Question: We keep hearing about rattlesnakes being found in our neck of the woods (Northern Pennsylvania). What can we do to keep our horses safe? We trail ride quite a lot and our horses are always at pasture. Thanks for your time.

Answer: Pennsylvania is home to three species of venomous snakes; northern copperhead, eastern massasauga rattlesnake, and timber rattlesnake. The Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission has a brief article about the twenty-one species of snakes found in the state. Read about “Snakes in Pennsylvania”. 

Most horses that are bitten by snakes are bitten on the nose or muzzle as they lower their heads to investigate the snake. Because resulting swelling may close one or both nostrils, this is the most dangerous site for a bite and may even cause suffocation. Horses can also be bitten on the legs when a horse treads on or steps too closely to a snake. Bites on the leg may not actually swell because there is little muscle tissue in the lower legs. Bites on the neck are also a frequent occurrence. Signs of a venomous snake bite often include: breathing difficulties, swelling, lameness, pain, tissue damage, and puncture marks.

Question: I have a three year old appy mare.  She has developed a bad problem. She is outside daily with my three year old quarter horse they get along great except at feeding time.  They are fed four times a day (average feedings of hay) they get grain at the morning and evening feedings.

My problem is that my appy is running my quarter horse off her food, they are fed in separate areas from one another. We tried to put her in with other horses that would not tolerate her being pushy she now has kick marks all over herself and has urinated all over herself. Today she was put in with yet another mare and my appy insisted on trying to run her off of her food and was kicked repeatedly and kept going back for more.  What am I to do about this I don’t want her getting beat up but she needs to learn that this is not going to be allowed.

Question: My 22 year old horse is very stiff jointed. I keep hearing about all these feed supplements that are supposed to help, but is there any research behind any of the products? Does anything actually work? If I don’t need a prescription from my vet, are they even safe? Thanks.

Question: We have two horses. Last year they went absolutely crazy when fireworks were set off at a fair about a mile from our house. Is there anything we can do this year to try and keep them (and us!) calmer? Thanks.

Answer: While I’ve found that most of our horses over the years have done fine being out at pasture, some horses handle the festivities better if kept in their stalls. Of course, the opposite can also be true, and an insecure barn can be more harmful than a well maintained and secure pasture. Most horses that are in secure pastures will respect the fence, but some will not, and you certainly don’t want loose horses running the neighborhood on the Fourth of July! If you have a very sturdy, safe barn, you could put your horses in their stalls during the festivities. If you are hosting any guests at your house, remind them that fireworks or firecrackers, smoke bombs, and sparklers are not permitted on your property (or at least anywhere near the barn). Not only are they a fire hazard, but the smoke and noise from such items can cause horses to panic whether in stalls or in pastures.