A horse as a pet is a dream that has been cherished for a lifetime by many. Horses make wonderful companions, and they form powerful relationships with their owners. They are a great source of exercise regardless of whether you wish to ride your horse, or simply play with them in the dirt. They can also be the basis for bonding with family members and help teach children about taking responsibility. Here are 10 points to keep in mind if you’re thinking about acquiring a horse
Type of Horse
There are numerous types of horses utilized for many different sports or disciplines. Learn about different horse types. A healthy horse will carry up to 20% of its body total weight (rider as well as a tack) 1, therefore it is crucial to take into consideration the size of your horse if you are looking to purchase a horse for riding. Training and ability in the past as well as current abilities are major factors in determining the horse’s cost. It is crucial to evaluate the horse’s quality of life and knowledge highly for anyone who is considering acquiring a horse and especially for a new buyer.
Where to Keep Your Horse
A horse’s owner could choose to keep their horse in their residence or hire a boarding service to take it to another location. A horse, at a minimum, requires an area free of all debris to exercise in as well as a shelter with a roof with the ability to drink clean water and high-quality grass or hay.
If a house has enough space to house horses, they require a considerable amount of effort to keep the place clean and keep your horse kept well-fed and watered. The cost to board horses is contingent upon the region the animal is kept and the location you reside in. The level of care that the facility offers can also impact the price. Barns that are full-service provide daily meals and stall washing, however, they are more expensive than barns where the owners are accountable for these tasks.
Environment
Horses must be kept in the midst of a healthy and clean environment. If they live in a horse stall and are in a stall, the area should be cleaned every day (preferably at least twice) of any traces of manure or spots that are wet with urine. Horses are able to doze while standing and lie on their backs to rest for hours. Bed materials like straw or shavings absorb urine and create a comfortable sleeping space. Cobs of corn and black walnut shavings can be hazardous bedding materials that must be avoided.
If your horse doesn’t have many opportunities to play (access to an open area or dry lot to play in) enrichment tools can be used to help prevent boredom Horses are content in the field, particularly during socialization however it is crucial to introduce new members into the herd gradually and with care in order to avoid injuries could occur when an order of pecking is established.
Diet
The major component of the horse’s food intake is known as roughage and is comprised of hay or pasture. It is recommended that horses consume an amount of 2 to 3 percent of their body weight in hay per day to keep their body weight steady. small, regular meals can help prevent stomach upsets and colic.
The majority of pastures don’t provide enough hay all year round for horses to be fed therefore hay of high quality is typically required. If pasture is available, it should be inspected to ensure that it’s free of harmful plants. Additionally, some horses become overweight and have a tendency to illnesses like founder in fertile pasture and other pastures, so it is recommended to consult your vet regarding diet.
All horses must be provided with a lick of mineral salts and pure, clean water. Horses drink 5-10 gallons of water each day and might require more, especially if it’s hot and the animal is doing training. Grains can be used to add calories when the hay alone isn’t enough. It is essential to feed the right grain for horses because the feed for livestock contains ingredients that are harmful and could be fatal to horses.
Grooming
The act of brushing your horse and taking care of his feet are an essential aspect of everyday health care known as”horsemanship. It’s also a great way to bond between the horses and their caregiver. Tools that are specially designed can help maintain an excellent hair coat and clear the nooks and crannies on the soles of the hooves (“picking out the feet”) is crucial in order to maintain the horse healthy.
Foot care
Dental Care
Horses consume food by grinding down grass or hay or hay or grain. In the process, horses have they have developed teeth that continue to change shape and size throughout their lives. Wear that is uneven causes painful hooks and points, especially around the molars. This can affect your horse’s ability to eat, and could also reduce your horse’s lifespan. Every horse needs to be examined every year for dental health and the teeth shaved to the bottom (floated) through a vet should they require.
Preventative and Emergency Care
It is vital to have a vet available for medical treatment. vaccination or the control of parasites (deworming) can prolong the lifespan of your horse and lower the risk of developing the disease. Your veterinarian will also be able to assist you when your horse is disabled or has an illness or injury that requires immediate treatment, such as an injury or illness that requires immediate attention, such as a laceration or colic. It is also essential to plan out how you will take your horse to a veterinarian in the event of an emergency situation, like an occurrence of wildfire, or when your horse has to be hospitalized.
Tack
Tack refers to any item which contributes to the success of horses’ performance in a discipline. That includes saddle or saddle when a horse is to be ridden, and the harness if you own the horses that are carriage. Saddles vary from one discipline to another and the fit of your tack is crucial for keeping your as well as the horse happy. All tack needs to be cleaned after riding, and frequently maintained and checked for any damage.
Training
In the end in all, the decision to purchase the horse is not one to be taken lightly. However, owning a horse could be among the most rewarding choices you’ll ever make for yourself as well as your loved ones.
