Horse Care For Beginners

There’s been a lot written on the subject, but I have never before stopped to really think about just how extensive the list is, and just how dangerous some plants can be to horses. Obviously the list of plants will vary according to a number of factors such as which country or territory you’re in, the climatic conditions including the temperature range and rainfall, and the condition of your pasture. I’ll not try to cover them all (Wikipedia lists over 80 species) but just those that probably the most significant.

My first experience of horse loneliness was about nine years ago. A year prior my partner, Jill, and I moved from the mainland to a property in Tasmania bringing our horses with us … plus two dogs and a cat! We’d been here roughly a year and where just driving out to meet a friend in Hobart. Our horses were in our front paddock and as we drove past I had a feeling that something was wrong.

This Post if a bit different to my previous ones in that I’m recommending a product … something that I only do if I’ve actually obtained the product myself and believe that it’s a quality product and worthy of endorsement. The primary product is a substantial e-book titled “Introduction to Horseback Riding” authored by a horse lover and enthusiast, Roger Bourdon. Rather than ‘re-inventing the wheel’, in the following notes I’m using Roger’s actual words that he uses to describe his book.

In it’s simplest terms it refers to pain originating in the abdomen. So, if there is any disturbance of gut function your horse will tend to show signs of pain. The two usual causes of colic are either impaction or a build-up of gas in the large intestine. In the case of a minor form of either of these forms of colic and the pain it causes may, with appropriate care, pass quite quickly. Should it be severe your horse will need to have immediate veterinary treatment.

But very quickly my local Saddle Club made me aware of the many problems that could happen with a horse without the proper care, and that I’d need to find a vet for help if ever the need arose. So I did some research and learned of the many health problems that could occur without the proper care.

Today, the equestrian helmet is not yet required for riders. However, their use is becoming common practice. In fact, riding instructors today are required by insurance companies to make their students wear riding helmets in order to get an insurance policy. Even although some people may feel that equestrian helmets are uncomfortable and hot, you should always remember that the real purpose of wearing a helmet is to help keep you safe.

Horse first aid kits are just for providing a horse help in emergencies before a vet arrives. These are just for preventive measures, meaning they can’t cure your horse. It is still important to always call a vet for assistance and treatment after applying any first aid.

Ensuring that you select the right horse riding saddle for your horse is vital. It not only affects the position in which you will sit on your horse, and therefore can be beneficial in preventing back ache or muscle pain, but it also affects the horse. No responsible horse owner would want their steed to be in discomfort and pain and so choosing the best saddle is very important. There are companies available who will measure your horse and recommend the saddles that they think are most appropriate.

Easy Horse Care:  Part 5   These horse grooming tips will assist you in keeping your horse in top condition. Grooming is a significant factor in taking care of your horse and something that will add materially to his well-being. Should your horse be stabled you can anticipate devoting around 30 minutes or more every [...]

Easy Horse Care:  Part 3 All horse lovers know that one of the greatest things about owning your own horse is getting to ride him. You wake in the morning, the sun’s shining, so you decide on a before breakfast ride. But there are occasions when you wake feeling really down and out. So what [...]