Having a horse is a rewarding experience, but it is a huge responsibility as well. Most domestic horses have an average life span of 25-30 years, so you need to learn how to keep them happy and healthy. Remember that they are not as simple as your regular pets –dogs and cats–so you need to give them the right attention.
Sharing your life with a horse for the first time can be overwhelming as you need to focus on different aspects for their well-being. Today you have access to different modern tools that can help you during the journey; for instance, if you are moving your horse from one location to another, consider using this diy horse trailer camera so that you can keep an eye on them.
To help you maintain your horse, we have listed a few tips that you should consider for their health and safety:
Food and Water
One of the most obvious tips you must follow thoroughly is providing your horse with the right nutritional needs. A horse is a large animal that needs plenty of food and water. Hay is your horse’s main food source, so ensure the food is clean and does not have a foul odor.
Along with it, ensure that you enrich the hay or grain with supplements so that they have a healthy diet. If you do not know what to give, you should consult with a veterinarian to know better. Also, make sure that you provide fresh, clean water so that they stay hydrated and healthy.
Grooming
Grooming is another important tip to maintain your horse well. It is a daily routine that you need to do to remove any mud, dirt, or dust from the animal’s body. Your horse may not need a daily bath, but quick grooming can be very beneficial.
A simple groom will improve blood circulation and allow you to check for scratches and blisters. And the best part about regular grooming is that you can spend time with your companion and build a strong connection. When you continuously give your horse the care and attention it needs, you will understand them better.
A Good Shelter
A good shelter is a great way to ensure your horse is safe and comfortable. To maintain your horse well, you must ensure that the stable is suitable for the animal. A stable, barn, shed, or stall is designed to protect them from harsh weather, other wild animals, insects, and so on.
As a horse owner, you need to ensure that the animal has enough space to move around and that the shelter’s boundaries are well-constructed. Additionally, you need to ensure that the stable is dry, which means free of urine and mud, so it does not attract insects that could lead to an infection.
Hoof Cleaning
The next crucial tip for maintaining your horse well is to clean the hooves. It is one of the most crucial steps as it protects your horse’s feet from injury or even an infection. Before you ride your horse or take him to the race track, you should check your horse’s hooves for any objects in them.
You can use a number of tools to remove dirt, mud, stones, and so on. When you are checking on their hoof, ensure that you get them trimmed every 3-8 weeks, so your horse is well-balanced. Some owners may also consider shoeing their hoof, but it is not necessary.
Daily Exercise
Just like how we need exercise to stay healthy, your horse needs physical activity too. When your horse is not in the stable, make sure they receive enough training daily. It is an important routine that will keep them healthy and happy. Plus, it will allow you to spend more time with the animal and boost your friendship.
However, you better not forget about your horse’s comfort as well. It’s essential to choose the right riding gear when exercising your horse. Choosing the right horse saddle pad for your equine exercises can be daunting, but it is important to select the right one to ensure your horse is comfortable and performs optimally.
It is important to consider the horse’s size and shape and also what type of exercise you want to do. For example, many riders choose trail riding, and if you consider this option in the future make sure you have the right horse saddle pads for trail riding and look for a saddle pad that corresponds with the horse’s anatomy, providing ample cushioning while ensuring that the horse’s withers are free of tension.
Additionally, check if your horse has any existing physical issues—such as injuries or pressure points—and try different saddle pad configurations until you feel like you have found one that works with your horse’s unique conformation.
An hour of exercise can increase stamina, build muscles, improve joint movements, and even improve blood circulation to the heart. So if you want to stay healthy and active, you must schedule an exercise plan such as walking, jumping, riding, and so on.
Final Words
Taking care of your horse can be challenging, but with the right tips, you can do so easily. Make sure that you develop a mutual bond with your companion so that you can understand their needs better. And above all, never miss your appointment with the vet!
