8 Essential Tips for Perfect Horse Care

Apr 26

5 min read

1. Roughage

Imagine your horse as a non-stop eater. They need continuous access to hay or pasture (24/7) to avoid digestive troubles. Horses require a minimum of 1.5% of their bodyweight daily in roughage. For a 500kg Horse this is approx 7.5kg of hay or pasture per day. Due to their stomach acid production for digestion which occurs 24hrs a day, and up to 60 litres can be produced. The saliva from chewing this roughage volume is like a natural ulcer preventative as it acts as an antacid buffer.

2. Water

Clean, fresh water is a must. Think of it as your horse's favorite drink. An average 500kg horse drinks around 30-50L a day. A general rule is a horse should never go longer than 3-5hrs without access to water.

3. Salt

Just like us, horses need their salt fix. It helps water enter their cells. Maintains thirst and hydration. Offer in their feed instead of a salt lick to give them the required amount consistently. The National Research Council suggests that a horse at rest needs a minimum of 25 grams of sodium chloride per day. Any factors that influence the amount of horse sweat also influences the need for salt.

4. Vitamin And Mineral Balance

Hay and pasture have deficiencies in vitamins and minerals. Normally they have adequate iron and potassium levels. The deficiencies in trace minerals include zinc, copper and manganese which are vital in various body systems - hoof, immune, blood and skin/coat. Hay can be depleted in plant based Omega 3, therefore finding a High Omega 3 Oil that is First Cold pressed, is important to obtain the best quality. Finding a vitamin and mineral balancer to correct these deficiencies is important for your horse to be healthy and thrive. All hays and pastures have different nutrient profiles so it is best to consult a nutritionist or your favorite feed company for advice.

5. Regular Grooming

Grooming a horse serves multiple purposes, all aimed at ensuring the well-being and health of the animal. Firstly, it is a crucial practice for maintaining cleanliness. Regular grooming sessions help prevent chafing or sores caused by rugs or tack, ensuring the horse's skin remains healthy and free from irritation. Moreover, it promotes overall hygiene by removing dirt, sweat, and dead skin cells, thus reducing the risk of bacterial or fungal infections that can lead to various skin issues.

Secondly, grooming plays a significant role in promoting the horse's health and preventing diseases. By thoroughly brushing the coat and exfoliating the skin, groomers effectively remove dead hairs and debris that could harbor harmful bacteria or fungus. This proactive approach aids in preventing common conditions such as mud fever or rain scald. Additionally, grooming sessions provide an excellent opportunity for a comprehensive physical examination, allowing groomers to detect any signs of illness or injury early on.

Lastly, grooming sessions are not just about physical health but also contribute to the emotional well-being of both the horse and human. Beyond the functional aspects, grooming fosters a sense of connection and trust between the horse and the person caring for it. Spending quality time in quiet companionship while grooming allows for the strengthening of bonds and relationships, enhancing the overall partnership between horse and human.

6. Routine Farrier

Regular farrier appointments are essential for maintaining the overall health and well-being of your horse. Typically recommended every 6-8 weeks, the frequency may vary depending on individual needs and factors such as hoof growth rate and terrain. Your farrier serves as a knowledgeable guide, advising on the appropriate trimming schedule tailored to your horse's specific requirements. This regularity ensures that any emerging issues can be addressed promptly, preventing them from escalating into more significant problems.

Hoof balance is a fundamental aspect of equine foot care, and regular farrier visits play a pivotal role in achieving and maintaining it. Properly balanced hooves help distribute weight evenly, reducing the risk of cracks, wall separations, and other structural abnormalities. By addressing imbalances during routine trims, potential issues can be mitigated before they escalate, promoting overall hoof health and soundness. This proactive approach to hoof care underscores the importance of consistent farrier scheduling as a preventive measure against various hoof-related ailments.

Beyond hoof balance, regular farrier appointments also provide vital support for tendons and joints. Overgrown toes and imbalanced hooves can exert excessive stress on these critical areas, potentially leading to injuries and lameness. By maintaining a consistent trimming schedule, this stress is minimized, reducing the likelihood of strain and discomfort for the horse. Furthermore, the familiarity established through regular visits fosters trust and cooperation between the horse and the farrier, enhancing the overall comfort and well-being of the animal.

7. Routine Dental

Horses have evolved as grazers, with teeth finely tuned for this purpose. The front teeth, or incisors, are designed to cut through forage. Through domestication and confinement, we've altered horses' diets and eating habits. Foals possess a set of 24 deciduous or milk teeth, comprising 12 incisors and 12 premolars or grinders. Once matured, stallions typically have 40-42 permanent teeth, while mares generally have 36-40, contingent upon the presence of canine teeth. Canine or bridle teeth emerge within the interdental space when male horses reach 4-5 years of age.

Dental care is important to improve the comfort of your horse, better feed utilisation and potential performance improvements.

Lapses in dental care can create health problems for horses: sharp points can cause ulcers or abscesses on tongue or cheek tissue; wolf teeth can be the source of pain and consequent behavioral problems. Crooked, loose, or painful teeth can keep horses from processing their feed and to extract the most nutrients.

8. Companionship

Horses are naturally social animals, needing interaction and companionship for their happiness, similar to humans. In the wild, they create complex social groups, showing how important connections are for their emotions and mental well-being.

Like people, horses can feel stressed and have behavior problems if they're isolated.

Companionship isn't just having another horse nearby; it gives them emotional support, security, and comfort. Research shows that horses without friends can feel anxious and stressed, underlining how vital a social setting is for their health.

Special Note: If you want to discover more about how horses have evolved into domestication, I interviewed Dr Andrew McLean in Episode 92 on the CEN Nutrition as he is an expert in equine cognition and learning and gives a fascinating insight to these beautiful creatures. Understanding the physiology and natural responses to become better horse owners and trainers.