The following publications cover topics related to Equine Extension. For a complete list of MU Extension publications, visit the main Publications page.

Buying a Horse

Revised

Purchasing a horse should be well planned and carefully thought out. For most people, this will be a significant investment and therefore it should not be handled in a rushed manner.

Practical Horse Psychology

Revised

Melvin Bradley
Department of Animal Sciences

Splints in Horses

Revised

Wayne Loch
Department of Animal Sciences

Most people who own or breed horses are familiar with the cannon bone of the horse limb. On each side of the cannon bone is a small bone known as the splint bone. The small splint bones are thin and taper to become a small knob about two-thirds of the way down the cannon bone (Figure 1).

Feeding Horses

Revised

Wayne Loch
Department of Animal Sciences

In balancing rations for horses, the goals are to furnish horses with a daily supply of nutrients in the correct amounts to prevent digestive upsets and to use feedstuffs that are palatable, easily obtained and economical.

Leg Set: Its Effect on Action and Soundness of Horses

Reviewed

Melvin Bradley
Department of Animal Sciences

Safe Ground Handling of Horses

Revised

Wayne Loch
Department of Animal Sciences

During the last decade, participation in horse-related activities has continued to grow. The National Safety Council estimates that more than 10 million people in the United States are involved in equine sports. Membership in many horse associations has grown steadily.

Horses — Conformation: Form to Function

Revised

Wayne Loch
Department of Animal Sciences

Haltering and Tying Horses

Revised

Wayne Loch
Department of Animal Sciences

Saddling, Bridling and Riding the Western Horse

Reviewed

Wayne Loch
Department of Animal Sciences

Brooke Ballenger
Extension Occupational Safety Program

Horse sports are very rewarding when safety practices are followed. But maintaining safe working conditions when handling horses cannot be overemphasized.

Choosing, Assembling and Using Bridles

Revised

Wayne Loch, Department of Animal Sciences

Bridles are used to control horses and achieve desired performance. Although horses can be worked without them or with substitutes, a bridle with one or two bits can add extra finesse. The bridle allows you to communicate and control your mount.

Horse Breeding Arithmetic: 2 + 2 = 1

Reviewed

Wayne Loch and John W. Massey
Department of Animal Sciences

Navicular Disease in Horses

Revised

Robert C. McClure
Department of Veterinary Anatomy

Tall Fescue Toxicosis

New

Tall fescue is Missouri's most widely used forage crop. Visit our site to learn about Tall Fescue Toxicosis.

Functional Anatomy of the Horse Foot

Reviewed

A horse’s hoof is composed of the wall, sole and frog. Read this guide to learn more about the functional anatomy of the horse foot.

Care of Your Horse’s Feet

Reviewed

Wayne Loch
Department of Animal Sciences

Foot care is one of the most neglected horse management practices. Most lameness that impairs the usefulness of a horse can be prevented by proper foot care and reasonable management.

Foot care should be as routine as feeding and watering. It should include:

Determining Age of Horses by Their Teeth

Reviewed

The art of determining the age of horses by inspection of teeth is an old one. Visit our website to learn about determining age of horses by their teeth.

Longe Line Training

Reviewed

Wayne Loch and Melvin Bradley
Department of Animal Sciences

Sam Sabin
New York State College of Agriculture and Life Sciences

Longeing is a procedure in which the horse travels in a large circle around the handler on a long strap or line.

Unsoundness and Blemishes of Horses: Feet and Legs

Reviewed

Any abnormal deviation in the structure or action of a horse can render it partly or completely useless. Visit our website today to learn more.

Feeds for Light Horses

Reviewed

Feed ingredients needed for horses are carbohydrates, fats, protein, minerals, vitamins and water. Carbs, fats and proteins can yield energy. Grains and roughages, including pasture, are major sources of energy and protein. Learn more in this guide.

Unsoundness and Blemishes of Horses: Head, Body, Respiratory Tract and Stable Vices

Reviewed

Melvin Bradley
Department of Animal Sciences

Any defect that affects serviceability is considered an unsoundness. A defect that detracts from appearance but does not impair serviceability is considered a blemish.

Health Hints for Your Horse

Reviewed

Learn about common ailments and injuries in horses, so you can prevent problems and ride more.

Displaying 1 - 21 of 21