Horses
Caring for a horse or pony
Owning a horse or pony is a huge commitment. While they make rewarding pets, they are expensive, time consuming and require a lot of land. You should seek professional advice before getting a horse, so that you know how to care for it.
Horses and ponies live for more than 20 years, so make sure you a prepared for the long-term commitment that is required.
Companionship
Horses are sensitive, herd animals and can get depressed if left alone for too long. They should be with other horses, ponies, donkeys, goats or cattle as well as having regular human contact.
Before buying a horse or pony you should visit your local riding school to learn how to care for your pet. Alternatively you can contact the British Horse Society for advice.
Stables and pasture
Your horse should have at least one hectare of pasture with strong, safe fencing, which you need to regularly check for poisonous plants like ragwort, according to the RSPCA.
Ideally your horse or pony should live outside rather than being stabled permanently, but shelter should always be available. If you do have to keep your horse stables, it should have regular access to a field or paddock where it can roam and graze.
It will need to have its hooves cleaned every day – before and after exercise – to remove stones and grit, and if your horse is stabled it will also need to be groomed and mucked out every day.
Feed
Your horse will require regular feeds of grass and hay, as well as carrots, apples and corn feed.
It will also need a constant supply of fresh, clean water.
Health
As well as the cost of keeping a horse or pony, caring for its health is also expensive. You should have a farrier visit every four to eight weeks to care for your horse’s hooves, and it will also need worming every six to eight weeks.
Your horse will need regular vaccinations to protect it from diseases such as equine flu and tetanus. You need to get to know your horse well so that you can spot any illnesses or injury and have it treated by a vet as soon as possible.
You need to make sure that your horse or pony is fed properly and exercised regularly – too much food and too little exercise can lead to laminitis, a painful inflammation of the sensitive part of the hoof that can lead to lameness and deformity.
It is a good idea to have your horse microchipped in case it is lost or stolen, and you might also want to consider pet insurance to cover vet’s fees.
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