Horse Care Tips:

Domesticated horses are among the best animals to have around you.



However, all domesticated equines have special needs which should be catered to. There are many aspects to caring for your horse. Their average lifespan is about 30-35 years and if the horses are to live that long, it is important for them to be cared for properly.

How to care for a horse?

• The foremost thing that is required when caring for horses is the preparation of a suitable living area.
  
  
  
  Horses, unlike most other pets, are large and need more space to dwell than others. Horses cannot be kept in homes. They need fresh air and exercise. Most importantly, they need to run and for that, they require open space that gives them an opportunity for exercise.
  
  
  
  
  
• Besides exercise, just like humans, horses too need protection from the wind, rain and other elements of nature. Access to clean water and grass or hay is also important in order to keep the horse fit and healthy. Horses are not suited for winter and even though they grow a warm coat to keep warm, they need to be fed and sheltered adequately or else they may get sick.
• Equines have strong herding instincts and feel best when they are in company of other horses. It is best if the horses are kept in with others of their kind.
  
• Pastures are most suited for horses however, with changing climates, horses do need shelter. The maintenance of pastures is very high and changes with changing season. Horses are also often kept in fenced areas and pens. While this gives them a sense of the outdoors, it does not take care of their need to cover long distances. Fenced pens always pose a risk of potential harm or accidents. Therefore, much thought should be given to the strength and type of fencing used. Barns and stables are the most commonly used shelters for horses. Ventilation is required if the horses are to be kept in stables for long periods of time. When kept in damp and stuffy conditions, horses are prone to develop breathing problems.
• Once the living condition has been decided and the horse brought in, the next most important thing is nutrition. A horse needs food which is about 1.5% to 2.5% of its body weight. Grass, hay and grain concentrates are conventional feeds.
  
• However, today pelleted feeds are commercially available and can be used for horses. These pelleted feeds also contain added nutrients which are beneficial for the horse. Clean water should always be in good supply.
• Other horse careing tips include regular grooming and checking the hooves for damage, abscesses and diseases. To make sure that the horse is groomed properly, it is best to familiarize yourself with the equipment needed to groom the horse.
  
• Apart from this, the horse should also be regularly inspected to check for any signs of illness or wounds.