All pets, whether they are cats, dogs, or horses require the same basic needs. They must have a safe place to live, eat a nutritious diet, and receive enough exercise to remain healthy. Read on to learn about some basic tips for horse care.
Animals living on a ranch or farm are often working during daylight hours. This usually provides them with enough exercise to stay healthy. Some owners keep horses as pets and will ride them only occasionally. These animals are at risk of gaining weight if they are not active enough. They may require a modified diet to make up for the lack of activity.
Horses require wide open space to walk, play, and run. A pasture should provide approximately one acre of land per animal. Inspecting the pasture for hazards is crucial before leaving horses unattended. Certain plant species, holes in a fence, and trash can put horses at risk of injury or illness. Poisonous plants to look for include yew, buttercups, locoweed, star thistle, laurel, and deadly nightshade.
Wire fencing held up with strong wooden posts is enough to keep horses with a barcoo bridle confined to a pasture. Rail fences made of wood are even more secure but require extensive maintenance. Barbed wire is not a suitable option because of the risk of injury.
A strong shelter provides animals with the protection they need against rain, wind, and sun. If the land does not have a grove of trees for protection, a three sided enclosure is best. The back wall must be in a location that blocks prevailing wind.
Wood shavings are a suitable choice for hygienic bedding. Rubber matting offers a soft place for horses for stand or rest but owners should spread wood shavings, hemp, or straw on top for warmth. Straw is inexpensive and comfortable but should be inspected for fungal spores that can cause harm if the animal eats the bedding.
Owners must attend to the stable daily. Clearing out all the droppings should be done at least three times each day, especially if the horse spends all day inside. It is also important to spread the bedding out evenly on the floor.
A nutritious diet and clean water are essential to proper horse care. Providing a water trough supplied constantly by a pipe is the most convenient but the pipe will have to be inspected regularly during the winter to make sure it has not frozen. Following these tips will provide any horse with a long and healthy life.
Animals living on a ranch or farm are often working during daylight hours. This usually provides them with enough exercise to stay healthy. Some owners keep horses as pets and will ride them only occasionally. These animals are at risk of gaining weight if they are not active enough. They may require a modified diet to make up for the lack of activity.
Horses require wide open space to walk, play, and run. A pasture should provide approximately one acre of land per animal. Inspecting the pasture for hazards is crucial before leaving horses unattended. Certain plant species, holes in a fence, and trash can put horses at risk of injury or illness. Poisonous plants to look for include yew, buttercups, locoweed, star thistle, laurel, and deadly nightshade.
Wire fencing held up with strong wooden posts is enough to keep horses with a barcoo bridle confined to a pasture. Rail fences made of wood are even more secure but require extensive maintenance. Barbed wire is not a suitable option because of the risk of injury.
A strong shelter provides animals with the protection they need against rain, wind, and sun. If the land does not have a grove of trees for protection, a three sided enclosure is best. The back wall must be in a location that blocks prevailing wind.
Wood shavings are a suitable choice for hygienic bedding. Rubber matting offers a soft place for horses for stand or rest but owners should spread wood shavings, hemp, or straw on top for warmth. Straw is inexpensive and comfortable but should be inspected for fungal spores that can cause harm if the animal eats the bedding.
Owners must attend to the stable daily. Clearing out all the droppings should be done at least three times each day, especially if the horse spends all day inside. It is also important to spread the bedding out evenly on the floor.
A nutritious diet and clean water are essential to proper horse care. Providing a water trough supplied constantly by a pipe is the most convenient but the pipe will have to be inspected regularly during the winter to make sure it has not frozen. Following these tips will provide any horse with a long and healthy life.
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