1. I have had a couple of horses with striped hooves: one regular quarter horse and one gaited. We know that this is a characteristic of Appaloosas, but neither of these have any such background. I have heard this is a passed gene trait from generations past to the present day from mustangs. What do the striped hooves indicate, and what does their presence imply? Published: June 10, 2009
2. When you tie a horse to a post, should you: tie a loose knot that will give if the horse gets spooked or runs; tie a very tight knot; never tie a horse to a post; or none of these? Published: June 10, 2009
3. I have two horses in my pasture; one is a mini, and the other is an adult. My question is what to do with the manure? Thank you Published: June 10, 2009
4. The stable where I ride wants to redo the footing in the jump arena. It is currently a sand clay mix with mostly sand. What are some footing options? Published: June 09, 2009
5. We are planning to put in some run-in shelters. What direction should they face? Published: June 09, 2009
6. There is a lump on my horse at the point of an intravenous (IV) injection. Do I use ice or hot compresses on the area? Why did it happen? Published: June 09, 2009
7. How often does a horse need to have its teeth floated, and how do you know when a horse needs its teeth examined? Published: June 09, 2009
8. What are the "pros" and "cons" of using a hackamore? Published: June 09, 2009
9. What are the local codes for horses per acre in Newport County? Can someone planning to build a 60-stall barn with indoor arena as well as two outdoor riding arenas build that on seven acres? Published: June 09, 2009
10. The Ohio 4-H program is adding a rule that during all rides, show or no show, helmets must be worn at the fairgrounds. I know that western hats with helmets are made so kids who would wear a western hat could wear those in a show. I also know that huntseat requires you to wear a helmet in classes. In light of this new rule, I want to know if there is a place where I may find a saddleseat derby with a built-in helmet. I always wear a helmet except when I'm showing because I like wearing my derby with my suit. Published: June 09, 2009
11. How much protein do horses need, and what happens if they get too much? Also, what exactly is "crude" protein? Published: June 09, 2009
12. I need specific information on managing a small bluegrass pasture (formerly part of the lawn). I read that lawn chemicals have not been studied for use on such a pasture intended for grazing by horses but that farm chemicals for weed and fertilizer should be used. I need to know what to use, when it should be applied, and where to purchase it. This small pasture is approximately three-quarters of an acre. Published: June 09, 2009
13. I'm looking for a solution which is high in fat but low in starch. The horse is kept in a dirt lot with no grass and is outside a lot. What do you suggest? Published: June 09, 2009
14. I noticed this weekend while giving my horse a bath that there appears to be a tubular-like growth extending from under her fetlock. At first, I thought it was only from one hoof but noticed this growth is extending from the same locations on all four of her hooves. Help! Published: June 09, 2009
15. We had 200 bales of first-cut grass hay delivered in September. In the last few weeks, several of our horses have developed sores on gums and tongue. What is causing this and, if it is the hay, why did it take so long to develop? Published: June 09, 2009
16. Our three-year-old horse has suddenly stopped letting us bridle her. She will rear up and kick and seems to be really sensitive about her ears. Published: June 09, 2009
17. We are looking at purchasing a three-year-old filly. We noticed she has an umbilical hernia. Do we need to be concerned about this? Published: June 09, 2009
18. My mare is showing signs of being in season, but when checked, she is not doing anything. Her ovaries are the size of small grapes. Is there anything I can give her to start her cycling? Published: June 09, 2009
19. I have a large pony that is constantly jumping the electric fence. We have too much pasture to replace the fence line. Any suggestions on how to keep him in the pasture? Published: June 09, 2009
20. I need an expert opinion about hauling a horse 1 1/2 hours in a stock trailer when the temperature is forecast to be about 38 to 49 degrees F. My wife has found a horse she wants that is located about 90 miles away from where we live. The seller said that he would deliver the horse in a stock trailer. Will the horse will get too cold during the trip? Published: June 09, 2009
21. Our horse has swollen ankles. He was an Amish buggy horse for several years and is hardly used now. Mostly pastured, his diet is hay and cracked corn twice a day. Two weeks ago, he gave about five to 10 buggy rides at an event. His ankles started swelling about five days ago. He is uncomfortable and stiff looking. Is it from the buggy rides? What do you recommend for the swelling? Published: June 09, 2009
22. Is there anything you can put on a bog spavin to help it go down? Published: June 09, 2009
23. What causes white flaky hoof sole, and what can be done about it? Published: June 09, 2009
24. How can alfalfa be re-established in an existing alfalfa field when it is destroyed by excavation? Published: June 09, 2009
25. How do you stop a foal from kicking at humans? Published: June 09, 2009
26. Are holly trees toxic to horses? Published: June 09, 2009
27. I have some horses with swelling in their mouth, and I was wondering what can cause this. Published: June 09, 2009
28. How do you measure gullet size on a saddle? Published: June 09, 2009
29. I currently plow rein my four-year-old mare. I want to get her to neck rein. What is the best way to do that? Published: June 09, 2009
30. We have an eight-year-old gelding that has never had any health problems. He is on a deworming program every six weeks. Within the last four weeks, he has started scratching his mane and tail continuously. I have contacted our veterinarian for a consult, but until our appointment, is there another dewormer I can use to relieve his itching? Published: June 09, 2009

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