If you have just gotten a new horse or your about to purchase one, you will want to know how to properly care for them and what you will need to do that. Our Mount Vernon vets will share some tips and tricks for any new horse owner.
Horse Care
it’s essential to be well educated when it comes to proper health care—know what signs you need to keep an eye out for to ensure a long and healthy life for your new friend. The best way to achieve this is by setting up a proper health plan and following it strictly.
Nutrition & Food Needs
For a horse to be healthy, it needs to eat properly, and it will be your job to make sure it gets everything it needs. Their digestive system is particular and made to digest vast quantities of grass and hay.
Your horse must always have access to fresh, clean hay or grass to prevent ulcers, which tend to show up if the horse’s stomach is empty.
While the healthy amount of food a horse should eat depends on its activity and health, a general rule of thumb is it should have anywhere between 2 and 4 percent of its body weight.
Keep an eye on the horse’s feeding habits and weight. Regularly consult your Northwest Veterinary Clinic of Mount Vernon vets regarding your horse’s ideal body weight and how much it should eat daily.
Taking care of a horse requires a lot of energy, heavy lifting, and attention to ensure your horse is in good health. Although many think feeding their horses grains may be right, it could lead to muscle disorders, joint problems, and more.
Supplies
Before you even bring your horse home, you will need to have all of the necessary supplies to start helping your new friend feel right at home immediately. You will need supplies for feeding your horse and supplies for cleaning and maintaining your horse and its stable.
Besides from basic needs like a stable and a pasture, your horse will need:
- Feed pans and containers that can be closed to protect from rodents entering
- Large buckets and a water trough
- Heated buckets or a water heater (if you live in a cooler climate)
- Manure fork
- Wheelbarrow
- Stable broom
- Pitchfork
- Storage area for supplies and feed
Parasite Control and Vaccinations
One of the most important things about caring for horses is controlling and preventing worms and internal parasites. The most commonly found parasites in horses are roundworms, botfly larvae, tapeworms, and small and large strongyles.
Parasites often go unnoticed and can be silent killers if not caught in time. Although younger horses generally suffer more from parasites, which have adverse effects on them, it’s essential to always keep them in check.
The potential health issues from parasites are tissue damage to the blood vessels, intestinal wall, and lungs from migrating larvae. Adult worms can cause intestinal obstruction and irritation if this happens contact your Mount Vernon vets today.