UMN Equine Extension Program

09/23/2026

🐴 Handling Horses: Youth Safety

Safety is a skill we can teach, practice, and carry with us for a lifetime.

Working with horses can teach kids responsibility, patience, and respect but safe handling starts with knowing how to approach, lead, and work around horses.

👀 Teach youth to be aware of a horse’s body language and surroundings.
🐴 Show them how to approach a horse calmly and safely.
🤠 Demonstrate proper techniques for haltering, leading, and grooming.
🥾 Make safety gear like boots and helmets part of the routine.
🐴 Remind them to avoid standing in a horse's blind spots or areas where they could be kicked or stepped on.
👀 Make sure young handlers have appropriate supervision and guidance.
💚 Lead by example because kids learn by watching us.

Horses are large and can react quickly when they sense danger. Unde...

09/22/2026

Those who have experienced the deep connection of a horse know the profound pain of saying goodbye. 💔

If you are grieving the loss of your horse, be gentle with yourself. Healing takes time. Surround yourself with those who can offer kindness and understanding.

And if you know someone walking through this kind of loss, reach out — even the smallest gesture can mean so much. Sometimes, simply being there to listen is the greatest comfort of all. 💕🐴

Learn more about understanding grief and helping kids cope at:
https://extension.umn.edu/horse-ownership/coping-loss-horse

09/21/2026

🚜 It’s National Farm Safety and Health Week!

🐴🚦🔧 Heading down the road with horses? Safety starts before leaving the driveway.

Take time to check the tires, lights, brakes, hitch, and doors on your truck and trailer. Being prepared for the journey helps ensure a smooth, safe trip for you, your horses, and everyone sharing the road.

Check your rig. Check your horses. Check your route.

In this video, Dr. Krishona Martinson, Extension equine specialist,...

09/18/2026

Friday Funny! Hats off to a great weekend.

09/17/2026

🐴❄️🩺 As horses age, the care they need changes. Colder months can be especially hard on aged horses. Evaluating their health with the help of a veterinarian is crucial to ensure they receive the proper care and support to maintain their well-being.

In this previously recorded webinar, Dr. Alex Bianco discusses everything from dental health to osteoarthritis to deciding when it is time to say good bye.

This 44 minute webinar on care of the geriatric horse discusses lif...

09/16/2026

🐴🍀 The big weekend is almost here! The Minnesota 4-H State Horse Show kicks off tomorrow, and we are excited to cheer on all the 4-Hers competing! 🍀🐎

These youth have spent months practicing, caring for their animals, and building incredible skills to earn their spot at this state-level event. Whether they are entering the arena for games, English or Western pleasure, or testing their knowledge in the educational competitions, their hard work deserves a massive round of applause.

Want to check out the action? The event is open to the public, or you can watch live from home!

📅 September 17–21, 2026
📍 Minnesota State Fairgrounds; St. Paul, MN
💻 Can't make it to the fairgrounds? Stream the show at: https://justinlivestream.com/event/2026-4h

You can find the official daily schedule and full event details at the link below.

Best wishes to all of this year's participants. Enjoy the ride, support each other, and have a fantastic show! 💚🏆

At this show, you will see 4-H'ers of all ages showing their riding skills in Western and English styles, their knowledge of horses and teamwork.

09/15/2026

Call for Horses with PPID! 🐴

Up to 30% of horses over age 15 will be diagnosed with PPID (formerly Cushing’s). Common signs include a long, shaggy coat that doesn’t shed, weight loss, muscle loss, increased drinking/urination, behavior changes, infections, decrease in fertility, and laminitis.

The UMN Equine Genetics and Genomics Laboratory is conducting a research study to better understand the genetics of PPID and how horses respond to pergolide, the most common treatment. Help them improve the care of senior horses. ❤️

📢 They need horses with PPID for enrollment!
👉 Learn more & see if your horse qualifies:
🔗 https://z.umn.edu/pergolidestudy

09/14/2026

🐴🍀 Good luck to Minnesota 4-Hers competing tomorrow at the State 4-H Miniature Horse Show!

The show brings together 4-H youth in grades 6 and up to showcase their skills and horsemanship with miniature horses through classes including showmanship, obstacle, driving, hunter, jumper, liberty and more.

Wishing all our 4-Hers a fun and successful day! We’re cheering you on! 💚🐎

🍀 Minnesota State 4-H Miniature Horse Show
📅 September 15, starts at 10am
📍 Kuka Equestrian Center; Maple Plain, MN

For more details visit: https://extension.umn.edu/event/state-4-h-miniature-horse-show

09/10/2026

🎙🐴🦴 Osteochondrosis: The story of surgical fixes for bony problems

What exactly is osteochondrosis, how does it develop, and why can it go undetected for years?

In this episode, New Jersey equine surgeons Dr. Mike Fugaro and Dr. Singen Elliot discuss how osteochondrosis develops, why some horses can remain asymptomatic for years, and how this condition can be relatively straightforward to address. It is not just a young racehorse problem.

Give it a listen!

Dr. Mike Fugaro and Dr. Singen Elliot, both equine surgeons in New Jersey discuss how osteochondrosis develops, and how it can be relatively straightforward to address.   Not just a young racehorse problem, OCs can lie undetected and asy...

09/09/2026

🐴 What is a ration balancer?

A ration balancer is a commercial feed designed to provide your horse with the vitamins and trace minerals they need, often without adding unnecessary calories.

Want to learn more about ration balancers and how they can fit into your horse’s feeding program? ⬇

z.umn.edu/horserationbalancer