Managing an effective routine for your horse requires thoughtful consideration of their well-being, comfort and specific needs. While there are no one-size-fits-all rules, there are guidelines that can help establish a routine that best serves your horse.
Daily Routine
The key to a successful routine is balance and consistency. Taking the animal’s well-being and comfort into account, the routine should also cater to the needs of the horse, depending on their work schedule.
Feeding Schedule
Your horse’s feeding schedule plays a substantial role in their health and energy. Small, frequent meals should be the foundation of your feeding schedule. Regularity is key and meals should be portioned to ensure digestibility.
For a stabled horse that is actively working, the daily food intake should typically be divided into three meals. However, for those engaged in high stamina activities, one to two additional meals may be necessary. This aids in providing the high energy intake needed for arduous tasks.
A horse engaged in light work typically begins the day with a small feed, followed by a main meal after their exercise. The day then concludes with an evening meal. Those indulging in minimal work have a simpler feeding routine involving concentrates in the morning and at night, and hay at midday.
A Day in the Life: Light Work
A typical day for a horse engaging in light work might look something like this:
7:30-8:00 a.m. – Tend to basic needs by refilling the water bucket and hay-net. Give a small concentrate feed of 1-2 kg and reset the bedding.
9:30 a.m. – Set aside time for grooming and exercise.
12:00 p.m. – Conduct a clean-up: pick up droppings, refill the water bucket and hay-net, and then provide the main feed.
2:00-4:00 p.m. – Let the horse rest.
4:00 p.m. – Another clean-up round: pick up droppings. Next up is grooming which includes mud and sweat removal and massage. If possible, allow the horse to participate in leisurely walking exercise.
5:00 p.m. – Make the stable comfortable by preparing the bed, refilling water bucket and hay-net, and providing the third concentrate feed.
10:00 p.m. – Conduct a final check on the horse to ensure rugs are adjusted comfortably. For horses in hard work, an optional fourth meal can be provided at this time.
Maintaining a consistent daily routine helps to keep your horse healthy, happy and in prime condition, whatever work they may be undertaking.
Exercise and Work
Establishing an appropriate exercise regimens is crucial to maintaining a fit and healthy horse. A careful balance of work, rest, and thoughtful consideration of the animal’s fitness level helps ensure their well-being.
Daily Exercise Requirements
Typically, a fit horse needs about two hours of exercise each day. It’s important to remember that adequate rest is just as essential for a horse’s health as work and exercise. Our suggested program sets aside a two-hour period specifically for this purpose.
Exercise Routines and Precautions
While conducting exercise sessions, the majority of the activity should be at a walking pace, using a trot only a quarter of the time to prevent overexertion. Unfit horses, particularly when they’re young, should be eased into a work routine gradually. Bear in mind that bringing a horse to a full-fitness level usually takes at least six weeks. Excessive work risks causing lameness and is to be avoided.
A fit, properly fed horse is not easily overworked, provided certain conditions are met. During exercise, the weight load and pace should be manageable and thoughtful. Overly fast trotting, especially on hard surfaces, can lead to strains and potential injuries. Downhill trotting should be approached with caution as it puts additional strain on the forelegs.
When it comes to riding horses, preferable terrain is soft and flexible like turf. Strenuous activities such as cantering or galloping should be avoided on hard surfaces. Furthermore, you can limit strain on the horse’s legs by alternating diagonals during trotting, meaning you should change the rhythm in the saddle to match the foreleg movement.
Long Duration Exercise
Should exercise exceed the two-hour mark, as in hunting or endurance rides, brief respite periods of 10-15 minutes should be incorporated. During this rest, where feasible, dismount and loosen the girth.
Endurance rides can be physically taxing for a horse, with sustained exercise and sweat causing loss of vital body fluids and electrolytes. Before engaging your horse in such activities, it’s advisable to consult with a veterinarian about necessary diet supplements to offset this loss.
Note: Remember to adjust the girth after mounting. It may also require tightening during long exercise sessions. Regular checks help ensure the horse’s comfort and safety.
Leading on Foot
Successfully leading a horse involves proper techniques for both the horse and the person in control. Using appropriate equipment and understanding how to apply pressure when needed ensures the process is smooth and safe for both parties.
Using a Bridle or Halter
While a halter or head-collar can be used, a bridle offers far greater control when leading a horse. To use a bridle effectively, take the reins over the horse’s head instead of leaving them around its neck. A horse is typically led from the near (left) side, with the person leading walking level and close to the horse’s head. Hold the reins or rope in your right hand, just near the bit.
