Wednesday, September 18, 2013

Learning About The Basics Of Horse Care

By Susan Weathers


All pets, whether they are cats, dogs, or horses require the same basic needs. They must have a safe place to live, eat a nutritious diet, and receive enough exercise to remain healthy. Read on to learn about some basic tips for horse care.

Animals living on a ranch or farm are often working during daylight hours. This usually provides them with enough exercise to stay healthy. Some owners keep horses as pets and will ride them only occasionally. These animals are at risk of gaining weight if they are not active enough. They may require a modified diet to make up for the lack of activity.

Most horses will need approximately one acre of pasture to roam around for exercise. Owners should always inspect the pasture before leaving their animal alone. Holes in the fence, trash, and other hazards can put horses at risk of injury. Plants that are poisonous include oak leaves, deadly nightshade, foxglove, yew, laurel, star thistle, locoweed, and buttercups, among others.

A sturdy fence around the pasture will keep other animals out while confining horses to a safe place with the right polocrosse equipment. A simple wire fence attached to strong wood posts is a suitable option. Wood rail fences are attractive and sturdy but can be time consuming and expensive to maintain. Never use barbed wire because it can inflict injuries.

These animals should have sufficient shelter to protect them from wind, sun, and rain. A three sided enclosure offers a safe place for horses to escape the elements. When building an enclosure, the back wall should be in a location that provides protection against prevailing wind.

Wood shavings are a suitable choice for hygienic bedding. Rubber matting offers a soft place for horses for stand or rest but owners should spread wood shavings, hemp, or straw on top for warmth. Straw is inexpensive and comfortable but should be inspected for fungal spores that can cause harm if the animal eats the bedding.

Owners must attend to the stable daily. Clearing out all the droppings should be done at least three times each day, especially if the horse spends all day inside. It is also important to spread the bedding out evenly on the floor.

In addition to eating a nutritious diet, horses require a constant supply of fresh water to drink. A trough with water supplied by a pipe is the best option but should be inspected frequently during the winter to ensure the pipe does not freeze. These basic horse care tips will help any owner keep a pet healthy throughout its lifetime.




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