Alright, you are thinking about getting a horse, good idea! I assume this is your first time and even though taking care of a horse can be a difficult job, the payoff is unimaginable. Horses are one of the most caring and intelligent animals that can develop an unbreakable bond with you.
However, it is not as simple as bringing home a new puppy. In other words, don’t jump into decisions quickly, at least take your time to get prepared for what’s coming. After all, you are bringing home a 1,000-pound animal who has very particular needs, and they should be your first priority.
If you are a horse racing enthusiast like me and you love watching horse races and making bets, then you’d love bringing home a horse. But if you don’t know much about betting on big races like the Breeders’ Cup, check out the link below: twinspires.com/breeders-cup/betting/
It’s not just about bringing home a horse, it’s more about making sure that that horse will have the best life possible. This means you need to do a bit of prep work before your companion arrives.
So, what are the essential things you need to take care of before bringing home a horse?
Let’s find out.
1. Where Will Your Horse Stay?
The biggest and most important thing that is probably the most difficult to build is a stable. You need to choose a specific place where your horse will live. But why is this difficult? Well, not many people can afford to live on a big land with a lot of places to choose for a horse stable. Some have limited backyard spaces, which can be very tricky to accommodate such a large animal.
But it’s not the end of the world if you don’t have enough space to build a barn. You can always put your horse at a nearby stable where they will take care of the animal.
The ones that have enough space to build a horse shelter, first need to make a construction plan (check out the important things before building a stable), and some countries require a license or construction approval even when it comes to building on your own property. So, make sure to check with your local rules and regulations before you start the build.
Taking home a horse means a lot more responsibility. After you’ve built your stable, it’s time to think about fencing (barbed wire is a big no-no). Make sure your property is safe and secure. Remember, we are talking about animals that are quite an escape wizards, so double-check those gates!
2. Feed and Water
The next thing you need to worry about is what your horse is going to eat. Unlike most animals, horses have quite unique dietary needs, which means that you need to have access to high-quality hay, and freshwater, and often people give them supplemental grain or vitamins for a health boost.
So, I suggest that you get hay even a few days before your horse arrives. Remember, the hay needs to be fresh, so make sure it doesn’t stay for too long.
But how much do they eat?
Well, there is a general rule of thumb that horses eat 1.5-2% of their body weight in hay daily. So if we are talking about a 1000-pound horse, that comes up anywhere between 15-20 pounds of hay every day.
They also drink a lot of water, so make sure you have a freshwater supply near the stable. They drink up to 10 gallons a day, and you wouldn’t want to carry those buckets a long way.
You might be thinking horses eat carrots all day, right? Well, not exactly. Horses have more specific dietary needs, including access to high-quality hay, fresh water, and often supplemental grain or vitamins depending on their health.
3. Tack and Grooming Supplies
You can’t ride your horse without the right equipment (well, you can, but it’ll be tricky). Tack includes everything from saddles to bridles, and there are grooming supplies to keep your horse looking fabulous—and healthy.
The Basics:
- Saddle, Bridle, and Saddle Pads: Ensure you get properly fitted tack to avoid discomfort or injuries. Yes, horses can have back problems too!
- Halters and Lead Ropes: For leading and tying your horse.
- Grooming Kit: Includes brushes, hoof picks, mane combs, and a curry comb. Grooming isn’t just for beauty—it keeps their coat healthy and free of debris.
Did You Know? Grooming your horse regularly helps you bond with them, plus it’s a great way to check for any injuries, ticks, or skin issues.
4. Horse First Aid Kit
Your horse will get bumps, bruises, and even the occasional hoof crack. Having a first aid kit on hand is essential. You don’t want to be scrambling for supplies when an emergency hits.
Key Items:
- Bandages and gauze for wound care.
- Hoof Pick and hoof oil to maintain healthy hooves.
- Antiseptic spray for cuts and scrapes.
- Thermometer to monitor temperature (a normal range is 99-101°F).
5. Fly Control
Flies, mosquitoes, and other insects can drive horses crazy. It’s not just about comfort—flies can spread diseases, too.
Must-Haves:
- Fly spray or a fly mask to protect their face.
- Fly sheets if you’re in a particularly buggy area.
Fun Fact: Horses can swat flies with their tails with surprising accuracy, but a little help from you goes a long way in keeping them calm and comfortable.
6. Training and Exercise Gear
Once your horse settles in, they’re going to need regular exercise. Depending on what activities you’re into—jumping, dressage, or just good old trail rides—you’ll need the right equipment.
Essentials:
- Lunge line: For groundwork and exercising your horse from the ground.
- Ground poles or jumps: If you’re training your horse for specific riding disciplines.
- Boots or leg wraps: For protecting their legs during training.
