Lifestyle

Important Things To Know About Caring For a Horse

You’ve decided you want to buy a horse. What should you do next? Being a horse owner can be a rewarding experience that can bring many years of joy. Horses offer a variety of experiences and they can become lifelong friends. However, because owning a horse can be a lot more complicated than having a cat or a dog, it’s good to become familiar with some of the different areas of care that horses need. 

Medicine

Horses need regular vaccinations and other periodic veterinary treatments to keep them healthy. They require a specialized diet to regulate their delicate digestive systems, and sometimes they get sick from things they eat. It’s important to have a good veterinarian to rely on when your horse gets sick or injured. One way you can help manage the cost of medical care is horse insurance. You may need to do some research to find out what this type of insurance covers and the cost you’ll be expected to pay. 

Shoes

Another necessary part of owning a horse is having a farrier visit every six weeks or so. A farrier is a skilled specialist who cares for horses’ feet by trimming hooves and changing out the metal horseshoes. Horses’ hooves grow just like fingernails, so they need regular shaping and attention. Along with caring for the actual hoof, horseshoes change shape from supporting the weight of the horse, so they need to be replaced often to keep the horse comfortable. You don’t want your horse to be in pain, so make sure to pay for this frequently. 

Time

One of the most important things your horse needs is your time. You should check on your horse at least once a day to inspect the animal for injuries or potential illnesses. Regular manure removal is an important daily task, as horses can get sick from being around their own excrement. Having a clean place to sleep and clean water to drink are important for your horse, so stalls and watering troughs should also be regularly inspected.  Make sure you take some time out to show some love to your horse, too. You can pet your horse, take it out for a ride or teach your horse tricks. Don’t forget to sneak in some horse treats every once in a while. 

See also  Understanding The Best Ways To Protect Yourself

Understanding key aspects of care is an important part of being a great horse owner. Learn the right way to do things to develop a happy relationship between you and your horse.

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