We all need it - the young, the old, the new horse owner, the experienced horse owner.  I once heard that you learn something new every day.  Well, here goes nothing.  Below is a listing compiled from many sources.  Please let us know if you think something should be added.  Tell us if something worked or was not helpful at all.  This is "our" website to keep all our horsey friends informed and remember "knowledge is power".  And we all can use all the "power" we can get!

Specialized horse sites - care
Elder horse care - we all know that as we get older we need a little extra care.  This organization is dedicated to helping or older equines and proper care for them.  Pay special attention to the articles on feed, dental and hoof care.
Blind horse site - this organization specializes in the blind horses and the "why" behind many of the reasons horses go blind.  Pay special attention to the articles on eye diseases and blind horse care.

Breeds - what is what
Breeds of livestock compiled by Oklahoma State University Department of Animal Science.  A very large listing of different breeds of horses and you can see other livestock breeds here.
Breed Registries:
APHA - American Paint Horse Association (color patterns defined here)
ApHC - Appaloosa Horse Club.  The Appaloosa breed orginated in Idaho!
AQHA - American Quarter Horse Association.  The original "cowboy" horse.
AHR - Arabian Horse Association.  This refined breed has a very rich history. Both full and half Arabian registry information.
AMHA - American Morgan Horse Association.  A versatile American "made" horse.
AMHA - American Miniature Horse Association.  Scaled down version of our full size horses.
PtHA - Pinto Horse Association.  Learn the differences between a pinto and paint.
PPHRNA - Peruvian Paso Horse Registry of North America.  A true smooth horse to ride with flashy leg action.
PFHA - Paso Fino Horse Association.  Another smooth gaited horse with beautiful lively leg action.
TWHBEA - Tennesee Walking Horse.  The fancy bred created for Southern US.
NSHR - National Show Horse Registry.  A breed created with the crossing of an Arabian and American Saddlebred.
American Saddlebred - A flashy-high-stepping American made horse.
Thoroughbred - The American racing horse registry is the Jockey Club.  Also TB terminology here in WA state.
Standardbred - The US Trotting Association governs this harness racing bred.  About Standardbred tattoos.

There are many more popular and rare breed registries in and out of the United States.  This is only a short list of many of the horses we see in our area.  You can write to many of these organization for free information about joining their registries and clubs.

What is this horse trying to tell me?
A horse cannot speak to us and we cannot read it mind but you can tell by certain movements what they are probably feeling.  Look at the pictures below to "see" the different emotions:

This Arabian is spooked - notice ears pushed forward as far as they will go, eyes forward, nostrils flared and body tense.  A horse in this state will bolt when they can. If they cannot they may fight to get away.  Be careful.

This mare is annoyed or getting angry.  Ears back - almost flat, nose wrinkled.  Before she attempts to bit to get rid of whatever she does not like she will warn you.  In this case it is a horse off camera to the right. 

The young horse on the left is being submissive to the older one on the right.  It is opening and closing its mouth-stating - don't hurt me, I am a baby.

This mare is paying attention to the camera but wary and looking for a way out.  Nostrils relaxed so she is not terrified/spooked.  The whites you see in her eyes are the trademark of the Appaloosa breed.  A horse that opens their eyes wide enough for you to see the whites is generally scared.  

Oh NO - What's that!

What do you want.  Go away.

I'm new, I'm new, I'm a baby, be nice to me.

Okay, I'm listening.  But what is that over there?

Hi, I'm just hanging around. 

This pony is relaxed.  The tell-tale sign is the slightly cocked rear leg and another sign is loose/relaxed lips.  His ears are forward but he is not concerned as to what is over there.