Are you one of the few who can call yourself a proud owner of a horse?
If you agree to this then you should know that horses do so much for a person’s health and mental well-being just by being there for him.
But the question is what do you do for your horse’s welfare?
Your horse also deserves something in return that can improve his life.
Just like us, horses too need to work on their fitness if they want to be athletic and perform well.
Here let us understand a few effective and good things you can do to improve your horse’s life.
1. Turn them out (take them outdoors) more
Horses need to be mentally good enough for them to perform well.
One of the best ways to look after your horses is by taking them outdoors as much as possible on a daily basis.
When it comes to training your horse, it’s crucial to ensure that they are properly equipped, even for daily sessions. One essential item to pay special attention to is the saddle pad, as it ensures your horse’s comfort and safety and yours.
Opt for high-quality equipment to avoid any mishaps during training. Fortunately, there are many brands that offer top-notch products, such as LeMieux’s saddle pads.
Additionally, don’t overlook the importance of other gear like bridles, halters, and reins, which are all essential for your horse’s training.
Be sure to invest in high-quality gear to maximize your horse’s performance and overall well-being.
This helps their joints move freely and toning their muscles.
Additionally, if they get sufficient grass to graze, it helps them stay healthy as well.
2. Regular teeth care
Your horse experiences wearing down of their teeth, creating sharp points and misalignments.
Thus, your horse’s teeth need a regular check-up.
This is another prime way for a horse to lead the best possible life.
Just like humans, horses with a hurting mouth do not like to eat enough which leads to other issues like malnutrition, weight loss, and colic.
3. Mental stimulation
If you own a pet dog too besides a horse, then you know that your dog needs sufficient mental stimulation.
Your dog has separate toys to enjoy and play with.
Similarly, your horse also needs the same attention. Horse toys help alleviate stall, paddock, or even pasture boredom.
“The Nose it” is one such example of it.
4. Find a friend for him
Comparing your interaction with your horse, your horse is always there to love you, and, in his absence, you might have a friend to be there for you.
Similarly, your horse also needs at least one other horse friend.
If possible, get another horse from the pet market but if you cannot afford it, try looking for boarding facilities that take few horses outdoors together on a daily basis.
Interestingly, many horses love goat companions as well.
5. Get a mirror for the stall
Well, according to research, adding a mirror to your horse’s stall helps reduce “stereotypic behaviors” like head nodding and weaving.
Get an acrylic mirror, also referred to as an unbreakable mirror, to his stall.
Remember that the mirror does not substitute for a friend that your horse needs.
6. Regular health check-ups
Your horse’s health must be of priority to you.
Thus, it is advised for you to take your horse to a vet at least once a year irrespective of whether they tend to look perfectly healthy.
Remember you are not qualified enough to understand what discomfort your horse must be having, so meeting a horse vet is the best possible option you must avail.
7. Get only high-quality food
You do not make compromises on the food you intake every day.
Similarly, feeding high-quality hay and feeds along with additional sufficient supplements helps in improving your horse’s life.
“An apple a day keeps the doctor away” – works on your horse too.
A healthy horse can save you a lot of money in vet bills.
8. Get them a proper massage
You are very aware of the back stress your horse experiences on a daily basis.
Be it an all-day pack trip, or putting up with youngsters who are learning to ride and tend to kick a bit too much.
Your horse takes it all.
Trust it or not, your horse too can experience a stiff, tight, or even misaligned back.
Hiring an equine massage therapist will help your horse get rid of these aches and pains allowing them to complete their work with much more comfort the next day.
Over to you…
So, these were the few ways you can thank your horse in return for the love and service they offer to you.
What are you waiting for?
Your horse is waiting for your pampering!