How to Make a Better Life for an Equine

An equine, or horse, requires a great deal of attention and care in order to lead a happy and long life. In the wild, horses will travel together in herds. Thus, the horse is a sociable animal that requires companionship to be healthy and fulfilled. Even if the horse is exposed to the company of other equines, it is important that you visit and care for it several times throughout the day. Left on its own, the horse may become distressed, withdrawn and bored. Remember, you must assume permanent responsibility for the well-being of the equine.

Things You'll Need

  • 1 acre of pasture per horse
  • Fence posts and fence wire
  • Quality hay
  • Shelter
  • Bedding material, rubber mat, straw or wood shavings
  • Hoof knife
  • Curry comb
  • Brush
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Instructions

    • 1

      Provide the equine with proper, healthy food and clean water. In order to ensure the horse is healthy and happy, it must have access to grass and hay at all times. The hay provided to the horse must be of high quality, that is, free of any dust, mold and mildew. The hay may consist of timothy, orchard grass, fescue, alfalfa and clover. According to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, you shouldn't need to feed your horse grains, which contain needless calories and carbohydrates. The horse should, however, eat roughly 2 to 4 percent of his body weight in grass and hay per day.

    • 2

      Ensure the horse has access to a fenced pasture. An equine must have access to the outdoors in order to lead a happy life. A horse left confined indoors will not only be bored, but also unhealthy. At least an acre of pasture will allow the horse room to run and graze. Avoid using barbed wire for the fence, as it may injure the horse. Also make certain the pasture is free of holes or any other obstacle on which it may hurt itself.

    • 3

      Construct a shelter for the horse. The horse must be able to take shelter from the elements if necessary. The shelter must have at least three sides and a roof. The open side of the shelter should not be exposed to the prevailing winds.

    • 4

      Provide warm, clean bedding. A rubber mat should be placed in the shelter and stable. This will soften the floor, making it more comfortable for the horse to stand and rest. The rubber mat, however, should be covered with straw, wood shavings or hemp. Of course, the bedding must be cleaned roughly three times a day and the bedding material replaced as needed.

    • 5

      Groom the horse at least once a day. Tie the horse with a halter and rope so that it can't move away. Clean any debris out of its hooves using a hoof pick/knife. Clean the horse's coat, mane and tail. Use a curry comb on the horse's coat, followed by a brush. Also comb out the mane and tail of the equine, removing any knots and debris. When grooming the mane and tail, try not to pull out too many hairs, as this can cause the horse pain. A horse's hooves may need trimmed every 6 to 8 weeks, especially if the horse is inactive and the hooves do not wear down naturally.

    • 6

      Provide necessary vaccinations. Every equine should be vaccinated for tetanus. Other regular vaccinations include western equine encephalomyelitis, equine herpes, influenza and rabies. Some equine owners also choose to vaccinate their horses against the West Nile virus. The equine should be dewormed in order help prevent unhealthy weight loss, a poor coat and colic. In order to provide proper medical care for the horse, you should provide for regular visits from a qualified equine veterinarian.