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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Allergic-type diseases are a major concern in animal health, affecting a wide range of species including dogs, cats and horses. These pathological conditions, resulting from an overactive immune response to normally harmless substances, manifest themselves through a variety of symptoms that can significantly alter the quality of life of the animals concerned. Emphysema in horses … Read more
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
High/low syndrome in horses is a podal asymmetry characterised by a “high” foot (high heels, short toe) and a “low” foot (low heels, long toe). This condition results from an unequal load on the limbs, influenced by anatomical, biomechanical and postural factors. It can lead to joint and tendon pain and reduced performance. Management is … Read more
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 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
Knurls, whether in joints or tendons, are a common problem in the equestrian world. These swellings, often painless and soft in consistency, can develop as a result of inflammation in the joints or tendons. This article aims to help you understand the causes of knurls, their symptoms, diagnoses and treatments available, as well as offering … Read more
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
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
The arrival of autumn is a risky time for horses, particularly because of the increased presence of acorns and young oak shoots in pastures. These elements, although natural, can be toxic to horses if ingested in large quantities. The tannins contained in acorns and oak leaves cause digestive and kidney problems, and sometimes serious poisoning. … Read more
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
Lyme disease, also known as borreliosis, is an infectious disease that affects both humans and animals, particularly horses. Although non-contagious, this tick-borne vector-borne infection can cause a range of symptoms in equines, from fever to neurological damage. In this article, we will explore the causes, symptoms, diagnosis and treatment of Lyme disease in horses, as … Read more
Fork rot is a common hoof condition. It is mainly caused by prolonged wet conditions, poor hygiene practices or a lack of regular maintenance of the horse’s feet. The condition affects the frog, a V-shaped structure on the underside of the hoof. The frog plays a crucial role in cushioning and blood circulation in the … Read more
Equine granulocytic anaplasmosis is a rare but growing infectious disease that mainly affects horses in the northern hemisphere, particularly in Europe and the United States. The disease is caused by the bacterium Anaplasma phagocytophilum and is transmitted mainly by ticks. Little known to the general public, it can nevertheless cause serious complications in infected animals. … Read more
Spikelets, the tiny seeds of grasses, can be a real danger to our four-legged friends. Often invisible and unobtrusive, they embed themselves in the coat and can lead to serious complications if not detected in time. What are spikes? Spikelets are dry spikes of grass, characteristic of plants in the Poaceae and Cyperaceae families. They … Read more
Equine piroplasmosis is a severe parasitic disease that affects horses and can have serious consequences for their health. Caused by parasites transmitted by ticks, this disease, although not contagious, represents a real challenge for breeders and horse owners. What causes this disease? Equine piroplasmosis is caused by two main parasites, Theileria equi (T. equi) and … Read more
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
Rhodococcosis, caused by the bacterium Rhodococcus equi, poses a significant threat to foals, particularly those aged between 1 and 6 months. This bacterial infection, which manifests itself mainly as pneumonia, can lead to serious and even fatal complications if not diagnosed and treated in time. Foals reared in dusty, dry environments are particularly vulnerable. What … Read more
Juvenile osteochondral disease (J OCD) is a complex group of disorders affecting the development of cartilage and subchondral bone in young horses. These conditions, often grouped under the umbrella termosteochondrosis, are of major concern to breeders and veterinarians because of their significant impact on the health and future performance of equines. AOJ can manifest as … Read more
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
Grass sickness, also known as atypical myopathy, is a serious and often fatal condition affecting horses grazing on certain grasslands. This rare but devastating disease is caused by the consumption of plants containing specific toxins, such ashypoglycin A found in the seeds of certain maples. Affected horses show a range of symptoms, from muscle weakness … Read more