Animals make the most beautiful pet companions. Having an animal friend at home also means, having a friend for life until they breathe their last. However, like every being in flesh and bones, they require love and care, especially if you have a horse as a pet friend.
Before adopting or purchasing a horse, you have to consider many things than just their food requirements. Equine are special and they demand special attention too! It is important to understand the investment, both in terms of your time and money required for taking care of a horse. From understanding their up-keep and shelter needs; to safeguarding them from physical harm and external dangers, there is a lot that needs to be considered before you decide to own an equine companion at home.
A Labour of Time, Love and Care
Horses in their natural state are grazing animals, given their way, they would nibble on grass carefree all day long. It is imperative to have them in control and keep a check on their grazing, allowing them a freeway twice daily. They have an undying love for unchecked access to fodder and clean drinking water, make sure along with their grazing schedule they have ample clear drinking water.
If you keep your horse in a stall, it is crucial to clean the stall of all manure twice a day, following a cleaning routine once in the morning and once in the evening. It is important for the stall to be cleared of manure, or the waste build-up will stick to your beloved equine’s hooves, paving way for flies and other health problems for them.
There are a few of many things that need to be taken care of without fail if you have an equine companion at home—
— You must feed your equine friend once in the morning and then at night.
— Clean and refill water containers twice daily
— Take them out to riding rings for their daily exercise, once everyday. Also, do not forget your safety gear, especially your horse riding hat, easily available online.
— Let your pet companion run free and flex its beautiful muscles and simply roll on the grass everyday. This will not only help you keep them happy and fit, but you will also help you create an everlasting bond with them.
— Spray your equine friend with a fly spray or insect repellant twice during the summer season.
— Remove their blankets in the morning for some sunlight and replace it back in the evening during winters, etc.
It all will require your time, love and care—but this labour of love and investing time is nothing for someone who loves horses as their pet companions. Caring for a horse includes caring for them in every possible manner, from their food to basic needs.
The Daily Chores
Caring for equine also means care for the stables and tack which includes blankets, saddle, bridle, etc. Other than keeping the saddle clean of muck and avoid sweat building, it is also important to let your pet equine be free of the saddle straps by the night. They are feeling beings and it is so important for them to feel free and secure too.
Other than that, it is important to keep the dust and manure away from the aisle, cleaning the cobwebs and keeping the stable clean and free of any infection. It is important to note, stable cobwebs collect a lot of dust from hay and shavings, and become fire hazards.
Final Thoughts
Caring for a horse is almost like caring for your own child, they demand more attention than a regular house pet. Unless you are someone experienced at handing a horse, it is advisable to keep in touch with an experienced equestrian. They definitely demand great care and love, however, if you have your basics sorted, it will not be so difficult for you to come around gradually. You will also learn with time, that having a horse companion is almost akin to having a human best friend, for they are very sensitive to human emotions.