While living with a horse could be an enjoyable experience; however, it also involves the responsibility of looking after your pet’s life. Your love, devotion, and concern for your horse are essential. You’ll show your love for the horse by grooming, stroking, riding, and sometimes even a reward.
Before bringing your new equine companion home, learn the basics of horse care. Learn how to shelter, feed, groom, and care for your pony or horse.
Contact your veterinarian if you think your pet is ill. Visit your veterinarian for any health-related concerns. They have assessed your pet’s health and can provide the best advice.
Horse Care Guidelines
Knowing the basics before you bring your first horse home is essential to take good care of it immediately. Learn the fundamentals of feeding, tying, and primary care for your horse. You can get additional information here.
Nutritional Needs
A horse’s digestive tract is built to process quick, frequent meals of loose food throughout the day. Most horses need to eat grass and clean, mold- and dust-free hay as their primary sources of nutrition. Water that is safe and not frozen should be accessible.
A horse should have access to quality hay or fresh grass to feed. The risk of developing ulcers or other digestive problems is increased when the stomach is empty. It’s essential to maintain your horse’s weight at a healthy level.
Vaccinations and Deworming
Every horse requires routine deworming and vaccinations. It is essential to speak to your veterinarian regarding vaccination guidelines since they are based on the horse’s age, how often it travels, and where it is.
Worms can result in colic, a sloppy coat, or weight loss. Making sure your horse is protected from parasites is equally vital. The rotation of the pastures should be done as often as possible to handle horses properly, and excrement should be frequently removed. Visit a vet clinic like Holland Veterinary Hospital for more information about vaccinations.
Housing and Exercise
They are very social animals that thrive when they can explore and socialize with other horses. If your horse is stuck, be careful to give them socialization and enrichment opportunities. Ensure your horse has access to a safe shelter if they live outside.
Horses were designed to run. Regular exercise is essential, but if you want to improve your horse’s endurance and strength gradually, adhere to a sensible action plan.
Hoof Care
The trimming of the hoof should be completed every six to eight weeks. The horse you are riding may require footwear according to its physique, surroundings, and degree of training. The best course of action to ensure the strength and balance of your horse’s hooves can be suggested by your farrier.
Teeth Care
Horse teeth are continuously growing. Sharp edges and points that can hurt while chewing may be the result of wear that is uneven. Dental problems, from sore spots to damaged teeth, can make it difficult to chew food or create “quidding,” in which food spills out of the mouth.
Other indications of dental illness may include bad breath and feces with hay that isn’t being digested or pain in the bit or noseband. Colic, esophageal obstruction, and weight loss could all be caused by dental diseases. Visit a horse, dog & cat surgery clinic if you suspect they have problems with their teeth.
