Scott Wood | Horse Soup

What Should Horses Not Eat? – Toxic Plants and Human Foods

May 4, 2023September 28, 2021 by Scott Wood

Table Of Contents

Large Quantities of Fruit
Cattle Feed
Human Foods That Your Horse Should Not Eat
Plants That Your Horse Should Not Eat
What Can Horses Eat For Treats?
Wrapping It Up

I know the feeling of wanting to “spoil” your horse with the occasional tasty treat, but you might feed your horse something that could make him seriously ill or even die. Food that is safe for humans to eat doesn’t mean it’s safe for horses to eat. We break down what horses should not eat.

What should horses not eat includes chocolate, caffeine, meat, tomatoes, rhubarb, stone fruits, cabbage, broccoli, cauliflower, potatoes, persimmons, dairy, bread, bran mashes, lawn clippings, acorns, compost, garlic, onions, dog food, and cat food. There are also many flowers that are toxic to horses listed below.

Those are most of the foods out there that are bad for a horse’s health.

Don’t get me wrong, your horse isn’t going to die from eating most of these foods occasionally but these are foods that you should keep away from your horse because they are unhealthy for horses, especially over the long term.

Garlic, for example, is found in some feeds, but the quantities are well measured because too much garlic is very bad for a horse’s health.

Large Quantities of Fruit

Feeding your horse an apple or banana occasionally isn’t going to cause any serious health issues. The problem occurs when the horse gets too much fruit during a single occasion like when they find an apple tree or get a bucket of overripe fruit thrown into their feed.

Too much fruit can cause colic and might lead to founder.

Cattle Feed

Drugs like Rumencin are commonly added to cattle feed, this can be deadly for a horse. I would advise buying feed from mills that specialize in making only horse feeds to avoid any of these drugs getting caught up in the feed.

Human Foods That Your Horse Should Not Eat

Toxic Human Food:

What I mean by “toxic” is that these foods are bad for your horses health, if your horse eats a large amount of some of these foods it could die very quickly. It’s also important to note that regular consumption of these human foods even in small doses may result in death due to health complications further down the line.

Remember that a horse naturally eats mostly grass and there is a huge difference between grass and the following human foods.

Caffeine

Coffee, tea, and cola contain the stimulant caffeine which can cause an irregular heart rhythm. Caffeine increases the heart rate and can cause dehydration.

It’s a good idea to keep your horse away from these drinks as they simply don’t need them! What I mean is that horses get all of their required water from grass, so there isn’t an actual need for anything else.

Chocolate

Horses are sensitive to the chemical, Theobromine, in chocolate. Large amounts of cocoa can kill a horse. Chocolate can cause colic, metabolic derangements, seizures, and internal bleeding in horses.

Meat

Horses should not eat meat. They are herbivores. Their digestive systems are not designed to process meat and we don’t know what the long-term side effects could be.

I know of people who feed their horse meat on occasion and it did not harm them as far as anyone knows. The problem is that meat is VERY different from grass and other healthy forage which horses naturally eat. The long-term health defects of letting a horse eat meat are unknown.

Garlic and Onions

These are part of the Allium family. Garlic, onions, scallions, leeks, shallots, and chives, contain the chemical N-propyl disulfide which can destroy red blood cells and result in anemia.

As I mentioned before, garlic is used as a horse supplement but the key is using it in very small doses.

The same goes for onions, scallions, leeks, shallots, and chives. What might be okay in small doses isn’t worth it when there are so many other plants out there which horses can eat instead.

Tomatoes

The tomato is a member of the toxic Solanaceae plant family. The leafy green portions contain atropine, which can cause colic by slowing gut function.

Hyoscyamine is the most abundant alkaloid found in tomatoes. Ingesting it will decrease saliva production and intestinal motility, which can lead to constipation or diarrhea depending on how your horses body processes these chemicals!

Well-known members of this plant family include chili peppers as well any other tomato-related veggies like eggplant and therefore should also be avoided.

Rhubarb

Rhubarb leaves can damage the digestive and urinary systems which can then lead to kidney failure. This is caused by calcium oxalates which are found in the leaves.

Fruit Seeds and Pits (Stone Fruits)

Pitted fruits like cherries, peaches nectarines, and apricots are ok to feed your horse as long as you remove the pit from each piece.

Fruit pits are major choking hazards for horses. Seeing your horse choke on something is very stressful and can turn into something very bad.

Apples and other fruits have pits or seeds which contain cyanide compounds, which can be toxic in large quantities. You should remove the core of an apple before feeding it to your horse but if you forget don’t get overly upset about it as one apple can be broken down by a healthy horse and not cause damage.

Avocado

Avocado is a fruit that horses have been known to eat. However, the toxin in avocados can cause colic, irregular heartbeat, and respiratory distress among other signs of illness when ingested by your horse. You should not feed your horse this type of plant and make sure there’s no access for grazing near avocado plants where horses graze or spend time.

Cabbage, Broccoli & Cauliflower

Once again, in small amounts, these foods won’t kill your horse but if they eat just a bit too much they will most likely build up a lot of gas in their digestive systems causing severe pain and possible long-term damage.

There is also a choking hazard because of the leaves and stems which can cause an obstruction in your horses throat.

These three vegetables all belong to a family called Brassica oleracea, otherwise known as cruciferous vegetables! This means they contain chemicals like fructans and goitrogens (plant substances capable of interfering with thyroid gland function). What this does is causes gas and bloating, or can also lead to weight loss.

If your horse is having problems with its digestion these vegetables should be avoided until they are feeling better!

Potatoes

Horses won’t normally care much for the taste of potatoes, they might eat the stems and leaves of the potato plant which is actually the most toxic part of the plant.

If your horse eats green or rotten potatoes, toxicosis can occur. This affects the autonomic nervous system which can lead to death.

Potatoes, like other large whole fruits or vegetables, can become lodged in your horse’s throat and choke them to death. It’s just not worth the risk!

Persimmons

The persimmon is a fruit that horses have been known to eat, but the toxin in them can cause colic.

Do not feed your horse any seeds or fibers from this fruit as it will become stuck inside of their gastrointestinal tract which can lead to severe pain and even death.

Dairy Products

Horses should NOT be fed dairy products because they are lactose intolerant that can cause a number of symptoms to include: digestive upset, diarrhea, and even colic.

They should not be given any sour milk or cream as these are the most common dairy products that horses eat when owners offer them without knowing their harmful effects.

Bread Products

Bread and other baked products can cause blockages in the horse’s digestive system which can lead to colic.

The reason for this is that they are not able to digest the baked product and the carbohydrates in it. Bread dough can even swell up inside of your horse’s stomach, leading to fatal blockages which will cause them severe pain until death takes over.

No matter how much horses might like bread products owners should never give their horses these types of food.

Bran Mashes

Bran contains a high level of phosphorus and very little calcium, which is bad for a horse. Your horse needs twice as much calcium as phosphorus.

Too much bran can cause a mineral imbalance and cause diarrhea.

Plants That Your Horse Should Not Eat

Highly Toxic Plants:

In this instance, my definition of “Highly Toxic” plants are plants that can cause death in a short amount of time. These are plants that can cause death even if they are eaten in small quantities.

Be on the lookout for these plants and make sure your horse doesn’t consume any of them.

Privet

Box privet is the most dangerous for your horse. Keep your pasture clean and clear of this plant.

