Healthy Horses Handbook

The Importance of Understanding Horse Behavior

Carissa Wickens

Taking time to observe and understand horse behavior can contribute in a positive way to the horse’s well-being and to our daily human-horse interactions. A better understanding of a horse’s natural behavior and preferences can facilitate more effective horse management and handling skills. This publication is intended for equine owners, equine farm managers, county Extension faculty, and anyone working with or interested in horses. Written by Carissa Wickens, and published by the UF College of Veterinary Medicine, UF/IFAS Extension, April 2025.

Is it coping or is it a vice? Understanding stereotypic behaviors in horses

Carissa Wickens and Camie Heleski

This article will share what science has revealed about stereotypic behaviors, and how this information can be applied to better manage and thus improve the welfare of horses with stereotypic behavior. Written by Carissa Wickens and Camie Heleski, and published by the Veterinary Medicine—Department of Large Animal Clinical Sciences, UF/IFAS Extension, January 2024.

Pastures and Forage Crops for Horses

M. Wallau, E. L. Johnson, J. Vendramini, C. Wickens, and C. Bainum

A UF/IFAS numbered peer reviewed Fact Sheet for Commercial audience(s). Published by Plant Systems

Creeping Indigo, A Poisonous Plant of Concern in Florida Pastures

Robert MacKay, Ed Jennings, Brent Sellers, Jason Ferrell, and Amanda House

Best Management Practices for Equines in Natural Disasters

Kelsey M. Irvine and Brandi K. Phillips

Creating personalized emergency plans for evacuating or sheltering-in-place with horses helps horse owners to be as prepared as possible when natural disasters occur. This publication discusses disaster-specific considerations, making a plan, water and feed, documentation, fence and pasture preparations, animal identification, vaccinations, insurance, what to expect at agricultural inspection station stops, and more. Written by Kelsey M. Irvine and Brandi K. Phillips, and published by the UF/IFAS Veterinary Medicine—Large Animal Clinical Sciences Department, February 2023.

A Primer on Genetic Testing for Horse Owners and Breeders

Julia L. Ciosek, Carissa Wickens, and Samantha A. Brooks

With the increasing development of genetic testing and advanced genomic technologies, horse owners and breeders have more opportunities than ever before to learn more about the genetic background of their horses. This publication provides information to help horse owners and breeders understand what genetic testing services are, which genetic tests are available for their horses, and how to locate genetic testing services. Written by Julia L. Ciosek, Carissa Wickens, and Samantha A. Brooks, and published by the Veterinary Medicine—Department of Large Animal Clinical Sciences, UF/IFAS Extension, April 2024.

Protecting Florida Horses through Vaccination

Sally DeNotta

Routine vaccination is a critical component of developing a preventative health program for horses. This publication discusses infectious diseases that can be prevented through vaccination and answers questions about equine vaccination. Written by Sally DeNotta, and published by the UF/IFAS Veterinary Medicine—Large Animal Clinical Sciences Department, January 2023.

Colic in Horses

Sally DeNotta and Amanda House

This fact sheet discusses this disease symptom which is the number one cause of death in horses, what it is and what causes it, gastric ulcers, treatment, and prevention.

Equine Dental Care

Sally DeNotta and Brittany L. Justesen

Oral health plays a crucial role in your horse’s overall health and well-being. This publication discusses equine dental anatomy, dental examination, common dental issues, signs of dental problems, and preventive measures. Written by Sally DeNotta and Brittany L. Justesen, and published by the UF College of Veterinary Medicine, UF/IFAS Extension, July 2025.

Anhidrosis in the Horse (Non-Sweaters)—What Do We Know?

Laura Patterson-Rosa, Martha F. Mallicote, Robert J. MacKay, and Samantha A. Brooks

Insect Bite Hypersensitivity in Horses

Rosanna Marsella, Nicky Craig, Carissa Wickens, and Samantha Brooks

Insect bite hypersensitivity, an allergy to the bites of such insects as mosquitoes, biting flies, and Culicoides species (biting midges or "no-see-ums") is one of the most common allergies in horses. This article describes allergic skin disease in horses and its management, and provides steps for insect bite sensitivity in particular to control the itching, treat secondary infections, and prevent further bites.

Equine Strangles: Management and Prevention

Sally DeNotta and Amanda House

This fact sheet discusses this disease symptom which is the number one cause of death in horses, what it is and what causes it, gastric ulcers, treatment, and prevention.

Pigeon Fever in Florida Horses

Sally DeNotta and Amanda House

A UF/IFAS numbered Fact Sheet for General Public audience(s).

Understanding Equine Asthma (Heaves)

Sally DeNotta and Amanda M. House

This article describes this asthma-like condition in horses, how it is detected, and how it is treated.

Hoof Care for Florida Horses

Jennifer Bearden and Caitlin Justesen

Maintaining the health and integrity of the hoof structures is critical to the overall health of the horse. This publication is intended to help Florida horse owners care for their horses’ hooves. Written by Jennifer Bearden and Caitlin Justesen, and published by the UF College of Veterinary Medicine, UF/IFAS Extension, September 2024.

Developing a Deworming Program for Florida Horses

Jennifer Bearden, Brittany Justesen, and Sally DeNotta

This publication reviews the most common parasites in horses and provides horse owners with recommendations for parasite prevention. Written by Jennifer Bearden, Brittany Justesen, and Sally DeNotta, and published by the UF/IFAS Veterinary Medicine—Large Animal Clinical Sciences Department, February 2023.

First Aid for Horse Owners

Shannon Darby

This publication aims to prepare horse owners to assess the severity of an injury or illness, provide general first aid, and know when to seek veterinary attention. Written by Shannon Darby, and published by the UF College of Veterinary Medicine, UF/IFAS Extension, July 2025.

Donkeys: An Introduction to This Long-eared Equid and Considerations for Management

M. Anaïs Naoumoff, Carissa L. Wickens, and Samantha A. Brooks

This publication serves as an introduction to essential aspects regarding donkeys. Topics covered include considerations for donkey care and management, donkey behavior, and the societal role of donkeys. Written by M. Anaïs Naoumoff, Carissa L. Wickens, and Samantha A. Brooks, and published by the UF College of Veterinary Medicine, UF/IFAS Extension, January 2026.

Caring for the Older Horse: Common Problems and Solutions

Edward L. Johnson, Kylee Jo Duberstein, and Mark Shuffitt

Managing Heat Stress in Horses

Aakilah S. Hernandez, Carissa Wickens, and Samantha Brooks

This article provides guidance on monitoring signs of heat stress and management recommendations to improve horse welfare. Written by Aakilah S. Hernandez, Carissa Wickens, and Samantha Brooks, and published by the UF College of Veterinary Medicine, November 2025.