The 9 Most Important Rules for a Healthy Horse

 

The 9 Most Important Rules for a Healthy Horse

Almost all horse injuries and illnesses (except for sports injuries and abuse) are caused by a limited number of errors in the way horses are handled and treated. Here are the top ten suggestions for avoiding these mistakes and safeguarding your horse's health (in rough order of importance, beginning with the most important).

1. Begin with a sound horse:

Our first piece of advice is to make sure a new horse is healthy from the start. Many horses are inexpensive, or even free because they have health problems; avoid them since you will spend more money on veterinary bills and tears than you will save on the buying price. Also, be wary of dealers who misrepresent a sick horse as healthy. Before you buy a horse, be sure it's in good health (see our website for guidance).

2. Food quality and kind:

Feed the horse food that is as natural as possible. If the grass isn't available, hay should be used instead. Other forms of horse feed may be required in some circumstances (for example, an old horse with dental concerns or a weak horse in need of extra energy), but for a healthy horse, a natural diet is optimal for its physical and mental well-being.

Apart from the sort of food, it is important to ensure that it is of high quality. A horse should never be given food that contains mold or fungus (visible by sight or smell). If food becomes damp or wet, it should be used right away or thrown away, as food that has gone bad can cause ailments including colic and laminitis (founder).

A mineral stone and salt lick are recommended for the horse to compensate for any elements that may be missing from its diet.

3. Natural surroundings (pasture & herd):

A horse should spend as much time as possible in a natural environment, just as it should eat natural food. The two most crucial aspects of this are that it should spend as much time as possible on grass and that it should be part of a herd (i.e. with other horses or horse equivalents). 

The horse gets a natural food (grass), a natural feeding schedule (many little feeds throughout the day rather than a few large and short feeds), exercise, and cerebral stimulation when they spend time on pasture. Being among other horses provides a sense of security (horses have a strong herd instinct) as well as cerebral stimulation through social interactions.

A horse that spends most of its day in this type of environment is not only happy but also less likely to develop negative habits (such as cribbing) as a result of stress or boredom. Horses that are raised in a natural setting are also physically healthy.

4. A well-kept stall:

The stall atmosphere should be healthy, especially if a horse spends a lot of time there.

It should have adequate ventilation to prevent ammonia build-up (the harsh burning smell which is produced when bacteria break down horse urine on the stall floor).

It should be large enough for the horse to move around in, say 4 yards by 4 yards.

It must have clean and appropriate bedding. Bedding that has gone bad (mold or fungus, for example) should never be used.

5. A secure pasture:

Any materials that could harm the horse should be removed from the pasture. Inappropriate fencing wire is one of the most common causes of serious horse injuries. Barbed wire should never be used since it might puncture the horse, causing injuries (which can be deadly if it hits a major artery) as well as abscesses and other serious infections. 

The high-tension wire should not be used since it can cut through flesh and tendon to the bone if it breaks and tangles around a horse's leg. If the wire is used, it should be of a type that breaks before inflicting major injury and be subjected to electrical current to deter horses from pushing against it.

If a field hasn't been cleaned before being used, every inch of it should be thoroughly checked for anything that could harm a horse and removed. I've seen enough horses suffer significant injuries after being placed on an old farming field with stray fencing wire or machinery. 

Similarly, holes (such as those created by burrowing animals) might result in a fractured leg and should be filled in as soon as possible. Injuries can also be caused by broken branches or other things lying nearby (especially if the horses are spooked at night, when they may not see the objects and consequently run into them).

Several poisonous plants can make a horse sick or kill it. Find out what plants are growing in your horse's pasture and see whether any of them are poisonous to horses. The majority of hazardous plants are avoided by most horses (unless there is nothing else to eat), so if you see a plant that the horses are not eating, be sure it is safe.   

6. Routine medical prevention:

A pound of cure is preferable to an ounce of prevention. A horse should be wormed regularly, given the necessary vaccinations, and have its teeth checked regularly (e.g. once a year). Worming needs differ depending on where you reside (parasite types and severity vary by region). 

Similarly, the inoculations that should be given depend not only on the geographical location (what illnesses are there) but also on how the horse is used (e.g. if it is transported off your property and comes into contact with strange horses). As a result, one should consult a local veterinarian about their needs.

7. Monitor and inspect the horse frequently:

Horses, like people, will fall unwell and have accidents from time to time. Most problems begin as a little issue that may be readily (and inexpensively) remedied if caught early but can quickly escalate into a severe one if left unchecked.

Every day, preferably twice a day, one should watch a horse, even if only for a few minutes. Learn what the horse's regular activity is (for example, rushing about or quietly grazing), and if that behavior changes, the animal should be examined more attentively. Any signs that the horse is unwell (e.g., head hanging, inactivity, stopping feeding) or unhappy should be investigated.

Certain illnesses (such as impaction colic and laminitis) can often be successfully treated if caught early enough, but waiting for less than a day after the first evident signs can result in a maimed or dead horse. So many ailments require constant monitoring and timely treatment.

Every day, the soles of the hooves should be cleaned and examined. This is done in part to remove stones, ice pieces, and other objects that can harm a hoof. However, an equally vital aspect of this daily procedure is that it allows for the early detection of hoof problems. Regular grooming is particularly vital, not just because a clean horse looks better, but also because it allows you to evaluate all parts of the horse for injuries or other problems.

8. Safe haven:

Horses should be protected from extreme cold, rain, and wind. A small shelter, open on one side and facing away from the prevailing wind, can improve the horse's comfort significantly. When the weather is particularly terrible, the horses may need to be removed from the pasture and paddock and placed in their stalls.

The quantity of shelter a horse requires is determined by both the local environment (how hot it gets) and the horse itself. A horse that is robust and healthy, but not too old or too young, will be far more resistant to weather fluctuations. Similarly, certain breeds are more resistant than others (especially if they have a long coat that has not been cut or had the coat oils removed by frequent washing). 

A level of shelter that is adequate for the individual horse and the current weather must be provided. Horses that are very old, very young, unwell, feeble, or prone to disease might also consider a horse rug. A flysheet is another option that not only improves the surface area but also increases visibility.

9. Take into account the breed and individual requirements:

Each breed has its own set of specifications. Many breeds, for example, are prone to laminitis and should have very limited access to spring grass. Other breeds may have unique difficulties that necessitate special care (e.g. many Appaloosa are night blind and consequently are more likely to run into fencing if left out at night). Knowing your breed's strengths and limitations from a medical standpoint will help you respond appropriately.

Similarly, every horse is unique. Some are more resistant to the elements than others. Some children are more susceptible to colic and other disorders. As you watch and live with your horse, become aware of its unique requirements and treat it properly. If it is allergic to dust, for example, it may be necessary to soak its hay in water or purchase low-dust feed.

 If it appears unhappy and uncomfortable in the cold, consider sheltering it or supplying it with a rug, since you may be dealing with an early warning sign of an impending sickness (e.g. cold-induced colic or cold-induced lung infection). As part of your horse management program, remember to take into account your horse's medical history and behavior.