The Ultimate Beginner's Guide to Daily Horse Care

The Core Four:

Your Daily Horse Care Pillars

Your daily routine can be broken down into four essential areas: Feeding, Grooming, Health Checks, and Environment. Mastering these basics will build your confidence and ensure your horse thrives.

1. Feeding: Fueling Your Friend

A horse's digestive system is sensitive and designed for grazing. Your feeding routine should respect this.

• Hay is the Hero: Your horse should have access to high-quality hay or pasture for the majority of the day. A good rule of thumb is providing 1.5% to 2% of their body weight in forage daily. Start their day with hay before any grain to get their digestive system working properly.

• Grain with a Goal: Not all horses need grain. It's typically used to supplement a diet for horses in heavy work, older horses, or those who need to gain weight. Always measure portions carefully and split them into two or three small meals a day rather than one large one.

• Water, Water, Everywhere: Fresh, clean water is non-negotiable. A horse can drink 5-10 gallons (or more!) a day. Buckets or troughs should be scrubbed clean of algae and debris at least once a week and checked and refilled twice daily. In the winter, ensure the water source isn't frozen.

2. Grooming: The Daily Health and Wellness Session

Grooming is about much more than just looking good. It's a critical time to bond with your horse and perform a mini health check.

• The Grooming Toolkit:

  • Curry Comb: Use this first in a circular motion to loosen dirt, hair, and debris.

  • Hard Brush (Dandy Brush): Follow up with short, flicking strokes to remove what the curry comb lifted.

  • Soft Brush (Body Brush): Use this on the face and lower legs and for a final polish.

• The Most Important Step: Hoof Care: Pick out your horse's hooves every single day. Use a hoof pick to gently remove dirt, rocks, or mud packed into the sole. This prevents infections like thrush and allows you to spot issues like loose shoes or developing bruises before they become serious problems.

3. Health Checks: Become a Keen Observer

You are the first line of defense in your horse's health. A quick check twice a day can alert you to problems early.

• The Morning Check-In: When you first see your horse, do they look bright and alert? Are their ears forward? Are they standing comfortably on all four feet? Notice their general attitude.

• Hands-On Check: As you groom, run your hands over their entire body, including their legs. Feel for any unusual lumps, scrapes, heat, or swelling.

• Watch Their Manure: A healthy horse produces a good number of well-formed manure piles. Take note of what's normal for your horse so you can spot changes, like diarrhea or signs of colic.

• The Evening Check-Out: Before you leave for the night, do a final look-over. Check that they have enough water, that their legs look clean and free of swelling, and that they seem calm and comfortable.

4. Environment: A Safe and Tidy Home

Whether your horse lives in a stall or a pasture, their environment needs a daily once-over to ensure it's safe and clean.

• Muck it Out: If your horse is stabled, their stall must be cleaned of manure and wet spots every day. A clean stall reduces flies and prevents hoof and respiratory issues. Add fresh, dry bedding to keep them comfortable.

• Pasture Patrol: Walk the fence line of their paddock or pasture regularly. Look for any downed fences, loose wires, or broken boards that could cause an injury. Remove any trash or foreign objects that may have blown in.

Consistency is Kindness

Building a consistent daily routine is one of the kindest things you can do for your horse. They are creatures of habit who thrive on predictability. By following these steps every day, you not only provide for their physical needs but also build a powerful foundation of trust and partnership that will last a lifetime. Happy riding!

Equestrian Lifestyle