The Basics Of Horse Care

By Susan Weathers


All pets require proper care for a long life. Horses may be bigger in stature than most pets but they have similar basic needs. Proper horse care requires providing exercise, water, food, and shelter.

Some horses are raised to work on a farm or ranch. These animals often get all the exercise they need on the job because their owners ride them regularly. Others are kept more like pets and are prone to gaining weight due to inactivity. These horses will require a special diet to compensate for the lack of regular activity.

Most horses will need approximately one acre of pasture to roam around for exercise. Owners should always inspect the pasture before leaving their animal alone. Holes in the fence, trash, and other hazards can put horses at risk of injury. Plants that are poisonous include oak leaves, deadly nightshade, foxglove, yew, laurel, star thistle, locoweed, and buttercups, among others.

A sturdy fence around the pasture will keep other animals out while confining horses to a safe place with the right polocrosse equipment. A simple wire fence attached to strong wood posts is a suitable option. Wood rail fences are attractive and sturdy but can be time consuming and expensive to maintain. Never use barbed wire because it can inflict injuries.

Shelter is another basic requirement. Horses must have somewhere to stand that offers protection from the sun, rain, and wind. An enclosure with three sides is the best configuration. The back wall should be placed to block prevailing wind.

The best bedding for horses is hemp, wood shavings, or straw. A sturdy rubber mat will provide cushion against the hard floor but covering it with bedding is necessary for warmth. Straw is the most affordable option but can contain fungal spores that are harmful to the animal if it eats the bedding.

Stables require daily attention. The stable will need to be mucked out at least three times a day if the pet is inside all day. To provide a comfortable environment, discard all droppings and level the bedding out so it is spread evenly across the floor.

In addition to eating a nutritious diet, horses require a constant supply of fresh water to drink. A trough with water supplied by a pipe is the best option but should be inspected frequently during the winter to ensure the pipe does not freeze. These basic horse care tips will help any owner keep a pet healthy throughout its lifetime.




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