Throughout the years, horses helped mankind to reach great achievements, as their strength and devotion helped turn wheels both in a literal way, to get from one point to another, and in a metaphorical way, helping us as a species prosper and grow.
Consequently, horse caring evolved over the years to be a comprehensive discipline.
This guide will acquaint you with the basic components of horse care.
Horse health – what you should know
Like medical fields studying humans, experts in equine health agree that in order to achieve optimal health a holistic approach is required.
For this reason, as you read this guide it is recommended not to focus on one issue, but to use all the tips to formulate a comprehensive care routine,
as neglecting even one aspect of your horse’s health can lead to a deterioration in other aspects.
For example, neglecting to brush and clean your horse can lead to cuts and bruises, rashes, skin irritations, and other unnecessary damages. That is why responsible horse owners create a regular routine and stick to it.
Your horse’s body weight
As we all know, one’s weight has a significant influence on its health. This is true for all members of the animal kingdom, whether it is a dog, cat, horse, or pony.
The optimal weight for each horse is based on various factors such as its breed, gender, age, and so on. Consult your local vet to determine how much your horse should weigh.
Maintaining your horse’s optimal weight usually involves two main aspects: your horse’s diet and your horse’s levels of activity.
These aspects also have a significant influence on additional health concerns as we will see in the following segments.
Your horse’s diet
A good nutrient diet is fundamental for maintaining your horse healthy and vital.
Keep your horse’s diet balanced and occasionally incorporate fresh fruit and vegetables, packed with vitamins and minerals necessary to your horse’s wellbeing.
Provide access to ample amounts of fresh clean water and high-quality hay.
These habits will help you balance your horse’s weight and prevent any potential complications in its digestive system.
horse diet
Your horse’s levels of activity
Regular physical activity has numerous advantages. First, as we mentioned before, to maintain your horse’s optimal weight, regular exercise is essential.
In addition, exercising your horse will strengthen him, help it gain the mussels needed for its overall wellbeing, and improve its mental health.
This is especially necessary if the horse in question spends most of its time inside the stable.
Hygiene and maintenance
Keeping your horse clean and well-groomed is not merely a matter of aesthetic preferences.
As we mentioned earlier, these matters can also affect your horse’s wellbeing. And so, be sure to take care of your horse’s teeth, hooves, coat, tail, and mane, as we will explain in the paragraphs below.
Your horse’s teeth
Like us humans, horses are born without teeth, however, within a week a set of primary teeth, also known as baby teeth, erupt.
In this stage, it is essential that the foal’s teeth will be examined by a professional.
In the first five years of its life, as primary teeth erupt and are later replaced by permanent teeth, checkups should be more frequent, about every six months.
After that, for a healthy horse, a dental checkup once a year is sufficient.
In addition, there are some signs that should be noticed as they can indicate that something is wrong.
If for example your horse lost its appetite, lost weight, keeps tilting or tossing its head, it might be due to dental problems.
In such a case, it is best to schedule an appointment with an expert.
Your horse’s hooves
After a ride, it is most likely that your horse’s hooves picked up a fair amount of dirt, pebbles, and other small particles.
These bits of gravel and debris can cause your horse great discomfort and even lead to an infection or injury.
Therefore, picking the horse’s hooves is essential to prevent such incidents.
Be sure to pick your horse’s hooves after every ride and pay attention to detect any scratch or injury that should be taken care of.
If the hooves need trimming, hire a professional or consider taking a course that will teach you how to properly trim hooves.
Your horse’s mane tail and coat
An unkempt coat, tail, or mane will look dull and untidy and can cause skin irritations.
To avoid this, brush your horse’s coat with a curry comb in circular motions and follow with a body brush with long hard bristles.
Use a soft sponge or cloth to wipe down its face and around the tail.
Like any warm-blooded animal, most of the time your horse’s body can regulate its body temperature. However, in extreme weather conditions, your horse might be at risk.
In extremely cold weather, your horse might suffer from hypothermia and during heat waves heat strokes are possible.
Therefore, be sure to look out for extremely hot or cold weather. Prepare appropriate accommodations for such occasions and look after your horse to make sure it is not in distress.
Horses are truly remarkable creatures, and to the inexperienced looking after them can seem like a complex task.
But the truth of the matter is that if you follow these guidelines and be attentive to your horse, it will enjoy a long healthy life by your side.
Horse in a cold weather
FAQ
What is the right approach for horse care?
experts in equine health agree that in order to achieve optimal health a holistic approach is required.
For this reason, as you read this guide it is recommended not to focus on one issue, but to use all the tips to formulate a comprehensive care routine
What's the optimal weight for a horse?
The optimal weight for each horse is based on various factors such as its breed, gender, age, and so on. Consult your local vet to determine how much your horse should weigh
How to maintain your horse optimal weight?
Maintaining your horse’s optimal weight usually involves two main aspects: your horse’s diet and your horse’s levels of activity.
These aspects also have a significate influence on additional health concerns as we will see in the following segments.
What's a good nutrient diet for your horse?
Keep your horse’s diet balanced and occasionally incorporate fresh fruit and vegetables, packed with vitamins and minerals necessary to your horse’s wellbeing.
Provide access to ample amounts of fresh clean water and high-quality hay.
These habits will help you balance your horse’s weight and prevent any potential complications in its digestive system.
Is it important to exercise your horse regulary?
Regular physical activity has numerous advantages. First, as we mentioned before, to maintain your horse’s optimal weight, regular exercise is essential.
In addition, exercising your horse will strengthen him, help it gain the mussels needed for its overall wellbeing, and improve its mental health.
This is especially necessary if the horse in question spends most of its time inside the stable.
Why its extra important to maintenance your horse?
Keeping your horse clean and well-groomed is not merely a matter of aesthetic preferences.
As we mentioned earlier, these matters can also affect your horse’s wellbeing. And so, be sure to take care of your horse’s teeth, hooves, coat, tail, and mane, as we will explain in the paragraphs below.
How much should you check your horse's teeth?
In the first five years of its life, as primary teeth erupt and are later replaced by permanent teeth, checkups should be more frequent, about every six months.
After that, for a healthy horse, a dental checkup once a year is sufficient.
