Caring for a horse is a big responsibility—but also a deeply rewarding one. Whether you’re new to horse ownership or looking to refresh your routine, good horsekeeping starts with understanding your horse’s needs and maintaining a consistent care plan. From feeding and grooming to health checks and mental well-being, here are the essentials of responsible horse care.
1. Nutrition: Feed with Purpose
Horses are grazing animals by nature. A healthy diet should include:
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High-quality forage (hay or pasture) as the foundation
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Clean, fresh water at all times (horses can drink 5–10 gallons a day)
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Salt and mineral blocks to support overall health
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Concentrates or grains only when necessary and appropriate for the horse’s workload, age, or medical needs
Pro tip: Feed small meals frequently and on a consistent schedule to promote healthy digestion and reduce the risk of colic.
2. Shelter and Living Conditions
Good horsekeeping means providing a clean, dry, and safe environment.
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Stalls should be mucked out daily and well-ventilated
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Pastures should be free of hazards (like toxic plants, holes, or broken fencing)
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Shelter from wind, sun, and rain is essential—even horses that live outdoors need a place to escape the elements
Rotating pastures and cleaning paddocks regularly helps control parasites and maintain healthy footing.
3. Daily Grooming and Hoof Care
Grooming isn’t just about keeping your horse looking good—it’s a bonding time and a health check rolled into one.
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Use a curry comb and brushes to remove dirt and stimulate circulation
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Clean hooves daily with a hoof pick to prevent thrush and check for injuries
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Check for cuts, swelling, ticks, or other abnormalities
Schedule farrier visits every 6–8 weeks to keep hooves properly trimmed and balanced.
4. Health and Veterinary Care
A preventive approach to health care will save you time, money, and heartache down the road.
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Vaccinations: Annual shots for tetanus, West Nile virus, and equine influenza are common
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Deworming: Follow your vet’s advice, usually based on fecal egg counts and seasonal needs
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Dental care: Horses’ teeth should be checked and floated (filed down) at least once a year
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Checkups: Watch for signs of illness—loss of appetite, lethargy, nasal discharge, or changes in behavior
Work closely with a trusted equine vet to develop a health plan that fits your horse’s lifestyle.
5. Exercise and Mental Stimulation
Horses thrive on movement and mental engagement.
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Turnout time is crucial for both physical health and emotional well-being
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Regular riding, groundwork, or lunging helps keep them fit and focused
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Toys, obstacle courses, or just varying the riding route can prevent boredom
A bored or under-stimulated horse is more likely to develop bad habits like cribbing or weaving.
6. Companionship and Routine
Horses are herd animals and need social interaction to stay emotionally healthy.
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If possible, house horses with a companion (another horse, donkey, or even a goat)
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Keep a consistent routine—horses find comfort in predictability
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Pay attention to their personality and mood; changes may signal discomfort or illness
Final Thoughts
Good horsekeeping is about more than meeting the basics—it’s about building trust, noticing the little things, and committing to a standard of care that puts the horse’s well-being first. A healthy horse is a happy horse, and the care you provide daily will reward you with a strong, lasting bond.
By focusing on nutrition, shelter, grooming, medical care, and emotional needs, you’re not just keeping a horse—you’re honoring the responsibility that comes with it.