Essential information on nutrition, injury prevention, and maintaining optimal health for your equine partner.
A healthy horse is a happy, willing horse. Understanding basic equine health principles and implementing preventative care practices can save you thousands in veterinary expenses and keep your horse performing at its best.
The foundation of a horse's diet should be good quality hay. Feed 1.5-2.5% of body weight daily. Mixed timothy, orchard, and alfalfa hay provide balanced nutrition.
Most horses in regular work need supplemental grain or concentrates. Choose quality feeds appropriate to your horse's age, workload, and health status.
Fresh, clean water should always be available. Adequate salt intake is essential, especially for horses in work. Supplement electrolytes during intense training.
Work with an equine nutritionist to develop a feeding program specific to your horse's needs. Body condition score your horse monthly to ensure proper weight.
Vaccinations - Annual
Core vaccines: Tetanus, EEE/WEE, Influenza. Discuss regional vaccines with your vet.
Deworming - 3-4 Times Yearly
Rotate dewormer types to prevent resistance. Use fecal tests to assess parasite load.
Dental Exams - Twice Yearly
Floating teeth removes sharp points and improves chewing efficiency. Essential for health.
Farrier Visits - Every 6-8 Weeks
Regular hoof care prevents lameness and maintains structural integrity.
Annual Vet Check-Up
Comprehensive health assessment including heart/lungs, teeth, joints, and overall condition.
Prevention through proper conditioning, balanced workloads, and quality footing. Watch for early signs: shortened stride, swelling, or heat.
Action: Rest, icing, veterinary evaluation
Maintain good barn ventilation and minimize dust exposure. Avoid dusty hay and bedding.
Action: Test for allergies, quality feed, proper ventilation
Ensure adequate hydration, consistent feeding schedule, and regular exercise. Sudden feed changes can trigger colic.
Action: Contact vet immediately if suspect colic
Clean barns reduce infection risk. Clean wounds immediately and use proper first aid. Keep tetanus vaccination current.
Action: Clean regularly, disinfect, monitor healing
â Proper Warm-Up
Always warm up before intense exercise. Increases circulation and prepares muscles
â Progressive Training
Gradually increase intensity and duration. Avoid sudden changes in workload
â Quality Footing
Good footing reduces joint strain and improves safety during training
â Cool Down & Stretching
Proper cool-down prevents stiffness and aids muscle recovery
Bright, Alert Eyes
Shows energy and engagement
Healthy Coat
Shiny, smooth, no hair loss
Consistent Appetite
Eagerly eats all provided feed
Normal Temperature
98-101°F (normally around 100°F)