Horses require some specific care.
Horses have a long history with people. These noble animals appear in cave drawings, Egyptian hieroglyphs and ancient British legends. Horses have long been used for farming, transportation and companionship. Today they are kept as both working animals and pets. Despite their large size, though, horses are delicate creatures, physically and mentally. Anyone who adopts or buys a horse should follow some important care guidelines.
Instructions
1. Keep your horse in an area that provide shelter and room to roam. The best setup is a barn or pipe corral with a roof, with a fenced area available. Horses need shelter at night and in inclement weather, and daily schedules of your chosen activity and companionship.
2. Fill the horse's stall with a 3-inch layer of shavings or straw. This give the horse a place to lay down. Provide an automatic waterer or a bucket with water in it. Horses must have constant access to water or they'll get sick.
3. Feed your horse two to three times a day. Hay comes in bales, which are divided into "flakes" for easy feeding. Feed the horse at least two flakes of alfalfa or grass hay every day. Supplement with grain or vitamins and minerals depending on your horse's personal needs. Clean out the water bucket and add fresh water daily.
4. Clean the horse's stall every day. Use the pitchfork to clean out any manure or urine-soaked shavings or straw. Dispose of them in a designated pile that is removed from the horse's stall, to maintain the horse's health and keep the odor down in your barn. Refresh the shavings or straw level to keep the stall comfortable for the horse.
5. Take your horse out every day for grooming, turn out, company and any specialized activities, like riding. If you're not riding your horse, turn it out in the fenced area for a change of scene and fresh air. Make sure the enclosure is free of rocks and sharp objects, and check the fence for any holes before you turn your horse out. Groom it and pick its feet to monitor their health and keep the hooves from rotting.
6. Request the farrier to visit every six to eight weeks to trim the horse's feet and give it shoes.
7. Monitor the horse consistently for changes in behavior, gait or appetite. Contact a veterinarian in case of questions or problems.
8. Feed the horse dewormer (available at feed shops) once a year to prevent parasites. Follow the directions on the package when you're deworming your horse, and consider using treats like carrots and bran mash to make it easier.
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