Educational materials for horse owners includes a guide to equine colors and markings, plants poisonous to horses, and calculating age from a tatoo number.

Most horses tend to avoid toxic plants, however sometimes they don't, either because they don't recognize them, they are especially hungry, or they accidentally ingest them. Younger and more curious horses are more likely to "sample" their environment, and at certain times of year toxic plants can be more lush and attractive than the native grasses which surround them. Horses under stress can be more susceptible to relatively low levels of toxicity.

History tells us that contamination of equine feeds by ingredients intended for other species has been a regular occurrence in the thoroughbred industry. Recent high profile cases have received plenty of media attention, however there are many more instances that effect owners, trainers, reputations and livelihoods that often go virtually unnoticed. The consequences of feeding contaminated horse feed can range from a positive swab to, in extreme cases, the death of the horse.

Basic Horse Feeding Facts, Feeding Grain and Hay and Watering Safely - by Cheryl Sutor August 1997. Horses have small stomachs and short intestines, therefore, they cannot handle large amounts of grain at one time. Horses should be fed frequently, but in small amounts (3+ times daily). Horses cannot vomit. This means that whatever a horse eats - whether it be oats, molasses, moldy hay, or rusty nails - it must go all the way through his digestive system. This inability to vomit is the most common reason colic is a big problem with horses.

What factors affect the nutrient requirements of horses? How do you assess body condition in horses? What is the most common sign of energy deficiency or energy excess in the horse? What class of horse has the highest energy and protein requirements? Do performance horses need lots of protein? Do pregnant mares need a more nutritious diet? Do lactating (milking mares) need a more nutritious diet? What is the recommended minimum data needed from a feed analysis? And many other FAQs.

A story from Tasmania. And there's concern today from parts of Tasmania's horse training industry that the contamination of horse feed with opium poppies could damage the state's racing reputation. This week, three horses in the state were disqualified from racing after traces of opium were found in their blood. The Tasmanian Poppy Industry says the feed contamination was accidental, and was an isolated case of bad luck. But, as Nicole Johnston in Hobart reports, the owner of the disqualified horses says it simply shouldn't happen. (The World Today Archive - Thursday, 6 September, 2001).

Most joint supplements involve combinations of several substances all of which are purported to assist in slowing down joint degradation. Joint degradation refers to the inflammatory changes that occur and resultant breakdown of the articular cartilage in a joint and the subsequent changes that lead to development and progression of arthritis. By definition arthritis simply means inflammation of a joint.

Feeding Horses Fats and Oils - Rhonda Hoffman, PhD, answers an EQUUS reader's questions about adding oil to horses' diets.

The ILPH is often asked questions such as "How do I feed my horse or pony, and what feed should I provide?" Before answering these questions, let us consider why an animal requires food, how it feeds in its natural state, and what are the basic rules of feeding.

Joint Health for Horses Ages 6 and Up. Nutrition is a pro-active way to keep joints from deteriorating even during heavy work. As horses progress in their athletic careers, you may need to use a different set of nutrients to address thinning of the joint fluid or damage to the cartilage while still providing solid nutrition and plenty of antioxidants to prevent any further damage. Depending on whether your horse is experiencing any changes in their joints, you may need to offer cartilage support in the form of a joint supplement.