How to Keep your Horse Happy
Horses are very sensitive creatures who demand our undivided attention and loving care. It’s not enough to only provide the bare necessities like food, shelter and whatever healthcare your horse insurance policy will cover. Horses are like humans in that it takes those little extras to make them feel really happy and content.
It’s best to keep your horse among other ponies or horses, as they are herd animals in nature and will need to have company. Your horse should see you, as his owner, as part of the herd, and preferably as herd leader. A horse’s chewing or licking are both signs of affection and of submission to your status as leader. To ensure the development of trust and an emotional bond between you, it is vital to spend quality time with your horse. When this is achieved, it will have a positive effect on all areas in the horse’s handling and riding.
Horses are clean animals, so ensure that their stable/stalls are clean and warm, with deep bedding. This will not only give your horse somewhere comfortable to lie down, but can also help to ease strain on legs and joints.
Feeding is particularly important to horses. Make feeds small but frequent as they will also be grazing during the day. Incorporate a variety of appropriate foods into your horse’s diet in order to provide a balance. Your horse needs lots of fibre for his digestive system, so lots of fresh grass or hay is essential. Grain is great for fibre as well, but be careful you don’t give too much as it can upset the stomach. Water should be freely available to your horse. Water prevents the food becoming solid by allowing it to ferment in the horse’s stomach. Regularity of feeding times is important for horses, as they do best when in a routine. It is better to feed your horse at the same time each day.
Grooming your horse daily will show the horse that they are loved – they will enjoy extra attention from you which grooming brings. Give them lots of rubs, brushes and scratches. This part of the day should be enjoyed by you both. Grooming will maintain their coat and keep it glossy, smooth and free from pests. Not forgetting the feet – you’ll need to pick your horse’s hooves every daily. They must feel comfortable on their hooves or they will become grumpy, not to mention that failing to take care of your horse’s feet will put him at risk of injury or infection which could cost you a claim on your equine insurance.
Exercise is a key element in your horse’s happiness. A horse needs daily exercise. Vary your exercise routines to include things like jumping and cross-country. Don’t forget to also give your horse some time to play. Turn them out so they can be free in their paddock. Your horse can then play, either alone or with other equines, and have some quiet time too. Let your horse relax as well as work – their behaviour can become erratic if they are not permitted just to chill out sometimes.
There are many more tips and advice which can be imparted to ensure the physical and psychological well-being of your horse; here we have covered just five of the most important. For more information and to become part of a horse-lovers’ community on the world-wide web, please visit AFI Horse Insurance where you can read and contribute to our brand-new equine blog.