Advice from a Horse
Dear Riannon,
I finally had my lifelong dream come true and now am the proud owner of my first horse. Can you share some tips on how best to care for my new BFF?
Thanks!
Over the Moon but Nervous
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Dear Over the Moon,
Congratulations! You are taking a great first step in seeking horse care advice “straight from the horse’s mouth”! Saddle up and here we go!
Horse Care 101: How to Keep Your Hoofed Friend Happy
Taking care of a horse is like managing a very large, very opinionated toddler with a mane. It’s a rewarding experience, but it requires commitment, knowledge, and a good sense of humor (because horses will find creative ways to test your patience). Here are the basics to keep your equine buddy healthy and happy:
1. Feeding: The Way to a Horse’s Heart
Horses are grazing animals, which means they’re basically nature’s lawnmowers. Their diet should primarily consist of high-quality forage like hay or grass. Here’s the breakdown:
Forage first: Horses need about 1.5-2% of their body weight in hay or grass daily. For a 1,000-pound horse, that’s 15-20 pounds of hay. (Yes, they eat like it’s an Olympic sport.)
Grain sparingly: Only add grain or concentrates if your horse has higher energy needs, like if they’re working hard or underweight. Too much grain can lead to colic or laminitis—two words you don’t want to hear from your vet.
Water, water, water: Horses drink 5-10 gallons of water a day. Make sure it’s clean and not frozen in winter (unless you want to see a horse give you the side-eye of betrayal).
2. Shelter: A Roof Over Their Mane
Horses are hardy creatures, but they still need protection from the elements:
Pasture pals: A sturdy run-in shed is great for horses that live outside. It gives them a place to escape rain, snow, or the blazing sun.
Stall life: If your horse is stabled, make sure the stall is clean, dry, and well-ventilated. Nobody likes a smelly room, not even horses.
3. Hoof Care: No Hoof, No Horse
This old saying is no joke. A horse’s hooves are like their shoes, and they need regular maintenance:
Daily checks: Pick out their hooves daily to remove dirt, rocks, and other debris. It’s also a good time to check for injuries or signs of infection.
Farrier visits: Schedule a farrier every 6-8 weeks for trimming or shoeing. Neglected hooves can lead to lameness, and trust me, a lame horse is not a happy horse.
4. Exercise: Let Them Stretch Those Legs
Horses are athletes by nature, and they need regular exercise to stay healthy:
Turnout time: Daily turnout in a pasture or paddock is essential. Horses need space to move, graze, and occasionally gallop around like they’re auditioning for a horse shampoo commercial.
Riding or groundwork: If you ride or train your horse, make sure their workload matches their fitness level. Overworking a horse can lead to injuries, while underworking them can lead to boredom (and mischief).
5. Grooming: Spa Day for Your Steed
Grooming isn’t just about keeping your horse looking fabulous (though that’s a bonus). It’s also a chance to bond and check for health issues:
Brush it out: Use a curry comb to loosen dirt and hair, then follow up with a stiff brush. Don’t forget their legs and belly!
Mane and tail care: Detangle their mane and tail with a comb or your fingers. Be gentle—nobody likes a bad hair day.
Bathing: Only bathe when necessary. Horses don’t need daily baths, and over-washing can strip their coat of natural oils.
6. Health Care: Keep the Vet on Speed Dial
Horses are prone to a variety of health issues, so regular veterinary care is a must:
Vaccinations: Keep up with annual vaccines for diseases like tetanus, rabies, and equine influenza.
Deworming: Follow a deworming schedule based on your vet’s recommendations and your horse’s parasite load.
Dental care: Horses’ teeth grow continuously, so they need to be floated (filed down) by a vet or equine dentist once or twice a year.
7. Love and Attention: The Secret Ingredient
Horses are social animals and thrive on companionship. Spend time with your horse, whether it’s grooming, riding, or just hanging out in the pasture. A happy horse is a healthy horse!
Best of luck and many nickers,
Riannon