The Do’s and Don’ts: Your Horse Health Advice

Your horse’s health should always be your top priority. Remember, you can never get to your dream race once your horse gets sick. As it renders to you its best performance, you too should give back by taking note of these do’s and don’ts in taking care of your horse’s health. You’ll surely use this list of horse health advice.

~ Do’s ~

• Do let it have its regular exercise

  Just like us, your horse needs a regular exercise. Long walks and run can definitely help your horse in maintaining its endurance and good health as a whole. As much as possible, continue riding through the winter months. If serious conditions make winter exercise impossible, bring your horse out in a wide paddock or pasture everyday. You might also want to consider longing it to keep it really fit.

• Do remember that your veterinarian is a vital part of your team

  You, as the owner and your veterinarian should function as a team with respect and understanding for each other’s expertise in taking care of the horses. It becomes a win-win situation if you maintain effective communication with your veterinarian, for both opinions are heard and taken into consideration. In the end, what’s best for your horse should be the mutual goal.

• Do always have a back-up first aid kit

  Remember to always have a first aid kit close at hand accompanied with a syringe of a Tetanus Toxoid booster, Tetanus Antitoxin, and frozen cooling packs. These things really help especially during emergency situations.

~ Don’ts ~

• Don’t let its water freeze over

  If your horse’s water becomes frozen, it will not stay properly hydrated. Snow and ice are no substitute for unfrozen and clean water. A horse becomes prone to colic if it doesn’t have access to unfrozen water all the time. So, if you belong to a region with below-freezing temperatures, make sure to purchase a heating device specifically designed for horse troughs and waters.

• Don’t forget about its shelter

  Horses always need a constant access to comfortable and secure shelter to protect them from snow, winds, rain and too much heat. You should also see to it that you provide a well-constructed, three-sided shed for your horse. Remove all kinds of wastes from the stall or shelter everyday to prevent different diseases from attacking your horses.

• Don’t medicate unless instructed by the veterinarian

  This one is very important to remember too. The wrong medication given to your horse can severely damage its health. Many horses then and now are harmed due to incorrect medications and worst case includes fatality.

The Bottom Line

In taking care of your horse’s health, never trust just plain instincts. These horse health advice are just some of many ways to take care of your horses. Always refer to veterinarians, books and other resources. Yes, you have the needed expertise too, but it’s always better to consider all options and pick the best health care methods for your horse.