Horses are an essential part of our lives, and as with any pet, you want to take the best care possible of them. But with all of the various horse-care products available to purchase, how do you know which ones are the best? With this in mind, here are 10 ways to properly take care of your horse and make sure that they live a long, healthy life. Be sure to consult with your veterinarian or local equine specialists if you have any questions along the way!
1) Brush Them
Brushing your horse is one of the best ways to maintain their health and appearance. It not only helps keep dirt, mud, and other debris off the coat but also exfoliates the skin and removes excess hair. You’ll want to brush your horse at least once a week.
2) Clean Their Teeth
One of the most basic things you can do for your horse is regular teeth brushing. Regular brushing will help prevent plaque buildup which can lead to tooth loss and other serious dental problems. It also helps promote good oral hygiene habits in general, which is important for both you and your horse! The best way to brush a horse’s teeth is with a child’s toothbrush or a special equine toothbrush with soft bristles.
3) Keep Them On A Diet
Keep your horse on a diet. The food you feed your horse will have a huge impact on their health, so make sure it is high-quality and nutritious. As with humans, exercise plays a big part in the maintenance of a healthy weight for horses. Make sure they are getting enough time outside every day to move around and get rid of some energy. If you notice them eating more than usual, see if they need more protein or fat in their diet and discuss this with your veterinarian.
4) Have Them Get Exercise
Every horse needs a regular exercise regimen, but it’s important to not push your horse too hard. Gentle rides or walks can be beneficial for calming the animal down and getting him or her used to being around people. If you have a lot of acreage on your property, consider letting your horse roam around for a few hours each day. This is also helpful if you’re training your horse from being wild.
5) Keep Their Feet Cared For
Proper care for a horse’s hooves can make all the difference in their overall health and comfort. Keeping your horse’s feet properly trimmed and cared for is one way to ensure that they are not just comfortable, but also able to move around freely.
6) Observe Their Behaviour and Moods
One of the best ways to ensure your horse is happy is by paying attention to their moods and behaviour. Horses are very expressive animals and they will let you know when they are not happy with something. For example, if your horse is shying away from contact or has his ears pinned back and showing teeth, this could be a sign that he’s uncomfortable with what you are doing.
7) Spend Time With Them Regularly
Spending time with your horse on a daily basis is important for their health, both physical and mental. You need to take the time every day to groom them, feed them, brush them and talk to them. It is also important that you spend time playing with your horse as well.
8) Don’t Over Exert Them
Your horse should never be ridden more than two hours a day. If you ride your horse during the day, they should have at least four hours of rest time before being ridden again. Remember not to over-ride your horse or over-exert them – this will lead to wear and tear on their body that can lead to future injuries.
9) Vaccinate Them Against Diseases
Vaccinating your horse is a great way to protect them from diseases. Vaccines are tailored to the age, species and location of the horse, so it’s important to work with your vet on which vaccines are best for your horse.
10) Protect Them From Weather Conditions
Horses are very sensitive to weather, so it’s important that you take precautions to protect them. One way is by keeping your horse in a barn, shed, or stable when the temperature drops below freezing and when it rains or snows. If for some reason you cannot keep your horse inside during these times, cover it with a blanket or heavy tarpaulin until the worst passes.