How to Care for Your First Horse

Establishing a relationship with a horse can be a rewarding and life-changing experience. Taking on the responsibility of caring for your first horse requires careful preparation and a willingness to put in the time and effort. You can look forward to building trust with your horse by spending lots of time with the animal. First put together a working knowledge of the four major area of horse care: feeding, grooming, stable and pasture, and equine health.

Things You'll Need

  • Stable
  • Pasture
  • Grooming kit
  • Hay and / or grain
  • Halter
  • Lead rope
  • Saddle
  • Bridle
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Instructions

  1. Basic Needs

    • 1

      Feed your horse depending on its activity level. Get advice from your veterinarian or read respected books on the subject for your type of horse. For many horses with leisurely lifestyles, just the grass they eat at pasture supplies all their nutrition. This can depend on where you live and the season. However, larger breeds of horses and active, working horses usually need to have their diet supplemented with hay or a grain concentrate. Horses, of course, love an apple or a carrot cut into pieces as a treat.

    • 2

      Groom your horse on a regular basis. A daily grooming is ideal for optimum health and appearance, but at least twice a week is recommended. Grooming is a multi-step process that includes combing the coat and inspecting the hooves and feet. According to horse expert Jacqueline Dewelle, it will take at least 30 minutes to properly do it.

    • 3

      Provide a comfortable stable and adequate pasture for your horse. The stable should be well-ventilated and the stall should be large enough to accommodate the horse. Clean the stall daily. Pasture type and time outside varies; some horses spend all their time at pasture. Base it for your horse on the size, breed, and activity level. Consult your vet and expect to be flexible as you get to know your animal.

    • 4

      Ride your horse regularly, not only for the exercise, but to help establish a bond with the animal.Take a long ride on a local trail, or even just go for a warm-up and a few gallops around a pasture. Exercise is essential for a healthy horse and good for you, too.

    • 5

      Maintain the health of your horse with good preventive care, including foot and hoof care during grooming, and at least annual checkups at the vet. Make sure your horse is well-exercised and maintains an appropriate weight to give your animal the best shot at good health and a long life.