Deciding to purchase a horse is a big decision, as they require a lot of attention and effort to keep healthy. However, if properly cared for a horse can become a great pet and companion.

1. Food

Excess feed can leave your horse with too much energy and can even cause health problems. A steady diet of good hay or forage feeds is ideal. Additionally, horses need “snacks” throughout the day due to their capacious digestive system. It’s a good idea to either put hay in the barn or put the horse to pasture.

2. Water

Horses bodies are nearly 70% water, and they can require up to 12 gallons of water every day. It is essential to always make sure your horse has a supply of clean, fresh water.

3. Shelter

At some point or another all horses will need shelter. A comfortable shelter for two horses should be about 5 x 10 meters wide and 2.5 meters high.

4. Company & Personal Space

Horses love their personal space. Allowing your horse to have at least 15 feet of space on all sides while grazing will keep them happy. But remember that horses are also social creatures. You should give your horse “friends” to keep them company, but be careful not to put rivaling horses near each other.

5. Grooming

Another important factor in taking care of a horse is grooming. You should always have a Hoof Pick, a currycomb, and a stiff brush nearby. However, grooming techniques can vary from horse to horse so it’s a good idea to research how to properly groom your specific horse.

6. Dental Care

Horses require routine dental care, especially as they get older. Fall is the best time to check a horse’s teeth before winter-feeding of coarse hays.

7. Mucking-out

Another important part of keeping your horse healthy is “mucking-out” their stall daily. Mucking-out is a term for removing waste, dirt, and soiled bedding a horse’s stall. You should always maintain a clean, comfortable, sanitary bed for your horse or horses.