Horses make wonderful companions and can offer enjoyment to many people, however it is important to remember that if you choose to keep horses, they do require proper care and management. Not only does this consist of daily cleaning and husbandry duties, but also love and companionship.
The following five important care requirements are very basic, yet vital for the proper care of your horse.
 1. Provide a clean, safe exercise area and appropriate housing.
Horses should have a safe area, such as a field or paddock, where they can exercise freely each day. This area should be secure with no sharp objects or broken fences which may cause injury to your horse. Daily checks of the area should be undertaken to ensure safety and regular checks for any poisonous plants which may be hazardous to the health of your horse. Appropriate housing should be provided to allow shelter from the environment and weather extremities. This may be separate from or within the paddock, and should be well ventilated, free from draughts with the appropriate bedding.
2. Appropriate diet and access to fresh, clean drinking water.
Horses require access to clean, fresh drinking water at all times and this should be provided both in the exercise area and within their stable or shelter. Horses have small stomachs and are grazers, so as a general rule, they should be fed little and often. The food they are fed should be of high quality and fresh, not old or mouldy food. If possible, horses should be fed at the same time each day, and should never be exercised straight after eating. The bulk of their diet will be made up by hay, and there are a few types available. Concentrates, in the form of barley, corn and oats, should also be fed for added nutrients and energy, and can usually be purchased for the horses specific requirements. Treats are also allowed in the form of fruits and vegetables, however do ensure these are safe before offered. Any changes made to the horse’s diet should be gradual to avoid gastrointestinal upset.
3. Warmth and health care.
As we have mentioned, shelter should be provided to allow protection from the environment. It is important to provide appropriate bedding to avoid sores and cold joints. Straw can be used to provide comfort and warmth, however it can harvest many spores which can be detrimental to the health of your horse. Wood shavings can also provide warmth and comfort, with less risk of development hazardous spores. You should also ensure you have a trained vet available in the case of any emergencies and also to receive regular check-ups to ensure your horse is healthy.
4. Grooming and hoof care.
There are many tools required to fully groom your horse, and it is important to get know these tools and their uses prior to the first grooming session. Grooming is vital to remove any loose or dead hairs and it also provides bonding time between owner and horse. Always start from the head and work your way down. It is important not to over groom as this would remove natural oils from the coat which is required for warmth and a healthy glow. A farrier can provide regular hoof checks, however it is important to complete regular checks yourself and remove any dirt or debris when required.
5. Company and handling.
Horses are herd animals and enjoy the company of other horses and humans. It is important to provide daily handling sessions, not only to allow the horse to gain trust in you, but also to prevent boredom and provide stimulation. Horses which are left to their own devices do become bored quickly which will result in behavioural issues, consequentially undoing any work or training that has already been done. Their mind will become more of a ‘wild’ horse, resulting in difficulty carrying out regular health checks, grooming and daily routines.
These five important facts are only the very basic requirements for horse care, and there is so much more to learn if you plan to keep horses or even work with this species. At ACS Distance Education we have a brand new 20 hour course specific to Caring for Horses.
We also offer longer courses in equine studies, such as
Equine Behaviour
Horse Care I
Horse Care II
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