Looking after a horse is a 24/7 job. Although they are quite happy to keep to themselves, you will have to assist in their grooming, welfare and food habits in order to keep them safe. Here, you’ll find some basic tips to get you started to how to look after your horse including feeding and grooming.

Importance Of Stables

For homing your horse, remember that they don’t spend 24/7 inside their stable. If you’re able, have them in at night, out in the day during cold seasons, and the other way around during warm seasons, to prevent them overheating.

For the stable itself, it needs to be a safe space with enough room. The standard guide is 10×12 feet for ponies, 12×12 feet for normal sized horses and 12×14 feet for bigger. These are the minimum expectations, if you can get bigger then that would be a bonus. Ensure the stable is well ventilated, keeping out sharp objects and anything else that could injure your horse.

Feeding Your Horse

When it comes to feeding, there is much that can be said for nutrition for horses, but for now, we’ll focus on the basics. Consider the size and weight of your horse, and also what they will be doing. As a general rule of thumb, horses should eat roughly 2.5% of their body weight each day.

The food that they eat will consist of roughage, essentially hay and grass. They have sensitive digestive systems, which will require careful management. When feeding, try to keep routines consistent and if you’re planning to alter, make changes gradually.

When looking into purchasing horse feed, you should use trusted sources, with customer reviews, you can check out some options at www.equisupermarket.co.uk. The Equi Supermarket has a whole host of food options, from hat, muesli, linseed and even mash that can help restore a gut.

As well as general food needs, they have an inventory of treats available too, from mint options to apple flavoured. These treats are always filled with protein and nutrients too, helping your horse be strong and healthy.

Groom Care Needs

When it comes to looking after your horse, the importance of grooming cannot be understated, it’s essential for beginners and professionals horse owners alike. To get started with grooming, you need to be prepared to brush and pick out the feet.

For brushing, ensure you brush in the same direction of the horse’s natural hair, keeping contact with the horse’s body as much as possible. When brushing, place yourself in a safe position to avoid upsetting your horse and getting a kick. Be mindful of sensitive areas, such as around the eyes, nose and genitals.

For their feet, pick out the dirt out and stones using a hoof pick, this gives you the chance to inspect not only the conditions of the horseshoes, but also the foot itself. Moreover, horse boots are essential protective gear too. They are designed to safeguard a horse’s legs during various activities. These boots come in different types, including high-quality bandages for horses and hoof boots, each serving specific purposes. Whether preventing injuries, providing support, or aiding in medical recovery, horse boots are indispensable accessories that contribute to the overall well-being and performance of these animals.

Equipment Examples

As well as a hoof pick, there will also be some other equipment to consider. For your tack, ensure you’re always checking the stitching and condition, as the leather can crack if not cleaned properly.

It’s similar for the rugs too, the straps can disintegrate if not regularly cleaned. Most rugs can be cleaned in a washing machine; however, some larger ones may need specialist washing, with some needing reproofing.