Ask The Horse

Dr. Ryan Ferris answers questions about breeding mares and stallions and producing top-quality, healthy foals during this archived Q&A. We cover everything from selecting the right parents to gestational care to ensuring your foal’s safe delivery.

Join our host, Michelle Anderson, as she interviews Dr. Ryan Ferris of Summit Equine. You’ll learn about how to select the right stallion for your mare, breeding soundness exams, factors that affect fertility, and breeding the performance mare. 

Dr. Ryan Ferris owns Summit Equine in Newberg, Oregon, with his wife, Dr. Dora Ferris. The practice specializes in equine reproduction and sports medicine. He graduated from veterinary school at Washington State University in 2007 and then completed an internship in equine surgery, medicine and reproduction at the Equine Medical Center of Ocala in 2008. He subsequently completed a two-year equine theriogenology residency program at Colorado State University (CSU) and worked at its Equine Reproduction Laboratory from several years.

From initial diagnosis to hoof care and bisphosphonate use, find out the newest information about this debilitating condition.

Learn about the core vaccines recommended by the American Association of Equine Practitioners and the five deadly diseases they prevent.

How can you keep your horse healthy when going to horse shows, trail rides, or events? And what about bringing new horses into a boarding stable? Learn about practical biosecurity measures to protect your horses.

Lyme disease is notoriously difficult to diagnose and has (or might not have) a myriad of vague (or not-so-vague) clinical signs in horses. Learn about this tick-borne disease and get your questions answered during our live Q&A.

Horses are one of the most susceptible species to botulism. Find out how to protect your horse from this deadly neurologic disease.

Wildfires and barn fires present a real threat to horse and human safety. Learn how to make your property fire-free during this Q&A.

Did you know your horse could be suffering from equine Cushing’s disease long before his coat gets shaggy and curly? Here’s how veterinarians recognize subtle signs so they can intervene early.

Is your parasite control program right for your horses? Find out and get your deworming questions answered!