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Caring for your horse

The horse is a marvellous athlete and can make a delightful companion. Many people have a strong affection for horses, and some, especially young people, would like to own and ride their own horse. However, owners should be prepared to understand and accept the many responsibilities of horse ownership before deciding to purchase a horse.

Responsibilities of horse ownership

Owning a horse is a huge responsibility. It means hard work and dirty chores for a long time, as well as considerable ongoing expenses. It is important to understand that the initial purchase of a horse is only the first step in your new experience with horses. You will have to consider whether the horse will be kept in a paddock, or whether it must be stabled. You also need to discuss feeding costs with a reputable feed merchant. Paddock horses may need some supplementary feed when grass becomes eaten down, and stable horses will be fed continuously on procured feed.

Basic necessities for your horse include a bridle, saddle, and saddle blanket, grooming brush, feed tin and water container. It is wise to enquire about these costs first as they can be very expensive items, and time and care is needed in their selection. It is a good idea to have a safe storage area for your equipment when it is not being used on the horse. Your own riding outfit has to be purchased as well, and this should include a suitable hard hat and good quality riding boots.

There will also be costs for shoeing, veterinary attention for your horse's teeth, worm control, coughs and colds, and for vaccinations against diseases such as strangles and tetanus.

Most young people purchasing their first horse are strongly advised to join the local Pony Club where they will receive expert tuition on riding and advice on horse care.

All horses have certain basic needs irrespective of the husbandry system under which they are kept:

Ready access to food and fresh water to maintain health and vigour.
Freedom of movement to stand, stretch and lie down.
Regular exercise.
Social contact with other horses and people.
Accommodation that neither harms nor causes undue strain, and provides adequate protection.
Protection from disease and regular inspection to assess the need for attention to feet, teeth and worm control.
Rapid identification and treatment of lice, injury and disease.

All horse owners should be fully aware of the general and specific husbandry requirements of the horse. Many municipalities restrict the riding of horses in certain areas, prohibit taking horses to specific places (e.g. a beach or public park) and have regulations for keeping horses in their areas. You will need to check with the local council in your area.

Choosing a horse

Always be sure to buy your horse from a reputable source. Beware of purchasing a horse from anyone who cannot provide a satisfactory history of the animal. Also ensure that you make clear to the seller exactly what you intend to use the horse for. Great care should be taken in this process to make certain that you and your horse are a good match!

Find out all about it: age, background and vices (e.g. buck, kick, bite, and bolt).If it is your first horse, make sure it has a quiet temperament. Examine the horse and have an experienced friend ride it for you and then ride it yourself. If it feels right ask for a one-week trial, then ride and handle the horse daily. Have your own veterinary surgeon check the horse for fitness and suitability prior to purchase.

Advice

It is far better to avoid a problem by taking every care and precaution in your selection. Read all you can about the requirements and problems associated with owning a horse. It may also be helpful to discuss these issues with friends or acquaintances who have owned horses for some time.

Check with your local veterinary surgeon about common disease problems of horses. Check the cost of professional visits, especially for vaccinations, worming, dental care, and general medical treatment. Veterinary care can often be costly.

Hendra virus vaccine

Horse owners should also consider immunising their horse with the Equivac^® HeV vaccine, which protects horses from the deadly potentially lethal virus Hendra virus. Available under permit from accredited veterinarians, the vaccine will also assist in breaking the cycle of transmission that puts humans at risk of contracting this disease.

More information can be found below:
> New vaccine for Hendra virus
> Vaccine arrives to boost the fight against deadly Hendra virus

Caring for your horse

Housing

The paddock should be a minimum of 1 acre, have some natural shelter, good grass cover and adequate drainage. It should also be:

Properly fenced (not barbed wire) and free from all rubbish and debris, especially old wire and iron.
Close enough to home to permit daily visits.
Kept free of droppings to discourage flies and aid worm control.
Suitable for catching and working the horse.

Shelter

Horses need shelter from heat, wind and rain. Natural shelter such as a row of trees or a high hedge is good. A shed or stable may either supplement or substitute natural shelter. Old horses in particular need special care and in winter should have a warm waterproof rug in addition to other protection from the elements.

Water

Horses drink a lot of water so they must have access to a constant supply of fresh, clean water available from a ground-level container. Horses may drink 25-45 litres of water per day in hot weather.

Tethering

All horses require regular exercise and freedom to move. They should never be tethered. If, for emergency or health reasons, horses have to be tethered, it should be done in accordance with the Code of Practice for the Tethering of Animals available from the Department of Primary Industries.

Feeding

Good quality grass is the best and most natural feed for your horse. However, when it dries up, hay and hard feed must be provided. Failure to do so will result in malnutrition and rapid loss of condition for your furry friend. Some feeding hints:

Feed little and often (2 or 3 times daily).
Feed plenty of bulk, such as good quality hay so that, as in grazing, the digestive organs are well filled.

Microchips

In the case of an emergency, a microchip could help reunite you with your beloved horse. A specialist equine vet can administer the microchipping procedure on your horse.

Tags: RSPCA, Victoria, Horse, Pony, Care