When it comes to basic care, you need to provide your horse with shelter, food and water, exercise, medical attention, and grooming. Concerning shelter, a horse needs a stable. It is where the horse spends most of its day. Therefore, the design, cleanliness, and management of the stable are very important. Consider the stable's size, floor area, airspace, temperature range, and humidity. Make sure that the area is void of mold, dust, and ammonia that can harm the horse. Further, feed storage is also very important. Grass and hay account for a horse's food and nutrition. This is a very important basic care need, as a hungry horse may develop ulcers. Access to water is also very important, even if the animal drinks once or twice daily. You also need to make sure that your horse has access to medical attention. All horses need to have an equine veterinarian that can provide them with the necessary vaccinations. All horses need protection against tetanus, equine influenza, eastern and western equine encephalomyelitis, equine herpes, and rabies. Other vaccinations may also be appropriate for your horse. Your veterinarian can help with the details. Horses also need deworming, as worms can cause poor coat quality, colic, and excessive weight loss. Exercise is also part of the basic care your horse needs. Make sure that your horse is not alone in a stall all day. A horse needs to be outside with other horses every day. This animal needs to move. Daily exercise is necessary. When it comes to grooming, the hooves of a should be trimmed every six to eight weeks if the horse is not very active. Since the teeth of a horse grow continuously, they need a check-up once or twice a year when the teeth are floated or made smoother. Dental disease may cause weight loss, colic, or choke.

Related Articles

Choosing a Horse

Adopting A Horse

Buying From A Horse Breeder

Horse Supplies

Food & Nutrition

Grooming

Fleas & Ticks

Health Conditions

Obedience & Training

Choosing A Trainer

Basic Commands

Common Behavior Problems

Communication

Socialization

Exercise

Horses for Kids

Horse Vs. Pony

Horse Feeding