Buying a first horse is exciting. Looking after one well is a daily commitment, and the costs of feed, farrier, vet and agistment add up faster than most new owners expect. Here are the basics to get right.
Feeding: forage first
Horses evolved to graze for most of the day. Their diet should be built around forage (pasture and hay), commonly around 1.5 to 2.5% of body weight per day in total feed, adjusted for the horse's condition and workload. Many horses in light work don't need much hard feed at all.
Good habits:
- Make changes to feed gradually, over a week or more, to protect the gut.
- Always provide clean water. A horse can drink 30 litres or more a day, more in heat.
- Watch body condition. Learn to score it and adjust feed before a horse becomes too thin or overweight. Overweight horses are at risk of laminitis.
- Ask a vet or equine nutritionist before adding supplements.
Hooves
"No hoof, no horse." Hooves need trimming by a farrier or trimmer roughly every 6 to 8 weeks, whether or not the horse is shod. Pick out feet daily and check for heat, cracks, stones and signs of abscesses or thrush.
Teeth
Horses' teeth keep erupting through life and can develop sharp edges. An equine dentist or vet should check them at least once a year. Dropping feed, head tossing or weight loss can be signs of dental problems.
Worming and vaccinations
Modern worming is targeted: faecal egg counts tell you which horses need treatment, which slows resistance to wormers. Talk to your vet about a program.
Common vaccinations in Australia include tetanus and strangles. In areas where Hendra virus occurs, mainly Queensland and northern New South Wales, vets strongly recommend Hendra vaccination.
Daily checks
Each day, look for: normal eating and drinking, normal droppings, no lameness, no swelling or wounds, normal behaviour. Know your horse's normal temperature, pulse and breathing so you can spot changes. Colic (abdominal pain) is an emergency; call a vet straight away if your horse is rolling, pawing, sweating or not passing manure.
Behaviour and handling
Horses are prey animals that read body language closely. Calm, consistent handling and understanding herd behaviour make everything safer, from catching and leading to floating and vet visits. A horse kept alone may become stressed; most do better with company.
Learning more
The Courses4me Certificate In Equine Behaviour & Care is a self-paced online course (about 300 hours) on horse behaviour, handling, health and management. It is accredited by ICOES and endorsed by IARC. It is not a nationally recognised qualification and doesn't replace advice from your vet.
This article is general information only. Courses4me is a private education company, not a Registered Training Organisation, and does not guarantee employment.