Dr Doug Wilson conducts research into the immunology of horses, with a special interest in Insect Bite Hypersensitivity (better known in this region as Queensland Itch).

The word Melanoma strikes fear into most Australians, given the harsh UV conditions we live in and the potential fatal outcome in humans who are affected with melanoma. However melanomas in horses are quite different, as they are usually benign and are not even induced by UV rays from the sun!

Everybody who owns, rides or handles horses should know their horse’s vital signs. These simple checks will help tell if your horse is healthy or if you will have to call the vet.

One of the most important lessons I learned from Walt and Amos was the difference between making a horse do a job and allowing him to do a job. It was clear that most of us get so focused on a job that it is the job itself that becomes important.

The concept of holistic health and well-being is clearly understood for humans, but is often over-looked in the field of animal care. Holistic health incorporates the importance of emotional and spiritual well-being, together with physiological wellness.

For the sake of readability, girths will be mentioned throughout this article, but please take this to refer to cinches as well.

There are many factors that can cause abortion in mares. Non-infectious causes are more common than infectious causes of abortion. Problems associated with the umbilical cord, disorders of the placenta, disorders of the foetus, twins, stress and trauma are examples of non-infectious causes of abortion.

During the first year of the foal’s life it will grow to over 90% of its mature height. Considering it is starting at only about nine hands tall (36 inches), and can reach fourteen hands or better within a year, this is a big change for the support structure of the foal.

The malady known as ‘Club Foot Syndrome’ (CFS) is a genetically transmitted conformation defect affect one or both front feet. The condition is prevalent in “Hot Blood” and ‘Warm Blood” species, however, “Cold Blood” and “Purebred Ponies” seem to have escaped the anomaly.

If you just found out that your horse is going blind, you should know that caring for a blind horse is really not any more difficult than caring for a sighted horse.