Keeping Horses: Best Practices for A Long And Healthy Partnership *Partnered*

A horse and rider is a partnership that can last a lifetime, but for this to happen it’s essential that you know exactly how to take care of your steed.  Happily, this is something that you can learn more about below, so read on to discover the best practice for horse care that will ensure your equine lives a long and healthy life.

Do look after their physical health.

Just like any other animal under your care, your horse’s physical health should be a top priority. Of course, unlike many other domestic pets, a horse is a creature that will be frequently involved in strenuous exercise, as well as spend at least part of their time living outdoors.

What this means is that horses will need all the routine care of a household pet such a grooming, worming, and vaccinations, as well as other things that are specific to them. Such things include taking excellent care of their feet and hooves, with regular re-shoeing, as lack of such care can cause pain and lameness that can cut your rider-mount partnership short.

Additionally, don’t forget that the saddle is a crucial item when it comes to taking care of your horse. In fact, you wouldn’t be able to ride without it! Of course, that means this piece of equipment must be customised to your horse’s shape, as this will ensure it is both safe for you and comfortable for your mount. Something that is essential if you want your horse to stay as healthy as possible in the long term.

Don’t forget to check that their environment.

It is also crucial that you care for your horse by carefully monitoring the environment in which they live, and any hazards within it. Sadly there can be a range of dangers to look out for, including Ragwort growing in the space that your horse uses for pasture. A plant that is known to be toxic.

Remember too that fencing, while necessary can also be problematic, as its easy for wire fences to lose integrity and present a snagging, grazing, or cutting hazard. To that end, it is best to use to barriers constructed with things like the steel products from Varner Pipe instead of wire. This is because steel tubing is not only durable, but it’s also smooth and doesn’t present such a risk to horses.

Do care for their mental and emotional wellbeing.

While some people believe horses, and animals, in general, to be unable to feel emotions, most of us that work with them on a day to day basis know this isn’t the case. In fact, an unhappy or bored horse can be a very tricky thing to deal with, and that is why it’s so essential to tend to their mental and emotional health and well as just the physical side of things.

With that in mind, stablemates such as other horses, goats, or events cats for equines that have to spend a significant amount of time indoors can be hugely helpful. After all, such measures can provide them with the company that they need to be happy, even when they are not with you. Something that can ensure that they live the longest and most healthy life possible.