Home > Crops & Livestock > Livestock > Horses > The Master Horseman (DVD) [Image: the master horseman] DVD 1: Horse Training (1:20) 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) explains how to find the rhythm of the horse’s movement and influence the horse through balance and rhythm and more. Daily Care and Management By providing good care, horsemen can minimize the costs of health care and maximize their enjoyment of their horses. Talkin' Horses [Image: Horse trio] This newsletter features topics on the purchase, care and training of horses, and includes news and upcoming events. Veterinarian Cautions Don’t Let Horses Starve This Winter Horses have to rely on their owners for food, water and shelter, so it’s important to see that those needs are met – particularly at times like this when dry weather leads to a shortage of pasture grass, says LSU AgCenter veterinarian Dr. Steven S. Nicholson.  more articles... Poisonous Plants for Louisiana Livestock in the Fall [Image: Senna occidentalis] Images of major poisonous plants are presented to assist livestock owners with plant recognition. Toxic effects are also mentioned. Horse Expert Lists Benefits of Horse Ownership [Image: Grooming] 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. Livestock Indemnity Program [Image: LIvestock Indemnity Program] 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. Manure Management for Horse Owners [Image: horses] This fact sheet provides a brief overview of some good stewardship practices for horse owners and how they manage their manure. It focuses on three techniques for managing horse manure and bedding: direct application of manure, fertilizer nitrogen enhancement, composting Composting Horse Manure [Image: steamy horse manure] Composting is the acceleration of a natural biological process that converts organic matter into a stable humus-like material. This process is a great way to convert horse manure into a more desirable product. Composting produces a material that can be used as a low-grade fertilizer, mulch for reducing weed infestation, and soil amendment for retaining soil moisture. Environmental Horse Stables and Barns [Image: muddy horse] Louisiana horse owners can reduce the impact of their facilities on local waterways and groundwater by adopting management practices that minimize the potential for non-point source water pollution. Managing Horse Manure for Environmental Benefits [Image: Horse nutrient cycling] Horses are important for companionship, sport, work, pleasure, education, and therapy. To be good stewards of the land, however, horse farmers should manage their farms in a way to minimize the potential for negatively impacting the environment with horse manure Proper Nutrition [Image: Grazing Horses] The horse production areas of primary importance are growth, reproduction, lactation and work. Horse Pasture Establishment and Management [Image: horses on pasture] Horses and pastures seem to go together. Pastures provide exercise and a low-cost feed source, but unless productive, they provide only exercise. To achieve both goals, however, they must have a good start. This factsheet will go over some steps that will help. Master Horseman Minute The “Master Horseman Minute” is a series of tips and educational demonstrations developed for continuing education of Master Horseman graduates of the LSU AgCenter Horse Leader development program. Additional segments are planned as the need arises. It is hoped that this program will be a dynamic means of providing video instruction to horsemen of all ages and disciplines. For more information contact: Howard J. Cormier, Southwest Region Equine Agent, hcormier@agcenter.lsu.edu. Click for more information...