Owning a horse is a significant commitment of time, money, and emotion. Understanding the basics of horse care ensures your equine companion stays healthy and happy for years to come.
The Commitment of Horse Ownership
- Daily care: 1-2 hours minimum every day
- Costs: $3,000-$10,000+ annually for basic care
- Land: 1-2 acres per horse minimum
- Lifespan: 25-30 years commitment
Housing Your Horse
Shelter Options
- Run-in shelter: Three-sided, 12x12 feet minimum per horse
- Stall: 12x12 feet minimum (larger for big breeds)
- Pasture board: Pay to keep horse at facility
Pasture Requirements
- 1-2 acres per horse for exercise
- Safe fencing (no barbed wire!)
- Access to shade and shelter
- Clean, fresh water source
š“ Fencing Safety
Use horse-safe fencing: wood boards, vinyl, or smooth wire. Never use barbed wire or small-mesh wire that can trap hooves. Check fencing weekly for damage.
Feeding Your Horse
Basic Diet
- Forage: 1.5-2% of body weight daily (hay or pasture)
- Grain: Only if needed for work or weight maintenance
- Salt: Free-choice salt block
- Water: 5-10 gallons daily minimum
Feeding Rules
- Feed at consistent times daily
- Make feed changes gradually (over 1-2 weeks)
- Provide forage before grain
- Never feed immediately before/after exercise
- Multiple small meals better than one large feeding
Daily Care Routine
Morning
- Check horse for injuries or illness
- Provide fresh water
- Feed hay/grain
- Muck stall or pick paddock
Evening
- Second feeding
- Check water
- Visual health check
- Adjust blankets if needed (seasonal)
Grooming
Basic Grooming Tools
- Curry comb (rubber)
- Stiff body brush
- Soft finishing brush
- Mane and tail comb
- Hoof pick
Hoof Care
- Pick hooves daily
- Farrier visit every 6-8 weeks
- Watch for thrush, cracks, or heat
Health Care
Routine Veterinary Care
- Vaccinations: Annual core vaccines (tetanus, rabies, EEE/WEE, West Nile)
- Dental: Float teeth annually
- Deworming: Based on fecal egg counts
- Coggins test: Required for travel
Emergency Signs
Call vet immediately for:
- Colic signs (pawing, rolling, no gut sounds)
- Severe lameness or injury
- Fever over 101.5Ā°F
- Not eating or drinking
- Difficulty breathing
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