Owning A Horse?

Owning a horse is a wonderful experience and can open the door toward many hours of pleasure. With the ownership of a horse come certain responsibilities for the animal care. A responsible horse owner should :

1. Become familiar with the nature of horses and understand basic safety rules for the horse and owner.

2. Understand equine nutritional needs to provide a proper feeding program based upon an animals individual requirements.

3. Provide proper grooming and good foot care.

4. Know when a horse is healthy and good foot care.

5. Obtain a knowledge of common diseases and the prevention.

6. Learn common terms to be able to speak the language of the horse world.

7. Understand proper first aid and wound care.

8. Be familiar with the parasite problem and dental care.

9. Be familiar with the common types of lameness and unsoundness, their causes and prevention.

10. Learn when to call a veterinarian!

11. Follow a checklist for good horse care.

Check List for good horse care

1. The stable has to be safe as well as fences and general surrounding.

2. A good and balanced feeding program.

3. Plenty of clean water.

4. Frequent grooming.

5. Plenty of clean bedding.

6. Clean barn and paddocks.

7. Good foot care.

8. Routine worming, vaccinations and dental care.

9. Consideration not to stress or overwork an animal not conditioned.

10.True concern and compassion for his or her horse's well-being and a watchful eye to avoid situations most likely to result in problems.