This is a shrub that can cause muscle weakness, ataxia (general term for lack of coordination), depression, labored breathing due to paralysis of the respiratory muscles, and death when eaten in large quantities by your horse.

Rhododendron

Rhododendron is not something a horse will typically eat unless their pasture doesn’t contain other quality grasses to forage on.

The toxins found in the rhododendron genus can cause death without medical attention. They are known as cardenolides or cardiac glycosides which obstruct the natural rhythm of the heart and result in heart arrhythmias that can lead to the death of your horse.

The highest concentrations of these compounds are found within fruit, flowers, or immature leaves. This toxicity remains even after the plant has dried out.

Ragwort

Ragwort has a bitter taste while it’s growing and horses will rarely eat it BUT once it’s dried out a bit the bitterness decreases and horses may eat it when the rest of the grass is lacking.

Ragwort will affect a horse’s liver, pancreas, and gastrointestinal tract if eaten.

Symptoms to watch for include:

Loss of Appetite & Digestive Issues (such as diarrhea or colic)
Increased Risk for Laminitis (founder)
Kidney Failure
Anemia

If you suspect that your horse has eaten ragwort call a veterinarian immediately to get the right treatment and care for them.

Foxglove

Horses normally won’t eat Foxglove because it’s a flowering plant and therefore bitter tasting. However, if your horse is starving they will eat anything.

Foxglove contains cardiac glycosides that can cause death to horses within 24 hours of ingestion. Symptoms include:

Colic with excessive salivation, abdominal pain, and respiratory distress may lead to cardiovascular collapse

Treatment for Foxglove poisoning includes the use of Digoxin immune FAB (ovine) serum as an antidote along with other supportive care such as the administration of activated charcoal via stomach tube & IV fluids until symptoms subside.

If you suspect your horse has ingested foxglove call a veterinarian immediately! The treatment required could be life-saving but only available from a vet or specialized clinic at this time.

Yew

Yew is common in most pastures. The leaves and berries are just as poisonous as the plant itself. Just 500g of this can cause your horse to go into a coma-like sleep state and die. Yew contains the toxin Taxine which causes death in most cases.

Symptoms of Yew poisoning include:

Drooling, loss of appetite followed by vomiting and diarrhea within 12 hours post-ingestion leading to neurologic signs including depression, head pressing, ataxia (lack of coordination), recumbency with respiratory failure & coma before death occurs.

There is not an effective treatment for Yew toxicity so prevention is key! Provide your horse with access to other quality grasses while making sure that none of these make it into their grazing area or pasture where they could be eaten.

Less Toxic Plants:

When referring to these plants as “less toxic” what I mean is that your horse might not die from eating a small amount of them. Even though these are not as toxic as the previous plants mentioned, you should try your best to make sure your horse does not consume these plants as they are not healthy for the horse and can cause death if consumed in large volumes.

Deadly Nightshade

This plant is common in the Eastern and Central US. The leaves, flowers, and unripe fruit can cause the death of your horse if ingested.

Symptoms include:

Dilated pupils & tremors before seizuring or colicking (abdominal pain) occurs

Treatment for Deadly Nightshade toxicity includes the use of activated charcoal via stomach tube along with IV fluids to flush out toxins from the body until symptoms subside. If caught early enough horses survive after supportive care but only a veterinarian will be able to provide appropriate treatment.

Buttercups

Buttercups are often found as a weed in pastures as well as along the side of roads as they grow very quickly. The whole plant is poisonous to horses. They won’t normally eat it due to the bitter taste but if they are hungry enough or there is very little else in the pasture they may eat it.

Symptoms of buttercup poisoning include:

Swelling of face
Drooling
Loss of appetite
Colic
Blistering of the lips
Mouth lesions
Convulsions
Twitching of the skin
Paralysis

Dangerous toxicity levels are not common seeing horses don’t like the taste of Buttercups and therefore won’t consume enough to cause extreme toxicity.

Once the plant is removed from your horses environment symptoms should start to get better. Should your horse have high levels of toxicity the treatment will vary depending on symptoms which may include medications, therapy or both.

Acorns

Acorns are loved by many horses but can cause colic, a build-up of gas in the gut) Acorns drop in the Autumn and you should collect them off the ground or maybe even prohibit grazing around those trees until they have all dropped and been collected after Autumn has passed.

The tannins found in acorns are poisonous to horses, causing gastroenteritis and kidney failure.

Acorn poisoning is a serious and often fatal disease. The only treatment that vets can offer to move things through the gut is charcoal feeds, Epsom salts, or liquid paraffin. Fluids and electrolytes are also given to help the horse with possible dehydration.

Sycamore, Maple and Other Acers

Helicopter seeds in Autumn and saplings in Spring contain hypoglycin-A that causes atypical myopathy in horses. Symptoms include:

Muscular stiffness
Reluctance to walk
Muscle tremors
Sweating
High heart rate
Dark urine

Your horse may appear weak and may have difficulty standing, breathing difficulties, but may still want to eat. If this happens, call your vet immediately.

Lawn Clippings & Compost

Sticks, twigs, and all sorts of foreign objects can get into lawn clippings. Besides the foreign objects in lawn clippings, green grass in this compact form is way too much for your horse to consume in one go.

Another reason why lawn clippings are a bad idea for horses is there can be so many hazardous plants in the lawn. The plants that I have mentioned above are quite common in most gardens. These toxic plants can cause serious health implications.

Because fresh-cut lawn grass is so wet, it can easily become moldy before your horse eats it, this can cause problems for the lungs.

Normally lawn grass gets treated with all sorts of chemicals to keep the bugs off or help it grow in whichever way. These chemicals can be poisonous to your horse even if the lawn was treated long ago.

Dog and Cat Food

Like most human foods, dog and cat food won’t cause death to your horse in a short amount of time. The problem with dog and cat food is that it contains meat products that have no health benefits for horses.

A horse can also easily eat too much of this type of food which can cause colic. This food swells up when the horse drinks water and can cause some serious digestive problems.

What Can Horses Eat For Treats?

Ok, so even most of the fruit and vegetables listed at the top of this article can be fed to your horse as a treat but only a bite or two. For example, one cabbage leaf won’t have any negative health defects for your horse. Rather stick to the below treats though instead of the above.

You must always make sure to treat your horse with small pieces of fruit or veg, excluding the seeds or pits. If the pieces of treats are too big, your horse can choke.

Having said this, the safer treats you can feed your horse still within moderation (only a bite or two) are the following:

Banana
Squash
Carrot
Celery
Mango
Pear
Grape
Lettuce
Orange
Plum
Pumpkin
Watermelon

Don’t treat your horse every day or even every time you see them unless you only see them maybe once a week. Even if it’s once a week, make sure the horse doesn’t expect the treat from you every time they see you.

Treating your horse too much can also cause them to get cheeky and maybe even start biting. Feeding your horse too many treats will also cause an imbalanced diet.

Wrapping It Up

What are some things horses should not eat? What are the consequences of eating these things? What is a safe alternative for treats that can be fed to horses without negative health implications? What effect do too many treats have on your horse’s behavior, diet, and overall well-being? I hope this article has helped you understand what types of food your horse should avoid as well as how to provide them with good quality alternatives in moderation. We all want our pets to live long, happy lives so it’s important we feed them responsibly!

