- PET HEALTH HIGHLIGHTS - Tips for a Happy & Healthy Horse
So you ' ve taken the leap and added a horse to the family ... congratulations ! Horses are wonderful companions and form strong bonds with their person , but owning one is costly and labor-intensive , as well . Whether you ' ve chosen to board or take care of your horse at home , here are a few tips to ensure he or she has a happy and healthy life :
1 ) Environment : At a minimum , horses need a covered shelter and a large area cleared of dangers and debris , such as holes , rusty farm equipment , and loose wire fences . If you don ' t have acres of pasture for your horse to roam , boarding is a better choice . Stalls should be cleaned at least once a day of manure and wet spots from urine . Horses doze standing up , but they often lay down for deep sleep . Use good bedding materials like straw or shavings that soak up urine and provide a good sleeping area . Black walnut shavings and corn cobs are dangerous bedding materials and should be avoided .
2 ) Diet : Be aware of how much horses eat and drink ! They require an average of 1-2 % of their body weight of hay daily to maintain their body weight , and they drink at least 5 to 10 gallons a water a day . Small , frequent meals may protect them from colic or gastrointestinal upset . They will get much of their roughage from eating grass in the pasture . Most pastures , though , do not supply enough volume year round to feed a horse , so high quality is usually necessary . Choose hay that ' s fine-stemmed , soft , green , and leafy , and be sure to avoid any that smells moldy , musty , or dusty . Water can harbor bacteria or viruses that can make your horse sick , so it ' s vital that troughs and waterers are cleaned frequently . Enhance your horse ' s diet with favorite treats , like apples , carrots , bananas , strawberries , melons , celery , pumpkin , and snow peas .
3 ) Supplementation : Provide a salt lick or mineral block in your horse ' s paddock . Consult your veterinarian for suitable supplementary feeds . Be sure he or she is getting enough Omega-3 , which is necessary for the horse ’ s diet , and will give him or her a shiny coat .
4 ) Grooming : This is so much more than just brushing the horse . It ' s also a good source of bonding between horse and caretaker . A quick grooming every day helps increase blood circulation and gives you the chance to check your horse ' s body for any potential issues . Taking care of its feet ( hooves ) is also essential . The hooves of a horse are comparable to our fingernails and need to be trimmed every six to eight weeks .
5 ) Exercise : A daily workout is essential for the overall health of your horse . Workouts increase stamina and endurance , which improves the functioning of the heart and lungs . A basic exercise workout is comprised of four steps : warming up , stretching , workout exercise , and cool-down .
6 ) Company : Horses are herd animals and need the companionship of another horse for their mental health . Donkeys , mules , ponies , and goats can also be good companions , and should be kept in a neighboring paddock for company .
7 ) Enrichment : Supply enrichment materials to stave off boredom and encourage your horse ' s natural behaviors . Equine enrichment can include puzzles , and special food and treats . They also enjoy toys like balls , ball feeders , traffic cones , and squeaky rubber chickens !
There are a multitude of other factors involved in horse ownership , but these basics will get you started . Ask friends for references for veterinarians and farriers , and prepare a plan to transport your horse in case of an emergency . Educate yourself on all aspects of horses and their health , and enjoy your wonderful , new adventure !
Pawsitively Pets -- September
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