Article  How to Care for Your Horses Whether you’re thinking about buying a horse or you just got one, knowing how to care for your horse is essential to its happiness and well-being. Caring for horses isn’t all that difficult, but it will require some time and effort. In short, you must be committed to their health for the long-term. Here are some tips for taking care of horses: One of the first things you should do is to set aside funds for vet visits. Getting veterinary care can cost a little bit of money, and having some funds saved up will soften the blow of the expense. The reason it’s so expensive is because you usually can’t transport your horse up to the vet. Instead, the vet has to make a house call to come out and see your pet. In addition to routine checkup visits, you may also need to take your horse to the vet should it appear ill or be acting differently than normal. You should plan on using the vet at least two times a year for vaccinations, dental care, and other routine checkups. You should also pay attention to the health of your horse’s feet. Hooves are similar to our fingernails and toenails and when they become too long, they’re uncomfortable and painful. A horse with hooves that have grown out too much can not only experience serious pain and discomfort, but it can also cause bone structure issues in the legs. Hooves should be trimmed about every two months. As for diet, most horses are fine eating grass and high quality hay. Make sure the hay is clean and free from dust and mold. Keep an eye on the levels of hay to ensure your horse has a healthy appetite. Should you notice a change in the horse’s appetite, contact your vet immediately. Water should also be available for your horse to drink at all times. The water should be clean and stored in an area that’s easy to access and not too hot or cold. Change the water regularly to keep it as fresh and clean as possible. Where your horse stays is another important part of its care. Make sure the stable is clean and comfortable. After all, this is the horse’s home, so it needs to be as comfortable as you can possibly make it. Horses should also be groomed on a daily basis. From checking the hooves to caring for the coat, grooming your horse keeps it healthy and comfortable. Brush out the tail daily to help avoid tangles, and brush the coat clean of dirt, mud, and other debris. Regular grooming will give your horse a clean, shiny, and healthy coat. Lastly, horses need exercise. A horse can’t be kept locked up in a stable all day, every day. It needs to be able to get out and stretch its legs. Make sure you have a property with plenty of room for the horse to walk and run around. Ask your vet to help create an exercise plan for your horse, and do your part to make sure you stick with it. Exercising horses will help keep these pets strong and healthy. Owning a horse is a wonderful thing. These animals are beautiful and remarkable. If you own a horse, you should consider joining an online community with other horse owners. Here, you’ll be able to share tips for caring for your horses, and you can post videos and pictures of your beloved pet. It’s a great way to learn more about horses and to make new friends. Category Pets Author Anonymous Add To Favorites Print This Article Email Article To A Friend Post Comments   Rate This Article (0) 1 - Poor2345 - Good678910 - Excellent Added On Mon Oct 19th,2009