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Ideas and inspiration for your place in the country

Horses

Diet and hay selection

So many equine health issues start with feeding. Here are tips on that and much more.



Pleasing Horse Pastures

How to keep pastures pleasing to you and your horses.


Horses grazing in pasture

Tips on buying a horse

New to the equine world? Here's how to get started without making regrettable and avoidable mistakes.


Horses

Cool mules

We've all heard the expression "stubborn as a mule," and for many of us, that alone is enough to know we would prefer a different species to have around. But given a chance, mules can actually serve as a reliable, highly intelligent, and hardworking animal.


mule

Hay For Horses

Whether you own one horse or 11, keeping tabs on your hay supply should be a priority on your acreage. Now is a good time to assess your grass hay needs to avoid a shortage in the winter.


hay

Twin colts

About seven years ago, Suzan Kissee bought Mollie, a nice Thoroughbred mare, for her daughter. After breeding Mollie, the two got more than they bargained for...unexpected twins.


Horses

Hit the road

Whether you're going to a show, to a state fair, or camping, you may want to take a horse along. If you know how to load and unload your trailer, the trip will be much less stressful for both you and the horse.


Loading a horse

Purchasing a horse

Many horses live 25 years or more, so it's not something you buy on a whim. There are specific shelter requirements, and you'll have the costs of hay, feed, and veterinary care.


6 tips for buying a horse

6 favorite horse breeds

Use this breed guide when selecting a horse for your family.


American Paint Horses

Hay botulism in horses

Botulism poisoning is relatively rare, but if a horse comes in contact with hay containing a decaying animal, it can become infected, and even die.


hay

Toxic plants for horses

Fortunately, toxic plants don't taste good, so older horses know to leave them alone. But curious fillies and foals sometimes take a bite anyway.


woman on horse

Racehorse adoption

Thousands of retiring standardbreds and thoroughbreds are being placed in qualified homes through adoption efforts, giving them a purpose and place to go after life on the racetrack.


Racehorse

Tips on horse hoof care

Horse hooves grow like toenails and need to be trimmed every six to eight weeks, but until you learn exactly how to do it, call a farrier.


Caledonia buffer

Cutting a horse trail on your land

A trail system provides many recreational opportunities for the rural homeowner. In addition to creating a space for hiking, biking, and nature observation, a trail system lets you enjoy a leisurely ride with your equine companion.


Riders and their horses enjoy the scenic Caledonia Conservancy Greenspace Trail

Get your horse in order

Good horsekeeping skills require attention to detail. Whether you re a horse novice or a horse expert, a new book called Horsekeeping can help educate you about horse behavior and needs, management methods, and ideal facilities. These seven tips from the book can help maximize your horsekeeping skills.


Gentle horse

Find the right livestock waterer for winter

Ensuring a steady supply of fresh drinking water for your livestock can be particularly challenging during the winter months. However, insulated waterers designed for colder parts of the country can reduce the need to spend hours chipping away frozen ice.


Livestock waterers

Natural horsemanship

There's a movement among equestrians called natural horsemanship, which focuses on becoming dominant over the horse while being gentle, rather than through physical force.


Beautiful places: McCall horse

Choosing the right hay for horses

Different horses have different nutritional requirements, and not all hay is created equal. Here are some tips for making sure your horse gets the nutrients it needs.


Yamaha feeding horses

Equine recreation statute

While it's natural to want to share your love of horseback riding with others, allowing people to ride on your land is a decision that shouldn't be made lightly.


Cindy DeVuono and her horse, Sonny

Raising Scottish ponies

Two-hundred years ago, Highland ponies were the universal workhorse throughout Scotland, and were used everywhere from farms to the military. Today, they're popular for their intelligence and temperament.


Scottish highland pony

Designing a horse arena

When you're training a new horse or just trotting around on an old favorite, an outdoor horse arena offers a good, safe place to ride.


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Raising miniature horses

The American Miniature Horse is a 400-year-old breed that grows to be no taller than 34 inches at the base of the mane.


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Raising miniature donkeys

When you have a smaller place out in the country but still want farm animals, miniature breeds are great!


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Raising mules

Mule expert and rancher Steve Edwards says if you're thinking about getting one of these animals, look at the mule's disposition before anything else.


mule

The misunderstood mule

Once you understand the way mules think, they're much easier to deal with and are great for riding, companionship, showing, and even working in the field.


mule

Putting your horse on a diet

Even if you're careful about watching your own diet, you may inadvertently be contributing to your horse's weight problem.



Advanced training for your children and their horses can make a world of difference. Here s how to shop for a riding stable.



Miniature Horses might be the sweetest and cutest animal you ever add to your acreage. Here s a family who knows how to raise them well.



The Chopps have turned a love of horses into year-round entertainment on their country estate.



When Ed and Gerda Boone bought their first country home, they were young and needed many things. High on the list for Gerda was a dishwasher. Competing with the number one spot, however, was a horse.



Consider previous training, medical background, behavior, breed, shelter, and supplies when selecting a horse.



Comfort is key for horse owners when it comes to trailers. With hundreds of trailer manufacturers in the U.S., you ll have lots of choices when it s time to buy. Here s a guide to help in the search.



Leasing a horse allows horse enthusiasts to experience the delight and responsibility of having a horse without the large initial investment. Here are five important tips to get started.



Whether you are looking to buy a new saddle or a used one, an English saddle or a Western one, consider these seven tips to help you purchase a saddle that is right for you.



 
 
 


 

 
 
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