organs within it. The greater omentum is a large, apron-like structure that hangs down from the horse’s Read more
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What Muscles Do Horses Use To Vocalize?
Horses communicate primarily through vocalizations and body language. While their vocal apparatus is less complex than that of humans, they can produce various sounds using their larynx and associated muscles. Neighs, whinnies and nickers, the most common horse vocalizations, are primarily generated by the throat and larynx, along with a few other elements. Let’s explore Read more
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What Is Remedial Massage?
Remedial massage focuses on the recovery and management of musculoskeletal conditions, injuries and dysfunctions to promote healing and restore optimal function in the body. Remedial massage can benefit individuals with a range of issues, including postural imbalances, repetitive strain injuries, sports injuries, chronic pain, and general musculoskeletal dysfunctions. Remedial massage aims to: In addition to Read more
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Understanding Pain, Risk, and Empathy: Insights from an Injured Athlete
“Pain is the body’s assessment of risk.” In other words; how big is my weakness? One advantage to having an injured ankle is that I have a chance to explore the experience that my fellow athlete, the horse, might go through if he had a similarly threatening injury. While I can still do most of Read more
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The Wisdom Of Xenophon
Xenophon, an ancient Greek historian, philosopher, soldier, and mercenary, also recognized the value of massage as an important aspect of horse care. Xenophon is best known for his writings, which cover a wide range of topics including history, philosophy, politics, military tactics and horsemanship. Xenophon was a horseman for his entire life, first as a Read more