Articles written by Mary Knetter

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About me - Mary Knetter

Hey, I'm the horses sub-channel steward for Helium.com and let me introduce myself...

I live in Wisconsin where I grew up on the family dairy farm. I was raised around dogs, cats, cattle and horses. I have a B.S. in Agricultural Marketing Communications with

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Pets & Animals > Horse Care & Health How to keep your horse as healthy as a horse: 1 of 13

There are many theories on how to keep a horse healthy, many of which are steeped in tradition. But to keep a horse healthy one only needs to look to the horse for what it needs. Study the needs of horses in the wild and you'll understand some of the basic needs of domesticated horses. With a few man-made adjustments, keepin...
Pets & Animals > Horse Care & Health Sensitive areas on a horse: 1 of 12

Horses are incredibly sensitive, perceptive creatures. Through acute vision, hearing and touch, they are able to move through their world with grace, beauty and finesse. But it is their sense of touch that makes them remarkable creatures. By understanding the sensitive areas and their physiology, owners and handlers can iden...
Pets & Animals > Horse Training & Riding Bareback horse riding: 4 of 42

From Indians on horseback to intricate reining maneuvers, bareback riders have thrilled and awed us with their ability to work in fluid motion with their horse. They make it look easy and flawless; and they make us want to try it too. Adding bareback riding to your current riding discipline can improve the relationship you h...
Pets & Animals > Horse Breeds Top 5 horse breeds for trail riding: 4 of 35

Across the U.S. there are hundreds, if not thousands of recreational trails and riders willing to take on the thrill of a challenging trail ride and enjoy camaraderie with their friends and horses. Here are five common breeds for trail riding, identified by their temperament, gait, beauty, stamina and suitability for all rid...
Business > Small & Home Business Farmers: When and where to outsource: 1 of 6

Farming requires a number of skills to be a successful venture. But with modern farming operations, high-tech equipment and limited time to finish the work, it is nearly impossible to do everything alone. Modern farming requires some labor be outsourced. WHY IT IS IMPORTANT In deciding what to outsource, a farmer should eval...
Pets & Animals > Animal Rights & Issues Have animal rights gone too far?: 6 of 35

Growing up on a dairy farm I have been exposed to many animals. Our farm had dogs, cats, cows, a horse and countless wild birds, rabbits and deer. I have hands-on experience feeding, caring for and working with animals. I know what animals need to survive and what they need to be happy and healthy. Animals have rights. They ...
Pets & Animals > Horse Care & Health Horse grooming tips: Mane and tails: 2 of 9

Throughout history, there have been entire dedications written to the manes and tails of horses. Even Medieval lore states that fairies ride the wind in the manes of horses, leaving their knots in the mane. So it's easy to see why we primp and preen over these lovely locks. Tools Fingers-Your fingers are often the best tool ...
Pets & Animals > Horse Training & Riding Natural horsemanship: Training advice or sales gimmick?: 2 of 8

I regularly walk through the aisles of my favorite farm store to look at the new products for horses. Many times I only walk through to see what's new or check out the price of something I want but can't afford yet. I take a good look at the products there-the saddles, bridles, bits and horse care products. There's always so...
Pets & Animals > Horse Care & Health Toxic weeds to horses: 1 of 4

There are hundreds of toxic or poisonous plants that affect horses. Even plants considered good for an animal can be toxic if eaten in excess. Luckily, most horses will not eat toxic plants under a normal, healthy lifestyle. This article features five common plants, along with their scientific names, that are poisonous to ho...
Pets & Animals > Horse Accessories & Tack How to use a mounting block: 1 of 4

Once found centuries ago alongside churches and other public places, mounting blocks were used by ladies wearing fancy . . . and bulky . . . .dresses. Mounting from the ground was nearly impossible for them. Today the mounting block can be a useful tool in your horsemanship endeavors. But don't give mounting blocks a bad nam...