You can lead a horse to water, but…

Winter is approaching and just like the acorn-scavenging squirrel, horses similarly increase their nutrient (food AND water) intake. So, it’s perfectly acceptable for me to have an extra doughnut or two…or five!  For every degree the temperature drops below a horse’s critical temperature, its hay consumption must be increased by 1%. It is important that only the hay is increased because that is the food that ferments inside their body and lets off heat to keep them nice and toasty.

Summer, Storms and Mold

Happy summer my fellow science-seekers! I hope everyone is enjoying the new leisurely change of pace that this season brings; although, I have been known to lounge around the farm all year long! Now, I know the saying goes, “April showers brings May flowers,” but what happens when June and July are super-soaking stormy months also? Did you know that in June alone we had almost 10 inches of rain? That is more than double the monthly average! Like most horses, I love to splash in puddles and roll around in mud baths! But, all of this rain can have some negative effects on pastures and forage for horses.

How I Beat the Heat!

How are you and your horse keeping cool during these hot and hazy summer days?  While most of my human friends can enjoy air conditioning, I seek the shade of a tree or a run-in shed to keep cool.  This heat is tough on any horse, and since I'm (a little) older than most, I have to be especially careful to ensure that I'm staying properly hydrated and that I'm consuming enough calories to keep my body functioning and maintain a healthy body weight.  Staying hydrated (especially while exercising) on a hot day is very important...not only for humans but for horses too!

Water Works!

Hey Kids! Looking for something fun to do next week? Come to the Equine Science Center's Open House from 12 pm to 1 pm on Tuesday, July 12th at the Equine Exercise Physiology Laboratory on College Farm Road on the George H. Cook Campus in New Brunswick! If you ever were curious about what we do at the Equine Science Center, this is a great event for you to find out! Join Dr. Karyn Malinowski as she explains why horses make such great research models for exercise physiology and the various types of research we do at the Center. Guests will also be able to see one of the research mares gallop full speed on our 21-foot equine treadmill...what a treat! This event is free of charge, but it is asked that you pre-register by calling the Equine Science Center at (732) 932-9419.