CARING FOR HORSES: Looking after a horse or pony is a commitment.
Horses need lots of exercise. Like many other animals, they will also need thorough ‘daily’ care and regular grooming.
This guide explains how feeding horses has some differences to feeding ponies. It explains what to look for in a healthy horse and when you should contact the vet.
Learning how to groom and stable equines is one of the most important points to master. So take a look through this guidance to help you look after your new four-legged companion.
You will have daily chores and responsibilities. There is no ‘shortcut’ to looking after horses. Equines eat a lot of food and drink gallons of water – every day. This list describes some of the tasks that need accomplishing each day:
- Feed horses at least twice a day and provide them with a constant water supply.
- Give the horse daily exercise and check the animal for any signs of health issues.
- Clean out the stables of horses on farms at least once a day.
- Make time for regular horse grooming and remember to clean the hooves often.
How to Take Care of Horses
Feeding Horses
Review 10 golden rules for feeding horses will help you make up the best nutritional feeds and keep your horse or pet pony in peak condition throughout the year.
Horse Passports
UK Trading Standards have enforced horse passport regulations since they came to full effect in 2005. The information in the section explains how to get and use horse passports.
Horse Transportation
This section explains the horse transportation rules and licensing requirements for transporting horses in horseboxes and trailers (i.e. what you can and cannot do).
Microchipping Horses
Defra introduced compulsory microchipping of horses and other equines. Learn how new legislation aims to improve animal welfare and prevent abuse of equidae.
Watering Horses
There may be no equine commandments or official written rules of watering horses because different sized animals crave and require different amounts of watery fluids.