What You Need To Know To Keep Your Horse Healthy And Happy On Your Own Property

Keeping a horse on your own property can be a rewarding experience. Not only does it allow you to develop a deep bond with your horse, but it also gives you the freedom to create a space that suits both you and your equine companion. However, owning a horse on your own property also comes with great responsibility. To ensure the ongoing health and happiness of your horse, there are several key factors that you must consider.

1. Provide Ample Space

An essential aspect of keeping a horse healthy and happy on your own property is to provide them with enough space to roam freely. Horses are large animals that require room to graze, exercise, and socialize with other horses. A lack of space can lead to physical and mental health issues, such as obesity or aggression. Therefore, ensure that your property has adequate pasture and paddock areas to accommodate your horse's needs.

2. Maintain a Balanced Diet

Proper nutrition is crucial for the well-being of your horse. It is essential to provide them with a balanced diet that consists of high-quality forage, grains, and supplements when necessary. Consult with a veterinarian or equine nutritionist to determine the appropriate dietary requirements for your horse based on their age, breed, and activity level. Regular monitoring of their weight and body condition score will help you adjust their diet accordingly.

KEEPING YOUR HORSE AT HOME: Beginner's Quick Guide: What You Need to Know To Keep Your Horse Healthy and Happy On Your Own Property

by Anne Gage(Kindle Edition)

5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	564 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	44 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

FREE

3. Provide Safe Shelter

Horses need a safe and comfortable place to seek shelter from harsh weather conditions, including extreme heat, cold, wind, and rain. Whether it's a stable, a run-in shed, or a combination of both, ensure that the shelter provides adequate ventilation, protection from elements, and enough space for your horse to move around comfortably. Regular cleaning and maintenance of the shelter are also necessary to prevent the build-up of dirt, moisture, and parasites.

4. Practice Regular Veterinary Care

Just like any other pet, horses require regular veterinary care to maintain optimal health. Schedule routine check-ups, vaccinations, and dental exams with a qualified equine veterinarian. Regular deworming and parasite control are crucial to prevent infestations that can compromise your horse's well-being. Additionally, maintaining a proper vaccination schedule will help protect your horse against prevalent diseases in your area.

5. Practice Good Hoof Care

Adequate hoof care is essential for your horse's overall health and soundness. Regular trimming or shoeing by a professional farrier is necessary to prevent issues like overgrown hooves, cracks, and lameness. Regularly inspect your horse's hooves for any signs of abnormalities or infections. Provide a clean and dry area for hoof care, such as a designated wash area or concrete pad.

6. Implement Effective Parasite Control

Parasites, such as worms, can have a detrimental impact on your horse's health if left unmanaged. Implementing an effective parasite control program is essential to prevent infestations and related health issues. Regular fecal exams and targeted deworming under the guidance of your veterinarian will help control parasite populations without overusing deworming medications.

7. Maintain a Regular Exercise Routine

Regular exercise is crucial for keeping your horse physically and mentally stimulated. Develop a regular exercise routine that includes daily turnout, lunging, riding, or other activities based on your horse's fitness level and capabilities. Regular exercise helps prevent obesity, strengthens muscles, and promotes overall well-being.

8. Promote Mental Stimulation

Horses are highly intelligent and social animals that require mental stimulation. Ensure they have access to pasture companionship, as horses are naturally herd animals. Implement enrichment activities such as puzzle toys, treat balls, or obstacle courses to keep them engaged and prevent boredom.

9. Provide Fresh Water

Water is a fundamental requirement for horses to stay healthy and hydrated. Ensure there is a constant supply of clean and fresh water available at all times. Regularly check and clean water troughs or buckets to prevent the growth of algae or bacteria.

10. Implement Regular Grooming

Grooming is not only a great way to bond with your horse, but it also plays a vital role in their overall health and well-being. Regularly brush your horse's coat to remove dirt, debris, and loose hair. Check for any skin abnormalities, ticks, or cuts during grooming sessions. Additionally, routine grooming helps improve circulation and keeps their coat in good condition.

, keeping your horse healthy and happy on your own property requires careful attention to their basic needs. By providing ample space, a balanced diet, safe shelter, proper veterinary care, good hoof care, effective parasite control, regular exercise, mental stimulation, fresh water, and regular grooming, you can ensure a lifetime of health and happiness for your equine companion.

KEEPING YOUR HORSE AT HOME: Beginner's Quick Guide: What You Need to Know To Keep Your Horse Healthy and Happy On Your Own Property

by Anne Gage(Kindle Edition)

5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	564 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	44 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

FREE

As a horse trainer and riding coach, I often get calls for help from well intentioned horse lovers who thought keeping their horse on their own property would be a dream, but instead it has turned into a night mare. I wrote this book to help guide people just like you through what can be a confusing and emotional journey.

"Keeping Your Horse at Home: Beginners Guide" is the second in a series of books that I have written as a guide for people who want to enjoy a true partnership with a horse or horses.

I'm Anne Gage and in "Keeping Your Horse At Home: Beginner's Quick Guide", I provide tips to help you decide whether having your horse at home is the best decision for you and your horse, reduce the stress for both of you and get your new partnership off on the right foot.

I give you specific tips to help you decide if your property is appropriate for keeping horses, how to set up your property to keep your horse healthy and happy, what to do before your horse arrives and how to introduce your new horse to his new home and herd mates.

It provides information to help you understand and prepare for the real financial costs of keeping your horse at home - including a budget worksheet.

While looking after your own horse at your own home is an immensely fulfilling experience, it also requires a lot of commitment and hard work.

This book prepares you for that commitment and offers suggestions for ways to make the experience as positive and rewarding as possible … for you as well as for your horse.

Deciding to keep your horse at home requires careful thought and planning. It’s very easy to get caught up in the excitement and emotions of having your horse right outside your back door.

The tips in this guide can help you make smart decisions and make keeping your horse at home at happy experience for both you and your horse.

Here is a Preview of What You’ll Learn …

The real costs of keeping your horse at home

What you must have on your property to keep your horse safe and healthy

What to do before your horse arrives

What to do when your horse arrives

How to safely introduce him to other horses

How to get your new partnership off on the right foot - right from the start

How to Take a Your First Ride - to make it a positive experience for both of you

How to build a support network - because you won't always want to be on your own

Much more!