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Van
Hargis Basic Training
Basics of Horse Care & Maintenance
Daily care and maintenance of your horse requires a little time, but will insure the good health of your horse and possibly prevent problems from arising later on. Conscientious care that steers clear of extremes will preserve his well-being and prolong his useful life. Here are a few tips and strategies that will help you establish a routine that is simple and takes just a little time but will make a huge difference in your horses life.
Keep him on a sound feeding program. Talk with your veterinarian and find what works best for your horse, then stick with that. Changing feeds or feeding schedules is never a good idea and the best way to avoid digestive upsets is to feed routinely at least two to three times daily. On the other hand, overfeeding can be a trap you may find yourself falling into, but can be detrimental to your horses health. Deworming on a regular schedule will ensure your horse is free of harmful parasites, cut his feed intake and maximize his utilization of necessary vitamins and minerals.
Keep your horse fit. Making sure your horse gets plenty of exercise and turn out time will help keep him healthy physically and mentally. Horses stalled continuously without playtime often develop unwanted habits and vices to amuse themselves. Moreover, working a horse strenuously or pushing him hard after a long layoff increases your odds for injury and is unfair to the animal. As with humans, horses need exercise too for a long and healthy life.
Daily grooming may be tedious but makes a big difference in the way your horse looks and feels. It takes just a few minutes, gives you an opportunity to interact closely with your horse and check him over for injuries or abnormalities. A good brushing removes excess dirt and hair and distributes the natural oils in a horses coat leaving it slick and shiny. Weekly trims with a good pair of clippers on muzzles and bridle paths keep your horse looking sharp and well groomed. Picking out his hooves will ensure there are no unwanted stones or embedded debris that could cause problems like bruising or thrush that may lead to lameness later.
Treat injuries as they happen. If you aren't sure you need vet care, give him a call and ask. If you feel like there is a problem don't wait. Prolonging treatment of injuries or sickness can only lead to unnecessary pain and discomfort for your horse and more time and expense for you. Injuries left untreated will cause infection and more time off from your horse activities. Keep your horse current on his vaccinations to prevent disease and have annual vet checks.
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