Having a repeat, high-value ancestor in a horse’s pedigree marks narrowed genetic diversity, the author writes. Photo: Harlequin129/iStock/Getty Images

Linebreeding horses drives genetic bottlenecks

Too much linebreeding and prioritizing pedigree can narrow genetic diversity and lead to horse health problems in future generations

Too much linebreeding and prioritizing pedigree can narrow genetic diversity and lead to horse health problems in future generations.


Lots of snow was falling in Alberta but not here in this horse pasture near Rochester, Alta., on Oct. 2.

Beware giving horses too much iron

While an important nutrient, horses consuming too much iron through diet or water water can risk health problems like laminitis

Horses consuming too much iron through diet or water water can risk health problems like laminitis. Mineral testing forage and water is good practice for horse owners.

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Weekend warrior horses at risk

Lack of activity followed by intense bursts of exercise increases strain and injury risk in humans; horses are the same

Horses need steady, rhythmic movement. Going from no activity to weekend bursts of exercise risks physical strain and injury.






The 10,000 acre federal Ya Ha Tinda Ranch northwest of Sundre, Alberta. Western Canada's 170 warden's hroses are wintered and trained at the Ranch near the Banff National Park Boundary. A federal horse, right, and a ranch horse both in for training at the facility.

Why your horse needs selenium

Public attention has shifted away from selenium management, but the trace mineral still an important health factor for horses to get in their diet

Public attention has shifted away from selenium management, but the trace mineral still an important health factor for horses to get in their diet.



The living architecture of a horse hoof — laminae, fascia and blood vessels — is meant to stay in alignment with the bone.

Coffin bone rotation a misleading phrase

The coffin bone isn’t the thing moving wrong in coffin bone rotation, and that distinction matters when talking about laminitis in horse health

The coffin bone isn’t the thing moving in cases of coffin bone rotation; the horse’s hoof capsule is. The distinction matters when talking about laminitis and horse health.