Horse breeding: care and advice

Owning a responsible horse takes a fair amount of time and dedication. But it is a rewarding activity. It is  a noble animal  that is sensitive to its surroundings. For this reason we will see below the care and advice to follow. It’s about making horse breeding an easy task.

Basic horse breeding information

The horse is an animal that can live up to 25 or 30 years  . This in turn requires commitment  and responsibility  . Optimal space, nutrition, hygiene and exercise are important considerations when raising horses.

If you are new to your care, here are some guidelines. Ideally, start with a mare or gelding who is used to dealing with people  . Trust in the animal comes from patient and gentle treatment. Avoid violent movements and gently pat the neck without showing fear.

The perfect space

In order for the animal to feel comfortable,  it is better to think of a hectare of grass on which to move  . It will be carefully fenced and barbed wire free.

They must be fought, especially since no venomous species grow in their environment  . This is the case with ragwort, fern, laurel, horsetail, castor bean and sorghum. The horse is a herbivorous animal that tends to graze in small amounts several times a day. For this reason, it is important to know what is growing in your travel area.

One of the elements to consider before deciding to own a horse is the space that will be made available  . You must have a shelter to protect you from possible inclement weather and where you can sleep. You must keep this place clean, remove feces daily, and provide him with a place that doubles as a bed.

For reasons of comfort, the options could be  : hay, cheaper but with fungal components that could make the animal sick; Sawdust: more hygienic, but slightly more expensive. Finally, using cannabis is a good option.

How should the food be?

As a  grazing animal  , the horse swallows small amounts several times a day. Hay bales, lucerne or compound feed are suitable as feed  . It is good to enrich this meal with industrial preparations that provide the necessary vitamins.

  A medium-sized animal weighing 450 kg eats about 9 to 10 kg of feed per day  . However, the ideal option is to consult a veterinarian. It will be he who will indicate the appropriate food based on the weight and exercise performed.

An important point is to make sure that there is no shortage of fresh and clean water. The bowl should be filled at least twice a day. We take into account that you drink between 15 and 30 liters of water every day.

Hoof care and hygiene

In order to properly breed a horse,  you need to take care of its hygiene and general examination.

 Regular brushing of the coat for signs of cuts, wounds, ticks, or possible disease is recommended   . On warm days, shower with a suitable shampoo. And comb it with a wide-toothed comb, avoiding rough brushing or combing at all times.

Bowls should be cleaned   when there are stones or dust in the grooves  . And check if it is loose or cracked.

Good exercise

The amount of exercise depends on the horse’s age and health  . It is recommended, with proper control, to exercise for an hour four times a week.

Physical activity is very beneficial for a horse’s health:

• Preserves the muscular strength of the stallions.
• Strengthening the relationship of trust with the owner.
• It is a moment when you relax and avoid nervousness or anxiety issues.

Finally, a few tips on keeping horses

• Clean the compost and urine shed regularly. It is harmful to the hooves and the health of the animal.
• Make regular visits to the vet for checkups,  vaccinations, and animal deworming.
• Check teeth at least once a year.
• Cut off the hooves and check the horseshoes  .
• Never approach a horse from behind or yell when you are near. With this you feel the fear and react with punches.
• After installation, try to spend some time with the animal  . This creates trust and strengthens the bond.