GENERAL HORSE CARE

1. GENERAL HORSE CARE Transition year module - Equine

2. General horse care There is no end to the amount of work and cost involved in keeping horses. These categories are generalised, but really the most important to consider and remember are: • Lodging • Equipment • Foot care • Vet care • Feeding • Riding • Grooming rte.ie

3. 1. Lodging (Livery) • Horses are creatures of habit and herd. Due to this, they need to feel safe, keep company and have routine. An ideal home is one that has lots of outside space, an inside shelter for eating, sleeping, protection and a regular feeding schedule • Selecting lodging can be a difficult task, but one well worth extra research if you can’t keep horses at home • Horses are kept in stables and renting a stable is sometimes called ‘livery’

4. 2. Equipment • Although it may seem like a secondary condition, it is impossible to manage a horse without equipment. Things like halters, helmets and hoof picks cannot be overlooked. Keep a list of important essentials to be sure that you have everything • Horse equipment is generally called tack • Finding good deals and learning to care for your equipment will help you to get your money’s worth Riding helmet Saddle Back protector Jodphurs Riding boots Pad

5. 3. Foot care • Horses stand on their feet 90% of the time. They need to be well-balanced, well-trimmed and well-shod. Beyond basic daily cleaning, your horse needs to be seen by a farrier every six to eight weeks whether they have shoes or not. Healthy feet mean fewer injuries and sound legs • Finding a good farrier is difficult, use referrals to help you source a good one

6. 4. Vet care • It is vital that you keep a vet on hand for routine preventative care as well as for emergencies and lameness. By domesticating horses, we have changed their lifestyle. Proper vet care helps to keep your animal as healthy and sound as they should be • Stick with one vet if possible, the more familiar a vet is with your horse the more they can help them. Sometimes you may need a specialist

7. 5. Feeding • A nutritionally balanced diet and regular feeding times are essential building blocks for a healthy animal. Horses like to graze green grass • Feed is expensive and filling horses with good fuel will keep them happier and keep you safer as they have the energy to do the work asked of them

8. 6. Horse riding • Although some of us take on companion animals, the main purpose of getting a horse is to ride it. Taking lessons and learning techniques in your chosen discipline will make riding more enjoyable. Group lessons can also be a good way to socialise • Most boarding stables offer lessons and training of some type. You will also learn a lot from other horse owners

9. 7. Grooming your horse • Regular grooming should be part of your daily routine. It keeps your horse’s skin and coat healthy and clean. It is also a good opportunity to bond with your horse outside of a riding situation • The term grooming ‘kit’ is given to the collection of brushes and tools used to clean the horse • A horse must be cleaned before he/she is saddled and they should be brushed smooth after he/she has been ridden