Feeding horses (2003)

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

Haltering and tying horses (2002)

Halters are designed to help catch, hold, lead and tie horses and ponies. They are nothing else. Every horse should have its own halter correctly sized and adjusted to fit. Halters come in many styles and in many materials of varying quality. Every person who handles horses should know the advantages and disadvantages of different kinds, how to adjust them and how to use them

Safe ground handling of horses (2002)

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. These numbers reflect the importance of safe horsehandling at every level. Basic safety practices are essential in every horse operation. This publication describes some important safety precautions that should be taken to ensure that you have a safe and enjoyable experience with your horse

Saddling, bridling and riding the western horse (1994)

Horse sports are very rewarding when safety practices are followed. But maintaining safe working conditions when handling horses cannot be overemphasized. Riders should have a working knowledge of horse behavior so they can anticipate and prevent potential hazardous situations. Horses are easily startled animals by nature, but most accidents can be prevented by using proper handling methods. This publication discusses basic riding techniques and provides information on proper saddling, bridling and riding

Buying a horse (2002)

Buying a horse should be well planned and carefully thought out. Don't settle for less than you expect or more than you can handle. There are always other horses and other days

Choosing, assembling and using bridles (2002)

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

Conformation : form to function (2002)

When evaluating the conformation of a horse, you should consider the following areas: balance, muscle, structural correctness, and breed and sex characteristics. Fads at times have skewed the importance of one trait or another, but all are important whether you are looking at a prospective halter horse or performance horse

Intermediate trail riding (1993)

More and more families are having fun trail riding. This activity is reasonably inexpensive, is non-competitive, and affords relaxation on nature's scenic trails. This publication describes intermediate trail riding

Selecting a saddle (2002)

A saddle is one of the first pieces of equipment most people buy after they acquire a horse. It is a major investment; selecting and purchasing require much deliberation and knowledge. The life span of most saddles is several times that of a horse, so it is important to take great care in selecting a saddle. This publication provides guidance in selecting and using a saddle

Unsoundnesses and blemishes of horses : feet and legs (1995)

Unlike other farm animals, the horse is serviceable only when in motion. Any abnormal deviation in the structure or action of a horse can render it partly or completely useless. Therefore, any defect that affects serviceability is considered an unsoundness, i.e., lameness, blindness, faulty wind, etc. Those defects that detract from appearance but do not impair serviceability are considered blemishes, i.e., scars, capped hocks and elbows, etc. Blemishes are looked upon with great disfavor in gaited, parade, and some pleasure horses. They are more common in stock horses and tend to detract less from their value than from other types of horses