The 14 Largest Horse Breeds In The World

May 4, 2023September 15, 2021 by Scott Wood

What is the largest horse breed in the world? The answer may surprise you. In this blog post, we’ll take a look at the 14 largest horse breeds in the world. We’ll talk about their origins, how they are used, and other interesting facts about these amazing horses!

Table Of Contents

Shire Horse
Clydesdale
Percheron
Belgian Draft
Dutch Draft
Suffolk Punch
Australian Draught
Boulonnais
Jutland
Russian Heavy Draft
Lithuanian Heavy Draught
American Cream Draft
Friesian
Comtois Horse
Biggest Horses In History
One Big Thing

Shire Horse

The largest horse breed in the world is actually a bit of a surprise! The shire horse comes from England, and was bred as an all-purpose farm animal. They were used for plowing fields, moving heavy objects around the farm, and pulling carriages on their knees.

The size and dimension of this horse making them ideal for farm work rather than battlefront conditions. Today these horses are raised mainly for show despite still being incredibly strong and powerful creatures with high endurance levels compared to similar breeds like Clydesdales or Belgians.

The largest Shire horse on record weighed in at a whopping 2660 pounds! These horses stand anywhere from 16-17 hands tall, and can weigh up to 2000 kilograms (or almost half a ton).

Their coloring is usually bay, black, or brown, but they can also be grey.

The breed was also used for military purposes throughout the 1800s, but because of their gentle nature they were more popular as carriage pulling animals than actual warhorses. They were known by other names such as “Beef Steak” during this time period due to their sheer size and power.

There are still many farms that raise Shire horses in the UK and other parts of Europe, but they aren’t as popular or common as breeds like Clydesdales and Belgians.

This breed is known for having a very calm temperament, which makes them perfect family pets! Shires also have an incredibly long lifespan – some can live up to 50 years old!

Clydesdale

Clydesdales were bred to do heavy work, and today they still have the strength to live up to their name. They were originally bred in Clydesdale, Scotland but are now more popular in America than anywhere else.

The largest horse show for them is held annually at the Wisconsin State Fair Park in West Allis, WI which attracts over 20,000 visitors each year!

The size and dimension of this horse breed are very impressive. Clydesdale horses stand at least 16 hands tall, which is equivalent to 64 inches or 164 centimeters! Clydesdale coloring is usually bay, black, or chestnut.

Clydesdale coloring is usually bay, black, or chestnut.

Today their largest fan base can be found in America where they participate as show horses and parade animals during holidays like Memorial Day and Independence Day.

They are also very popular in the beer industry because of their calm temperaments which allow them to calmly lead tourists on tours at breweries!

One surprising fact about these gentle giants is that many people think all Clydesdales are gray but there’s actually no such thing as a true ‘gray’ horse.

The color comes from the presence of black skin underlying white hair; any dark-colored gene will work with this condition (called melanism). Many times you’ll see coat colors such as bay, black or brown in Clydesdales.

A Clydesdales Life span is about 20 years.

Clydesdales live in over 30 countries and can be found all around the world! If you love big, gentle horses with a sense of calm temperament then this is definitely the breed for you!

Percheron

Percherons were originally bred in France and were used to pull heavy wagons and carriages. They are commonly known as the ‘king of draft horses’ because they have so much potential for hard work!

Percherons size is impressive! They stand at least 17 hands tall, which is equivalent to 68 inches or 173 centimeters and sometimes even taller and can weigh up to 2600 pounds! They are excellent at pulling and can pull about three times their body weight.

Percheron coloring is usually black, grey or bay.

Their largest fan base is found in America where they participate heavily as show horses. They are also are used as parade horses during events like Memorial Day and Independence Day.

Percherons perform well at shows because of their calm temperament which makes them ideal for parades, weddings, or any other situation where they would be expected to stand for long periods of time.

Belgian Draft

Belgian Draft horses are known for their impressive size and imposing presence! They are commonly used as farm horses because of the hard work they can do.

Belgian Drafts stand at least 17 hands tall, which is equivalent to 68 inches or 173 centimeters and sometimes even taller. They can weigh up to 2000 pounds.

A typical Belgian Drafts life span is about 20 years. The majority of Belgian Drafts are a chestnut color with Flaxen mane and tails.

Belgian drafts have great temperaments so they are perfect for parades, weddings or any other situation where you would expect them to stand still for long periods of time.

They were originally bred from Flanders draft horse bloodlines but today there are many different types including crosses between Percherons and Clydesdales!

The largest breed show in the world is held every year at the Wisconsin State Fair Park and it attracts over 20,000 visitors each year! If you’re looking for a powerful work horse then look no further than this majestic animal!

Dutch Draft

Dutch Draft horses are thought to be one of the largest horse breeds in the world. They are very strong and have a calm temperament, making them ideal for pulling large loads or other farm work. The Dutch Draft horse is also known as an “English Shire Horse.”

Possibly originated from Friesland, North Holland around 1000 AD where people bred horses with shaggy coats that were big boned but not heavily muscled.

These draft horses were used by farmers during planting season since they could pull great weights without tiring quickly. As time went on, the breed became even larger until they reached their present-day size!

Dutch Draft horses can reach up to 16 hands in height and weigh up to 1700 pounds. Their life span is about 20 years. Their coloring is gray, bay or at times black

If you love big gentle horses with a sense of calm temperament then this breed might be right up your alley!

Suffolk Punch

Suffolk Punches were originally bred in Great Britain and are very calm horses that make fantastic farm animals.

They stand at least 17 hands tall and they can weight up to 2100 pounds making them one of the largest horse breeds around today and can live up to 25 years! Their coat is primarily Chestnut with 7 recognized shades.

They are one of the strongest horse breeds in the world and are also very intelligent!

They are used for farming purposes but have also gained popularity as show horses. They tend to be “head strong” which means they can get easily distracted.

They are very powerful and can be hard to handle because of their strong temperament but if you’re looking for a horse that is calm, intelligent, and great with farm work then this might be the perfect horse for you.

Australian Draught

The Australian Draught country of origin is not known because it is a blend of many different breeds including the Shire, Clydesdale and Suffolk Punch, and Suffolk Punch.

This breed was originally used as an all-around farm horse but has now gained popularity as a show horse in Australia!

They stand at least 16 – 17 hands tall and can weigh up to 1900 pounds. Their coloring can be Black, White, Brown,or Gray. They have long necks that lead into a sloped shoulder making them very muscular looking horses! Their lifespan is about 20 years.

This horse is very calm and easy to handle which makes it great for farm work but they are also used in shows due to their intelligence and athleticism.

If you’re looking for a powerful workhorse then this might be the perfect animal for you since they are strong, intelligent, and obedient! Plus their size makes them ideal for pulling heavy carts around your property without tiring too easily.

Boulonnais

Boulonnais horses are very powerful and can weight up to 1800 lbs. This breed is also known as the largest horse in France! Known as the White Marble Horse, this horse has a very muscular body, short legs with dense bone structure. They can measure between 15 and 16 hands.

The Boulonnais was used as a war-horse during battles throughout history dating back to ancient Rome and Greece where it is believed they were bred.

They are very strong and muscular which makes them great horse for pulling heavy objects around your property but they also tend to be headstrong making it difficult to handle.