Finesse in Holding Reins
While leading a horse, it’s important to maintain a firm grip on the reins or rope while still allowing the natural movement of the horse’s head. Hold the end of the reins or rope in your left hand and avoid twisting it around your hand. This technique ensures give and take between the handler and horse when it is required. If the horse becomes unruly, press your right forearm against its neck and tense your wrist for greater control.
Double Bridle and Road Safety
When leading a horse with a double bridle, use only the snaffle rein (bridoon bit), with the curb rein tied at the horse’s neck. Always use a bridle when leading a horse on the road, even if the horse is generally calm and reliable. On the road, lead the horse from its off (right) side, holding the reins in your left hand. This positioning places the person leading the horse between the animal and traffic, providing an extra layer of safety.
Leading when Riding
Leading a horse while riding another requires proper techniques and equipment usage. Ensuring a safe and effective process necessitates careful attention and understanding of the horse’s temperament.
Bridle and Reins
When leading a horse while riding, use a bridle for the horse being led, with the reins passed over its head. If a martingale is fitted to the horse, securely tie it up and keep it free of the reins. Choosing whether to hold both reins in one hand or one pair in each hand will depend on the rider’s preference and the horses’ individual temperaments.
Handling Reins and Horse Control
While leading, ensure that the reins of the led horse are not looped around your fingers. Allow them to slip through should the horse become difficult to handle or decide to run back. Maintaining a secure but flexible grip on the reins helps prevent accidents and injuries.
Positioning on the Road
When leading a horse on the road, keep the led horse on the inside (left) and alongside the ridden horse. This position provides better control and safety for both rider and horses while navigating traffic situations.
The Rule of the Road
Understanding and following road rules is crucial for the safety of both horse and rider, especially when sharing the road with other vehicles. Let’s explore the most pertinent rules you need to keep in mind while riding or leading a horse.
Highway Code and General Directions
According to the Highway Code, while riding or leading a horse, it is best to stay on the left-hand side as much as possible, even on one-way streets. In these instances, you should proceed only in the direction of the traffic, adhering to the left side for safety.
Night Riding and Reflective Clothing
While it is generally not recommended to ride after sunset, if you find yourself doing so, wear light-coloured or reflective clothing for visibility. Additionally, carry lights that show white to the front and red to the rear, which aids in ensuring that others can spot you in the dark.
Judgement and Responsibility
As a rider, it’s essential to use your judgment to avoid accidents, which might occasionally necessitate moving your horse to the opposite side of the road than usual. If an accident results from a failure to do this, the responsibility rests with you.
Horse-Drawn Vehicles
Like any other vehicle, horse-drawn vehicles should always stay close to the left side of the road for safety.
Footpaths and Pedestrian Rights of Way
While technically illegal, leading or riding a horse along a footpath or other pedestrian way may sometimes be a safer alternative on busy roads.
Rider Rights and Responsibilities
As a horse rider, you have rights on the road, yet it is equally important to maintain courtesy. Motorists are expected to slow down or stop when signaled by a person in charge of a horse, and riders should acknowledge this courtesy.
If an accident causing injury to a “domestic animal” (including farm animals, horses, and dogs, but excluding poultry and cats) occurs, the motorist involved must stop and provide their vehicle information, name, and address. If not immediately given, they are required to report the accident to a police station within 24 hours.
In conclusion, road rules are a blend of commonsense and consideration for others. Observance of these rules, coupled with courtesy, can create safer and more pleasant journeys for all road users.
Loading and Travelling
The process of helping a horse into a horse-box may pose a challenge at times, often leading to moments of excitement, loss of temper and even mishaps. However, a quiet, organized approach can help make this a smooth and stress-free experience for both the horse and you.
The Preparation
The first step towards getting a horse into a horse-box involves preparations that account for a horse’s instinctive reactions. The animal is likely to sense and respond to tense emotions and unfamiliar environments. Hence, before bringing the horse to the horse-box, ensure the ramp is lowered and everything is ready. This will minimize the horse’s exposure to potentially unsettling sights and sounds.
Utilizing Familiar Elements
To further alleviate the horse’s potential apprehension, spread a small amount of straw over the ramp. This familiar texture underfoot can provide a reassuring comfort to the horse and significantly reduce its anxiety.
