What Your Horse Really Wants for Christmas
Someone to Care for them Forever
This is probably the best gift we can give offer our horses , especially those that are no longer rideable . Security is everything .
Plenty of Quality Forage
Horses ’ digestive tracts are built to digest and ferment forage . Good quality forage keeps them healty , happy , and , in the winter especially , warm .
Rest
It ’ s totally ok if your holiday schedule interrupts your regular riding routine . Horses can benefit both mentally and physically from a break .
Positive Reinforcement
Whatever you ’ re trying to accomplish with your horse , be sure to use plenty of positive reinforcement . Whether it ’ s a pet on the neck , a scratch on the forehead , or a treat , reward your horse for doing the right thing .
Safe Feed Storage
Keep your horse safe from binging-related laminitis or animal-spread diseases that can contaminate your feed by building or buying a container to secure your horse ’ s feed .
A Dry Turnout
Mud , ice , and horses don ’ t mix . Mud and ice present health and safety risks such as thrush , scratches , and falls . No horse enjoys standing in muck . Make a plan to provide somewhere dry for your horse ( s ) to enjoy turnout time .
13