During these longer summer days, many horses are often enjoying more pasture time. Although the exercise and nutrition that pastures provide is important for horses, horse owners should make sure they are aware of their horse's needs and be vigilant in making sure that horses are protected from dehydration, flies, accidental injuries and infectious diseases which may occur in the pasture setting.
Keeping horses healthy
During hot summer days horse owners should make sure that horses are protected from dehydration, flies, accidental injuries and infectious diseases.
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Horses must have access to clean fresh water at all times, and access to adequate forage such as grass or hay. Unless equines can be fully maintained on pasture with a natural open water source, horses must be fed daily. As horses evolved as continuous grazers, it is better to feed small amounts of grain throughout the day than to feed a large amount of grain at one time.
As equines are herd animals, most have better mental behavior when in proximity to other equine company. However, this is not always possible, and it has been known for companionship bonds to develop between horses and cats, goats and other species. There are exceptions. Some horses, particularly stallions may need to live on their own as they may fight with other animals.
Horses that are not on full-time turnout in a field or pasture normally require some form of regular exercise, whether it is being ridden, longed or turned out for free time. However, if a horse is ill or injured it may need to be confined to a stable, usually in a box stall.
8 tips for insuring that your horse remains healthy and active this summer:
- Horses should be about a Body Condition Score of 5 over a 9 point scale.
- Daily feed intake for a horse at maintenance is about 1.5 to 2.0% of body weight on a dry matter basis.
- Monitor water supply daily to make sure horses have ready access to fresh, clean water.
- Monitor horses on pasture to prevent overeating and overgrazed pastures.
- If you have horses that are at risk of laminitis, they should wear a grazing muzzle.
- Provide more forage by rotating animals through small sections of your pasture.
- Try to purchase the hay you will need to for the coming winter during summer months.
- Make sure your horses have shelter from the elements including the hot sun, precipitation, and wind.
Tips courtesy of the monthly "Bits and Bytes" column by the Equine Expert at My Horse University.