Raising horses is not an easy task, how could it be with all the different variables that you have to keep in mind? The growth of your horse, however, is very rewarding to see. A horse is unlike any other pet that you might have owned at any time; they need much more care and attention than a goldfish, cat, or dog.
This is why we are going to take a look at the various things that you should be aware of as a horse owner.
1. Living Conditions
Horses live as much in the field as they do in the stable. The pattern of activity and inactivity has to be regulated by you so that your horses do not have any issues. You should ideally leave them in at night, out during the day in the winters. In summers, it should be the opposite and the horses should be let out at night to avoid the flies and heat. The stable forms an important part of the surroundings of your horse, some guides suggest spaces of 12×16 feet for larger horses are ideal. While this may be a good guide to the minimum space, you should ideally provide as much space to your horse as it needs to be comfortable.
Also, ensure the hygiene of your stables so that your horse’s health is well taken care of. It’s a good idea to muck out your horse’s stable so that they have a clean resting environment. If you don’t clean the mess and leave the ground soggy then your horse’s hooves are at risk of getting infected. Proper hygiene can go a long way in keeping your horse healthy.
2. Feeding Them
Horses need proper nourishment just like humans do, this is why you must provide organic and high-quality feed to your horse. You have to make sure that your horse is getting the proper nutrition according to its weight, size, and level of activity. If you believe that there are some nutritional deficiencies in your horse’s diet, a piece of advice at ForagePlus.co.uk says you can find some feed balancers and supplements. These supplements are a great way to ensure that they get the nutrition they need. Generally, horses need to eat 2.5% of their body weight each day but you have to make sure it’s nutrient-dense.
You should also not be feeding your horse all the time, make sure that there are regular feeding periods. Since the digestion of horses is rather sensitive, you need to make sure that any changes that are made are introduced gradually.
Other than the food, make sure that your horse has ample water available at all times. You should go for a large plastic or rubber bucket without any metallic handles as these might present a choking hazard.
Equipment
3. Grooming
Grooming your horse is something that you’ll have to do every day for the entirety of a horse’s life. Since a horse can live up to 30 years, it is imperative that you learn to groom it properly. The most important part that you want to focus on first is the feet, remove any dirt or stones by using a hoof pick.
The coat of a horse has to be given special attention too. You need to brush the coat in its natural direction and be careful around sensitive areas. The mane and the tail might take a little bit longer as you will have to detangle and work out the knots. As you groom your dog more and more, you will become better at taking proper care of them.
4. Health
A healthy horse is a happy horse and if your horse is not happy, you have to change something. Horses can suffer from a variety of diseases like lameness, laminitis, colic, and many more. You have to pay close attention to any irregularities in the behavior of your horse and address the issues as soon as possible. A lot of these ailments, however, can be prevented by proper care.
Vaccinations and deworming are the other 2 very critical parts of horse care. A vaccinated horse is immune to multiple common yet deadly diseases equine influenza and tetanus. Worms can infect your horse’s digestion and lead to an increased appetite combined with weight loss. So pay close attention to your horse’s vaccination and deworming schedule to ensure that it stays in proper health.
These were some of the basic tips that every horse owner must be aware of. Although there are many other factors to think about, beginner horse owners need not concern themselves with all the details as it is a lifelong learning process. If you pay attention to these basic factors then your horse will most likely lead a long and happy life during which you will create many happy memories.
