5 Important Ways to Keep Your Horses Healthy

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Whether you keep one horse or plenty, you need to know how to properly take care of these animals. Horses are complex creatures with many different needs. To help you maintain their health, consider these five important tips.

1. Top quality food

Horses need good quality hay, to stay healthy and strong. According to the AAEP, ‘A mature horse will eat 2 to 2.5 percent of its body weight a day, and for optimum health, nutritionists recommend that at least half of this should be roughage such as hay.’ Quality hay gives a horse plenty of energy and protein. To choose the right hay, these tips may come in handy:

  • The hay should be as leafy and green as possible.

  • Choose hay that’s soft and fine-stemmed.

  • Do not buy hay that’s musty or fermented.

  • Legume hay should be purchased before it has formed seed heads.

2 . Reduce stress 

Horses are easily prone to stress and anxiety. When a horse is feeling stressed this can cause a weaker immune system, poor behaviour and diarrhea. To keep your horses happy and chilled out, consider these ideas:

  • Horses are happier in pairs or groups, it’s best to keep more than one horse.

  • If you are training a horse, ensure that you are gentle.

  • Introduce new experiences gradually, to reduce anxiety.

  • Purchase a massage gun for horses. These are a great way to help horses relax, or to soothe injured muscles.

  • Ensure that your horses have plenty of space to run and relax.

3. Don’t forget vet trips

To keep your horses healthy, you’ll need to take them to the vet at least once a year. If any of your horses have health issues, they may need to go more frequently. Horses need check ups, to identify any problems. You’ll need to have your animals vaccinated against several diseases. A few of these diseases include: Tetanus, Influenza or rhinopneumonitis. It’s a good idea to write down any questions you have before you visit the vet. Your vet can give you advice on what to do if your horse isn’t eating, or seems stressed.

4. Exercise your horses 

Horses need to exercise everyday, it’s important for both their physical and mental health. Exercise also supports the digestive system and improves circulation. You can exercise your horses by taking them for a ride, or by letting them run around. If you don’t have the time to do this yourself, you’ll need to hire someone to help you.

5. Remember to deworm

It’s important to deworm your horse, to get rid of dangerous parasites. You’ll be able to buy deworming products at your local animal store. If you’re unsure, you can always contact your vet for advice. To keep your horse healthy, there’s lots you need to do!

Taking care of horses is a big responsibility, but with the right knowledge, you’ll keep your animals healthy and safe. Use these five tips to improve the health of your horses.