Caring for Horses ๐
Taking care of horses is a big responsibility! Learn how to keep horses healthy, clean, and happy with these step-by-step guides.
"The best thing for the inside of a person is the outside of a horse!"
- Winston Churchill
Essential Horse Care Tasks
Grooming Your Horse
DailyBrushing keeps horses clean, healthy, and happy!
Curry Comb
Use circular motions to loosen dirt and hair
๐ก Start at the neck and work your way back
Hard Brush
Brush away the dirt you loosened
๐ก Use short, flicking motions
Soft Brush
Gently brush the face and sensitive areas
๐ก Be extra gentle around the eyes
Hoof Pick
Clean out each hoof carefully
๐ก Pick from heel to toe
Mane & Tail Comb
Gently detangle the mane and tail
๐ก Start from the bottom and work up
๐ Fun Fact:
Grooming is like a massage for horses - they love it!
Preparing for a Ride
Before Every RideGetting your horse ready keeps both of you safe!
Halter & Lead Rope
Catch your horse and lead them to the grooming area
๐ก Approach calmly from the side
Grooming Kit
Give a quick grooming session
๐ก Check for any cuts or swelling
Saddle Pad
Place the pad on the horse's back
๐ก Make sure it's centered and smooth
Saddle
Gently place the saddle on top
๐ก Lower it slowly, don't drop it
Girth/Cinch
Tighten gradually in stages
๐ก Check that you can fit 2 fingers underneath
Bridle
Remove halter and put on bridle
๐ก Be gentle with the bit
๐ Fun Fact:
Horses can feel a fly land on them - imagine how the saddle feels!
A Day in the Life of Horse Care ๐
7:00 AM
Morning feed and water check
8:00 AM
Turn out to pasture
12:00 PM
Midday water check
3:00 PM
Grooming time
5:00 PM
Evening feed
7:00 PM
Final water check and good night
Horse Health Check Guide ๐ฅ
Learn to spot when your horse is healthy or needs help!
Eyes
โ Healthy:
Bright and clear
โ ๏ธ Call the Vet:
Cloudy or lots of discharge
Nose
โ Healthy:
Clean with clear discharge
โ ๏ธ Call the Vet:
Yellow or green discharge
Legs
โ Healthy:
Cool and no swelling
โ ๏ธ Call the Vet:
Hot, swollen, or cuts
Hooves
โ Healthy:
Clean and no bad smell
โ ๏ธ Call the Vet:
Smelly or very hot
Coat
โ Healthy:
Shiny and smooth
โ ๏ธ Call the Vet:
Dull or patchy
Behavior
โ Healthy:
Alert and friendly
โ ๏ธ Call the Vet:
Very quiet or not eating
Seasonal Horse Care ๐ฆ๏ธ
โ๏ธ Summer Care
- โข Provide shade and extra water
- โข Apply fly spray to keep bugs away
- โข Check for sunburn on pink noses
- โข Ride in early morning or evening
โ๏ธ Winter Care
- โข Ensure water doesn't freeze
- โข Provide extra hay for warmth
- โข Check hooves for ice balls
- โข Use blankets if needed
Horse First Aid Kit ๐ฅ
Every stable should have these items ready for emergencies!
๐ฉน Bandages
For wrapping cuts or injuries
๐ก๏ธ Thermometer
Normal temp: 99-101ยฐF
โ๏ธ Scissors
For cutting bandages
๐งด Antiseptic
To clean wounds
๐ Vet's Number
Always keep it handy!
๐ฆ Flashlight
For checking injuries
Fun Bonding Activities ๐
๐จ Painting Time
Use horse-safe paint to create fun designs on your horse for special occasions!
๐ต Music Sessions
Many horses enjoy listening to calm music - try classical or country!
๐ฅ Treat Training
Teach your horse simple tricks using healthy treats as rewards!
๐ธ Photo Shoots
Dress up with your horse and create fun memories together!