Basic horse care that every owner should know
Basic horse care, Owning a horse is a great responsibility; horses are, by nature, sociable animals destined to graze in open spaces with their herd. As they learn to adjust to a stable life, it is very important to exercise them to meet their physical needs. A horse will feel bored and sad if it is not in the usual company of humans and other horses.
Although there is no requirement as to the exact area that is needed for the horses, in general, it is considered that one hectare of grass per horse is sufficient. This area should always be examined to avoid possible dangers such as litter within the pasture and holes in the fence, among others.
Besides, it is checked weekly that there are no poisonous plants in the area such as yew, belladonna, ragwort, foxglove, buttercups, oak leaves, and acorns, ferns, laurel, privet, meadow saffron, castor bean, crazy grass, the tail of a horse, star thistle and sorghum.
This could also be of interest to you: Cat & Dog Nail Scissors With LED Lights
The pasture must be fenced, of course, to prevent your horse from escaping or being injured. For this, you can use smooth wire that is well secured to strong wooden posts. It is never recommended to use barbed wire.
Your horse also requires the shelter to protect him from the wind, rain, and sun, a natural grove provides the right shade, but for protection from the wind and rain, a three-sided shed works best. Ensure this is large enough to allow all the horses to fit together, and build the back wall to protect them from the wind.
These animals need a constant supply of fresh and clean water, if you are going to use a watering bucket, it should be filled at least 2 times a day, and it should always be full. Placing the bucket inside a tire will prevent it from being tipped over easily. Another option would be to use an irrigation channel, supplying the water through a tube, but it must be checked that the low temperatures do not freeze the pipes and the water during the winter.
A suitable bed is vital for horses that remain in a barn or stable. They should not be on a hard floor all day, as they will need to lie down to sleep or rest. Straw is a popular choice for preparing a horse’s bed because it is cheap, warm, and comfortable, yet it sometimes contains fungal spores, and the horse occasionally eats the straw.
Read Also: Inspirational horse quotes: Quotes & Sayings
Basic horse care
Dust-free wood chips are clean and hygienic, or soft rubber coating can also be used to prepare a soft reset and a more pleasant surface for when the horse is standing, but you need to put straw or wood chips on the part top of it to provide heat. Recently hemp has become a popular choice for these purposes. The stable should be cleaned daily. If your horse is in it all the time, it should be cleaned 3 times a day. To do this, all the excrement will be removed with a shovel and a wheelbarrow, and the horse’s resting bed will be accommodated by separating the dirty material from the still clean one. Then sweep and clean the floor with a stable disinfectant. When the floor is dry, prepare the litter again, adding new material,
If your horse is in the stable most or all of the day, he will require daily grooming to keep his coat healthy, this should not be done if the horse spends most or all of its time in the pasture, as the oils natural coatings help keep him warm and dry.
A summary and more
Taking care of these animals takes time, and there are things that you must do as a daily, weekly, monthly, and even yearly routine to properly care for your horse.
Daily care
Always provide clean and fresh water; abundant and readily available water is essential for good horse care.
Provide the appropriate amount of grass and concentrates. If the feeding is based on hay, the horse should eat approximately between 2% and 3% of its body weight each day.
Provide a shed that protects it from the weather conditions; horses need a place to cover themselves from the wind and humidity.
Do a visual check for scratches, cuts, bruises, and puncture wounds on your horse’s legs, head, and body, treat any injuries immediately. A horse first aid kit should be on hand.
Do a visual check for signs of illness such as watery eyes and nose, cough sounds, or many salivae.
Clean your horse’s hooves and check for cracks or looseness.
If the horse remains stable, clean it as the ammonia in manure and urine are harmful to the horses’ hooves and lungs and can cause problems such as yeast infection.
Read Also: Owning a horse for beginners: You have to plan these costs
Weekly care
Check the amount of concentrates, grass, and straw you have on hand. It is important to have the necessary supplies for at least 2 weeks to avoid running out in emergencies.
If your horse is staying in a small outdoor area, clean up the manure as this reduces the presence of flies, keeps the gardens clean, and allows you and your horse a pleasant environment.
Check the area for fences, broken rails, loose cables, protruding nails, which could cause injury.
Clean the water tray and feed pails.
Monthly care
If your horse remains in a stable, make sure your pension account is paid on time.
Care every 6 to 8 weeks
Have your farrier trim the hooves and check your horse’s shoes; letting the hooves grow unlimited can be unhealthy.
Care every 2 or 3 months
Give him antiparasitic medications; it is important to have a deworming program to keep your horse healthy.
Annual care
Have an equine dentist or veterinarian examine the teeth and give your horse the necessary vaccinations.