All Creatures Natural Healing

01/09/2026

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Here we can see that the microbes that have infiltrated the inner hoof wall.
If you zoom in it’s really clear to see exactly where they reside.

They are located in the non pigmented layer inside the hoof wall. They destroy the keratin that is a structural protein that makes up the inner hoof wall.

In this foot”s case, the toe is too long and has levered itself away from the inner foot. This is probably a good example of a mechanical cause of white line disease.

The long toe that created tiny breaks in the hoof wall them allowed the microbes present in the paddock to infiltrate the inner wall.

This poor foot also looks like it has current laminitis and looks like it had previous bouts. This is because the lamellae look stretched. They look too wide, and the coffin bone looks like it’s lost bone underneath, at the toe area. The terminal arch looks low which suggests loss of bone.

01/06/2026

Equine veterinarians break down equine herpesvirus-1 transmission, testing, neurologic disease, and prevention.

01/06/2026

Know your horse’s body condition score this winter! Winter is hard for everyone, horse owners and horses alike, especially when it comes to figuring out if your horse is getting enough calories from his diet. Understanding his BCS is important so you can adjust his feed accordingly, especially for hard keepers who may struggle over the winter months.

What are your tips to keep your horse in good condition this winter?

01/06/2026

❄️ Winter Riding: Understanding the Physiology Behind Cold-Weather Training ❄️

When discussing winter conditioning, it’s important to recognize how significantly cold temperatures alter a horse’s respiratory function, muscle physiology, and recovery from exercise. The demands on the respiratory tract increase in cold, dry air; muscle elasticity decreases. These shifts mean that the same level of exercise can place very different demands on the horse in January than it does in June.

Thoughtful winter training, therefore, isn’t simply about extending warm-ups. It involves a more strategic approach: moderating intensity, prioritizing gradual muscle engagement, and allowing sufficient time for complete cool-downs to protect both respiratory and musculoskeletal health. These adjustments help mitigate cold-weather stiffness, minimize performance-limiting airway irritation, and support overall welfare.

Nutritional and environmental management also play a crucial role. Horses often drink less in winter and expend more energy maintaining body temperature. Ensuring consistent access to warm water, adequate forage intake, and appropriate dietary support helps maintain hydration, digestive function, and immune resilience during periods of cold stress.

With these considerations in mind, winter can remain a productive and beneficial training season.

Learn more about evidence-based winter training strategies:
🇨🇦 https://madbarn.ca/training-horses-in-winter/
🇺🇸 https://madbarn.com/training-horses-in-winter/

01/06/2026

Water is a vital resource for horses year-round, but its importance becomes even greater during the winter months. Maintaining proper hydration is essential for horses to support digestion, overall health, and especially for preventing colic, a potentially life-threatening condition.

In winter, horses may drink less water due to cold temperatures, or water sources might freeze, limiting access. Reduced water intake increases the risk of impaction colic, a condition that occurs when food material becomes lodged in the horse’s digestive tract. This is exacerbated by the dry, fibrous nature of winter forage like hay, which contains less moisture compared to fresh pasture grass. Without sufficient water, the digestive system slows and cannot properly break down this material, potentially leading to blockages.

Encouraging adequate water consumption is critical. Horses should normally drink 5-12 gallons of water daily, and ensuring the water is warm enough—between 45-65°F—can help encourage drinking. Studies show that horses are more likely to consume warm water during cold weather. Using heated water buckets or tank deicers can prevent freezing and make water more appealing.

Fun Fact: Research shows that horses drink almost 40% more water per day if given warm water (45-65 °F) instead of near-freezing water. (Kristula and McDonnell, 1994)

Electrolytes or salt supplements can also stimulate thirst, prompting horses to drink more. Offering soaked hay or adding water to feed can provide additional hydration. However, soaking hay or feed isn’t recommended in environments where these items would freeze solid before being consumed by the horse.

Preventing dehydration in winter is a proactive measure to safeguard against colic. Regularly monitoring water intake and ensuring clean, accessible, and palatable water is essential. By addressing these needs, horse owners can help maintain their horses’ health and comfort throughout the colder months.

If you have questions or concerns about your horses' winter water intake, contact your veterinarian.

01/06/2026

The difference finalizing makes! Top photos are the finished painted model. Bottom photos have it sealed with the finishing satin spray and glossed eyes, hooves and nostrils with a bit of shine to the mane and tail. It’s all about the details!

01/06/2026

01/05/2026

Horses drink more in the winter with water at 65 degrees

Is your horse getting enough water this winter? Help your horse stay hydrated by adding warm water and chopped carrots or apples to his regular grain meal.

More tips here 👉 https://loom.ly/Ec5yhnM

01/01/2026

It’s the year of tbr horse Make it great!
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Tomorrow is a fresh start, a brand new chapter… and if we’re doing this right, it should absolutely include horses on every page. 💛🐴
Here’s to more barn time, fewer worries, and a whole lot of happy hoofbeats in 2026!

01/01/2026

12/30/2025

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🐴Did You Know?!

🥶A horse becomes hypothermic when their core temperature drops below 99°F (37°C), and frostbite can follow fast.

❄️When heat loss outpaces heat production, tissue like the ears, muzzle and pasterns can quickly become vulnerable to frostbite.

Providing wind protection, ensuring coats stay dry, and using appropriate blankets during severe weather are simple steps to reduce the risk of hypothermia and frostbite.

To learn more about winter care, check out the links below:
US: https://madbarn.com/frostbite-and-hypothermia-in-horses/
CA: https://madbarn.ca/frostbite-and-hypothermia-in-horses/

12/30/2025

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