Where Would My Horse Live?
Horses are big animals that need a lot of space. They typically live in barns or stables that have been specifically set up to meet a horse's needs (with stalls, floor mats, feed storage, etc.). Some owners board their horses at stables because they don’t have enough room at home or the funds to build a proper stable.
How Do I Care for My Horse During Winter?
In winter, horses need shelter, food and water, and regular health care. They usually do well in cold weather if they stay dry and clean. Wet horses can get cold easily, and damp conditions can cause hoof and breathing problems. If kept indoors, horses should be in well-ventilated and well-lit areas that are easy to clean. Stalls should have nonslip floors and walls that keep horses from touching each other.
Keeping your horse’s living area clean and well ventilated helps decrease dust that can irritate their lungs. Make sure you have a good source of hay for winter nutrition. Horses need more energy in winter, so you might need to give them extra food. They should always have access to fresh water, which might need to be heated to prevent freezing if you live in a cold climate during the winter.
Daily grooming and hoof care are important all year. Winter vet checkups can help catch any issues early.
Whenever possible, horses should have access to good pasture for fresh air, grazing, and exercise. Use safe, strong fencing to keep them enclosed, and avoid overcrowding to prevent overgrazing.
How Do I Care for My Horse During Summer?
In summer, the biggest concern is heat stress. Horses need shady spots to rest and plenty of fresh water to stay cool. If they sweat a lot, they might need extra salt and minerals. Fans can help keep the air moving in stables on hot days. Open stall doors and heavy mesh screens also can improve airflow.
Limit exercise during hot and humid weather. A simple way to check whether it’s too hot for horses to exercise is to use the comfort index, which is the temperature in degrees Fahrenheit plus the humidity percentage. For example, if it’s 80°F and 70% humidity, the comfort index is 150. The table seen here can then used with this calculated comfort index to help determine whether it's safe for the horse to exercise:
Using the Comfort Index to Avoid Summertime Heat Stress
Comfort Index | Situation | Protective Action Needed |
|---|---|---|
Less than 130 | Heat stress is not an issue. | None |
130 to 150 | Horses will sweat but can stay safe if they drink enough water. | None, as long as water intake is adequate |
More than 150 (and relative humidity above 75%) | Horses may not be able to cool themselves adequately through sweating. | Limit exercise and check horses often for signs of stress. |
More than 180 | Horses will not be able to cool themselves adequately with any strain. | Stop all workouts. |
The air quality index (AQI) is also an important consideration when exercising your horse. If you live in an area with wildfires, watch the AQI and don't work your horse if it is 150 or above. Both the AQI and the humidity can often be found in your phone's weather app.
What Does a Horse Eat?
Good nutrition is key for keeping a horse healthy. Most of a horse's diet should come from forage (like pasture grass or good hay). Horses doing light work usually do well on a forage diet. If they need more energy (like during training or in cold weather), you can add grain for extra calories, but be careful not to give too much, as it can upset their digestion and potentially make them very sick.
Not all grains are the same. Oats are a good choice because they are easy to digest. Sweet feeds (mixtures of grains with molasses and added vitamins and minerals) are generally loved by horses but can cause them to eat too fast, which can lead to digestive problems. Fats (such as rice bran, vegetable oil, or commercially prepared pelleted diets) can also provide energy and are often better than grains for providing extra calories during the cold winter.
Pelleted feeds can be a great source of energy, protein, fat, fiber, vitamins, and minerals. High-quality feeds from trusted commercial brands are best. Your veterinarian can help you create a good feeding plan for your horse.
Fresh, clean water should always be available for horses, no matter the season. Never limit their access to water unless your vet says to.
Does a Horse Need Exercise?
Horses are natural athletes and need exercise that suits their age and health. However, limit exercise during hot, humid weather or when they haven’t been active for a while. Just like people who are out of shape and try to exercise too quickly, horses can develop problems if they are worked too hard after resting for a long time. Regular exercise with a handler or rider, along with time to move around on their own or with other horses in a pasture, is best for your horse’s health and happiness.
