Keeping Backyard Horse: How to Provide a Happy and Healthy Life for Your Equine Companion

Are you considering keeping a horse in your backyard? Markie Madden, a well-known equine enthusiast, shares her insights and tips on how to provide a happy and fulfilling life for your new four-legged friend. In this comprehensive guide, we will cover everything from choosing the right horse to creating a safe and comfortable environment. Let's dive into the world of backyard horsekeeping!

Choosing the Perfect Equine Companion

Before bringing home a horse, it's essential to consider your specific needs and the horse's characteristics. Markie advises starting with a well-trained, calm, and healthy horse that suits your riding experience and goals. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced rider, finding the right equine partner is crucial for a harmonious relationship.

Markie Madden recommends considering important factors such as breed, temperament, age, and size when choosing your horse. Each breed has unique characteristics and maintenance requirements, so take your time to research and get to know different breeds and their suitability for your backyard setup.

Keeping a Backyard Horse

by Markie Madden(Kindle Edition)

4.5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	6002 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Print length	:	114 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

FREE

Creating the Perfect Backyard Environment

Once you've found the perfect equine companion, it's time to create a safe and comfortable backyard environment for them. Markie emphasizes the importance of providing ample space for the horse to graze, exercise, and rest. Fencing is a critical component of a secure pasture, so make sure it is properly installed and maintained to prevent escapes and injuries.

The shelter is another crucial aspect of backyard horsekeeping. A sturdy and weatherproof shelter will protect your horse from extreme weather conditions and provide a cozy resting area. Markie advises considering the size, design, and materials of the shelter to ensure it meets your horse's needs.

Feeding and Nutrition

Proper nutrition is vital for the health and well-being of your backyard horse. Markie Madden suggests consulting with an equine nutritionist to develop a balanced diet plan tailored to your horse's age, breed, and activity level. Hay and pasture should form the basis of their diet, supplemented with appropriate grains and minerals.

It's essential to provide fresh and clean water at all times. Horses are heavy drinkers, and access to clean water is crucial to prevent dehydration and other health problems. Markie also recommends establishing a regular deworming schedule to control internal parasites and conducting routine dental checks to ensure proper chewing and digestion.

Healthcare and Exercise

Regular healthcare is crucial for maintaining your backyard horse's well-being. Scheduling routine visits from a veterinarian to vaccinate, deworm, and conduct overall health checks is recommended by Madden. Additionally, scheduling routine farrier visits to maintain hoof health and ensure proper trimming and shoeing is essential.

Exercise is an integral part of keeping a healthy and happy backyard horse. Markie suggests providing daily turnout time and engaging in regular riding or groundwork sessions, depending on the horse's age and fitness level. These activities strengthen the horse's muscles, prevent boredom, and promote mental stimulation.

Socialization and Companionship

Horses are social animals and thrive on companionship. Markie highlights the importance of providing socialization opportunities for your horse, whether through direct contact with other horses or strategically placing them in areas where they can interact safely with neighbors' horses.

If you can only keep one horse, it's crucial to dedicate time and attention to establish a strong bond with them. Regular grooming sessions, mental stimulation activities, and spending quality time together will help create a fulfilling relationship.

Keeping a backyard horse can be a fulfilling and rewarding experience. By following Markie Madden's advice, you can create a safe, healthy, and happy environment for your equine companion. From choosing the right horse to providing proper nutrition, healthcare, and socialization, every aspect contributes to a well-balanced and joyful life for your horse in your own backyard.

Keeping a Backyard Horse

by Markie Madden(Kindle Edition)

4.5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	6002 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Print length	:	114 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

FREE

Hay is for horses! Everyone knows that, but do you know how much hay they need? Or how much water? Did you know your horse can talk to you with his ears? Or that he can sleep standing up?

Follow along with Athena the horse as she explains the basics of keeping a horse in your backyard. She’ll teach you the basic necessities of caring for your equine friend, from what kind of fencing you can use, to tips and tricks for keeping water thawed in winter weather, and even fun stuff you can do with your horse. Keeping a backyard horse can be fairly simple, and even if you have a tight budget, it can be done!