If you’re looking for a powerful animal that is easy going then this might not the right breed for you! But if you can appreciate an intelligent, hardworking, large horse with a muscular body then this might be the perfect horse for you!

Jutland

The Jutland was originally bred in Denmark over 2000 years ago but quickly gained popularity throughout Europe during the Middle Ages because of their strength and intelligence. They were highly sought after by people who needed horses to pull carts through cities or on farms.

Jutland horses are very strong and can be used as a work horse due to their ability to pull great weights. They stand at least 16 hands tall and can weigh between 1400 and 1800 pounds.

They have a short neck that leads into a straight shoulder and are known for their power and strength. They can live up to 25 years if taken care of properly.

If you love big gentle horses with a sense of calm temperament then this breed might be right up your alley! This large animal will surely turn heads wherever he goes due to his impressive size and friendly personality.

Russian Heavy Draft

The Russian Heavy Draft is one of the largest horse breeds in the world! They can stand to 15 hands tall which is equivalent to 59 inches or 152 centimeters and can weigh between 1100 to 1500 pounds. They can live up to 30 years!

Selective breeding during the later half of the 1800’s at the Petrovsky Agricultural and Forestry Academy in Moscow led to the creation of this breed.

Their coloring tends to range from chestnut brown to dark bay, and they are known for their thick dense manes.

They have a deep, broad chest that leads into short legs with dense bone structure making them very muscular looking horses! They are known for their intelligence and willingness to work which makes them great for farm work but also can be used in pulling heavy objects around your property without getting tired easily.

Lithuanian Heavy Draught

The Lithuanian Heavy Draught Horse is another of the largest horse breeds in the world! In the late 1900’s the Lithuanian Heavy Draught was developed by breeding Zhmud mares with Percheron, Brabant, and Ardennes.

They are very muscular with a large head and short legs making them stand at least 16 hands tall.

Their weight can range from 1100 pounds all the way up to 2000 pounds depending on their build! Their coloring can be Black, Bay, Gray, and Chestnut.

These horses are very powerful and can be used for farm work or pulling carts because of their strength. They have a thick dense mane, short legs with strong bone structure which makes them look muscular!

American Cream Draft

The American Cream Draft Horse is an American breed of horse that was originally bred for use in the logging industry. The horse’s origins are traced back to the Welsh Cobs, which were brought to New England during the colonial era. Ever since, they have been used by farmers for general work purposes and by loggers to haul logs.

The height of an American Cream Draft Horse is approximately 16.2 hands at the withers. They can weigh up to 1800 pounds. Their coloring is an unusual but beautiful cream color known as Gold champagne.

This unique coloring is the result of the champagne gene mixing with the Chestnut coat. The diluted color is produced by the champagne gene which causes the gold champagne color of the body including light skin and eyes. The mane ends up an ivory color.

This breed was created in the early 20th century and are mild mannered which is great for those owners new to handling large draft horses.

Friesian

The Friesian horse is one of the largest equine breeds, historically used for heavy farm work. They were first produced in the Netherlands, and their largest population of purebreds can be found there today.

The horses are commonly black or dark brown, but sometimes they are chestnut, bay, gray, dun, palomino or cremello. The largest horse of this breed stands at 17 hands and can weigh up to 1500 pounds.

They have short legs, a well-muscled body that is broad and deep with powerful shoulders making them very attractive animals!

These horses are used for a variety of purposes including as a war horse or for leisure activities and have been used for centuries as an important asset to farmers who need them to pull heavy carts, plow fields, and take part in other activities that require strength.

They are known to be intelligent which makes them great horses for those who want to take part in dressage due to their ability to learn quickly and willingness to work.

Comtois Horse

The Comtois breed originated in the Jura Mountains along the French and Swiss border. They are a heavy horse standing between 14 and 16 hands and can weigh upwards of 1700 pounds. Thier coloring can be Black, chestnut, bay, black silver, or bay silver.

They are an older breed of horse believed to have descended from horses brought over in the 6th century by the Burgundians who were an early German tribe. During the middle ages they were used as war horses.

Comtois horses have big heads, straight necks and very muscular backs with a deep wide chest. They can pull very heavy loads with their beefed up legs and powerful backs and shoulders.

Today Comtois Horses are the most numerous heavy horse breed in France used primarily for draft and farm work. They are known to be a calm, easy going breed that loves children.

Biggest Horses In History

Big Jake

Now that we’ve looked at some of the largest breeds of horse in the world, let’s talk about horses with a big history!

One example is Big Jake. He was recognized as the largest living horse in the world, standing 20 hands tall and weighing nearly 2600b pounds until his death in 2021. Big Jake was born to normal sized parents which makes his size even more impressive since it’s rare for a draft horse to be over 17 hands tall. He resided at Smokey Hollow Farm in Poynette WI

Big Jake broke the world record for tallest living horse back in 2010 and held that record until his death in June 2021

Sampson

Sampson was a gelded Shire Horse that was born in Bedfordshire, England in 1846 and stood 21.25 hands tall, and having an estimated weight of more than 3300 pounds! He is the largest horse ever recorded. He is considered to be the largest horse that ever lived.

One Big Thing

As you can see, there are many different types of large horse breeds. Some of the most popular ones include Clydesdales and Shires which were used for pulling carriages or heavy loads in Europe, as well as Australian horses that have been bred to be strong enough to carry smaller animals on their backs over long distances. Which type of large horse do you prefer? Weigh in with your thoughts below!

26 super cool Halloween horse costumes

May 4, 2023October 23, 2020 by Scott Wood

With the weather getting colder and leaves falling, we thought it would be fun to toss up a post filled with cool Halloween horse costumes to make you smile or give you some ideas for dressing up yourself and your horse.

Fun and Entertaining Halloween Horse Costumes

Here we have a high-flying Ice Angel

Flying Ice Angel - Halloween Horse Costumes

I”m not really sure what this rider is supposed to be, but the blue is a nice touch 🙂

Blue Girl and Horse Flickr 2 — Courtesy Flickr

I feel she belongs to shovel leaners union 226

Construction Worker Horse Costume — Courtesy Horse And Man

Here we have the cow jumping over the moon.

Cow Jumping over Moon Horse rider awesomelycute — Courtesy Awesomely Cute

The force is strong with this one

Darth Vader Pinterest — Courtesy Pinterest

With her trusty steed sheera is ready to save the world!

Gladiator Girl horsenation — Courtesy Horse Nation

Mean green carries our princess over the hurdles.

Green Horse Pink Wicked Spurs — Courtesy Pretty In Pink Wicked In Spurs Tumblr

Trick Or Treat!

Halloween Candy costume Barnmice — Courtesy Barn Mice

Strange that he doesn’t quite look like Olaf.

Horsecrazygirls Theme From Frozen — Courtesy Horse Crazy Girls

Might that be a Woolly Mammoth? Sure, seems legit.

horsefancydress — Courtesy Horse Fancy Dress

Here we have another Ice Angel

Nothing like the old ball and chain.

Jailbird Horse Rider Pinterest acollinslegal — Courtesy Pinterest

Rock and roll all night and party every day!!

Kiss Horse Costume Works — Courtesy Costume Works

Ok, the picture is kind of small, but I thought it was funny so I included it.

Appears to be a needle in a haystack.

