Although living with a horse can be a joyful experience, it also comes with the duty of providing for your animal partner during their entire life. Your devotion, love, and care for your horse are essential. Through grooming, stroking, riding, and the occasional treat, you’ll express your love for the animal. You must also demonstrate your dedication by meeting their demands throughout the entire year, in both good and bad weather. When you care for a horse, you must remember the following:
The cost of routine equine care is high and continuous
The cost of buying a horse is frequently substantially less than the annual maintenance expenses. Before purchasing an equine companion, make sure you are honest with yourself about your ability to pay for high-quality care.
Horses require consistent access to food and water
The majority of the time, they require supplemental grain feedings twice a day in addition to daily hay or pasture consumption. A horse of typical size will consume around 20 pounds of food daily and at least eight gallons of liquid. Horses need to graze or nibble frequently throughout the day rather than eating just one or two meals since their stomachs are quite small and their digestive processes are surprisingly delicate.
Horses require medical attention
Your horse has to receive tetanus and other disease vaccinations at least once a year. Additionally, routine dental care will be given by the veterinarian. Keep in mind that treating medical crises, which are always a possibility, can run into the thousands of dollars. Although some veterinary clinics offer horse deals or discounts to lessen the cost of equine care incur by horse owners.
Horses require constant care against parasites
Horses must be on an anti-parasite regimen as directed by your equine practitioner because they are frequently exposed to intestinal worms through the grass they feed on. Regular and prompt treatment is essential for your horse’s health since equines that carry a significant load of worms can suffer major disease or even die as a result.
Horses need shelter
Horses must always have access to a dry, secure, comfortable shelter so they may stay dry and warm during rain, wind, and snow. The shelter you offer will give your pet much-needed shade and protection from biting insects during warm, sunny days. You should have a sturdy, three-sided shed that your horse has access to at all times, at the very least. Every day, you must clean the stall or shelter of manure.
Horses must exercise
Your horse should have access to a paddock or pasture where he can unwind and stroll in addition to the activity he will receive when you are riding him. A horse should never be kept inside a stall all day unless the vet specifically advises it. A robust, strong fence should surround the pasture to keep the horse contained and protected. Barbed wire is not a suitable material for fence because it has resulted in several fatal injuries.
Horses need care just like every other companion animal does. However, compared to dogs, cats, or goldfish, horses require a lot more care. It’s critical to comprehend the time and financial commitment needed for horse ownership if you’ve always wanted one.
