Caring for Horses and Ponies
Owning a horse is a big responsibility. It means hard work
in all weathers, and often unpleasant chores for a long time
– and it also usually means quite a considerable expense.
So the first piece of sound advice for you to consider if
you are thinking of getting a horse or pony is this: are you
prepared to care for it every day for its entire life? This
may be as long as 25 years, so never rush into the purchase
of a horse or pony.
Housing and pasture
You can graze your horse either in a local paddock or at a
boarding stable. Livery boarding will cost between $15 and
$100 a week, whereas local grazing costs between $10 and $20
a week. Obviously, the main advantage of local grazing over
boarding is cost. If you graze your horse or pony locally,
you must make sure that the following requirements are met:
• You will need about two to three acres of well-grassed
land for one horse
• The area should be completely fenced (not with
barded wire). The fences must be in good condition and able
to be seen by the horse
• A fresh water supply is a must. A river is best;
otherwise you will need a self-filling trough or tank
• The land must be free from all rubbish, especially
old iron and wire
• It must be close enough to your home to allow you
to visit daily
• It must be kept free from droppings, to discourage
flies and assist with worm control
• Adequate shelter is needed for the horse. A belt
of trees is ideal, so
before you agree to lease any land be sure to check it out
yourself.
A warm, waterproof horse blanket is essential in winter; this
must be checked daily.
Feeding
Horses need roughage such as hay and pasture, and grain as
an energy source. A generous supply of treats such as cut
up carrots and quartered apples, while not essential to the
diet, make a pleasant change. Don’t feed too much bread.
Good, safe additives to pasture feed include horse nuts and
lucerne hay.
Feed one or twice a day in summer and at least twice a day
in winter. As for amount, let the horse’s general condition
guide you. If its ribs are showing, increase the feed; if
your horse is looking chubby, decrease its feed. Give water
before feeding, and never feed mouldy or stale food. If you
change your horse’s diet, do it gradually to avoid colic.
Exercise
Regular and appropriate exercise is essential for your horse’s
physical and mental well-being. It stimulates appetite and
water consumption, and maintains muscle tone. If you intend
to compete in shows, pony club events, etc; be sure to prepare
you horse by building up its fitness level well before the
event.
Never work your horse for long periods until it is conditioned
through light, regular workouts.
Health/Veterinary
Requirements
Worm your horse every two months and use a boticide drench
in autumn.
A horse needs to have its hooves trimmed every six to eight
weeks. If it is to be shod, this may be done either hot or
cold, and shoeing must be carried out by an experienced farrier.
It is necessary to vaccinate horses against tetanus and this
will require a veterinary call-out. At the same time, it is
a good idea to have the veterinary surgeon check the horse’s
general condition, including its teeth.
If at any time you are concerned about the condition of your
horse or pony, call your veterinary surgeon immediately.
Points to Note
• Do not work your horse after feeding, or feed it
straight after a strenuous ride
• Clean your horse’s feet before riding to
prevent foot injury from stones, sticks and metal objects
• Make sure the saddle and girth are kept clean and
the saddle blanket is washed regularly
• Summer grass paddocks are as hard as asphalt roads,
so take care not to cause splints (lameness) in your horse’s
legs. Walk your horse on hard surfaces.
• Remember that horses have long memories and are
sensitive animals. Be patient but firm, and show plenty
of affection.
These are basic guidelines to horse and pony ownership. You
are well advised to belong to a pony club, and to continue
learning about horse care by reading as much as you can about
horses and talking to people who keep well-cared-for horses.
Provide only good quality feed. Always have fresh, clean
water available for your horse.
|
