Owners Guide: How to Keep Your Horse Healthy and Happy

Ensuring the health and happiness of your horse is a multifaceted commitment that involves proper care, nutrition, and attention to their physical and mental well-being. In this guide, we will explore essential tips to help you maintain a thriving, content, and happy equine companion.  

Balanced Nutrition: Provide a well-balanced diet tailored to your horse's age, weight, and activity level. Offer high-quality forage, such as grass hay or good pasture. With the amount of equine nutrition products on the market, we recommend that you consult an independent equine nutritionist or one of your trusted brand. 

Regular Exercise: Establish an exercise routine, tailored to your horse’s needs. This may include both groundwork and ridden activities. Ask your trainer and bodyworker or veterinary physiotherapist for advice. Make sure to keep your horse mentally stimulated, while also be mindful of the intensity and duration of the routine. Gradually increase workload as your horse's fitness improves. 

Proper Shelter and Environment: Ensure your horse has access to a clean, dry, and well-ventilated shelter. Provide a safe paddock or pasture with secure fencing. Rotate pastures to prevent overgrazing and maintain optimal forage quality. 

Routine Veterinary Care: Schedule regular check-ups and vaccinations with your veterinarian. Implement a deworming program based on your horse's specific needs and local conditions. It is advised that you do faecal worm egg counts throughout the grazing season.  

Monitor dental health and schedule routine dental check-ups with a qualified equine dentist. 

Social Interaction: Horses are social animals, feral horses live in herds. Provide opportunities for interaction with other horses as much as possible, ideally 24/7. If other horses are not available, consider keeping your horse at a livery yard, or alternatively with companion animals such as goats, to prevent loneliness. Spend quality time with your horse through grooming, play, and positive interactions. Use the WACKARO® to deepen your bond with your horse. 

Environmental Enrichment: Use toys, treat balls, puzzle feeders or scentwork to keep your horse mentally engaged. Rotate pasture toys which are safe and take your horse for enrichment walks. 

Maintain a Clean Living Space: Regularly clean and muck out stalls or living areas. Make sure that fresh, clean water is provided at all times. Keep feed and forage free from contaminants. Also make sure to clean your horse’s feedbowls regularly. 

Regular Hoof Care: Pick out hooves daily to prevent thrush and monitor for any signs of lameness. Stick to a healthy trimming cycle (ideally 6 to 8 weeks) to maintain healthy hooves. 

Grooming and Bonding: Regular grooming sessions contribute to both physical health and bonding. Be attentive to your horse's preferences and sensitivities during grooming. Try WACKARO®, the first electric grooming and massage tool for horses. 

Observation and Communication: Regularly observe your horse and keep an eye out for any changes in behavior, appetite, or physical condition. Develop a strong understanding of your horse's communication cues and body language.  

By incorporating these tips into your horse care routine, you'll be on the path to maintain a healthy and happy equine companion. Remember, every horse is unique. Tailor your care practices to meet the specific needs of your individual horse. A healthy and happy horse is not only a joy to be around but also more likely to lead a long and fulfilling life.