Equine Extension Team at Penn State

10/09/2026

Our next Lunch & Learn webinar will be on October 20 from 12p-1pm on Finances of Horse Ownership!

Most people know that owning a horse is expensive. Boarding fees, grain, hay, veterinary care, and other routine expenses can quickly add up. However, there are also many hidden costs that prospective horse owners may not consider before purchasing their first horse. This webinar walks through the most common expenses associated with horse ownership and demonstrates how to estimate annual costs using a practical budget. All registrants will receive a budget template to help plan for these expenses. Whether you are new to horses or have been around them for years, this webinar will help you better understand the financial commitment of horse ownership and prepare you to make informed decisions.

Register: https://extension.psu.edu/finances-of-horse-ownership/

10/08/2026

Here are some fantastic fall reminders from AAEP!

🍂 Crisp mornings are a sure sign that fall is here, and it's time to start checking items off your horse care to-do list! 🍂

Our Fall Care Checklist covers some of the essentials, and here's a little more on why each one matters:

💉 Fall vaccinations: Vaccine recommendations vary by location and individual horse, so talk with your veterinarian about what your horse needs this season.

🪱 Parasite control: Parasite risks and the best deworming approach differ depending on where you live. Your veterinarian can help you design a program that fits your horse and your region.

⚖️ Evaluate body condition: Thick winter coats can hide weight changes, so use your hands as well as your eyes. Assess condition now so you can plan any changes to your winter feeding program ahead of time.

🦷 Dental care: Good teeth help your horse chew and make the most of forage, which becomes even more important when pasture quality drops. Regular exams with your veterinarian are key.

🩹 Check your first aid kit: Replace anything expired, restock supplies you've used, and make sure your veterinarian's number is easy to find. A routine check now means you're ready when you need it.

❄️ Colic prevention: Cold weather can change how much your horse drinks and eats. Watch closely for changes in appetite and water intake, and call your veterinarian if something seems off.

And the to-do list doesn't end there! Don't forget to:

🧥 Repair and waterproof your horse's rugs: Fix tears, replace worn straps, and re-waterproof now so they're ready before the first cold, wet day.

🌾 Secure and store your hay properly: Keep it dry, covered, and off the ground with good airflow to help prevent mold and spoilage.

🏠 Assess your shelters for safety and soundness: Look for loose boards, protruding nails, roof leaks, and drainage trouble spots so your horses stay protected all winter long.

Not sure where to start? Your veterinarian can help you build a fall care plan tailored to your horse. 🩺

Save this post for later and share it with a fellow horse owner! 💙🧡

10/07/2026

The latest episode of Tack Box Talk podcast discusses how to know whether you have enough hay saved for the winter!

🌾🍁 Friday Feeding! Winter is coming… do you know if you have enough hay for the season? This resource walks through simple “hay math” so you can plan ahead (and avoid mid-winter surprises).

🧮 You can hear more on the Podcast: Hay Math: How you know if you have enough: https://horses.extension.org/hay-math-the-story-of-how-you-know-if-you-have-enough/
💬 How many weeks/months of hay do you keep on hand before winter starts?

10/06/2026

Fall pasture tips!

🍂🌱 Infographic Thursday! Fall is the perfect time to “put pastures to bed” so they bounce back strong in spring. Share this quick graphic on 4 Fall Pasture Tips to help protect grass stands, reduce mud damage, and plan turnout changes before winter weather hits.
What’s your biggest fall pasture challenge—mud, thinning grass, or keeping easy keepers in check?

10/05/2026

Last chance! These webinars begin tomorrow, Tuesday 10/6. Don't miss out!

🔷October 6 & 8, 2026, from 6:00pm-8:00pm.🔷

Join Penn State Extension equine and agronomy experts to discuss everything about horse hay. This two-night online workshop is designed for horse owners seeking to better understand hay and its role in equine nutrition. It is also useful for hay producers who sell to horse owners. The first session will cover how hay is produced, safe storage practices, and practical considerations for buying and selling. The second session will focus on interpreting hay analysis, the impact of mold and toxic plants, and the role of sugars in equine diets.

The sessions will each be recorded and emailed to all registrants in case you can't attend live. Only $10 for the entire series!

Register: https://extension.psu.edu/horse-hay-workshop

10/05/2026

There are a few seats left in the Montgomery and Mercer County events- register soon!

🍕Join for an evening of pizza and parasitology. (The pizza and parasites will be separate.)

💩Bring your horse's manure sample to analyze under the microscope!

Learn how to identify and manage equine internal parasites, use f***l egg counts to guide treatment decisions, and gain hands-on experience with practical parasite management strategies.

Montgomery Co: Oct 15
Mercer Co: Nov 5

Register at https://extension.psu.edu/ppp26 or call 877-345-0691. Each workshop is limited to 10 seats.

10/04/2026

Sunday Funday!

10/03/2026

With frost season approaching, consider these dangers in the pasture. They include: toxic trees, increased sugar levels in forage, and sorghum/sudangrass accumulating nitrates and cyanide. Read on for more details!

Stress can cause changes in a plant that may put your horse’s health at risk after ingestion. Frost and drought are two common plant stressors to be aware of in Minnesota. Prevent related health issues in your horse by understanding when certain plants can be a problem.

10/02/2026

🛑This Sunday, October 4 is the REGISTRATION DEADLINE for the Dauphin County workshop!

Last chance to register; few spots remain!

$45 per person, starter first aid kit is included. Practice taking vital signs, wrapping legs, and listen to a veterinarian discuss equine emergencies and when to call the vet.

Register: https://extension.psu.edu/equine-first-aid

10/01/2026

Is your horse getting enough protein in its diet? Chances are, yes! Check out this article for detailed information on protein and how much a horse really needs.

This article is a short summary about protein requirements for the horse.