12 Tips to Keeping Your Horse Healthy

2. MAINTAINING A GOOD DIET

On average, a horse consumes about 20 pounds of food a day. This includes grazing throughout the day and grain feedings twice a day. In addition, horses can drink up to eight gallons of water daily. It is important to provide them with a regular supply of food to graze at their own pace because they have small stomachs and sensitive digestive systems. Lastly, the type of hay you feed your horse is crucial to their diet. Be sure you are giving them hay of the highest quality. Check the color, smell and leaf-to-stem ratio of the hay. Some horse owners have their hay tested to see if there is the right amount of nutrients. (Petfinder) 

3. MENTAL STIMULATION

Horses are exceptionally intelligent creatures, but a majority of them spend much of their time inside of their stables. Don't let your horse get bored when they're confined. Give them an exercise ball, a food trap toy or a plastic milk jug tied to a string so that they can play with it and stay sane while you are away. The more you provide mental stimulation for your horse, the less likely it will adopt bad behaviors and the more mentally stimulated it will be. (eHow) 

4. REGULAR SHOEING

Locate a dependable and trustworthy farrier. A farrier is a craftsman that trims and shoes horses' hooves. Since all horses should be re-shod every six to eight weeks, you will get to know your farrier very well. If you are unsure what to look for, the following signs will tell you whether your horse needs new shoes: loose nails that push up from the hoof wall, a shoe that has fallen off completely, a hoof that has outgrown its shoe or a thin, twisted or loose shoe. The shape and health of your horses' hooves are important to the happiness and health of your horse. (Horses) 

5. GROOMING

Whether your equine companion is a show horse or a farm grazer, daily grooming is important and shows how much you care. Every day, you should give your horse a physical exam to make sure it is in good condition. Clean out its hooves to make sure they are in good shape. In addition, a quick massage of their muscles and brushing of your horse's mane is good for your horse, but also increases the bond with your animal. (petMD) 

6. FLOATING

Dental care means cleaning for your dog and cat, but for horses, it means having their teeth filed. Because horses are herbivores, their teeth have a lot of crown that will continue to grow due to their grazing. The procedure of filing down your horse's teeth is called floating. The rasps that are used are called floats. Horses are often sedated with tranquilizers so that vets are able to keep the horses mouth open. Floating is not meant to keep your horse's teeth smooth, but to prevent damage to the soft tissue of the cheeks and tongue by filing down sharp edges. (petMD) 

7. WELLNESS EXAM

Just like any other pet, horses need regular veterinary examinations. This includes yearly vaccinations against tetanus and other diseases, check-ups, and occasional dental care. (Petfinder) 

8. SUPPLEMENTS

Equine arthritis, also known as degenerative joint disease (DJD) afflicts many horses. It is a condition characterized as a slowly developing chronic disease of the joint in which the cartilage wears down, resulting in pain and subsequent lameness. Aside from a proper exercise program, there are other forms of preventative care, which includes supplements. These supplements include glucosamine and chondroitin, which targets joint health. Before you add any supplement to your horse's diet, be sure to consult your veterinarian. (petMD) 

9. HORSE COMPANIONSHIP

Horses are natural members of a herd. While they may spend a majority of their lives isolated in a barn away from other horses, it is important to remember that they are happier when they are around other horses. It is important to introduce your horse to other horses, whether it's running around in the pasture once in awhile or sharing a stable with them. It keeps their minds healthy and well-socialized. (The Horse) 

10. MAINTAINING A CLEAN STALL

A clean horse is a happy horse, and one of the most effective ways to keep your horse clean and happy is to make sure its stall is clean. Horses need to have a place where they can feel comfortable and that will keep them dry and safe from rain, snow, wind and heat. A well-constructed stall should have three sides. Manure should be removed from stalls at least once a day. (Petfinder)

11. DEWORMING

Deworming your horse is critical to keep it free from internal parasites and infections. Many deworming medications are now offered over the counter, and can fight against infections such as botflies. Botflies are a normal nuisance for horses, especially during the late summer when there are frequent flies. If administered correctly, deworming medication can help decrease the number of bot larvae in your horse's stomach. (petMD)