Horsemanship is more than a class in a horse show. It is the ability of a horseman to ride and handle his horse properly and in balance.

Vitamin supplementation in horses is generally not needed since common feeds normally contain adequate amounts. Vitamin deficiencies occur primarily when horses are sick or stressed, or if feed is improperly processed and stored over long periods of time. In these cases, vitamin supplementation may be necessary.

An attentive rider can use the rhythm of a horse's gait to influence speed and direction while riding.

To respond properly to a horse, a rider must be able to recognize and understand what the animal is doing.

DVD 1: Horse Training (1 hour and 20 minutes) covers philosophy of training; ground work exercises; techniques for gaining control of the head, shoulder and hip; basic maneuvers; and more. DVD 2: Rider Development (30 minutes) explains how to find the rhythm of the horse’s movement and influence the horse through balance and rhythm, as well as other useful information.

By providing good care, horsemen can minimize the costs of health care and maximize their enjoyment of their horses.

This newsletter features topics on the purchase, care and training of horses, and includes news and upcoming events.

Images of major poisonous plants are presented to assist livestock owners with plant recognition. Toxic effects are also mentioned.

Horse ownership can be very exciting and rewarding. The primary reasons for horse ownership are companionship, recreation and relaxation, says LSU AgCenter animal science professor Dr. Clint Depew.

The Livestock Indemnity Program was a new, permanent disaster payment program created in the 2008 Farm Bill. The rules for this program have recently been published,and this document informs producers and other interested parties on how to determine if they are eligible for the program.