horse

Horses, members of the equine family, are mammals appreciated for their grace, strength and intelligence. They have played essential roles throughout human history, from aiding work and transportation to their use in warfare and recreation. Horses come in different breeds, from small to large, each with their unique characteristics.

They are herbivores with a complex digestive system adapted to a plant-based diet. Horses have hierarchical social behavior, with a dominant leader in each group. Their communication is primarily through body signals and vocalizations.

Today, horses are primarily used for recreational riding, equestrian sports, equine-assisted therapy, and even as pets. However, their maintenance and care require expertise to guarantee their well-being and health.

Are horses affectionate?

Yes, horses can be affectionate towards their owners and people with whom they have established close bonds. However, their expression of affection is different from more traditional pets like dogs and cats. Horses show affection by leaning slightly toward their owner, willingly following them, and accepting physical contact, such as petting and scratching. Each horse has its own personality, and some may be more inclined to show affection than others. Patience, trust and consistency in interactions with the horse are essential to strengthen emotional bonds.

Are horses a pet?

The horse may be considered a pet in some cultures and regions of the world, but it differs from more traditional domestic animals like dogs and cats. Horses are often associated with sporting, leisure activities or agricultural work, which means they generally have a more utilitarian role than that of pets. However, many people develop strong, loving bonds with their horses, viewing them as partners and close friends. The care and maintenance of a horse can be demanding, and it is important to provide a suitable environment and meet their needs to ensure their well-being.

What are the qualities of a horse?

Horses possess many qualities valued by humans, including strength, loyalty, docility and intelligence. They are also known for their agility, speed, and ability to learn various tasks. Horses can form close bonds with their owners and are often used in sporting, recreational and therapeutic activities due to their calm nature and cooperative behavior. Their sense of observation and sensitivity to subtle signals from their environment make them valuable partners in various situations.

What is the character of the horse?

A horse’s character can vary greatly from one individual to another, just like in humans. Some horse breeds are known for their calm and docile temperaments, while others can be more energetic and spirited. Early socialization and training play an important role in the development of a horse’s character. A gentle, consistent and positive approach in training can help shape the horse’s behavior. Interactions with humans and the environment in which they live also have an influence on their character.

What is the care for a horse?

Care for a horse includes providing proper nutrition, shelter, exercise, grooming, regular medical care, and attention to its mental and emotional health. Horses require a balanced diet primarily consisting of hay or grass, as well as clean water at all times. They should be dewormed regularly and have access to dental care. Daily exercise is essential to maintain their physical and mental health. Grooming includes brushing the coat, cleaning the hooves, and controlling parasites. Owners should watch for signs of illness or pain and consult a veterinarian if any concerns arise.

How to keep a horse healthy?

To maintain a healthy horse, it is essential to provide a balanced diet, appropriate shelter, regular dental care, a deworming program, daily exercise and attention to emotional well-being. Regular visits to the veterinarian for vaccinations and health checkups are also crucial. It is important to provide a clean and safe environment, watch for signs of illness or pain, and respond quickly if a health problem arises. Horse owners should also ensure that their animals are protected against internal and external parasites.

How much does it cost to maintain a horse?

The cost of maintaining a horse varies depending on many factors, including geographic region, equipment needed, quality of food, medical care, housing and infrastructure maintenance. In general, horses require a significant financial investment for their food, medical care and housing. Ongoing costs include food, hay, bedding, veterinary care, dewormers, farrier fees, grooming and exercise equipment, and equine insurance. Owners should also consider upfront costs such as purchasing the horse, equipment, shelter and fencing. It is important to budget carefully to ensure that maintaining a horse is financially viable.

Thermoregulation in horses: a mechanism for thermal balance

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Thermoregulation is an essential physiological process that enables living organisms to maintain their body temperature within an optimal range despite environmental variations. In the horse, a homeothermic animal, this mechanism is particularly sophisticated because of its large body mass, intense muscular activity and high-performance metabolic system. Heat dissipation relies on key processes such as sweating, … Read more

Reactivity in horses: voluntary and aggressive behaviour

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Reactivity in horses is a defensive or oppositional behaviour often perceived as resistance to the rider’s demands. This phenomenon can manifest itself in various forms, such as refusal to advance, rearing, bucking or abrupt reactions, and is generally seen as a response to physical, psychological or environmental discomfort. From a technical perspective, reactivity results from … Read more

Animal mediation: support from horses in the treatment of PTSD

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Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder ( PTSD) is a complex psychological condition, often resulting from exposure to traumatic events. Characterised by hypervigilance, flashbacks and emotional disturbances, PTSD has a profound impact on the quality of life of those affected. While traditional therapeutic approaches, such as cognitive and behavioural psychotherapy, offer promising results, they are not always sufficient … Read more

Bacterial folliculitis: MRSA in horses

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Bacterial folliculitis is a common skin condition in horses that is often misdiagnosed or underestimated. This infection, although superficial, can lead to serious complications if it is not treated quickly. Whether you are an owner or an animal health professional, understanding this condition is essential to ensure the well-being of your horses. What causes this … Read more

Ovarian mares: how can they be relieved?

