Horses are magnificent creatures that bring us joy, companionship, and a connection to nature. At KiwiPetz, we're passionate about helping you provide the best possible care for your equine friends.
Here's a deeper dive into some key aspects of horse care:
Nutrition: Fuelling Your Horse's Needs
Just like us, horses need a balanced diet to thrive. But unlike us, their digestive systems are designed for continuous grazing on fibrous plants. This means their diet should primarily consist of good quality hay or fresh pasture.
- Hay: Choose hay that is free from dust and mold, and appropriate for your horse's age and activity level. Common types of hay include grass hay (like Timothy or Ryegrass) and legume hay (like alfalfa).
- Pasture: Fresh pasture provides essential nutrients and allows your horse to engage in natural grazing behaviour. However, be mindful of overgrasing and potential issues like parasites or toxic plants.
- Feed: While hay or pasture should be the foundation of your horse's diet, you may need to supplement with a commercially prepared feed. This is especially important for growing horses, pregnant or lactating mares, performance horses, or those with special dietary needs. Work with your veterinarian or an equine nutritionist to choose the right feed for your horse.
- Water: Always ensure your horse has access to clean, fresh water. This is especially important during hot weather or after exercise. Check water troughs and buckets regularly to make sure they are clean and not frozen in winter.
- Treats: While treats can be a great way to bond with your horse, offer them in moderation. Avoid sugary treats, and opt for healthy options like carrots, apples (without the core and seeds), or commercially prepared horse treats.
Exercise: Keeping Your Horse Fit and Sound
Regular exercise is crucial for maintaining a horse's physical and mental well-being. Horses are designed to move, and a lack of exercise can lead to boredom, stress, and health problems.
- Turnout: Provide your horse with daily turnout in a paddock or pasture. This allows them to move freely, graze, and socialise with other horses.
- Riding: Riding is a great way to exercise your horse and strengthen your bond. Vary your riding routine to include different disciplines and terrains.
- Other activities: If riding isn't an option, consider other forms of exercise, such as lunging, groundwork, or even hand-walking.
Hooves: The Foundation of a Healthy Horse
A horse's hooves are their foundation, and proper hoof care is essential for their overall health and soundness.
- Farrier visits: Schedule regular visits with a qualified farrier every 6-8 weeks for trimming and shoeing. The farrier will trim the hooves to maintain their proper shape and balance, and shoe the horse if necessary.
- Daily care: Clean your horse's hooves daily to remove dirt, debris, and stones. This helps prevent infections and other hoof problems.
- Environment: Provide a clean and dry environment for your horse. Wet or muddy conditions can soften the hooves and make them more prone to problems.
Dental Care: More Than Just a Pretty Smile
Horses' teeth continuously grow throughout their lives. This means they need regular dental care to prevent dental problems that can affect their eating, riding, and overall health.
- Annual checkups: Schedule an annual dental exam with an equine dentist. The dentist will check your horse's teeth for any signs of wear, misalignment, or disease. They will also "float" the teeth, which means filing down any sharp points or edges.
- Observe your horse: Pay attention to any signs of dental problems, such as difficulty chewing, dropping food, weight loss, or headshaking. If you notice any of these signs, contact your veterinarian or equine dentist.
Bonding: Building a Lasting Partnership
Spending that quality time with your horse is essential for building a strong bond and establishing trust.
- Grooming: Regular grooming not only keeps your horse clean and healthy but also provides an opportunity for bonding.
- Quiet time: Spending time simply being present with your horse, talking to them, and enjoying their company enriches the bond.
- Training: Consistent and positive training helps build trust and respect between you and your horse.
Check out our range of horse care products, from grooming supplies to supplements, to help you keep your horse in top condition.
