How to take Care of Horses

If you are thinking of buying a horse or if you already have a few of them, knowing how to take care of them is an essential part of your ownership responsibility. Whether you own a horse as a pet or for show or sport, there's no substitute for providing proper equine care. When you transport your horse or pony make sure it is securely tethered, also check that your horsebox insurance is up-to-date

Horses are strong animals which are typically hardy. They make great companions or pets, but they do require proper attention and regular maintenance. These animals are sociable, and they interact with their owners and/or handlers, as well as other animals that live with them.

It can also be costly to take care of a horse, that's why not everyone owns them. If you are one of the new horse owners out there, make sure that you have enough horse supplies such as those used for feeding, watering, daily activities, and veterinary products which you can use at home.

Provide proper shelter

Horses typically require an indoor area for rest and protection, and an outdoor area for feeding and exercise. These animals require shade during the hot summer months and protection from the cold during the winter months and other natural elements.

There are different types of shelters that come in a variety of sizes and shapes, but the most common are barns and horse stalls which can keep horses indoors. Trees, shade coverings, and simple four-post sheds are great for temporary outdoor shelters and feeding time.

Other things to consider:

If you do keep your horses in small stalls, each should not be smaller than 12x12 feet. You also need to bring them outside daily for exercise.
Fences are also important should be kept in good shape.
Avoid barbed wires and sharp edged fencing materials to prevent your horses from getting caught in them and inevitable injuries.
Horses should be fed in barrels or feeding tubs to keep their food clean and off-ground, especially if they are kept in barns or stalls with dirt or sand on the ground.

Proper feeding

As with most mammals, it is imperative to provide clean fresh water daily to horses. Since these are grazing animals, they always tend to eat constantly, especially when you have fresh grass available.

Be cautious when feeding too much hay that's high in protein, since it can cause hoof problems.
Mix other types of hay to balance the horses' diet - by adding grass hay and high-calorie hay such as alfalfa.
Feeding grain should also be mindful since too little or too much can potentially cause some health problems. Ask your vet regarding the right grain feed.
Sweet feeds and oats should be avoided since they are too rich and can excite horses or make them 'hot'.
Supplements are also recommended, as long as they promote healthy coat, hooves, and joints. Always ask your vet about these supplements and for recommendations.
Provide mineral or salt licks together as supplement. Feeding time is usually twice a day - morning and night time.

Grooming

Proper grooming on a regular basis is essential to keep your horses healthy from the outside.

Regularly groom horses' coats to keep them in tiptop condition.
Check for cuts, ticks, bruises, and general physical condition.
Hooves should be picked out and regularly checked for anything that's stuck at the bottom.
If there's a white, pasty substance on hooves (or at some areas of each hoof), it's possibly fungus. It is usually caused by mud, so make sure to transfer the animal in a clean, dry stall. You can also treat the fungus with an over-the-counter anti-fungal cream or meds.

Owning horses can be very challenging for most people. But if you are an enthusiast with passion for horses as farm animals or for show or sport, you will do everything you can to keep them healthy, safe, and thriving.