If you’re thinking about becoming a horse owner, then you need to know all the tasks involved. Learn more about the horse care basics for beginners.
Have you been considering purchasing a horse of your own? Well, hold your horses right there! Before you can become a horse owner, you need to at least know the basics of horse care.
Your horse will provide you with several benefits ranging from emotional ones, social ones, and mental ones. They’re a great companion to have, but require a lot of work as well. Without proper care, your horse won’t be able to give you all of these wonderful benefits.
Keep your horse happy and healthy, and in return, you’ll become happier and healthier as well. If you don’t have much experience caring for a horse then you might not be sure where to begin. Our guide below lists nine horse-care basics that every future horse owner needs to know.
Are you ready to start your journey towards becoming a professional horse owner? If so, then it’s time to stop horsing around and get down to business. Continue reading to learn more!
1. Water and Food
Let’s start with the essentials. Fresh water and food are necessary to keep your horse in great condition. Providing fresh water to your horse is essential in keeping them hydrated.
The water supply you provide should be checked multiple times throughout the day. If the water becomes dirty, the horse could refuse to drink it and become dehydrated. You should always ensure that the water is clean and full.
During the winter, water is at risk of freezing. You’ll need to check on the water supply to ensure it doesn’t freeze during these times. The right amount of food is another essential part of their diet.
Horses love to graze on the pasture just about all day long. Not all pastures provide this type of environment for horses, however. To ensure your horse has enough food during the day, you’ll need to provide him with enough forage and good-quality hay.
Like other animals, horses need to consume the right amount of vitamins and minerals as well. Speak with your horse’s veterinarian about adding supplements to his diet.
2. Comfort and Shelter
As a horse owner, you want to keep your horse as happy and comfortable as possible. The right shelter conditions are an important part in doing so. If you’re going to have your horse in a boarding facility, then you need to be sure to visit the facility first.
Take a tour of the facility and ask a lot of questions. Pay close attention to the condition of the horses at the facility. Do they look happy, healthy, and well taken care of?
Are the stables clean? What do the horses’ daily schedules look like there? Ask all of these questions and more.
Although a stable is a good way to provide shelter and protection to your horse, he shouldn’t be spending a lengthy amount of time cooped up inside a stable. Horses need plenty of time to roam in areas that provide shelter but don’t confine them to tight spaces.
Keep the horse in your own back yard is a good option if you have space and have proper shelter available.
3. Grooming and Companionship
Your horse will love to be groomed on a consistent basis. Grooming allows the perfect opportunity to bond with him while ensuring his coat is well kept. You should find the time to groom your horse at least once a week.
During the springtime, you might need to groom him more. This is the time when horses will shed a good amount of hair to prepare their coats for the hot summer months. The bonding time is also appreciated since horses enjoy having company.
Get to know your horse as all personalities are different, and then decide if your companionship is enough for him or if he needs another horse friend. Sometimes, two horses’ personalities will clash with one another and it might take some time to find the right friend.
Once you do find another horse that gets along well with yours, they’ll become very attached to one another, which is important for your horse.
4. Professional Care and Vaccinations
There’s a lot of professional care that goes into maintaining a healthy horse. You’ll need to determine a good routine for your horse and his veterinarian and farrier. Speak with the vet about how often your horse should be seen.
Horses require certain vaccinations as well, which your vet will be able to provide and inform you of the proper vaccination schedule. Aside from regular vaccinations, your horse will also need deworming meds and dental care. These are all things to discuss with your vet.
A professional farrier can set up a schedule with you for them to come out and provide hoof care for your horse. Be sure to ask the farrier what can be done at home between their visits.
5. Training and Riding
Training and riding your horse are more opportunities to bond. Although there are some things you can do on your own to train your horse, most training will need to be done by someone with experience. Having a professional trainer help you in the process will maintain both yours and your horse’s stress levels.
Not all horses can be ridden. If you want a horse that you can ride, be sure to bring this up before purchasing a horse. When you’re ready to ride, you’ll need to seek professional training for yourself as well.
Take riding classes which will show you all of the right things to do to keep you and your horse comfortable. You’ll also need to buy the right riding equipment. Talk to your riding instructor about finding the right fit for your horse.
If your riding equipment is too big or small, then you and your horse could end up with injuries.
6. Hooves and Teeth Maintenance
Shoes for your horse’s hooves are needed if you plan to ride the horse, especially if you’re going to ride him on rocky ground. Your farrier should come out about every 6 weeks to keep your horse’s hooves in great shape.
If your horse is young, under the age of 5, or eats grand, you should have his teeth checked every 3-6 months. If your horse is older and not fed grains, then you can bring him to be seen once a year. Dental care is essential because, without it, your horse’s teeth can become sharp and cause dental issues.
7. Exercise and Space
Your horse will need to get plenty of exercise each day, and to do so, he’ll need lots of open space. Having enough space on your land or at the boarding facility for your horse to run around or walk around will provide him with a good amount of daily exercise.
If you don’t have a large amount of land for your horse to roam, then you can still ensure he gets the right amount of daily exercise by walking him or riding him each day. This is a big commitment so make sure you’re willing to do so if you don’t have the land for him.
8. Supervision and Body Conditions
You should supervise your horse daily if not kept at the boarding facility. Horses can become ill just like humans or other pets. They can also become injured while roaming the pasture or even while in the stable.
Do a thorough check of your horse’s body each day. Check for any signs of illnesses or injuries. If you do believe you see signs of either of these, then you’ll need to contact his vet immediately.
9. Equipment and Supplies
Your horse will require a good amount of equipment and supplies to keep him well cared for. If you want to ride your horse, then you’ll have to budget for riding equipment as well. Know what equipment your horse needs and then be sure to take good care of it.
There are many different supplies that your horse might need. Over time, you’ll begin to accumulate different supplies. Eventually, you’ll learn what you use and what isn’t as necessary for your horse.
Keeping the right supplements for him is also vital. Adding the right supplements to your horse’s diet will provide him with all those extra nutrients needed. CBD for horses is another great thing to consider.
CBD is good for reducing anxiety, managing pain, and much more.
Provide Optimal Horse Care for All Your Horses!
The decision to become a horse owner isn’t one to take lightly. Owning a horse can be one of the best decisions you ever make, but it requires proper knowledge of horse care. Follow the tips listed in this guide to ensure you’re able to keep your horse happy and healthy for years to come!
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