Horses

We offer science-based guidance on equine nutrition, reproduction, health care, training and facility management. By partnering with veterinarians, our 4-H programs and horse owner associations, OSU Extension promotes horse care practices that enhance well-being and performance.

A Horse Owner’s Guide to Pasture-associated Laminitis

By Scott Duggan and Troy Downing

The key to preventing laminitis in your horses is to regulate their time grazing on grass high in nonstructural carbohydrates. Inadequate exercise is another cause of this painful hoof condition.

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Photo Credit: Bob - Adobe Stock (Cropped from original)

Featured Resources

Tips for livestock care in high temperatures

When a heat wave hits, don't forget that livestock need help to cope with the high temperatures too. Here are five things you can do to help livestock stay cool.

Jenifer Cruickshank | Nov 2025 | OSU Extension Catalog Peer reviewed (Gray level)

Once the smoke clears: A guide to safely start working and riding your horse after wildfire

Wildfire smoke exposes horses to harmful particles in the air. Make sure your horses are recovered before working and riding them.

Dawn Sherwood | Feb 2025 | OSU Extension Catalog Peer reviewed (Gray level)

Horse Resources for Small Farms

This page is designed for the horse owner. Topics in this collection include: Management, breeds, reproduction, foaling, nutrition, health, and other equine resources.

Apr 2018 | Collection

Latest Resources

New World screwworm

New World screwworm (NWS, Cochliomyia hominivorax) is a devastating pest. When NWS fly larvae (maggots) burrow into the flesh of a living animal, they cause serious, often deadly damage to the animal. NWS can infest livestock, pets, wildlife, occasionally birds, and in rare cases, people.

Jun 2025 | Online resource

Managing Hypochaeris Radicata may prevent Stringhalt Disease in horses

A debilitating condition in horses called stringhalt may be associated with Hypochaeris radicata, also known as false dandelion, flatweed, common catsear or summer dandelion. This invasive species is common in pastures throughout Oregon.

Melissa Fery | Jun 2024 | OSU Extension Catalog Peer reviewed (Gray level)

Horse Owner's Guide to Buying Hay

Horse owners must know how to evaluate and buy good-quality hay. Learn about the horse's digestive system and nutrient requirements.

Gordon B. Jones, Scott Duggan, Melissa Fery, David Hannaway | Mar 2024 | OSU Extension Catalog Peer reviewed (Orange level)

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Managing Small-Acreage Horse Farms in Western Oregon and Western Washington

By Melissa Fery David B. Hannaway Garry Stephenson Linda J. Brewer and Scott Duggan

Horses, grass, manure, soil and water are all interconnected. How you manage one affects the others. Following these seven steps can make your horse farm safe, efficient, and environmentally friendly. Learn more about horse grazing habits, pasture rotation, weed control, manure management, buffer strips, rain gutters and well water protection.

Also see a similar publication for Central and Eastern Oregon.

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Photo Credit: Bob - Adobe Stock (Cropped from original)

Latest News

Clinics help manage wild horse populations on Warm Springs tribal lands

The Warm Springs community benefits through improved rangeland health, reduced wildfire risk, and better conditions for wildlife and livestock.

Scott Duggan | Mar 2025 | Impact story

Miniature horses and 4-H bring joy to senior living residents

4-H club in Washington County hosts therapeutic farm visits.

Chris Branam | Dec 17, 2024 | News story

OSU Extension partners with Warm Springs to protect horses from equine infectious anemia

The clinics help eliminate access barriers and protect animal health across the region.

Scott Duggan | Aug 2023 | Impact story

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4-H Resources

4-H horse project

This comprehensive 4-H Horse Project guide covers horse breeds, care, health, training, riding, showing and equipment. It provides essential knowledge for 4-H members in Oregon, Washington and Idaho.

PNW 4-H Horse Management Team | Apr 2024 | OSU Extension Catalog Peer reviewed (Gray level)

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Upcoming Events

Feb 24

Central Oregon Forage Seminar

8:00 am - 3:45 pm Prineville, OR

Mar 21

Spring Clackamas County 4-H Tack and Bake Sales

8:00 am - 1:30 pm Canby, OR

Apr 24 - Apr 26

4-H Spring Classic (Animal Sciences)

12:00 am - 11:59 pm Redmond, OR

Meet Our Experts

Candi Bothum

State 4-H Animal Science Coordinator, 4-H Youth Development

Scott Duggan

Livestock

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How to manage tansy ragwort?

Q: We have wheat planted and along our fence line we have an infestation of tansy ragwort. Is it a good time to cut the flowers off, bag them, and leave the plant; or should I spray it? The neighbor across the road has...

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