All About Pasturing Horses Healthy pasturing is an essential key to your horse’s well-being. The quantity and regularity of time they spend grazing hinge on a myriad of conditions. Winter Grazing for Active Horses Some active horses, for instance Eventers and Polo Ponies, earn a reprieve during the colder months after vigorous work carried out…
Feeding is an essential part of horse care that doesn’t follow an absolute, ‘one-size-fits-all’ method. While feeding charts and guides are valuable, they serve better as general outlines rather than strict rulebooks. As caretakers, this simply means we need to accommodate unique factors that are specific to each horse. These include age, breed, temperament, routine…
Understanding and selecting from the various types of horse feeds is essential to provide proper nutrition and maintain your horse’s overall health. Horse feeds can be categorized into four main groups: fodder, concentrates, alternative feeds, and supplements. This guide not only outlines each feed category, but also provides examples of feed options within each group….
Understanding the Natural Diet of Horses In their natural state, horses meet all their nutritional needs from grazing on grass. They have the freedom to change pastures and search for the best sources of food. Typically, horses move at a walking pace while grazing, with occasional bursts of speed to escape predators. However, with domestication,…
Horses, like humans, have unique personalities and behaviors. It’s important to know that these animals are not naturally vicious or difficult to handle. Many negative habits or traits can be attributed to a horse’s past experiences or inherited temperament. By identifying the root of the problem and adopting proper handling techniques, we can overcome these…
Bandaging in stables is a common practice – often perceived as a convention, but without adequate consideration of necessity. Incorrect bandaging can pose a potential risk to the horse’s wellbeing, especially when applied too tightly or inexpertly. It’s crucial to understand the proper techniques of bandaging and its various purposes, such as the distinct reasons…
When it comes to equine care, providing suitable clothing for various weather conditions is critical. For the clipped horse, a stable rug typically suffices for everyday use. However, in extreme weather, an additional rug or a horse blanket can offer an extra layer of warmth. For horses living outside year-round, a waterproof ‘New Zealand’ Rug—covered…
Understanding the Need for Clipping In the wild, horses naturally grow a thicker and longer coat during the winter months. This luxuriant coat serves two crucial purposes. Firstly, it provides an essential layer of protection from the cold weather conditions, and secondly, it compensates for the decrease in the quality and quantity of available food….
After exercising, a horse usually returns to the stable cool and dry, having been walked to cool down. However, sometimes the horse might be wet or sweating, requiring attention to ensure its comfort and well-being. Dealing with a Wet Horse If the horse is wet from rain, wisping with loose straw followed by using a…
Quartering refers to a quick, light grooming practice conducted before exercising a horse, making it presentable and ready for activities. Beginning with the Feet All grooming processes, including quartering, ideally start with clearing the horse’s feet using a hoof pick. This simple but critical step helps eliminate any dirt or stones that could potentially cause…
