Horse Care Guidelines and Caring for a Horse
What's involved in caring for a horse and proper horse care for horse related problems.
Some General guidelines on caring for a horse and pointers for those of you thinking of buying a horse.
Owning a horse can be a very rewarding experience, but it means that you have accepted the responsibility of caring for your horse, for as
long as it is a part of your life.
The Costs & Time Required to Care for Your Horse
General Expense
Even routine horse care is a significant and ongoing expense. In fact, the cost of purchasing a horse is often much less than the cost of maintaining one for a year.
Make sure you are realistic about your ability to afford quality care before you adopt an equine companion.
Feeding your Horse
Horse's need a regular supply of food. In most cases, they need to have hay or pasture throughout the day, with additional hard feed twice a day.
An average-sized horse will eat about 20 lbs. of food a day and drink at least eight gallons of water. A horses stomach is relatively small and their digestive systems surprisingly delicate, so horses need to graze throughout the day, rather than have one or two large meals.
Horse Hoof Care
Horses need regular hoof care.
Plan to hire a farrier (blacksmith) every six to eight weeks for routine hoof trimming and/or shoeing.
Alternatively, investigate whether your horse is suitable to be kept barefoot. A popular choice for many horse owners.
Veterinary Care for Your Horse
Horses need regular veterinary care. At least once a year, your horse will need to be vaccinated against equine flu and tetanus as well as other diseases.
Keep in mind that a medical emergency, which are always a possibility, can cost hundreds to thousands of pounds to treat. A good equine insurance policy is essential for todays horse owners.
Horse Worms & Intestinal Parasites
Horses are constantly exposed to intestinal parasites (worms) from the ground they graze on and they must be de-wormed every six to eight weeks.
Carrying a heavy worm burden can cause serious illness or death in horses; so regular and timely treatment is crucial to your sound horse health.
Horse's Need Warmth & Shelter
Horses need constant access to a dry, safe, comfortable shelter to protect them from rain, wind, and snow.
In warm and sunny weather, the shelter you supply will provide your horse with much needed shade. At a minimum, you should have a well-constructed, three-sided shed (field shelter) where your horse can retreat to at any time. You will need to muck-out (remove manure) from the stable or shelter every day.
Every Horse Needs Exercise
A healthy horse needs exercise. To supplement the exercise your horse will get when you ride him, he should have a paddock or pasture in which to relax and stroll.
Horses shouldn't spend all day confined in a stable, except on a vets recommendation. Your horses pasture should be bordered by safe, sturdy fencing that will keep your horse safe and secure.
Barbed wire is not an acceptable fencing material, it has caused a great many serious injuries in horses.
Remember, Owning a horse means your horse depends on your care and commitment.
You'll show you care by grooming, petting, riding and the occasional treat. You must also show your commitment by providing for your horse's needs 365 days a year, in good weather and in bad.
With good quality horse care, your horse will live up to 35 years or more; so, make sure you choose the right one and plan to enjoy a long and mutually beneficial relationship with your horse.