Horse-box Ramp Safety Measures
The ramps of horse-boxes usually come equipped with slats for foot traction. However, if necessary, you could add an extra layer of safety by spreading ashes for additional grip. This measure aids in making the horse-box more secure and user-friendly for the horse.
Leading the Horse
Once the preparations are complete, lead the horse directly into the horse-box without making a fuss. Treat this as a routine procedure akin to guiding a horse into its loose-box, and most likely, there will be minimal resistance.
Addressing Challenges in Loading and Travelling
The process of loading a horse into a horse-box might not always be a straightforward task, regardless of how tactfully it is approached. Occasionally, one might have to deploy strategies, persuasion, or even slight force to assure it steps into the horse-box.
Loading Multiple Horses
When loading two horses into the box, lead the quieter horse first. This often helps the other horse draw confidence from its mate and follow suit. However, if this tactic doesn’t succeed, you can use food to persuade the horse. Indicating a feed or a hay-net inside the box can often tempt a horse to enter.
When the Usual Techniques Fail
Despite your best efforts, you may encounter situations where these tactics do not work. In these cases, take the time to acclimate the horse to the loading process. This can be done by leading him into the horse-box or trailer and feeding him there several times before the actual travel day.
Additional Persuasion Methods
If a horse refuses to load and traditional tactics fail, you might have to resort to more assertive techniques. You could try lifting one foreleg at a time to encourage him up the ramp. Alternatively, two people can use a lungeing rein or link hands around the gaskins to move the horse forward. If you’re loading the horse single-handedly, attaching one end of a lungeing rein to the trailer, passing it around the back of the horse, and holding the other end could coax the horse to move forward.
The Blindfold Strategy
The blindfold technique could be used as a last resort. However, it is vital to ensure the horse doesn’t injure itself by stepping off the side of the ramp. Use this method cautiously since it limits the horse’s ability to assess its surroundings.
Ensuring Horse Safety During Travel
When travelling with a horse, prioritizing their safety and protection from injuries is crucial. Addressing various aspects of their comfort and wellbeing can help create a positive travel experience for both you and the horse.
Leg Protection
To protect the horse’s legs from harm, apply travelling bandages over cotton wool or foam rubber. Ensuring the bandage covers down to the coronet helps guard against potential tread injuries. For horses prone to injury or those that struggle during travel, additional protection can be provided by using rubber coronet boots.
Tail Injury Prevention
Travel-related tail injuries are relatively common. To avoid such issues, make it a habit to fit a tail bandage when travelling with a horse. Be mindful not to fasten the bandage too tightly or leave it on for an extended period, and never let it stay on overnight.
Head Protection for Fractious Horses
Horses that are easily agitated during travel may require some extra care. A padded hood can be used to minimize the risk of head injuries while providing a sense of security for the horse.
Keeping the Horse Comfortable and Happy
To ensure a calm and contented journey for the horse, always provide a hay-net. On longer journeys lasting three or four hours or more, make sure to stop and offer water to the horse to keep them hydrated and comfortable.
Responding to a Stable Fire
Although everyone strives to prevent fires in the stables by enforcing strict regulations like banning smoking, it is always crucial to be prepared for unforeseeable accidents.
Early Actions During a Fire Outbreak
In the unfortunate event of fire breaking out, the primary, intuitive action is to evacuate the horses as quickly as possible. Keep in mind that horses are easily terrified of fire, causing even the typically calm animals to panic and become challenging to manage.
Dealing with Horses that Refuse to Flee
Interestingly, horses, despite their fear, may refuse to leave a burning stable. In such instances, employ strategies like blindfolding the horse or covering its eyes and nostrils with a damp cloth or sack. If the horse remains uncooperative, try to get it to back out of the stable.
Large Stable Scenarios
In larger stables, there might be instances where the number of horses exceeds the handlers available during an emergency. In this case, the focus should shift toward giving every horse an opportunity to escape by throwing open the doors and concentrating efforts on those that refuse to leave.
Importance of Quick Release and Preventing Return
Do not waste time in undoing the head-ropes of tied horses. Unless quick-release knots have been used, simply cut the ropes and enable them to flee quickly. However, be careful that once rescued, a horse does not break away and rush back into the stable.
Maintaining Composure During Crisis
Above all else, maintaining your calm during such situations is paramount. Deal quickly and efficiently with the task, providing quiet, steady guidance. If anyone is going to lose their heads, let it be the horses, not you.
