Hawk Hill's Page

Just a warning about the use of cortisone shots in horses that are prone to laminitis. IMO don't use it. Our 17 year old broodmare had a severe bout with laminitis 10 years ago and is probably insulin resistant. She has had hoof problems for years though not another severe bout with laminitis since the original. We had her hocks injected with cortisone to treat inflammation that was preventing us from comfortably exercising her. Two days later she suffered another major bout of la… Continue

I have lost count of the number of times that my husband has asked the whereabouts of something and my reply has been "Its in the barn". The problem is that inevitably it is a one way trip. For items such as digital thermometers it is understandable... husbands are surprisingly squeamish about using a thermometer that has been used on a horse. "I washed it really well!!???".
The list of what migrates to the barn is as varied as it is long though for the most part they are items from the kit… Continue

I breed Canadian horses and their tendency to be easy keepers is both a blessing and a curse. I am constantly trying to battle their weight and worry about weight related conditions such as insulin resistance, laminitis, and Cushings. Like with humans there are so many "diets" but what it really comes down to is a well balanced diet with the calorie intake appropriate for the activity level, and exercise.

The horse equivalent of the Canada Food Guide is the National Research Council (NR… Continue

When I was thinking about what to write in my blog this week, I was thinking I should write something profound, life changing etc. But no, I think I will write about underwear! It is at this point that all you men can log out since this will be much more information than you really want to know.

When I wrote my first blog, one of my recommendations was to have the right equipment. We all have dreams of the perfect saddle - butter soft, draping fla… Continue

Most of the people who know how long I have been involved with horses are often surprised that I am a real beginner when it comes to riding and driving. I got involved with breeding Canadian horses over 10 years ago originally to help save the breed but quite quickly because I loved the breed for its own merits. I was fascinated with bloodlines and breeding for conformation, temperament and movement but with up to 17 horses and a full time job, I had no time to do anything but care for the anima… Continue