Horse Care 101

Here are some basics that may come in handy for the new horse owners out there! Contact your livestock agent with any questions.

Daily Care

·         Visual checks

·         Provide horse with adequate feed and clean water

·         Provide adequate shelter and blanketing - depending on the weather and the horse

·         Check for injuries and signs of illness

·         Muck out stalls

Weekly

·         Check amount of feed, hay and bedding on hand…try to have at least 2 weeks worth of supplies on hand in case of emergency

·         Clean manure from small paddocks

·         Check fences for broken nails, loose wires, loose gates, etc.

·         Scrub out feed and water buckets

Every 6-8 weeks

·         Farrier visit to check hooves - trim and re-set shoes if necessary

Every 2-3 months

·         Deworming - the exact schedule, timing and products will vary…consult a veterinarian for suggestions specific to your area and the possible threat

Once a year

·         Have teeth checked and floated

·         Vaccinations - again, this will vary…consult a veterinarian with any questions.

 By: Stefani Garbacik, Livestock Agent, Wayne County