We’d all love for our horses to live forever. And while that might not be a practical wish, there are things that you can do to help your horse live a longer life. Here are six tips to think about adding to your horse care routine.
Work Closely With Your Vet
To help your horse live as long as possible, you want to make sure that he is always healthy. Your vet is an important ally in this goal – make sure that the vet sees your horse at least once a year to check in on him. Your horse’s annual checkup is also a great time for you to ask any questions you may have about your horse’s health and care. Your vet can help you to make choices which are right for your horse.
Provide the Best Feed Possible
You are what you eat, and the same is true of horses. If you want to help your horse live longer, try to supply the best quality feed possible. Giving your horse a quality feed can help to keep him healthier and can make his immune system stronger so that he’s better able to fight off illness and infection.
Maximize Turnout Time
Prolonged time in a stall has negative effects on a horse’s health. Being in a stall for long periods of time reduces your horse’s circulation, can lead to issues like boredom and destructive behavior, and can even increase your horse’s chance of colic. Try to maximize the amount of time that your horse is turned out each day to keep his body and mind in good shape.
Provide Exercise
In addition to turning your horse out, it may be important for you to make sure that your horse gets regular exercise. Some turnouts are too small for your horse to adequately exercise himself, and when horses are fed in the same location in their turnout every day, they can become lazy and not move around as much as they would in the wild. Make sure that your horse receives enough exercise to keep him fit and to help him live longer.
Vaccinate
One of the best ways that you can protect your horse against serious diseases is to make sure that he’s properly vaccinated every year. Many diseases are preventable with vaccinations, saving you time and money in the long run and resulting in a healthier horse.
Give Him a Buddy
Horses are herd animals, and they often feel happier and more secure with other horses around. Make an effort to provide your horse with a buddy to interact with to help prevent boredom. Buddies who are turned out together tend to be more active, and having other horses about can reduce your horse’s overall stress.
A little effort goes a long way in keeping your horse healthy and happy for years to come.
Horse Courses by Elaine Heney
- Listening to the Horse - The Documentary by Elaine Heney & Grey Pony Films
- Shoulder In & Out Training for better balance, bend & topline development with your horse
- Over 110+ Polework Exercises & Challenges to Download
- Dancing at Liberty & Creating Connection with Your Horse (11 lessons) - Grey Pony Films
What else do you do to help your horse live longer? Let us know in the comments below!
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