A Useful Guide To Taking Care Of Your Horse

Horses are amazing animals that have been used for many different purposes since they were first domesticated. The power and size of a horse make it a useful animal to have as there is much work that can be done by horses. In modern times, horses are often kept as pets or riding animals, but there are still many jobs that need to be done by them, such as pulling carriages or carts, acting in film and television productions, and turning millstones in a windmill.

Take your horse to the vet 

Horses need regular check-ups with their local vets to make sure that they are okay and if there is anything wrong it can be dealt with promptly. If you notice any unusual behavior such as your animal developing a limp, not eating, or showing signs of discomfort then take it to see a vet immediately. Vets often prescribe medication for horses under their care but try not to give any medicine yourself unless recommended by an expert as this could do more harm than good and definitely don’t self-medicate your animal. Acquiring horse trailer insurance is another protective measure you can give your horse should it get injured or die as a direct result of loss or damage to the trailer. This insurance can be purchased separately or as part of a comprehensive caravan and trailer insurance. Many horse owners often compare their equine companions to children – they always seem to get ill when you’re not around. 

Take care of their teeth 

Horses are herbivores, meaning that they only eat plant-based food. Because of this, their teeth grow constantly throughout the horse’s life and need to be checked regularly. They will wear down naturally but if they’re growing unevenly then it can have a negative effect on your horse’s health so you should get them checked by a vet who is an expert in equine dentistry – called an equine dental technician or equine dentist. Without proper care, horses may not be able to chew their food properly which could lead to malnutrition or choking so check your animal’s teeth routinely for any problems. If there are any loose teeth then don’t try to pull them yourself as you could cause considerable pain for your animal.

Take good care of their feet

If you ride your horse then it’s important to know how to look after its feet as it will be walking on them often during the day. Your horse’s hooves can become cracked or chipped without proper care which is very bad news as it puts the animal at risk of infections and breaks in bones. You should regularly inspect your horse’s feet and if they’re dirty then clean with a damp cloth and some brush it with a stiff brush like a nail brush, paying attention to any rough areas that may need further inspection. If you notice that your horse has got something stuck between its hooves then try to remove it with a pair of pliers or tweezers as this could cause great pain to the animal and put it at risk of infection.

Protect their skin

All animals need a decent level of care as they can become infested with bugs such as lice or worms which can make them very sick. Be sure to check your horse’s skin regularly for any cuts, bruises, sores, ticks, and dirt as these could be potential entry points for infections so clean any wounds carefully and apply antiseptic cream. Check your horse’s mane and tail daily to look for splits in its coat so that you can ask a vet how best to care for them properly. If you notice any bugs on or near your animal then speak to a local vet about the best way to get rid of them safely without putting your horse’s health at risk.

Keep them clean

Horses will need to be brushed regularly as this removes loose hair and dirt from its coat. Be sure to brush all areas of your horse including its head, back, chest, stomach, legs, and tail as horses often have mites that can cause irritation if not dealt with. You should shampoo your horse once a month or when it starts looking dull and dirty and don’t forget to clean out the inside of its ears and wipe away any discharge from its eyes. If you notice any cuts on your animal then take it to a local vet immediately for treatment as they may become infected which is bad news for everyone involved.

If you follow this simple care routine then hopefully your beloved horse will be in tip-top shape and live a long and healthy life.

Category: Special interest