a pest management plan that will reduce these insects in your stable area, and use pest control on your horses during peak fly and mosquito season. „ Internal parasites, like roundworms and strongyles, can be a big problem for grazing animals. Grazing animals ingest the parasite eggs while grazing, especially when they eat roughage to the ground. Keep your horses on a regular deworming schedule. „ The most common cause of death in equines is colic, which is a general term for abdominal pain. Any horse showing signs of colic (i.e., sweating, refusing to eat, kicking at belly) should be carefully monitored and veterinary care sought if symptoms continue, Figure 10-33. „ Ensure that horses are fed high-quality feeds that are free from both mold and dust, which can cause serious digestive and respiratory complications for horses. „ Traveling with horses has certain health restrictions. Before crossing the state line with your horses, you will likely need a health inspection from a veterinarian and a blood test to ensure they are free from Equine Infectious Anemia. Hoof Care There is an important saying in equine science: no hoof, no horse. Managing equine health rests heavily on caring for hooves and understanding the importance of the structures in the horse’s feet. Did You Know? There are very specific ages at which horses’ teeth come in, are replaced by permanent teeth, and wear through old age. Once you understand the ways that horse teeth wear, you can determine a horse’s age by examining its teeth. Hence the phrase, “Never look a gift horse in the mouth.” Dan Kitwood/Getty Images News/Thinkstock Figure 10-33. Colic is the number one cause of death in horses and often requires surgical intervention. Even with surgery, recovery is not certain. If you are concerned that your horse has abdominal pain, seek veterinary attention immediately. 550 Principles of Agriculture, Food, and Natural Resources Copyright Goodheart-Willcox Co., Inc.