UMN Equine Extension Program

05/29/2026

Friday Funny! Hats off to a great weekend.

05/28/2026

Do you know the five key steps to managing pastures?

🌾 Mowing
🚜 Dragging
💤 Resting
🌱 Fertilizing
🌿 Controlling weeds

Properly managing your horse pastures can increase pasture producti...

05/27/2026

Tick season is here, and protecting your horses is important. Ticks can spread illnesses like Lyme disease and anaplasmosis, but a few simple steps can help reduce the risk.

🐴 Check horses regularly for ticks and remove them promptly.
🌿 Keep pastures and fence lines trimmed, clear away brush, and limit access to wooded areas where ticks thrive.
🛡️ Use horse-safe topical insecticides labeled for tick control before turnout or trail riding through tall grass and brush. Be sure to carefully follow all label directions and warnings.

Prevention is one of the best ways to keep your horses healthy this season!

ℹ️ https://extension.umn.edu/horse-health/tick-diseases-horses

05/26/2026

From grief to purpose: an Extension horse composting course helped turn one horse owner’s difficult experience into a meaningful solution for others facing the same moment. ❤️🐴

Many people who take Extension’s horse composting class have experienced loss and grief, but take comfort in this sustainable solution.

05/25/2026

Remembering all who served on this Memorial Day.

05/21/2026

May is Mental Health Awareness Month — a reminder that mental health matters in every community.

The Extension rural stress task force helps families and small towns respond to economic, environmental, and societal challenges affecting rural Minnesota and farming communities.

Explore resources for coping with farm and rural stress, financial challenges, family support, and mental health: z.umn.edu/RuralStress

Need help right now? The Minnesota Farm & Rural Helpline is free, confidential, and available 24/7. Trained staff and volunteers in Minnesota are here to listen. If you or someone you know is struggling with stress, anxiety, depression, or suicidal thoughts, please reach out.

📞 833-600-2670
💬 Text FARMSTRESS to 898211

05/20/2026

Check out the important work being done by our colleagues in the College of Veterinary Medicine ❤️🐴

How CVM researchers are racing to prevent sudden death in thoroughbreds

05/19/2026

A horse mortality compost pile needs ongoing attention after setup to maintain ideal composting conditions. Small management steps can make a big difference in pile performance while supporting biosecurity and helping protect the environment. ♻🚜

Learn more about the compost process at ⬇
z.umn.edu/equinemortalitycompost

05/18/2026

Did you know the UMN Extension Horse Program offers a free, quarterly e-newsletter? 🍎🐴

Each e-newsletter includes a timely content article; a research update; an ask the expert; information on upcoming UMN Extension events; and the infographic, YouTube video, and podcast of the quarter. To sign up for the free e-newsletter, visit: https://z.umn.edu/horsenewsletter