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.

The primary concern in mineral nutrition is to provide salt and adequate levels of calcium and phosphorous in approximately a 1.3 to 1 ratio.

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.

One of the most difficult tasks facing an instructor is teaching a student to feel and react to the horse's movement and responses. Riders who do not feel the horse's errors are unable to react correctly in a timely manner to the horse.

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

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

Conscientious owners should be aware that there can be potentially toxic substances in feeds.

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.

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