Horse Education Online

06/12/2026

The first hour of a suspected colic episode sets the tone for effective veterinary response. Panic or delay can worsen outcomes, while thoughtful observation provides crucial information.

Start by ensuring the horse is in a safe space. Then record temperature, heart rate, respiratory rate, gum color and moisture, manure production, water intake, and specific pain behaviors (pawing, flank watching, stretching, rolling attempts). Note when symptoms first appeared.

Do not administer pain relievers or muscle relaxants unless directly instructed by a veterinarian. Masking pain or altering gut motility can interfere with diagnosis and treatment decisions.

Call your veterinarian early, even if signs seem mild. Many colics resolve with simple care, but professional assessment determines the difference.

Save the Horse Education Online first-hour checklist for quick reference during an emergency.

06/12/2026

Not knowing horse face markings might not seem like a big deal… until you’re asked to identify a horse by them! Our study flashcards make it easy to learn the names of markings, recognize the differences, and feel confident when it counts. Download them today, FREE with your membership: https://www.horseeducationonline.com/study-materials/face-markings-flashcards

06/11/2026

Learn the foundational knowledge behind every successful equine career! Our Equine Anatomy Certification Program is fully online. Start your journey toward becoming an equine professional today!

06/08/2026

Dehydration in horses is not something to judge from one sign alone.

Look at the whole picture: water intake, gum moisture, manure, attitude, sweating, heat, workload, and salt access.

If your horse seems dull, weak, colicky, or seriously unwell, call your veterinarian.

Use the Salt and Electrolyte Calculator on Horse Education Online.

06/08/2026

Ready to become an equine professional?
Don't build your future on opinions, marketing, or social media trends. Horse Education Online gives you access to peer-reviewed, science-based equine education. With no advertisements and no product endorsements, you'll gain the knowledge needed to succeed in any horse-centered career.
Join free today and start building your future with confidence!

06/06/2026

Come see Horse Education Online at the Western States Horse Expo! From our real horse skeleton, our “Build-a-Horse” game, Horse Tracker Software, to our homeschool/charter school-approved educational programs, we have something for everyone!

06/05/2026

When a horse loses weight, the immediate instinct is often to pour more grain into the bucket. But adding calories without investigating the cause can mask underlying problems.

Start with a body condition score to confirm actual loss versus normal fluctuation. Then evaluate forage quality and quantity, poor hay means poor nutrition regardless of grain.

Dental issues prevent proper chewing and digestion. Parasite burden steals nutrients. Chronic pain, such as from arthritis or ulcers, reduces feed intake. Metabolic disease, organ issues, or even social stress in group turnout can also play roles.

Work through each possibility systematically. The Weight and Body Condition Calculator helps track changes over time. Share trends with your veterinarian before making major diet adjustments.

Use the Horse Weight and Body Condition Calculator and track changes over time.

06/02/2026

Sodium and chloride are essential daily minerals for horses. A salt block offers free-choice access, but consumption varies widely. Some horses lick very little, especially if the block becomes dirty, hard, or unappealing.

Loose salt mixed into feed provides a measurable daily intake. This becomes particularly important during hot weather, heavy sweating, transport stress, or intense workloads.

Owners should also understand the difference between plain salt (sodium chloride) and electrolyte supplements. Electrolytes replace sodium, potassium, and chloride lost in sweat, often requiring more targeted dosing.

The Salt and Electrolyte Calculator on Horse Education Online helps estimate needs based on conditions and activity.

06/02/2026

Three conditions that are frequently discussed together are lumbosacral (LS) pain, sacroiliac (SI) region pain, and primary hindlimb lameness. These conditions often produce similar signs, including reluctance to work, difficulty engaging the hindquarters, poor impulsion, and reduced athletic performance. In many horses, more than one condition may be present simultaneously, making diagnosis even more complicated.

Understanding the differences between these disorders can help owners, trainers, and riders communicate more effectively with their veterinarian and recognize when further investigation is needed.

Click the link below to learn more at Horse Education Online.

Three conditions that are frequently discussed together are lumbosacral (LS) pain, sacroiliac (SI) region pain, and primary hindlimb lameness. These conditions often produce similar signs, and understanding the differences between these disorders can help owners, trainers, and riders communicate mor...

05/30/2026

Vaccine dates, deworming schedules, feed adjustments, subtle symptoms, medication dosages, and weight changes all matter for equine health. Relying on memory increases the risk of missed boosters, overlapping treatments, or delayed recognition of patterns.

Consistent records help owners and veterinarians spot changes early. A log of past symptoms can clarify whether a new sign is truly new. Feed histories explain weight fluctuations. Medication notes prevent accidental double-dosing.

Horse Tracker offers a centralized place to store these observations. Enter information as it happens, then review the timeline before appointments or decisions.

This tool supports awareness, it does not replace veterinary exams or diagnostics. Use records to ask better questions, not to self-diagnose.

Start tracking before the next detail slips away.