When it comes to horse care, having a horse in charge requires a good deal of time and dedication. But it is a rewarding activity. Is a noble animal, which responds to interaction by sensitivity to its surroundings. Therefore, we will see below what are the care and advice to take into account. The idea is that raising horses is a simple task.
Basic information for raising horses
The horse is an animal that can live up to 25-30 years. This in turn requires commitment and responsibility. Providing an ideal space, food, hygiene, and exercise, are the main considerations when raising horses.
If you are just starting out in horse care, there are some guidelines. Ideally, start with a mare or gelding used to being around people. Trust with the animal is achieved with patient and friendly treatment. Avoid violent movements. Additionally, gently pat the neck, without showing fear.
The ideal space
For the animal to feel comfortable, it is best to think of a hectare of grass where it can move. It will be neatly fenced and without barbed wire.
It is necessary to control very especially that toxic species do not grow around. This is the case of ragwort, ferns, laurel, horsetail, castor bean, and sorghum. The horse is a herbivorous animal that tends to graze many times a day in small quantities. Therefore it is vital to be careful of what grows in your area of travel.
One element to consider before deciding to breed a horse is the space that it will be given. You must have a shelter that protects you from possible inclement weather and where you can sleep. This site will have to be kept clean, the feces removed daily, and provided with a place that serves as a bed.
With the purpose of rest, the possibilities may be : straw, cheaper, but with fungal elements that can make the animal sick; wood chips: more hygienic, but somewhat more expensive. Finally, a good option is to use hemp.
How should the food be
Being a grazing animal, the horse ingests small amounts many times a day. The suitable feed is made up of hay, alfalfa, or mixed bales. When it comes to horse care, it is good to enrich this food with industrial preparations that provide the necessary vitamins.
An animal weighing 450 kg, medium size, eats about 9 to 10 kg of food daily. However, the idea is to consult a veterinarian. It will be them who will indicate the appropriate food based on the weight and the exercise they perform.
An important point is to take care that there is no lack of fresh and clean water. The bucket should be filled at least twice a day. Take into account that they drink between 15-30 liters of water daily.
By Yakov
Hoof hygiene and care
To raise a horse properly, you must attend to its cleaning and general inspection.
It is advisable to brush its coat regularly, observing for signs of cuts, wounds, ticks, or possible diseases. Bathe it on warm days with a suitable shampoo. Also, comb it with a wide-tooth comb, avoiding rough brushing or combing at all times.
The hulls must be cleaned in case there are embedded stones or dirt in the grooves. And check if they are loose or cracked.
Good exercise
The amount of exercise depends on the age and health of the horse. It is advised that, with due control, they get an hour of exercise four times a week.
Physical activity is very beneficial for the health of the horse:
- Keeps stallion muscles strong.
- Strengthens the bonds of trust with the owner.
- It is a time when you relax and avoid problems of nervousness or anxiety.
Lastly, some tips when raising horses
- Regularly clean the shed of manure and urine. They are harmful to the hooves and the health of the animal.
- Make regular visits to the veterinarian to perform a check-up , vaccinate and deworm the animal.
- Check your teeth at least once a year.
- Cut the hooves and check the horseshoes .
- Never approach the horse from the back or shout when close. With this you can get scared and react by hitting.
- Try to spend time with the animal beyond the moment of riding it . This strengthens trust and intensifies the bond.
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