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Ovarian pain in mares is a frequent issue in equine veterinary medicine, particularly during oestrous cycles. This pain, which is often linked to the increase in follicle size and ovulation, can cause discomfort, affecting both the animal’s well-being and its performance. Identifying and alleviating these pains is crucial to maintaining the mare’s general health and … Read more

Mares and ovarian pain

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Ovarian pain in mares is a common but often overlooked problem in equine veterinary medicine, especially in the fields of reproduction and sports performance. As well as producing oocytes, the ovaries regulate hormones that influence mares’ behaviour and physiology. Ovarian pain can indicate disorders such as cysts, tumours or hormonal imbalances, affecting health and performance. … Read more

Melanomas: the tumours of grey horses

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Melanomas, which are particularly common in grey horses, are tumours which, although they often develop slowly, can lead to serious complications. This condition requires special attention, particularly when it comes to diagnosis, identifying symptoms and choosing appropriate treatments. This article discusses the causes, clinical manifestations and management options, with the aim of providing owners and … Read more

Borna disease in horses: a rare encephalitis

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Borna disease, or Borna encephalitis, is a rare but potentially fatal viral neurotropic disease affecting mainly horses and sheep. Borna virus (BoDV-1) causes severe inflammation of the brain and spinal cord. Infected horses manifest a variety of neurological symptoms that are often confused with other equine diseases, complicating diagnosis. What causes this disease? Borna disease … Read more

Motor neurone disease in horses: therapeutic management

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Although relatively rare, motor neurone disease (MMN) in horses is a serious neurodegenerative disorder that affects the lower motor neurons responsible for controlling skeletal muscles. The condition, which is comparable to amyotrophic lateral sclerosis in humans, leads to progressive muscle weakness, atrophy and eventual paralysis. Early diagnosis of SMA is crucial to improving the quality … Read more

Navicular syndrome in horses

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Navicular syndrome, also known as podotrochlear syndrome, is a dreaded condition among horse riders and owners. The condition causes chronic lameness and can lead to premature retirement of affected horses. Understanding the causes, symptoms, diagnosis and treatment options is crucial to the effective management of this condition. What causes this disease? Navicular syndrome is a … Read more

Understanding uveitis in horses

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Uveitis, one of the most common eye diseases in horses, is a major cause of blindness. Characterised by painful inflammation of the uvea, this recurring disease poses a significant challenge for horse owners. What causes this disease? Uveitis in horses manifests itself as inflammation of the uvea, the vascular part of the eye made up … Read more

Lymphangitis in horses: practical guide and advice

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Lymphangitis is a serious condition that can affect horses of all breeds and ages. Often caused by a bacterial infection, the condition manifests itself as severe and painful swelling of the limbs. Understanding the causes, symptoms, diagnosis and treatment of lymphangitis is essential to the health and well-being of your horse. What causes lymphangitis? Lymphangitis … Read more

How should an emphysematous horse be managed?

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Emphysema in horses, also known as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), is a common respiratory condition that can significantly affect an animal’s quality of life. The condition is characterised by chronic inflammation of the airways, leading to airflow obstruction and breathing difficulty. The management of an emphysematous horse requires a multidisciplinary approach including environmental adjustments, … Read more

Emphysema: a closer look at this equine respiratory disease

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Emphysema in horses, also known as “sprouting”, is a chronic respiratory disease that seriously compromises the animal’s ability to exhale air from its lungs. This condition, similar to asthma in humans, can seriously affect a horse’s quality of life and performance. What causes this disease? Emphysema, scientifically known as obstructive deep airway disease, results mainly … Read more

Colic in horses: the leading cause of death

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Colic in horses is one of the health problems most feared by owners. As the leading cause of equine mortality, it requires special attention and in-depth knowledge. In this article, we will explore the infectious agents responsible, the symptoms, methods of diagnosis, available treatments and means of prevention to help you protect your horses from … Read more

Gastric ulcers in horses: how can they be treated?

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Gastric ulcers are a common condition in horses, having a significant impact on their health and performance. Find out more about the causes, symptoms, diagnosis, treatment and prevention of this condition. What is an ulcer? Gastric ulcers are a common condition in adult horses. This condition, also known as equine gastric ulcer syndrome, comprises two … Read more

Understanding and treating blood loss in horses

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Blood stroke, also known as rhabdomyolysis in horses, is a serious pathological condition affecting the skeletal muscles of equines. Characterised by the rapid destruction of muscle cells, this syndrome can lead to severe pain, stiffness and locomotor disability. Horse owners and vets need to be aware of the warning signs and understand the risk factors … Read more

Management of sarcoidosis in horses

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Sarcoids are the most common skin tumour in horses, representing a significant challenge for owners and vets. These benign but persistent lesions can appear anywhere on the animal’s body, affecting quality of life and, in some cases, performance. This article explores in depth the different forms of sarcoid, diagnostic methods, available treatment options and prevention … Read more

Dermatophilosis in horses: what can be done?

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Dermatophilosis, also known as streptothritic dermatitis, is a major concern in equine health. This skin condition is caused by the bacterium Dermatophilus congolensis. It manifests itself in characteristic lesions, often similar to scabs or dandruff. It mainly affects the back, neck and rump area of horses. The disease can be transmitted directly, through contact between … Read more