Needle In Haystack Buzzfeed — Courtesy Pinterest Buzzfeed

Hey look it’s Picachu 🙂

Picachu Horse and rider Maneentail — Courtesy Mane N Tail Equine

Hey, let’s play a game of Twister :-))

Pocadot Horse and rider Braymere — Courtesy Braymere

Taking from rich to give to the poor.

Robin Hood Horse and Rider Deavita — Courtesy Deavita

You’ll never go near the water again.

Shark Horse Horsenation — Courtesy Horse Nation

I thought this ghost rider costume was really cool for both horse and rider.

Skeleton Horse and Rider Youtube — Courtesy Bubbly Gum Youtube

Here is another cool shot of a ghost rider.

Skeleton Horse Jumping Horseandhound — Courtesy Horse And Hound

For those of you with an arachnophobia issue…..hehe

Spooky spider Horse Horsenetwork — Courtesy Horse Network

I’ll take mine with extra cream please…

Starbucks Horse Britco — Courtesy Brit+Co

Princess Leia Needs a shave I think.

Starwars Kids Cowgirl Magazine — Courtesy Cowgirl Magazine

Now here is a scary one all right!

Zombie horse and rider sheknows — Courtesy She Knows

Of course this one required. Rocking horse…..duh…

Little Bo Peep was just to cute not to include in this list.

We hope these images made you smile. Should you have some cool Halloween horse costumes you would like to have posted please send them to us and we will post them and give you credit of course.

Why Do Horses Wear Shoes?

May 4, 2020 by Scott Wood

I used to leave my horse barefoot. Just like many other horse owners, I grew up knowing that horseshoes are sometimes not the best. My horse started developing many foot issues, and the farrier visits became a little too many, and I thought that was normal. In hindsight, I would have saved my horse from the pain and me from unnecessary expenses by getting him shod. I wish I had known earlier just how helpful horseshoes can be.

Why do horses need shoes?

Shoeing horses is a hoof care practice that goes back several centuries. It was invented because even the best-footed horses need protection when they train, work, or walk for long periods carrying heavy loads. Most a time, those against horseshoeing live in areas with easy terrains, and they don’t work their horses as much. Leaving your horse unshod in adverse terrain and severe working conditions could lead to lameness. Watch out!

Why do horses wear shoes?

Performance

The gait or how a horse moves depends much on the structure of their feet. Shoeing a horse helps to improve performance by correcting gait. Gait correction with horseshoes works exceptionally well on young horses before the foot matures and takes on an uncorrectable outer shape.

So before deciding to shoe your horse for performance purposes, assess its hoof situation first to find out if the posture abnormality is caused by hoof length or trimming errors. If the problem is as severe as club foot where one foot is lower than the other, then you must explore shoeing.

When there is a mismatch in angulation between feet, the two legs cannot move uniformly. That kills speed. Shoeing offers a natural way to equalize the height and solve performance issues that result from mismatched feet.

Protection

Horseshoes protect the foot from bruising, splitting, and wearing. They provide working comfort and also prevent slippage when the animal moves on ice or slippery ground. Horseshoes protect the feet of horses from wearing down excessively. It also prevents the hoof wall from splitting.

Proper shoeing keeps the animal working in comfort. It helps to achieve a balanced foot with a normal axis and helps minimize injuries. The right type of horseshoeing keeps the pastern and hoof axis unbroken. It reduces uneven concussion on the foot and can help to cure hoof diseases and defects.

Medical

Horseshoes are strongly encouraged for medical reasons. Shoeing safeguards your animal from the risk of laminitis. The latter is an inflammation of the laminae in the hoof and manifests as lameness, warm feet, and sensitivity around the area.

Laminitis is caused by a series of factors that can all be resolved by getting your horse shod. These include trauma and concussion from running on hard surfaces, stones, and sharp objects. Laminitis is also a result of cold weather, colic, and taxaema. Shoeing is an effective remediation strategy against laminitis.

Other foot issues that compel the need for shoeing include:

Cracks
Hoof recession
Collapsed heels

Why Do Horses Need Shoes? — Why Do Horses Wear Shoes?

What are horseshoes made of?

A horseshoe is typically made of metal or polymer materials. The use of different materials produces varying weights of the shoe. You must know that weight influences the biomechanics and performance of your horse. A heavy shoe needs the animal to expend more energy in acceleration and deceleration in every limb cycle. A lighter shoe is good for performance.

Different materials also have varying degrees of durability, cushioning, and, cost-effectiveness. These are the critical factors for discussion between an owner, farrier, and vet with regards to horseshoeing.

The standard horseshoe is made of steel or aluminum designed to represent the shape of the hoof wall in relation to the ground. For proper fitting, the shoe needs to be wide enough to cover the hoof wall plus the adjoining sole. The best shoe is also flat in relation to the ground surface.

Note that horseshoes are designed differently based on the animals:

Breed type
Movement traits (whether the animal is a trotter or pacer)
Function (whether it’s a workhorse or a racehorse)

How often do shoes need to be replaced?

Regular shoe replacement is part of the best practices for better hoof health. As the owner, you must always be on the watch for indicators of loosening on the shoes. Worn horseshoes are also a danger; instead of preventing posture issues, laminitis, and other horse hoof problems, they can accelerate them

Experts concur that horseshoes need replacement after every 6 weeks. That’s the general rule of thumb. The process of changing horseshoes also allows for hoof trimming and resetting. You can only attain the right postural balance for your animal if the shoe fits right.

The hoof never stops growing even when the shoe is on. When the hoof grows, the nails around the shoe become loose. It, therefore, becomes problematic for the animal to keep the shoe on—this slippage can pose a severe danger to the animal’s foot. This is why you need regular trimming and resetting for your horse hooves and shoes.

There are tell-tale signs that your animal needs re-shoeing. Don’t ignore them. The signs include:

Loose nails pushing up from the hoof wall
Protruding nails on the out or underside of the shoe
Shoe loosens or comes off
Hoof has started to overgrow the shoe
The shoe has worn out unevenly or excessively
The shoe sits twisted on the foot

If you observe the 6-week rule, you won’t wait for these signs. These signs could mean that your animal is already sustaining damage to its hoof structure and tendons and ligaments. Usually, if there is too much wear to the metal, the shoe must be replaced. If it is an issue to do with overgrown hoofs, these can simply be trimmed as the old shoe is reset.

Are horseshoes good for horses?

The shoeing versus barefoot debate has been in existence longer than any of us. There are compelling reasons for why you might have to leave your animal barefoot, and there are good reasons for shoeing.

If the animal has the right gait and hoof-leg contouring, and if they forage for their feed over long distances and do not carry heavy loads, don’t shoe them. These conditions naturally create better hoof health.

However if you are a modern horse owner like me who keeps your horse in a terrain that is plowed/irrigated and the animal does not walk long distances while grazing, you must consider shoeing. These animals, along with those that walk on concrete, wet stall bedding and roadways, have susceptibility for weaker and unbalanced hooves. Here is how:

In more humid regions, damp pastures and mushier soils soften the feet and make them susceptible to splitting
In stalls where there is constant exposure to urine, the ammonia in it weakens the keratin structure of the hooves
Horses that pull heavier weight or run faster need protection for their feet and postural alignment

Are horseshoes painful to horses?

Horse hooves are made of the same material as the human finger nail which is keratin. The horse doesn’t feel any pain during the shoeing or the resetting process. Horses do not feel pain when walking around in the shoes.

