How To Care For A Horse
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There are some basic things you need to know how to do when owning a horse.
Feeding the horse is one of the most important parts of horse ownership.
Horses require adequate pasture time. They also need vitamin supplements.
Horses also need dark greens that contain carotene, hay, carrots and corn.
If your horse does not receive enough carotene in the feed, you will need to supplement with active vitamin A supplement.
Your horse needs to have enough sunlight. Vitamin D is a nutrient that the horse will need to stay healthy.
A horse needs at least 4 hours of sun every day.
If you live in a northern climate and 4 hours of sun is not possible, than you will need to supplement with vitamin D concentration.
Your horse needs to forage for fresh food. Avoid any clover hay that may be moldy, know how to check for this.
Moldy hay can cause vitamin K deficits and cause problems with blood coagulation. Horses that are feed grain and hay of poor quality can lead to thiamine deficiencies.
Shelter is essential for your horse. They need to be out of the wind and rain and their pens or corrals should be free of ice.
They need to be able to get to water at all times so where ever they are whether at pasture or in the corral, they need to have plenty of fresh, clean water.
Grooming a horse is an important part of the care you give to your horse to keep your horse healthy.
You will need a halter and lead rope in order to bring your horse in from the pasture or out of the stall in order to groom him.
Tie your horse loosely so that he can’t wander off during the grooming.
Use a soft-bristled brush to brush the forelock and face of your horse. Be very careful around the eyes.
While on his face, check the eyes for any signs of drainage from the eyes or nose. Check his ears for debris. Use a medium-bristled brush to groom your horse’s body.
Start at his neck and work your way down his body. As you brush look for any cuts or bumps that may need medical care. Brush all of the body including the belly and legs.
Make sure you run your hands over the horse’s legs for any signs of swelling or bumps. Spray detangler or conditioner in his mane and tail to make it easier to brush him in these areas.
A stiff-bristled brush is used on the mane and tail. Use a hoof pick to groom each hoof. When cleaning the hooves check for abscesses or other hoof abnormalities.
As you groom look for any noticeable changes in your horse such as discharge, color of his gums and alertness.
Spray fly repellant over the horse’s entire body but do not get any in his eyes.
Previous Articles By This Author
- Buying Your First Horse
- Equipment for Horses
- Basics of Horse Care
- Grooming your Horse
- The History of Horses
