Equine Care 101: How To Keep Your Horse Healthy & Happy

Wednesday, July 18, 20120 Comments

By Roland Stockwell


Horses are remarkable animals, and if you wish to own one, you are sure to enjoy many hours with this special animal. However, the care and maintenance of equine animals can be quite a bit more taxing than caring for a cat or dog. Before you purchase a horse, consider the following realities of horse care.

Unless you have been riding horses for years and are in constant contact with these animals, don't buy a horse until you know how to handle one. Even if you were a champion horse rider twenty years ago but have not been on a horse since then, reacquaint yourself with the proper horse procedures. You need to feel confident about riding, grooming and all other aspects of taking care of your horse, as well as gaining the animal's trust. Obviously the horse you meet during lessons will have different traits than the one you buy, but the more comfortable you are with horses in general, the better you will be as a horse owner. Consider including your children and spouse in these lessons, as well, especially if they will be heavily involved with the animal.

If you are new to the horsing world, don't go out and buy a feisty stallion. Sure, they might look full of energy and lots of fun, but if the horse has a difficult temperament and you don't have the experience needed to handle that personality, it is sure to be a disaster. Find a docile horse that will be more patient with your level of inexperience. Don't buy a horse until you have spent a bit of time getting to know the animal. This is a big commitment, and you want it to be a great match for both of you.

Boarding and care are another huge consideration, and you need to think about all this before you buy a horse. Unless you have a proper horse stable on your own property, you need to find a good stable. You also have to select a veterinarian that specializes in horses and large animals. In addition, there are plenty of supplies to consider, even if you board at a facility that includes feeding and stable maintenance. You will need grooming supplies, a saddle and other related items.

Just like people and all other pets, clean water is an essential part of life for your horse. Unlike people and dogs and cats, keeping the source of water clean is a bit more challenging when it comes to horses. After all, it's easy to rinse and clean a dog dish, but a stock tank is large and heavy, and really can't be cleaned day to day. However, there are some safe products that will keep the water clean and are easy to use.

First, empty the stock tank and give it a good scrub. Use a natural brush and water to clean and rinse the stock tank, and do not use soaps or cleaners, as this can be bad for your horses. Then fill the tank with water and a product such as the Stock Tank Cleaner by Healthy Ponds. This is a safe, veterinarian-approved product that uses a mix of natural bacteria to break down waste, organic matter and sludge in the stock tank, thus keeping the water fresh and safe for your horses. The product includes a dispenser and four bacteria packs. Every 30 days fill the dispenser with a new pack and place it in the water. This product will treat up to 300 gallons for 30 days.




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