However, the animal can feel pain in these situations:

When an inexperienced farrier drives the nails too deep
When you ride hard immediately after shoeing

What are the dangers of horseshoes?

Brittle Feet

If the horseshoes are left on for long, they become loose and might pull off big chunks of material from the hoof structure in this process. This makes the hoofs weak and susceptible to cracking. Brittle hooves are painful and can lead to lameness.

Bad shoe

These are shoes with inferior designs. They fail to provide the right protection and cushioning for your animals’ feet. Some shoe designs interfere with the natural structure of the horse’ hoof, making it prone to splitting. Other designs produce excess vibrations that harm the tissues around the hoof. Some shoe types may also interfere with the traction and grip of the hoof on slippery surfaces.

Improper fitting of shoes

Shoes that are too large or too small spell trouble for the horse. If a shoe doesn’t fit well, it could lead to cracking and deformation of the hoof. If that is not addressed quickly, the issues could accelerate to soft tissue damage or permanent postural deformity in the feet.

Inexperienced or inept farrier

If an inexperienced farrier drives the nails deeper than is necessary, that could cause many hoof problems for your animal. For starters, it will be a painful experience for your animal, and they might sustain damage to the living tissues of the hoof. This form of horseshoe fitting also weakens the feet making them excessively brittle.

Advantages of shoeing a horse

Hoof protection and strengthening
Performance improvement
Medical protection against laminitis and other hoof conditions
Shock absorption for horses that carry heavy loads
Traction on slippery terrain

Disadvantages of shoeing a horse

Brittle feet and damage from nails and nail holes
Cracking hoofs and loss of balance
The risk of injuries when working with inexperienced carriers

The Bottom Line

There are strong arguments for shoeing a horse. There are also good reasons for leaving him barefoot. You are now a knowledgeable horse owner, and you can make an informed decision.

Best 5 Horse Trailer Camera Systems

April 15, 2020December 19, 2019 by Scott Wood

You load your horse in the trailer and get on the road, but what the heck is your horse doing back there? That is a question many horse owners have asked themselves for years. To answer this question many horse owners have installed horse trailer camera systems in their horse trailers.

There is a wide variety to choose from when it comes to horse trailer cameras. From baby monitors to home security cameras to cameras marketed specifically as horse trailer cameras, the options that people use are almost endless.

These are the trailer cameras we will be reviewing:

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What is the Need for a Horse Trailer Camera?

First off, having a camera in the trailer with your horses would obviously enable you to see what is going on in the horse trailer. Many horse people have pulled over to check on their horses after feeling movement in the horse trailer as they were driving, only to find that all is well in their horse trailer. This is nuisance as it takes up time to stop the rig and get it going again. Other times though people get to their destination only to find their horses and trailer in disarray.

It is true that the vast majority of the time you and your horse will get from point A to point B without an issue, but every once in a while, horses become a liability to themselves or things happen on the road. This is where the horse trailer camera would become an asset in preventing or stopping further injury to your horses and damage to your trailer.

What Type of System Do You Need?

The type of horse trailer camera system each person needs varies. For the most part though, there are many wireless camera and screen systems that will do the job. Some things to take into careful consideration are the durability of the camera, camera night vision, reception distance, wireless or wired, and price.

Camera Durability

Not all cameras are created equal. That being said, a baby monitor camera will not hold up to the abuse that an actual horse trailer camera will hold up to.

Camera Night Vision

Horses are not always transported at night, but when they are, what good will your camera be if it doesn’t have night vision capabilities?

Reception Distance

How far is your cab from where your camera will be? Not everyone will need 100 feet of optimal wireless reception, but the measurement from cab to camera needs to be taken into account before purchasing a system.

Wireless or Wired

It is much easier to install a wireless horse trailer camera system than a wired one. Wireless systems may have a higher cost, but you also need to figure in the value of your time and extra materials for installing a wired system.

Price

As with many things in life, budget drives choice. Don’t buy a system that you can’t afford.

What Horses Would Benefit from a System?

Depending on the horse and the situation, a horse trailer camera system could be very beneficial for added safety during transportation. One example would be hauling a stallion with a few mares; by having a trailer camera system in place you would be able to monitor how the horses are doing inside the trailer and decide if any adjustments need made for the safety of the horses during transportation. You could also use it while you are going on a road trip with your horses to watch their overall health throughout the trip.

We Review The Best Horse Trailer Camera Systems

Tadibrothers 7 Inch Horse Trailer Monitor with Wireless Mounted Backup Camera

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This system has a 120 degree angle view and is waterproof along with auto night vision. A very tough built camera and wireless.

Product Description

Screen:

7 Inch Screen
LCD
Supports 2 Cameras
Powers From Cigarette Lighter

Camera:

120 Degree Field Of Vision
Night Vision
Adjustable
Made With Elements In Mind
Transmits Up To 50 Feet
Battery Powered Or Can Tap Into Trailer Wiring

Pros:

No Cables Needed
The System Is Wireless
The Camera Can Be Powered In Different Ways
The Camera Has Night Vision
The Camera Is Adjustable
The Camera Has 120 Degree Field Of Vision
The Camera Is Durable

Cons:

Most Expensive Option
Only Transmits Up To 50 Feet
No Warranty

Buy On Amazon

YUWEI Wireless Backup Camera System

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Yuwei Wireless Trailer Camera Systems are easy to install and offer 120 degree viewing. Powering is easy and takes only minutes to set up.

Product Decsription

Screen:

5 Inch Screen
LCD
Supports 4 Cameras
Powers From Cigarette Lighter

Camera:

10 Infrared Lights
Waterproof
Instant Tranmission
Transmits Up To 260 Feet
Rotate 90 Degrees
130 Degree Field Of Vision

Pros:

2 Year Warranty
The System Is Wireless
The Camera Is Waterproof
Camera Can Rotate 90 Degrees
Camera Has 10 Infrared Lights
Screen Can Suction To The Windshield
Camera Has 130 Degree Field Of Vision
The Transmission Is Instant
Can Support Numerous Cameras
Transmits Over Long Distances

Cons:

The Camera Needs To Be Bolted To The Trailer
You Have To Tap Into Trailer Wiring To Power Camera

Buy On Amazon

Iball 5.8GHz Wireless Magnetic Trailer Hitch Rear View Camera

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The IBall Digital Pro Wireless Camera is a quick and easy install and a great way to be safe when hooking up your trailer, or checking out to see what your horses are doing while on the trip. Very versatile camera with great range while being sturdy.

Product Decsription

Screen:

3.5 Inch Screen
LCD
Supports 1 Camera
Powers From Cigarette Lighter
Transmission May Decrease At High Speeds

Camera:

Internal Battery Lasts 4 Hours
120 Degree Field Of Vision
Transmits Up To 25 Feet
Rechargable Internal Battery

Pros:

No Cables Needed
The System Is Wireless
Easy Installation
The Camera Battery Is Rechargable
The Camera Has 120 Degree Field Of Vision
The Camera Mounts Magnetically To The Trailer

Cons:

Small Screen
No Warranty
The Screen Only Supports One Camera
Low Camera Battery Life

Buy On Amazon

Dallux 7 Inch Monitor Heavy Duty Waterproof Rear View Camera

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The Dallux Wireless Camera System offers many convenient features that keep your eyes on the road and on your horses and trailer for piece of mind.

