(Newswire.net — December 13, 2021) — Being a horse owner is an experience like no other, forming an unbeatable bond between you and your four-legged friend which just can’t be beaten. Although incredibly rewarding, owning a horse requires a high level of care and dedication, taking a lot of your time and attention to ensure they are happy and healthy. Whether you notice a sudden change in behavior, a lack of glow from their coat, or a change in eating habits, ensuring you stay on top of your horse’s wellbeing is essential to tackle any problems as and when they arise. We’ve pulled together our top three tips for keeping your horse healthy to minimize the risk of any concerns, allowing you and your horse to enjoy each other’s company and keep them at their best.
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Keep them warm and comfortable
Every horse has different needs when it comes to body temperature, with various factors influencing their warmth. From their size and breed to their age, health issues, and living conditions, ensuring you dress your horse in the most suitable rugs for their needs will help to keep them warm and comfortable. A popular option is horse turnout rugs due to their versatility, suitable for use throughout the spring, summer and autumn when weather is milder, providing your horse with protection from any unexpected rain showers and keeping their coat clean in the dirt. As the weather gets colder, a thicker fleece rug will be a welcome addition to help retain their body heat so they can stay comfortable in the extreme temperatures, helping their body retain that all-important warmth when they need it the most.
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Keep them moving around
Like with humans, your horse does not want to be stuck in the same position all day long. Especially for horses who live in stalls and spend a lot of time on their feet, keeping them moving is essential for their wellbeing, both mentally and physically. Ensure their daily routine involves plenty of walking about, play, and riding sessions to keep their joints and muscles engaged, maintaining fitness levels to keep their body in a healthy condition.
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Keep them grazing throughout the day
Grazing is a huge part of your horse’s day-to-day life, whatever their lifestyle. For those who spend their time outdoors, a great portion of their day is spent grazing on the grass, being necessary for the digestive system and resembling how a horse in the wild would live. If your horse lives indoors, providing continuous access to pasture is needed so they can move around their stable and have something to chew on, providing a range of health benefits. As well as their digestive system, the process of grazing keeps their legs and feet moving, encouraging them to walk around and engage their muscles. This process is effective for keeping the joints from seizing and keeping the feet healthy, being a simple way to ensure their body stays moving.