How to Get the Best Out Of Your Horse

 Owning a horse can be a financially draining albeit rewarding experience. Whether you’re training him for racing or competition success, or you’re just as causal rider, it’s important to keep him healthy.

Like any pet, you need to make sure you treat them well. And when it comes to animals as big as a horse, they require a great deal more care and attention. 

Even as a recreational horse, there are a number of important things you need to do, to ensure he is always at his healthiest.

Getting the Best Out of Your Horse

Horses are incredible animals, with a pretty complex anatomy. To keep him happy, healthy, and free from injury, the right level of care is vital. While you should never buy a horse with no prior knowledge or research into their care, it can be difficult to process everything.

Here, we look at five things you need to do to ensure you always get the very best out of your horse:

1. Diet

Due to its delicate digestive system, a horse has a number of particular dietary requirements. They need to eat a high protein diet which includes forages (grasses and hay), grains and oats, and supplemental feeds.

Depending on whether you are racing your horse or just riding him, his dietary requirements will change. You can find out more about what is best for your particular horse by speaking to your vet.

You should be aware too, that horses are unable to regurgitate food. This means that if they happen to over eat, or eat something poisonous, they can’t be sick to clear their stomach. Because of this, they are susceptible to horse colic and illness.

Again, it is always best to speak to your vet or trainer if you’re unsure. They will be able to offer advice specific to your horse and his training schedule.

2. Exercise and Training

This too, is important for getting the best out of your horse. Equines are by no means a ‘small’ animal. They require lots of exercise very regularly.

If your horse is involved in sports, they will undoubtedly follow a strict training schedule. However, it is important they have exercise outside of these constraints. Your local yard or stable will have a whole host of great facilities for your horse.

3. Days Off

Just like an athlete though, it’s important your horse has days away from a gruelling regime. Let them enjoy roaming around their paddocks, and spend time with you outside of training.

This is also vital for building a trusting relationship with your horse. If you don’t take part in sporting activities, make sure you don’t ride your horse too much.

This can put excess strain on their muscles and cause them injuries. Days off to recover are important, as are days spent just being a horse.

4. T.L.C.

Horses, like any animal, respond well to care and affection. Make sure that after a successful training session you reward your horse. Be careful not to over treat him though. Like you, a horse needs to keep his weight down before a big race.

If you’re horse is more of a pet, you should be treating him well all the time. Building a trusting relationship is a great way for both of you to enjoy your time together all the more.

They can be very affectionate animals, so make sure you give them the T.L.C. they deserve.

5. Rehabilitation after Injury

Unfortunately, injuries happen. No matter how careful you are, your horse can sustain an injury. Should this happen, rehabilitation is vital. Giving your horse a chance to rest and recuperate is essential for a speedy recovery.

Even if your horse stays injury free, it’s important to let him recover after a race or competition. This too will give him the best chance of returning to his peak quickly. Even just a causal rider should make sure their horse has time to recover in between rides.

Getting the best out of your horse is easy, when you have the right people around you. It won’t always be easy, and every day will be different, but it is the challenge of horse ownership that makes it so rewarding.