Forging A Partnership With Your Horse
There is a connection between man and horse, before owning one you need to understand the animal and their needs, little things like treats. Many people like to feed horses special treats such as carrots, sugar cubes, peppermint candies, or specially manufactured horse treat. Horses do not need treats, and due to the risk of colic or choke, many horse owners do not allow their horses to be given treats. There is a lot to understand before making the decision to own a horse.
A fully enclosed stable with stall and all the accoutrements is not necessary, your horse will do just fine in a three sided shed with access to pasturage. Horses grow warm, thick coats in winter that protect them from cold. If you will be clipping his coat for showing, then he will need a stable and a blanket to keep him warm.
The fencing for his pasture and pens should be carefully considered. Try to avoid the use of wire in fencing. Horses do find it difficult to see and if running could cause a nasty injury. If woven fencing wire is needed to be used, choose, if possible the smaller holed fencing wire, which will prevent a hoof getting caught in the fencing. Wood fences are best for visibility. The breed of the horse dictates the type of feed, what their daily routine is and energy they need during the day.
As horses are grazers, several small feedings during the day are better than one or two. Ideally, your horse will be turned out to pasture daily. Avoid changing your horses' feed abruptly, or feeding poor feeds as this can lead to laminitis or colic. Surround yourself with a horse care team. You will need experts like a vet, farrier, and knowledgable equine professionals you can call with questions or to help you best care for your horse.
A horse's hooves are growing all the time, so a good farrier is worth his weight in gold. You will be responsible for the daily care and cleaning of your horse's hooves, so learn how to use a hoof pick and knife without injuring yourself or your horse. Grooming your horse frequently will make him look his best, and help keep him healthy.
Groom him before riding to keep dirt from chafing his skin under saddle or grinding into his coat making it harder to remove later. For best results, several different grooming brushes can be used. It is not necessary to bathe your horse, and some horses do not like to be sprayed with water. The bond will grow between your horse and yourself, the more time you spend caring for them.
This bond will make the two of you a better team in whatever you do, whether that is showing, trail riding, or ploughing. It will become a rewarding friendship.
About the Author
Are you one the many UK horse owners who are approaching the spring months with a level of caution? Do the next few months mean closely monitoring your equine friend for weight gain and laminitis? http://www.dodsonandhorrell.com
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