The following publications cover topics related to Equine Extension. For a complete list of MU Extension publications, visit the main Publications page.
Haltering and Tying Horses
Revised
Halters are designed to help catch, hold, lead and tie horses and ponies. A rider may choose to have a specific halter for each horse, or they can select one of the correct size and adjust it to fit any horse.
Trail Riding Checklist
New
One of the most important things for trail riding is to make sure you know what to bring for people, horses and camping. Use this checklist to help pack for trail rides of all kinds.
Community Pleasure Trail Riding
Revised
Missouri has many scenic and challenging trails for riders. Many areas with streams, rivers, hills and trees have numerous trails on which local groups can ride.
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
Splints in Horses
Revised
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
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.
Saddling, Bridling and Riding the Western Horse
Reviewed
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
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.
Safe Ground Handling of Horses
Revised
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.
Horse Breeding Arithmetic: 2 + 2 = 1
Reviewed
Navicular Disease in Horses
Revised
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
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
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.
Unsoundness and Blemishes of Horses: Head, Body, Respiratory Tract and Stable Vices
Reviewed
Any defect that affects serviceability is considered an unsoundness. A defect that detracts from appearance but does not impair serviceability is considered a blemish.
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.
Health Hints for Your Horse
Reviewed
Learn about common ailments and injuries in horses, so you can prevent problems and ride more.