Taking on a horse is a huge endeavor, it is not just an expensive animal to keep, but if you are paying attention you will see that they have their own opinions about life and their journey through it. A beautiful horse is a joy see, but a horse that feels good on the inside exudes confidence and happiness in a special. A horse that is living it’s best lives inside and out lives more fully overall. So, how can you ensure your horse is mentally and physically healthy?

Watch & Listen

You know your horse better than anyone. You are the one who has chosen this horse and you are the one who is their advocate. While we can’t react to every little thing, we can watch and listen and care in a way that no one else can. It is this advocacy, this connection, that is most important for the welfare of your horse.

Exercise

Just like us, daily exercise is a must for keeping your horse healthy and happy!

Regular work offers numerous benefits for your horse, including increased stamina and endurance, improved heart and lung function, and proper bone and hoof development. Like us, horses thrive on a routine that keeps them moving and engaged.

Remember that a proper warm up (at least a 5-10 minute walk if coming straight out of the stall) and thorough cool down (~15 minutes depending on the intensity of the workout) are vitally important as well.

By dedicating time to your horse’s fitness, you’re promoting their physical health and mental well-being. Happy, healthy horses are more energetic, responsive, and ready for all your shared adventures!

Days off

All of us love our days off and horses like to work, but they also want to be horses. Having paddock days where your horse can graze and roam and just be is very important for their mental health. These days are great days for a graze with you or a simple groom with treats and low expectations.

Equipment

Investing in the proper riding equipment is crucial for ensuring your horses health and comfort. Saddle fit, while often overlooked, is wildly important for a horses freedom of movement, comfort through the back and your own personal riding efficiency. Make sure to use a saddle fitter (who is not representing a particular brand) to check your saddle fit and make the necessary adjustments to alleviate pressure points on your horse and to help keep you well balanced. Proper bridle and bit fit are also very important to the horses comfort and for the effectiveness of your ride. Check with your trainer as well as a bit fitter to ensure there are no pressure points on your horses TMJ, that the bit fits well and not pinching, and that it offers the right amount of pressure for what you are trying accomplish with your horse. Remember, that as your riding evolves so does your horses body (ever had to change your jean size do to your work out regimen?), be sure to periodically check that everything continues to fit well and work properly.

Bedding & Shelter

Horses lay down when they feel safe and comfortable. Make sure that your horses stall and paddock are cleaned daily and that they have a snuggly spot to be. Horses that live outside do well and enjoy their rest time too, keep their space clean by regularly picking the area, you will see them sunbathing on their sides enjoying the warmth of nature.

Water

Dehydration can lead to serious health issues, so ensuring your horse always has access to plenty of water is crucial. Water tubs and buckets should be dumped daily and refilled with fresh water and thoroughly cleaned weekly. Clean water keeps horses healthy and boosts their overall well-being and vitality helping to flush their systems and keep things working efficiently.

Feed & Supplementation

Grass, hay, grain and supplementation are all part of a horses regular diet. This can change from region to region depending on the quality of the natural grass or hay as well as the horses metabolic health.

Hay becomes a horses most important source of nourishment. Always opt for fine-stemmed, soft, green, and leafy hay. This kind of hay is not only more nutritious but also more appetizing for your horse. Avoid hay that looks excessively sun-bleached or has an unpleasant moldy, musty, or dusty smell, as it can harm the horse’s health.

In addition to hay, offering a salt lick or mineral block in the paddock is important. These essential supplements help ensure your horse gets the minerals and nutrients their regular feed might not fully cover.

If your horse is regularly working, they may need supplements. These things should be reviewed with your trainer or veterinarian to ensure proper dosing and appropriate supplementation. Electrolytes, Vitamin E, Omega oils, and many others have important applications for horses in different settings.

Company

Horses are social animals and thrive in the company of others, whether it's another horse, donkey, mule, pony, or even a friendly sheep or goat. Having companions nearby, whether in the same paddock or a neighboring one, gives your horse the comfort and companionship it needs to feel happy and secure.

Keeping your horse with older and experienced equine buddies can also be incredibly beneficial. These seasoned companions can help your horse feel more confident and reassured, especially when facing new challenges like trail riding or hacking. With the right company, your horse can conquer fears and enjoy a fulfilling and enriching life.

Paddock

A horse’s surroundings should be safe and natural, providing them a space to thrive. Ensure the paddock is free from hazards like holes, rusty farm machinery, or loose wire fences and toxic plants. Regularly inspect and maintain the fences to keep your horse safe and secure. With a well-maintained and hazard-free paddock, your horse can enjoy their time outdoors without any worries.

Stable

Barns, sheds, and stalls should be thoughtfully designed to ensure your horse's comfort and safety, whether resting or seeking shelter from the elements. Ensure all components, from stalls to fences, windows, doors, walls, and ceilings, are free from potential hazards. Stalls should be at least 12ft x 12ft to offer plenty of room to move around and lay down, with a well-designed and spacious stall, your horse will feel at home and appreciate the extra room to roam and relax!

Grooming

It's not just about brushing—it's a bonding time requiring knowledge, attention, and care as well as helping them maintain health through physical stimulation and proper coat care. Giving your horse a quick grooming session every day not only helps boost their blood circulation, but also allows you to give them a thorough once-over. Take the opportunity to check your horses body as you groom, ensuring that they do not have heat, cuts or concerning behavior and that everything is in tip-top shape.

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Maintaining a Healthy and Happy Horse