Owning a horse is a rewarding experience that brings immense joy and companionship. And at Layla Rose Ranch, we think the best horses are Rescues. However, owning a rescue horse comes with a considerable amount of responsibility. Providing proper care is essential for your horse’s health, comfort, and happiness. This guide will break down the care your horse needs on a daily, weekly, monthly, and yearly basis, so you can ensure they remain in optimal condition throughout the year.
Daily Horse Care
Daily care is fundamental to your horse’s well-being. Horses are routine animals, and maintaining a consistent daily schedule helps to keep them comfortable and healthy.
- Feeding and Watering
- Ensure your horse has access to fresh water at all times. Horses can drink up to 10-12 gallons of water per day, especially after exercise.
- Provide a balanced diet consisting of high-quality hay, pasture, and grain, if necessary, depending on your horse’s activity level, age, and breed. Horses typically require two to three meals per day.
- Grooming
- Groom your horse to keep its coat clean and to check for any signs of injury or irritation. Use a curry comb to loosen dirt and hair, followed by a stiff brush to remove debris. Finish with a soft brush to give the coat a smooth shine.
- Don’t forget to clean your horse’s hooves daily to remove dirt, debris, and any rocks that might cause discomfort or injury.
- Exercise and Mental Stimulation
- Horses need regular exercise to stay physically fit and mentally stimulated. Whether you’re riding or simply leading your horse in the field, daily activity is essential.
- Social interaction with other horses is also vital for mental stimulation, as horses are social animals that thrive in herds.
- Check for Signs of Illness or Injury
- Take the time to inspect your horse for any signs of illness, injury, or discomfort. Check the hooves, coat, eyes, and skin for any abnormalities. If you spot anything unusual, consult a veterinarian promptly.
- Tack and Equipment Maintenance
- If you are riding or working with your horse, check the tack before use. Ensure the saddle, bridle, and other equipment are in good condition and properly adjusted to avoid discomfort or injury.
Weekly Horse Care
In addition to daily care, there are several tasks that should be completed weekly to maintain your horse’s overall health and well-being.
- Hoof Care
- Even if you aren’t actively riding your horse, regular hoof cleaning should be part of your weekly routine. This helps prevent infections and ensures any problems are caught early.
- Horses that aren’t shod (barefoot) may still need weekly hoof trims, depending on their activity level. If your horse is wearing shoes, you will need to schedule a farrier visit for shoeing and trimming every 6 weeks.
- Stable or Barn Cleaning
- Clean the stall or stable where your horse lives weekly to maintain a clean, healthy environment. Remove soiled bedding, replace it with fresh bedding, and sweep the area to ensure it’s free from waste and debris.
- Health Checks
- Perform a more thorough inspection of your horse’s body and skin once a week. Look for signs of cuts, bites, or swelling that may have gone unnoticed during daily care. Check for fly bites, ticks, or other parasites that could be causing discomfort.
- Exercise Variety
- Change up the routine of your horse’s exercise to keep it mentally and physically engaged. This could mean trying different types of riding or introducing obstacles, trail riding, or lunging to offer variety and challenge.
- Grooming
- While grooming is a daily task, take extra time once a week to do a more detailed grooming session. Clean your horse’s mane and tail, check for tangles or knots, and give it a thorough brushing to improve circulation and promote healthy skin.
Monthly Horse Care
Monthly care involves slightly more in-depth tasks that will help ensure your horse remains healthy and comfortable over the long term.
- Parasite Control
- Deworming is an essential part of horse care, as horses are susceptible to internal parasites. Depending on your horse’s environment and parasite exposure, a monthly deworming schedule may be necessary. Consult your veterinarian to develop a deworming plan for your horse.
- You may also want to conduct a fecal egg count periodically to monitor parasite load.
- Dental Care
- A horse’s teeth are constantly growing, and if left unchecked, dental problems can lead to discomfort or difficulty eating. Check your horses’ teeth monthly to ensure they are in good condition and not causing any issues like sharp points or uneven wear.
- Check for Health Changes
- Conduct a more thorough health inspection, paying close attention to any weight fluctuations, joint stiffness, or subtle changes in behavior. Any shifts in your horse’s typical behavior or health might indicate an underlying issue that needs attention.
- Conditioning and Fitness
- As horses age or change activity levels, their fitness needs may vary. Monthly check-ins on their body condition score (BCS) can help you track their weight and physical condition. Adjust feed and exercise regimens accordingly.
- Equipment Maintenance
- Take time each month to check your horse’s equipment, including halters, leads, saddles, and bridles, for wear and tear. Replace or repair any items that are showing signs of damage to ensure both your horse’s safety and comfort.
Yearly Horse Care
While daily, weekly, and monthly tasks ensure the day-to-day health of your horse, yearly care is also vital to their long-term well-being.
- Veterinary Check-Up
- Schedule a full veterinary examination at least once a year. This should include vaccinations, blood tests, and a general health assessment. Your veterinarian will check for any hidden conditions or potential issues that might not be obvious through regular care.
- Hoof Care and Farrier Check
- Have your farrier check your horse’s hooves at least once a year, especially if your horse has specific needs or is shod regularly. Your farrier will assess your horse’s hooves for any changes or issues that may have developed throughout the year.
- Vaccination and Health Records
- Ensure your horse is up-to-date on its vaccinations, including common diseases like tetanus, rabies, West Nile virus, and influenza. Your veterinarian can provide recommendations on the specific vaccinations needed for your location and horse’s lifestyle.
- Teeth and Dental Health
- Annually, have your horse’s teeth checked by a vet or equine dentist. As horses age, dental care becomes increasingly important to prevent discomfort or feeding problems. This will also help ensure that your horse maintains a proper diet throughout the year.
- Pasture and Environment Evaluation
- Once a year, assess your horse’s living environment. Look for any hazards or changes in the pasture that could affect your horse’s safety or health, such as new plants or fences in need of repair.
- Body Condition and Aging
- As your horse ages, it becomes increasingly important to assess their overall health and condition. Check their weight, joints, and overall fitness to ensure they continue to have a healthy and active life.
Horse care is a year-round responsibility that involves more than just feeding and grooming. Daily, weekly, monthly, and yearly tasks ensure your horse is well-cared for and healthy. By committing to a regular care schedule and being attentive to your horse’s needs, you can provide them with a long, happy, and fulfilling life. Whether you’re a first-time owner or a seasoned horse lover, understanding the importance of consistent care is key to being a responsible and attentive horse parent.
