How to Improve Your Horse’s Life

Ad Libitum Access:

• How Can I Feed My Horse 15-18hrs Per Day?

Horses evolved to consume forage (grass or hay) for 15–18 hours per day. Restricting forage can lead to gastric ulcers and stereotypic behaviors (e.g., cribbing) .

Quality Forage:

• Where to Learn About Horse Nutrition

Ensure hay or pasture test shows ≥8–10% crude protein (for most adult horses) and balanced mineral content

Free‐Choice Salt and Minerals:

• Best Salt Minerals for Horses

Provide a loose salt block and trace‐mineral supplement to support electrolyte balance, especially in hot environments

When Are They Needed:

Use oats, barley, or commercial concentrates only if forage alone does not meet energy requirements (e.g., performance horses, lactating broodmares). Overfeeding grain can increase laminitis risk

High‐Fat/High‐Fiber Pellets:

For horses prone to digestive upset, consider a high‐fiber, fat‐enriched pellet (e.g., rice bran or stabilized flax) to provide calories without starch spikes

Omega‐3 vs. Omega‐6 Balance:

A proper omega‐3:omega‐6 ratio (close to 1:4) supports anti‐inflammatory pathways. Sources like stabilized flaxseed or chia seeds can help correct imbalances, especially if the base diet is high in omega‐6 (common in many commercial feeds)

Fresh, Clean Water 24/7

Dehydration rapidly predisposes horses to colic; ensure troughs are cleaned daily. In winter, use tank heaters or bucket warmers to prevent freezing

Monitoring Intake

Adult horses should consume 25–50 mL/kg body weight per day (~5–10 gallons). Significant drops in intake over 24 hours warrant veterinary evaluation

Frequent, Small Meals

Mimics natural grazing and stabilizes hindgut pH. Research shows that offering hay in multiple small meals decreases gastric ulcer risk compared to large, infrequent feedings

Slow‐Feeders/Hay Nets

Using slow‐feeding devices can reduce hay waste and prolong feeding time; it also minimizes boredom and repetitive behaviors

Bi‐Annual Exams:

Include body condition scoring, lameness evaluation, and dental checks

Vaccinations:

Follow AAEP guidelines for core vaccines (e.g., rabies, Eastern/Western encephalomyelitis, West Nile virus, tetanus) and regional risk vaccines (e.g., strangles, Lyme)

Annual Floating:

Uneven wear leads to sharp enamel points, ulcers, and difficulty chewing; floating once a year (or every 6 months in older horses) is recommended

Signs of Dental Issues:

Dropped feed, quidding, weight loss, or head tossing during riding indicate possible dental pain

Fecal Egg Counts (FEC)

Perform FEC every 8–12 weeks to tailor deworming protocols to individual horse burdens, reducing resistance

Avoid Calendar Deworming

Evidence shows targeted deworming based on FEC slows resistance in cyathostomins and ascarids

Frequency:

Every 6–8 weeks for trims; every 4–6 weeks if shod

Balanced Hoof Capsule:

Corrects imbalances that can lead to tendon strain, navicular issues, or uneven breakover

Clean, Dry Bedding

Damp, urine‐soaked stalls promote thrush and white‐line disease. Use shavings or kiln‐dried sawdust to maintain dryness

Turnout on Varying Terrain

Regular movement on gravel or sand aids natural hoof wear and stimulation of digital cushion

Ventilation and Air Quality::

Poor airflow increases respiratory issues. Ensure 8–10 foot ceilings, cross‐ventilation, and minimal dust from bedding

Bedding Depth:

Provide ≥4 inches of clean bedding (straw, shavings, or hemp) to cushion, insulate, and absorb moisture

Rotational Grazing

Divide pastures into paddocks and rotate every 2–3 weeks to prevent overgrazing, reduce parasite load, and promote healthy forage regrowth

Safe Fencing

Use smooth wire, vinyl, or board fencing. Avoid barbed wire, which often causes lacerations

Toys and Foraging Devices

Hanging lick tubs, treat balls, or forage boxes reduce boredom and can minimize stall vices like weaving

Turnout with Companions

Horses are herd animals; turnout with at least one compatible equine companion reduces stress and stereotypies

Daily Turnout

Even 1–2 hours of turnout on varying terrain significantly benefits cardiovascular health, muscle tone, and mental well‐being (Visser et al., 2008)

Structured Work

Moderate‐intensity work (walk/trot intervals) 3–5 days per week maintains fitness without overloading the musculoskeletal system (Hodgins et al., 2002).

Companion Animals

Horses benefit from conspecific companionship; solitary stabling can increase cortisol and stereotypic behaviors (Hausberger et al., 2008).

Safe Visual and Tactile Access

If stalls must be separated, ensure bars or grills allow them to see and touch neighbors (McAfee et al., 2002).

Environmental Enrichment Objects

Hanging tire, large treat ball, or slow‐release forage box encourage natural “browse” behavior (Christensen et al., 2002).

Gradual Desensitization

For new environments or equipment (e.g., trailers, clippers), introduce stimuli slowly to prevent fear responses (McGreevy et al., 2005).

Saddles

Ill‐fitting saddles cause back pain, muscle atrophy, and behavioral issues. Have a qualified saddle fitter assess at least once a year (Clayton et al., 1999).

Bridles and Bits

Ensure nosebands are not over‐tightened (allow two fingers beneath), and bits are appropriate size and type. Overly severe bits cause mouth lesions and aversions (Fureix et al., 2010)

Lead‐Rope and Halter Usage

Use quick‐release knots when tying. Always tie at or below the withers to avoid neck injury (Gillis et al., 2010).

Training for Loading/Unloading

Use gradual desensitization and positive reinforcement to reduce loading stress, which decreases the risk of injury (McGreevy & McLean, 2007).

Regularly Inspect Travel Gear

Check latches, tires, and footing; provide ample ventilation en route (Marschner et al., 2004).