Providing care and attention to your horse will give you a stronger bond, relationship and pleasure for both you and your horse.

The Simple Pleasure of Feeding Your Horse

The three basic food sources for your horse are Pasture, Hay and Grain.  A healthy, happy horse will be given a balance of all three.

Pasture is the favorite meal of horses and the most natural food source.  Listening to your horse munch on grass in the pasture is a simple relaxing pleasure. Horses require more nutrients than most pastures provide.  Pastures should be regularly cared for. Too much new, green grass can cause several health problems in horses. You may need to limit the time your horse spends in the pasture.  The more you exercise your horse, the more attention you will need to pay to your horses diet. Pasture alone is not enough.

Hay is another type of food for horses. Hay is made from different types of grasses that are cut, dryed and baled.  Hay can come in several forms. Square bales of various sizes, large round bales and compressed hay cubes are the most common forms. A few flakes of hay are often given to horses while they are in their stalls or outside during winter months when grass is unavailable.

It is important that the hay you feed your horses is good quality hay. Never feed moldy hay to your horses. You should always store hay in a dry but well-ventilated area. Feeding your horse with hay alone isn't a sufficient diet.

Lastly, there are grains or feeds which are specifically produced to provide
nourishment for horses. If your horses subsist mainly from hay, make sure that you mix either a small amount of suppliments with it to give your horse the benefit of a complete meal. It is important to feed your horse properly especially when they expend lots of energy working, racing or when they’re in a pregnant or nursing. Take care to feed your horse the correct amount based on their size and the work you will ask them to do.  This will keep your horse healthy and happy and personally feeding your horse will strengthen the bond between you and your friend. As such, the act of feeding doesn’t only nourish your horse’s body but his heart as well!

Water is the Source of Life

Horses are always thirsty, and they can consume as much as 10 gallons of water
everyday. It’s important that you provide a ready supply of clean, fresh water for your horses.

Salt and Minerals

Salt and minerals are also important factors in your horse’s diet. You should provide your horses with access to salt and mineral blocks, both in their stalls and outside. Salt blocks can be purchased from your local feed stores.

Exercise Your Horse

The amount of exercise your horse needs depends primarily on its role in life. Daily exercise is encouraged. Horses can be easily bored.  Boredom leads to mischief.  A horse that is regularly worked is a happier horse and a better companion for you.

Hoof Care

Beginners don't usually think about  taking care their horses’ hooves.  A horse’s hooves should be trimmed regularly, at least every eight weeks. Shoes are necessary if your horse is worked regularly or if they have hoof problems that can be corrected with special shoes. The hooves should be cleaned every day, particularly before you ride and after you ride.

There is an old story about an Arab who was teaching his son what to look for when choosing a horse.  The horse was placed on one side of a tent, while the father and son stood on the other side of the tent.  The tent was slowly raised. The father told his son that the first thing to look at when choosing a horse was to look at the feet. If the hooves were bad or had problems, don't look any further.  No foot...no horse.  As the tent was raised, the father told his son to next look at the horses lower legs for any problems, then the upper legs and so forth.

Cleaning the hooves regularly will help prevent problems or draw your attention to any potential problems. The hoof is the foundation of your horse.

Dental Care for Your Horse

Horses teeth can lead to the development of sharply pointed teeth which may cause chewing troubles. To prevent this from happening, make sure that you have your horses’ teeth annually.

Grooming & Bathing

Allow your horses to enjoy baths regularly.  Afterwards, remember to brush their coat slowly, carefully, and thoroughly.  Brushing not only removes dirt, but it also massages the horse.  Make sure that you use grooming products that are specifically designed for horses.

Above all thing else, the best way to make your horse’s life beautiful is by doing your best to make your horse feel beautiful by showering them with love!