www.hoofchat.com

At the very least, horses require shelter for periods of harsh weather, room to exercise, a source of clean water and ample foliage, such as grass or hay, on which to feed. However, in order to stay comfortable and in good health, horses also require much more care than these basic necessities. Also, if horses are exercised or ridden frequently, they may require various types of horse feed in order to maintain energy.

If horses must stay in a field with shelter, but have no access to enclosed stables, it is likely that they will require horse rugs during colder months. Although horses grow a winter coat, it does not necessarily mean that this will be enough to keep them warm and free from illness. This is especially true if the horses are not native to the area where they now live, or if the horses’ coats have been clipped for show purposes. When rain is forecast, waterproof rugs are essential. Preferably, horses should be kept in stables or barn stalls during cold nights and periods of harsh weather, in order to prevent illness.

If horses have been outside during wet periods, it is likely that they will have accumulated mud around their hooves and legs. When this occurs, it is essential that the affected areas be cleaned, and that a hoof pick be used to remove mud from under the hooves. This is to prevent mud fever, which can lead to dermatitis and painful sores. Similarly, a horse’s entire body should be groomed regularly, in order to remove dirt and loose fur. Embedded dirt etc., can lead to uncomfortable skin conditions for horses. There are many horse grooming tools, which are designed for specific purposes, and these can be found in all good equine stores.

It is important that a farrier be called upon to maintain the condition of horses’ hooves. A farrier will trim down hooves to prevent cracking, check for various issues, and also apply, remove or repair loose shoes. There are many ailments that can affect the hooves; therefore, regular, professional hoof maintenance is essential.