Product Decsription

Screen:

7 Inch Screen
Supports 2 Cameras
Auto Dimming

Camera:

Weatherproof
18 Infra-red Lights
130 Degree Field Of Vision

Pros:

Big Screen
Lowest Cost
Screen Dims Automatically Based On The Lighting
Camera Has 18 Infra-red Lights
The Screen Supports 2 Cameras
The Camera Is Waterproof
The Camera Has 130 Degree Field Of Vision
High Cruising Speeds Should Not Affect Performance

Cons:

The System Is Wired
No Warranty
Hardest To Install
The Camera Has To Be Bolted Down
There May Not Be Enough Wire For The Installation

Buy On Amazon

SWIFT HITCH SH04 Portable Wireless Wi-Fi Camera

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The Swift Hitch Camera System is a low profile and highly portable camera system you can use with your smart phone. Quickly install and sync with your phone for easy transmission anywhere you need.

Product Decsription

Screen:

Free App You Use On Your Device
Does Not Use Any Data On Your Device

Camera:

Battery Powered
5 Hour Rechargeable Battery Life
65 Degree Field Of Vision
Link To Multiple Devices At Once
Water Resistant
Night Vision

Pros:

5 Hour Camera Battery Life
Camera Is Water Resistant
You Can Watch Camera From Multiple Devices
Free App To Watch The Camera
App Does Not Use Data On Device
No Cables
Camera Has Night Vision
Camera Is Water Resistant
System Is Totally Wireless
Easy Installation

Cons:

System Does Not Come With It’s Own Screen
Camera Only Has A 65 Degree Field Of Vision
Second Highest Price Of Systems Reviewed

Buy On Amazon

We Have A Winner!

Out of the horse trailer camera systems we reviewed our favorite is the Yuwei Camera System. Having to tap the camera into the trailer wiring is a double-edged sword in that it is harder to install, but that means it won’t run out of power. This system also has the longest warranty life out of all the camera systems we viewed, which shows us that the company stands behind their product and its durability. Also, being able to use 4 cameras with the screen is something else that could give you more eyes on your horses. You don’t have to choose this particular system, but for us it is the best choice.

Equine Metabolic Syndrome Symptoms – What Now?

March 31, 2020April 25, 2018 by Scott Wood

HOW DID THIS HAPPEN? WHAT DO I DO NOW?

The answer is SPRING! You let your horse out on that lush green grass.

Horses love lush green grass but alas along with that grass comes trouble in the form of equine metabolic syndrome symptoms. Watching your horse walk into the barn all stiffened up or not moving at all is heartbreaking. I realize “Founder” can be caused by overweight or getting into too much feed but Spring green grass can be a major cause. But you say horses are made to eat grass and they love it. Yes, BUT………..

What Is Laminitis?

What happens is a condition very similar to Type II Diabetes. EMS leaves tissues less sensitive to insulin, which in turn causes the pancreas to produce more of this vital hormone. One dangerous disease that often results from EMS is Laminitis.

It’s the the high sugar content in the grass that signals the body to produce more insulin. The best and only way to avoid this is not putting your horse out on grass at all when it is growing fast.

Some say not at all until grass matures up. If there is a dry spell and then it starts raining again and the grass starts growing fast treat this the same as that first spring grass.

When a horse starts to show signs of Laminitis until this point in time there has not been any positive way to stop the progression. In the simplest terms, Laminitis is the inflammation of the laminae within the horse’s hoof. Each hoof includes 550 to 600 primary laminae, each with 150 to 200 secondary laminae.

These tissues offer shock absorption during locomotion, holding the coffin bone in place and supporting the horse’s entire body weight against gravity during movement. When the laminae become inflamed, they fail to support the coffin bone.

The horse’s continued weight-bearing and movement can cause the coffin bone to rotate within the hoof or to sink toward the ground. The former occurs when laminae near the toe fail; the latter happens when the laminae throughout the hoof break down, a case commonly referred to as a “sinker.” Both can result in the coffin bone protruding through the sole.

Treating Laminitis

Regardless of whether the coffin bone remains in the hoof capsule or penetrates the sole, laminitis causes a painful, debilitating, and potentially deadly failure of basic hoof function. It is an absolute nightmare for both horse and owner.

Many years ago a man by the name of Bernie Chapman made the heart bar shoe very popular although I was taught to make and use one 20 years before that. A heart bar shoe places pressure on the frog area with a V shaped metal piece about the size of the frog.

There are remedies that have been used like putting the horse’s feet into cold water or removing blood with a syringe out of the vein and injecting into the muscle. The goal was to get blood flow down to the horse’s feet. Results are not conclusive however.

Leather is added between the metal piece and frog. When the shoe is nailed on it will put pressure on the coffin bone via the frog to help stabilize the coffin bone.

The Adjustable Heartbar Shoe

The problem I had with the heart bar shoe is getting enough pressure on the coffin bone to make it just right for the comfort of the horse because too much pressure would make the pain worse. Too little pressure wouldn’t do any good.

I made an adjustable heart bar shoe that had the heart bar hinged and then welded a bar across the shoe a third of the way down from the point of the heart bar. Once leather was added to the heart bar and the shoe was set in place the set screw I put in the welded bar could be adjusted to put pressure on the heart bar.

I adjusted the V shape piece heart bar by tightening the set screw and putting just enough pressure on the frog to relieve the coffin bone which is trying to come through the bottom of the sole.

I could tell by the way the horse would hold his leg when I held it up that when I would turn the set screw putting more pressure on the coffin bone via the frog the horse would pull his leg as the pain increased. When I backed off on the set screw until the leg relaxed then I knew it was just right.

As the hoof grew pressure could be kept constant by adjusting the set screw. By keeping the pressure on the coffin bone it allows the hoof to grow properly instead of curling up. With just the heart bar shoe this could not be done.

In later years I seldom used the heart bar. I would cut and rasp the front of the hoof as far back as possible without drawing blood and then put a regular shoe on backwards. This would let the hoof break over much easier taking pressure off the coffin bone. I would always use leather Treadpads whenever possible to protect the bottom of the foot since the sole was very thin and extremely tender.

Treating Horse With Laminitis

I received a call from a farmer whose daughter’s horse had foundered. The coffin bone on this horse was through the soul on all four feet and fluid was coming out the bottom of the hoofs. The veterinarian had been there and wrapped all 4 feet but the horse could not stand and was in extreme pain.

My first thought was “NO WAY”. I did however manage while the horse was laying down to get 1 foot trimmed and a pad and shoe put on backwards. Not an easy job for me or comfortable for the horse.

The next day the farmer called and said the horse was up and standing on the shoed foot. I went back then and got the other front shoe on. I decided not to do anything with the hind feet at the time. The next day I went back and the horse was standing on both feet and moving a little.

We discussed keeping the horse only on dirt and fenced in with no grass anywhere in site. The road back was a long one. The first 6 months were hard on the horse with the retrimming and shoes but gradually he started getting better. After a year the daughter wanted to try riding him a little and by a year and a half they were flying down the trail.

I saw the veterinarian one day and he said he wanted to euthanize that horse the day he saw him. Was so good to see both horse and girl happy and running around again. It’s amazing how one horse with Laminitis that bad could return to health when others you don’t think are that bad can’t seem to get better.

