| Deciding to purchase a horse is a big decision, as | | | | to have at least 15 feet of space on all sides while |
| they require a lot of attention and effort to keep | | | | grazing will keep them happy. But remember that |
| healthy. However, if properly cared for a horse can | | | | horses are also social creatures. You should give your |
| become a great pet and companion. | | | | horse "friends" to keep them company, but be |
| 1. Food | | | | careful not to put rivaling horses near each other. |
| Excess feed can leave your horse with too much | | | | 5. Grooming |
| energy and can even cause health problems. A | | | | Another important factor in taking care of a horse is |
| steady diet of good hay or forage feeds is ideal. | | | | grooming. You should always have a Hoof Pick, a |
| Additionally, horses need "snacks" throughout the day | | | | currycomb, and a stiff brush nearby. However, |
| due to their capacious digestive system. It's a good | | | | grooming techniques can vary from horse to horse |
| idea to either put hay in the barn or put the horse to | | | | so it's a good idea to research how to properly |
| pasture. | | | | groom your specific horse. |
| 2. Water | | | | 6. Dental Care |
| Horses bodies are nearly 70% water, and they can | | | | Horses require routine dental care, especially as they |
| require up to 12 gallons of water every day. It is | | | | get older. Fall is the best time to check a horse's |
| essential to always make sure your horse has a | | | | teeth before winter-feeding of coarse hays. |
| supply of clean, fresh water. | | | | 7. Mucking-out |
| 3. Shelter | | | | Another important part of keeping your horse |
| At some point or another all horses will need shelter. | | | | healthy is "mucking-out" their stall daily. Mucking-out is |
| A comfortable shelter for two horses should be | | | | a term for removing waste, dirt, and soiled bedding a |
| about 5 x 10 meters wide and 2.5 meters high. | | | | horse's stall. You should always maintain a clean, |
| 4. Company & Personal Space | | | | comfortable, sanitary bed for your horse or horses. |
| Horses love their personal space. Allowing your horse | | | | |