MEDICINE HAT — A bill to ban the transport by air of live horses for slaughter is making its way through Parliament and is now under review by the agriculture committee. Private member’s Bill C-355 passed second reading in the House earlier this year after introduction by Liberal MP Tim Louis. “I bring forth this […] Read more
Tag Archives horses
Owning young horses can be challenging
Weanlings, yearlings and two-year-olds require attention, protection and quality hay for long-term health
Canadian horse breeding ramped up during the pandemic when demand for horses increased. Now there are a lot of yearlings and two-year-olds around. Weanlings, yearlings and two-year-olds are curious, feisty and accident-prone. These young horses are particularly at risk for lacerations, eye injuries and becoming tangled in fencing. Dr. Nora Huaman Chavarria is a clinical […] Read more
Preparing pregnant mares for winter and foals
SASKATOON — Equine reproduction specialist Dr. Claire Card has advice for horse owners caring for pregnant mares this winter. Card, a professor with the Department of Large Animal Clinical Sciences at the University of Saskatchewan’s Western College of Veterinary Medicine, said horses in Western Canada tend to be on the heavy side. “Keeping horses in […] Read more
Racehorses given chance for second careers
Retired Thoroughbreds are retrained for competitions such as obstacle challenges, dressage, freestyle and hunter-jumper
Thoroughbreds have a reputation for one skill — going fast. Last month at Prairieland Park in Saskatoon, the OTTB (Off-Track Thoroughbred) Challenge aimed to dispel this reputation and show the versatility of retired racehorses. While the 2021 Equine Expo was cancelled due to COVID-19, the standalone OTTB Challenge was still held in front of about […] Read more
Working with horses a family tradition
VIRDEN, Man. — Merle Coleman met her husband, Ron, by accident. The 90-year-old diminutive horsewoman and former nurse recalled him needing medical aid after getting hit in the face with a pulley. He recovered and went on to live a long life, passing away last year, while Merle gave up nursing at age 60 after […] Read more
CFIA confirms new EU horse meat rules
New regulations that might hamper Canada’s horse slaughter industry will take effect early next year. Horses imported to Canada from the United States or other countries will have to remain in Canada for six months if the horse meat is destined for Europe. “(CFIA) received a letter from the European Commission on Sept. 28, 2016, […] Read more
New European rules may hinder Canadian horse meat exports
A new European restriction may create operational headaches for Canadian horse slaughter plants. Starting in March 2017, horses imported into Canada from the United States must remain in the country for six months before they are slaughtered. The European Commission says the six-month residency requirement is needed to ensure the safety of horse meat because […] Read more
Building saddles for females
RED DEER — Men and women do not generally wear each others’ trousers or shoes, so there may be a case for different saddles too. “There is no guy wearing girl’s breeches and then try riding in them. Something doesn’t feel right,” said Jochen Schleese at the Mane Event, an equestrian weekend in Red Deer […] Read more
Edmonton centre drops horse racing
One of Alberta’s largest agricultural societies has announced it is getting out of horse racing. Tim Reid, Northlands chief executive officer, said this would be the last year of horse racing at Northland’s racetrack in Edmonton. The facility will become an athletic complex with seven sheets of ice across two levels, with the ability to […] Read more
Simple tests ensure horse is well hydrated
Year round requirement | While dehydration normally occurs in summer, horses can also lack sufficient water in winter
Many people recognize the need to make sure animals get enough water during summer. The rodeo and show season highlights that need for horses. Julia Montgomery, assistant professor in large animal clinical sciences at the Western College of Veterinary Medicine in Saskatoon, said horse owners can use two simple tests, the capillary refill and the […] Read more
