Erin Cafferty
Author for A-Z Animals

Equine therapy has been around for more than 2,000 years. What started as a form of therapeutic exercise transformed into a widespread treatment option and healing modality. Children and adults… Read More

By Erin Cafferty 2 months ago

Humans (are supposed to) go to the dentist every six months for a routine check-up. Horses are the same! These visits are preventative oral examinations that keep potential dental problems… Read More

By Erin Cafferty 2 months ago

Often called "night eyes," a horse's leg chestnut might seem unimportant now but it had a purpose years ago. Each one is unique, like a thumbprint, and grows continuously like… Read More

By Erin Cafferty 3 months ago

Appaloosas are best known for their colorful coat and charming demeanor. Whether it's a purebred or a cross, this breed is a reliable mount for equestrians of all ages. But… Read More

By Erin Cafferty 3 months ago

Similar to the Shetland, the Welsh Pony and Cob is not a breed of horse. It's a pony! This means that the average height across the equines of this breed… Read More

By Erin Cafferty 4 months ago

Horses are one of many hooved animals that roam planet Earth. While you might have seen an adult horse's hooves before, you may not have laid eyes on a foal… Read More

By Erin Cafferty 4 months ago

It's not as easy as you think to define "pony breeds." Individual horses that stand below 14.2 hands high are considered ponies. But the true distinction between breeds of horses… Read More

By Erin Cafferty 4 months ago

Horses have a sensitive digestive system that is best suited for a plant-based diet. A horse who eats toxic or even unfamiliar foods might develop immediate or long-term health problems… Read More

By Erin Cafferty 4 months ago

Horses are herbivores that eat a plant-based diet. Food for horses might seem boring to us, but it's full of just the right amount of nutrients they need to be… Read More

By Erin Cafferty 4 months ago

Horses have long been used as modes of transportation for humans, but what about when they need transportation of their own? You've probably seen a truck hauling a trailer full… Read More

By Erin Cafferty 4 months ago

There are many special snacks we give to horses that are safe for them to eat. A fresh peppermint stick, a crunchy apple, or a mouth-watering sugar cube are all… Read More

By Erin Cafferty 4 months ago

Equestrian events were first included in the Olympics in 1900, which Paris hosted that year. They didn't make an appearance at the games again until 1912. Ever since then though,… Read More

By Erin Cafferty 4 months ago

Moon blindness may be the leading cause of vision loss in horses, but it's a curious condition that still leaves experts stumped. However, loss of sight doesn't mean loss of… Read More

By Erin Cafferty 4 months ago

The wild horses in Wyoming evoke the same untamed, pioneering spirit of the first settlers traveling west. It makes sense then that Wyoming is home to the second-largest population of… Read More

By Erin Cafferty 4 months ago

Whenever you can escape into nature and breathe in a gulp of fresh air, it's a treat. When you can do that with a view of wild horses roaming protected… Read More

By Erin Cafferty 4 months ago

If the allure of spotting wild horses brings you to the great state of Nevada, you're in the right place. Nevada is home to nearly half of all wild horses… Read More

By Erin Cafferty 4 months ago

If you live or vacation on the coast of North Carolina, you know there are herds of wild horses who live there because you've seen them! However, if you haven't… Read More

By Erin Cafferty 4 months ago

Horse lovers everywhere know and love the 1940s classic novel "Misty of Chincoteague" written by Marguerite Henry. It takes place in Chincoteague, Virginia and the wild horses in the story… Read More

By Erin Cafferty 5 months ago

Wild horses of the West are more well-known, but wild horses also exist on the East Coast. The wild horses in Maryland, specifically, are a small population of Banker Horses.… Read More

By Erin Cafferty 5 months ago

Many people know that Mustangs roam freely in the Western United States, but did you know there are places to see wild horses on the East Coast too? It's not… Read More

By Erin Cafferty 5 months ago

Horseback riding has been around since 3500 B.C. Back then, horses were working animals primarily used for war, transportation, trade, and agriculture. Prior to riding horses, we used to drive… Read More

By Erin Cafferty 5 months ago

Side saddle is a type of riding that developed centuries ago for women's modesty and dignity. It involves using a special saddle that allows female riders to sit aside rather… Read More

By Erin Cafferty 5 months ago

Barrel racing is a popular rodeo event where horse and rider race a cloverleaf pattern around three barrels to try and get the fastest time. This breakneck equestrian sport requires… Read More

By Erin Cafferty 5 months ago

If you've ever been to the circus, a horse expo, or your local rodeo, you might have seen trick riding on display. Trick riding is the equestrian discipline and art… Read More

By Erin Cafferty 5 months ago

Horses have long been bred for various equestrian disciplines, to perform difficult tasks, and take on practical jobs. Each breed's unique conformation, temperament, and abilities/bloodlines help them excel at different… Read More

By Erin Cafferty 5 months ago

Show jumping is a popular, well-recognized Olympic equestrian discipline alongside dressage and cross country. These three disciplines make up the sport of eventing. In competition, the horse is judged on… Read More

By Erin Cafferty 5 months ago

Eventing is an equestrian event where horse and rider compete against other competitors across the three disciplines of dressage, cross-country, and show jumping. The best eventing horses are keen enough… Read More

By Erin Cafferty 5 months ago

Shires are a type of draft horse — like the Percheron or Clydesdale. They are not bred for speed. Rather, their size and strength mean they pull heavy farm equipment… Read More

By Erin Cafferty 5 months ago

Strong, spirited, and striking. These are the words you might hear if someone described Percheron horses to you. While they don't come in many colors — gray and black are… Read More

By Erin Cafferty 6 months ago