A Guide to Providing Your Horse with Basic Care

Owning a horse has a lot of responsibilities. Part of that responsibility should include knowing some basics of the type of care a horse needs. By learning some basics on your own and talking with your equine veterinarian., you can provide the best care for your horse.

It is not common knowledge that a horse lying down for long periods of time could be a sign of illness. Normally, horses sleep standing up by locking their knees. Horses are one of the very few animals that can place one half of their body asleep and the other half awake.

However, it is not uncommon for a horse to lay down if it is sleepy and comfortable. If you should find your horse laying down more than usual, has a strange look, thrashing, rolling, getting up and down frequently, and lost of appetite - you can guess something is not right. A call to your equine veterinarian should be made.

A horse's legs are vital parts of its body. They carry all of the horse's weight and support it while sleeping and awake. The legs are easily prone to getting hurt. If a horse breaks a leg, the healing process can be painful. It is important as a horse owner, to attend frequent care to your horse's legs and feet.

Taking care of your horse's skin and coat is also needed. Your horse can experience health issues, if its coat is not kept clean. Keep your horse's coat clean and free from dirt, mud, sand, and sweat. Groom your horse every day by brushing its coat. Lift your horse's feet and wash away any sweat from saddle pad or girth.

Along with daily brushing, you should analyze your horse everyday. It is very important examine your horse before riding as well. Gently check your horse's leg and back for any abnormal heat or lumps. Your horse's eyes should be alert and not glossy. Listen for any noise or gurgling sounds from your horse's stomach. When stallions and mares are in heat, their hormones can be extreme. Stallions will bite and some may display violent behavior.