New Treatments Options

Infrared and vibration therapy are relatively new to the Equine industry. There are indications they can help with a number of equine problem including Laminitis.

Vibration Therapy

EQUIVIBE states it is the first equine therapy plate in the United States that aids in the performance, rehabilitation and the prevention of injuries. “EquiVibe Therapy works well for both young horses and horses in need of rehab. The vibration is proven to increase bone density and circulation while at the same time reducing muscle soreness and inflammation.

For young horses, the EquiVibe helps with bone density by stimulating the periosteum to lay down more bone. The vibration therapy also promotes faster hoof growth which can be helpful in the management of chronic Laminitis, under-run heels, or thin soles.”

Infrared Therapy

Infrared is another form of therapy that may hold some promise for helping with Laminitis. Photonic Health is a site that describes how infrared treatments can prove beneficial in the treatment of Laminitis

The Choice Is Yours

Over the years I have had success in treating other horses with Laminitis using both methods I described above. The best hope for horses with chronic Laminitis is to make them comfortable by keeping the length of the toe as short as possible and rasped off. This debilitating problem and the number two killer of horses that we have struggled with for years continues to baffle us as we look for ways to cope and cure.

Our Review Of The Quietest Portable Generators For Horse Trailers

April 15, 2020April 12, 2018 by Scott Wood

You are spending the night in your trusty horse trailer when all of a sudden the growling of a generator prevents you and everyone else around for miles from going to sleep. As you lay in your rack trying to catch a wink, you wonder why people don’t invest in one of the quietest horse trailer generators out there instead of keeping everyone awake listening to theirs.

When living quarters are involved in a horse trailer it will most likely be taken overnighting at some point and a generator will be a fantastic thing to use. However, noisy generators can be very annoying to the owner of the horrendous machine as well as everyone around. Inverter generators may be the answer to these problems and we will discuss a few of the quietest portable generators so you don’t become THAT guy or gal.

How Inverter Generators Work

The inverter generator works in much the same way as your conventional generator, but inverter generators are more innovative and efficient. The video below offers a good explanation.

Honda explains, “… the generator’s alternator produces high voltage multiphase AC power. The AC power is then converted to DC. Finally the DC power is converted back to AC by the inverter. The inverter also smoothes and cleans the power to make it high quality. A special microprocessor controls the entire process, as well as the speed of the engine” (2018).

Advantages

Compared to their conventional counterparts, inverter generators have many advantages which include:

Precise Power Output

Inverter generators produce a more reliable and continuous flow of energy that mimics the energy from the outlets in your home.

Lighter and Smaller

Inverter generators are smaller and lighter than their conventional counterparts. For example, a 2,500 watt conventional generator weighs 97 pounds and a 2,500 watt inverter generator weighs 43 pounds.

Fuel Efficient

Compared to their conventional counterparts, inverter generators use up much less fuel to operate. This is much easier on the pocket in the long run. Here is an image by Westinghouse that illustrates the difference.

Inverter Generators Are "Quiet"

A huge selling feature of inverter generators is their volume. Compared to conventional generators, inverter generators purr like a kitten at 52 decibels instead of roaring like a lion at 74 decibels. Below is a video of a side by side comparison of the two types of generators.

That’s a heck of a difference 🙂

Parallel Capabilities

Inverter generators have the amazing ability to combine their power. So, when budget only allows one 2,000 watt generator, you can still achieve 4,000 watts later on by buying another 2,000 watt generator and parallel kit. Below is a video quickly demonstrating how to use two generators in a parallel setup.

How to Choose

Depending on your needs, you will need to look at what options will work for you and your situation.

According to the above chart from electricgeneratorsdirect.com, most people will need at least a total of 3,000 watts from an inverter generator to run on their horse trailer. Not having enough watts will result in insufficient power for all your appliances and devices.

Drawbacks

Though there are many advantages to using an inverter generator, there are some disadvantages. Because of their small size inverter generators have a smaller fuel capacity and they are more expensive than their conventional counterparts.

Prerequisites

The prerequisites to using an inverter generator are no different than using a conventional generator. All that is needed is fuel, an extension cord, and any adapters or parallel kit that you may need.

Portable Inverter Generator Reviews

Champion Power Equipment 100233 3400W Inverter Generator w/ Parallel Capability

Champion 3,400 Watt Wireless Start Inverter Generator

Noise Level- 64 decibels
Size- 81.6 pounds
Watts- 3400 starting watts and 3,100 running watts
Fuel Capacity -1.6 gallons
Fuel Life- up to 7.5 hours at 25% Load

PROS

CONS

3 year limited warranty
Lifetime technical support
Parallel ready
120V 30A RV, two 120V 20 A household outlets, 12V DC outlet with dual USB adapter
Cold start technology
Economy mode heightens fuel efficiency
Highest wattage option on our list
Longest fuel life option on our list
Largest fuel capacity option on our list
Most outlets out of the options on our list

Westinghouse WH2200iXLT Super Quiet Portable Inverter Generator - 1800 Rated Watts and 2200 Peak Watts - Gas Powered - CARB Compliant (Renewed)

Westinghouse WH2200iXLT Portable Inverter Generator

Noise Level- 52 decibels
Size- 43 pounds
Watts- 2,200 starting watts and 1,800 running watts
Fuel Capacity- 1.3 gallons
Fuel Life- up to 13 hours at 25%

PROS

CONS

3 year limited warranty
Lifetime technical support
Parallel capable
Efficiency mode to save on fuel
Two 5-20R 20A 120V outlets, one 12V DC outlet
Very quiet
Second cheapest option on our list
Second longest fuel life option on our list

Briggs & Stratton P2200 PowerSmart Series Inverter Generator with Quiet Power Technology and Parallel Capability, 2200 Starting Watts 1700 Running Watts

Briggs and Stratton 2,200 Watt Inverter Generator

Noise Level- 59 decibels
Size- 54.6 pounds
Watts- 2,200 starting watts and 1,700 running watts
Fuel Capacity- 1 gallon
Fuel Life- 8 hours at 25% Load

PROS

CONS

WEN 56200i Super Quiet 2000-Watt Portable Inverter Generator, CARB Compliant

WEN 2000 Watt Inverter Generator

Noise Level- 51 decibels
Size- 48 pounds
Watts- 2,000 starting watts and 1,600 running watts
Fuel Capacity- 1 gallon
Fuel Life- 6 hours at 50% Load

PROS

CONS

2 year warranty
Two 120V outlets, one 12V DC outlet and one 5V USB port
Parallel capable
Automatic fuel consumption
Most inexpensive option on our list
Potentially the quietest option on our list

Honda EU2200i 2200W 120-Volt Portable Inverter Generator

Honda 2,200 Watt Inverter Generator

PROS

CONS

3 year warranty
Eco Throttle system
Parallel capable
30 day satisfaction guarantee
Two 15A AC 120v outlets, one 8.3A dc 12V outlet
Potentially the quietest option on our list
Second lightest option on our list

And The Winner Is...

The winner out of our list is the Westinghouse 2,200 watt inverted generator. It gives you the most bang for your buck with it’s 13 hour fuel life, 3 year warranty, noise level of 52 decibels, and light weight of 43 pounds. It may only put out 1,800 running watts, but you can add another generator if you need to support a larger load. Overall though, this is a great little generator that can tackle your needs.