Horse Care Encompasses Many Things

The bare necessities of a horse are shelter from
the elements, room to exercise and nourishment
such as a constant supply of clean water, and
food such as grass or hay. However, the basics
of good horse care go beyond the bare
necessities to ensure a long and healthy life.
Horses that are exercised frequently, such as
those used in riding schools, will require a
more varied diet than simple foliage. During
winter, horses grow a thick coat to keep them
warm, but when it is particularly cold, a horse
rug and/or blanket may be required; this is
especially true if the horse's coat is clipped
for show purposes.

There are many types of dry horse feed
available, and when a horse is exercised on a
regular basis, an early morning breakfast,
followed later by an evening meal is
recommended. Other foods can be added to dry mix
such as Sugar Beet, chopped alfalfa and carrots,
to give a horse extra nutrients and keep their
everyday meals interesting. If a horse is used
for high-energy activities such as racing or
show jumping, it may be necessary to include
oats in their diet for optimum energy and
stamina.

When kept in a stable or barn, it is necessary
to supply a horse with foliage such as hay to
supplement their diet. Similarly, if a horse is
kept in a field that does not produce much
quality grass, hay should also be supplied.
Horse supplements can be purchased to add
nutrients to their diet, keep the coat healthy
and to aid with certain medical conditions.

Grooming is an important part of horse care, and
should be seen as an essential hygiene
requirement. Dirt can become imbedded in the
coat and mud left around a horse's legs, ankles
and hooves can cause Mud Fever, which may lead
to painful soars and dermatitis. Grooming is a
good way to spot any issues relating to a
horse's health, such as injuries or any change
in the horses behaviour that could indicate a
serious health issue.

Some of the basic items required for effective
grooming are a rubber Curry Comb, Dandy Brush,
Body Brush, Mane Comb, Hoof Pick and sponges to
clean areas such as around the eyes, nose and
mouth. These items are basic necessities and
other tools and practices can be used for more
advanced grooming.

Proper hoof care is of utmost importance. A
farrier will trim and file a horse's hooves to
prevent splitting and other issues, and they can
also fit shoes on the hooves to protect them from
hard surfaces such as paved roads. Another
service, which is usually provided by equine
Veterinarians, is tooth care. A horse's teeth
can grow very long and become sharp, which may
lead to discomfort for the horse, especially
when a bridle bit is placed in the mouth. Filing
of the horse's teeth, as required, helps maintain
good oral health and comfort.

There are many other elements to going above and
beyond in caring for a horse, but following these
basic guidelines can help maintain a good quality
of life for a healthy horse.

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This article is a brief look at what neccesitates
caring for a horse above from feeding them.
resouced from Dodson and Horrell
http://www.dodsonandhorrell.com

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